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🏠 Short-Term Rentals/Registration Rules

Registration Rules: Fullerton vs Santa Ana

How do registration rules rules compare between Fullerton, CA and Santa Ana, CA?

Fullerton and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.

Fullerton, CA

Orange County

Heavy Restrictions

Fullerton has a moratorium on new STR permits enacted May 2025, potentially extending through 2027. The original ordinance (No. 3290, November 2020) established a permitting system. As of the moratorium, 84 whole-home and 22 partial-home permits exist. No new permits are being issued while the city reviews its ordinance.

View full Fullerton rules β†’

Santa Ana, CA

Orange County

Heavy Restrictions

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 β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactFullertonSanta Ana
StatusMoratorium (May 2025)-
Existing Permits84 whole + 22 partial-
Unpermitted173+ listings found-
Original Ord.No. 3290 (2020)-
STR Status-Prohibited citywide
Effective-April 2024
Minimum Lease-30 days
Ordinance-OA No. 2024-04

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Fullerton FAQ

Can I get an STR permit in Fullerton right now?

No. A moratorium on new STR permits was enacted in May 2025 and may extend through 2027. No new permits are being issued.

What about existing STR operators?

Previously permitted STRs may continue operating. Permits are valid for three years but non-transferable upon property sale.

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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