859
§10.74.060 Penalties
§10.74.070 Responsible Party
§10.74.010 Definitions
As used in this chapter, the following terms and words shall have the following meanings:
"Dangerous Fireworks" has the same meaning as in California Health and Safety Code §12505 and includes all of the following:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
Any fireworks which contain any of the following:
(a) Arsenic sulfide, arsenates, or arsenites;
(b) Boron;
(c) Chlorates, except:
(i) In colored smoke mixtures in which an equal or grater amount of sodium bicarbonate is included;
(ii) In caps and party poppers;
(iii) In those small items (such as ground spinners) in which the total powder content does not exceed four grams, of which not greater than 15% (or 600 milligrams) is potassium, sodium, or barium chlorate;
(d) Gallates or gallic acid;
(e) Magnesium (magnesium -aluminum alloys, called magnalium, are permitted);
(f) Mercury salts;
(g) Phosphorous (red or white except that red phosphorous is permissible in caps and party poppers);
(h) Picrates or picric acid;
(i) Thiocyanates;
(j) Titanium, except in particle size greater than 100 -mesh; (k) Zirconium.
Firecrackers;
Skyrockets and rockets, including all devices which employ any combustible or explosive material, and which rise in the air during discharge; Roman candles, including all devices which discharge balls of fire into the air;
Chasers, including all devices that dart or travel about the surface of the ground during discharge;
Sparklers more than ten inches in length or one-fourth of one inch in diameter;
Fireworks designed and intended by the manufacturer to create the element of surprise upon the user. These items include, but are not limited to, auto- foolers, cigarette loads, exploding golf balls, and trick matches; Ordinance No. 0-2026-06
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(8) Fireworks known as "devil -on -the -walk," or any other firework which explodes through means of friction, unless otherwise classified by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to applicable law;
(9) Torpedoes of all kinds which explode on impact;
(10) Fireworks kits;
(11) Any other fireworks examined and tested by the State Fire Marshal and determined by him or her, with the advice of the State Board of Fire Services, to possess characteristics of design or construction which make such fireworks unsafe for use by any person not specially qualified or trained in the use of fireworks.
"Exempt Fireworks" has the same meaning as in California Health and Safety Code §12508 and means any special item containing pyrotechnic compositions which the State Fire Marshal, with the advice of the State Fire Advisory Board, has investigated and determined to be limited to industrial, commercial or agricultural use, or to religious ceremonies when authorized by a permit granted by the authority having jurisdiction. "Fire Chief" or "Chief" means the Fire Chief of the City of Placentia or his or her authorized representative.
"Fireworks" has the same meaning as in California Health and Safety Code §12511 and means any device containing chemical elements or chemical compounds capable of burning independently of the oxygen of the atmosphere and producing audible, visual, mechanical, or thermal effects which are useful as pyrotechnic devices or for entertainment. The term "Fireworks" includes, but is not limited to, devices designated by the manufacturer as fireworks, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, model rockets, rockets, Daygo bombs, sparklers, chasers, fountains, smoke sparks, aerial bombs and firework kits.
"Firework Kits" has the same meaning as in California Health and Safety Code §12512 and means any assembly of materials or explosive substances, which is designed and intended by the seller to be assembled by the person receiving such material or explosive substance, and that when assembled would come within the definition of fireworks. "Public Display of Fireworks" means an entertainment feature where the public or a private group is admitted or permitted to view the display or discharge of dangerous fireworks.
"Pyrotechnic Operator" means any licensed pyrotechnic operator who, by examination, experience and training, has demonstrated the required skill and ability in the use and discharge of fireworks as authorized by the license granted. "Pyrotechnic Special Effects Material" means a low explosive material, other than detonating cord, commonly used in motion picture, television, theatrical or group entertainment productions for which a permit from the chief is required for use or storage.
Ordinance No. 0-2026-06
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"Responsible Party" means those person or persons who are responsible for any violation of this Chapter as further set forth in Section §10.74.070. "Safe and Sane Fireworks" has the same meaning as in California Health and Safety Code §12529 and means any fireworks which do not come within the definition of dangerous fireworks or exempt fireworks.
"Social Host" means a person or persons with a right of possession of the residence or other private property at which illegal fireworks are sold, offered to be sold, possessed, stored, used, ignited or discharged including but not limited to: (a) any owner of the residence or other private property - meaning the record owner of the title to property as of the time of the possession, storage, sale, use, ignition or discharge, wherever that person or entity resides at that time; (b) a tenant or lessee of the residence of other private property at the time when the illegal fireworks are possessed, stored, sold, used, ignited, or discharged; (c) the person(s) in charge of the residence or other private property at the time when illegal fireworks are possessed, stored, sold, used, ignited or discharged; (d) the person(s) who organizes supervises, officiates, conducts or controls the gathering or any other persons(s) accepting responsibility for such gatherings where illegal fireworks are possessed.
§10.74.020 Prohibition
(1) General prohibition. Pursuant to Section 18.04.050 of this Code, no person shall possess, keep, store, use, shoot, discharge, set off, ignite, explode, manufacture, sell, offer to sell, give or transport any fireworks, dangerous fireworks, or safe and sane fireworks, except in a public display pursuant to a permit obtained under the provisions of the Cal. Health and Safety Code §§ 12640 through 12654 and this Chapter. (2) Manufacturing prohibited. The manufacturing of fireworks, dangerous fireworks, or safe and sane fireworks within the City is prohibited. (3) Pyrotechnic special effects material. A permit is required to manufacture, compound, store or use pyrotechnic special effects material. Applications for such permits shall be submitted to the Fire Chief and the Chief of Police. A permit shall be granted only to a State Fire Marshall licensed pyrotechnic operator. §10.74.030 Displays
(1) Permit required. A permit is required to conduct a public display of fireworks.
Applications for such permits shall be submitted to the Fire Chief and the Chief of Police no fewer than thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled date of the display. The permit application shall include, at a minimum, a diagram of the grounds on which the display is to be held showing the point at which the fireworks are to be discharged and the fallout zone and areas; details and list of any aerial devices utilized, including shell size and effect; the location of buildings, highways and other lines of communication; the lines behind which the audience will be restrained; and the location of nearby trees, telephone lines Ordinance No. 0-2026-06
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and other overhead obstructions. At the time of permit application, the Fire Chief shall determine the requirements for standby fire apparatus.
(2) Supervision. A public display of fireworks shall be under the direct supervision of a pyrotechnic operator. The pyrotechnic operator shall be responsible for all aspects of a display related to pyrotechnics.
(3) Bond required. The permitee shall furnish a bond and/or certificate of insurance, in the discretion of Risk Management, and in an amount deemed adequate by the Risk Management for the payment of damages which could be caused either to a person or persons or to property by reason of the permitted display and arising from acts of the permitee, agents, employees, or subcontractors. The City shall be named as the beneficiary under any bond and as an additional insured under any required insurance. §10.74.040 Exceptions
Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to prohibit the use of fireworks by railroads or other transportation agencies for signal purposes or illumination, or the sale or use of blank cartridges for a show or theater, for signal or ceremonial purposes in athletics or sports, or for use by military organizations.
§10.74.050 Seizure and disposal
(1) The Fire Chief, the Chief of Police and their authorized representatives are authorized to enforce the provisions of this Chapter.
(2) The Fire Chief, the Chief of Police and their authorized representatives shall have the authority to seize, take, and remove any fireworks, dangerous fireworks, and safe and sane fireworks. The Fire Chief, the Chief of Police and their authorized representatives may charge any person whose fireworks are seized pursuant to this section, a reasonable amount which is sufficient to cover the cost of transporting, storing, handling, and disposing of the seized fireworks.
(3) The City and its authorized representatives may utilize the procedures set forth in § 10.74.060 and other remedies legally available to it to enforce this Chapter. §10.74.060 Penalties
(1) A Responsible Party and/or any person who violates any provision of this Chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000, by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceeding one year, or by both fine and imprisonment.
(2) Upon any second or subsequent conviction of the offense, the Responsible Party and/or person shall be punished by the penalties of a fine of $1,000 and by imprisonment in the county jail for one year.
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(3) A Responsible Party and/or person is guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which he or she commits, continues, or permits a violation of this Chapter.
(4) Nothing in this Chapter shall be intended to limit any of the penalties provided under the California Health and Safety Code or Penal Code with regard to the sale, use, possession, delivery, and/or transportation of dangerous fireworks. §10.74.070 Responsible Party
(1) Every parent, guardian or other person, having the legal care, custody or control of any person under the age of 18 years, who knows or reasonably should know that a minor is in violation of this Chapter, is also in violation of this Chapter addition to any penalty that may be issued to the offending minor.
(2) Any property owner or person in control of property who has knowledge of a person selling, using, discharging, possessing fireworks, or providing fireworks to a minor on the property owned by such person or under such person's control, shall be in violation of this Chapter.
(3) It is unlawful for any Social Host to allow, by invitation or consent, which consent may be implied given surrounding facts and circumstances such as repeated violations, any violation of this Chapter to occur without first obtaining all required permits and licenses. Such violation subjects any and all Social Host(s) to strict liability for penalties imposed for violation(s) of this section.
(4) A Social Host need not be present at the time illegal fireworks are possessed, stored, sold, used, ignited or discharged for the City to impose penalties. Prior knowledge of the possession, storage, sale, use, ignition or discharge is not a pre -requisite to a finding that any specific individual is a Social Host as defined by this section.
SECTION 2. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is held invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 3. This matter is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") because it is not a project as defined in CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) and pursuant to the common sense exemption section 15061(b)(3) since it can be seen with certainty that this action will not have a significant impact on the environment.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days following its adoption.
SECTION 5. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause it to be published as required by law.
Ordinance No. 0-2026-06
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INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Placentia held on April 21, 2026.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 5th day of May 2026.
Chad P. Wanke, Mayor
ATTEST:
Robert S. McKinnell, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF ORANGE
I, Robert S. McKinnell, City Clerk of the City of Placentia, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Placentia, held on the 21st day of April 2026, and was finally adopted at a regular meeting held on the 5th day of May 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
Robert S. McKinnell, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Christian L. Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Ordinance No. 0-2026-06
865
ty cf PIatia
Fireworks Ordinance
April 21, 2026
Ordinance Summary
- Provides a comprehensive solution for fireworks enforcement and replaces the prior Placentia Municipal Code Section
18.04.150(b) which was repealed in December 2022.
- Provides clear definitions of dangerous fireworks, precursors and safe and sane fireworks.
- Prohibits possession, use, discharge, manufacture, sell, offer to sell, give or transport any fireworks, dangerous fireworks, or safe and sane fireworks within the City of Placentia. Public displays are subject to a permit approval process as outlined in the section.
Ordinance Summary
Violations of this ordinance are classified as a
Misdemeanor
- First offense carries a penalty of a fine not less than $500, nor more than $1,000, imprisonment in the county
jail not exceeding one year, or by both such fine and
imprisonment upon conviction.
- Second offense carries a penalty of a $1,000, and by
imprisonment in the county jail for one year upon
conviction.
3;kc,25,Eggolk
Agenda Item No: 3.b
PLACENTIA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: April 21, 2026
Submitted by: Joe Lambert
From: Development Services
Subject:
DISCUSSION REGARDING SHORT-TERM RENTAL REGULATIONS IN THE CITY OF PLACENTIA AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 0-2026-04, AN ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF PLACENTIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING PLACENTIA MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 6.45 RELATED TO SHORT-TERM RENTALS
Financial Impact:
Fiscal Impact:
Potential for approximately $235,000 in revenue annually from Transient Occupancy Tax, based on FY 24-25 actuals.
Summary:
On September 2, 2025, City Council conducted a Study Session to discuss the topic of Short - Term Rentals (STRs) citywide. STRs have been permitted in residential zones citywide since August 2019. Following the Study Session, City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 0- 2025-07, placing a moratorium on new Short -Term Residential Rental permits for up to 45 days. This moratorium was intended to allow Staff time to analyze and propose additional STR regulations for City Council consideration. Urgency Ordinance No. 0-2025-07, was set to expire on October 16, 2025, therefore, Ordinance No. 0-2025-10, was adopted by the City Council on October 7, 2025. This ordinance extended the STR moratorium until September 1, 2026, or until the City Council enacts amendments to its zoning ordinances or other applicable Municipal Code regulations, whichever is earlier.
Since extending the moratorium, Staff has worked with the City Council select Committee to suggest amendments to the STR regulations. Ordinance No. 0-2026-04, incorporates amendments to the citywide STR regulations. The moratorium would be repealed upon the effective date of this Ordinance.
Recommendation:
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive the Staff report; and
2. Conduct discussion regarding Short -Term Rental regulations in the City of Placentia; and
3. Find that Ordinance No. 0-2026-04 is not subject to CEQA pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2), 15060(c)(3) and/or 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines; and
4. Consider first reading of Ordinance No. 0-2026-04, an Ordinance of the City of 869
Placentia, California, amending Placentia Municipal Code Chapter 6.45 related to Short - Term Rentals.
Strategic Plan Statement:
This item is consistent with Strategic Goal 4 (Economic Development), as this item has directly resulted in generating approximately $235,000 in Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) in FY24-25, additive to revenues collected for four additional Fiscal Years beginning in FY20-21.
Discussion:
On September 2, 2025, City Council conducted a Study Session to discuss the topic of Short - Term Rentals (STRs) citywide, and City Council received an optional Staff recommendation to adopt an Urgency Ordinance placing a moratorium on new Short -Term Residential Rental permits. Subsequent to conducting the Study Session, City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 0-2025-07, placing a moratorium on new Short -Term Rental (residential) permits for up to 45 days from September 2, 2025, as provided by law. This was done to allow Staff time to analyze and propose additional STR regulations for City Council consideration.
Urgency Ordinance No. 0-2025-07, was set to expire on October 16, 2025, therefore, at the meeting of October 7, 2025, Ordinance No. 0-2025-10, was adopted by the City Council which extended the STR moratorium until September 1, 2026, or until the City Council enacts amendments to its zoning ordinances or other applicable Municipal Code regulations, whichever is earlier.
On October 7, 2025, City Council also created a temporary select Committee of (now) Mayor Wanke and Councilmember Hummer to work with Staff in reviewing additional amendments to the STR ordinance. Staff has worked with the Committee to incorporate the following amendments to the draft Ordinance:
• Define Partial -unit STR
• Cap on total STRs, 0.5% of 16,979 Placentia housing units = 85 total STRs (to be determined annually)
• Partial unit STRs do not count toward the cap
• Prohibit STRs in apartment complexes
• Require site plan, floor plan
• Require inspection by Building Division and Fire and Life Safety, initially and annually • 300 -foot radius locational requirement between STRs, previously was not a requirement • 300 -foot radius measured from property line for single-family and using airspace boundaries for condominiums
• Renewals require staff to confirm continued compliance with STR regulations including distance requirements
• Requiring a local contact person for immediate PD, PFLSD, Code Enforcement contact • Persons renting must be 21 years of age or over
• No more than 10 occupants per stay
• Minimum stay of two consecutive nights
• Appeal of Director of Development Services STR denial/revocation goes directly to City Council
• First violation $250 fine in lieu of a warning
• Require hosting platforms to report to the City TOT certification, records of reservations, etc.
Attached Ordinance No. 0-2026-04, incorporates all of the above potential amendments to the 870
Placentia Municipal Code, Chapter 6.45, related to Short -Term Rentals . Staff recommends that City Council conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 0-2026-04. If this occurs, second reading and adoption would occur at the next regular meeting of the City Council. The current moratorium would be repealed upon the effective date of this Ordinance, which is 30 days after adoption.
Attachments
1. Ordinance No. 0-2026-04 Short -Term Rentals
2.0-2026-04 STR Ordinance.pptx
871
ORDINANCE NO. 0-2026-04
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PLACENTIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 6.45 (SHORT-TERM
RESIDENTIAL RENTALS) OF THE CITY OF PLACENTIA
MUNICIPAL CODE
City Attorney Summary
This Ordinance would amend Chapter 6.45 to the City of Placentia Municipal Code to providing clearer directions in the regulation of Short - Term Rentals.
WHEREAS, on July 23, 2019, the City Council of the City of Placentia ("City") adopted Ordinance No. 0-2019-06 ("Ordinance") adding Chapters 6.45 and 23.71 to the Placentia Municipal Code providing for regulations of short-term rentals; and WHEREAS, the adoption of the Ordinance allowed the City to regulate properties to ensure that all short-term rentals are accounted for in City records, and that no property operating as a short-term rental creates adverse impacts to surrounding residential neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, since the adoption of the Ordinance, there have been a few issues with some of the short-term rentals; and
WHEREAS, due to issues that have arisen with short-term rentals, on September 2, 2025, the City adopted Ordinance No. 0-2025-07, an Urgency Ordinance Establishing a Moratorium on Short -Term Rental Permits, to allow for City staff to study if additional regulations were needed in connection with short-term rentals; and WHEREAS, on October 7, 2025, the City adopted Ordinance No. 2025-10 extending the moratorium until September 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest that short-term rental uses be regulated in order to help preserve housing for long-term tenants and to minimize any potential deleterious effects of short-term rental properties on other properties in the surrounding neighborhoods in which they are located; and
WHEREAS, this Ordinance amends the existing Chapter 6.45 to establish additional regulations and safeguards for the operation of short-term rentals; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance also provides for the ability of the City to require the hosting platforms to provide for requested information as allowed under SB 346; and WHEREAS, upon the effective date of this Ordinance, the moratorium established under Ordinance No. 2025-07 and extended by Ordinance No. 2025-10, is terminated.
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NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PLACENTIA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Recitals set forth above are hereby adopted as the findings of the City Council in connection with the adoption of this Ordinance.
SECTION 2. Section 6.45.020, Short-term residential rental, definitions, of the Placentia Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows:
6.45.020 Short-term residential rental, definitions.
The following words and phrases, whenever used in this Chapter, shall have the meaning defined in this Section unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
"Advertise" means the act of drawing the public's attention to a short-term rental in order to promote the availability of the residence for use as a short-term rental. Said advertising may be found in any medium, including but not limited to, newspaper, magazine, brochure, website, or mobile application.
"Booking Service" means any reservation and/or payment service provided by a person or entity that facilitates a short-term rental transaction between an Owner and a prospective Occupant, and for which the person or entity collects or receives, directly or indirectly through an agent or intermediary, a fee in connection with the reservation and/or payment services provided for the short-term rental transaction. "City" means the City of Placentia.
"Code" means the Placentia Municipal Code.
"Common Interest Development" means a residential development that is subject to the Davis -Stirling Act of the State of California, and where there exists a common area owned by an association or owners of separate interests, there has been recorded a declaration and final subdivision map, there has been conveyed to each homeowner a separate interest coupled with an interest in the common area or membership in the association, and there is a board of directors elected by the association of homeowners. "Good Neighbor Brochure" means a document prepared by the City, as may be revised from time to time, that summarizes the general rules of conduct, consideration and respect pertaining to the use and occupancy of the short-term rental units. "Hosting Platform" means a person or entity that participates in the short-term rental business by providing, and collecting or receiving a fee for, Booking Services through which an Owner may offer premises for an occupant on a short-term basis. Hosting Platforms usually, though not necessarily, provide Booking Services through an online platform that allows an Owner to advertise the premises through a website provided by the Hosting Platform and the Hosting Platform conducts a transaction by which potential Ordinance No. 0-2026-04
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occupants arrange their use and their payment, whether the would-be occupant pays rent directly to the Owner or to the Hosting Platform. Hosting Platform also means a marketplace that is created for the primary purpose of facilitating the short-term rental of a residential unit offered for occupancy for tourist or transient use for compensation to the offeror of that unit, and the operator of the hosting platform derives revenues, including booking fees or advertising revenues, from providing or maintaining that marketplace. "Facilitating" includes, but is not limited to, the act of allowing the offeror of the residential unit to offer or advertise the residential unit on the Internet Web site provided or maintained by the operator.
"Local contact person" means the person designated by the Owner, or Owner's authorized agent, who shall be available twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week for the purpose of: (1) responding within one (1) hour to complaints regarding the condition, operation, or conduct of occupants of the Short-term residential rental unit; and (2) taking any remedial action necessary to resolve any such complaints. "Managing agency or agent" means a person, firm, or agency representing the Owner of the Short-term residential rental, or a person, firm, or agency owning or operating more than one (1) Short-term residential rental.
"Master Association" means any entity which has written and valid contractual jurisdiction and authority to act on behalf of common interest developments and to exclusively manage all Short-term residential rentals within that entire common interest development, as defined in this Section 6.45.020, and development and promptly respond in the event of Short-term residential rental violations or problems. "Multiple Rentals" means the ownership or controlling interest of any number of real properties in excess of one residential property in the City used for purposes of Short- term residential rentals as defined in this Chapter 6.45. "Occupant" means any individual person living, sleeping or possessing a building, or portion thereof. A person is not required to be paying rent, providing in-kind services, or name in any lease, contract or other legal document to be considered an occupant. "Owner" means any person or entity having fee -title ownership and/or appearing on the last equalized assessment roll of Orange County showing controlling interest of the Premises.
"Owner's authorized agent," or "manager," or "managing agency" means an individual or business entity, or their representative, appointed by an Owner to solicit applications, execute agreements, or otherwise act on Owner's behalf in the rental of property as a Short-term residential rental.
"Partial -unit short-term residential rental" means the rental of a bedroom, room, or portion of a dwelling unit while other portions of the dwelling remain occupied by the owner, tenant, or other persons.
"Premises" means the actual single-family house or other residential dwelling unit, including all of its improved real property, which is used as a Short-term residential rental.
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"Responsible person" means the signatory of a short-term rental agreement for the use and occupancy of a short-term rental unit, who shall be an occupant of the subject short- term rental unit, and is legally responsible for ensuring that all occupants of the short-term rental unit, and/or their guests, comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the use and occupancy of subject short-term rental unit, and who may be held liable for any violation of all applicable laws, rules and regulations set forth in this Chapter.
"Short-term residential rental" means the rental of a residential dwelling unit by the Owner thereof to another party for a continuous period twenty-nine (29) days or less, in exchange for any form of monetary or non -monetary consideration such as, but not limited to, trade, fee, swap or any other in lieu of cash payment; and also means "Hotel" as that term is defined in section 3.20.10 of the Municipal Code. "Transient occupancy tax" means the tax levied by the City in accordance with Chapter
3.20 of the Municipal Code. This tax is levied upon individuals or businesses engaged in the sale of sleeping accommodations to the public.
SECTION 3. Section 6.45.030, Locations and Conditions of operations of Short-term residential rentals, of the Placentia Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows:
6.45.030 Locations and Conditions of operations of Short-term residential rentals. (a) Pursuant to this Chapter and any other applicable provisions of this Code, short-term residential rentals are permitted in those zones identified in Chapter 23.71 only if the requirements of this Chapter are met.
(b) The requirements of this Chapter shall be met before a Short-term residential rental of a premises is permitted.
(c) Pursuant to this Chapter and any other applicable provisions of this Code, multiple rentals under one Short-term Residential Rental permit are prohibited. Each Short-term Residential Rental shall require a unique permit and business license. (d) Notwithstanding any provisions in this Chapter to the contrary, Short-term residential rentals shall be permitted pursuant to business licenses and Short-term residential rental permits issued by the City in any new development containing at least ten (10) residential units, unless the City Council expressly prohibits Short-term Residential Rentals in a Development Agreement or as a condition in a Use Permit. (e) The total number of short-term residential rental operating permits issued by the City shall not exceed approximately one-half percent (0.5%) of the total housing units within the City, as determined annually by the Director of Development Services, or designeeDevelopment Services Dopartmcnt. No additional permits shall be issued once the cap has been reached, except for timely renewals. Partial -Units shall not count toward the total operating permits.
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jf) Short-term residential rentals shall not be permitted in apartment buildings or other residential developments where dwelling units are not individually owned.
SECTION 4. Section 6.45.050, Registration, of the Placentia Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows:
6.45.050 Registration.
(a) On a written form prepared by the Director of Development Services or his/her designee, of the City, the Owner shall register with the City as the point of contact for the Short-term Residential Rental Premises and shall be responsible for all requirements of this Chapter. However, such registration is deemed satisfied if accomplished by a Managing agency or agent on behalf of the Owner. The Owner of the Premises shall retain primary responsibility for all requirements of this Code related to Short-term residential rentals, notwithstanding registration by a Managing agency or agent. There shall be no subleasing of any Premises for Short-term residential rental purposes; instead, only a rental agreement executed by the Owner shall be permitted for any Premises when used for Short-term residential rentals. A fee may be established by resolution of the City Council to cover costs of processing the registration. Either the Owner of the Premises or a Managing agency or agent shall provide all of the following information to the City at the time of registration, and shall promptly upon change of any such information update such information to maintain accuracy:
(1) Full legal name of the Owner of the Premises and if a business entity or trust, the individual who has responsibility to oversee its ownership of the Premises; and
(2) Street and mailing addresses of the Owner of the Premises; and (3) Telephone number of the Owner of the Premises; and
(4) Email address of the Owner of the Premises; and
(5) Full legal name or business name of a Managing agency or agent, if any; and (6) Street and mailing addresses of a Managing agency or agent, if any; and (7) Telephone number of a Managing agency or agent, if any; and (8) Street and mailing addresses of the Short-term residential rental Premises; and
(9) Telephone number of the Short-term residential rental Premises; and (10) List of all online websites used to advertise Premises for Short-term residential rental along with all listing numbers; and
(11) Full name and telephone number of 24-hour emergency Local contact person; and
(12) A site plan of the property and floor plan of the dwelling to be used for short- term rental which indicates the number and location of bedrooms in the short- term vacation rental unit; and
(13) A sketch of the floor plan, which identifies sleeping areas, proposed maximum number of quests, evacuation route(s), location of fire extinquisher(s), and approximate square footage in the vacation rental unit; and (12)(14)Submit a Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT) registration fee as set by resolution of the Placentia City Council; and
()(15)Submit a Short-term residential rental registration fee as set by resolution of Ordinance No. 0-2026-04
876
the Placentia City Council; and
(14)(16)Any other contact information the City may reasonably require. {)(17)Provide the Uniform Resource Locator (URL), (i.e. the web site address) for any and all advertisements of the short-term residential rental. {-1-6)(18)Proof of insurance.
(b) Prior to issuance or renewal of a short-term residential rental operating permit, the Premises shall undergo and pass a Building Division inspection and a Fire Department life - safety inspection. The Owner shall be responsible for all associated inspection fees. Failure to pass inspection shall constitute grounds for denial or non -renewal. f c) The site plan and floor plan shall be submitted in a form acceptable to the Director of Development Services, identifying: (1) all on-site parking spaces; (2) the number and location of bedrooms; and (3) all areas accessible to occupants. The site plan and floor plan shall be kept on file with the City and made available to public safety personnel upon request.
(bd) A current business license, TOT registration and Good Neighbor Brochure shall be hung and/or placed in a conspicuous location within the Premises at all times of the Short- term residential rental business operation. In addition, each Responsible person for the Premises shall be provided with a copy of the City's Good Neighbor Brochure by the Owner or Managing agency or agent.
(Ge) The Owner or Managing agency or agent shall provide language in their rental agreement allowing for immediate termination of the rental contract, and immediate eviction upon any violation of the Municipal Code by any occupant. The Responsible person shall acknowledge understanding of all Placentia Short-term residential rental rules and their liability for any fines incurred by occupants. (df) Upon successful registration, the City may issue a short-term residential rental operating permit to the owner of the Premises on a first in time and first in right basis.
Notwithstanding any provisions of this Code to the contrary, the City reserves the right to deny a short-term residential rental permit to an applicant if it is determined that the geographic area of the subiect property is within a 300 -foot radius of another registered short-term rental. the Premises being considered for registration hao an overconcentration of short term residential rontal uoes, (1) The 300 -foot shall be measured as a lineal distance from the nearest property line to property line for single-family lots.
(2) For properties located within condominium proiects or townhome developments, the separation distance shall be measured from the nearest exterior boundaries of the dwelling units.
(q) Renewal of a short-term residential rental operating permit shall require Planning Division review to confirm continued compliance with this Chapter, the Zoning Code, spacing requirements, and any conditions of approval applied to the previous permit term.
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SECTION 5. Section 6.45.060, Personal Availability, of the Placentia Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows:
6.45.060 Personal availability.
(a) For each Short-term residential rental, a Local contact person shall be available by telephone on a seven (7) day per week, twenty-four (24) hour per day basis to respond to public safety calls, nuisances, or other complaints regarding the use, condition, operation, or conduct of occupants on the Premises. The Local contact person shall respond within one (1) hour to satisfactorily correct any alleged nuisance or violation of this Chapter by occupants occurring at the Premises. If the Local contact person does not respond within one (1) hour or does not satisfactorily correct the alleged nuisance or violation pertaining to the call, the Owner shall be subject to citation pursuant to Section 6.45.170 of this Code. (b) The Local contact person shall be physically present within the geographical limits of the City during the term of the Short-term residential rental or be otherwise physically available to respond by visiting the Premises in person, at the request of the City or the City's police authority, within one (1) hour of contact concerning any alleged nuisance or violation of this Chapter.
(c) The Owner or Managing agency or agent hereby grants permission for local authorities, including but not limited to the Police Department, Code Enforcement, and Fire Department, to contact the designated Local Contact Person at any time for the purpose of responding to complaints, violations, or issues related to the short-term residential rental.
SECTION 6. Section 6.45.070, Notice to occupants, of the Placentia Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows:
6.45.070 Notice to occupants.
The Owner or Managing agency or agent shall provide the Responsible person of a Short- term residential rental with the following information prior to occupancy of the Premises and shall post such information in a conspicuous place within the dwelling on the premises:
(a) The name of the Owner or Managing agency or agent and a telephone number at which each may be reached on a seven (7) day per week, twenty-four (24) hour per day basis; and
(b) Notification of the maximum number of overnight and daytime occupants permitted on the Premises pursuant to this Chapter; and
(c) Notification of the City's noise standards, as provided in Chapter 23.76 of this Code, as may be amended from time to time; and
(d) Notification of the parking standards of this Chapter; and Ordinance No. 0-2026-04
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(e) A copy of this Chapter of the Placentia Municipal Code, as may be amended from time to time; and
(f) Notification that an occupant may be cited or fined by the City, in addition to any other remedies available at law, for violating any provisions of this Chapter; and (g)
A copy of the "Good Neighbor Brochure"; and
(h) The Owner or Managing agency or agent shall keep on file a signed agreement acknowledging that the Responsible person and occupants agree to the general rules summarized in the Good Neighbor Brochure and rental contract, including without limitation the immediate termination provision in the rental contract for any violation of the Municipal Code by any occupant; and,
(i) The Responsible person signing the rental agreement shall be at least twentv-one (21) years of age and shall remain present at the Premises for the duration of the short- term residential rental.
SECTION 7. Section 6.45.120, Occupancy, of the Placentia Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows:
6.45.120 Occupancy.
The maximum overnight occupancy on the Premises of the Short-term residential rental, from the hours of 11:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m. on the following morning, shall not exceed two (2) persons per bedroom with an exception for children under the age of six (6) who may additionally occupy the premises, and no additional occupants shall be permitted on the Premises during such hours. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the total number of overnight occupants shall not exceed ten (10) persons. In any advertising concerning the Premises for Short-term residential rental, the Owner or Managing agency or agent shall advertise the maximum number of overnight occupants allowed as set forth above.
SECTION 8. Section 6.45.140, Minimum duration of rental, of the Placentia Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows:
6.45.140 Minimum duration of rental.
The duration of any lease or rental of Premises as a Short-term residential rental registered pursuant to Sections 6.45.040 and 6.45.050 of this Code shall be for a minimum of two (2) consecutive nights,* - - - . _ _ _ _ - - ' . . - during which time there shall be no overlapping leases or rental of the Premises. In any advertising concerning the availability of the Premises for Short-term residential rental, the Owner or Managing agency or agent shall advertise the minimum number of rental nights and days set forth in this subsection.
SECTION 9. Section 6.45.160, Revocation of Short-term residential rental permit and business license, of the Placentia Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows:
Ordinance No. 0-2026-04
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6.45.160 Revocation of Short-term residential rental permit and business license. (a) Grounds for Revocation. In addition to any other penalty authorized by law, a permit and business license for a Short-term residential rental may be revoked by the City if the Director of Development Services finds, after notice to the licensee and opportunity to be heard, that the licensee or his or her agent or employee has violated, or failed to fulfill, the requirements of this Chapter or this Code, The Director of Development Services, or designee, shall immediately revoke all rental permits from the Owner and Managing agency or agent upon three (3) violations of this Chapter pertaining to any combination of Premises owned by the Owner or managed by the Owner's Managing agency or agent within the City within any twelve (12) month period.
(b) Appeal from denial, suspension or revocation of a business license for Short-term residential rental. Any applicant for a business license for the business of Short-term residential rentals whose application was denied by the Director of Development Services, and any licensee whose business license for a Short-term residential rental is suspended or revoked by the Director of Development Services, may, within ten (10) days following such decision, appeal such decision to the Planning CommissionCity Council, in which event the decision of the Director of Development Services shall be vacated and the Planning--Gommicc anCity Council shall determine whether to affirm, reverse, or modify the decision of the Director of Development Services in accordance with the requirements for Short-term residential rentals set forth in this Chapter. The letter of appeal shall be accompanied by a processing fee as established by City Council Resolution. The letter shall be filed with the City Clerk's office. At least fourteen (14) days prior to the Planning GommiccionCitv Council's meeting to consider the appeal of the applicant or licensee, the Director of Development Services, City Clerk, or authorized designee, shall send, by United States mail, certified, return receipt requested, written notice to the applicant or licensee of the time and place at which the Planning Commic ..siCity Council will consider the application, suspension or revocation. At the time of the City Council meetingand the applicant or licensee shall be provided an opportunity to be heard by the Planning Gommicr✓aiCity Council prior to its decision being made. Subject to any appeal of the City Counoil ac hereinafter permitted, tThe decision of the Planning-GommiccianCitv Council shall be final, and the City Clerk or designee shall notify the applicant or licensee, as applicable, in writing of the decision of the Planning--Gommicc:anCity Council. If the Planning Commics.on--afirmc the dccicion of thc Dircctor of Development Services denying an application or cucpending or revoking a license, thc applicant or licensee shall have the right to appeal the decision of tho Planning-Gommiccion to the City Council in accordance with the provisions of Section 22.87 of this Cods, ao amended from time to time. The decision of the Planning Commiccion shall not be vacated during the pendency of any appeal to the City Council.
SECTION 10. Section 6.45.170, Administrative citation, of the Placentia Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows:
6.45.170 Administrative citation/Reporting.
Ordinance No. 0-2026-04
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(a) The City, may issue an administrative citation to any occupant, invitee, renter, lessee or Owner of the Premises, or Managing agency or agent, and/or Hosting Platform for a violation of any provision of this Chapter.
(b) All complaints against a Short-term residential rental for any violation of this Code may be handled by the City on a 24-hour basis. Any police report where the City's police authority has concluded that a violation of this Chapter has occurred, may be submitted to the City's Code Enforcement Department Division for review, processing and issuance of an administrative citation. Each and every day, or portion thereof, that a violation of this Chapter exists constitutes a separate and distinct violation for which an administrative citation may be issued. Such an administrative citation shall be issued, notice given, and any appeals heard by the processes and in the manner prescribed by Sections 8.06.010 through 8.06.180 of this Code, as amended from time to time. (c) In addition or in the alternative, any violation of this Chapter may constitute a misdemeanor which may be subject to the maximum punishment therefor as allowed by law.
(d) Rosponsiblc person (renter):
Th
rentel mey receive an adminiotrc
any othcr provision of this Codc which is violated during a Short term residential rental including, without limitation, the City's noise ordinance, as follows:
First violation Warning by City authority;
Second violation within any thirty (30) day period $500 fine; Third and subsequent violations within any thirty(30) day period $1,000 fine for each violation.
(ed) Owner. The City may issue and the Owner may receive an administrative citation to the Owner for any violation of this Chapter 6.45, or any other provision of this Code which is violated during a Short-term residential rental including, without limitation, the City's noise ordinance, by the Owner or Short-term residential rental occupant, as follows:
(1) First violation Warning by City$250 administrative fine; (2) Second and subsequent violations within any twelve (12) month period, other than operating without a business license or Short-term residential rental permit — $500 fine for each violation, and permanent revocation of business license and Short-term residential rental permit;
(3) Second violation of operating without a business license or Short-term residential rental permit and permanent prohibition against receipt of a business license and Short-term residential rental permit — $1,000 fine.
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(4) Violations for operating without a business license or Short-term Residential Rental Permit shall be cited and enforced pursuant to Chapter 6.04 and/or Chapter 1.08, accordingly.
(fe) Hosting Platform
(1) Subiect to applicable laws, Hosting Platforms and Booking Services operating within the City shall, upon written request by the City:
(i) Report to the City the property address, owner identification, local STR license number, and TOT certification for each listing within the City;
(ii) Submit quarterly reports of all reservations, including duration and amounts collected;
(iii) Maintain records for three (3) vears and provide such records to the City upon request for verification of TOT remittance.
(2) The City may issue and the Hosting Platform may receive an administrative citation for failure to report or for each violation of Section 6.45.210 of this Chapter.
(1i) Each and every violation -- $1,000 fine per violation per day.
SECTION 11. CEQA. This Ordinance does not commit the City to any action that may have a significant effect on the environment. As a result, such action is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) in that it can be seen with certainty that the adoption of this Ordinance will not have a significant impact on the environment.
SECTION 12. SEVERABILITY. If any provision, clause, sentence or paragraph of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstances shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this Ordinance, which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application and, to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable, This Ordinance amends, adds to and deletes (as applicable) sections of the Placentia Municipal Code.
SECTION 13. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force 30 days after passage.
SECTION 14. PUBLICATION. The City Clerk is directed to publish this Ordinance, full text or summary form, in the manner and in the time prescribed by law.
INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Placentia held on April 21, 2026.
Ordinance No. 0-2026-04
882
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 5t" day of May 2026.
Chad P. Wanke, Mayor
ATTEST:
Robert S. McKinnell, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF ORANGE
I, Robert S. McKinnell, City Clerk of the City of Placentia, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Placentia, held on the 21st day of April 2026, and was finally adopted at a regular meeting held on the 5th day of May 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
Robert S. McKinnell, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Christian L. Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Ordinance No. 0-2026-04
883
Short -Term Rentals
City Council
April 21, 2026
884
Background
September 2025:
• City Council conducted a Study Session and considered STR concerns • Adopted urgency ordinance establishing a moratorium on new STR permits October 2025:
• Moratorium extended for up to one year from September 2026 to allow:
Additional research
Development of updated regulations
• Ad Hoc Committee formed to evaluate potential changes 885
Current Regulations
Application Requirements
• Registration
• General commercial liability insurance
• HOA authorization (If applicable)
• Grant deed (If applicable)
Eligibility
• 300 -foot separation (at staff's discretion)
• No outstanding code violations
• Must be in a permitted Zone (PMC § 23.71)
886
Proposed Regulations
• Registration: Site Plan + Floor Plan + Inspections required • Cap total STRs at —0.5% of housing stock
Partial -unit STRs not counted towards the cap.
• STRs prohibited in apartments / non -owned units.
• 300 -foot separation requirement:
No longer at discretion (hard separation)
Single-family: Measured as lineal distance from the nearest property line to property line Condominiums/townhomes: Measured from exterior boundaries of the dwelling units for condominium Renewals require staff to confirm compliance with STR regulations including distance requirements • New occupancy cap (10 persons max)
• Minimum stay of two consecutive nights
• Responsible person must be 21+
Need to identify a local contact 24 hours a day for City Code Enforcement, PD, PFLSD • Stricter enforcement and updated citation structure
First violation: $250 fine in lieu of a warning
• Require hosting platforms to report to the City TOT certification, records of reservations, etc. • Appeal of Director of Development Services STR denial/revocation goes directly to City Council 887
Questions