Are short-term rentals allowed in Ojai?

**No**, short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in all residential zones within the City of Ojai. You need to be aware that this ban is aggressively enforced, with fines starting at $1,000 per violation. Refer to Municipal Code § 10-2.805 for detailed regulations. (52 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in Ojai, CA?

**10% TOT** is the transient occupancy tax rate applicable in the City of Ojai. You need to collect this tax from guests for stays less than 31 consecutive days. Remit the collected taxes to the appropriate city department according to the established schedule and guidelines. Contact the city for details. (51 words)

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Ojai?

**Fines start at $1,000** per violation if you operate an illegal short-term rental in Ojai. You need to be aware that the city actively enforces its ban on STRs in residential zones. Ensure you are fully compliant with local regulations to avoid penalties and legal issues. (49 words)

Can renters host on Airbnb in Ojai?

**No**, renters cannot legally host on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms in Ojai. You need to be aware that short-term rentals are prohibited in all residential zones within the city. This restriction applies to both property owners and tenants, per Municipal Code § 10-2.805. (50 words)

Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Ojai?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Ojai, though standard state and county regulations may still apply. You need to comply with all applicable state and county requirements for operating a rental property. Contact the Ojai planning department for clarification. (50 words)

Ojai, CA Short-Term Rental Laws &... | Learn STR by GoStudioM

Gold Standard Verification

100%

Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

Short-term rentals (stays of less than 31 consecutive days) are strictly PROHIBITED in all residential zones within the City of Ojai per Municipal Code § 10-2.805. The city aggressively enforces this ban with fines starting at $1,000 per violation.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Residential STRs prohibited
•Banned in all/most residential zones
•All residential property types prohibited
•Severe night cap: 0 nights/year
•Long minimum stay: 31 nights
•Tenants cannot host
•No STR-specific permit required
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of Ojai, your stay must be for 31 days or longer. The city has a complete ban on short-term vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods to protect local housing and community character. If you operate an unpermitted rental for less than 31 days, you face steep fines of at least $1,000 per day. Only legally licensed hotels or bed and breakfasts in commercial zones are allowed to offer short-term stays.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.PROHIBITED: You cannot legally rent your home for less than 31 days in any residential zone.
2.31-Day Rule: Stays must be for 31 consecutive days or more to be considered legal long-term rentals.
3.Fines are high: Ojai issues a $1,000 fine for the first offense, which is much higher than most neighboring cities.
4.ADU Ban: Even if you live on-site, you cannot rent an Accessory Dwelling Unit (guesthouse) on a short-term basis.
5.City vs. County: If your address is in 'Ojai' but located in unincorporated Ventura County, different (and more permissive) rules apply. Check your property tax bill to see if you pay taxes to the City of Ojai.
6.Enforcement: The city active monitors platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to identify and cite illegal listings.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Ojai prohibits STRs in the following property types: All residential dwellings, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Single-family homes, Multi-family units.
•Ojai: ADU Ban: Even if you live on-site, you cannot rent an Accessory Dwelling Unit (guesthouse) on a short-term basis.
•Ojai, CA: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(12)

•Ojai STR warning: Enforcement: The city active monitors platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to identify and cite illegal listings.
•Ojai STR warning: 31-Day Rule: Stays must be for 31 consecutive days or more to be considered legal long-term rentals.
•Ojai, CA: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.

Application Process(4)

•STR regulations overview for Ojai: Short-term rentals (stays of less than 31 consecutive days) are strictly PROHIBITED in all residential zones within the City of Ojai per Municipal Code § 10-2.805. The city aggressively enforces this ban with fines starting at $1,000 per violation.

Taxes(2)

•Ojai: City vs. County: If your address is in 'Ojai' but located in unincorporated Ventura County, different (and more permissive) rules apply. Check your property tax bill to see if you pay taxes to the City of Ojai.

Limits & Restrictions(2)

•Ojai enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.
•Ojai requires a minimum stay of 31 nights.

Penalties(4)

•Ojai enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $1,000. Second offense: $2,000. Third offense: $5,000. Daily fine: Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense. Maximum fine: Cumulative based on days of operation. Criminal penalties may apply.
•Ojai: Fines are high: Ojai issues a $1,000 fine for the first offense, which is much higher than most neighboring cities.

Exemptions(3)

•Ojai, CA: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Ojai exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Licensed hotels, Licensed motels, Licensed Bed and Breakfasts in specific commercial zones.

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

California

Strict

The City of Los Angeles requires all short-term rental hosts to register for a Home-Sharing permit and only permits the rental of one's primary residence. Stays are capped at 120 days per year unless an Extended Home-Sharing permit is obtained, and rentals in RSO-regulated buildings or newer ADUs are strictly prohibited.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Anaheim

California

Prohibited

Short-term rentals in Anaheim are strictly limited to approximately 277 'pre-moratorium' operators who were grandfathered in 2019. The city currently prohibits the issuance of any new STR permits. Allowed operators must follow rigid 'Good Neighbor' policies, enforce a 3-night minimum stay, and pay a 15% Transient Occupancy Tax.

Permit required

15.0% total tax

Mammoth Lakes

California

Moderate

Short-term rentals are heavily regulated in Mammoth Lakes and generally restricted to multi-family and resort zones (RMF-2, Resort, etc.). Hosts must obtain an STR Certificate and a Business Tax Certificate, and pay a total TOT rate of 13%. Stays of 31 days or longer are exempt from these regulations.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Big Bear Lake

California

Strict

The City of Big Bear Lake regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 5.44, requiring an annual license, rigorous safety inspections, and a strict guest limit of 2 per bedroom plus 2. Owners are limited to 2 licenses total and must remit a 9% combined TOT and TBID tax quarterly.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Ojai

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(4)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(2)

Penalties(4)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

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Ojai

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Are short-term rentals allowed in Ojai?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Ojai, CA?

3What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Ojai?

4Can renters host on Airbnb in Ojai?

5Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Ojai?

Related Content

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

Big Bear Lake