Orange County Permit Requirements Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsKey Facts
- Permit Fee
- $250
- Renewal Cycle
- Every 2 years
- Processing Time
- 3–8 weeks
- Unpermitted Penalty
- Up to $1,000/day
- Violation Threshold
- 2+ violations = revocation + 1-year ban
- Effective Date
- July 25, 2024
The Short Version
Orange County adopted comprehensive short-term rental regulations under Section 7-9-93, effective July 25, 2024. All STR operators in unincorporated areas must obtain a permit ($250 fee) and renew it every two years. The county actively monitors online listing platforms, and operating without a permit carries penalties of up to $1,000 per day. Two or more violations can result in permit revocation and a one-year ban from reapplying.
Full Breakdown
On July 25, 2024, Orange County adopted Section 7-9-93 of the county code, establishing a formal permitting framework for short-term rentals (STRs) in unincorporated areas. Any property rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days is classified as a short-term rental and requires a valid STR permit from OC Development Services.
The application process requires a $250 fee and typically takes 3 to 8 weeks to process. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with building, fire, and health safety standards. Permits are valid for two years and must be renewed before expiration. The county requires operators to display their permit number on all listing platforms.
Orange County takes a proactive enforcement approach, actively monitoring platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com for unlicensed listings in unincorporated areas. Operating without a valid STR permit can result in administrative penalties of up to $1,000 per day. If an operator accumulates two or more verified violations, the county may revoke the permit entirely and impose a one-year ban on reapplication, effectively shutting down the rental operation for at least a year.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Operating a short-term rental without a valid permit is subject to administrative fines of up to $1,000 per day. Permitted operators who violate STR regulations face escalating penalties. Two or more violations can trigger permit revocation and a one-year ban on obtaining a new STR permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Orange County short-term rental permit cost?
Does Orange County monitor Airbnb and Vrbo for unlicensed rentals?
What happens if my STR permit gets revoked?
Sources & Official References
Related Ordinances in Orange County
How does Orange County compare?
See how Orange County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.