Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Buena Park?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Buena Park, California, but under strict regulations. The city permits STRs defined as rental periods of 29 consecutive days or less. However, the regulations are among the most restrictive in Orange County, requiring owner-occupancy, prohibiting whole-home rentals, and implementing a 300-foot spacing requirement between STR properties.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Buena Park

The process to establish a legal STR in Buena Park involves several sequential steps:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that your property meets the basic criteria:

• You must be the property owner and reside on-site as your primary residence
• Only single-family homes qualify; multi-family units are prohibited
• Properties with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot operate any STR on the premises
• The property must comply with all building codes

Step 2: Complete STR Permit Application

Submit your application through the city's designated portal at portal.deckard.com/ca-orange-city_of_buena_park-str-portal. The application requires comprehensive documentation and cannot be saved partially—complete it in one session.

Step 3: Obtain Business License

After conditional approval, obtain a City of Buena Park Business License categorized as "Hotels, Motels and Apartments" ($22.50 per year + $10.00 Zoning Compliance Fee).

Step 4: Pass Home Inspection

Schedule and complete the required property inspection after receiving conditional approval. Any building code violations must be corrected before final permit issuance.

Step 5: Ongoing Compliance

Maintain active permit status, renew every three years, collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax, and ensure continued compliance with all regulations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Permits and Licenses

1. STR Permit ($300 initial application, $300 renewal every 3 years)
2. Business License ($22.50 annually + $10 zoning compliance fee)
3. Home Inspection ($100 fee, collected with initial application)

Insurance Requirements

• Liability Insurance: Minimum $1,000,000 coverage specifically for the STR property

Required Documentation

Submit two of the following identification documents:

• Driver's license
• Voter registration
• Vehicle registration
• Utility bills
• Property tax records (showing host name and STR property address)

Architectural/Site Plans

Provide detailed floor plan and site plan including:

• Sleeping areas identification
• Proposed maximum number of guests
• Evacuation routes
• Fire extinguisher locations
• Approximate square footage
• Maximum number of vehicles for overnight occupants
• Designated on-site parking spaces for host and guests

Additional Documentation

• Letter of No Objection from Homeowner's Association (if applicable)
• Authorized agent contact information (optional)
• City-provided written agreement and acknowledgment

Standard Rental Agreement Requirements

All rental agreements must include these mandatory "house rules":

• No limousine or bus parking that interferes with emergency vehicle access
• Property maintenance free of debris on-site and street
• Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• No unreasonable noise or disturbances
• Property cannot be used for weddings, auctions, commercial functions, or similar events
• Fireworks discharge prohibited except July 4th, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Maximum occupancy: 2 adults per bedroom plus 2 adults total (children under 18 not counted)

Specific Regulations for Buena Park STRs

City-Level Regulations

1. Owner-Occupancy Requirement: Property owner must reside on-site as primary residence
2. No Whole-Home Rentals: Only rooms within the owner's primary residence may be rented
3. ADU Prohibition: No ADU can be used as STR, and if ADU exists on property, no STR can operate anywhere on the premises
4. 300-Foot Spacing: STRs must be spaced at least 300 feet apart (approximately six lots)
5. One Permit Per Individual: Only one STR permit allowed per person
6. No Maximum Bookings: Unlimited number of bookings permitted
7. Listing Requirements: City-issued permit number must appear in all property listings and advertising

Occupancy and Parking

• Maximum occupancy: 2 adults per bedroom plus 2 adults (children under 18 excluded from count)
• All parking must be accommodated on-site as approved in permit application
• No street parking for guests permitted

Operational Restrictions

• Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• No commercial events, weddings, or similar gatherings
• Fireworks only permitted July 4th, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Property must be maintained free of debris

Tax Requirements

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 12% of rental revenue
• Monthly remittance required to Finance Department

Safety Requirements

• Fire extinguisher must be present and accessible
• Clear evacuation routes must be maintained
• Property must pass safety inspection

Enforcement

• 24/7 complaint hotline: 714-276-1660
• Code violations result in permit suspension or revocation
• Regular inspections ensure ongoing compliance

State and County Level Context

California State Regulations

As of 2025, California has not enacted statewide STR regulations. The industry is primarily regulated at the municipal level, though recent legislative efforts have focused on platform compliance and tax collection requirements.

Orange County Level

Orange County as a whole has taken a fragmented approach to STR regulation, with neighboring cities implementing vastly different policies:

• Anaheim: Existing STRs permitted under strict regulations, new permits prohibited
• Costa Mesa: All STRs prohibited since 2021
• Garden Grove: STRs prohibited
• Irvine: All STRs prohibited in residential zones
• Newport Beach: Limited STRs permitted with strict requirements
• Orange: STRs permitted with permit and business license requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contacts

• Code Enforcement Division (Inspection-related questions): 714-562-3642
• Finance Department (TOT and Business License questions): 714-562-3737
• 24/7 Complaint Hotline: 714-276-1660
• City Hall Main Number: 714-562-3500

Online Resources

• City Website: www.buenapark.com
• STR Permit Application Portal: portal.deckard.com/ca-orange-city_of_buena_park-str-portal
• Online Complaint Submission: safe.hostcompliance.com/tips
• Business License Information: www.buenapark.com/city_departments/finance/business_license

Physical Address

City of Buena Park Community Development Department - Planning Division 6650 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA 90621-5009

Source Pages

1. City of Buena Park STR Program Page: www.buenapark.com/city_departments/community_development/planning_division/short_term_rental.php
2. Buena Park STR Frequently Asked Questions: cms7files1.revize.com/buenaparkca/Document_center/City%20Departments/Community%20development/Planning%20Division/STRFAQ102320.pdf
3. Orange County REALTORS® STR Guidelines: www.ocrealtors.org/community-information/Short-Term-Rentals
4. OC Register News Article - "Buena Park sets new rules for short-term rentals": www.ocregister.com/2020/01/16/buena-park-sets-new-rules-for-short-term-rentals-and-granny-flats-are-out/
5. Buena Park Business License Requirements: www.buenapark.com/city_departments/finance/business_license.php

This guide provides comprehensive information for STR investors considering Buena Park, California. Given the complexity and specificity of local regulations, investors should verify current requirements with city authorities before making investment decisions.