The Santa Ana City Council has voted to ban short-term residential rentals within city limits.
Under the ordinance, it is expressly prohibited to offer, rent or maintain any short-term rental for less than 30 days.
According to a release from the City of Santa Ana, the ban is being put in place to “preserve the character of neighborhoods, address the negative impacts caused by these unpermitted business operations and to open up much-needed housing supplies.”
A recent spike in short-term rentals proliferated by sites like Airbnb and Vrbo has led to “a range of issues” in Santa Ana, city officials said.
“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,” the city’s release stated.
Over 1,100 active short-term rental units have been identified across Santa Ana, which according to the city, represents approximately 35% of the city’s new housing needs as determined by the state.
“By banning short-term rentals, the city aims to preserve housing stock for long-term rental or sale, thus addressing the ongoing housing crisis,” city officials said.
The second reading of the ordinance was approved on Tuesday following approval of an urgency ordinance and a regular ordinance on April 2; restrictions are already in effect due to the adoption of the urgency ordinance.
Violators are subject to penalties including misdemeanor charges and civil action.
For more information on the ordinance, and to report a suspected short-term rental, contact Santa Ana’s Code Enforcement Division by calling 714-667-2780 or by visiting the Code Enforcement Division website.