Westminster, CA Short-Term Rentals: Night Caps (2026)

Some cities limit unhosted short-term rentals to a maximum number of nights per year (for example, 90 or 120). Westminster uses no night cap because Chapter 9.74 of the Municipal Code prohibits residential transient use outright. The ordinance defines a transient use as a rental of a dwelling unit for a period of 30 days or less, and Section 9.74.020 makes offering, occupying, or advertising such a rental unlawful in residential and mixed-use zones. Because the use is banned, there is no allowance of any number of short-term nights - the lawful total is zero, not a capped quota. The 30-day figure is the threshold that defines a prohibited 'transient' stay, not a permitted booking length: any stay of 30 days or less is a prohibited short-term rental, while genuine tenancies longer than 30 days fall outside the ordinance as ordinary residential rentals. Hosts therefore cannot operate a limited number of nights per year and remain compliant; even a single qualifying night is prohibited. The City's Planning Division confirms short-term rentals are not allowed. Lawful transient lodging is limited to permitted hotels, motels, and lodging houses, which are not subject to an STR night cap.