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

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Huntington Beach, CA, but only under specific conditions and with proper permitting. The city has established a comprehensive regulatory framework through Ordinance No. 4224, which became effective on February 19, 2021. The city is divided into two regulatory zones:

• Zone 1: All areas of Huntington Beach excluding Sunset Beach
• Zone 2: Sunset Beach area

Key allowances:

• Hosted/owner-occupied STRs: Permitted in both Zone 1 and Zone 2
• Unhosted/owner un-occupied STRs: Only permitted in Zone 2 (Sunset Beach), and only for existing properties that obtained permits within the initial 6-month window (deadline was March 1, 2022)

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Step-by-Step Process

1. Determine Property Eligibility

   • Verify your property is in an allowed zone and meets STR criteria
   • Check if your homeowners association or CC&Rs allow short-term rentals
   • Confirm your property type (SFR, condo, townhome) and applicable permit limits

2. Apply for STR Permit

   • Submit application through the HB ACA portal: www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/aca
   • Complete appropriate application (Hosted vs. Unhosted)
   • Pay application fee ($624-$639 for initial permit)

3. Obtain Required Inspections

   • Submit Third Party inspection certification
   • Complete Code Enforcement Division inspection
   • Ensure life/safety requirements are met

4. Secure Business License

   • Apply for business license after STR permit approval
   • Fee: $75 (business license) + $45 (application fee)

5. Set Up Tax Collection System

   • Register with Deckard Portal for TOT and TBID remittance
   • Implement tax collection procedures (10% TOT + 4-6% TBID)

6. Designate Local Contact Person

   • Establish 24/7 contact availability
   • Ensure response within 1 hour to complaints

7. Display Required Signage

   • Post exterior STR sign with permit number and contact information

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

1. Short-Term Rental Permit

   • Initial Fee: $624-$639 (valid for 2 years)
   • Renewal Fee: $324-$332 annually
   • Non-transferable and non-renewable after expiration
   • Application through HB ACA portal

2. Business License

   • License Fee: $75
   • Application Fee: $45
   • Required after STR permit approval

3. General Liability Insurance

   • Required prior to permit issuance
   • Required for annual renewal

Required Documentation

• Certificate of Occupancy
• Signed indemnification and hold harmless agreement (City Attorney approved form)
• Property Inspection Certification Form
• Local Contact Person information
• Signed statement affirming compliance with all applicable laws
• Neighborhood Notice (timed per city staff instructions)
• Evidence of CC&R compliance (for condos/townhomes)

Application Resources

• Hosted STR Application: STR Application - Hosted.pdf
• Hosted STR Renewal: STR Application - Hosted Renewal.pdf
• Unhosted STR Renewal: STR Application - UnHosted Renewal.pdf
• Property Inspection Certification: Property-Inspection-Certification.pdf
• Code Enforcement Checklist: Code-Enforcement-Inspection-Checklist.pdf
• Exterior Sign Template: Exterior-STR-Sign-Template.pdf

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning and Property Limitations

Zone 1 (Main Huntington Beach):

• Hosted/owner-occupied STRs only
• One STR per property (SFR, duplex, triplex)
• Up to 3 STRs per property for 4+ unit properties (condos/townhomes) if allowed by CC&Rs

Zone 2 (Sunset Beach):

• Hosted/owner-occupied STRs allowed
• Unhosted/owner un-occupied STRs only if permit obtained within 6 months of fee resolution (deadline: March 1, 2022)
• Same property limitations as Zone 1

Operational Requirements

Local Contact Person Requirements:

• Available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
• Must respond within 1 hour to complaints
• Host serves as Local Contact Person for hosted STRs
• Must take remedial action to resolve complaints

Property Use Restrictions:

• Must be legally established dwelling unit (ADUs/JADUs allowed only if established before ordinance)
• No events allowed (commercial parties, weddings, fundraisers, conferences)
• Must comply with Noise Ordinance
• No affordable housing units
• Property must be properly maintained with no code violations

Permit Limitations:

• One STR permit per person
• One STR permit per property (except 4+ unit properties)
• Only properties in compliance with CC&Rs

Tax and Financial Obligations

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 10% Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Assessment: 4-6%

• Collected from guests and remitted quarterly
• Remitted via Deckard Portal: portal.deckard.com/ca-orange-city_of_huntington_beach-str-portal

Quarterly Remittance Schedule:

• Q1 (Jan-Mar): Due last business day in April
• Q2 (Apr-Jun): Due last business day in July
• Q3 (Jul-Sep): Due last business day in October
• Q4 (Oct-Dec): Due last business day in January
• Zero-activity returns required even with no rentals

Marketing and Advertising Requirements

• All advertisements must include City-issued STR permit number
• Permit number must be displayed on exterior signage
• Online platform compliance required

Enforcement and Penalties

Violations and Penalties

• Daily Fine: $1,000 per day for each violation
• Permit Revocation: 3 violations within 12-month period
• Mandatory Compliance: City actively monitors STR activity

Common Violations

• Missing permit number in advertisements
• Unresponsive Local Contact Person
• Noise ordinance violations
• Operating without valid permit
• Property maintenance issues
• Hosting unauthorized events

Reporting Violations

• MyHB App: Download on iPhone/Android
• Online Form: www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/services/report-issue/report.cfm?ID=4300_2894
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (714) 375-5155

Contact Information for Local Authority

Planning and Zoning Counter (Primary STR Authority)

• Phone: (714) 536-5271
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/departments/community_development/building_inspection/permit_center/short-term_rentals.php

General City Information

• Phone: (714) 536-5511
• Address: 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Code Enforcement Division

• Phone: (714) 375-5155
• Email: [email protected]

Permit Center Portal

• HB ACA Portal: engage.huntingtonbeachca.gov/CitizenAccess/Default.aspx

Important Links to Source Pages

Official City Resources

• Main STR Page: www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/departments/community_development/building_inspection/permit_center/short-term_rentals.php
• Project Information: www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/business_detail_T9_R515.php
• HB ACA Portal: engage.huntingtonbeachca.gov/CitizenAccess/Default.aspx
• Permit Center: www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/departments/community_development/building_inspection/permit_center/index.php
• Municipal Code: ecode360.com/HU4937
• Zoning Code: ecode360.com/43870256#43870256

Tax and Business Resources

• Deckard Tax Portal: portal.deckard.com/ca-orange-city_of_huntington_beach-str-portal
• Business License: www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/business/business/licenses_permits_code/business_license.php
• Starting a Business: www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/business/starting_a_business_in_huntington_beach.php

Reporting and Compliance

• Online Complaint Form: www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/services/report-issue/report.cfm?ID=4300_2894
• Report An Issue: www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/services/report_an_issue/index.php
• Code Enforcement: www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/departments/community_development/code_enforcement/index.php

External Resources

• Airbnb STR Guide: www.airbnb.com/help/article/3005
• City Council Agendas: huntingtonbeach.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Required Forms and Applications

• Hosted STR Application: STR Application - Hosted.pdf
• Hosted STR Renewal: STR Application - Hosted Renewal.pdf
• Unhosted STR Renewal: STR Application - UnHosted Renewal.pdf
• Frequently Asked Questions: Frequently-Asked-Questions-Short-Term-Rentals.pdf
• Property Inspection Certification: Property-Inspection-Certification.pdf
• Neighborhood Notice: Neighborhood Notice templates
• Exterior STR Sign Template: Exterior-STR-Sign-Template.pdf
• STR Permit Conditions: STR-Permit-Conditions.pdf
• STR Permit Eligibility: STR-Permit-Eligibility-Reqs.pdf
• STR Regulations: STR-Regulations.pdf

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements with the City of Huntington Beach before making investment decisions. Regulations may change, and this analysis is based on information available as of the content provided. Consult with legal and tax professionals for personalized advice.