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Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rentals in Santa Paula, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Santa Paula or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Santa Paula has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Occupancy Limits

Santa Paula limits short-term rental occupancy based on the number of bedrooms: two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests, to a maximum determined by the approved floor plan. No events or parties exceeding the posted occupancy are permitted.

Key details: Formula: 2 per bedroom + 2. 3-Bedroom Example: 8 guests maximum. Posting: Must be posted inside unit. Events/Parties: Prohibited over occupancy limit. Violation Fine: $500+ per incident.

Exceeding occupancy limits is grounds for citation with fines starting at $500. Three substantiated occupancy complaints within 12 months may result in permit revocation. Hosting unauthorized events or parties may result in immediate permit suspension.

Santa Paula is more permissive than most cities when it comes to occupancy limits. That said, there are still limits.

Short-Term Rental Parking Rules

Santa Paula does not currently allow short-term rentals of any kind, so there are no STR-specific parking standards. All dwellings, including ADUs, must be rented for 31+ consecutive days, which means standard residential off-street parking under SPMC Chapter 16.46 applies instead.

Key details: STR Status: Not allowed citywide. Minimum Stay: 31 days (state ADU law). STR Permit Program: None adopted. Parking Code: SPMC Ch. 16.46. Stall Size: 10 ft x 20 ft minimum.

Operating any rental under 31 days in Santa Paula is itself a violation, since the use is not permitted. Code enforcement may issue notices of violation, administrative citations, and abatement orders under the Santa Paula Municipal Code. Listing a property on Airbnb, Vrbo, or similar platforms for stays under 31 days exposes the owner to escalating fines and possible nuisance abatement.

The Bottom Line

Santa Paula's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Santa Paula is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Santa Paula's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.