California's Riverside County Advances Stricter Rules for STRs

8/4/2026

The Riverside County, California, Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the first reading of proposed amendments that would significantly tighten short-term rental regulations in unincorporated areas. The changes include expanded code enforcement hours, elimination of the current one-hour grace period for correcting violations, higher permit application fees, and tougher penalties for repeat offenders. Supervisors also voted to lift the moratorium on new STR permits in B-Bar-H Ranch and Thousand Palms. The updated rules would affect about 1,100 vacation rental properties. While many operators support stronger enforcement against problem rentals, some argue the ordinance unfairly treats responsible owners the same as repeat violators. A final vote is scheduled for Aug. 25.

NBC Palm Springs (07/28/26) Alondra Campos

Why It Matters: A near-final ordinance would raise fees and penalties on roughly 1,100 rentals, and scrapping the one-hour grace period sets a precedent that punishes responsible operators for minor lapses.