Placentia, CA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Chapter 6.45 of the Placentia Municipal Code, titled Short-Term Residential Rentals, defines a short-term residential rental as the rental of a residential dwelling unit by the owner to another party for a continuous period of 29 days or less, in exchange for any form of monetary or non-monetary consideration. Section 6.45.040(a) treats that activity as a business under Chapter 6.04 and requires two things before anyone rents: a valid city business license and an operating permit for each property. The license and permit, or a copy, must be displayed prominently at the premises during any occupancy by someone other than the owner.

Section 6.45.030 sets the ground rules. Short-term residential rentals are permitted in the zones identified in Chapter 23.71 only if the chapter's requirements are met, and those requirements must be met before a rental is permitted. Multiple rentals under one permit are prohibited: each rental needs a unique permit and business license. A new development containing at least 10 residential units is permitted to operate under licenses and permits unless the city council expressly prohibits short-term rentals in a development agreement or as a condition in a use permit.

Registration comes first. Under Section 6.45.050 the owner registers on a form prepared by the director of development services, and a managing agency or agent can complete the registration for the owner, although the owner keeps primary responsibility. Subleasing for short-term rental is not allowed. The Placentia city council sets the registration fee and the transient occupancy tax registration fee by resolution. After successful registration the city can issue the operating permit on a first in time and first in right basis, and the city reserves the right to deny a permit when the area within a 300 foot radius of the premises has an overconcentration of short-term rental uses. Advertisements must carry the assigned permit number, and Section 6.45.100 bars signs on the premises advertising the rental. Section 6.45.140 sets a minimum rental of one night and two consecutive days.

An applicant whose application is denied, and a licensee whose license is suspended or revoked, has 10 days to appeal to the planning commission under Section 6.45.160(b).