Short-Term Rentals

The City of Claremont’s Municipal Code Chapter 16.110 allows homeowners to rent their primary homes to overnight guests on a short-term basis (less than 30 days). As part of the STR permit process, homeowners are required to mail or deliver this notice to their neighborhood association(s) and properties abutting, directly and diagonally across the streets from their residence. In condominium or townhome properties, notification is required to the directly abutting units (any unit which directly shares a wall, ceiling or floor with my unit) and to the HOA.

STR-Permit-Neighbor-Notice.pdf(PDF, 173KB)

Claremont only allows hosted short-term rentals. This means:

• The property owner must live on-site during the entire guest's stay.
• The property must be the owner’s primary residence (resided in at least 9 months of the year).
• Only one STR permit is allowed per property owner or household.
• The STR may be located in:
  • A room within the main home.
  • A permitted accessory structure (e.g., guest house, ADU) that is part of the same property.

General Standards (Apply to All STRs)

Occupancy Limits

• Overnight: (# of Bedrooms x 2)+1, plus up to 2 additional minor children (12 or under).
  • Example: A two-bedroom STR has a limit of 5 people plus 2 additional minor children.
• Daytime: Up to double the overnight occupancy between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m..
  • Example: A two-bedroom STR has a daytime limit of 10 people.

Parking Requirements

• Host can allow for a maximum of 1 vehicle per bedroom plus 1.
  • Example: A two-bedroom STR has a limit of three vehicles.
• All overnight parking must be provided on-site.

Noise & Events

• No events or gatherings allowed (e.g., parties, weddings, receptions, etc.)
• Amplified sound must not be audible at the property line.
• Guests must comply with the City’s Noise Ordinance (CMC 16.154.020)

Advertising & Listings

• Any listing on a STR website (Airbnb, VRBO, etc) is an assumption that the property is being used as an STR.
• The STR Permit Number must be included in all listings or advertisements.
• Signage advertising the STR is not permitted on or around the property.

Permit Terms

• The permit is valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually.
• The permit does not transfer with property ownership.

Inspections & Fees

• Initial inspection is required by the City.
• Biannual inspections are required unless a violation occurs (then annual).
• Smoke/CO alarms, GFCI outlets, egress windows, etc.]

Taxes & Fees

• Must register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and file monthly.
• Application Fee: $585.20
• Annual Renewal Fee: $435.73
• Re-inspection fee (if needed): $95.21
• Planning time hourly: $81.38

 Neighborhood Notification

• Applicants must notify properties abutting, directly, and diagonally across the street.
• For attached units, notify all units sharing a wall, ceiling, or floor.

Violations

• Three (3) violations within a 12 months is a 2-year suspension.
• Failure to remit TOT is a 12-month suspension.
• Advertising without a permit will result in fines and possible permanent ineligibility.

STR Zones & Permit Caps

• Claremont is divided into five STR Zones, which align with the City Council districts.
• A maximum of 20 STR permits are allowed per zone.
• You can verify your zone here: https://www.claremontca.gov/Government/City-Council
• If a zone’s cap is reached, new applications will be placed on a waiting list in the order received.
• Applicants should verify whether their address is in an available zone before applying. The City will regularly update the STR Webpage with the current number of permits allowed.

Use of ADUs and Accessory Structures 

• Only permitted habitable structures (e.g., guest houses) may be used as STRs if the owner resides in the primary residence.
• Hosts must provide proof that the structure is legally permitted for residential (habitable) use as a finalized building permit, certificate of occupancy, property records, etc.
• State-mandated ADUs and JADUs (per Gov. Code § 66323) are prohibited from STR use, even if hosted. This includes most ADUs entitled since 2019.
• All accessory structures must pass a building/fire/safety inspection, and a supplemental review may apply if the operator cannot verify a legally permitted status.
• STR use is limited to one unit per property – either a room in the main home or a permitted accessory structure.

As required under Claremont Municipal Code Chapter 16.110, a building, fire, and safety inspection must be completed prior to the issuance or renewal of a Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit. This inspection must be conducted by City staff or a City-designated inspector to ensure compliance with local building, health, and safety standards, as well as operational requirements set forth in the STR ordinance.

The permit application fee includes one (1) initial inspection. Any subsequent inspections, including follow-up inspections due to corrections or violations, will incur additional charges as outlined in the most current City Council-adopted fee schedule.

STR Permits may not be issued or renewed until all required corrections are completed and verified through a successful inspection.

Safety Inspection Checklist(PDF, 146KB)

Homeowners must complete the affidavit in its entirety and the applicant’s signature must be notarized. Failure to obtain notary acknowledgement will render your Short-Term Rental application incomplete.

STR-Permit-Affidavit.pdf(PDF, 202KB)