Simi Valley's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Simi Valley, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Occupancy Limits

The Simi Valley short-term rental ordinance approved on first reading May 11, 2026 caps overnight occupancy at two adults per bedroom (children are not counted), bans all events and parties, and requires neighbor notification for unhosted units. Until the ordinance becomes effective on January 1, 2027, there is no city-specific guest cap, and the California Building Code (Title 24 CCR) occupant-load default applies.

Key details: Occupancy Cap (Eff. 2027): 2 adults per bedroom; children not counted. Events / Parties: Prohibited. Noise Monitoring: Required at STR. Neighbor Notice (Unhosted): Owners within 200 ft. Current Default (pre-2027): CA Building Code occupant load.

After January 1, 2027, exceeding the two-adults-per-bedroom cap, hosting an event or party, or failing to send neighbor notice for an unhosted unit will trigger administrative citations and progressive fines (the City discussed $1,500 to $5,000 annual fines for repeat violations in the December 2025 staff presentation), and may be grounds for permit non-renewal. Noise-related occupancy disturbances are already citable under Simi Valley Municipal Code Section 5-16.02 with potential infraction or misdemeanor exposure under the SVMC's general penalty provisions.

Compared to other cities, Simi Valley takes a harder line on occupancy limits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Short-Term Rental Permits

On May 11, 2026 the Simi Valley City Council voted 5-0 to give initial approval to a new short-term rental ordinance that requires every operator to obtain an annual city permit, complete an annual inspection, and pay roughly $741 per year in fees, with a final second reading scheduled June 8, 2026 and an effective date of January 1, 2027. Until that ordinance takes effect, the Simi Valley Municipal Code does not define or separately license short-term rentals; only an existing Transient Occupancy Tax registration (SVMC Chapter 3-5, Article 3) applies.

Key details: First Reading Vote: May 11, 2026 (5-0). Second Reading: Scheduled June 8, 2026. Effective Date: January 1, 2027. Annual Permit Fee: ~$741 (city estimate). Inspection: Annual, required.

Operating an STR after January 1, 2027 without a current city permit will subject the operator to administrative citations, denial of future permits, code-enforcement abatement, and (per the City's December 2025 staff presentation) annual penalty fees that can range from $1,500 to $5,000 for repeat or aggravated violations. Until the ordinance takes effect, unpermitted STR activity remains subject to enforcement under the existing Transient Occupancy Tax registration requirement (SVMC Chapter 3-5, Article 3) and the City's general zoning and nuisance provisions.

The Bottom Line

Simi Valley'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 Simi Valley is broadly strict or permissive.

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