Registration Rules: Costa Mesa vs Newport Beach
How do registration rules rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Newport Beach, CA?
Costa Mesa and Newport Beach have similar restriction levels.
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 →Newport Beach, CA
Orange County
Newport Beach requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a short-term lodging permit through Community Development before listing or renting. The registration process includes proof of insurance, local contact designation, parking plan, and compliance with property-specific conditions.
View full Newport Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Newport Beach |
|---|---|---|
| STR Status | BANNED citywide | - |
| Min Rental | 31 days | - |
| Ordinance | Ord. 2021-17 | - |
| ADUs | No STR use | - |
| Permit Required | - | Before any listing or rental |
| Code Section | - | NBMC Chapter 5.95 |
| Application Items | - | Insurance, contact, parking plan |
| Fire Inspection | - | Required before approval |
| Community Dev | - | (949) 644-3200 |
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.
Newport Beach FAQ
Do I need a permit to rent on Airbnb in Newport Beach?
Yes. A short-term lodging permit under NBMC Chapter 5.95 is required before listing or renting any property for fewer than 30 consecutive days.
What do I need to apply for an STR permit?
Owner authorization, liability insurance proof, local contact designation, parking plan, floor plan, fire inspection, and payment of permit and TOT registration fees.
Does my permit number need to be in my listing?
Yes. The permit number must appear in all rental listings and advertisements. Failure to display it is a separate violation.
Compare other topics
See how Costa Mesa and Newport Beach compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool