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 7 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.

Insurance Requirements

Simi Valley does not impose STR liability insurance minimums because short-term rentals are not an allowable land use under SVMC 9-22.030.A.1. A 2024-2026 draft ordinance would have required liability insurance, but the Planning Commission voted 4-0 on March 4, 2026 to recommend keeping the prohibition.

Key details: City Insurance Minimum: None (STRs banned). Code Section: SVMC 9-22.030.A.1. Permit Pathway: Does not exist. Draft Ordinance: Required liability insurance (not adopted). Commission Vote: 4-0 ban recommendation, Mar 4, 2026.

Carrying private liability insurance does not legalize an otherwise prohibited stay of 30 days or fewer. Operating, booking, or advertising an STR violates SVMC 9-22.030.A.1 and exposes the operator to administrative citations, civil action, and nuisance abatement under the Development Code's enforcement provisions.

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

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.

Registration Rules

As of early 2026, Simi Valley has NO STR ordinance. Short-term rentals are currently unregulated but the Planning Commission voted 4-0 in March 2026 to recommend a citywide ban, pending City Council action.

Key details: Current Status: No STR ordinance as of early 2026. Planning Commission: 4-0 ban recommendation (March 2026). Pending: City Council decision expected. Contact: Planning Division (805) 583-6763.

Failure to collect or remit TOT results in penalties and interest on late payments.

Permit Requirements

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.

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

Noise Rules

Short-term rental properties in Simi Valley must comply with enhanced noise and nuisance standards. Guests and operators are responsible for ensuring rental activity does not disturb neighboring residents, with strict quiet hours and occupancy-related noise limits.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 7 AM. Response Time: 30 minutes for local contact. Revocation Trigger: 3 complaints in 12 months. Outdoor Gatherings: Prohibited after 10 PM.

STR-related noise violations carry enhanced penalties. First verified complaint results in a written warning. Second complaint within 12 months triggers a $500 fine. Third complaint initiates permit suspension proceedings. The property owner, not just the guest, bears responsibility for compliance.

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

Taxes & Fees

Short-term rental operators in Simi Valley must collect and remit transient occupancy tax on all stays of fewer than 30 days. The TOT rate is consistent with hotel and lodging taxes applied throughout the city.

Key details: Tax Type: Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Applies To: Stays under 30 days. Filing: Quarterly returns required. Finance Department: (805) 583-6800.

Failure to collect or remit TOT results in penalties including back taxes, interest at 1.5% per month, and administrative fines. The city may also revoke the STR permit for persistent tax non-compliance. Intentional evasion may be referred for criminal prosecution.

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

Parking Rules

Short-term rental properties in Simi Valley must provide adequate off-street parking for guests. The city prohibits STR guest vehicles from blocking driveways, sidewalks, or creating neighborhood parking shortages.

Key details: Parking Required: One space per bedroom off-street. Lawn Parking: Prohibited. Guest Compliance: Must follow posted street restrictions. Complaint Response: Local contact must address promptly.

Parking violations at STR properties are addressed through both traffic enforcement and STR permit conditions. Repeated parking complaints contribute to the three-complaint threshold for permit review. Vehicles parked illegally may be cited or towed under standard traffic codes.

The Bottom Line

Simi Valley is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Simi Valley, 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 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.