Permit Requirements: Ojai vs Santa Paula
How do permit requirements rules compare between Ojai, CA and Santa Paula, CA?
Ojai and Santa Paula have similar restriction levels.
Ojai, CA
Ventura County
Ojai requires a Short-Term Rental Permit (STRP) under OMC Chapter 10-10. STRs are defined as rentals of 30 days or less. The city caps total STR permits and requires a conditional use permit (CUP) in residential zones. Owner-occupied hosted rentals have fewer restrictions.
View full Ojai rules →Santa Paula, CA
Ventura County
Santa Paula requires a Short-Term Rental Permit and a business license for all properties rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days. The city has adopted specific STR regulations limiting permits, requiring owner registration, and mandating a local contact person within 30 minutes of the property.
View full Santa Paula rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ojai | Santa Paula |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | Short-Term Rental Permit (STRP) | Yes — STR Permit + business license |
| Non-Hosted CUP | Planning Commission approval required | - |
| Insurance | $1 million liability minimum | - |
| Renewal | Annual | Annual |
| Local Contact | - | Required within 30 minutes 24/7 |
| Permit Display | - | Must show on all listings |
| No-Permit Fine | - | $1,000/day per violation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ojai FAQ
Can I Airbnb my home in Ojai?
Yes, but you need a Short-Term Rental Permit. Hosted stays (you're present) have a simpler process. Whole-home rentals in residential zones require a Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Commission.
Is there a cap on STR permits in Ojai?
Yes. The city limits the total number of non-hosted STR permits. Check with Community Development at (805) 646-5581 for current availability.
What insurance do I need?
You must carry at least $1 million in liability insurance covering short-term rental activities.
Santa Paula FAQ
Do I need a permit for Airbnb in Santa Paula?
Yes, you must obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit from Community Development and a city business license before listing on any platform including Airbnb and VRBO.
How do I apply for an STR permit in Santa Paula?
Apply through Santa Paula Community Development at (805) 933-4214. You need proof of ownership, a floor plan, parking plan, and a designated local contact person.
What happens if I rent without a permit?
Operating without a permit carries fines starting at $1,000 per day. The city actively monitors listing platforms and pursues unpermitted operators.
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