Anaheim Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Rental Permit — renewal-only for 'pre-moratorium' (grandfathered) dwellings under the STR Regulations and Ban on New STRs Ordinance (Ord. 6374, 2016); the city does not issue new STR permits in residential zones

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Owner (or agent) files an annual renewal application with the Planning Director on a city form, accompanied by the renewal fee set by City Council resolution, site/floor plan, local contact person and agent information, and a written indemnification/acknowledgment; the city may inspect the property; new permits in residential zones are not accepted except for pre-moratorium/pending applications and certain C-G Commercial Zone CUP-based STRs.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 15% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) of gross rental income.

Collection: The operator (owner, agent, or hosting platform/online travel company that collects rent from the transient) must collect the TOT from the guest and remit it to the city; the tax must be separately stated from rent

Filing: Monthly — TOT return and payment due by 5 p.m. on the last city business day of the month; a return is required every month even if no tax is due

Rental Limits

Anaheim does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent. Individual-stay rule: Under 30 consecutive days by definition — rentals of 30 or more consecutive days are not classified as a 'short-term rental' and fall outside this chapter.

Occupancy & Density Limits

Maximum overnight occupants by bedroom count (effective Jan 1, 2017): Studio=2, 1BR=4, 2BR=7, 3BR=9, 4BR=11, 5BR=13, 6BR=15, 7BR=17, 8BR=19; more than 8 bedrooms capped at 19 occupants unless the permit sets a lower limit

Zoning & Restrictions

Short-term rentals are not an allowable use in Single-Family Residential Zones, Multiple-Family Residential Zones, or any other zoning district where residential uses are permitted/conditionally permitted, except (a) 'pre-moratorium' STRs permitted/pending before Aug 11, 2016, which may renew annually subject to amortization, and (b) STRs in the C-G General Commercial Zone previously authorized by conditional use permit before Sept 15, 2015 (which may still obtain new permits). In addition, every short-term rental booking must be for a minimum of 3 consecutive nights (AMC § 4.05.010.0110).

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Anaheim does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Smoke alarms installed in all habitable areas except the kitchen
• At least one 2A:10BC-rated portable fire extinguisher on each floor
• Carbon monoxide devices installed in common stairways and hallways
• Automatic fire sprinkler system required if permitted occupancy exceeds 10 persons
• Exit/egress and emergency evacuation map posted on each sleeping floor and on each bedroom door
• No double-keyed dead bolt locks on exit doors
• Pool gates must conform to California Building Code Section 3109.4.1.7

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Civil citations (escalating by offense count within 12 months): responsible person $200 (minor)/$500 (major); owner/agent/local contact $200-$2,500 depending on offense count and severity, plus permit revocation on 3rd major offense; hosting platform $500-$2,000; unpermitted operation $500/day. Violations may also be prosecuted as a misdemeanor and are declared a public nuisance subject to city abatement.

Platform Requirements

• Hosting platforms may not list/advertise a short-term rental for which the city has not issued a permit, and must remove any such listing within 10 calendar days of city notice
• Platforms may not otherwise facilitate occupancy that would violate city ordinance or law

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Anaheim:

1. Meet safety requirements. Smoke alarms installed in all habitable areas except the kitchen. At least one 2A:10BC-rated portable fire extinguisher on each floor. Carbon monoxide devices installed in common stairways and hallways. Automatic fire sprinkler system required if permitted occupancy exceeds 10 persons. Exit/egress and emergency evacuation map posted on each sleeping floor and on each bedroom door. No double-keyed dead bolt locks on exit doors. Pool gates must conform to California Building Code Section 3109.4.1.7.
2. Apply for Short-Term Rental Permit — renewal-only for 'pre-moratorium' (grandfathered) dwellings under the STR Regulations and Ban on New STRs Ordinance (Ord. 6374, 2016); the city does not issue new STR permits in residential zones. Submit application. Contact city for fee details.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with City of Anaheim License Collector (Business License Division, Planning and Building Department).
4. Collect and remit taxes. 15% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all bookings.
5. Renew annually. Contact city for renewal fee details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Anaheim?

Operating a short-term rental in Anaheim requires a permit, and Anaheim has restricted or paused new short-term rental permits (a moratorium or grandfathering applies). Confirm current availability with the city before buying a property to rent.

Does Anaheim require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

Anaheim is not issuing new short-term rental permits, so in practice only previously permitted (grandfathered) properties can operate — regardless of whether it is your primary residence.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Anaheim?

Anaheim does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Anaheim?

Short-term rental stays in Anaheim are subject to a 15% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). The host is responsible for collecting and remitting it.