Ventura, CA Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)

Section 6.455.125 sets the performance standards for STVRs. Notably, those standards do not include a host-occupancy or co-occupancy requirement. Instead, the city's enforcement model is centered on accountability: SBMC §6.455.150 enumerates the misdemeanor acts/omissions, of which (2) failure to respond to a nuisance complaint within 45 minutes, and (3) failure to keep on file with the permit administrator a current response plan with contact info for the responsible person, are the two key host-availability rules. Combined with §6.455.045 advertising rules (the city permit number must appear on every listing) and the 300-foot radius neighbor notification, the practical effect is that whether or not the host sleeps on-site, the 24/7 responder must be reachable and reasonably able to reach the property within 45 minutes — which functionally requires a Ventura-area local contact (owner, property manager, or designated agent). Ventura does NOT impose any unhosted-night cap (e.g., 90 days like Los Angeles) under the current ordinance, although the pending updated ordinance currently under Coastal Commission review may add such restrictions.