Huntington Beach requires an STR permit under HBMC Chapter 5.120, adopted in 2021. The city uses a two-zone system: owner-occupied STRs are allowed citywide (Zone 1), while unhosted STRs are restricted to Sunset Beach only (Zone 2).
HBMC Chapter 5.120 (adopted via Ordinance No. 4224 in December 2020, effective February 2021) establishes a comprehensive STR permitting system. The city is divided into two zones: Zone 1 (citywide excluding Sunset Beach) permits only owner-occupied STRs, while Zone 2 (Sunset Beach) allows unhosted rentals. A valid annual STR permit is required, with the first permit valid for two years. Only one STR permit is granted per host or operator citywide. Hosts must designate a local contact person available 24/7 who can respond within one hour. Hosting platforms must verify permit numbers before processing bookings. General liability insurance is required. STRs are prohibited in unapproved spaces such as garages, vehicles, sheds, tents, or boats.
Operating without a permit: subject to fines and legal action. Three violations within 12 months result in permit revocation. Platforms must remove unlicensed listings upon city notification.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Beach establishes exterior and interior noise standards under HBMC Chapter 8.40. The ordinance designates noise zones with specific decibel limits...
Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Beach streamlines EV charger permits under CA Gov. Code §65850.7. Residential installations need an electrical permit processed ministerially. HOA...
Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Beach enforces abandoned vehicle regulations under HBMC Chapter 10.40 and the California Vehicle Code. Vehicles parked on public streets over 72 h...
Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Beach restricts RV and boat parking on residential streets and in front yards. Oversized vehicles may not be stored on streets and should be kept ...
Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Beach regulates on-street parking with time limits, overnight restrictions, and beach area parking zones. The 72-hour parking rule applies citywide.
Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Beach restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential areas. Large commercial vehicles, trucks over 10,000 lbs GVWR, and equipment vehicles ar...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle registration rules.
See how Huntington Beach's registration rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.