Ventura orders short-term rental permit renewals by August 31 under updated ordinance

Ventura has finalized an updated Short-Term Vacation Rental ordinance with two critical deadlines property owners cannot miss. Current permit holders have until August 31, 2026, to renew through the City's Online Permit Services portal, or their permits will be canceled, according to the July 7 city release.

The City is guaranteeing renewal for existing permit holders under a grandfathering provision, provided they meet updated requirements and submit applications on time through Ventura Online Permit Services.

Beginning July 13, 2026, Ventura will accept applications for new STVR permits within designated geographic zones on a first-come, first-served basis, the release states.

Fee increase. Permit fees jump to $1,526 from the previous $204, effective July 1, 2026 — a roughly 650 percent increase, per the release.

Geographic caps. The updated ordinance establishes permit zones with capacity limits. No owner may hold more than two permits citywide, and in the Pierpont area the limit is one permit maximum, the release states.

Parking and homestay rules. Property owners must provide free, unobstructed onsite parking continuously available to guests. The ordinance now permits homestays — owners may legally rent individual rooms in their primary residence. Accessory Dwelling Units, however, cannot be rented as short-term rentals under state law, per the release.

Enforcement. Unpermitted rentals face civil penalties of up to $1,500 for the first violation, $3,000 for the second, and $5,000 for the third or any additional violation within a 12-month period, per the updated ordinance.

Full ordinance text, renewal materials, and zone details are available at cityofventura.ca.gov/STVR, per the release.

No further City Council action on the STVR ordinance is currently scheduled.