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  1. Home
  2. ·
  3. Regulations
  4. ·
  5. California
  6. ·
  7. Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach

Prohibited
CaliforniaUpdated Mar 27, 2026
Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Short-term rentals in Laguna Beach are strictly regulated and currently prohibited in almost all residential neighborhoods due to a long-standing moratorium and zoning restrictions. Permits are primarily available only in commercial and mixed-use zones, and hosts must collect and remit a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax monthly.

Restriction level

Severity 100
Classification
Prohibited
100
Severity

Why this classification

  • Explicitly prohibited citywide
  • Banned in all/most residential zones
  • Moderate permit fee: $420
  • Limited to 1 property per owner
  • Tenants cannot host
  • Permit required
  • Reporting required
  • No night cap
  • No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in Laguna Beach, you first need to check if your property is in a zone that allows it—most residential areas are banned from starting new rentals. If you are in a commercial zone, you must apply for a Short-Term Lodging (STL) permit, which costs about $420 per year. You are also required to register with the Finance Department to pay a 12% lodging tax every month. Be aware that you must also post a sign outside your property with your permit number and a 24-hour contact phone number for neighbors to call with complaints.

At a glance

Key numbers
Permit requiredYes
Night limitNone
Primary residenceNot required
Total tax rate0.1%
Permit fee$420
Processing timeVariable due to high demand and strict zoning limits

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps
  1. 1Residential Zone Prohibition: Most neighborhoods (R-1, R-2, R-3) do NOT allow new STR permits.
  2. 2Mandatory Signage: You MUST post a physical sign on the exterior of the property with the permit number and a 24-hour contact number.
  3. 3No Platform Tax Collection: Airbnb/VRBO do NOT collect taxes for you here; you must handle the 12% TOT yourself monthly.
  4. 4ADU Ban: Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in Accessory Dwelling Units (Granny flats).
  5. 5Apartment Ban: Only single-family homes or condos can apply; standard apartment units are prohibited from STR use.
  6. 61-Property Limit: Owners are generally limited to one short-term lodging permit within the city.
  7. 7Guest Limits: Occupancy is strictly capped at 2 people per bedroom plus 2, with a hard maximum of 6 people.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility14 rules
  • Laguna Beach: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
  • Laguna Beach: Properties with affordable housing restrictions or subsidies cannot be used for short-term rentals.
  • Laguna Beach rent control/RSO note: Not applicable; however, STRs are prohibited in units restricted by affordable housing covenants.
Requirements20 rules
  • Laguna Beach STR warning: Apartment Ban: Only single-family homes or condos can apply; standard apartment units are prohibited from STR use.
  • Laguna Beach STR warning: 1-Property Limit: Owners are generally limited to one short-term lodging permit within the city.
Application process11 rules
  • Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Laguna Beach: Step 1: Check Zoning Eligibility - Verify your property is in a commercial or mixed-use zone where new permits are allowed. Most residential zones are currently prohibited. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/government/departments/community-development/planning/short-term-lodging Step 2: Obtain Business License & TOT Registration - Apply for a Laguna Beach Business License and register for Transient Occupancy Tax collection. Documents needed: Business License Application. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/government/departments/finance/tax-information Step 3: Submit Short-Term Lodging Permit Application - Submit the formal STL application to the Planning Department including site plans and owner affidavits. Documents needed: Site Plan, Floor Plan, Owner Affidavit. Estimated time: 4-8 weeks. Cost: 420. More info: https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/government/departments/community-development/planning/short-term-lodging Step 4: Pass Physical Inspection - The city will conduct a safety inspection of the unit to ensure compliance with fire and life-safety codes. Estimated time: 1 day.
Fees & costs1 rule
  • Laguna Beach charges a registration fee of $420 (annual).
Taxes2 rules
  • Laguna Beach: No Platform Tax Collection: Airbnb/VRBO do NOT collect taxes for you here; you must handle the 12% TOT yourself monthly.
Limits & restrictions9 rules
  • Laguna Beach limits STRs to a maximum of 6 guests. Formula: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 6 total.
  • Laguna Beach: 1-Property Limit: Owners are generally limited to one short-term lodging permit within the city.
  • Laguna Beach: Guest Limits: Occupancy is strictly capped at 2 people per bedroom plus 2, with a hard maximum of 6 people.
Safety requirements1 rule
  • Laguna Beach requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Exterior signage requirements including permit number and 24-hour contact, Required property inspection prior to permit issuance.
Penalties5 rules
  • Laguna Beach, CA: Operating an STR in a rent-controlled unit can result in permit denial and fines. Not applicable; however, STRs are prohibited in units restricted by affordable housing covenants.
Exemptions3 rules
  • Laguna Beach exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
  • Laguna Beach: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

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