Midway City, CA Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules (2026)

Registration in unincorporated Orange County runs through two channels. First, under Zoning Code Section 7-9-93, the property owner applies for a Short-Term Rental Permit, which is approved by the OC Development Services Director. The County's Short-Term Rentals handout lists the required submissions: a Short-Term Rental Permit Application via myOCeServices.ocgov.com, a letter outlining the proposed short-term rental use type and operation, a floorplan of the residence, a copy of a blank lease agreement, and proof of ownership. Section 7-9-93(e) requires that the property owner apply for permit renewal every two years and maintain good standing by complying with all County regulations; failure to do so can lead to revocation, and a change in ownership terminates the permit. Section 7-9-93(e) also requires, prior to occupancy, that the owner obtain the name, address, and driver's license number or passport copy of the primary adult occupant and have that adult sign a formal acknowledgement of legal responsibility for compliance; this record must be readily available on request by the Orange County Sheriff or OC Development Services. Second, separately, operators must register with the OC Treasurer-Tax Collector for a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate before collecting tax. The processing time for the zoning permit is reported by the County at roughly three to four weeks for a complete application.