Short-term rental permit rules in Fullerton, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Fullerton requires a valid Short-Term Rental Permit under FMC Section 15.55.020F for all STR properties. Permits are valid for three years, non-transferable, and require proof of residency, floor plans, a parking plan, and a TOT certificate. A moratorium on new permits took effect May 2025.
Under FMC Section 15.55.020F, all short-term rental properties in Fullerton must obtain a valid STR permit. Applicants must provide proof of primary residency, floor plans showing all bedrooms, a parking plan, 24/7 contact information, and a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate. Permits are valid for three years and are non-transferable upon property ownership transfer. Whole-house rentals are limited to 100 permits citywide under City Council Resolution 2021-30 and must maintain a 300-foot separation from other whole-house STRs (multi-family units exempt). A city moratorium effective May 20, 2025 temporarily suspends approval of new STR permits while staff reassesses impacts and enforcement. Existing permitted operators may continue during the moratorium.
Operating an STR without a valid permit violates the Fullerton Municipal Code and is subject to fines and enforcement action. Permits may be revoked for non-compliance with conditions.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
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