Los Angeles vs Park City

California Legal but Limited | Utah Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Los Angeles, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses)
Park City, Utah
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual)
Tax Rate ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses

Park City has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Los Angeles charges $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee for STR licensing, while Park City charges $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual). Los Angeles renewal is annual, and Park City renewal is annual. Overall, Park City has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Los Angeles (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Los Angeles, hosts pay 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. In Park City, hosts pay ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Los Angeles imposes a 120-night annual limit, while Park City has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Los Angeles face penalties including $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses). In Park City, violations can result in Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Los Angeles Overview

Home-Sharing Ordinance limits STRs to primary residences with a 120-day annual cap (extendable with Enhanced Plan). Registration required. RSO (rent-stabilized) units generally prohibited.

Contact: LA City Planning — (213) 482-7077

Full Los Angeles guide →

Park City Overview

Nightly Rental License required; only certain zones allow STRs (e.g., Old Town, Canyons Village). Areas like Prospector and Meadows Estates prohibit nightly rentals. Must pass building inspection and designate 24/7 local contact.

Contact: Park City Finance Department — (435) 615-5231

Full Park City guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Los Angeles or Park City?
Los Angeles is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Park City is "Legal with Permit." Los Angeles's permit fee is $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee compared to $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) in Park City. Overall, Park City has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Los Angeles or Park City?
Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax, while Park City charges ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses). Park City: Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Los Angeles and Park City have day limits for Airbnb?
Los Angeles limits STRs to 120 nights per year. Park City has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Los Angeles or Park City?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Los Angeles charges $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee for permits with 14% Transient Occupancy Tax in taxes. Park City charges $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) with ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT). Automatic tax collection in Los Angeles and Park City makes compliance easier for beginners.