Moorpark, CA

Moorpark restricts noise-producing activities between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Operating radios, televisions, stereos, musical instruments, drums, or similar devices that create noise disturbance across property lines is prohibited during quiet hours. Loading and unloading of containers is also restricted during these hours.

Moorpark limits outdoor construction work to 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. No construction is permitted on Sundays without a written permit from the Community Development Director (private property) or Public Works Director (public right-of-way). Emergency construction is allowed outside these hours with written notification within 12 hours.

Short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) are prohibited in Moorpark. No permit is available for Airbnb, VRBO, or similar vacation rentals. Properties may only be rented for periods of 30 days or longer. The city actively enforces this prohibition through its Code Compliance Division.

Moorpark imposes a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on stays of 30 days or less in hotels and motels. The tax rate is set by City Council resolution but cannot exceed 10%. Operators must register with the Tax Administrator and file quarterly returns. Since short-term residential rentals are banned, this applies primarily to licensed lodging establishments.

Moorpark is served by the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD). Recreational fires must be no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. Open wood-burning fires require a 25-foot setback from structures; approved containers require a 15-foot setback. Gas fire pits are exempt from burn bans. A California Campfire Permit may be required in wildland fire areas.

Open burning for vegetation disposal is prohibited in Moorpark. The Ventura County Fire Department requires a permit for any agricultural burning, which is only allowed on weekdays. Property owners in fire hazard zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space. Zone Zero requires a 5-foot non-combustible buffer around structures.

Moorpark requires vehicles to park parallel with the curb, right-hand wheels within 18 inches. Vehicles cannot be stored on public streets for more than 72 hours. Time-limited parking zones are marked with green curbs or signs. No parking space reservation is permitted on public streets.

Moorpark prohibits oversized vehicles from parking on public streets in areas designated by City Council resolution. Oversized vehicles are defined as those exceeding 19 feet in length, 7 feet in width, or 8 feet in height. RVs and boats of these dimensions cannot be stored on public streets in restricted areas.

Moorpark prohibits chickens and farm animals (equines, bovines, porcines, fowl) in residential zoning districts. These animals are only permitted in Rural Exclusive (RE) or Agricultural zones. Where allowed, animal enclosures must be at least 15 feet from the property line.

Dogs in Moorpark must be leashed at all times on public property including sidewalks, parks, and trails. All dogs over 4 months old kept in the city for 30+ days require a license through the Ventura County Animal Services. License fees are $30 for spayed/neutered dogs and $105 for intact dogs. Late penalties double the fee. Current rabies vaccination is required.

Moorpark limits fences to 6 feet in height. In front yards, the top 3 feet must be visually open/decorative fencing (at least 75% open) unless it is a retaining wall or approved noise attenuation wall. In Downtown Specific Plan R-1 and R-2 zones, the top 2 feet must be open. Interior and rear lot line fences may be solid up to 6 feet. Walls over 3 feet may require engineered footings.

Running a home business in Moorpark requires a Home Occupation Permit. Only residents of the property may work in the home business — no non-resident employees are allowed on-site. Maximum one commercial vehicle (under 10,000 lbs GVW) may be kept on premises. No accessory structures may be used for the business, and the activity must be clearly incidental to residential use. Permits do not expire.

Moorpark protects historic trees, native oak trees, and mature trees under Chapter 12.12. These trees cannot be injured, defaced, or scarred. Removal requires a tree removal permit. Property owners must prevent trees from overhanging public property and may be required to trim trees to 14 feet 6 inches above the street surface. The city provides 10 days written notice before requiring action.