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Owner Resources
Orange County does not operate a county-wide STR program — each incorporated city sets its own rules. Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Anaheim, Dana Point, and San Clemente each have separate permit processes, fees, and restrictions. The most detailed publicly documented program in this area is Newport Beach, where a hard cap of 1,550 permits city-wide is currently in effect.
California has no state preemption law protecting STR rights, so each city can and does restrict or ban short-term rentals. Confirm requirements directly with each city's licensing or planning department before listing.
Permit types: Newport Beach requires both a Short-Term Lodging Permit and a city business license. Both must be in place before your first guest arrives.
City-wide cap: Newport Beach enforces a hard cap of 1,550 active STR permits. Once this cap is reached, new applicants are placed on an online waitlist. There is no guaranteed timeline for permit availability.
Non-transferable on sale: STR permits do not transfer when a property sells. The buyer must apply separately and may not receive a permit if their zone is at capacity. Factor this into any purchase decision.
Eligible zones: Short-term rentals are restricted to R-1.5, R-2, and RM residential zones. The Balboa Peninsula and West Newport have implemented additional density restrictions. Properties in R-1 zones are generally not eligible.
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 10% applies to all guest stays. Platforms collect and remit automatically, but operators must maintain active registration to remain compliant.
Occupancy limits: Maximum two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests.
Quiet hours: 10 PM to 8 AM. Noise violations are actively enforced.
Penalties: Fines start at $500 per violation. Three violations within any 12-month period triggers permit revocation, with no grace period.
Renewal deadline: Annual renewals must be submitted by October 31 of each year. Late renewal may result in permit lapse.
Recent changes: April 2024 brought stricter noise ordinances and reduced occupancy limits. As of October 2025, the City Council is reviewing proposals to extend permit caps to additional neighborhoods and lower existing caps in high-density areas.
Anaheim, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and San Clemente: Each city operates its own STR program. Confirm current fees, zoning requirements, and cap status with each city's business licensing or planning department before listing. Rules vary significantly between these cities.
Orange County's STR landscape varies significantly city by city, and multiple cities are reviewing or tightening their programs in 2025. This page is reviewed regularly against verified government sources, but it is not a substitute for checking directly with each city or your local manager before applying.
Last verified: August 2026.