Insurance Requirements: Ojai vs Simi Valley
How do insurance requirements rules compare between Ojai, CA and Simi Valley, CA?
Ojai has fewer restrictions than Simi Valley.
Ojai, CA
Ventura County
Ojai requires short-term rental operators to maintain substantial liability insurance. The tourism-dependent community has a significant vacation rental market that must protect both guests and the residential character of neighborhoods.
View full Ojai rules →Simi Valley, CA
Ventura County
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.
View full Simi Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ojai | Simi Valley |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| 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 |
| Long-Term Rentals | - | Use standard landlord policy |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ojai FAQ
What insurance do I need for an Ojai short-term rental?
You need at least $1,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance naming the City of Ojai as additional insured. Given the wildfire risk, ensure your policy covers fire-related incidents.
Does Airbnb insurance meet Ojai's requirement?
No. Airbnb Host Protection and similar platform coverage do not replace the city's requirement for a separate commercial general liability policy with the city named as additional insured.
What if I can't get STR insurance in the fire zone?
Consult with a commercial insurance broker experienced in high-fire-risk areas. The California FAIR Plan may provide a baseline. Contact Community Development at (805) 646-5581 for guidance on meeting the insurance requirement.
Simi Valley FAQ
How much liability insurance does Simi Valley require for short-term rentals?
None, because Simi Valley does not allow short-term rentals under SVMC 9-22.030.A.1. There is no STR permit to which an insurance requirement could attach.
Did the proposed STR ordinance require insurance?
Yes, the draft would have required liability insurance plus an annual permit and business tax certificate, but the Planning Commission recommended rejecting the program on March 4, 2026.
Does Airbnb's AirCover let me legally host in Simi Valley?
No. Platform host-protection programs do not override the citywide STR prohibition in SVMC 9-22.030.A.1.
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