Taxes & Fees: Orange vs Santa Ana
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Orange, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Orange has fewer restrictions than Santa Ana.
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 →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Short-term rentals are banned in Santa Ana, so there are no TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) collection requirements for residential STR hosts. The city's TOT applies only to hotels and other licensed lodging establishments.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Orange | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| STR Permit Fee | $250 annually | - |
| Business License | $280 ($80 non-refundable) | - |
| TOT | Required on all bookings | - |
| Permit Cap | 125 total (waitlist closed) | - |
| STR Status | - | Completely banned |
| TOT for STRs | - | N/A — no legal STR operations |
| Hotel TOT | - | Applies to licensed lodging only |
| Permit Fees | - | None — no permits available |
| Enforcement | - | Active ban enforcement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Santa Ana FAQ
Do I need to pay TOT for a short-term rental in Santa Ana?
Short-term rentals are banned in Santa Ana. There is no legal mechanism to operate an STR or collect TOT for residential short-term rental activity.
What is the hotel tax rate in Santa Ana?
The Transient Occupancy Tax rate applies to licensed hotels and motels. Contact the City Clerk's office for the current rate.
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