Santa Ana Permit Requirements Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Santa Ana's short-term rental regulations under Article VI, Division 6 of the Municipal Code establish a Home-Sharing Permit framework that restricts STR activity to the operator's primary residence. Applicants must demonstrate that the property is their primary place of residence, defined as occupying the home at least 275 days per calendar year. Investment properties, second homes, and properties that are not the applicant's primary residence are not eligible for an STR permit. The permit must be obtained before any listing is posted on platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, or any other booking service.

The permit application requires a valid City of Santa Ana business license, proof of current Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) registration with the Finance Department, a certificate of insurance evidencing at least $1 million in general liability coverage naming the City of Santa Ana as an additional insured, a floor plan showing the rooms to be rented, proof of working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a site plan showing parking availability, and designation of a local contact person who can respond to the property within 30 minutes at any time. The local contact person must be reachable 24/7 and is responsible for addressing any complaints, disturbances, or emergencies related to the rental.

Santa Ana's STR regulations reflect the city's concern about housing affordability in a community where rental vacancy rates are among the lowest in Orange County and a significant majority of residents are renters. By limiting STRs to primary residences, the city aims to prevent the conversion of long-term rental housing into de facto hotel inventory. Properties in multi-family buildings are eligible for a permit only if the building's HOA or CC&Rs do not prohibit short-term rental use and the operator personally resides in the unit being rented.