Overview: STR Allowability in Somis, California

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Somis, California, but with significant restrictions and requirements. Somis is located in unincorporated Ventura County, making it subject to the county's Temporary Rental Unit (TRU) Ordinance. The regulations distinguish between two types of short-term rentals:

• Homeshares: Owner-occupied primary residences where the owner must be physically present during rentals
• Short-Term Rentals (STRs): Properties rented without the owner's presence, with more restrictive allowances

CRITICAL RESTRICTION: In the Ojai Valley TRU Regulation Overlay Zone (which includes areas like Somis), traditional STRs are PROHIBITED except for properties classified as historic landmarks as of June 19, 2018. Only homeshares are permitted to operate in these areas with proper permits.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Somis

Step 1: Determine Your Property's Eligibility

• Verify your property is not within the prohibited categories:
  • Not a permitted accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or second dwelling unit
  • Not an affordable/caretaker/farmworker unit
  • If in the Ojai Valley overlay zone, confirm if you qualify for homeshare status

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

For Homeshares (Most Likely Option in Somis):

• Apply for annual TRU permit through Ventura County Code Compliance Division
• Obtain Business Tax Certificate from Treasurer-Tax Collector
• Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) if applicable
• Complete pre-permitting inspection

For Historic STRs (Limited Exception):

• Must have historic landmark designation as of June 19, 2018
• Same permit requirements as homeshares apply

Step 3: Prepare Application Materials

• Property site plan (hand-drawn acceptable)
• Owner contact information and signatures
• Property manager information (if applicable)
• Proof of compliance with business tax requirements
• Proof of insurance ($500,000 minimum liability coverage)
• Homeowner's exemption proof (for homeshares only)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Permits and Licenses

1. TRU Permit:

   • Cost: $1,525.00 application fee
   • Compliance monitoring deposit: $100.00 (homeshares) / $500.00 (STRs)
   • Annual renewal required
   • Valid for one year or until property sale/transfer

2. Business Tax Certificate:

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

3. Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate:

   • Required for STRs that are not owner's primary residence
   • TOT registration and remittance required

Insurance Requirements

• Commercial/general liability insurance
• Minimum $500,000 per occurrence coverage
• Required for personal injury and property damage claims

Application Package Requirements

• Complete TRU application form
• Property site plan
• Owner and property manager contact information
• Business tax certificate proof
• Insurance verification
• Homeowner's exemption (homeshares only)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits

Homeshares:

• Maximum 2 bedrooms for rental
• Maximum 5 overnight guests
• One rental group at a time
• Owner must be physically present

Historic STRs (if applicable):

• Maximum 2 persons per bedroom
• Up to 5 bedrooms permitted
• Plus 2 additional persons
• Maximum 10 persons total

Operating Standards

• Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (no outdoor amplified music/sound)
• Parking: On-site parking required; garages and driveways must be unobstructed
• Events: Prohibited on all properties (no celebrations exceeding occupancy limits)
• Noise: No unreasonable noise or disturbance at any time

Management Requirements

Homeshare Owners:

• Must be on-site between 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM
• Must be within 40 miles of property at all other times
• Cannot delegate presence requirement to property managers

STR Owners:

• May serve as property manager if available within 40 miles
• May hire up to 2 property managers (one available at all times)

Property Restrictions

• Only one TRU per owner in Ventura County
• Only one dwelling unit eligible per multi-family property
• No STR operation from guest houses or accessory buildings
• Properties with garage/den conversions must have proper building permits

Advertisement Requirements

All listings must include:

• Permitted occupancy and guest limits
• Quiet hours notification (10:00 PM - 7:00 AM)
• No events policy
• On-site parking information
• County permit number
• Business license tax certificate number (if required)
• Homeshare must state owner-occupied status

Signage Requirements

Exterior Signage (8.5" x 11" maximum):

• Property manager contact information
• County Code Compliance Division contact information
• Posted near main entrance

Interior Signage (within 6 feet of main entrance):

• All advertisement requirements
• Property manager/owner contact information
• Waste collection schedule
• Occupancy and noise violation consequences

Record-Keeping and Compliance

• Maintain guest records
• Comply with noise, parking, and waste regulations
• Respond to complaints within 30 minutes (15 minutes during quiet hours)
• Permit expires upon property sale/transfer

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contacts

Ventura County Resource Management Agency

• Address: 800 S. Victoria Ave, Ventura, CA 93009
• Phone: (805) 654-2494

Planning Division

• Phone: (805) 654-2488 or (805) 654-2451
• Email: plan.counter@venturacounty.gov
• Location: Government Center, 3rd Floor, Hall of Administration Building

Code Compliance Division

• Phone: (805) 654-3506
• Online Complaint Form: Available through RMA website
• Contact: For TRU permit applications and compliance issues

Treasurer-Tax Collector

• Phone: (805) 654-3727
• Purpose: Business tax certificates and TOT registration

Online Resources

• One Stop Permits: www.onestoppermits.vcrma.org
• Code Compliance Forms: Available through RMA website
• TRU Application Package: PDF available online

Source Links

1. Ventura County TRU FAQ: rma.venturacounty.gov/divisions/planning/temporary-rental-unit-ordinance-frequently-asked-questions/

2. Ventura County Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance: rma.venturacounty.gov/divisions/planning/ordinances/non-coastal-zoning-ordinance/

3. TRU Application Package: rmadocs.venturacounty.gov/code-compliance/forms/code-compliance-temporary-rental-unit-application.pdf

4. Inspection Checklist: rmadocs.venturacounty.gov/code-compliance/publications/code-compliance-inspection-checklist-for-temporary-rental-units.pdf

5. Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance PDF: rma.venturacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ventura-county-non-coastal-zoning-ordinance.pdf

6. File a Code Violation Complaint: rma.venturacounty.gov/divisions/file-a-code-violations-complaint/

7. Code Compliance Complaint Form: rmadocs.venturacounty.gov/code-compliance/forms/code-compliance-complaint-form.pdf

8. Ventura County Coastal Zone Map: rmadocs.venturacounty.gov/planning/maps/ventura-county-coastal-zone-boundary.pdf

Additional Considerations

Enforcement

• Violations are misdemeanor/infraction criminal offenses
• Civil administrative penalties up to $1,000 per day
• Proactive investigation authority
• Public complaint process available online

Renewal Process

• Annual permit renewal required
• Property sale/transfer terminates permit
• Must maintain continuous compliance
• Re-inspection may be required

This guide provides comprehensive information for STR investors considering Somis, California. Given the restrictive nature of local regulations, homeshares represent the most viable option, requiring careful attention to owner presence requirements and local compliance standards.