Planning and Building Agency
www.santa-ana.org/pb
Item # 10
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
August 5, 2025
TOPIC: Receive and File - Orange County Grand Jury’s Investigative Report, Findings, and Recommendations Regarding Long-Term Solutions to Short-Term Rentals
AGENDA TITLE
Orange County Grand Jury’s Investigative Report, Findings, and Recommendations Regarding Long-Term Solutions to Short-Term Rentals and City’s Response to the Findings and Recommendations
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and file the Orange County Grand Jury’s investigative report, findings, and recommendations regarding long- term solutions to short-term rentals and authorize the City Manager to deliver the city’s response to the findings and recommendations to the presiding judge of the Superior Court.
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
The 2024-2025 Orange County Grand Jury (OCGJ) Report (Exhibit 1), received June 4, 2025 and titled "Long-Term Solutions to Short-Term Rentals," outlines the current status and recent developments related to Short-Term Rentals (STRs). The study includes thirty-four cities in Orange County including Santa Ana and focuses on cities with the largest number of STRs and cities with bans on STRs, as well as coastal cities likely to see large amounts of STR activity.
While STRs are not a new phenomenon in Orange County, the City has seen a notable rise in STR activity over the past three years. The growth of Online Booking Agencies (OBAs) such as Airbnb and Vrbo has further increased the visibility and prevalence of STRs, raising concerns about public nuisances and community disruptions. While STRs have existed in various forms throughout Orange County for over a decade, the expansion of OBAs has made it easier for property owners to list and rent homes for short durations, contributing to a regional increase in STRs.
The report provides an overview of current enforcement efforts, ongoing coordination efforts, and future regulatory considerations. Although the City of Santa Ana does not
Receive and File - Orange County Grand Jury’s Investigative Report, Findings, and Recommendations Regarding Long- Term Solutions to Short- Term Rentals August 5, 2025
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permit STRs within its jurisdiction, the use of OBAs has contributed to an uptick in unpermitted STR operations in the city over the last three years.
In accordance with California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, the OCGJ mandates that the City must respond to the conclusions and recommendations outlined in the report.
The City of Santa Ana is required to respond to findings F1, F2, F3, and F12, as well as recommendations R1, R2, and R9 of the OCGJ Report. The City is not required to respond to the remaining findings and recommendations. An overview of the OCGJ's findings, recommendations, and the City's corresponding responses, is attached as Exhibit 2. These responses outline the City’s recent adoption of a clear, reiterated prohibition of STRs ( Ordinance No. NS-3072, adopted on December 3, 2024); ongoing coordination among various departments and agencies on enforcement; and routine reevaluation of local land use regulatory ordinances, such as the City’s zoning code.
Once authorized by the City Council, the responses documented in Exhibit 2 will be submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. County of Orange Grand Jury Investigative Report, Findings and Recommendations Regarding Long-Term Solutions to Short-Term Rentals
2. City Responses to Report’s Findings and Recommendations Submitted By: Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP, Executive Director, Planning and Building Agency
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager