How Camarillo Handles Short-Term Rentals: A Practical Guide

Camarillo maintains 114 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with short-term rentals. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Camarillo falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Noise Rules

Short-term rentals are not specifically authorized in Camarillo, so there are no STR-specific noise rules. However, any rental property must comply with CMC Chapter 10.34 noise standards (55/45 dBA day/night at residential property lines). The Social Host Responsibility ordinance (CMC 10.32) also applies to rental situations involving gatherings.

Key details: Noise Limits: 55 dBA day / 45 dBA night. Social Host Law: CMC 10.32 applies to all properties. Response Costs: Owners liable under CMC 10.32.050. HOA Rules: Additional noise restrictions common. Police Non-Emergency: (805) 388-5100.

Noise violations at rental properties result in citations under CMC 10.34.150 (misdemeanor). Social host violations under CMC 10.32.040 carry penalties and the property owner may be assessed law enforcement response costs per Section 10.32.050. Contact Camarillo Police at (805) 388-5100.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Camarillo actively enforces its noise rules requirements.

Taxes & Fees

Camarillo imposes a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) under CMC Title 3 on stays of 30 days or less. The TOT applies to hotels, motels, and any other short-term lodging. Property owners who operate any form of short-term rental would be required to collect and remit TOT to the city.

Key details: Tax Type: Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Applies To: Stays of 30 days or less. Registration: Required with city. Remittance: Monthly to city. Code Section: CMC Title 3.

Failure to collect or remit TOT is a violation of CMC Title 3. Operators may be liable for unpaid taxes plus penalties and interest. The city may also pursue collection through administrative and legal remedies. Contact the Finance Department for registration and payment questions.

Parking Rules

Camarillo has no STR-specific parking regulations since short-term rentals are not currently authorized in residential zones. General residential parking rules under CMC Title 11 and Title 19 zoning requirements apply to all properties. Many HOAs have strict guest parking provisions.

Key details: STR Parking Rules: None (STRs not permitted). Residential Parking: 2 covered spaces per home typical. Street Parking Limit: 72 hours on public streets. HOA Guest Parking: Designated visitor spots only. Enforcement: Police (805) 388-5100.

Parking violations are enforced under CMC Title 11. Exceeding HOA parking rules results in HOA fines. Unauthorized commercial use of residential parking (as with an unpermitted STR) could constitute a zoning violation under Title 19. Contact Camarillo Police at (805) 388-5100 for parking enforcement.

Compared to other cities, Camarillo takes a harder line on parking rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Occupancy Limits

Camarillo does not have STR-specific occupancy limits since short-term rentals are not permitted. General building and housing code occupancy standards apply to all dwellings. California Building Code minimum room sizes and HOA occupancy restrictions provide the governing framework.

Key details: STR Occupancy Limits: None (STRs not permitted). Building Code: 70 sq ft first occupant, +50 each. Zoning: One family per dwelling unit. HOA Rules: Often have guest limits. Social Host Law: CMC 10.32 covers large gatherings.

Overcrowding violations are enforced through building code compliance under CMC Title 16. Social host violations for large gatherings at CMC 10.32.040. HOA occupancy violations are enforced through the association. Contact Community Development at (805) 388-5360.

Insurance Requirements

Camarillo requires short-term rental operators to maintain minimum liability insurance coverage. Hosts must carry at least $1 million in commercial general liability insurance naming the city as additional insured.

Key details: Minimum Coverage: $1,000,000 per occurrence. Additional Insured: City of Camarillo must be named. Platform Insurance: May not satisfy city requirements. Code Enforcement: (805) 388-5360.

Operating without required insurance: immediate STR permit suspension. Lapse in coverage requires written notification to the city within 48 hours and suspension of rental activity until reinstated. Operating during insurance suspension: $1,000 fine plus permit revocation proceedings.

Night Caps

The City of Camarillo does not currently impose a maximum-nights-per-year cap on short-term rentals operating inside city limits. Operators must collect the 9% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and hold a City business tax certificate, but the municipal code does not set an annual rental-night cap as some neighboring Ventura County jurisdictions do.

Key details: Annual Night Cap: None set by City code. TOT Rate: 9% of rent. TOT Filing: Monthly. Business Tax Office: 805-388-5330. STR Length: Stays of 30 days or fewer.

Operating without remitting TOT is a violation of CMC business tax chapters and can result in back-tax assessment plus a 10% penalty per month of delinquency, interest, and potential business-tax revocation. The City may also pursue misdemeanor prosecution for repeated noncompliance.

Registration Rules

Camarillo does not have a dedicated STR permit ordinance. STR operators must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the City and likely a Home Occupation Permit (CMC §19.65.02) if hosting from their primary residence.

Key details: Business Tax Cert.: Required — CMC Title 3. Home Occ. Permit: Required for residential hosts — CMC §19.65.02. Dedicated STR Ord.: None as of 2025. Contact: Community Development (805) 388-5360.

Late or missing TOT filing: 10% penalty per month, plus interest. Failure to register: $250 fine plus back taxes. Audit risk increases with non-compliance.

Permit Requirements

Camarillo does not currently have a specific short-term rental permit program. The city's zoning code (Title 19) does not include short-term vacation rentals as a permitted use in residential zones. Operating a short-term rental without explicit zoning authorization may constitute a zoning violation.

Key details: STR Ordinance: None adopted; not permitted use. Zoning Status: Not listed in residential zones. HOA Restrictions: Most HOAs prohibit STRs. TOT Rate: Per CMC Title 3 if applicable. Contact: Community Dev (805) 388-5360.

Operating an unpermitted commercial use in a residential zone violates Camarillo's zoning code (Title 19). Code enforcement can issue citations and require cessation of rental activity. Contact Community Development at (805) 388-5360 for zoning verification.

This is one of the stricter rules in Camarillo's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Camarillo is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Camarillo, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Camarillo's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.