Permit Requirements: Irvine vs Newport Beach
How do permit requirements rules compare between Irvine, CA and Newport Beach, CA?
Irvine and Newport Beach have similar restriction levels.
Irvine, CA
Orange County
Irvine completely bans short-term rentals in all residential zones under Zoning Ordinance Chapter 3-25. No registration or permit process exists because STRs are prohibited outright. The only exception is properties in hotel-motel zoning districts.
View full Irvine rules →Newport Beach, CA
Orange County
Newport Beach requires a Short-Term Lodging Permit under NBMC Chapter 5.95 for any rental of 30 days or fewer. Permits are non-transferable, require owner information on all listings, and are subject to revocation for violations.
View full Newport Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Irvine | Newport Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Zoning Ch. 3-25 | NBMC Chapter 5.95 |
| Status | Completely Banned | - |
| Definition | Less than 31 days | - |
| Platform Ban | Since Feb 2021 | - |
| Enforcement | RentalScape monitoring | - |
| Permit Type | - | Short-Term Lodging Permit |
| Rental Threshold | - | 30 days or fewer |
| Local Contact | - | Required within 30 minutes |
| Apply At | - | Community Dev (949) 644-3200 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Irvine FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Irvine?
Irvine completely bans short-term rentals in all residential zones under Zoning Ordinance Chapter 3-25. No registration or permit process exists because STRs are prohibited outright. The only exception is properties in hotel-motel zoning districts.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Irvine?
Code Section: Zoning Ch. 3-25. Status: Completely Banned. Definition: Less than 31 days. Platform Ban: Since Feb 2021.
Newport Beach FAQ
Do I need a permit to Airbnb in Newport Beach?
Yes. NBMC Chapter 5.95 requires a Short-Term Lodging Permit for any rental of 30 consecutive days or fewer. Apply through the Community Development Department.
What is a local contact person?
STL Permit holders must designate a local contact available 24/7 who can respond to the property within 30 minutes to address complaints.
Can I transfer my STL Permit to a new owner?
No. Short-Term Lodging Permits are non-transferable. New property owners must apply for their own permit.
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