Application, Renewals, Rules, City Inspection, Pool certification, TOT
APPLYING FOR AND/OR RENEWING YOUR STVR APPLICATION:
- The permit fee for new and renewal STVR Permits is $2,215.00 ($2,126.00 for the STVR Permit and $89.00 for the Inspection fee). An STVR New/Renewal application must be submitted along with payment.
- The permit fee for new and renewal STVR Home Share Permits is $661.00 ($572.00 for the STVR Home Share Permit and $89.00 for the inspection fee). To operate an STVR Home Share, the property must be the primary residence of the owner(s) and at least one the owners must occupy the residential dwelling, or an accessory dwelling unit (only if the accessory dwelling unit was built or permitted before January 1, 2020) located on the same property, for the duration of the rental. An STVR Home Share New/Renewal application must be submitted along with payment. Please see the following policy for additional STVR Home Share clarification: STVR Home Share Administrative Policy (STVR-AP 01)
- For new and renewed permits, a Health and Safety Inspection must be conducted prior to license expiration and/or issuance.
- For STVR renewals, renewal notices are emailed 60 and 30 days prior to expiration of the permit to allow sufficient time to process the renewal application and conduct the Health and Safety Inspection.
- Pursuant to CCMC 5.96, no new STVR permits will be issued except for those STVR's located in a Residential Resort (RR) Zone governed by a common interest development and subject to covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs).
Property Management companies and individuals managing vacation rentals are required to obtain a Business License to manage properties in Cathedral City.
NEW & RENEWAL STVR APPLICATION:
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an in-person appointment, please contact 760-770-0324. Remit all completed forms to STVRPROGRAM@CATHEDRALCITY.GOV
Short-Term Vacation Rental Applications:
The STVR Application Packet is for new and renewal STVR Permits. The STVR Home Share Application is for new and renewal STVR Home Share Permits. Per CCMC 5.96, new STVR Licenses will only be issued to the following:
- Properties located in an HOA (or other common interest development) that allows the operation of Short-Term Vacation Rentals and located in Resort Residential (RR) Zoning.
- Properties that are operating as an STVR Home Share. This must be your primary residence where you will be onsite during all guest stays.
Health & Safety Inspection:
Prior to issuing a new permit and/or renewal permit, a Health & Safety Inspection must be conducted of the Short-Term Vacation Rental property. Properties that are renewing their STVR permit should have the Health & Safety inspection complete prior to their expiration date. A complete STVR Renewal Application along with the appropriate fee must be submitted prior to the inspection being scheduled. Once the application and/or renewal is approved, the inspection MUST be scheduled within two (2) weeks of the request.
If you need further assistance regarding the Health & Safety inspection, please call 760-770-0324 for more information.
Health & Safety Inspection Information Form
Pool Certification Form:
This form is required for those properties that have personal pools. A licensed contractor must complete the form, ensuring that the pool/spa is currently operating safely in compliance with all applicable statutes, codes, rules and regulations. The form must be completed prior to the Health & Safety Inspection.
PROPERTY INFORMATION/OPERATIONAL UPDATE FORMS:
Local Contact Change Form: The Local Contact must be available 24 hours/7 days a week. Requests do not become effective until an email is received confirming our records have been updated.
Owner/Property Information Update Form: This form is required to update Owner or Property information.
Property/Owner Information Update Form
Property Management Form: This form is required any time there is a change in the management of your STVR property.
Property Management Change Form
Closure Form: This form is required to remove your property from the Short-Term Vacation Rental Program. STVR licenses are non-transferrable.
GUEST INFORMATION:
Guest Acknowledgement: This form is required of all guests staying at the property and must be kept for three (3) years with corresponding contract.
STVR Informational and Guest Acknowledgement Form
Good Neighbor Brochure: A copy of this brochure should be given to the guest or posted at the STVR property.
REGULATIONS:
The following information is intended to remind STVR owners and property managers of the key points of CCMC 5.96 (Vacation Rental Units). The items listed below do not cover all STVR regulations; it is the Owner's and/or Property Manager's responsibility to familiarize themselves with all current regulations.
- STVR licenses are non-transferrable. Any change in ownership must reported within fourteen (14) days and an STVR Closeout Form is required.
- Changes in property management, property information, or any other material fact must be submitted to the STVR Program for processing. If a property is changing from a Short-Term Vacation Rental to a Long-Term Rental, an STVR Closeout Form is required, and a Business License must be maintained for the Long-Term Rental.
RULES:
- No outdoor music, radios, musical instruments, or other devices that produces or reproduces sound is allowed to be used outdoors at any time of the day. If used indoors, such sound shall not be heard beyond the property line.
- The use of outdoor amenities and/or outdoor games or any outdoor activities that create noise between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. is prohibited.
- Trash and refuse shall not be stored in public view, except in proper containers for the purpose of collection by the city’s authorized trash hauler on collection days. Please ensure compliance with the provisions of Chapter 6.04 (Refuse Disposal). STVR properties must have pull out service and have a minimum of two regular and two recycling trash cans.
- Any advertising must include the following:
- The STVR Permit Business License number must be clearly and prominently displayed in the first line of the property description and in the following format “City of Cathedral City STVR Permit No”
- Maximum occupancy
- Requirements for compliance with the city’s noise and outdoor activity standards and regulations
- Maximum number of cars allowed (1 vehicle per bedroom)
- A statement that the short-term vacation rental occupants shall respect the neighbor’s privacy and peaceful enjoyment of their property
- The applicable rate of the city’s transient occupancy tax
- A photo of the front of the short-term vacation rental
CITATIONS & APPEALS:
A citation can be issued to an STVR Owner or guest for violation of the Cathedral City Municipal Code §5.96 Short Term Vacation Rental Units. It is recommended that STVR Owners/Property Managers become familiar with these regulations and educate their guests on the City ordinances.
On March 23, 2022 the City Council adopted Resolution 2022-14 establishing fees and penalties for violation of CCMC 5.96. Violation of the ordinance can result in an immediate citation; no warning is required.
If you should receive a citation you have ten (10) calendar days from the date of issuance to appeal the citation. The Appeal form and the filing fee of $100.00 needs to be remitted for the appeal to accepted. Please submit your completed Appeal Request Form and Credit Card Authorization Form to STVRPROGRAM@CATHEDRALCITY.GOV. Upon receipt you will receive a confirmation email.
Forms:
COMMON VIOLATIONS:
The following are common violations, and the information is intended to remind STVR owners and property managers and representatives of the key points of CCMC 5.96 (Vacation Rental Units). The items listed below do not cover all STVR regulations; it is the Owners and/or Property Manager's responsibility to familiarize themselves with all current regulations..
- MUSIC: No outdoor music, radios, musical instruments, or other devices that produces or reproduces sound is allowed to be used outdoors at any time of the day. If used indoors, such sound shall not be heard beyond the property line.
- QUIET HOURS: The use of outdoor amenities and/or outdoor games or any outdoor activities that create noise between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. is prohibited.
- TRASH: Trash and refuse shall not be stored in public view, except in proper containers for the purpose of collection by the city’s authorized trash hauler on collection days. Please ensure compliance with the provisions of Chapter 6.04 (Refuse Disposal). STVR properties must have pull out service and have a minimum of two regular and two recycling trash cans. Burrtec can be contacted at 760-340-2113 or via email at customerservice@burrtecdesert.com
- ADVERTISING: First violation of 5.96.050 (I) is a $1,000.00 fine. Any advertising must include the following:
- The STVR Permit Business License number must be clearly and prominently displayed in the first line of the property description and in the following format “City of Cathedral City STVR Permit No”
- Maximum occupancy
- Requirements for compliance with the city’s noise and outdoor activity standards and regulations
- Maximum number of cars allowed (1 vehicle per bedroom)
- A statement that the short-term vacation rental occupants shall respect the neighbor’s privacy and peaceful enjoyment of their property
- The applicable rate of the city’s transient occupancy tax
- A photo of the front of the short-term vacation rental
- GUEST ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM: Responsible Person must sign a “Guest Agreement Acknowledgement” form acknowledging receipt of the information provided at check in. This Form is to be kept at the STVR during the period of rental and be immediately available if request by the City
-
Occupancy:
| Number of Bedrooms | Maximum Occupants |
| 0 - Studio | 2 |
| 1 | 2 |
| 2 | 4 |
| 3 | 6 |
| 4 | 8 |
| 5 or more | 10 |
- Prior to occupancy of the vacation rental unit; the owner, owner’s authorized agent or representative shall provide the vacation rental regulations to the responsible party and:
- Obtain the name, address, and copy of a valid government identification of the responsible person;
- Require the responsible person to execute a formal acknowledgment of the regulations.
- Maintain this information for 3 years and have it readily available upon request of any Officer of the City responsible for enforcement of the STVR regulations.
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
Pursuant to the Cathedral City Municipal Code §3.24.030 a 12% tax is imposed on guest stays of thirty days (29 nights) or less. Below are guidelines regarding the collection of Transient Occupancy tax.
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is remitted to the City on a monthly basis. Example: July TOT is remitted by August 31st
A Transient Occupancy Tax return must be filed each month to avoid a penalty. A return must be filed even if you do not have any rentals in the given month.
If your Transient Occupancy Tax account is delinquent at the time of renewal, your Short-Term Vacation Rental License will not be issued. The account must be brought current prior to the continued operation of the STVR property.
If you have questions regarding Transient Occupancy Tax, please contact Kevin Reza-Ayala at KReza-Ayala@cathedralcity.gov or 760-770-0353.
Transient Occupancy Tax Return:
If you have any questions, please contact Davis Meyer, Director of Partnership at the Greater Palm Springs Convention &Visitors Bureau at dmeyer@gpscvb.com or (760) 969-1360.
For more information visit the https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/2020-tbid/
CONTRACT SUMMARY:
A Contract Summary is required each time a Short-Term Vacation Rental property is booked by guests. The Contract Summary is to be submitted no later than the start time of the occupancy or within 24 hours of contract execution. If an error was made on a submitted contract summary, the contract with the error must be voided by canceling the contract, and a new contract with the correct information will need to be submitted.
Please click the link below to access the online portal:
Contract Summary Portal https://form.jotform.com/210887447892168