UC Tag Requirements?

Hello,
I am currently a high school senior who is looking into doing the Tag transfer program in California. I would do 2 years at a California community college, and then apply to transfer to UCSB using the Tag program. I would also apply to UCLA and Cal though I know they don’t use Tag (but chances of being admitted would be better coming from a CA CC) The only issue is I am not a California resident. I can’t apply to be one because though I would be living / working on my own I still would not be financially dependent for 2 years prior (required for residency) because my parents would be paying my housing / tuition while at CC. So my question is, do you NEED to be a California resident to use the Tag program? Or is simply living in California while being a California Community College student enough?

TAG is available for OOS students who meet the community college requirements,
but remember that the TAG is for admission purposes only, not tuition.

You would be paying OOS for both CC and UC (2 + 2), as attending a CC would not make you a California resident, and you would not be eligible for in-state tuition or fee considerations.