Permit Requirements: Costa Mesa vs Fullerton
How do permit requirements rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Fullerton, CA?
Fullerton has fewer restrictions than Costa Mesa.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
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 →Fullerton, CA
Orange County
Fullerton requires a valid Short-Term Rental Permit under FMC Section 15.55.020F for all STR properties. Permits are valid for three years, non-transferable, and require proof of residency, floor plans, a parking plan, and a TOT certificate. A moratorium on new permits took effect May 2025.
View full Fullerton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Permit Required | - | Yes — valid for 3 years |
| Whole-House Cap | - | 100 permits citywide |
| Separation | - | 300 ft between whole-house STRs |
| Moratorium | - | New permits suspended (May 2025) |
| Code Section | - | FMC §15.55.020F |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Fullerton FAQ
Do I need a permit for a short-term rental in Fullerton?
Yes. All STR properties must obtain a permit under FMC Section 15.55.020F. However, a moratorium effective May 2025 temporarily suspends new permit approvals.
How many whole-house rental permits are allowed?
Fullerton caps whole-house STR permits at 100 citywide under Resolution 2021-30. Whole-house STRs must maintain 300-foot separation from each other.
Can I still operate my existing STR during the moratorium?
Yes. Existing permitted operators may continue operating during the moratorium period while the city reassesses its STR program.
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