Permit Requirements: Fullerton vs Santa Ana
How do permit requirements rules compare between Fullerton, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Fullerton has fewer restrictions than Santa Ana.
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 →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 | Fullerton | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| STR Status | - | Prohibited citywide |
| Effective | - | April 2024 |
| Minimum Lease | - | 30 days |
| Ordinance | - | OA No. 2024-04 |
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.
Santa Ana FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Santa Ana?
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.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Santa Ana?
STR Status: Prohibited citywide. Effective: April 2024. Minimum Lease: 30 days. Ordinance: OA No. 2024-04.
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