Thinking about listing your Corona del Mar home for short stays? The rules in Newport Beach are specific, and a missed step can quickly lead to fines or a suspended permit. You want to protect your property, keep good neighbor relations, and maximize returns the right way. This guide walks you through what matters most in CdM, from permits and taxes to Safety Enhancement Zones and day-to-day operations. Let’s dive in.
What short-term lodging means in CdM
Short-term lodging in Corona del Mar is governed by the City of Newport Beach. You may operate only with a valid City short-term lodging permit and a City business license. The core rules live in Newport Beach Municipal Code Chapter 5.95, which also outlines eligibility, operating conditions, enforcement, and transfers. Review the official code to understand the full program and definitions before you list. Read NBMC Chapter 5.95.
Confirm your property is eligible
Not every address qualifies. Eligibility depends on zoning and specific provisions in the municipal code. Some single-unit parcels and planned communities have additional limits or may be ineligible for new permits based on when the parcel was established. Start by checking the City’s address search and owner resources. Use Newport Beach’s short-term rentals page.
If you are in an HOA or condominium, review your CC&Rs. Private rules can prohibit or further limit short-term rentals even when the City allows them. You must comply with both City rules and your HOA.
Permits, licensing, and taxes
You need two approvals to operate legally:
- A City short-term lodging permit, renewed annually.
- A City business license or tax certificate.
Newport Beach caps active short-term lodging permits at 1,550 and uses a waitlist when the cap is reached. Understand how the cap, waitlist, and renewals affect your timeline. Review the City’s adopted program materials.
You must also collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax. The City’s TOT rate is 10% of the rental amount. In some cases the Finance Director may authorize a hosting platform to collect and remit, but owners remain responsible for compliance and recordkeeping. See the City’s tax guidance for STRs.
Operating rules you must follow
- Minimum nights and guest age. The City sets a minimum stay and a minimum renter age. These values have changed over time. Always verify the current requirements on the City’s STR pages or in the municipal code before you list.
- Occupancy limits. Overnight occupancy must follow the maximum allowed by Building and Fire Code. Include the limit in your rental agreement and house rules.
- Local contact requirement. Provide a local contact within 25 miles who can respond to calls within 30 minutes, 24 hours a day. The City’s answering service will notify your contact and may involve police or code enforcement if needed. See program enforcement details.
- Posting and guest materials. Post your permit, City “good neighbor” information, house rules, emergency contacts, trash schedules, and parking guidance in a visible spot.
- Parking and vehicle plates. Require guests to use on-site parking first and collect license plate numbers for all vehicles. You can be held responsible if parking problems occur near your property during a stay.
- Trash, recycling, and organics. Newport Beach enforces SB 1383. Provide labeled bins and clear instructions for trash, recycling, and organics, and post SB 1383 signage to avoid citations. Check the City’s latest STR updates.
Advertising on platforms
Every listing must display your City-issued short-term lodging permit number. Platforms may block bookings for non-compliant listings. Keep accurate records of bookings and tax filings. If a platform is not authorized by the City to collect tax on your behalf, you must collect and remit TOT directly.
Enforcement and penalties in CdM
Newport Beach uses progressive enforcement. Repeat violations can lead to warnings, fines, and suspension or revocation of your permit. During designated holiday periods, parts of Corona del Mar fall within Safety Enhancement Zones where fines are tripled. Stay current on dates and program notices. Monitor the City’s latest information page.
The City can also use administrative subpoenas to obtain records. Maintain complete files for bookings, tax remittances, guest logs, and license plate lists.
Selling or transferring your STR
Transfers are allowed only in specific situations, such as certain trust, entity, or family transfers, and there are strict filing deadlines after a sale or title change. If you plan to sell, document your permit status and start the transfer process early to avoid abandonment of rights. Review the City’s ordinance materials for transfer rules.
Owner checklist
Before you list:
- Confirm eligibility using the City’s address search and read NBMC Chapter 5.95.
- Verify HOA or condo rules and get written confirmation if needed.
- Apply for your short-term lodging permit and City business license.
- Decide how TOT will be handled and set up your filing process.
- Prepare the home: smoke and CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted permit and good-neighbor info, parking instructions, SB 1383 signage, and 24-hour contact details.
During operations:
- Maintain a 24-hour local contact who can respond within 30 minutes.
- Enforce occupancy, quiet hours, on-site parking first, and license plate collection.
- Keep digital logs and receipts for several years.
- Monitor the City’s updates for Safety Enhancement Zone dates, fee changes, and renewals.
When to ask for guidance
If you are weighing whether a short-term rental supports your broader ownership goals, a local perspective helps. From second-home use to exit timing and resale, the rules in CdM can influence value, marketing, and buyer demand. For confidential, high-touch guidance tailored to Newport Beach luxury property, connect with Kim Bibb.
FAQs
Do you need a City permit to rent your Corona del Mar home for weekends?
- Yes. You must have a valid Newport Beach short-term lodging permit and a City business license to operate. Review the requirements in NBMC Chapter 5.95.
What is the transient occupancy tax for Newport Beach short-term rentals?
- The City’s TOT rate is 10 percent of the rental amount. Owners are responsible for collection and remittance unless the City authorizes a platform to do so. See the City’s STR tax guidance.
Is there a cap or waitlist for short-term lodging permits in Newport Beach?
- Yes. The City caps active permits at 1,550 and maintains a waitlist when the cap is reached. Review the City’s adopted program materials.
What are the 24-hour local contact rules for CdM STRs?
- You must provide a local contact within 25 miles who can respond to complaints within 30 minutes at any time. Noncompliance can lead to penalties or suspension. See enforcement details.
What are Safety Enhancement Zones in Corona del Mar?
- During certain holiday periods, designated Safety Enhancement Zones carry tripled fines for violations. Check dates and guidance on the City’s updates page. View current notices.
Can you transfer your STR permit when selling a Corona del Mar property?
- In limited cases, yes, but strict timelines apply after a sale or title change. Start early and follow the City’s procedures. Review transfer rules.
