Costa Mesa regulates short-term rental occupancy under its STR ordinance. Maximum occupancy is based on the number of bedrooms with a hard cap to prevent overcrowding, parties, and neighborhood disturbances in residential areas.
Costa Mesa's short-term rental regulations limit the number of overnight guests based on the number of bedrooms, typically two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests, with a maximum cap regardless of property size. Hosts must specify maximum occupancy in their STR permit application. Daytime gatherings that exceed the overnight occupancy limit may trigger nuisance complaints. The city actively enforces STR regulations through the Development Services Department at (714) 754-5245. Costa Mesa has been particularly attentive to STR regulation due to the high demand from visitors to South Coast Plaza, Segerstrom Center, and the OC Fair & Event Center. Properties found hosting parties or exceeding occupancy may face permit suspension. Noise complaints related to STR overcrowding are handled by Costa Mesa PD at (714) 754-5280.
Exceeding approved occupancy limits may result in STR permit suspension or revocation, administrative fines, and nuisance abatement. Repeat violations can lead to permanent permit denial.
Costa Mesa, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle occupancy limits.
See how Costa Mesa's occupancy limits rules stack up against other locations.
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