Midway City, California

Midway City is unincorporated Orange County, so STRs are governed by the County’s STR ordinance administered by OC Development Services. Critical note: the City of Westminster surrounds much of Midway City and BANS short-term rentals entirely. Investors must verify that a specific parcel falls within unincorporated Orange County boundaries and not Westminster city limits before assuming the County framework applies.

For properties confirmed in unincorporated Orange County, STRs require: an Orange County Short-Term Rental Permit (approximately $250, renewed every two years), an initial County property inspection, a detailed operations letter, floor plan, and sample rental agreement, submitted via the County’s online portal. Operators must also register for a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate from the OC Treasurer-Tax Collector and collect 10% TOT on stays of 30 days or less.

California has no statewide lodging or occupancy tax (the proposed SB 584 statewide short-term rental tax was withdrawn by its author and did not become law). Enforcement is strict and proactive: the County monitors listing platforms, and operating without a permit can incur penalties of approximately $1,000 per day, with two or more violations triggering permit revocation and one-year ineligibility. Many properties also sit within HOAs whose CC&Rs may prohibit rentals under 30 days, privately enforceable regardless of County permit status. Verify both County permit eligibility and HOA rules before listing.