Short-term rental permit rules in Ventura County, CA — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
In unincorporated Ventura County, a Temporary Rental Unit (TRU) permit is required before renting a dwelling for fewer than 30 days. Only property owners may apply, the property must lie within the TRU Overlay Zone, and a pre-permitting inspection is required.
Ventura County regulates short-term rentals in its unincorporated areas under the Temporary Rental Unit (TRU) program. The Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance, Section 8109-4.6, governs areas outside the Coastal Zone, while the Coastal Zoning Ordinance, Section 8175-5.21, governs the Coastal Zone. The ordinance recognizes two use types: a 'short-term rental' (owner not present) and a 'homeshare' (owner present in their primary residence). Per Section 8109-4.6.4, a valid County permit is required for anyone who seeks rent to rent, advertise, or facilitate the rental of a TRU located in the TRU Overlay Zone. Permits may only be issued to property owners; renters and lessees are ineligible (Section 8109-4.6.5.1), and a permit automatically expires upon sale or transfer of the property. Only one dwelling unit per multi-unit property may be permitted, and no owner may hold permits on more than one TRU property. Accessory dwelling units, second units, deed-restricted affordable units, and Land Conservation Act parcels are ineligible (Section 8109-4.6.5.2). Before issuance, the County Building Official conducts a pre-permitting inspection to count bedrooms and verify code compliance (Section 8109-4.6.6); identified violations must be abated first. The County treats TRUs as businesses operated in residential zones that are not a by-right use.
Operating a TRU without a valid permit, or operating an ineligible dwelling (such as an ADU), violates Section 8109-4.6. Violations are grounds for permit revocation, fines, and criminal prosecution, and may be charged as a misdemeanor or infraction with administrative penalties.
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