The ordinance is intended to curb impacts on neighborhoods and increase available housing supplies.
SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Santa Ana City Council has voted to ban short-term residential rentals to preserve the character of neighborhoods, address the negative impacts caused by these unpermitted business operations, and to open up much-needed housing supplies.
The proliferation of online vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb.com and Vrbo.com has led to a spike in short-term rental activities in Santa Ana. However, these rentals, typically lasting less than 30 days, have been linked to a range of issues including trash and litter, excessive noise, parking problems, and neighborhood degradation.
City staff identified over 1,100 active short-term rental units operating in Santa Ana, representing approximately 35% of the City’s new housing needs as determined by the State of California. By banning short-term rentals, the City aims to preserve housing stock for long-term rental or sale, thus addressing the ongoing housing crisis.
The ordinance expressly prohibits the offering, rental, or maintenance of any short-term rental for less than 30 days. Violations of the ordinance are considered unlawful and are subject to penalties, including misdemeanor charges and civil action. The City Attorney may prosecute violations as infractions or misdemeanors, and courts may award reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to the prevailing party in civil actions.
The City Council approved the second reading of the ordinance on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, following approval of an urgency ordinance and regular ordinance on April 2. The restrictions are already in effect due to the adoption of the urgency ordinance.
Anyone interested in reporting a suspected short-term rental, or interested in obtaining more information about the ordinance, may contact the Code Enforcement Division at (714) 667-2780, by using the mySantaAna app, or by visiting the Code Enforcement Division webpage.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Paul Eakins
Public Affairs Information Officer
(714) 647-5224