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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Ventura, CA, but they are heavily regulated and currently subject to significant restrictions. The City of Ventura has an established Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) program with specific permitting requirements, operational standards, and compliance measures.

Important Current Status: As of December 2024, the City has paused the acceptance of new STVR permit applications. The City Council adopted an updated Short-Term Vacation Rental and Homestays Ordinance on December 10, 2024, but it will not take effect until certified by the California Coastal Commission. There is no timeline for when this certification process will be completed, and no waiting list is being maintained.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ventura

Current Application Status

• New applications are NOT currently being accepted
• Applications are on hold pending California Coastal Commission certification of the updated ordinance
• No waiting list is available
• Existing permitted STVRs can continue operating under current regulations

When Applications Resume

Once the new ordinance is certified and applications reopen, you will need to:

1. Obtain an STVR Permit from the City of Ventura
2. Secure a City Business License
3. Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection and remittance
4. Ensure property compliance with all operational standards
5. Complete required inspections

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Requirements for STVRs:

1. Active STVR Permit - Primary authorization to operate
2. Active City of Ventura Business License - Required business registration
3. Transient Occupancy Tax Registration - For properties that aren't the owner's primary residence
4. Insurance Coverage - Commercial/business general liability with minimum $500,000 per occurrence
5. Property Site Plan - Hand-drawn or professionally prepared
6. Proof of Property Ownership - Current documentation
7. Property Manager Contact Information - If using management services

Application Process (When Available):

• Application Fee: $1,525.00
• Compliance Monitoring Deposit: $500.00 for short-term rentals, $100.00 for homeshares
• Pre-permitting Inspection: Required to determine bedroom count and compliance
• Processing Time: Approximately one week after inspection approval and tax payment

Permit Duration:

• Maximum one-year terms
• Expires upon property sale/transfer or permit revocation
• Annual renewal required

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Property Eligibility Restrictions:

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Properties with ADUs cannot obtain STVR permits for either the primary dwelling or the ADU (per Sec. 24.430.041)
• One Permit Per Owner: No owner can hold permits for multiple properties
• Multi-unit Properties: Only one unit per property can be permitted as an STVR

Operational Standards:

Occupancy Limits:

• Short-term Rentals: Maximum 2 persons per bedroom (up to 5 bedrooms) plus 2 additional persons, capped at 10 total
• Homeshares: Maximum 2 bedrooms available for rental, with 5 rental guests maximum
• Owner Presence Required for Homeshares: Owner must be physically present during rental periods

Parking Requirements:

• On-site parking spaces must be provided based on occupancy
• Garages and driveways must remain unobstructed and available for renter use

Noise and Conduct Standards:

• Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• No outdoor amplified music/sound during quiet hours
• No unreasonable noise or disturbance at any time

Property Management:

• Response Time: Property managers must respond to complaints within 30 minutes (15 minutes during quiet hours)
• Availability: Managers must be within 40 miles of property at all times
• Contact Information: Must be posted visibly outside the property

Tax Obligations:

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 10% of rental income for stays under 30 days
• Business License Tax: Required for all STVR operators in unincorporated Ventura County areas

Signage Requirements:

• Exterior Signage: Property manager and Code Compliance Division contact information (8.5" x 11" maximum)
• Interior Signage: Occupancy limits, quiet hours, waste collection schedule, and violation penalties must be posted within 6 feet of main entrance
• Prohibited: No rental availability advertisements on the property

Advertising Requirements:

All rental listings and advertisements must display:

1. Permitted occupancy and guest limits
2. Quiet hours notification (10 PM - 7 AM)
3. Parking space availability
4. County-issued permit number
5. Business License Tax Certificate number
6. Prohibition notice for events exceeding limits
7. For homeshares: Statement that unit is owner-occupied

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Ventura - Code Compliance Division

• Phone: (805) 654-3506 (during office hours)
• General City Phone: (805) 654-7800
• Website: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1565/Short-Term-Vacation-Rentals
• Address: City of Ventura, 501 Poli Street, Ventura, CA 93001

For Business License and Tax Questions:

• Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office: (805) 654-3727

For Parking Enforcement (Immediate Issues):

• Ventura Police Department Parking Enforcement: (805) 339-4395

Enforcement and Violations

Violation Reporting:

1. Direct Contact: Use property's posted Nuisance Response Plan contact information
2. City Violation Report: File online through the City's violation reporting system
3. Code Compliance: Contact at (805) 654-3506 during business hours

Penalties:

• Criminal misdemeanor/infraction charges possible
• Civil administrative penalties up to $1,000 per day
• Permit revocation for violations
• Enhanced fines established by Council Resolution 2024-060 (November 19, 2024)

Source Links

• Primary STVR Information: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1565/Short-Term-Vacation-Rentals
• Updated Ordinance (December 2024): www.cityofventura.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/42781/2
• Enhanced Fines Resolution: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/44936/Resolution-No-2024-060
• Current STVR List: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1566/List-of-STVRs-and-Nuisance-Response-Plan
• Violation Reporting: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/FormCenter/Short-Term-Vacation-Rentals-4/STVR-Violation-Report-43
• TOT Payment Information: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1569/STVR-Transient-Occupancy-Tax-TOT-Forms

Key Takeaways for STR Investors

1. Applications Currently Suspended: No new permits are being issued until the California Coastal Commission certifies the updated ordinance
2. Strict Compliance Required: Existing operators face enhanced enforcement and higher penalties
3. Limited Expansion Opportunities: ADU restrictions and one-permit-per-owner rules limit portfolio growth
4. High Operational Standards: Extensive management, signage, and response requirements
5. Significant Fees: $1,525 application fee plus $500 compliance deposit create substantial upfront costs

Recommendation: Monitor the City's website for updates on when new applications will be accepted and carefully review the final certified ordinance before investing in Ventura short-term rental properties.