Night Caps: Irvine vs Newport Beach
How do night caps rules compare between Irvine, CA and Newport Beach, CA?
Irvine and Newport Beach have similar restriction levels.
Irvine, CA
Orange County
Short-term rentals are completely prohibited in all residential zones in Irvine per Zoning Ordinance Section 3-25-3.A. No nightly caps exist because no STR operations are allowed. Violators face $1,500/day fines and misdemeanor charges.
View full Irvine rules →Newport Beach, CA
Orange County
Newport Beach does not impose an annual night cap on permitted short-term rentals but restricts which properties may obtain permits. The city limits total STR permits and has geographic concentration restrictions to manage neighborhood impacts.
View full Newport Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Irvine | Newport Beach |
|---|---|---|
| STR Status | Banned in all residential zones | - |
| Night Caps | N/A — all STR prohibited | - |
| Definition | Less than 31 consecutive days | - |
| Fine | $1,500 per day | - |
| Monitoring | Active platform monitoring | - |
| Annual Night Cap | - | No cap on rental nights |
| Permit Limits | - | Geographic density caps apply |
| Renewal | - | Annual with compliance review |
| Transferability | - | Non-transferable |
| Community Dev | - | (949) 644-3200 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Irvine FAQ
How many nights can I rent my Irvine home?
Zero. Short-term rentals are completely prohibited in all residential zones. Even one night constitutes a violation with $1,500/day fines.
Can I do long-term rentals in Irvine?
Yes. Rentals of 31 or more consecutive days are not considered short-term rentals and are permitted in residential zones.
Newport Beach FAQ
Is there a limit on how many nights I can rent?
No annual night cap exists, but you must hold a valid short-term lodging permit under NBMC Chapter 5.95. Permits are subject to area density restrictions.
Can I transfer my STR permit if I sell my property?
No. Permits are non-transferable and tied to the property and operator. The new owner must apply for a new permit.
Are there areas where new STR permits are restricted?
Yes. The city may cap permits in areas with high STR density, particularly on Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island.
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