Registration Rules: Mission Viejo vs Orange
How do registration rules rules compare between Mission Viejo, CA and Orange, CA?
Mission Viejo has fewer restrictions than Orange.
Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County
Mission Viejo requires short-term rental hosts to register their property with the city and obtain a permit costing $250 through the Planning and Building Department. A separate business license or Certificate of Occupancy is also required. There is no cap on the number of STR permits issued.
View full Mission Viejo rules →Orange, CA
Orange County
Orange requires a Short-Term Rental Permit ($250) and Business License ($280) for rentals of 30 days or less. A strict cap of 125 permits is in place — currently at capacity with a waitlist. Permits are non-transferable and expire annually.
View full Orange rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mission Viejo | Orange |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | Yes ($250) | - |
| Permit Cap | None | 125 citywide (at capacity) |
| Registration | Planning & Building Dept. | - |
| Business License | Certificate of Occupancy | - |
| HOA Check | Required before listing | - |
| Permit Fee | - | $250 + $280 business license |
| Minimum Stay | - | 2 nights |
| Effective | - | June 10, 2021 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mission Viejo FAQ
Do I need a permit to rent on Airbnb in Mission Viejo?
Yes. You must register your property with the Planning and Building Department and obtain a permit (approximately $250). A Certificate of Occupancy is also required.
Is there a limit on STR permits?
No. Mission Viejo does not cap the number of short-term rental permits. However, HOA rules may restrict or prohibit STRs in your specific community.
Orange FAQ
Can I get an STR permit in Orange?
The 125-permit cap is reached. You can join the waitlist by emailing STRadmin@cityoforange.org with your address and phone number.
Who gets priority for permits?
City of Orange residents and owner-occupied property owners receive priority.
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