Ojai, CA Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)

Ventura County draws a clear line between two TRU types, and only one of them carries a primary-residence requirement. A homeshare is defined in the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance as a dwelling that is the primary residence of an owner who possesses at least a 20 percent ownership interest in the parcel, with a portion rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days while the owner is physically present in the same dwelling. 'Primary residence' is defined as the owner's main living location, evidenced by the address of record on the property title, income tax returns, voter registration, or a current property tax bill. By contrast, a 'short-term rental' is a dwelling rented for fewer than 30 days when the owner is not physically present, meaning whole-home, non-owner-occupied STRs are allowed countywide if permitted, subject to eligibility limits. The most significant geographic exception is the Ojai Valley area overlay: according to the RMA, in that overlay short-term rentals are prohibited except on designated historic landmark properties, while homeshares remain permitted with the owner present in the same dwelling. Homeshare applicants must annually provide proof of a homeowner's exemption from the County Assessor and a statement confirming owner occupancy (Section 8109-4.6.7(d)). So while the County as a whole is not a primary-residence-only jurisdiction, the homeshare category and certain overlays effectively require owner occupancy.