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

Short-term rentals are allowed in Camarillo, California, but only under specific conditions and with proper permits. As part of Ventura County, Camarillo properties located in unincorporated areas fall under the county's Temporary Rental Unit (TRU) Ordinance, which regulates both short-term rentals (STRs) and homeshares. However, if your property is within the Ojai Valley TRU Regulation Overlay Zone, short-term rentals are prohibited unless the dwelling is classified as a historic landmark as of June 19, 2018.

It's crucial to note that regulations differ for properties in the Coastal Zone versus the Non-Coastal Zone, with more restrictive rules in the Ojai Valley TRU Regulation Overlay Zone. All STR operations require permits, business licenses, and compliance with occupancy, parking, noise, and other standards.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Camarillo

Starting an STR business in Camarillo involves several key steps:

1. Determine Zoning Eligibility

Before applying for any permits, verify your property's zoning status:

• Confirm whether your Camarillo property is in an unincorporated area of Ventura County
• Check if it falls within the Ojai Valley TRU Regulation Overlay Zone (where STRs are prohibited)
• Determine if it's in the Coastal Zone or Non-Coastal Zone, as regulations differ slightly

2. Understand STR Categories

Ventura County distinguishes between two types of temporary rentals:

• Short-Term Rental (STR): A dwelling rented for less than 30 consecutive days when the owner is NOT physically present
• Homeshare: The owner's primary residence (with at least 20% ownership) rented for less than 30 days when the owner IS physically present in the same dwelling

3. Apply for Required Permits and Licenses

• Complete a TRU permit application through the County's Citizen Access portal
• Obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the Treasurer-Tax Collector
• Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) if operating an STR

4. Prepare for Inspection

Schedule and complete a pre-permitting inspection to verify bedroom count and compliance with health and safety codes

5. Ongoing Compliance

Maintain permits, pay required fees, collect TOT, and ensure continued compliance with all operational standards

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

1. Temporary Rental Unit (TRU) Permit

• Application fee: $1,525.00
• Compliance monitoring deposit: $500.00 for STRs, $100.00 for homeshares
• Application must include:
  • Property site plan
  • Contact information and signatures of all owners and property managers
  • Proof of business tax certificate and TOT registration
  • Proof of insurance ($500,000 minimum liability coverage)
  • For homeshares only: Proof of homeowner's exemption from County Assessor
• Permit validity: One year maximum, or until property transfer or revocation

2. Business Tax Certificate

• Required for all STR operators
• Contact Treasurer-Tax Collector at (805) 654-3727

3. Transient Occupancy Registration

• Required for STRs (not homeshares)
• TOT rate: 10% of rents received
• Payment through Treasurer-Tax Collector

Operational Requirements

Insurance Requirements

• Maintain commercial/general liability insurance with minimum $500,000 per occurrence limit

Documentation Requirements

• All rental agreements, advertisements, and online listings must display:
  • Permitted occupancy limits
  • Quiet hours (10:00 PM - 7:00 AM)
  • Parking availability
  • County permit number
  • Business license number
  • Homeshare properties must state owner-occupied status

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits

Short-Term Rentals (STRs)

• Maximum of two persons per bedroom, up to five bedrooms
• Plus two additional persons, up to maximum of 10 persons
• Only one rental group at a time
• No more than one rental agreement effective per date

Homeshares

• Maximum of two bedrooms available for rental
• Maximum of five rental guests overnight
• Only one rental group at a time

Parking Requirements

• On-site parking spaces must be provided
• Garages and driveways must be unobstructed and available for renter parking

Noise and Behavior Standards

• Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• No outdoor amplified music/sound during quiet hours
• Maximum occupancy limits must be observed
• No events exceeding occupancy or guest limits
• Owner/manager must respond to complaints within 30 minutes (15 minutes during quiet hours)

Property Management Requirements

Homeshare Owners

• Must be physically present during all rental periods
• Must be onsite between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM
• Must remain within 40 miles of property at all times
• Cannot delegate these requirements to a property manager

STR Owners

• Must be available at all times within 40 miles of property when rented
• May hire up to two property managers, with one available at all times
• Owners ultimately responsible for compliance regardless of management arrangements

Prohibited Activities and Ineligible Properties

• STR operation in the Ojai Valley TRU Regulation Overlay Zone (except historic landmarks)
• STR operation in guest houses or accessory buildings permitted as second or accessory dwelling units
• More than one TRU per owner in the county
• More than one unit per property in multi-family dwellings
• Advertising notices posted on the property exterior

Ineligible Dwelling Types

• Permitted accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
• Affordable housing units
• Caretaker units
• Farmworker units

Enforcement and Penalties

• Violations punishable as misdemeanor/infraction criminal offense
• Civil administrative penalties up to $1,000 per day for confirmed violations
• Permit revocation possible for violations

Contact Information for Local Authority

Resource Management Agency (Planning Division)

• Address: 800 S Victoria Ave, Ventura, CA 93009
• Phone: (805) 654-2494
• Website: rma.venturacounty.gov/divisions/planning/

Code Compliance Division (for violations)

• Phone: (805) 654-3506
• Business Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Online Complaint Form: rma.venturacounty.gov/divisions/file-a-code-violations-complaint/

Treasurer-Tax Collector (for business license and TOT)

• Phone: (805) 654-3727
• Website: www.ventura.org/ttc/

Planning Division (zoning questions)

• Phone: (805) 654-2488 or (805) 654-2451

Links to Source Pages

Ventura County Temporary Rental Unit Ordinance FAQ

Ventura County Code Compliance - Temporary Rental Units

Ventura County Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance

Ventura County Coastal Zoning Ordinance

TRU Permit Application

Business License Application Information

Camarillo Market Overview - RedAwning (general market information)

Note: This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult with local authorities and qualified professionals before starting a short-term rental business.