Short-term rental permit rules in Santa Ana, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Santa Ana completely prohibits short-term rentals (under 30 days) citywide as of April 2024. The City Council adopted an urgency ordinance banning all STR operations; no permits, licenses, or registrations are available for short-term rental use.
In April 2024, the Santa Ana City Council voted unanimously to ban all short-term residential rentals lasting less than 30 days (Ordinance Approval No. 2024-04). The city identified over 1,100 active STR units operating before the ban. Santa Ana converted to a permissive zoning code, meaning if a use is not explicitly listed as permitted, it is prohibited. Short-term rentals are not listed as a permitted use in any residential zone. No STR permit, license, or business registration can be obtained. The ban applies to all platforms including Airbnb, VRBO, and similar services. Property owners who previously operated STRs must cease operations or convert to long-term rentals (30+ day minimum).
Violations may result in misdemeanor criminal charges, civil action, and fines up to $1,000. Code Enforcement actively investigates complaints and issues cease-and-desist orders.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle permit requirements.
See how Santa Ana's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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