Huntington Beach Short-Term Rentals: Rules and Regulations

Huntington Beach, affectionately known as “Surf City USA,” is a prime destination for tourists seeking sun, sand, and waves. With its picturesque coastline and vibrant community, it’s no surprise that short-term rentals (STRs) have become a popular option for visitors and a potential income stream for property owners. However, operating an STR in Huntington Beach comes with a specific set of rules and regulations designed to balance the needs of residents, visitors, and the city itself. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the details of Huntington Beach’s STR policies, covering everything from permits to zoning, taxes, and compliance, so you can navigate this landscape with confidence.

The Rise of Short-Term Rentals in Huntington Beach

The advent of platforms like Airbnb and VRBO has transformed how people travel and how property owners monetize their homes. In Huntington Beach, short-term rentals—defined as residential units rented for 30 or fewer consecutive nights—have gained traction over the past decade. Recognizing this trend, the Huntington Beach City Council took action to regulate STRs, ensuring they coexist harmoniously with the city’s residential character and long-term housing goals. On December 21, 2020, the council approved Ordinance No. 4224, amending the Huntington Beach Municipal Code (HBMC) by adding Chapter 5.120, dedicated to STRs. The ordinance went into effect on February 19, 2021, with a permit fee resolution adopted on March 1, 2021, setting the stage for the current regulatory framework.

Zoning: Understanding Zone 1 and Zone 2

Huntington Beach divides its jurisdiction into two distinct zones for STR purposes:

• Zone 1: This encompasses all properties within the city limits, excluding Sunset Beach. In Zone 1, only hosted or owner-occupied STRs are permitted. This means the property owner must reside on-site during the rental period. The goal is to maintain neighborhood integrity and ensure a responsible party is present to address any issues that arise.
• Zone 2: This zone consists solely of Sunset Beach, a coastal neighborhood annexed by Huntington Beach in 2011. Zone 2 offers more flexibility, allowing both hosted and un-hosted (non-owner-occupied) STRs. However, un-hosted STRs in Sunset Beach were subject to a grandfathering clause: owners had until March 1, 2022 (six months after the permit fee resolution), to apply for a permit. After this deadline, no new un-hosted STR permits have been issued in Zone 2, effectively capping the number of such rentals.

This zoning distinction reflects the city’s nuanced approach to balancing tourism with residential stability. Sunset Beach, with its history of vacation rentals, enjoys a slightly more permissive policy, while the rest of Huntington Beach prioritizes hosted rentals to minimize disruptions in residential areas.

Permit Requirements

Operating an STR in Huntington Beach requires a valid, non-transferable annual permit from the city. Here’s what you need to know:

• One Permit Per Operator: The city limits each operator to a single STR permit across both zones. This prevents individuals from turning multiple properties into rental businesses, preserving housing stock for long-term residents.
• Property Limits: For single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, or rental properties of any size, only one STR permit is issued per property. However, for ownership properties with four or more units (e.g., condominiums or townhouses), up to three STR permits may be issued, provided they comply with any applicable Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs).
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): ADUs or junior ADUs can be used as STRs, but only if they were legally established before the ordinance’s effective date (February 19, 2021).
• Application Process: To obtain a permit, operators must submit an application with required documents and pay a fee (set at $624 as of recent updates). Once approved, operators must also secure a business license. Permits must be renewed annually, ensuring ongoing compliance.
• Display Requirement: The city-issued STR permit number must be displayed in all marketing and advertising, including online listings on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. This transparency helps the city monitor compliance and allows renters to verify the legitimacy of a listing.

Operational Rules and Responsibilities

Beyond permits, Huntington Beach imposes operational standards to ensure STRs don’t negatively impact neighborhoods:

• Local Contact Person: Every STR operator must designate a local contact person available 24/7 to respond to complaints within one hour and take remedial action. This ensures prompt resolution of issues like noise or parking disputes.
• Noise Ordinance Compliance: All STRs must adhere to the city’s noise regulations, which aim to maintain peace in residential areas. Operators should inform guests of quiet hours and maximum occupancy limits to avoid violations.
• Safety Standards: Properties must be equipped with working fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors, meeting life, fire, and safety codes. Emergency exit routes and contact information must also be provided to guests.
• Liability Insurance: Operators are required to maintain adequate liability insurance to cover the STR, protecting both themselves and the city from potential claims.
• Property Maintenance: STR properties must be well-maintained, free of code violations, to uphold neighborhood standards.

Taxes and Fees

Running an STR in Huntington Beach involves financial obligations beyond the permit fee:

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Set at 10%, this tax is collected from guests and remitted to the city quarterly. The due dates are:
  • Quarter 1 (January 1–March 31): Last city business day in April
  • Quarter 2 (April 1–June 30): Last city business day in July
  • Quarter 3 (July 1–September 30): Last city business day in October
  • Quarter 4 (October 1–December 31): Last city business day in January Even if no rental activity occurs, operators must file a $0 return to avoid penalties.
• Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Assessment: An additional 6% assessment is collected from guests and paid to the city to fund tourism-related initiatives. This is also remitted quarterly via the city’s online portal (huntingtonbeach.munirevs.com).

Unlike some jurisdictions, neither Airbnb nor VRBO collects these taxes on behalf of Huntington Beach hosts, making compliance the operator’s responsibility.

Enforcement and Penalties

Huntington Beach takes STR regulations seriously, with strict enforcement mechanisms in place:

• Permit Revocation: Three violations within a 12-month period can lead to the revocation of an STR permit, effectively shutting down the operation.
• Fines: Violations of the STR ordinance can result in fines of up to $1,000 per day, providing a strong incentive for compliance.
• Monitoring: The city uses tools like Lodging Revs to identify unpermitted listings and collaborates with code enforcement to verify compliance. Residents can report violations via the “MyHB” app, ensuring community oversight.

Challenges and Community Perspectives

The STR regulations have sparked varied reactions. The Huntington Beach Short-Term Rental Alliance, formed in 2017, advocates for reasonable regulations that allow homeowners to benefit economically while contributing to tourism revenue. Members argue that STRs provide flexibility for owners facing financial challenges, such as widows or those with temporary relocations, and that well-managed rentals enhance the visitor experience without disrupting neighborhoods.

Conversely, some residents worry about noise, parking congestion, and the erosion of long-term housing availability. The city’s focus on hosted rentals in Zone 1 reflects these concerns, prioritizing owner presence to mitigate potential issues. In Sunset Beach, the allowance of un-hosted rentals acknowledges its historical role as a vacation hub, though the permit cap ensures growth remains controlled.

Tips for Prospective STR Operators

If you’re considering launching an STR in Huntington Beach, here’s how to get started:

1. Check Your Zone: Determine whether your property falls in Zone 1 or Zone 2 to understand your hosting options (hosted vs. un-hosted).
2. Review HOA Rules: If your property is governed by a homeowners’ association, ensure STRs are allowed under its bylaws, as city regulations don’t override private restrictions.
3. Apply for a Permit: Contact the Planning and Zoning counter at (714) 536-5271 or email permitcenter@surfcity-hb.org for application details. Submit all documents and the $624 fee promptly.
4. Set Up Tax Compliance: Register with the city’s online portal to manage TOT and TBID payments. Keep meticulous records to avoid penalties.
5. Prepare Your Property: Install required safety equipment, designate a local contact, and draft guest guidelines covering noise, parking, and occupancy rules.
6. Monitor Listings: Ensure your permit number is visible on all platforms and stay updated on renewals and city announcements.

Looking Ahead

As of April 8, 2025, Huntington Beach’s STR regulations remain a work in progress, shaped by ongoing dialogue between operators, residents, and officials. While the current framework leans toward restriction—favoring hosted rentals and capping un-hosted ones in Sunset Beach—future adjustments could emerge as the city evaluates enforcement outcomes and economic impacts. For now, compliance is key to thriving as an STR host in this coastal gem.

Whether you’re a homeowner eyeing extra income or a visitor seeking a beachside retreat, understanding Huntington Beach’s STR rules ensures a smoother experience. By adhering to these regulations, you can enjoy the best of Surf City while respecting its community fabric—a win-win for all involved.