City of Cathedral City
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Short-Term Vacation Rental Information
In those instances where a citizen has a complaint regarding the condition, operation, or conduct of occupants (guests), the City has a Vacation Rental HOTLINE for citizens to register complaints, such as property registration, noise, occupancy, parking, and/or trash.
The HOTLINE number is (760) 553-1031
- Please call during the disturbance so that we can respond in a timely manner
- Inform us if you would like a call back with a resolution
- Complaints to the Hotline remain anonymous. It is recommended to leave your name and contact number if the STVR Officer has any questions or if you would like the STVR Officer to enter your property to witness the disturbance
- Please do not call the Police in a non-emergency situation
- IMPORTANT: This hotline number is intended for STVR-related calls only. If the complaint does not involve a STVR, please call the Police non-emergency line at (760) 770-0303
In addition, the MyCathedralCity app has a drop down option for reporting any Vacation Rental Issues and/or to request a city service. Please note, this service is not to report complaints that need immediate assistance. Please call the Hotline to report complaints that need our prompt attention.
Map of all licensed Short-Term Vacation Rentals in Cathedral City.
Information:
While a vacation rental unit is rented, the owner, the owner’s authorized agent or representative, and/or the owner’s designated local contact person shall be available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for the purpose of responding within thirty minutes to complaints regarding the condition, operation, or conduct of occupants of the vacation rental unit.
Each rental property is required to post a copy of Cathedral City's Good Neighbor Brochure.
Mailing Notification
Within thirty days of the issuance of a new or renewal permit, the city shall mail a notice to all residences within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the STVR notifying said residents that a permit has been issued. Information regarding how to lodge complaints regarding noise, music, trash, occupancy, and parking disturbances created by guests at an STVR will be included in the notification.
Mailing Notification Instructions
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.
Good Neighbor Brochure
A copy of this brochure should be given to the guest or posted at the STVR property.
HEALTH & SAFETY INSPECTIONS:
Once the STVR Administrative Team has completed their review of STVR applications and confirmed all fees have been paid, you will be contacted via email to schedule an inspection. It is the responsibility of every STVR Owner to ensure that that contact information is accurate so that the inspection is completed in a timely manner. The inspection must be complete within two (2) weeks of the inspection request.
Notification of cancelation or rescheduling is to be made at least two days prior to your scheduled appointment. Cancelations made within 24 hours of the appointment time may result in an additional inspection fee. Re-inspections of failed inspections require a re-inspection fee of $89.00, to be paid prior to the re-inspection.
If you have questions regarding your Health & Safety Inspection please contact the STVR Compliance Team, at 760-770-0324.
Below is a helpful information form to assist you in preparing for your inspection:
Health & Safety Inspection Information Form
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.
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.
ORDINANCES
Ordinance 859: On April 13, 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 859, amending Cathedral City Municipal Code 5.96 for Short-Term Vacation Rentals. Ordinance 859 is now in place.
Cathedral City Municipal Ordinance 5.96: The City Council adopted Measure B election results on March 24, 2021 which enacted CCMC 5.96.
Urgency Ordinance 855: On February 9, 2022, the City Council adopted an urgency ordinance that prohibited STVRs in residential zones and allowed them to continue only in the Resort Residential (RR) Zone, subject to the provisions of CCMC 5.96. This does not apply to STVR Home Shares.
Ordinance 717 (CCMC 3.24.011): Adopted in 2012 with the last amendment in 2017. CCMC 3.24.011 was replaced in March of 2021 with the current City ordinance CCMC 5.96.
Ordinance 843: An urgency ordinance of the City Council of Cathedral City, California, continuing the moratorium on the issuance of new licenses, certificates or permits for short term vacation rental uses in the city established by ordinance no. 825.
Ordinance 842: An ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California, Repealing section 3.24.011 [Vacation Rental Units] of chapter 3.24 of title 3 of The city of Cathedral City municipal code, repealing ordinance no. 825 Imposing a moratorium on the establishment, permitting and approval of short term vacation rentals, and adopting chapter 5.96 of title 5 of the City of Cathedral City municipal code regarding short term vacation rentals.
RESOLUTIONS
Resolution 2022-14: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California, establishing penalties and fines for violation of city short term vacation rental regulations (Supersedes Resolution 2020-52)
Resolution 2020-51: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California, establishing fees for short term vacation rentals and home shares. This resolution supersedes Resolution 2020-43.
Resolution 2020-52: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California, establishing penalties and fines for violation of city short term vacation rental regulations.
Resolution 2020-45: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California, Authorizing the Establishment of a Fee Schedule for Violation of Chapter 5.95 of the City of Cathedral City Municipal Code
Resolution 2020-44: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California, Establishing Resident Complaint Protocols Regarding Short Term Vacation Rental Units
Resolution 2020-43: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California, authorizing the establishment of a fees for short term vacation rentals.
Resolution 2017-10: Certified and became effective on March 22, 2017. The application and registration fee for a new or renewal vacation rental permit was increased to $415/year.
STVR Home Share Administrative Policy (STVR-AP 01) (Email 1.3.24)
STVR Advertising Memorandum (Email 12.14.22)
STVR Phase Out Notice (Email 12.5.22)
STVR Phase Out Notice (Email 10.27.22)
Amendments to CCMC 5.96 (Email 5.4.22)
Contract and URL Summary Portal (Email 7.1.21)
Memo re Reminder of STVR Ordinance Regulations (6.10.21)
Memorandum Measure B Certification and CCMC 5.96 ( Email 3.22.21)
Highlights of STVR CCMC 5.96 and Related Resolutions (3.18.21)
Memo Re Reminder of Key Elements of CCMC 3.24.011 (2.4.20)
Key Elements of STVR Regulations (2.4.21)
Update Re Stay at Home Order Lifted (Email 1.25.21)
Extension of California Stay at Home Order (Email 12.29.20)
Welcome to the STVR Program (Email 12.17.20)
Update Re California Stay at Home Order (Email 12.10.20)
Operation of Hotel and Lodging Entities Must Cease (Email 12.8.20)