Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Seal Beach, CA?

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Seal Beach, CA, but under highly regulated and limited conditions. The City of Seal Beach permits short-term rentals through a tightly controlled program that allows STRs only within the Coastal Zone (south of Westminster Boulevard) and limits permits to 1% of housing units in that zone. Currently, this translates to a maximum of 47 active STR permits at any given time, with interested property owners placed on a waitlist when the cap is reached.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Seal Beach

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility

• Confirm Coastal Zone Location: Ensure your property is located south of Westminster Boulevard within the designated Coastal Zone
• Check Zoning Status: Contact the Seal Beach Planning Division at (562) 431-2527 to verify zoning compliance
• Review HOA/CC&R Restrictions: Consult with your Homeowner's Board or management company, as some communities (Surfside, Heron Pointe, and Seal Beach Shores) prohibit STRs through private regulations
• Confirm Property Type: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), garages, pool houses, and outbuildings cannot be used as STRs

Step 2: Navigate the Permit Application Process

• Enter the Lottery System: Submit a Preliminary Application for Lottery via email to STR@sealbeachca.gov
• Waitlist Registration: If permits are exhausted, complete the Waitlist Application for Short Term Rental to be placed in order of application
• Application Processing: Those selected from the lottery will receive instructions for the full application process
• Annual Renewal: STR permits are valid for one year and must be renewed annually

Step 3: Obtain Required Business Documentation

• Business License: Required in addition to the STR permit
• Insurance Coverage: Maintain liability insurance meeting or exceeding City standards
• Local Contact Designation: Provide a local contact person who can respond within one hour

Step 4: Prepare Property for STR Operations

• Safety Equipment Installation: Install working fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors
• Emergency Information: Provide emergency exit routes and local emergency contact information
• Good Neighbor Compliance: Implement guidelines prohibiting parties, excessive noise, and ensuring proper trash disposal

Step 5: Implement Tax Collection Systems

• TOT Registration: Register with the City to collect and remit transient occupancy tax
• Quarterly Reporting: File TOT remittances quarterly or as otherwise required

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

• Short-Term Rental Permit: Initial fee $600, annual renewal fee $400
• Business License: Separate city business license required
• Property Insurance: Liability insurance meeting City standards
• Local Contact Person Designation: Required for complaint response

Operating Guidelines

• Good Neighbor Guidelines: Comprehensive behavioral standards for guests
• Safety Compliance: Fire safety, smoke detection, carbon monoxide detection
• Occupancy Limits: Maximum guests per property (typically 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional)
• Noise Ordinances: Compliance with quiet hours and noise restrictions

Tax Documentation

• Transient Occupancy Tax Registration: Required for tax collection
• Quarterly TOT Remittance Forms: Filed with City Finance Department
• Rental Income Documentation: Records for tax reporting purposes

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

City of Seal Beach Regulations (SBMC 11.4.05.135)

Geographic Restrictions:

• STRs permitted only in Coastal Zone (south of Westminster Boulevard)
• Maximum 1% of coastal zone housing units (47 permits total)
• Property types restricted to single-family dwellings and portions thereof

Operational Requirements:

• Maximum rental period: 29 consecutive nights or fewer
• Mandatory local contact person with one-hour response capability
• Guest information provision: occupancy limits, parking, noise rules, trash requirements
• Permit display on all advertising and listings

Prohibited Activities:

• Hotels, motels, inns, and bed-and-breakfast inns (separate classification)
• Parties, weddings, or large gatherings
• STRs in ADUs, garages, pool houses, or outbuildings
• Operation without valid permit

County Level (Orange County)

• Orange County does not impose additional STR-specific regulations beyond city requirements
• County health and safety codes may apply to STR properties
• Property tax assessments remain at residential rates

State of California Regulations

• California Coastal Act: Mandates coastal access protection, influencing Seal Beach's STR policy
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): State-authorized local tax collection
• Health and Safety Code: Requirements for fire safety, smoke detection
• Penal Code 415: Disturbing the peace regulations apply to guest behavior
• Business and Professions Code: General business operation requirements

Tax Structure

• Transient Occupancy Tax: 12% of base rental rate (collected and remitted quarterly)
• Reporting Period: Quarterly remittances due on or before the last day of the month following the close of each calendar quarter

Enforcement and Penalties

Violations and Fines

• Unpermitted Operation: $1,000 per day citation until compliance
• Standard Condition Violations: Permit revocation for serious or continued violations
• Noise and Nuisance: Citations under SBMC 7.35.010.B4 and 7.45.005
• Tax Non-Compliance: Penalties for failure to collect or remit TOT

Compliance Monitoring

• City collaboration with hosting platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo) for regulation enforcement
• Code Enforcement Division investigations of complaints
• Regular permit renewal requirements with compliance verification

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary STR Administration

• Email: STR@sealbeachca.gov
• Phone: Community Development Department (562) 431-2527
• Address: City Hall, 211 Eighth Street, Seal Beach, CA 90740

Complaint Reporting

• Email: STR@sealbeachca.gov (for STR-related issues)
• Police Emergency: (562) 799-4100 (for night-time disturbances)
• Code Enforcement: Contact through Community Development Department

Permits and Licensing

• Business License Information: Finance Department at City Hall
• Planning Division: (562) 431-2527 for zoning verification
• TOT Questions: Finance Department

Local Resources

• STR Local Contact Person Directory: Available on city website for property management services
• TOT Remittance Forms: Finance Department or online through city website

Source Links

1. City of Seal Beach STR Program: www.sealbeachca.gov/Departments/Community-Development/Planning-Development/Short-Term-Rental-Permits
2. STR FAQs: www.sealbeachca.gov/Portals/0/Documents/STR%20Website%20FAQs.pdf?ver=2023-03-31-070736-163
3. Ordinance 1701: www.sealbeachca.gov/Portals/0/Documents/CC%20Ord%201701%202023-01-23.pdf?ver=2023-01-26-130718-270
4. Good Neighbor Guidelines: www.sealbeachca.gov/Portals/0/Documents/Good%20Neighbors%20Guidelines.pdf?ver=2023-03-31-070736-617
5. STR Rules & Regulations: www.sealbeachca.gov/Portals/0/Documents/STR%20Rules%20and%20Regulations.pdf?ver=2023-03-31-070736-210
6. Waitlist Application: www.sealbeachca.gov/Portals/0/Users/032/32/32/Waiting%20List%20Application%20for%20Short%20Term%20Rental.pdf?ver=2023-10-25-170043-580
7. TOT Remittance Forms: www.sealbeachca.gov/Portals/0/Users/027/27/27/TOT%20Remittance.pdf?ver=2025-05-13-132312-353
8. Municipal Code STR Section: www.sealbeachca.gov/Government/Municipal-Code-City-Charter
9. Airbnb STR Information: www.airbnb.com/help/article/3748
10. Planning Division Contact: (562) 431-2527

Important Note: This guide reflects regulations as of 2025. STR regulations are subject to change through city council actions or California Coastal Commission reviews. Property owners should verify current requirements with the City of Seal Beach Community Development Department before making investment decisions.