Huntington Beach Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Huntington Beach, California?

Short-term rentals, popularized by platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, are regulated in Huntington Beach, California. The city defines short-term rentals as residential units rented for thirty or fewer consecutive nights. The regulations were formalized through Ordinance No. 4224, which amended the Huntington Beach Municipal Code to include Chapter 5.120 for Short-Term Rentals (STRs). This ordinance came into effect on February 19, 2021, and all short-term rentals were required to have a valid city permit by December 31, 2021, or face removal from online platforms1.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Huntington Beach

To start a short-term rental business in Huntington Beach, one must obtain a valid city permit. The permit application process involves submitting all required documents and an application fee of $624. Once the permit is approved, a business license must be obtained2.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Huntington Beach

Short-term rentals are permitted in Zone 2 for existing owner unoccupied residential dwelling units. A permit must be obtained within six months of the effective date of the resolution. Only one short-term rental permit is granted to a host or operator within the city, including Sunset Beach2.

Required Documents for Huntington Beach Short Term Rentals

The required documents for a short-term rental in Huntington Beach include a completed application, proof of general liability insurance, and a business license. Additionally, hosts are required to display their short-term rental permit or registration number on any listing advertisement2.

Huntington Beach Short Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rental operators must remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) via the city's online portal for each quarter. Even if there is no rental activity, operators must still remit a $0 return by the due date to avoid fees1.

California wide Short Term Rental Rules

In Huntington Beach, short-term rentals are permitted in owner-occupied residential dwelling units in Zone 1 and existing owner unoccupied residential dwelling units in Zone 2. The city actively monitors STR activity to ensure compliance with the law and may impose fines and other legal actions for violations4.

Does Huntington Beach strictly enforce STR rules?

The city strictly enforces STR rules and actively monitors STR activity for compliance with the law. Hosts are required to display their short-term rental permit or registration number on any listing advertisement. The city also provides a platform for reporting violations to code enforcement. The local contact person for a permitted STR property is required to respond to calls within one hour, and complaints about STRs can be submitted online24.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Huntington Beach?

1. Complete the application for a Short-Term Rental permit.
2. Submit all required documents and the application fee of $624.
3. Once the permit is approved, apply for a business license.
4. Remit Transient Occupancy Tax and Tourism Business Improvement District via the city's online portal for each quarter12.

Who to Contact in Huntington Beach about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For information about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Huntington Beach, you can contact the City of Huntington Beach Planning Division at 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA, or by phone at (714) 536-5271. You can also reach them via email at community.development@surfcity-hb.org1.

What do Airbnb hosts in Huntington Beach on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Hosts in Huntington Beach are required to adhere to the city's regulations, including obtaining a permit and displaying it on their listing advertisements. The city strictly enforces these rules and provides a platform for reporting violations. Hosts are also required to have a local contact person who must respond to calls within one hour. Overall, the city's regulations are designed to ensure compliance and address any issues that may arise from short-term rentals24.