Overview: Are STRs allowed in Santa Paula, California?

• Explicit answer: No. Short-term rentals are not permitted in the City of Santa Paula at this time. The City has stated that it does not allow STRs (often referred to as “Airbnb” or similar), and there are no plans to adopt an STR ordinance or program due to insufficient current demand and cost considerations. The City has explicitly advised residents and investors that any change would be considered only if demand and funding justify it in the future. Because STRs are not permitted, there are no municipal STR programs, licenses, or tax frameworks to work with within city limits. Sources: City of Santa Paula FAQ on STRs; City of Santa Paula FAQ landing page (STR answer).

Important caveat: Third-party marketing/management sites sometimes claim Santa Paula permits STRs, requires business licenses, or has a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Those claims are inconsistent with the City’s official FAQ and should be treated as outdated or incorrect for Santa Paula’s incorporated city limits. Always rely on the City’s current FAQ and code for definitive rules. Source: City of Santa Paula FAQ.

How to start an STR business in this market

• Short answer: You cannot start or operate an STR within Santa Paula city limits today. If you own property inside city limits and intend to rent on a short-term basis, the City’s position is that it is not allowed. The City may revisit this position in the future if demand and funding change, so investors should monitor City communications for any policy updates.
• Practical alternatives:
  • Ventura County unincorporated areas: Ventura County has an STR ordinance for areas outside city limits (including Santa Paula city limits). If your property lies outside Santa Paula city boundaries but within unincorporated Ventura County, you would need to comply with the County’s STR program and registration requirements. Source: County of Ventura – Short-Term Rental Ordinance.
  • Neighboring cities: Other Ventura County cities (e.g., Ventura, Ojai, Camarillo) have different STR rules; if your strategy relies on the regional market, consider towns with active STR frameworks. This guide focuses on Santa Paula and its county only.
  • Long-term rentals or other uses: With STRs prohibited in the City, owners may consider standard residential leasing or other business uses consistent with zoning and local permits.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• City of Santa Paula (incorporated city limits): None for STRs. There is no STR permit, license, or registration available in the City’s current STR FAQ. The City has no STR tax (e.g., TOT) program in place for STRs. Sources: City FAQ – STRs; City FAQ index.
• Ventura County (unincorporated areas): If your property is within unincorporated Ventura County (outside Santa Paula’s city limits), the County’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance applies. That ordinance requires registration, local contact information, operational requirements, and compliance standards. Consult the County’s STR page for current application instructions, forms, and contact points. Source: County of Ventura – Short-Term Rental Ordinance.

Specific regulations at city, county, and state levels

• City of Santa Paula (city limits)
  • STRs are prohibited. The City has determined not to adopt an STR ordinance and has stated there are no plans to do so. Investors should not plan on City-level STR licensing, inspections, or tax programs at this time. Source: City FAQ – STRs.
• Ventura County (unincorporated areas)
  • Ventura County regulates STRs outside city limits, including portions of the Santa Paula area. The County’s ordinance covers registration, operational rules, local contact requirements, caps in some coastal zones, and enforcement. If you intend to operate in unincorporated county areas, you must review and comply with that ordinance and any subsequent updates. Source: County of Ventura – STR Ordinance.
• California (state level)
  • Lodging taxes: California does not impose a statewide lodging tax; instead, it authorizes local jurisdictions to levy Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOT) on stays of 30 days or less. Because Santa Paula does not allow STRs, the City does not have a TOT program for STRs; in unincorporated Ventura County, any County-levied lodging taxes may apply to STRs under the County’s framework.
  • Listing transparency: California has enacted laws requiring accommodation providers (including STRs) to disclose certain fees and guest obligations upfront in listings, such as cleaning fees/chores and the total mandatory costs visible before taxes. These state-level disclosure rules apply where STR operations are permitted; they do not override Santa Paula’s prohibition. Source: Avalara – California STR law overview (state-level transparency).

Investor implications and compliance strategy

• Prohibit STR operations inside Santa Paula city limits; doing so would risk code enforcement actions.
• Verify property location (city vs. county unincorporated). If county, follow the Ventura County STR ordinance strictly.
• Monitor City channels for any future policy changes on STRs; if a program is introduced, it will likely include registration, operational standards, and possibly TOT.
• Avoid reliance on third-party sites claiming business licenses or TOT are required for STRs in Santa Paula; use the City’s FAQ as the definitive source. Sources: City FAQ – STRs; City FAQ index.
• Consider adjacent markets with established STR frameworks for investment strategies aimed at Ventura County tourism.

Contact information for local authorities

• City of Santa Paula (for STR policy, zoning, or general inquiries)
  • Address: 970 Ventura Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060
  • Phone: 805-525-4478
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; closed alternate Fridays
  • Website: City of Santa Paula – Contact; City Hall Hours
  • Department for Community & Economic Development: City of Santa Paula – Community & Economic Development
• Ventura County Planning & Development (for STRs in unincorporated county areas)
  • Website (STR page): County of Ventura – Short-Term Rental Ordinance

Links to source pages

• City of Santa Paula FAQ – Short-Term Rentals
• City of Santa Paula – FAQ index (STR answer located here)
• County of Ventura – Short-Term Rental Ordinance
• Avalara MyLodgeTax – California short-term rental laws (state-level overview)

Important notes

• The City’s FAQ is the authoritative source on STRs within Santa Paula. Third-party websites asserting Santa Paula STR licensing or taxes should be treated as outdated or erroneous until the City issues new guidance.
• If you own property in the unincorporated parts of Ventura County surrounding Santa Paula, the County’s STR ordinance applies; review its current requirements before planning any STR operation.
• This guide does not constitute legal or tax advice. Regulations and interpretations evolve; consult the City or County directly before any investment or operational decision.

Practical takeaway

• For Santa Paula city limits: Do not plan an STR operation. For unincorporated Ventura County: Follow the County STR ordinance. For broader regional strategies, consider cities with active STR programs within Ventura County.