CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH LAUNCHES TAX & REGISTRATION PORTAL FOR LOCAL SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS
STVRs Now Permitted in Coastal and Established Commercial Zones; Registration, Business License & Retroactive TOT Payment Required
Post Date:06/04/2026 10:45 AM
Due to a recent legal decision, short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) are now permitted in Hermosa Beach’s coastal zone and in commercial zones established under the City’s 2019 pilot program. As a result, all STVR operators in the City are now required to register their properties, obtain a City business license and pay any Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) incurred since May 2022.
To expedite and simplify registration and TOT payment processes, the City has launched a dedicated property registration and TOT payment portal in partnership with Deckard Technologies. STVR operators who register their properties and pay all retroactive TOT amounts by August 1, 2026 will have all retroactive interest and penalties waived. Those who pay after the deadline may be subject to interest penalties and fines.
Per Hermosa Beach Municipal Code Section 17.04, STVR is defined as the rental of a dwelling, unit or room for temporary overnight accommodations for less than thirty consecutive days. According to HBMC Section 3.32.030, each transient (individual who exercises or is entitled to occupancy for thirty consecutive days or less) is subject to a 14% tax on the rent or bill charged by the operator.
“The courts have forced our hand on short-term rentals, and until we can get a proper policy in place through the California Coastal Commission, we will ensure that operators and visitors are paying their fair share of Transient Occupancy Tax,” said Hermosa Beach Mayor Mike Detoy.” Our goal is to listen to the community, understand what fits our culture and craft a policy that reflects the Hermosa Beach we all want to preserve.”
TOT for hotels, motels and hostels will continue to be collected through the TOT Return Form and remitted to the Administrative Services Director/Tax Administrator.
For more information on short-term vacation rentals and Transient Occupancy Tax, please visit:
