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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Newport Beach, CA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term lodging (rentals <30 days) is restricted to specific residential districts (R-1.5, R-2, and RM zones). The city imposes a hard cap of 1,550 active permits at any time, and operators must comply with a 10% transient occupancy tax and SB 1383 waste-separation mandates.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Verify property eligibility via the City’s Address Search dashboard; if the 1,550 permit cap is reached, join the online waitlist. 2) Apply for a Short Term Lodging Permit and City business license. 3) Complete annual renewals by October 31st, submitting the renewal form, permit fee, and transient occupancy tax forms in person or by mail.

Regulatory Updates — Newport Beach

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJuly 2023

STR Permit Cap System in Residential Zones

Newport Beach implemented permit caps in residential areas including the Balboa Peninsula and West Newport, limiting the total number of active STR licenses in each zone. When caps are reached, new applicants are waitlisted. Permits are not transferable on property sale.

PassedApril 2024

Stricter Noise, Occupancy, and Parking Standards

The city tightened noise ordinance provisions for STR properties, reduced maximum occupancy limits in residential neighborhoods, and added off-street parking requirements that apply specifically to vacation rental properties.

Under ReviewOctober 2025

City Council Reviews Further Density Restrictions

Newport Beach City Council is reviewing proposals to extend permit caps to additional residential neighborhoods and to lower existing caps in areas that have seen significant STR density growth over the past three years.

Official Resources

Official Newport Beach STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

California Rental Housing AssociationStatewide

Statewide landlord and rental property advocacy organization monitoring STR regulations in Newport Beach and other Orange County coastal communities.

Newport Beach Chamber of CommerceLocal

Tracks local business regulations including STR ordinance changes affecting Newport Beach property owners and hospitality businesses.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and compliance guidance for vacation rental managers in high-value California coastal markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Newport Beach, CA?
Short-term lodging (rentals <30 days) is restricted to specific residential districts (R-1.5, R-2, and RM zones). The city imposes a hard cap of 1,550 active permits at any time, and operators must comply with a 10% transient occupancy tax and SB 1383 waste-separation mandates.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Newport Beach?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Newport Beach. 1) Verify property eligibility via the City’s Address Search dashboard; if the 1,550 permit cap is reached, join the online waitlist. 2) Apply for a Short Term Lodging Permit and City business license. 3) Complete annual renewals by October 31st, submitting the renewal form, permit fee, and transient occupancy tax forms in person or by mail.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Newport Beach?
1) Verify property eligibility via the City’s Address Search dashboard; if the 1,550 permit cap is reached, join the online waitlist. 2) Apply for a Short Term Lodging Permit and City business license. 3) Complete annual renewals by October 31st, submitting the renewal form, permit fee, and transient occupancy tax forms in person or by mail.
Are new short-term rental permits still available in Newport Beach?
In some areas yes, but not in capped zones. Newport Beach has implemented permit caps in residential areas including the Balboa Peninsula. When a zone's cap is reached, new applicants enter a waitlist. Permits are not transferable on sale — buyers of properties with active STR permits must reapply and may not receive a permit if the zone is capped. Before purchasing a Newport Beach property for STR investment, verify the current permit availability in that specific zone.
What are the occupancy and noise rules for Newport Beach vacation rentals?
Newport Beach caps occupancy at two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests (up to zone-specific maximums). Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 8 AM. All guest vehicles must park off-street — no parking of rental guest vehicles on public streets adjacent to the rental property. Violations carry fines starting at $500, and three violations within 12 months can result in permit revocation.
What taxes apply to Newport Beach short-term rental income?
Newport Beach operators collect city transient occupancy tax (TOT). There is no California statewide lodging tax. Newport Beach's TOT rate should be confirmed with the city's finance department. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit TOT on behalf of hosts in most California cities. Operators booking directly must register and remit to the City of Newport Beach finance department independently.
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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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction