Costa Mesa Permit Requirements Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsKey Facts
- Permit Required
- Short-Term Rental Permit must be obtained before advertising or operating
- Definition
- Rental of a residential dwelling for 30 consecutive days or less
- Insurance
- Minimum $1 million liability insurance required
- Local Contact
- A designated responsible party must be available 24/7 within 30 minutes of the property
- TOT Collection
- Operators must register for and collect Transient Occupancy Tax
- Renewal
- Permits are annual and non-transferable; new application required upon change of ownership
The Short Version
Costa Mesa Municipal Code Chapter 13-225 regulates short-term home rentals (defined as rentals of 30 consecutive days or less) and requires operators to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit from the city prior to advertising or operating. The permit application requires proof of property ownership or written authorization from the property owner, a floor plan showing sleeping areas and maximum occupancy, proof of current Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) registration, evidence of liability insurance with a minimum of $1 million in coverage, and identification of a local responsible party available 24/7 within 30 minutes of the property. Costa Mesa adopted its STR ordinance in response to the rapid growth of vacation rental platforms and concerns from residential neighborhoods about noise, parking, and transient use in single-family zones. The city limits STR permits to owner-occupied properties or properties where the owner has designated a qualified local contact. The permit must be renewed annually and is non-transferable — it does not run with the property and must be reapplied if ownership changes. All STR operators are required to collect and remit the city's Transient Occupancy Tax (currently set at the same rate as hotels). Operators must also comply with all applicable building, fire, and health codes, and must post the STR permit number in all advertisements and listings.
Full Breakdown
Costa Mesa Municipal Code Chapter 13-225 regulates short-term home rentals (defined as rentals of 30 consecutive days or less) and requires operators to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit from the city prior to advertising or operating. The permit application requires proof of property ownership or written authorization from the property owner, a floor plan showing sleeping areas and maximum occupancy, proof of current Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) registration, evidence of liability insurance with a minimum of $1 million in coverage, and identification of a local responsible party available 24/7 within 30 minutes of the property.
Costa Mesa adopted its STR ordinance in response to the rapid growth of vacation rental platforms and concerns from residential neighborhoods about noise, parking, and transient use in single-family zones. The city limits STR permits to owner-occupied properties or properties where the owner has designated a qualified local contact. The permit must be renewed annually and is non-transferable — it does not run with the property and must be reapplied if ownership changes.
All STR operators are required to collect and remit the city's Transient Occupancy Tax (currently set at the same rate as hotels). Operators must also comply with all applicable building, fire, and health codes, and must post the STR permit number in all advertisements and listings.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Operating a short-term rental without a valid permit in Costa Mesa is a violation subject to administrative fines of $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second offense within 12 months, and $2,000 for each subsequent offense. Each day of unpermitted operation constitutes a separate violation. The city may also assess back TOT taxes plus penalties and interest for unpermitted operators. Permit holders who violate the terms of their permit — including exceeding maximum occupancy, failing to maintain a local contact, or accumulating verified noise or nuisance complaints — may have their permit suspended for 30 days for a first violation, 90 days for a second violation, and permanently revoked for a third violation within a 24-month period. Revoked permits are not eligible for reapplication for one year. The city actively monitors short-term rental platforms and investigates complaints from neighbors. Code Enforcement officers may issue citations directly and refer cases to the City Attorney for prosecution of chronic violators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to rent my Costa Mesa home on Airbnb?
What does a Costa Mesa STR permit cost?
Can I rent out a room in my house as a short-term rental in Costa Mesa?
How does Costa Mesa compare?
See how Costa Mesa's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.