Costa Mesa Night Caps Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsKey Facts
- Overnight Cap Formula
- 2 guests per bedroom plus 2, with absolute maximum of 10 overnight guests
- Overnight Hours
- 10 PM to 7 AM
- Daytime Maximum
- Overnight cap plus 50%, never to exceed 15 persons without event permit
- Posting Requirement
- Occupancy limits must be posted inside the unit in a visible location
- Guest Registration
- Only guests registered on the booking may stay overnight
The Short Version
Costa Mesa's short-term rental ordinance establishes strict occupancy limits to protect the residential character of neighborhoods. Overnight occupancy is capped at two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests, with an absolute maximum of 10 overnight guests regardless of the number of bedrooms. The overnight cap applies from 10 PM to 7 AM. Only guests who are registered on the booking are permitted to stay overnight. Daytime gatherings at STR properties are also regulated. Daytime occupancy may not exceed the overnight cap plus an additional 50 percent, and in no event may the total number of persons on the property at any time (day or night) exceed 15 people without a special event permit from the city. This provision was specifically designed to address complaints about large parties and gatherings at short-term rental properties that disrupt neighboring residents. The occupancy limits must be clearly posted inside the rental unit in a location visible to guests, along with the STR permit number, local contact information, emergency contact numbers, trash collection schedule, and parking rules. Failure to post house rules is itself a citable violation.
Full Breakdown
Costa Mesa's short-term rental ordinance establishes strict occupancy limits to protect the residential character of neighborhoods. Overnight occupancy is capped at two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests, with an absolute maximum of 10 overnight guests regardless of the number of bedrooms. The overnight cap applies from 10 PM to 7 AM. Only guests who are registered on the booking are permitted to stay overnight.
Daytime gatherings at STR properties are also regulated. Daytime occupancy may not exceed the overnight cap plus an additional 50 percent, and in no event may the total number of persons on the property at any time (day or night) exceed 15 people without a special event permit from the city. This provision was specifically designed to address complaints about large parties and gatherings at short-term rental properties that disrupt neighboring residents.
The occupancy limits must be clearly posted inside the rental unit in a location visible to guests, along with the STR permit number, local contact information, emergency contact numbers, trash collection schedule, and parking rules. Failure to post house rules is itself a citable violation.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Exceeding occupancy limits at a short-term rental in Costa Mesa carries fines of $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 for subsequent offenses within a 12-month period. The local responsible party designated on the STR permit is also subject to citation if they fail to respond to an occupancy complaint within the required timeframe. Repeated occupancy violations are treated as grounds for permit suspension or revocation. Two verified violations within 12 months may result in a 30-day permit suspension. Three or more violations within 24 months may result in permanent revocation. The city considers occupancy violations among the most serious STR infractions because overcrowding is closely linked to noise, parking, and safety concerns in residential neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can stay overnight at a Costa Mesa short-term rental?
Can I host a party at a Costa Mesa short-term rental?
What happens if my guests exceed the occupancy limit?
How does Costa Mesa compare?
See how Costa Mesa's night caps rules stack up against other locations.