🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Claremont, CA

A Deep Dive into Your Area’s STR Updates — Helping You Navigate the Ever-Changing Rental Landscape.

City Council Greenlights STR Ordinance — Final Vote May 13

Big changes are brewing in Claremont’s rental scene.

On April 22, the City Council gave the green light to the first reading of a new short-term rental (STR) ordinance—a move that could formally regulate rentals like Airbnb in the city for the first time. The vote passed 4-1, with only Councilmember Jed Leano pushing back.

The proposal lays out a clear framework for how STRs would operate legally in Claremont. Under the new rules, owners would need to apply for a permit to rent their home—or a part of it—for fewer than 30 days. A cap of 100 permits citywide (split evenly by district) aims to prevent an STR boom.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s included:

• A $704 permit fee plus $84 for inspection.
• STRs must be the owner’s primary residence or an eligible accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
• No tenant evictions allowed to make way for STRs.
• Events and parties are strictly off-limits.
• Each rental must offer one parking space per bedroom.
• Maximum of eight guests overnight.

Today, the city enforces its STR ban using a complaint-based system. Violators get fines starting at $100, increasing to $200 and then $500. If the new ordinance passes, renting without a permit could mean daily fines.

Leano expressed deep skepticism. He argued the ordinance would be difficult to enforce with the city’s limited staffing. He also questioned whether the $70,000 in projected TOT revenue (excluding permits) was worth the administrative headache.

“The City of Anaheim tried this and essentially has no enforceable system left,” he warned.

Still, the majority of councilmembers felt it was time for change. The city reaffirmed STR regulation as a budget priority for 2024–26, and the planning commission has spent months developing a balanced approach based on community input.

The final decision comes on May 13 at 6:30 p.m. in City Council chambers. If approved, the ordinance will take effect 30 days later. Until then, the conversation around how—and whether—STRs belong in Claremont continues.

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