Short-Term Rentals in Ventura County, CA (2026)

6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Ventura County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Ventura County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Permit Requirements

Ventura County requires all short-term rental operators in unincorporated areas to obtain a permit and business tax certificate. The county adopted a comprehensive STR ordinance regulating vacation rentals in communities like Lake Sherwood, Casa Conejo, and the Ojai Valley.

Ventura County Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Noise Rules

Short-term rental properties in unincorporated Ventura County are subject to the county's standard noise ordinance (VCC Section 4604-8) with residential limits of 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime. Operators are responsible for ensuring guest compliance with noise standards.

Ventura County Short-Term Rental Noise Rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Taxes & Fees

Ventura County imposes an 8% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all lodging stays of 30 days or fewer in unincorporated areas under Division 11 of the county code. Hosts must register with the Treasurer-Tax Collector and remit TOT monthly.

Ventura County Transient Occupancy Tax

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Parking Rules

STR guests in unincorporated Ventura County must follow all county parking regulations. The Temporary Rental Unit (TRU) overlay zone under §8104-7.5 may impose additional parking requirements for STR properties in designated areas.

Ventura County STR Parking Rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Occupancy Limits

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Ventura County are subject to occupancy limits based on the number of bedrooms and septic system capacity. The standard formula allows two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests, with maximum occupancy not to exceed local health and safety standards.

Ventura County Short-Term Rental Occupancy Limits

Some Restrictions

Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17920.3

17920.3. Any building or portion thereof, regardless of zoning designation or approved uses of the building, including any dwelling unit, guestroom or suite of rooms, or the premises on which the same is located, in which there exists any of the following listed conditions to an extent that endangers the life, limb, health, property, safety, or welfare of the occupants of the building, nearby r...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Insurance Requirements

Short-term rental operators in unincorporated Ventura County must maintain adequate liability insurance as a condition of their rental operation. The county's transient occupancy tax registration and any applicable conditional use permits may specify minimum coverage amounts.