Permit Requirements: Fullerton vs Huntington Beach
How do permit requirements rules compare between Fullerton, CA and Huntington Beach, CA?
Fullerton has fewer restrictions than Huntington Beach.
Fullerton, CA
Orange County
Fullerton requires a valid Short-Term Rental Permit under FMC Section 15.55.020F for all STR properties. Permits are valid for three years, non-transferable, and require proof of residency, floor plans, a parking plan, and a TOT certificate. A moratorium on new permits took effect May 2025.
View full Fullerton rules →Huntington Beach, CA
Orange County
Huntington Beach requires a permit for short-term rentals (30 or fewer consecutive nights). Single-family homes may have one STR per property. A local contact person must be available 24/7 to respond within one hour.
View full Huntington Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fullerton | Huntington Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | Yes — valid for 3 years | - |
| Whole-House Cap | 100 permits citywide | - |
| Separation | 300 ft between whole-house STRs | - |
| Moratorium | New permits suspended (May 2025) | - |
| Code Section | FMC §15.55.020F | - |
| Definition | - | 30 or fewer consecutive nights |
| Limit | - | 1 STR per single-family property |
| Contact Person | - | 24/7 available, 1-hour response |
| ADUs | - | Only if established before ordinance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fullerton FAQ
Do I need a permit for a short-term rental in Fullerton?
Yes. All STR properties must obtain a permit under FMC Section 15.55.020F. However, a moratorium effective May 2025 temporarily suspends new permit approvals.
How many whole-house rental permits are allowed?
Fullerton caps whole-house STR permits at 100 citywide under Resolution 2021-30. Whole-house STRs must maintain 300-foot separation from each other.
Can I still operate my existing STR during the moratorium?
Yes. Existing permitted operators may continue operating during the moratorium period while the city reassesses its STR program.
Huntington Beach FAQ
Can I run an Airbnb in Huntington Beach?
Yes, with an STR permit. Single-family homes may have one STR. You must designate a local contact person available 24/7 who can respond to complaints within one hour.
Can I rent my ADU as a short-term rental?
Only if the ADU was legally established before the STR ordinance took effect. New ADUs are not eligible for STR permits.
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