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🏠 Short-Term Rentals/Permit Requirements

Permit Requirements: Anaheim vs Costa Mesa

How do permit requirements rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Costa Mesa, CA?

Anaheim and Costa Mesa have similar restriction levels.

Anaheim, CA

Orange County

Heavy Restrictions

Anaheim effectively BANS new short-term rentals under AMC Chapter 4.05. Only 277 pre-existing permitted STRs may continue operating. New STR permits are not available. 3-night minimum stay required.

View full Anaheim rules β†’

Costa Mesa, CA

Orange County

Heavy Restrictions

Costa Mesa prohibits all short-term rentals throughout the city under Ordinance 2021-17 (CMMC Chapter 13). Rentals under 30 days are banned with limited home-sharing exceptions. No STR permits or licenses are issued for residential properties.

View full Costa Mesa rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactAnaheimCosta Mesa
New STRsBANNED-
Existing277 permitted-
Min Stay3 nights-
CodeAMC Ch. 4.05-
STR Status-Prohibited citywide (Ord. 2021-17)
Definition-Rental under 30 days
Exception-Owner-occupied home sharing only
ADUs-No rentals under 31 days
Fine-Up to $1,000 per day

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Anaheim FAQ

Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Anaheim?

Anaheim effectively BANS new short-term rentals under AMC Chapter 4.05. Only 277 pre-existing permitted STRs may continue operating. New STR permits are not available. 3-night minimum stay required.

What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Anaheim?

New STRs: BANNED. Existing: 277 permitted. Min Stay: 3 nights. Code: AMC Ch. 4.05.

Costa Mesa FAQ

Can I operate an Airbnb in Costa Mesa?

No. All short-term rentals under 30 days are prohibited citywide under Ordinance 2021-17. The only exception is owner-occupied home sharing where you reside in the dwelling during the stay.

Can I rent my ADU as a short-term rental?

No. ADUs in Costa Mesa are subject to a land use restriction explicitly prohibiting rentals under 31 days.

What are the penalties for an illegal STR?

Fines up to $1,000 per day, plus potential criminal charges and nuisance abatement action. The city actively monitors online platforms for violations.

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