Permit Requirements: Camarillo vs Simi Valley
How do permit requirements rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Simi Valley, CA?
Camarillo and Simi Valley have similar restriction levels.
Camarillo, CA
Ventura County
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.
View full Camarillo rules βSimi Valley, CA
Ventura County
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.
View full Simi Valley rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Simi Valley |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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 |
| Owner Cap | - | 1 STR permit per owner/entity |
| Eligible Dwellings | - | Single-family homes, certain ADUs (>=800 sq ft), townhomes, condos (HOA-dependent) |
| Permitting Department | - | Environmental Services / Planning Division |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Camarillo FAQ
Can I list my home on Airbnb in Camarillo?
Camarillo does not currently have a specific short-term rental permit program, and vacation rentals are not listed as a permitted use in residential zones under Title 19. Additionally, most Camarillo HOAs prohibit short-term rentals in their CC&Rs. Contact Community Development at (805) 388-5360 to verify current rules.
Does Camarillo allow any vacation rentals?
As of the current code, short-term rentals under 30 days are not specifically authorized in residential zones. Long-term rentals (30+ days) are generally permitted. Check with Community Development for any pending ordinance changes.
What if my HOA allows short-term rentals?
Even if your HOA does not prohibit them, the city zoning code must also authorize the use. Since Camarillo's zoning does not currently include STRs as a permitted residential use, HOA permission alone is insufficient. Verify with city planning staff.
Simi Valley FAQ
Can I legally operate a short-term rental in Simi Valley right now (June 2026)?
Today there is no Simi Valley STR-specific permit. The City confirmed on the public record (November 18, 2024 staff memo) that it does not define or separately regulate STRs. However, you must still register with the City Tax Administrator and collect the 10% Transient Occupancy Tax under Simi Valley Municipal Code Chapter 3-5, Article 3, and your use must comply with the zoning and nuisance provisions of the SVMC. A new STR permit ordinance was approved on first reading May 11, 2026 and is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2027.
When do I need to apply for the new STR permit?
The City Council's May 11, 2026 first-reading vote sets the effective date as January 1, 2027. Operators should plan to apply before that date once the City publishes its application portal. The ordinance limits each owner or legal entity to one STR permit total, regardless of how many properties they own.
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