Are short-term rentals allowed in Laguna Beach?

**No**, short-term rentals are strictly regulated and prohibited in most residential neighborhoods. You need to check local zoning ordinances to verify if your property is located in a permitted commercial or mixed-use zone. A long-standing moratorium and zoning restrictions severely limit short-term rental opportunities. (52 words)

Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Laguna Beach?

**Yes**, you need a Short-Term Lodging (STL) Permit ($420) to operate legally. You need to ensure your property is located in a commercially zoned area where short-term rentals are permitted. Applying for and securing the required STL permit is essential for compliance with Laguna Beach regulations. (50 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in Laguna Beach?

**12%** Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) applies to all short-term rentals in Laguna Beach. You need to collect this tax from your guests and remit it to the city monthly. Accurate and timely remittance of the TOT is a crucial part of remaining compliant with local regulations. (48 words)

How much does an STR permit cost in Laguna Beach?

**$420** is the current fee for a Short-Term Lodging (STL) permit in Laguna Beach. You need to pay this fee when applying for your permit, and it is likely an annual renewal fee as well. Always verify the most current fee schedule directly with the city. (51 words)

Can renters host on Airbnb in Laguna Beach?

**No**, tenants are generally not allowed to host on Airbnb in Laguna Beach. You need to own the property and have the necessary permits to operate a legal short-term rental. Renting out a property on Airbnb without the owner's consent and proper permitting is prohibited. (47 words)

Laguna Beach

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

CaliforniaLast updated: February 13, 2026

Gold Standard Verification

100%

Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

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

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

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

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

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$420

Processing Time

Variable due to high demand and strict zoning limits

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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

Regulation Details

Eligibility(14)

•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.

Requirements(20)

•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 Process(11)

•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 & Costs(1)

•Laguna Beach charges a registration fee of $420 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Laguna Beach: No Platform Tax Collection: Airbnb/VRBO do NOT collect taxes for you here; you must handle the 12% TOT yourself monthly.

Limits & Restrictions(9)

•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 Requirements(1)

•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.

Penalties(5)

•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.

Exemptions(3)

•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).

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched 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.

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

California

Strict

The City of Los Angeles requires all short-term rental hosts to register for a Home-Sharing permit and only permits the rental of one's primary residence. Stays are capped at 120 days per year unless an Extended Home-Sharing permit is obtained, and rentals in RSO-regulated buildings or newer ADUs are strictly prohibited.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Anaheim

California

Prohibited

Short-term rentals in Anaheim are strictly limited to approximately 277 'pre-moratorium' operators who were grandfathered in 2019. The city currently prohibits the issuance of any new STR permits. Allowed operators must follow rigid 'Good Neighbor' policies, enforce a 3-night minimum stay, and pay a 15% Transient Occupancy Tax.

Permit required

15.0% total tax

Mammoth Lakes

California

Moderate

Short-term rentals are heavily regulated in Mammoth Lakes and generally restricted to multi-family and resort zones (RMF-2, Resort, etc.). Hosts must obtain an STR Certificate and a Business Tax Certificate, and pay a total TOT rate of 13%. Stays of 31 days or longer are exempt from these regulations.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Big Bear Lake

California

Strict

The City of Big Bear Lake regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 5.44, requiring an annual license, rigorous safety inspections, and a strict guest limit of 2 per bedroom plus 2. Owners are limited to 2 licenses total and must remit a 9% combined TOT and TBID tax quarterly.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Laguna Beach

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(14)

Requirements(20)

Application Process(11)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(9)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(5)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

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Laguna Beach

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Are short-term rentals allowed in Laguna Beach?

2Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Laguna Beach?

3What is the TOT tax rate in Laguna Beach?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Laguna Beach?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Laguna Beach?

Related Content

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

Big Bear Lake