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Anaheim, CA

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STR Regulations for Anaheim, California

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Anaheim, CA?

Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Anaheim but under strict conditions. After banning new STRs in 2016, the City Council reversed course in June 2019, allowing a defined number of pre-existing STRs to continue operating. Opening entirely new STRs remains prohibited under the city’s current policy. As of mid-2019, 222 permitted STRs were active in Anaheim; later reports cite 277 permitted STRs. The program is highly regulated and enforced. Anyone renting a residential property for 30 days or less is subject to Anaheim’s Short-Term Rental program rules.

What this means for investors:

  • You cannot launch a new STR in Anaheim unless you already hold a pre-2016 permit or obtain one through a legal transfer (none currently permitted) or special approval.
  • If you own an existing, permitted STR, you must obtain/renew a Short-Term Rental Permit and a Business License, comply with all rules, and maintain good standing.

Key city pages:

How to Start (or Continue) an STR Business in Anaheim

The process is a two-step compliance pathway for existing permitted STRs:

  1. Short-Term Rental Permit Application
  • Submit the city’s Short-Term Rental Permit Application.
  • Submit in person at Anaheim City Hall (Planning/Business License) between 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday, or by mail to the address listed on the application.
  • The permit is valid for 1 year from issue; renewals are due annually.
  • Permits are non-transferable. Any change of ownership or address requires a new application within 14 days.
  • Application link: www.anaheim.net/DocumentCenter/View/886/Short-Term-Rental-Permit-Application?bidId=
  1. City Business License (Business Tax Certificate)
  • After receiving the STR permit, obtain the City of Anaheim Business Tax Certificate (the business license).
  • You will be assigned a regulatory permit number (REG#). You must include this REG# on all STR listing advertisements and materials.
  • Airbnb blocks listings without a permit number or proper exemption posted. Traditional hospitality stays (hotel, motel, B&B) or stays of 31 nights or more are exempt from registration but still require an exemption claim through the platform if applicable.

Renewal Timing

  • Annual renewals are due on or before July 31. Ensure both your STR permit and Business Tax Certificate are current.

Listing and Platform Compliance

  • Post the REG# prominently on all listings (Airbnb, VRBO, direct).
  • Violations of permit conditions or city rules may lead to enforcement, fines, or revocation.

Operational Notes

  • Minimum stay: 3 nights per booking (to reduce neighborhood turnover/disruption).
  • Maintain “good neighbor” standards for noise, parking, occupancy, and guest behavior; specific obligations are detailed in the city’s permit guidelines and good-neighbor policy handout.
  • A local contact must be available to respond to complaints. The city emphasizes swift response to maintain neighborhood quality of life.
  • The city also provides a Quick Reference Handout and a Fact Sheet (see Links).

Source links:

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

  • Short-Term Rental Permit Application (city of Anaheim)

  • City of Anaheim Business Tax Certificate (Business License)

    • Required after STR permit approval.
    • Generates your regulatory permit number (REG#), which must be displayed on all listings.

  • Permit and License Posting Requirements

    • Display the REG# on all listings (online and print).
    • Failure to post or provide your permit number can result in listing takedowns and enforcement.

  • Good Neighbor Guidelines

    • Adherence to quiet hours, occupancy limits, parking, trash, and safety expectations is mandatory.
    • Local contact availability and timely response to complaints are expected.

  • Additional Resources

    • Quick Reference Handouts and Fact Sheet (see city site under Short-Term Rental Program).
    • TOT guidance and other local rules are codified in Chapter 4.05 of the Anaheim Municipal Code.

Source links:

Specific Anaheim, County, and State Regulations

City of Anaheim (local)

  • New STRs: Prohibited. Only pre-existing permitted STRs may continue to operate.
  • Cap: Reports indicate 222 (2019) to 277 permitted STRs currently allowed.
  • Minimum stay: 3 nights per booking.
  • Permit validity: 1 year; annual renewal due July 31.
  • Permit transfers: Not permitted; ownership/address change requires a new application within 14 days.
  • Posting: REG# must appear on all listings.
  • TOT/fees: As of mid-2019, the city reported 222 permitted STRs; application and licensing fees apply; Airbnb guidance cites a $250 application fee for a business license. Full tax remittance details (e.g., TOT rate and local fees) are set in city ordinance and finance code; consult the city for current TOT requirements.
  • Enforcement: Failure to comply may result in citations, fines, or permit revocation.
  • Public map: The city maintains a STR Properties Map for transparency.

Orange County

  • County-level STR ordinances may apply if your property is not within Anaheim city limits (e.g., unincorporated areas of Orange County). This guide is city-specific; consult the County of Orange for rules in unincorporated areas.

State of California

  • Collection and remittance of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and applicable local taxes for stays of 30 days or fewer is standard throughout California, including Anaheim. For exact rates, deadlines, and filing procedures in Anaheim, consult the city finance code and the City of Anaheim Finance Department.

Summary of limits:

  • No new STR permits (subject to limited exceptions via transfers or policy changes).
  • Pre-existing, permitted STRs can continue only with annual permits and licenses.
  • STRs must follow strict operational requirements (minimum stay, good neighbor standards, display of permit number).

Source links:

Contact Information (Local Authority)

Links to Source Pages (Official and Helpful)

Notes for investors:

  • The market is closed to new entrants; acquisitions must focus on existing permitted STRs that can be legally transferred/renewed.
  • Compliance is non-negotiable: post the REG#, renew annually by July 31, and adhere to all good-neighbor rules to avoid citations or permit revocation.
  • For tax remittance specifics (TOT rate, filing cadence), consult the city’s Finance Department and the ordinance language in Chapter 4.05.
  • Always verify current program status, caps, and fees on official city pages before acquisition or renewal.
Anaheim

Market Saturation Score

036912
Mild Saturation
2/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
2–4 declining months: early saturation pressure - watch for trend persistence.
View Full Anaheim Market Analysis →

Photos of Anaheim

Overview of Anaheim

Anaheim, CA, located in Orange County, is a vibrant city with a population of approximately 350,000 residents. It is situated about 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles, making it relatively close to a major metropolitan area. Anaheim's appeal for short-term rentals is largely driven by its array of world-famous attractions and landmarks.

One of the city's primary draws is Disneyland Resort, which includes Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. These theme parks attract millions of visitors annually and create a high demand for nearby accommodations (Disneyland Resort).

The city is also home to the Anaheim Convention Center, the largest exhibit facility on the West Coast, hosting numerous conferences, trade shows, and events throughout the year (Anaheim Convention Center).

Sports fans can enjoy events at the Honda Center, home to the NHL's Anaheim Ducks, and Angel Stadium, where the Los Angeles Angels baseball team plays (Honda Center and Angel Stadium).

Shopping and dining are abundant at the Anaheim GardenWalk, an outdoor entertainment and shopping complex that offers a variety of venues (Anaheim GardenWalk).

Additionally, for those interested in performing arts, the City National Grove of Anaheim provides a venue for concerts and events (City National Grove of Anaheim).

With its close proximity to Los Angeles and a variety of attractions, Anaheim presents a strong case for short-term rentals to accommodate the influx of visitors seeking to explore the city's many treasures.

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