Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Simi Valley?

• Yes. As of August 2025, short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Simi Valley. The City Council voted to postpone implementing a ban on STRs and instead await a statewide framework. Simi Valley is not actively enforcing a ban on STRs at this time, and existing city rules—noise, parking, property maintenance—continue to apply. City staff are preparing to collect transient occupancy tax (TOT) and to evaluate the impact of pending state legislation, Senate Bill 346 (SB 346). Source: City postpones the ban on short-term property rentals (Aug 9, 2025).

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Simi Valley

1. Confirm your property is eligible

• STRs are permitted today in Simi Valley. Before listing, confirm local land use, HOA, and neighborhood restrictions. Avoid any development agreement or lease restrictions that prohibit short-term rentals.

2. Register for local tax collection (TOT)

• Simi Valley is in the process of updating tax code to include STRs and has directed staff to begin collecting TOT. Investors should proactively register and remit TOT with the Finance Department to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Staff estimates the TOT revenue could be about $230,000 annually.

3. Implement and enforce community standards

• Continue to comply with existing city rules on noise, parking, and property maintenance.
• Establish house rules, quiet hours, parking guidelines, and trash management.
• Prepare to respond quickly to neighbor complaints and city inquiries; only two formal STR complaints were filed in the past year, but neighborhood concerns are actively being monitored.

4. Prepare for future licensing and reporting

• If and when SB 346 is enacted, you should expect:
  • Operator licensing/registration requirements
  • Platform (Airbnb/VRBO) data sharing obligations
  • TOT collection by platforms (AB 2992 already requires platforms to collect and remit certain taxes)
  • Increased municipal oversight of STRs
• Build systems now—accurate records, guest logs, safety protocols, and TOT tracking—to ease future compliance.

5. Insurance and risk management

• Maintain appropriate STR property and liability coverage. Consider short-term rental insurance policies that cover guest-related incidents, property damage, and business interruption.

6. Quality-of-life commitments

• Use screening protocols or minimum stay rules to mitigate parties and disruptions.
• Provide clear instructions on noise, parking, and community etiquette.
• Engage neighbors early and directly to address concerns.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• City tax registration/TOT enrollment
  • Anticipated requirement: Register and collect Simi Valley TOT when staff completes the update to city tax code (in progress). Remit returns per city instructions.
• State obligations (SB 346; applicable if enacted)
  • Operator licensing/registration
  • Platform data sharing and verification
  • Enhanced TOT collection/overseer roles for platforms
• State obligations (AB 2992)
  • Hosting platforms must collect and remit certain taxes due from hosts in many California cities, including Simi Valley.
• Local ordinances that continue to apply
  • Noise ordinances
  • Parking rules
  • Property maintenance standards
• Best-practice internal documents
  • Guest agreement with house rules
  • Emergency contact and response plan
  • Safety checklist (smoke detectors, CO detectors, first aid, fire extinguisher)
  • Guest contact information and check-in instructions

Specific Regulations by Level of Government

City of Simi Valley

• Current status: STRs are allowed; a ban has been postponed. City staff are updating the tax code to include STRs and preparing to collect TOT. No finalized city STR ordinance is in place yet.
• Existing rules that apply:
  • Noise control
  • Parking restrictions
  • Property maintenance standards
• Operator expectations:
  • Register for and remit TOT
  • Adhere to neighborhood-friendly hosting practices
  • Respond promptly to complaints
• Enforcement:
  • Limited formal complaints to date (two in the past year)
  • Future enforcement may include stronger fines if needed once an ordinance is drafted

Ventura County

• Countywide, STRs are generally allowed unless a city within the county has its own ban or stricter rules. (Reference note: Nearby cities Moorpark and Camarillo have bans.)
• Countywide public health and fire standards apply to lodging operations; confirm any required inspections or permits through the county if operating outside city limits.

State of California

• SB 346 (pending/enacted at state level): If enacted, it would:
  • Require platforms to share property data with cities
  • Ensure STR operators are licensed
  • Expand platform roles in collecting/remitting taxes
• AB 2992: Requires hosting platforms to collect and remit certain taxes due from hosts in California jurisdictions (e.g., TOT), enhancing compliance and reducing the administrative burden on cities and hosts.
• General state-level expectations:
  • Compliance with safety standards applicable to lodging (check local building/fire requirements)
  • Accurate tax reporting and remittance (through platform where applicable or directly to the city)
  • Respect for local ordinances, including bans or stricter rules passed by other cities

Simi Valley Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

• City of Simi Valley (General Inquiries)
  • Website: www.simivalley.gov
  • Phone: 805-583-6000
• Finance Department (Transient Occupancy Tax/TOT)
  • Finance inquiries are routed through the City’s main line; ask to speak with the Finance Department regarding TOT for short-term rentals. Note: The department is in the process of updating the tax code for STRs.
• Community Development (Planning/Zoning)
  • Planning inquiries are routed through the City’s main line; ask for Community Development when verifying zoning or use compliance.
• City Clerk’s Office
  • For ordinances and public records: 805-583-6700
• Please note: Specific department emails and internal extensions change over time; verify the latest contact details via the City’s website or main line.

Links to Source Pages

• City postpones the ban on short-term property rentals (Aug 9, 2025): www.simivalleyacorn.com/articles/city-postpones-the-ban-on-short-term-property-rentals/

Operational Takeaways

• Act now: Register for TOT with the City (Finance) as updates go live. File and remit taxes promptly.
• Stay informed: Track SB 346’s final form and Simi Valley’s implementation timeline.
• Build for compliance: Maintain accurate guest logs, tax records, and safety documentation.
• Engage neighbors: Proactive communication and strong house rules reduce complaints and regulatory scrutiny.
• Prepare for licensing: Expect future operator registration/licensing and more robust platform reporting.