Buena Park, California Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Buena Park?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Buena Park, California, but under strict regulations. The city permits STRs defined as rental periods of 29 consecutive days or less. However, the regulations are among the most restrictive in Orange County, requiring owner-occupancy, prohibiting whole-home rentals, and implementing a 300-foot spacing requirement between STR properties.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Buena Park?

Buena Park hosts earn a median $44,373/year with $176 ADR and 88% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $61,113+ per year.

See the full Buena Park market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Buena Park

The process to establish a legal STR in Buena Park involves several sequential steps:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that your property meets the basic criteria:

You must be the property owner and reside on-site as your primary residence
Only single-family homes qualify; multi-family units are prohibited
Properties with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot operate any STR on the premises
The property must comply with all building codes

Step 2: Complete STR Permit Application

Submit your application through the city's designated portal at portal.deckard.com/ca-orange-city_of_buena_park-str-portal. The application requires comprehensive documentation and cannot be saved partially—complete it in one session.

Step 3: Obtain Business License

After conditional approval, obtain a City of Buena Park Business License categorized as "Hotels, Motels and Apartments" ($22.50 per year + $10.00 Zoning Compliance Fee).

Step 4: Pass Home Inspection

Schedule and complete the required property inspection after receiving conditional approval. Any building code violations must be corrected before final permit issuance.

Step 5: Ongoing Compliance

Maintain active permit status, renew every three years, collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax, and ensure continued compliance with all regulations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Permits and Licenses

STR Permit ($300 initial application, $300 renewal every 3 years)
Business License ($22.50 annually + $10 zoning compliance fee)
Home Inspection ($100 fee, collected with initial application)

Insurance Requirements

Liability Insurance: Minimum $1,000,000 coverage specifically for the STR property

Required Documentation

Submit two of the following identification documents:

Driver's license
Voter registration
Vehicle registration
Utility bills
Property tax records (showing host name and STR property address)

Architectural/Site Plans

Provide detailed floor plan and site plan including:

Sleeping areas identification
Proposed maximum number of guests
Evacuation routes
Fire extinguisher locations
Approximate square footage
Maximum number of vehicles for overnight occupants
Designated on-site parking spaces for host and guests

Additional Documentation

Letter of No Objection from Homeowner's Association (if applicable)
Authorized agent contact information (optional)
City-provided written agreement and acknowledgment

Standard Rental Agreement Requirements

All rental agreements must include these mandatory "house rules":

No limousine or bus parking that interferes with emergency vehicle access
Property maintenance free of debris on-site and street
Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
No unreasonable noise or disturbances
Property cannot be used for weddings, auctions, commercial functions, or similar events
Fireworks discharge prohibited except July 4th, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Maximum occupancy: 2 adults per bedroom plus 2 adults total (children under 18 not counted)

Specific Regulations for Buena Park STRs

City-Level Regulations

Owner-Occupancy Requirement: Property owner must reside on-site as primary residence
No Whole-Home Rentals: Only rooms within the owner's primary residence may be rented
ADU Prohibition: No ADU can be used as STR, and if ADU exists on property, no STR can operate anywhere on the premises
300-Foot Spacing: STRs must be spaced at least 300 feet apart (approximately six lots)
One Permit Per Individual: Only one STR permit allowed per person
No Maximum Bookings: Unlimited number of bookings permitted
Listing Requirements: City-issued permit number must appear in all property listings and advertising

Occupancy and Parking

Maximum occupancy: 2 adults per bedroom plus 2 adults (children under 18 excluded from count)
All parking must be accommodated on-site as approved in permit application
No street parking for guests permitted

Operational Restrictions

Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
No commercial events, weddings, or similar gatherings
Fireworks only permitted July 4th, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Property must be maintained free of debris

Tax Requirements

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 12% of rental revenue
Monthly remittance required to Finance Department

Safety Requirements

Fire extinguisher must be present and accessible
Clear evacuation routes must be maintained
Property must pass safety inspection

Enforcement

24/7 complaint hotline: 714-276-1660
Code violations result in permit suspension or revocation
Regular inspections ensure ongoing compliance

State and County Level Context

California State Regulations

As of 2025, California has not enacted statewide STR regulations. The industry is primarily regulated at the municipal level, though recent legislative efforts have focused on platform compliance and tax collection requirements.

Orange County Level

Orange County as a whole has taken a fragmented approach to STR regulation, with neighboring cities implementing vastly different policies:

Anaheim: Existing STRs permitted under strict regulations, new permits prohibited
Costa Mesa: All STRs prohibited since 2021
Garden Grove: STRs prohibited
Irvine: All STRs prohibited in residential zones
Newport Beach: Limited STRs permitted with strict requirements
Orange: STRs permitted with permit and business license requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contacts

Code Enforcement Division (Inspection-related questions): 714-562-3642
Finance Department (TOT and Business License questions): 714-562-3737
24/7 Complaint Hotline: 714-276-1660
City Hall Main Number: 714-562-3500

Online Resources

City Website: www.buenapark.com
STR Permit Application Portal: portal.deckard.com/ca-orange-city_of_buena_park-str-portal
Online Complaint Submission: safe.hostcompliance.com/tips
Business License Information: www.buenapark.com/city_departments/finance/business_license

Physical Address

City of Buena Park Community Development Department - Planning Division 6650 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA 90621-5009

Source Pages

City of Buena Park STR Program Page: www.buenapark.com/city_departments/community_development/planning_division/short_term_rental.php
Buena Park STR Frequently Asked Questions: cms7files1.revize.com/buenaparkca/Document_center/City%20Departments/Community%20development/Planning%20Division/STRFAQ102320.pdf
Orange County REALTORS® STR Guidelines: www.ocrealtors.org/community-information/Short-Term-Rentals
OC Register News Article - "Buena Park sets new rules for short-term rentals": www.ocregister.com/2020/01/16/buena-park-sets-new-rules-for-short-term-rentals-and-granny-flats-are-out/
Buena Park Business License Requirements: www.buenapark.com/city_departments/finance/business_license.php

This guide provides comprehensive information for STR investors considering Buena Park, California. Given the complexity and specificity of local regulations, investors should verify current requirements with city authorities before making investment decisions.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Buena Park

Buena Park is a city of roughly 80,000 residents in northern Orange County, California, situated along the busy Beach Boulevard corridor. Often recognized as the home of one of California's oldest theme parks, the city carries a tourist-friendly, suburban character and serves as a practical gateway to the wider Southern California attractions. Buena Park sits about 25 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles and just a few miles northwest of Anaheim, placing it within easy reach of some of the most visited destinations in the state.

Knott's Berry Farm anchors the city's identity as a family-friendly destination. This historic theme park, which began as a roadside berry stand in 1920 and grew into a major amusement park, features classic roller coasters, themed areas, and seasonal events such as Knott's Scary Farm. Located within the city itself, it serves as the headline draw for guests staying in the area and is supplemented by Knott's Soak City, a separate water park adjacent to the main property.

Just a short drive south, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in neighboring Anaheim offer two additional major theme parks that consistently rank among California's top tourist attractions. The resort is approximately five miles from Buena Park, typically a 10- to 15-minute drive depending on traffic, and draws millions of visitors each year who often look for accommodations outside the immediate resort district.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament has been a Buena Park institution for decades, offering a unique dinner-theater experience with live jousting, horsemanship, and a multi-course meal. The venue is centrally located along Beach Boulevard and provides an evening entertainment option for visitors looking to extend their day beyond the theme parks. The surrounding corridor also features the city's well-known Korean BBQ district, a stretch of restaurants and Asian markets that has earned Buena Park a reputation as a culinary stop in northern Orange County.

Beyond the theme parks, the beaches of coastal Orange County lie roughly 20 to 30 minutes southwest, while downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach are both reachable in about 30 to 45 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Buena Park's combination of its own marquee attractions, immediate proximity to Anaheim, and central position within the greater Los Angeles-Orange County metropolitan area make it a compelling base for short-term rentals. Visitors can enjoy a quieter, more affordable setting while remaining just minutes from some of the biggest tourist draws on the West Coast, and the area's well-developed network of restaurants, freeway access, and existing tourist infrastructure supports a steady, year-round rental market.