City Watch
Short-term rental rules in Indio, CA
How Indio regulates short-term rentals: the rules that apply, their sources, and pending changes.
Short-term rentals here operate under a registration or permit system with ongoing operating rules.
- STR permit required with building/fire/safety inspection (ministerial — shall be approved if requirements met)
- no primary-residence or owner-occupancy requirement — whole-home absentee STR permitted (owner may be a corporation or other legal entity)
- no citywide cap or separation/density limit
- city levies transient occupancy tax on STR stays; business license required
Based on: Indio Municipal Code Ch. 37 (Regulation of Short-Term Rentals), enacted by Ordinance No. 1766 (adopted 2021-12-01
Summary of the rule
Indio Municipal Code Ch. 37 (Regulation of Short-Term Rentals), enacted by Ordinance No. 1766 (adopted 2021-12-01). § 37.008.A: 'If, as a result of the investigation conducted by the City, the applicant is found to satisfy all of the requirements of this Chapter and no grounds for denial exist, the application shall be approved, and a Permit (or Renewal Permit) shall be issued to the applicant.' § 37.001.A establishes regulations 'for the use of privately owned residential dwelling units as Short-Term Rentals,' and 'Owner' (§ 37.002) expressly includes 'corporation(s) or other legal entity(ies).' Nothing in Ch. 37 requires the STR to be the owner's primary residence. Whole-home absentee STR is permitted under a ministerial permit.
View the ordinance source ↗✓ Verified
Last reviewed Sep 22, 2026 · Sources · Report an error
Pending legislation
Monitoring Indio · system last checked Oct 24, 2026
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City Watch provides good-faith summaries of publicly available information as of the review date shown. Rules, enforcement, and permit availability can change, and summaries may contain errors or omissions. Ratings describe the general regulatory environment; they do not establish whether a particular property or stay is permitted. This is general information, not legal advice. Before buying, listing, or hosting, verify applicable requirements with the responsible authorities and review any HOA, condominium, deed, or lease restrictions.