Registration Rules: Costa Mesa vs Santa Ana
How do registration rules rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Costa Mesa and Santa Ana 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 →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana completely prohibits short-term rentals (under 30 days) citywide as of April 2024. The City Council adopted an urgency ordinance banning all STR operations; no permits, licenses, or registrations are available for short-term rental use.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| STR Status | BANNED citywide | Prohibited citywide |
| Min Rental | 31 days | - |
| Ordinance | Ord. 2021-17 | OA No. 2024-04 |
| ADUs | No STR use | - |
| Effective | - | April 2024 |
| Minimum Lease | - | 30 days |
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.
Santa Ana FAQ
Are short-term rentals legal in Santa Ana?
No. Santa Ana banned all short-term rentals under 30 days as of April 2024. No permits or licenses are available for STR operations.
What if I was operating an STR before the ban?
All existing STR operations must cease. Continued operation risks misdemeanor charges, fines, and civil action from the city.
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