Short-Term Rental Status Overview

Short-term rentals are currently ALLOWED in Midway City, CA. Unlike Westminster (the surrounding city), Midway City does not fall under Westminster's short-term rental prohibition. This creates a unique opportunity for STR investors, as Midway City operates as an unincorporated area with different regulatory jurisdiction.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Midway City

To establish a short-term rental business in Midway City, investors should:

1. Verify Jurisdictional Status: Confirm your property is located within Midway City boundaries and not within Westminster city limits
2. Obtain Written Confirmation: Contact Victoria Toris at Westminster to receive official documentation confirming your address is outside Westminster's jurisdiction
3. Comply with County Regulations: Follow Orange County's short-term rental requirements and guidelines
4. Secure Required Permits and Licenses: Obtain necessary business licenses and permits at the county level
5. Implement Safety and Operational Standards: Ensure compliance with health, safety, and zoning requirements

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

While specific Midway City requirements are limited due to its unincorporated status, investors typically need:

County-Level Requirements:

• Business License: Register your STR as a business entity
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Permit: Required for collecting and remitting occupancy taxes
• Health Department Permits: May be required for certain types of accommodations
• Fire Safety Compliance: Ensure smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exit plans
• Building and Safety Permits: For any structural modifications or improvements

State-Level Requirements:

• California Business Registration: Register with the California Secretary of State if operating as a corporation or LLC
• State Tax Registration: Register for state sales tax and income tax purposes
• Workers' Compensation Insurance: If employing staff for cleaning or management services

Specific Regulations

Midway City (Unincorporated Area):

• Current Status: Short-term rentals are permitted
• Regulatory Authority: Orange County governs STR operations
• No Municipal Prohibitions: Unlike Westminster, Midway City does not prohibit STRs

Orange County Regulations:

Based on the Orange County information provided, investors should be aware that:

• Many incorporated cities within Orange County have varying STR regulations
• Some cities completely prohibit STRs (Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Villa Park, Yorba Linda)
• Others require specific permits and compliance measures (Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, San Clemente)

California State Regulations:

• Definition: STRs typically involve rentals of 30 consecutive days or less
• Tax Obligations: Hosts must collect and remit transient occupancy taxes
• Safety Requirements: Compliance with state building codes and safety standards
• Zoning Compliance: Must operate in areas where residential short-term uses are permitted

Contact Information

Primary Jurisdictional Confirmation:

Victoria Toris City of Westminster Email: vtoris@westminster-ca.gov Phone: 714-898-3311 Address: 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683

Contact Victoria Toris to obtain a letter confirming your Midway City address is not located within Westminster city limits.

Orange County Resources:

Orange County Public Works Website: ocds.ocpublicworks.com/ For county-level permits and regulations

Orange County Development Services Website: myoceservices.ocgov.com For development and business licensing information

Source Links

1. Orange County REALTORS® STR Guidelines: www.ocrealtors.org/community-information/Short-Term-Rentals
2. Westminster City FAQ: www.westminster-ca.gov/departments/community-development/planning-division/faqs
3. Orange County Development Services: ocds.ocpublicworks.com/
4. STR Profit Map - Midway City: www.strprofitmap.com/regulations/CA/midway-city

Important Recommendations

1. Verify Location Status: Always confirm your property's exact jurisdictional boundaries before proceeding with STR operations
2. Stay Updated: Regulations can change frequently; regularly check with county authorities for current requirements
3. Professional Consultation: Consider consulting with local attorneys or business advisors familiar with Orange County STR regulations
4. Insurance Coverage: Obtain appropriate insurance coverage for short-term rental operations
5. Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all permits, licenses, tax payments, and compliance measures

Disclaimer: This information is provided for reference purposes only and regulations can change. Always verify current rules with local authorities before establishing a short-term rental operation.