Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Ventura, CA?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Ventura, CA, subject to specific regulations and permitting requirements. However, it is crucial to understand that Ventura operates under a dual regulatory system with distinct rules for:

1. City of Ventura (incorporated areas)
2. Ventura County (unincorporated areas)

Current Status (December 2024): The City of Ventura has adopted an updated Short-Term Vacation Rental ordinance on December 10, 2024, but new permit applications are temporarily suspended until the California Coastal Commission certifies the city's Local Coastal Plan Amendment. There is no estimated timeline for this certification process.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ventura

For Properties Within City of Ventura:

Phase 1: Application Process (Currently Suspended)

1. Complete and file the STVR Application with required forms to the Business Tax Office
2. Pay non-refundable initial inspection fee, STVR permit fee, and business license fee
3. Application is forwarded to Code Enforcement for inspection scheduling
4. Upon approval, receive STVR permit, transient occupancy registration certificate, and "Good Neighbor Guidelines"

Phase 2: Operating Requirements

• Collect and remit 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) monthly
• Maintain active business license
• Post nuisance response plan contact information
• Maintain surety bond (unless waived)
• Ensure compliance with performance standards

For Properties Within Ventura County (Unincorporated Areas):

Step 1: Create Citizen Access Account

• Register at vcca.ventura.org/vcca.aspx
• This is mandatory for permit applications

Step 2: Submit TRU Permit Application

• Login to Citizen Access account
• Navigate to "Code Compliance" → "Create an application"
• Submit required documentation and fees

Step 3: Pre-Permitting Inspection

• Code Compliance schedules property inspection
• Inspection verifies bedroom count, safety compliance, parking, access, fire codes
• Address any violations before proceeding

Step 4: Final Permit Issuance

• Upon inspection approval and tax compliance, permit issued within approximately one week
• Maximum permit term: one year from issuance date

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Ventura Requirements:

Permits and Licenses:

• Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Permit
• City of Ventura Business License
• Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate
• Surety Bond (unless waived)

Required Documentation:

• Completed STVR Application
• Nuisance Response Plan with 24/7 contact information
• Property site plan
• Proof of insurance
• Business tax compliance documentation

Ventura County Requirements:

Permits and Licenses:

• Temporary Rental Unit (TRU) Permit
• County Business Tax Certificate
• Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate (for STRs only)

Required Documentation:

• Property site plan (hand-drawn acceptable)
• Contact information and signatures of all property owners and managers
• Proof of compliance with business tax and TOT requirements
• Proof of insurance (minimum $500,000 general liability coverage)
• For homeshares: Homeowner's exemption proof from County Assessor

Application Fees:

• Short-term rental: $1,525 application fee + $500 compliance monitoring deposit
• Homeshare: $1,525 application fee + $100 compliance monitoring deposit

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of Ventura Regulations:

Permit Caps by Area (Effective January 2025):

• Downtown: Maximum 100 permits
• Pierpont Area: Maximum 100 permits
• Ventura Harbor and Keys: Maximum 35 permits
• Ventura Avenue Area: Maximum 40 permits
• Midtown and Eastside: Maximum 75 permits

Operating Standards:

• Minimum Stay Requirements:
  • June-August (summer): 7-night minimum
  • All other times: 2-night minimum (no more than once per 7-day period)
• Occupancy Limits: 2 persons per bedroom + 2 additional persons maximum
• ADU Restriction: Properties with Accessory Dwelling Units may only rent for 30+ days; STVR permits prohibited for both primary dwelling and ADU
• Advertisement Requirements: Must include "Ventura Permit No. _____" in all listings
• Bond Requirement: Valid surety bond required (unless waived)

Performance Standards:

• Comply with all fire, building, and safety codes
• Post rental agreement and disclosures conspicuously inside unit
• Maintain nuisance response capability within 45 minutes
• Collect and remit TOT by last day of following month

Ventura County Regulations:

Zoning Districts:

• Non-Coastal Zone: Governed by Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance (effective July 19, 2018)
• Coastal Zone: Governed by Coastal Zoning Ordinance (effective November 1, 2018)

Ojai Valley Overlay Zone Specific Rules:

• Short-Term Rentals: Prohibited except on historic landmark properties (as of June 19, 2018)
• Homeshares: Allowed with annual land use permit
• Ownership Limits: Only property owners may obtain permits; permits expire upon ownership change
• Unit Restrictions: Only one TRU per owner; ADUs, affordable, caretaker, and farmworker units ineligible

Operating Standards:

• Homeshare Limits:
  • Maximum 2 bedrooms available for rental
  • Maximum 5 overnight guests
  • Owner must be physically present during rental periods
• Short-Term Rental Limits:
  • Maximum 2 persons per bedroom (up to 5 bedrooms) + 2 additional persons
  • Maximum 10 persons total
• Management Requirements:
  • Homeshare owners must be on-site 10 PM - 7 AM and within 40 miles at all other times
  • STR owners may serve as property manager or hire up to 2 managers
  • One manager must be available 24/7 within 40 miles of property

Parking and Noise Requirements:

• Parking: On-site parking spaces required; garages and driveways must be unobstructed
• Noise: Quiet hours 10 PM - 7 AM; no outdoor amplified music during quiet hours
• Events: Prohibited in Ojai Valley; occupancy limits apply in other areas

Advertisement Requirements: Must prominently display in all listings:

1. Permitted occupancy and guest limits
2. Quiet hours notification (10 PM - 7 AM)
3. No outdoor amplified music during quiet hours
4. No events exceeding limits or violating standards
5. Number of on-site parking spaces
6. County permit number
7. Business license tax certificate number
8. Homeshare must state "owner-occupied dwelling, owner present"

State-Level California Regulations

While this guide focuses on Ventura-specific regulations, California state law requires:

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection for rentals under 30 days
• Business licensing for operating accommodations
• Compliance with local ordinances (Ventura's rules supersede general state requirements)

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Ventura (Incorporated Areas):

Business Tax Office

• Address: 501 Poli Street, Ventura, CA 93001
• Phone: (805) 658-4715
• Fax: (805) 653-0634
• Website: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1565/Short-Term-Vacation-Rentals

Ventura Police Department (Parking Violations)

• Phone: (805) 339-4395

General City Contact:

• Phone: (805) 654-7800

Ventura County (Unincorporated Areas):

Resource Management Agency - Code Compliance

• Address: 800 S Victoria Ave, Ventura, CA 93009
• Phone: (805) 654-2494
• TRU Violation Hotline: (805) 654-3506
• Business Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM
• Website: rma.venturacounty.gov/divisions/code-compliance/temporary-rental-units/

Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector

• Phone: (805) 654-3727
• For business tax certificates and TOT questions

Key Links to Source Pages

• City of Ventura STVR Program
• City STVR Permit Application Filing Instructions
• Ventura County TRU Regulations
• Ventura County TRU FAQ
• TRU Permit Application Form
• Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance
• Coastal Zoning Ordinance
• VC Star News Article on New City Rules

Important Note: Given the current suspension of new permit applications in the City of Ventura pending Coastal Commission certification, investors should monitor both city and county websites for updates on the application process timeline and any regulatory changes.