Permit Requirements: Costa Mesa vs Midway City
How do permit requirements rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Midway City, CA?
Costa Mesa and Midway City 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 →Midway City, CA
Orange County
Unincorporated Orange County requires a Short-Term Rental (STR) permit before operating any rental of 30 days or less. The permit costs $250 and is obtained through OC Development Services. Operating without a permit triggers $1,000 per day penalties.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Fee | - | $250 |
| Processing Time | - | 3–8 weeks |
| Penalty (No Permit) | - | $1,000/day |
| Occupancy | - | 2 per bedroom + 2 |
| Application | - | myOCeServices portal |
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.
Midway City FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Orange County?
Unincorporated Orange County requires a Short-Term Rental (STR) permit before operating any rental of 30 days or less. The permit costs $250 and is obtained through OC Development Services. Operating without a permit triggers $1,000 per day penalties.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Orange County?
Permit Fee: $250. Processing Time: 3–8 weeks. Penalty (No Permit): $1,000/day. Occupancy: 2 per bedroom + 2.
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