Short-Term Rentals (STRs)

Short-term rentals (STRs) are prohibited in the City of Laguna Hills, in accordance with Zoning and Development Code Section 9-10.050 (Uses within zones).  STRs are not an enumerated use in the master list of uses provided in Section 9-10.050, and in accordance with that section of Code, uses not specified in the master list are prohibited. 

In addition, to confirm the City’s Zoning and Development Code prohibition of STRs, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2023-2 on April 25, 2023, establishing Laguna Hills Municipal Code (LHMC) Chapter 6-40 (Short-term rentals) to explicitly prohibit the advertisement and rental of property for short-term rental in all residential zones. The purpose and intent of LHMC Chapter 6-40 is to prohibit the advertisement for, operation, and/or establishment of short-term rental of any residential dwelling, dwelling unit, or room in a dwelling in all residential areas, zones, and districts of the City of Laguna Hills.

A short-term rental is defined as “the rental of any residential dwelling, dwelling unit, or room in a dwelling (in whole or in part), accessory structure (in whole or in part), accessory dwelling unit (in whole or in part), and/or a recreational vehicle located upon a parcel or a portion thereof, by owner(s) or lessee(s) to another person or group of people for occupancy, dwelling, lodging, or sleeping purposes in any residential area, zone, or district of the City of Laguna Hills for a period of less than 30 consecutive calendar days.  A short-term rental includes any contract or agreement that initially defined the rental term to be greater than 30 consecutive calendar days and which was subsequently amended, either verbally or in writing, to permit the occupant(s) of the owners’ or lessees’ short-term rental to surrender the subject dwelling unit before the expiration of the initial rental term that results in an actual rental term of less than 30 consecutive calendar days.  The rental of rooms or units within city-approved hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts shall not be considered to be a short-term rental.” 

Any suspected STR may be reported to the City’s Code Enforcement Division at 949-707-2663 or bcarrington@lagunahillsCA.gov. Please provide the address of the suspected property and any details that describe how the property may be operating as an STR. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are short-term rentals allowed in Laguna Hills?

No, the City has never permitted short term rentals.  The City Council also adopted Ordinance No. 2023-2 explicitly prohibiting short term rentals throughout the City on April 25, 2023. 

What is a short-term rental?

An STR is the rental of a residential dwelling or a portion thereof for a period of 30 consecutive days or less.  (The City’s Municipal Code definition for STR is provided toward the top of this webpage.)  

Are there any exemptions to the ordinance?

No, there are no exemptions to the STR ordinance. 

What are the penalties that could be applied to operating a short term rental?

Once an STR violation is verified, the City may issue fines of $1,000 for each offense. 

How do I report a property I believe is being used as a short term rental?

Report a property by accessing the City’s Request Tracker, available 24 hours a day, at this link: https://www.lagunahillsca.gov/requesttracker.aspx) or you may contact the Code Enforcement Division Directly:

Brad Carrington, Code Enforcement Officer, 949-707-2663 or bcarrington@lagunahillsCA.gov.