Overview: Short-Term Rental Prohibition in Santa Ana

Short-term rentals are PROHIBITED in Santa Ana, California. The Santa Ana City Council has enacted a comprehensive ban on all short-term residential rentals lasting less than 30 days. This ban is currently in effect and applies to all platforms including Airbnb, VRBO, and similar services.

The prohibition became effective in April 2024 following the adoption of both an urgency ordinance and regular ordinance by the City Council. The city identified over 1,100 active short-term rental units operating within Santa Ana before the ban, representing approximately 35% of the city's housing needs as determined by the State of California.

Current Regulatory Status

Complete Ban on Short-Term Rentals

Santa Ana has implemented a total prohibition on short-term rentals with the following key provisions:

• Duration Restriction: Any rental for less than 30 consecutive days is expressly prohibited
• No Grandfathering: The ban applies to all properties, including those previously operating as short-term rentals
• Immediate Effect: The restrictions became effective immediately upon adoption of the urgency ordinance in April 2024

Legal Basis for the Ban

The city operates under a "permissive code" system where only explicitly permitted uses are allowed. Since short-term rentals are not specifically listed as permitted uses in residential zones, they are prohibited under this framework.

Enforcement and Penalties

Violation Consequences

Operating a short-term rental in Santa Ana subjects property owners to:

• Misdemeanor Charges: Violations may be prosecuted as criminal misdemeanors
• Civil Action: The City Attorney may pursue civil enforcement
• Fines: Progressive penalty structure for continued violations
• Legal Costs: Courts may award attorney's fees and costs to the prevailing party

Reporting Violations

Suspected short-term rental operations can be reported through:

• Phone: (714) 667-2780 (Code Enforcement Division)
• Mobile App: mySantaAna app
• Website: Code Enforcement Division webpage at www.santa-ana.org

Impact on Property Investors

Housing Market Implications

The ban was implemented to address several community concerns:

• Housing Preservation: Converting short-term rentals back to long-term housing stock
• Neighborhood Character: Maintaining residential community atmosphere
• Parking and Noise: Reducing transient occupancy-related issues
• Housing Crisis Response: Increasing available housing supply

Economic Considerations

The prohibition eliminates:

• Transient Occupancy Tax revenue from short-term stays
• Tourism-related economic benefits
• Property investment opportunities in the short-term rental sector

Alternative Compliance Options

Long-Term Rental Operations

Property owners in Santa Ana can still operate rental properties with:

• Minimum Stay Requirement: Rentals must be 30 days or longer
• Standard Landlord-Tenant Regulations: Subject to California and Santa Ana landlord-tenant laws
• Business License Requirements: May need appropriate business licensing for rental operations

Orange County Regional Context

Neighboring City Comparisons

Santa Ana joins several Orange County cities with similar restrictions:

Cities with Bans:

• Costa Mesa
• Fountain Valley
• Garden Grove
• Irvine

Cities with Regulations/Permits:

• Fullerton (regulated with permits)
• Newport Beach (capped permits and licensing)
• Orange (permit system with regulations)

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Primary Contacts

Code Enforcement Division

• Phone: (714) 667-2780
• Website: www.santa-ana.org/departments/code-enforcement-division/
• App: mySantaAna mobile application

City Hall General Information

• Address: 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
• Phone: (714) 647-5400

Media Contact for STR Issues

• Paul Eakins, Public Affairs Information Officer
• Phone: (714) 647-5224
• Email: peakins@santa-ana.org

Planning and Building Agency

For questions about zoning and land use regulations:

• Contact through main city number: (714) 647-5400

California State-Level Regulations

Since Santa Ana has prohibited short-term rentals entirely, state-level regulations are not applicable for operational purposes. However, investors should be aware that California has various consumer protection and tax requirements that would apply if operating in permitted jurisdictions.

Future Outlook and Potential Changes

Current Trends

Recent developments suggest the ban may face continued challenges:

• Host groups have organized to contest the prohibition
• Legal challenges have been filed questioning CEQA compliance
• Some City Council members have expressed interest in exploring alternative revenue-generating regulations

Advocacy Efforts

Property owner groups continue to engage with city officials seeking:

• Revenue-sharing arrangements through taxation
• Limited permit systems
• Exceptions for owner-occupied properties

Important Legal Disclaimers

Investment Risk Warning: The complete prohibition on short-term rentals in Santa Ana represents significant regulatory risk for property investors. Unlike cities with permit systems or regulations, Santa Ana offers no legal pathway for short-term rental operations.

Enforcement Reality: Despite the formal ban, enforcement resources and priorities may vary. However, the city has demonstrated commitment to enforcement through active code enforcement and legal action capabilities.

Compliance Recommendation: Property investors should seek alternative investment strategies or consider long-term rental models to ensure full legal compliance with Santa Ana regulations.

Source Links

• Official Santa Ana Short-Term Rental Ban Announcement: www.santa-ana.org/short-term-rentals-ban/
• Voice of OC Coverage: voiceofoc.org/2024/12/santa-ana-looks-to-crack-down-on-short-term-rentals/
• Reddit Community Discussion: www.reddit.com/r/orangecounty/comments/1c6oekw/santa_ana_bans_shortterm_residential_rentals/
• Steadily Insurance Guide: www.steadily.com/blog/airbnb-short-term-rental-laws-regulations-santa-ana
• Airbnb Community Discussion: community.withairbnb.com/t5/Ask-about-your-listing/I-received-a-Cease-and-Desist-for-operating-a-short-term-rental/m-p/1778880

This comprehensive prohibition makes Santa Ana one of the most restrictive jurisdictions for short-term rentals in Orange County. Investors considering properties in Santa Ana should focus on traditional long-term rental strategies or explore opportunities in neighboring cities with more permissive regulations.