Orange County · checked 2026-09-13
Can you BnB it in Newport Beach?
AllowedNewport Beach allows short term lodging with an annual permit, capped at 1,550 citywide (1,475 residential, 75 multi-use) with waiting lists, a two night minimum stay, and a 25 year old minimum renter age. Unusually, permits transfer on sale if the buyer applies within 60 days, with 365 day windows for trusts, entities and family and 90 days for heirs.
The rules, with their sources
Permit or licenseA permit or license is required before operating.L15.95.015 · code text · checked 2026-09-13
Hosted onlyThe code does not limit rentals to hosted stays.L1NBMC Ch. 5.95 (Ord. 2020-15 and 2020-26, 2020; Ord. 2021-28, 2021; Ord. 2023-23, 2023; Ord. 2025-4 and 2025-15, 2025; Ord. 2025-37, adopted 2026-01-13; Ord. 2026-2, adopted 2026-02-24) · code text · checked 2026-09-13
Primary residenceThe code does not require the rental to be the operator's primary residence.L1NBMC Ch. 5.95 (Ord. 2020-15 and 2020-26, 2020; Ord. 2021-28, 2021; Ord. 2023-23, 2023; Ord. 2025-4 and 2025-15, 2025; Ord. 2025-37, adopted 2026-01-13; Ord. 2026-2, adopted 2026-02-24) · code text · checked 2026-09-13
Permit capPermits are capped at 1550.L15.95.042 · code text · checked 2026-09-13
Caps and limitsTotal citywide cap 1,550, split as a maximum of 1,475 permits in residential districts and 75 in the multi-use area (5.95.042, as amended through Ord. 2025-37, 1/13/2026). Separate waiting lists for the two pools; 10 calendar days to apply when a permit becomes available. Properties with five or more units limited to 20% of units (rounded down). R-1 parcels ineligible for new permits since June 1, 2004 except previously issued unrevoked permits (5.95.015).L15.95.042 · code text · checked 2026-09-13
Transfer when the home sellsPermits transfer with the property if a transfer application is filed on time (5.95.043): bona fide purchaser for value, 60 days from title transfer; transfer to an inter vivos or family trust, 365 days; transfer to a corporation, LLC, partnership or similar entity, 365 days; transfer to an immediate family member (spouse, domestic partner, children, parents, siblings, cousins), 365 days; heirs of a deceased owner, 90 days from acquiring ownership. A missed deadline means the permit is deemed abandoned unless the Administrative Services Director finds good cause to extend.L15.95.043(A)(4) · code text · checked 2026-09-13
Read the code text →
In the city's own words
5.95.042“The total number of short term lodging permits in the City shall not exceed one thousand five hundred fifty (1,550).” source
5.95.042“The maximum number of short term lodging permits in a residential district shall be limited to one thousand four hundred seventy-five (1,475) permits at any time.” source
5.95.043(A)(4)“If the owner sells the lodging unit to a bona fide purchaser for value, [...] the permit may transfer if application is filed within 60 days of title transfer.” source
5.95.045“Neither an owner nor the owner's agent shall rent, let, advertise for rent, or enter into an agreement for the rental of any lodging unit, for less than two consecutive nights.” source
Citation: NBMC Ch. 5.95 (Ord. 2020-15 and 2020-26, 2020; Ord. 2021-28, 2021; Ord. 2023-23, 2023; Ord. 2025-4 and 2025-15, 2025; Ord. 2025-37, adopted 2026-01-13; Ord. 2026-2, adopted 2026-02-24)
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How this page was verified
Verified from the municipal code (level 1), checked on 2026-09-13 by the CanIBnB research desk. Research is AI assisted and human reviewed; the method, the level system, and the re-check schedule are on the How we verify page. If anything here is wrong, report it and it goes in the public corrections log.