Occupancy Limits: Newport Beach vs Santa Ana
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Newport Beach, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Newport Beach and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.
Newport Beach, CA
Orange County
Newport Beach strictly limits short-term rental occupancy to two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons. The city actively enforces occupancy through its STR permit program, with particular attention to properties on Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island.
View full Newport Beach rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Short-term rentals are completely banned in Santa Ana. There are no STR occupancy limits because the activity is prohibited outright. General residential occupancy standards under building and health codes still apply to all dwellings.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Newport Beach | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | 2 per bedroom + 2 additional | - |
| Code Section | NBMC Chapter 5.95 | - |
| Posting Required | Inside unit and in listing | - |
| Response Time | 30 minutes to complaints | - |
| Code Enforcement | (949) 644-3215 | - |
| STR Status | - | Completely banned |
| Occupancy Limits | - | N/A — no STR operations allowed |
| Building Code | - | Standard residential occupancy applies |
| Enforcement | - | Code Enforcement Division |
| Report Violations | - | (714) 647-5343 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Newport Beach FAQ
How many guests can stay in my short-term rental?
Maximum occupancy is two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons under NBMC Chapter 5.95. You must post this limit inside the unit.
Does occupancy include daytime visitors?
Visitors present after 10 PM count toward occupancy limits. The city monitors party houses closely, especially on the Balboa Peninsula.
What happens if occupancy limits are exceeded?
First violation carries a $500 fine. Second offense is $1,000. A third violation within 12 months can result in STR permit revocation.
Santa Ana FAQ
What are the occupancy limits for short-term rentals in Santa Ana?
There are none because short-term rentals are completely banned in Santa Ana. All residential properties are subject to standard building code occupancy limits.
How do I report an illegal short-term rental?
Contact the Code Enforcement Division at (714) 647-5343 or file a complaint online through the city's website.
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