Host Presence Rule: Santa Paula vs Ventura

Does the owner have to be present at a Ventura County short-term rental?

For a homeshare, yes - the owner must be on site between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. and within 40 miles at other times. For a whole-home short-term rental, the owner need not be present, but a designated property manager must be available at all times and within 40 miles of the property.

Who handles guest problems if the owner is away?

Whole-home short-term rentals must designate one or two property managers, one of whom is available at all times and within 40 miles. The manager must be reachable by phone whenever the unit is rented and must respond to complaints within 30 minutes (15 minutes during quiet hours).

Do I have to be home when guests stay?

No. Ventura's current STVR ordinance does not require the owner or host to be on-site or in the same building during guest stays. Whole-home rentals are permitted as long as the permit is active and a 24/7 responsible contact can answer the nuisance line and respond within 45 minutes.

Can I use an out-of-town property manager?

Functionally no. The named responsible person in the nuisance response plan must respond to a nuisance complaint within 45 minutes (SBMC §6.455.150(2)). Out-of-area managers will not satisfy that standard, so most operators use a local property manager, neighbor, or agent.

Is there a cap on unhosted nights per year?

Not currently. SBMC Ch. 6.455 imposes no annual cap on unhosted nights. However, the pending updated ordinance under California Coastal Commission review (held up by the December 2024 council moratorium) may introduce caps and other restrictions when certified.