Westminster, CA Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)

Some California cities allow short-term rentals only at a host's primary residence, or distinguish 'hosted' primary-home stays from non-owner-occupied investment STRs. Westminster draws no such distinction because Chapter 9.74 of the Municipal Code prohibits residential transient use altogether. Section 9.74.020 makes it unlawful to offer, occupy, or advertise any residential dwelling, dwelling unit, or room in a dwelling for transient use - a rental of 30 days or less - in residential and mixed-use zones. The prohibition applies regardless of whether the property is the owner's primary residence, a second home, or an investment property, and regardless of whether the owner lives on-site. There is no carve-out permitting a homeowner to rent a spare room or an ADU on a short-term basis. Because the City offers no STR permit, a primary-residence requirement (a common condition elsewhere) simply does not exist here; the use is not licensed under any circumstance. The only lawful transient lodging is at hotels, motels, and lodging houses expressly permitted by the Municipal Code. Homeowners seeking to host paying guests should consult the Planning Division before listing, as both renting and advertising a residential STR are independently prohibited.