Buena Park, CA Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- Business license
- Required, Title 5
- TOT ordinance
- Chapter 3.16 of city code
- Application fee
- Set by City Council resolution
- Annual inspection fee
- Set by City Council resolution
Summary
Buena Park short-term rental hosts must hold a City business license and pay the Transient Occupancy Tax under Chapter 3.16, plus the STR permit's application and annual inspection fees.
The host shall comply with all requirements of and be subject to the Business License Fees (Title 5 of this Code) and the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) (Chapter 3.16 of this Code) for the short-term rental use. The TOT may be remitted by the hosting platform on behalf of the host. The host shall have the duty and liability to ensure timely remittance of the TOT to the City in compliance with Chapter 3.16 of this Code.
4. The host shall permit the Enforcement Officer to conduct an annual inspection of the short-term rental premises to confirm compliance with this section. The City shall notify the permittee of the scheduled inspections at least 2 weeks in advance.
a. The property address shall be visible from the street and in contrasting colors for quick identification by emergency responders.
b. Smoke detectors shall be installed per the California Building Code.
c. No double keyed dead bolts may be installed on exit doors.
d. A fully charged, portable fire extinguisher shall be provided in an easily accessible and clearly designated area.
e. Exit doors may not be obstructed and/or prohibited from fully opening.
f. Clearance from ignition sources such as luminaries, heaters and flame-producing devices shall be maintained in an approved manner.
g. Hot ashes or coals shall be disposed in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and kept a minimum of 10 feet from any structures.
h. Wood burning fire pits are not allowed.
i.
Full Breakdown
Every permitted host is subject to the city's Business License Fees under Title 5 and must remit the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) under Chapter 3.16 for each short-term rental use. The TOT may instead be collected and forwarded by the booking platform, though the host still bears ultimate responsibility for it reaching the City. Buena Park also charges a short-term rental permit application/processing fee and a separate annual inspection fee, both set by City Council resolution rather than a fixed dollar figure printed in the code itself.
Violations & Fines
Failure to pay TOT or maintain a business license is a misdemeanor under Chapter 1.04 of the Buena Park Municipal Code and can trigger permit suspension or revocation under § 19.348.080(J).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Buena Park short-term rental hosts pay hotel tax?
Can Airbnb or VRBO pay the tax for me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buena Park
How Buena Park compares: Cities with the Highest Short-Term Rental Taxes·California rules heatmap·Compare Buena Park to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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