Orange County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Parking Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Off-street minimum
- 2 off-street spaces available at all times
- Locations
- Garage and/or driveway
- Vehicle cap
- 1 vehicle (1-bedroom); 2 vehicles (2+ bedrooms)
- Director discretion
- May increase cap based on site conditions
- Disclosure
- Parking terms posted inside unit and in lease
Summary
Zoning Code Section 7-9-93 requires unincorporated Orange County short-term rentals to provide at least two off-street parking spaces (garage and/or driveway) at all times. Vehicles are capped at one per one-bedroom unit, or two for units with two or more bedrooms, unless the Director allows more.
(d) If a vehicle is illegally parked so as to block the entrance to a private driveway, and it is impractical to move the vehicle from in front of the driveway to another point on the highway.
(e) If a vehicle is illegally parked so as to prevent access by firefighting equipment to a fire hydrant, and it is impracticable to move the vehicle from in front of the fire hydrant to another point on the highway.
(f) If a vehicle, except highway maintenance or construction equipment, is stopped, parked, or left standing for more than four hours upon the right-of-way of a freeway that has full control of access and no crossings at grade, and the driver, if present, cannot move the vehicle under its own power.
Full Breakdown
Parking is one of the core performance standards in Section 7-9-93(e). Two requirements apply. ' The Director may increase the maximum number of vehicles allowed based on existing site conditions as part of a permit application or renewal. These parking terms must also be disclosed to guests: Section 7-9-93(e)(12) requires the lease and the posted notice inside the rental to state the number of parking spaces provided, the location of assigned parking, and the maximum number of vehicles permitted. The County's stated rationale for the section is to avoid impacts to traffic, noise, parking and a neighborhood's residential character, so the parking caps are central to the ordinance's purpose.
Violations & Fines
Failing to maintain the two off-street spaces, or allowing more vehicles than the bedroom-based cap, violates Section 7-9-93. Guests may be cited or fined and the owner may evict; repeated violations can suspend the permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many parking spaces must an Orange County STR provide?
How many guest cars are allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange County
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