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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Laguna Beach, CA

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are considered commercial uses and are generally prohibited in residential zones; they are permitted only in specific zones with an Administrative or Conditional Use Permit. Requirements include a 24/7 local contact responding within 60 minutes, neighbor notification within 200 feet, and display of the license number on all listings.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Obtain an Administrative or Conditional Use Permit (AUP/CUP) per zoning rules. 2. Apply for a Short-Term Lodging Unit License and a City business license. 3. Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and provide neighbor notification to all residences within 200 feet.

Regulatory Updates — Laguna Beach

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedAugust 2023

Laguna Beach STR Permit Cap Enforcement

City enforcing permit caps; no new non-primary-residence whole-home STR permits are being issued. Existing legacy permit holders must renew annually; transfers upon sale are not permitted.

PassedOctober 2024

Laguna Beach STR Fine Schedule Increase

City increased fines for unpermitted STR operation to $2,500 per violation; repeat offenders subject to criminal misdemeanor charges. Enforcement actions doubled in 2024.

Under ReviewSeptember 2025

Laguna Beach STR Ordinance Comprehensive Review

City Planning Commission reviewing the entire STR ordinance; discussion includes potentially reducing the existing legacy permit cap further or converting to primary-residence-only policy.

Official Resources

Official Laguna Beach STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Laguna Beach Property Owners AllianceLocal

Local organization representing Laguna Beach property owners including legacy STR permit holders; monitors city proceedings and advocates for permit holder rights.

California Rental Housing AssociationStatewide

Statewide housing provider association that tracks STR legislation and provides compliance resources for California operators.

Vacation Rental Management AssociationNational

National trade association offering education, advocacy, and resources for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Laguna Beach, CA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Laguna Beach, CA, but with restrictions. STRs are considered commercial uses and are generally prohibited in residential zones; they are permitted only in specific zones with an Administrative or Conditional Use Permit. Requirements include a 24/7 local contact responding within 60 minutes, neighbor notification within 200 feet, and display of the license number on all listings. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Laguna Beach, CA?
STRs are considered commercial uses and are generally prohibited in residential zones; they are permitted only in specific zones with an Administrative or Conditional Use Permit. Requirements include a 24/7 local contact responding within 60 minutes, neighbor notification within 200 feet, and display of the license number on all listings.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Laguna Beach?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Laguna Beach. 1. Obtain an Administrative or Conditional Use Permit (AUP/CUP) per zoning rules. 2. Apply for a Short-Term Lodging Unit License and a City business license. 3. Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and provide neighbor notification to all residences within 200 feet.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Laguna Beach?
1. Obtain an Administrative or Conditional Use Permit (AUP/CUP) per zoning rules. 2. Apply for a Short-Term Lodging Unit License and a City business license. 3. Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and provide neighbor notification to all residences within 200 feet.
Is Vrbo legal in Laguna Beach, CA?
Vrbo is permitted in Laguna Beach, CA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Laguna Beach?
Short-term rental hosts in Laguna Beach are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Laguna Beach?
The most recent tracked change in Laguna Beach is "Laguna Beach STR Permit Cap Enforcement" (2023-08-01, status: passed). City enforcing permit caps; no new non-primary-residence whole-home STR permits are being issued. Existing legacy permit holders must renew annually; transfers upon sale are not permitted. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Can I get a new STR permit in Laguna Beach for a non-primary-residence property?
No. The city is not issuing new non-primary-residence whole-home STR permits. Only grandfathered legacy permit holders may operate non-primary-residence STRs. Primary-residence hosted and unhosted rentals have separate permit pathways — check with the city directly.
What are the fines for operating an unpermitted STR in Laguna Beach?
Fines are $2,500 per violation. Repeat offenders can face criminal misdemeanor charges. Enforcement has intensified significantly since 2024, with the city doubling its enforcement actions.
Do legacy STR permits transfer when a property is sold?
No. Legacy STR permits in Laguna Beach are not transferable upon sale. A new owner cannot assume an existing permit — the permit terminates with the sale. This makes grandfathered STR properties particularly valuable but the permits themselves cannot be purchased.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction