Overview: Are STRs allowed in Oxnard, CA?

Yes. Short‑term rentals are allowed in Oxnard, but only by permit and subject to tight caps, separation distances, and operational rules. STRs are treated as a business in residential zones—not a by‑right use—and must comply with Oxnard Municipal Code Chapter 16, Article XI and the City’s Coastal STR regulations. All lodging businesses, including STRs, must register for a City Business License and collect/ remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Oxnard

1. Determine eligibility and choose the STR type

• Vacation Rental: owner not present during rental. The property may be rented for up to 100 days per calendar year, and a property manager must be available at all times when rented.
• Homeshare: owner occupies as primary residence and is present during rental. Owner must be on‑site 10 p.m.–7 a.m. and within 25 miles at other times when rented.

2. Check zoning and placement constraints

• No new permits will be issued that exceed a 5% cap per General Plan neighborhood.
• No permit will be issued if another permitted STR exists within 200 feet, measured horizontally between property lines (with limited time‑share exceptions).
• Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are ineligible; mobile homes in parks are ineligible.

3. Submit a complete application package to the Planning Division

• Land Use Application per Oxnard City Code Section 17‑53/16‑663.
• Affidavit signed by each owner agreeing to operational standards and property management requirements.
• Floor plan showing rooms labeled by type; site plan showing on‑site parking and existing structures.
• Nuisance Response Plan (vacation rentals) identifying owner/manager contacts and response timelines.
• Mailing list with fees for 300‑foot radius notifications.
• Proof of current Business License, TOT registration, and Business Tax Certificate (prior to issuance).
• Proof of Insurance (general liability ≥ $1,000,000 per occurrence).
• Executed Defense & Indemnification Agreement.
• Pre‑permit inspection will be conducted to confirm bedroom count, parking, access, fire, and safety compliance. Violations must be abated before issuance.
• If Homeshare: Proof of homeowner’s exemption and a fully executed owner‑occupancy statement (annually).

4. Pay application and permit fees; adhere to timing and cap rules

• Part I – Pre‑qualification: $280.00
• Part II – Permit issuance: $1,315.00
• Business License Fee: $283.00 (first 3 bedrooms; +$20 per bedroom beyond 3)
• Annual renewal: $810.00
• Mailing list and notifications fee: $684.25
• Permit is annual, non‑transferable, and expires on sale or transfer of the property.

5. After issuance, operate strictly to standards

• Display permit/business license numbers in advertisements and listings.
• Post required information inside the unit.
• Maintain insurance and keep records for three years.
• Respond to complaints and file required reports; violation thresholds can lead to suspension or revocation.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Short‑Term Rental Permit (land use permit) issued by Community Development Director/designee.
• City Business License and Business Tax Certificate.
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration Certificate.
• Insurance: Commercial general liability minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence.
• Defense and Indemnification Agreement.
• Affidavit of owner(s) confirming compliance with operational and property management standards.
• Floor plan and site plan; Nuisance Response Plan (vacation rentals).
• Mailing list and fees for 300‑foot radius notifications.
• Homeshare annual owner‑occupancy proof and homeowner’s exemption (if applicable).
• Pre‑permit inspection and any necessary corrections.
• Submit applications via email (planning@oxnard.org), mail, or drop‑off; credit card payments permitted via authorization form.

Specific Regulations for Short‑Term Rentals

City of Oxnard (primary local authority)

• Definitions and framework: Homeshare, Vacation Rental, Primary Residence, Owner, Rent, STR (<30 consecutive days).
• Caps and spacing:
  • 5% cap per General Plan neighborhood.
  • 200‑foot separation between STR properties; limited exceptions for qualifying time‑share developments.
• Permits: Required to rent, offer, advertise, or facilitate rentals. Issued for up to one year and non‑renewable if property transfers.
• Eligibility limitations:
  • No multiple STR properties under the same owner(s); only one STR unit per property; ADUs prohibited.
  • Corporate/trust ownership allowed only if every shareholder/partner/member is a natural person (documentation public record).
  • Properties with six or more owners may be ineligible unless all share common ancestors.
• Owner/manager requirements:
  • Homeshare owner must be on‑site during quiet hours (10 p.m.–7 a.m.) and within 25 miles at other times.
  • Vacation rentals must designate one or two property managers who are always reachable within 25 miles.
• Occupancy:
  • Vacation rentals: max two persons per bedroom, up to five bedrooms, plus two additional persons (max 10 overnight).
  • Homeshares: max two bedrooms available for rental; up to five guests.
  • Total persons on site at any time: overnight occupancy plus up to six additional non‑overnight guests; no non‑overnight guests during quiet hours.
• Parking:
  • Minimum on‑site spaces based on bedrooms: one (studio/1BR), two (2–4BR), three (5+BR). Garages/driveways must be unobstructed.
• Noise and quiet hours:
  • Quiet hours 10:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.; comply with Oxnard sound regulations; fireworks are prohibited.
• Operations:
  • No events or activities that exceed occupancy limits or violate noise/other standards.
  • Provide waste collection information and ensure bins are not visible except on collection days.
• Advertising and listings:
  • Must display the city land use permit number and business license tax certificate identification number.
  • Homeshare advertisements must state owner occupancy and presence.
  • No posting of availability signs on the property.
• Posting inside unit:
  • Manager/owner contact info; waste schedule; notice of penalties for violations.
• Taxes and fees:
  • Register for City Business License; collect and remit TOT; maintain TOT registration certificate.
• Insurance:
  • Maintain general liability coverage ≥ $1,000,000 per occurrence; proof with application and upon request.
• Defense and indemnification:
  • Owners jointly and severally defend/indemnify the City from claims related to permit processing/operation.
• Record‑keeping:
  • Keep rental agreements, advertisements, listings for the permit term plus three years; provide in electronic format upon request.
• Complaints:
  • Direct initial complaints to owner/manager; respond promptly (within 30 minutes; 15 minutes during quiet hours).
  • File online report within 24 hours documenting complaint, actions taken, and resolution. False reports subject to fines and costs.
• Enforcement:
  • Permit revocation or suspension grounds include falsified statements, verified valid complaints (three or more in 12 months), failures to pass inspections, nuisance activity, or property transfer triggering reassessment.
  • Violations are public nuisances; each day is a separate violation. Fines up to $1,000 first, $2,000 second, $3,000 and two‑year permit revocation for third; $5,000/day for operating without a permit. Criminal prosecution available.
  • City manager may temporarily suspend permits when imminent threats to health/safety/welfare exist.
• Appeals:
  • Denials, revocations, and suspensions may be appealed through administrative hearings.

Ventura County (context)

• STR operations occur on incorporated city land; County STR rules generally apply to unincorporated areas. For Oxnard properties, City of Oxnard regulations control.
• Business licensing and TOT are handled at the City level in Oxnar.

State of California (influencing tax/remittance standards)

• TOT remittance to cities via registration and periodic reporting is common practice.
• Recording‑keeping, audits, and diligent enforcement of local TOT ordinances are widely used by cities.
• Advertising platforms often have agreements to collect/remit TOT; you remain responsible as the operator.

Local Authority Contact Information

City of Oxnard – Planning Division (Short‑Term Rentals)

• Mailing address: Community Development Department, Planning Division Short‑Term Rentals 214 South C Street Oxnard, CA 93030
• Email: planning@oxnard.org
• Web: www.oxnard.org/coastal-short-term-rental-str-regulations/
• Complaint hotline (24/7, City of Oxnard STR complaints): (805) 253‑3945

Source Pages

• City of Oxnard Coastal Short‑Term Rental Regulations (application/process overview, windows, and fees): www.oxnard.gov/wp-content/uploads/02.-Coastal-Short-Term-Rental-STR-Regulations.pdf
• Oxnard Municipal Code Chapter 16, Article XI (Short‑Term Rental Units) – full ordinance: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/42265/Oxnard-STVR-ordinance
• Oxnard Shores Neighborhood Council – Short‑Term Rentals page (summary and hotline): www.oxnardshoresnc.com/short-term-rentals
• City of Oxnard STR complaint portal: www.oxnard.gov/strcomplaint
• City of Oxnard About Short‑Term Rentals (background page): www.oxnard.org/about-short-term-rentals/
• City of Oxnard STR regulations landing page: www.oxnard.org/coastal-short-term-rental-str-regulations/