Costa Mesa vs Garden Grove
How do permit requirements rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Garden Grove, CA?
Costa Mesa and Garden Grove have similar restriction levels.
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 →Garden Grove, CA
Orange County
Garden Grove prohibits all short-term vacation rentals in residential zones. Rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days are classified as commercial hotel/motel uses, which are only allowed in commercial zones with a conditional use permit.
View full Garden Grove rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Garden Grove |
|---|---|---|
| STR Status | Prohibited citywide (Ord. 2021-17) | Prohibited in residential zones |
| Definition | Rental under 30 days | Rental under 30 consecutive days |
| Exception | Owner-occupied home sharing only | - |
| ADUs | No rentals under 31 days | - |
| Fine | Up to $1,000 per day | Up to $1,000 per day per violation |
| Criminal Penalty | - | Misdemeanor, up to 6 months jail |
| Report Violations | - | Code Enforcement — (714) 741-5351 |
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.
Garden Grove FAQ
Can I operate an Airbnb in Garden Grove?
No. Short-term rentals under 30 days are prohibited in all residential zones in Garden Grove under GGMC Sections 9.32.020(E)(1) and 9.08.020.
What are the penalties for operating an illegal short-term rental?
Fines up to $1,000 per day per violation, up to six months in jail, or both. Each day the rental operates is a separate offense.
Is there any way to legally rent short-term in Garden Grove?
Only in commercially zoned areas with a Conditional Use Permit, which requires discretionary approval. Residential short-term rentals have no permit pathway.
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