After a lengthy moratorium on new permits, the City of Ventura is once again accepting applications for short term vacation rentals, including properties advertised through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO.
The change took effect after the California Coastal Commission finalized Ventura’s updated short term vacation rental ordinance on July 8, 2026. New applications opened July 13 and are being processed within designated geographic zones on a first come, first served basis.
This is a major change for Ventura homeowners and real estate investors. The city previously required permits, but it did not cap the number available in each neighborhood. The new ordinance creates a citywide limit of 355 non owner occupied short term vacation rental permits, divided among six geographic areas.
Existing permit holders also have an important deadline. They must submit their renewal applications by August 31, 2026, or their permits will be canceled.
Below is a detailed explanation of the new Ventura STVR rules, including neighborhood permit limits, eligibility requirements, parking, insurance, nuisance response plans, fees, renewal requirements and the application process.
What Is a Short Term Vacation Rental in Ventura?
Under Ventura’s municipal code, a short term vacation rental, commonly called an STVR, is the rental of an entire dwelling unit for no more than 30 consecutive days.
This includes properties marketed through Airbnb, VRBO or similar platforms. It does not include a hotel room.
Ventura requires a valid permit before an owner may rent, advertise or offer the property for short term occupancy.
What Is the Difference Between an STVR and a Homestay?
An STVR and a homestay are both rentals of 30 days or less, but they operate differently.
Short term vacation rental
An STVR involves renting the entire dwelling unit to the guest. The owner does not have to remain in the home during the stay.
Homestay
A homestay involves renting one or more bedrooms in the owner’s primary residence. The owner must:
- Maintain the property as a primary residence
- Stay overnight in the home every night of the guest’s stay
- Rent bedrooms rather than turning the entire property over to the guest
Homestays are not subject to the same numerical neighborhood caps as traditional STVRs. The ordinance allows an unlimited number of homestay permits in each of Ventura’s six permit zones.
How Many STVR Permits Are Allowed in Each Ventura Neighborhood?
Ventura has divided the city into six geographic permit areas. Each area has its own maximum number of non owner occupied STVR permits.
Ventura STVR area | Maximum permits |
|---|---|
Downtown Ventura | 100 |
Pierpont | 100 |
Harbor and Ventura Keys | 35 |
The Avenue | 40 |
Midtown Ventura | 35 |
East Ventura, or Eastside | 45 |
Total citywide | 355 |
These caps apply to traditional short term vacation rentals. Homestays are not numerically capped.
Pierpont Has an Additional Lane by Lane Limit
Pierpont is subject to two separate restrictions:
- No more than 100 STVR permits throughout the Pierpont area
- No more than 10 percent of the dwelling units on an individual Pierpont lane may receive STVR permits
The 10 percent calculation is rounded down to the nearest whole number, but at least one STVR may be authorized on each lane.
That means a new applicant could face a lane specific restriction even if Pierpont has not reached its overall 100 permit cap.
How Many Existing Ventura STVR Permits Are There?
According to the Ventura County Star article provided for this update, approximately 120 renewal permits had been issued as of July 13, 2026.
That number should not automatically be interpreted as the total number of active or eligible existing STVRs. Existing permit holders have until August 31 to renew, so the number may continue to increase as renewal applications are processed.
Applicants should check the city’s current STVR resources and online application portal for the latest availability within their specific zone.
Are Any Ventura Neighborhoods Already Oversubscribed?
Yes, Pierpont is oversubscribed. If you are thinking about purchasing a property in Pierpont, with the intent of Airbnb'ing it, I would advise against this. It is impossible to tell how long you would be on the waitlist for.
It is important to note: existing permitted STVRs on oversubscribed Pierpont lanes may continue renewing even when the lane exceeds the new density limit, provided the owner remains compliant and timely pays the required transient occupancy taxes.
This grandfathering protection applies to qualifying existing permits. It does not create room for a new applicant on the same lane.
Will Ventura Use a Waitlist?
Yes.
If a permit zone has reached its maximum number of STVR permits, the city must maintain a waiting list.
When a permit becomes available, the city will notify the next person or people on the list. The notified applicant will have 30 calendar days to apply. Failure to submit the application within that period results in removal from the list.
Being placed on a waiting list does not create a guaranteed right to a permit.
The final ordinance uses a waitlist rather than the lottery system considered in an earlier version.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Ventura STVR Permit?
At a minimum, a property and applicant must satisfy several requirements.
The property must:
- Be located in an eligible residential zone
- Comply with applicable state and local codes
- Pass a city property inspection
- Meet the required parking standards
- Fall within the applicable neighborhood and building permit caps
- Not be restricted by a city imposed affordable housing, farmworker housing or similar occupancy covenant
- Comply with applicable CC&Rs
- Be current on city taxes, permit fees and fines
The application must generally include:
- A nuisance response plan
- A transient occupancy registration certificate
- A city business tax certificate
- Required application fees
- Proof of appropriate insurance
- An acknowledgment that the owner reviewed applicable CC&Rs
- An affidavit disclosing ownership interests in other permitted STVR properties
The city may request additional information to verify eligibility and compliance with the ownership limitations.
What Types of Properties Are Not Eligible?
The ordinance prohibits permits for several types of properties and accommodations.
These include:
- ADUs
- Junior ADUs
- Other dwelling units on the same lot as an ADU or JADU
- Mobile homes located in mobile home parks
- Recreational vehicles
- Yards, balconies and driveways
- Structures not approved for residential occupancy
- Deed restricted affordable or farmworker housing
Check with the city for additional eligibility requirements.
Can I Use an ADU as an Airbnb in Ventura?
No.
An ADU or JADU cannot receive an STVR permit. The ordinance also makes other dwelling units on the same lot with an ADU or JADU ineligible under the wording of Section 6.455.070. Owners with multiple units on one parcel should confirm their property’s eligibility with city staff before applying.
ADUs may still generally be rented for periods longer than 30 days, subject to other applicable laws and restrictions.
(There is some nuance here for existing permitted ADUs. Check with the city to clarify!)
Are There Parking Requirements?
Yes. Parking is a significant part of both permit eligibility and ongoing compliance.
STVR parking requirements
- Zero, one or two bedrooms: one on site parking space
- Three or more bedrooms: at least two on site parking spaces
- Tandem parking is permitted
The required spaces must be:
- Provided at no additional cost to guests
- Free from obstructions
- Continuously available throughout the stay
- Located in a garage, driveway, carport or another approved off street location
Homestay parking requirement
A homestay must provide at least one parking space free of charge for the exclusive use of homestay guests.
The number of available parking spaces must also be stated in advertisements, and the listing must include the warning that street parking is extremely limited in some areas.
Is a Nuisance Response Plan Required?
Yes. A nuisance response plan must be submitted with every new application and every renewal application.
The plan must identify:
- The owner’s name and contact information
- The person responsible for responding to complaints
- The contact schedule for each designated responder
- How complaints will be handled
- How the complainant will be notified of the response
- How the owner or manager will take corrective action
- The maximum proposed overnight occupancy
- The number of available on site parking spaces
No more than three people may be designated to respond to complaints. Only one person may be assigned responsibility during a particular time period.
At a minimum, timely corrective action includes a telephone call to the primary adult occupant within 30 minutes of the initial complaint.
If the information in the plan changes, the permit holder must file an amended plan.
The owner must also post the nuisance response plan and a copy of the permit inside the property in a conspicuous location.
Will Neighbors Be Notified?
The city is required to provide notice regarding the availability of a nuisance response plan within 30 days after a permit is issued or renewed.
For a Pierpont lane, the notice goes to the owner and occupant of every dwelling unit on that lane.
Elsewhere, notice is generally sent to owners and occupants within a 300 foot radius, including individual units in a multi unit building. The plans may also be posted on the city’s website.
Are There Insurance Requirements?
Yes.
An STVR or homestay owner must maintain an insurance policy that the permit administrator considers adequate and appropriate for short term rental or homestay use.
The municipal code does not state a universal dollar amount in the section provided. Applicants should verify the current coverage, policy language and documentation requirements with the city before purchasing or modifying a policy.
A standard homeowner’s insurance policy may exclude or restrict business activity and short term rental use, so owners should discuss the proposed operation directly with their insurance professional.
How Much Does a Ventura STVR Permit Cost?
The Ventura County Star article reports that the permit fee increased from $204 to $1,526, effective July 1, 2026.
The code authorizes the city to charge fees associated with:
- Initial permit applications
- Renewals
- Property inspections
- Nuisance response plan amendments
- Administration and enforcement
Applicants should verify the exact amount displayed in Ventura Online Permit Services before filing. Additional costs may apply depending on the application, inspection requirements, business tax registration, insurance or required corrections.
How Do I Apply for a Ventura STVR Permit?
New applications and renewals are submitted through Ventura Online Permit Services.
A practical application sequence is:
- Determine which STVR geographic zone contains the property.
- Confirm that permits remain available in that zone and, for Pierpont, on the specific lane.
- Confirm that the property type is eligible.
- Review the property’s CC&Rs and other recorded restrictions.
- Confirm the required off street parking.
- Prepare the nuisance response plan.
- Obtain appropriate short term rental insurance.
- Obtain or prepare the transient occupancy registration and business tax documentation.
- Submit the online application and pay the required fees.
- Complete the city property inspection.
- Correct any issues identified during the inspection.
- Wait for the permit to be formally issued before advertising or accepting short term bookings.
The city’s main information hub is:
cityofventura.ca.gov/STVR
That page should be used to access the application portal, city maps, permit information, forms, the ordinance, Good Neighbor Guidelines and current city contacts.
What Do Existing Ventura STVR Permit Holders Need to Do?
Existing permit holders must submit renewal applications by August 31, 2026.
According to the city information included in the Ventura County Star article, existing operators are being given the opportunity to renew under grandfathering provisions, provided they:
- Apply on time
- Meet the updated requirements
- Pass any required inspection
- Remain current on taxes and fees
- Comply with the Good Neighbor Guidelines
- Submit an updated nuisance response plan
- Provide proof of appropriate insurance
- Meet applicable operational requirements
Failing to renew before expiration causes the annual permit to expire automatically.
An existing holder should not assume that a prior permit will roll over automatically.
How Many STVR Permits Can One Person Have?
For a new applicant, the ordinance generally limits the owner to one new STVR permit citywide. An applicant ordinarily cannot receive another permit while holding an ownership interest in another permitted STVR.
Existing operators receive transitional treatment:
- An existing permit holder with more than two citywide permits has five years to reduce to no more than two.
- In Pierpont, an existing permit holder with multiple permits has five years to reduce to one Pierpont permit.
- The owner may select which qualifying permits to retain.
- If the owner does not respond within the required selection period, the oldest qualifying permits receive renewal priority under the ordinance.
This does not mean that a new applicant may apply for two permits. The two permit allowance is a grandfathering provision for certain existing operators.
Can an STVR Permit Transfer When the Property Is Sold?
Generally, no.
An STVR or homestay permit expires when the property is sold or ownership is transferred, in whole or in part.
The ordinance contains a limited exception for a transfer to a former spouse or domestic partner as part of the dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership.
A buyer should not value a property on the assumption that the seller’s STVR permit will transfer at closing. The buyer would need to qualify and apply under the rules in effect at that time, and permit availability may depend on the applicable neighborhood cap or waitlist.
What Are the Main Operating Rules?
Once a permit is issued, the owner must continue complying with operational standards.
Important requirements include:
- A minimum stay of at least two nights
- An adult primary occupant who is at least 18
- A local owner or agent who lives or works within 30 miles
- Availability to respond to concerns whenever the property is rented
- Compliance with occupancy limits
- Proper trash storage and collection
- Compliance with noise regulations
- Posting required information inside the rental
- Maintaining complaint and response records
- Providing city staff access for an inspection or audit after reasonable notice
The maximum overnight occupancy for an STVR is generally two people plus two people per available bedroom. Children under three are excluded from the count.
For a homestay, occupancy is limited to two people per rented bedroom.
What Must Be Included in an Airbnb or VRBO Advertisement?
Every advertisement must include:
- The city permit number in the form “Ventura Permit No. ______”
- The number of on site parking spaces
- The statement that street parking is extremely limited in some areas
- The maximum permitted occupancy
- A statement that there is a two night minimum booking
The required information must appear in the same size type used in the main body of the advertisement.
What Could Cause an Owner to Lose an STVR Permit?
Ventura may suspend or revoke a permit for repeated or serious violations.
Potential grounds include:
- Two or more relevant violations within 12 months, which may support a suspension of up to six months
- Three or more relevant violations within 12 months, which may support revocation
- A qualifying police notice arising from an event at the property
- Operating while the permit is suspended
- A new violation within six months after reinstatement
- Repeated failure to collect and remit transient occupancy tax
- False information in an application or renewal
- Failure to respond to complaints or take corrective action
- Failure to correct violations identified by the city
- Failure to renew before the permit expires
- Failure to meet the required annual minimum transient occupancy tax
- A sale or transfer of the property
The city must generally investigate and provide written notice before suspending or revoking a permit. The owner has hearing and appeal rights, but the applicable deadlines are short.
What Are the Penalties for Operating Without a Permit?
According to the city information quoted in the Ventura County Star article, unpermitted rentals may face civil penalties of:
- Up to $1,500 for a first violation
- Up to $3,000 for a second violation
- Up to $5,000 for a third or subsequent violation within 12 months
If an unpermitted property is otherwise eligible, the owner may still be required to:
- Submit a permit application
- Pass an inspection
- Pay outstanding penalties
- Pay the transient occupancy tax that would have been due
- Stop renting until the permit is issued
The municipal code expressly allows the city to withhold a permit until outstanding fines and estimated unpaid transient occupancy taxes associated with illegal operation have been paid.
Ventura STVR Permit FAQ
Is Ventura currently accepting new Airbnb permit applications?
Yes. The city began accepting new STVR and homestay applications on July 13, 2026, following final certification of the ordinance.
Are applications first come, first served?
Yes, according to the city announcement reported by the Ventura County Star (https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/communities/ventura/2026/07/13/short-term-vacation-rental-permits-change-ventura/90906490007/). Availability is still subject to neighborhood caps, Pierpont lane limits, property eligibility and successful completion of the application process.
How many STVR permits are available in Ventura?
The ordinance authorizes a maximum of 355 traditional STVR permits citywide. The actual number currently available depends on approved renewals, applications in process and permit distribution within each geographic zone. But keep in mind, about 120 existing permits are eligible for renewal!
Are homestays included in the 355 permit limit?
No. Homestays are allowed in unlimited numbers within each area, but they still require permits and must comply with the homestay rules.
Can I get a Pierpont STVR permit?
As of the writing of this article (7/22/26), Pierpont is oversubscribed.
What happens when a neighborhood reaches its permit cap?
The city maintains a waitlist. When a permit becomes available, the city gives the next eligible waitlisted applicant 30 days to submit an application.
Can I Airbnb my ADU?
No. ADUs and JADUs are not eligible for STVR permits.
Does the property need off street parking?
Yes. A one or two bedroom STVR requires one on site space. An STVR with three or more bedrooms requires at least two. A homestay requires one.
Do I need commercial insurance?
The code requires insurance adequate and appropriate for STVR or homestay use. It does not specify a single universal coverage amount in the ordinance section provided. Confirm the current city requirements and speak with an insurance professional.
Do I need a local property manager?
The owner or agent must live or work within 30 miles of the rental and be able to respond while it is occupied. A responsible contact must also be incorporated into the nuisance response plan.
How quickly must I respond to a complaint?
The nuisance response plan must provide for timely corrective action. At minimum, the primary adult occupant must receive a telephone call within 30 minutes of the initial complaint.
Can I offer one night stays?
No. The ordinance requires a minimum stay of at least two nights.
Does the permit transfer when I sell?
No, except for a narrow transfer involving a former spouse or domestic partner during a dissolution. A normal sale causes the permit to expire.
When do current permit holders have to renew?
Existing permit holders must renew by August 31, 2026, according to the city announcement.
Where can I find the application and city resources?
Visit cityofventura.ca.gov/STVR and use Ventura Online Permit Services to begin the application or renewal process.
Final Takeaway
Ventura’s reopening of the STVR application process is a major development for homeowners who have been waiting through the city’s permit moratorium.
A property being located in Ventura does not automatically make it eligible. The answer depends on the property type, ownership structure, parking, zoning, neighborhood capacity, Pierpont lane density, CC&Rs, inspection results and the owner’s compliance history.
For anyone considering purchasing a Ventura home for Airbnb or VRBO use, permit availability and property eligibility should be investigated before removing contingencies or relying on projected short term rental income.
The permit does not transfer with a sale, and a property that historically operated as an Airbnb may not necessarily qualify for a new permit under the current rules.
