Permit Requirements: Simi Valley vs Thousand Oaks
How do permit requirements rules compare between Simi Valley, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA?
Thousand Oaks has fewer restrictions than Simi Valley.
Simi 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 →Thousand Oaks, CA
Ventura County
STR hosts must obtain a Thousand Oaks business license and register with the city's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) program. STRs are prohibited in certain residential zones; homeshares are allowed with a land use permit. TOMC Title 3.
View full Thousand Oaks rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Simi Valley | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Business License | - | Required |
| TOT Registration | - | Required (TOMC Sec. 3-14) |
| Zoning | - | Banned in some residential zones |
| Homeshare | - | Allowed with land use permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Thousand Oaks FAQ
Do I need to register my short-term rental in Thousand Oaks?
Yes. STR hosts need a city business license and must register with the city. Contact the Community Development Department at (805) 449-2100 for current registration requirements.
What is the process for STR registration?
Apply for a business license through the City of Thousand Oaks, register your property as an STR, and obtain any required permits. Proof of insurance and HOA approval (if applicable) may be required.
Can my HOA prohibit short-term rentals?
Yes. HOA CC&Rs can restrict or ban STRs regardless of city rules. Check your governing documents and consult with your HOA board before listing. Many Thousand Oaks HOAs restrict rentals under 30 days.
Compare other topics
See how Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool