Anaheim vs Santa Ana
How do primary-residence-only rule rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Anaheim and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.
Anaheim, CA
Orange County
Anaheim Municipal Code Chapter 4.05 effectively bans non-owner-occupied short-term rentals citywide. Commercial STRs were prohibited in 2016, leaving only limited home-sharing options where the host occupies the property.
View full Anaheim rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana limits short-term rental operation to a host's primary residence. Investor-owned non-owner-occupied STRs are prohibited citywide, protecting long-term rental housing stock in the dense, Latino-majority urban core.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Code | AMC Chapter 4.05 | - |
| Adopted | 2016 STR ban | - |
| Allowed | Owner-occupied only | - |
| New permits | Not issued | - |
| Enforcement | Code Enforcement + APD | - |
| Primary residence threshold | - | 275 days/year occupancy |
| Permitted STRs per host | - | One address only |
| Proof required | - | ID, voter reg, utilities |
| Investor-owned STRs | - | Prohibited citywide |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anaheim FAQ
Can I list my Anaheim home on Airbnb if I move out?
No. Anaheim's STR ban prohibits non-owner-occupied vacation rentals citywide. The property must be your primary residence to qualify for any home-sharing exception.
Are existing STR permits grandfathered?
The 2016 ordinance phased out commercial STRs through amortization. New non-owner-occupied permits are no longer issued and most legacy operations have been wound down.
Santa Ana FAQ
Can I run an STR at a second home in Santa Ana?
No. Santa Ana restricts STR permits to a host's primary residence, defined as the dwelling occupied at least 275 days per year. Second homes do not qualify.
What proves primary residency?
Acceptable evidence includes a California driver's license, voter registration, vehicle registration, or utility bills tied to the address for the prior calendar year.
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