Short-Term Rental Regulations · Catalina Island, CA
Is Catalina Island short-term-rental friendly?
Yes in Avalon, after city review. Avalon requires a Transient Rental License, Business License, and tax registration, and the license process includes inspection, Planning Commission consideration, and public notice. This page covers the City of Avalon only, not all of Catalina Island.
Last updated: . Every fact links to its official source.
Town-by-town rules
| Town | Permit required? | Annual cost | Primary-residence / night-cap limits | Lodging tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon | Transient rentals are allowed only after a Transient Rental License, Business License, and transient occupancy tax registration. The license process includes inspection, City staff approval, Planning Commission consideration, and public notice. (Avalon transient rental FAQ (opens in a new tab), Avalon transient rental licenses (opens in a new tab)) | No current official amount for the transient rental application or license fee was found in the cited materials. (Avalon transient rental licenses (opens in a new tab), Avalon 2026 transient tax form (opens in a new tab)) | The property must have been vacant, owner occupied, or used as an owner vacation rental for a two year period. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom under the typical license conditions described by the City. (Avalon transient rental FAQ (opens in a new tab), Avalon transient rental licenses (opens in a new tab)) | The 2026 City tax form calculates transient tax at 12% of taxable rental receipts for stays of 30 days or less. (Avalon 2026 transient tax form (opens in a new tab)) |
"Not found" means the restriction was not located in the linked official materials reviewed as of the update date. It does not prove that no later, uncodified, parcel-specific, or special-district rule applies.
Good to know
- Avalon: Avalon sets its own rules. Los Angeles County rules and rules for other parts of Catalina do not apply inside the city. (Avalon transient rental licenses (opens in a new tab))
FAQ
Does Avalon allow transient rentals?
Yes, but Avalon requires a Transient Rental License, Business License, and transient occupancy tax registration. The City process includes inspection and Planning Commission consideration.
What is the Avalon transient tax rate?
The City's 2026 tax form calculates 12% of taxable rental receipts for stays of 30 days or less.
Does an Avalon mailing address establish permission?
No. Confirm the property is inside Avalon and completes the City licensing process. This page does not cover other parts of Catalina Island.
What should be verified before listing?
Verify the parcel jurisdiction, zoning or license availability, current fees, tax registration, occupancy, parking, local contact, and any HOA or private restrictions.
General information, not legal advice. Short-term rental rules change, so verify current requirements with the jurisdiction before listing.