Thinking about renting your Corona del Mar home for short stays? Newport Beach has a clear set of rules that can work in your favor if you plan ahead. Whether you want occasional income or a full-time STR operation, it pays to understand permits, the citywide cap, taxes and guest rules before you list. This guide walks you through what is allowed in CdM, how to stay compliant, and how to approach a purchase or sale involving a permit. Let’s dive in.
What counts as a short‑term rental in CdM
Short‑term lodging in Newport Beach means renting a residential unit for less than 30 consecutive days. You must have both a City business license and a Short‑Term Lodging permit before you advertise or host. The rules live in NBMC Chapter 5.95, which outlines eligibility, operating standards and enforcement in the municipal code.
Who can get a permit in Corona del Mar
Permits are only allowed in certain residential zones. Many multifamily and mixed zones qualify, while most single‑family R‑1 parcels are restricted unless a pre‑2004 permit remains valid. Always verify a specific address on the City’s map and registry before you rely on eligibility in NBMC Chapter 5.95.
Permit cap and waitlist
Newport Beach limits active short‑term lodging permits citywide to 1,550. When the cap is reached, the City pauses new permits and maintains a waitlist. You can review the City’s rules and reminders on the short‑term rentals page, including how the cap affects new applications on the City’s “Remember These Rules” page. Local press also covered the cap and program updates after Coastal Commission approvals in this report.
Operating rules you must follow
Once permitted, you agree to specific standards that protect neighbors and the community. Key highlights include:
Minimum stays
The adopted program includes a two‑night minimum stay citywide. You should confirm the minimum on your individual permit and the City’s current guidance before accepting one‑night bookings as covered by local reporting.
Local contact and response times
You must list a 24/7 local contact within 25 miles who can respond to complaints within 30 minutes. Keep that contact information current with the City and posted in the home per the City’s local contact guidance.
Occupancy, parking, noise and trash
The City sets occupancy limits through your permit and requires available on‑site parking as specified. Noise rules and gathering limits apply, and you are responsible for proper trash, recycling and organics separation (SB‑1383 compliance). During designated holidays, fines may be higher in Safety Enhancement Zones, which include parts of Corona del Mar as shown in City updates.
Posting and advertising requirements
You must display your permit number, house rules, local contact and key information (trash days, parking, street‑sweeping) in the listing and inside the property. Advertisements must identify the permit number where required per NBMC Chapter 5.95.
Taxes, renewals and fees
Newport Beach requires hosts to collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax for stays under 30 days. Always confirm the current rate with the City before advertising pricing, and file as instructed under the City’s tax chapter in NBMC Chapter 3.16. Permit renewals and UTOT materials are typically mailed in late September and due by October 31. Check the City’s owner resources page for the latest forms and fee information on the short‑term rentals portal.
Buying or selling a CdM property with a permit
Permits do not automatically transfer at closing. If you buy a permitted property, the transfer application generally must be filed within 60 days of the title transfer. Other timelines apply for trusts, entities, family transfers and heirs. This transfer process is the typical path for keeping a permit active when the cap blocks new permits per the City’s transfer rules.
If you are buying in CdM and STR income is part of your plan:
- Check the address on the City’s permit registry to confirm an active permit and its conditions.
- If there is no permit, review the 1,550 cap, ask about the waitlist and assess transfer opportunities.
- Verify zoning eligibility for the parcel in question.
- Confirm HOA or CC&R rules, which can prohibit STRs even when the City allows them.
You can search addresses and view neighborhood concentrations on the City’s interactive registry here.
Enforcement and Safety Enhancement Zones
Newport Beach uses administrative citations for violations, with progressive fines that escalate for repeat issues and can lead to suspension or revocation. Failing to meet permit conditions, ignoring complaint response rules or not remitting TOT can trigger penalties under NBMC Chapter 5.95. During holidays and special periods, the City may designate Safety Enhancement Zones in areas that include parts of CdM, where fines are higher and enforcement is intensified per City notices.
Corona del Mar specifics to watch
- Concentration: CdM has historically had a notable concentration of permits alongside nearby neighborhoods, which can lead to more attention on parking, noise and guest behaviors in enforcement efforts as covered by local reporting.
- HOA and CC&Rs: Many CdM properties are in HOAs. Private covenants can prohibit STRs even when City rules would allow them. Always confirm community rules before you plan to host on the City’s STR resources.
Your next step
If you plan to rent short term in Corona del Mar, get clear on eligibility, the 1,550-permit cap and transfer options, and build a compliant operating plan for guest stays. If you are buying or selling, align your escrow timeline with the City’s transfer windows and HOA approvals. For local guidance, neighborhood nuance and a negotiation‑first strategy, connect with the Carter Kaufman Team.
FAQs
How does Newport Beach define a short‑term rental?
- It is the rental of a residential unit for fewer than 30 consecutive days, which requires a City business license and a Short‑Term Lodging permit under NBMC Chapter 5.95.
What is the current cap on STR permits in Newport Beach?
- The City caps active short‑term lodging permits at 1,550; when the cap is reached, new permits pause and a waitlist is maintained.
Can I buy a CdM home and then apply for a new STR permit?
- Not if the citywide cap has been reached; most buyers acquire a property that already has a transferable permit or join the waitlist.
What are the key operating rules for permitted STRs?
- Typical rules include a two‑night minimum, a 24/7 local contact within 25 miles, occupancy and parking limits, noise controls and required trash and organics separation.
Do HOA rules override City STR permissions in CdM?
- Yes, private CC&Rs and HOA rules can prohibit STRs even when the City would allow them, so you must comply with both.
What happens if guests violate the rules?
- The City can issue administrative citations and escalate fines; repeat violations can lead to suspension or revocation, and fines may be higher during Safety Enhancement Zones.
