Registration Rules: Irvine vs Newport Beach
How do registration rules 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 all short-term rental operators to obtain a short-term lodging permit through Community Development before listing or renting. The registration process includes proof of insurance, local contact designation, parking plan, and compliance with property-specific conditions.
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 Required | - | Before any listing or rental |
| Application Items | - | Insurance, contact, parking plan |
| Fire Inspection | - | Required before approval |
| Community Dev | - | (949) 644-3200 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Irvine FAQ
Can I get a short-term rental permit in Irvine?
No. Irvine completely prohibits short-term rentals in all residential zones under Zoning Ch. 3-25. No permit or registration process exists.
Are Airbnb listings allowed in Irvine?
No. Since February 2021, Irvine prohibits STR platforms from processing transactions for residential properties within the city. Advertising an STR is also a violation.
Newport Beach FAQ
Do I need a permit to rent on Airbnb in Newport Beach?
Yes. A short-term lodging permit under NBMC Chapter 5.95 is required before listing or renting any property for fewer than 30 consecutive days.
What do I need to apply for an STR permit?
Owner authorization, liability insurance proof, local contact designation, parking plan, floor plan, fire inspection, and payment of permit and TOT registration fees.
Does my permit number need to be in my listing?
Yes. The permit number must appear in all rental listings and advertisements. Failure to display it is a separate violation.
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