Mission Viejo vs Orange
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Mission Viejo, CA and Orange, CA?
Orange has fewer restrictions than Mission Viejo.
Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County
Mission Viejo does not issue short-term rental permits in residential zones, so there is no local STR tax or fee structure. Any rental income from unauthorized STRs remains subject to state and county transient occupancy tax obligations.
View full Mission Viejo rules →Orange, CA
Orange County
Short-term rentals in Orange are subject to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), a $250 STR permit fee, and a $280 business license fee (including $80 non-refundable application fee) under OMC Chapter 5.94 and city tax provisions.
View full Orange rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mission Viejo | Orange |
|---|---|---|
| Local TOT | None — STRs prohibited | - |
| State Tax | Still applies to rental income | - |
| STR Status | Not permitted in residential zones | - |
| Platform Collection | Does not legalize operation | - |
| Code Enforcement | (949) 470-3054 | - |
| STR Permit Fee | - | $250 annually |
| Business License | - | $280 ($80 non-refundable) |
| TOT | - | Required on all bookings |
| Permit Cap | - | 125 total (waitlist closed) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mission Viejo FAQ
Does Mission Viejo charge a short-term rental tax?
No. Mission Viejo does not have an STR tax because short-term rentals are not permitted in residential zones. No permits are issued.
Do I still owe taxes if I rent my Mission Viejo home on Airbnb?
Yes. Even though the rental is unauthorized, you owe state and federal income tax on rental income and may owe transient occupancy tax for stays under 30 days.
Does paying taxes make my Mission Viejo short-term rental legal?
No. Tax compliance does not override the zoning prohibition. The property remains in violation of MVMC zoning regulations regardless of tax payments.
Orange FAQ
How much does an STR permit cost in Orange?
The STR permit is $250 annually plus a $280 business license fee. Both must be renewed each year. TOT must also be collected from guests.
Can I still get an STR permit in Orange?
The 125-permit cap has been reached. Email STRadmin@cityoforange.org with your address and phone number to join the waitlist.
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