ADU Rental Restrictions: Anaheim vs Santa Ana
How do adu rental restrictions rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Santa Ana has fewer restrictions than Anaheim.
Anaheim, CA
Orange County
Anaheim ADUs may be rented long-term (30 days or more) without separate licensing. Short-term rentals under 30 days are prohibited citywide by Anaheim Municipal Code Chapter 4.05 (Short-Term Rental Ordinance), originally adopted in 2014 and reaffirmed after litigation; ADUs are not eligible for any STR permit. State law (Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7)) also restricts STR use of ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020.
View full Anaheim rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
California Government Code §65852.2(a)(6) prohibits using ADUs and JADUs as short-term rentals of fewer than 30 days. Santa Ana's SAMC §41-194 confirms that ADUs and JADUs cannot be used as vacation rentals but may be rented for 30+ days. A deed restriction is recorded at permit issuance making this restriction binding on future owners.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term (30+ days) | Permitted | - |
| Short-Term (<30 days) | Banned (AMC Ch. 4.05) | - |
| Legacy Permits | Phasing out (pre-2014) | - |
| State Law | Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7) | - |
| Fines | $1,000+/day | - |
| Minimum Lease | - | 30 days (state-mandated) |
| Statute | - | CA Gov Code §65852.2(a)(6) (AB 587) |
| Code Section | - | SAMC §41-194 |
| Deed Restriction | - | Recorded at permit issuance |
| Long-Term Rentals | - | Allowed, subject to local Just-Cause |
| Just-Cause Ordinance | - | SAMC Chapter 8 (NS-3007) |
| Separate Sale | - | Not allowed (no AB 1033 opt-in) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anaheim FAQ
Can I rent my Anaheim ADU on Airbnb?
No. AMC Chapter 4.05 bans short-term rentals (under 30 days) citywide, including in ADUs. Long-term rentals of 30+ days are permitted without a separate license. Only a narrow set of pre-2014 legacy STR permits remain, and ADUs were not eligible.
What about ADUs near Disneyland?
The Anaheim Resort District (AMC Chapter 18.116) prohibits residential STR use as well. Hotel use is a separate zoning category requiring a conditional use permit in commercial zones — not available in residential zones.
Santa Ana FAQ
Can I list my Santa Ana ADU on Airbnb?
No. California state law (Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6)) prohibits using any ADU permitted on or after January 1, 2020 as a short-term rental of fewer than 30 days, and Santa Ana records a deed restriction enforcing this.
Does Santa Ana's just-cause eviction ordinance apply to my ADU tenant?
Likely yes. Santa Ana's local Just Cause Eviction and Rent Stabilization Ordinance applies more broadly than the state's, so confirm coverage with Community Development before issuing notices.
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