Registration Rules: Costa Mesa vs Midway City
How do registration rules rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Midway City, CA?
Midway City has fewer restrictions than Costa Mesa.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Costa Mesa completely BANS short-term rentals under Ordinance 2021-17 adopted November 2, 2021. Renting any residential property for less than 31 days is prohibited citywide. Home sharing as defined by the city is the only exemption. ADUs cannot be used as STRs.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Midway City, CA
Orange County
Short-term rental operators in unincorporated Orange County must register with the OC Treasurer-Tax Collector to collect and remit the 10% Transient Occupancy Tax. A business license may be required. No separate STR-specific registration or permit program currently exists at the county level.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| STR Status | BANNED citywide | - |
| Min Rental | 31 days | - |
| Ordinance | Ord. 2021-17 | - |
| ADUs | No STR use | - |
| TOT Registration | - | Required with Tax Collector |
| TOT Rate | - | 10% on stays under 30 days |
| STR Permit | - | No county-specific STR permit |
| Tax Collector | - | (714) 834-3411 |
| Platform Collection | - | Verify auto-collection status |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Can I rent my home on Airbnb in Costa Mesa?
No. Short-term rentals of less than 31 days are completely banned citywide under Ordinance 2021-17 adopted in November 2021.
Is home sharing allowed in Costa Mesa?
Home sharing as specifically defined by the city is exempt from the ban, but standard STR operations are prohibited.
Midway City FAQ
Do I need to register my short-term rental with the county?
You must register with the OC Treasurer-Tax Collector to collect the 10% TOT. Call (714) 834-3411. There is no separate STR-specific permit program.
Does Airbnb automatically collect Orange County TOT?
Platforms may auto-collect in some jurisdictions. Verify with the Tax Collector at (714) 834-3411 to ensure your area's TOT is being properly collected and remitted.
Do I need a business license?
A general business license may be required for short-term rental operations. Contact the county for specific licensing requirements.
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