CA SB1049

Authorizes cities and counties to impose fines up to $1,500 for a first violation of a short-term rental ordinance, $3,000 for a second violation within one year, and $5,000 for each additional violation within one year.

Defines "short-term rental" as a residential dwelling or portion thereof rented for 30 consecutive days or less, excluding commercially operated hotels, motels, bed and breakfast inns, and timeshare properties.

Requires cities and counties to establish a hardship waiver process allowing reduction of fines when a responsible party has made bona fide compliance efforts and payment would cause undue financial burden.

Limits these enhanced penalties to infractions that pose a threat to public health and safety, and exempts first-time failures to register or pay business license fees.

Amends Government Code Sections 25132 (counties) and 36900 (cities) to establish these penalty provisions for short-term rental ordinance violations.