Judge Overturns Santa Ana, CA, Ban on STRs

4/27/2026

A judge in Orange County, California, Superior Court has overturned Santa Ana’s 2024 ordinance banning short-term rentals (STRs), marking a setback for the city’s effort to eliminate stays of less than 30 days. The court sided with property owners who argued the ban was unconstitutional and lacked required environmental review. The ruling halts enforcement of fines and citations issued under the policy, which had targeted more than 1,100 rental units. Homeowners and advocacy groups say STRs provide critical income in a high-cost housing market, with some estimates suggesting millions in potential tax revenue for the city. A rental alliance also continues to push for a permit-based regulatory system instead of a full ban.

New Santa Ana (CA) (04/22/26) Art Pedroza