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Ventura County ADU Regulations

Learn how zoning, setbacks, size limits, and permitting timelines affect your ability to build an ADU in Ventura County.

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Your Guide to Building an ADU in Ventura County

As a top-rated local ADU builder, we provide this updated guide to help you understand Ventura County’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations. While this guide offers an overview, our expertise ensures your project complies with all local and state requirements. Select your city, or if you are in an unincorporated area, then the guidelines on this page will apply.

Jurisdiction Overview

  • County Authority: Ventura County regulates ADUs in all unincorporated areas through its 2024 ADU and JADU ordinance, administered by the Resource Management Agency (RMA).
  • Coastal Zone Considerations: Some unincorporated areas fall within the Coastal Zone and may require a Coastal Development Permit. The county applies separate ADU rules for inland vs. coastal regions.
  • Fire Hazard Areas: High-fire-severity zones may require enhanced design standards or defensible space. ADUs are still permitted with compliance.
  • Zoning Eligibility: ADUs are allowed by right on all residentially zoned parcels with existing or proposed dwellings.

Each of Ventura County’s ten incorporated cities (Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, etc.) maintains its own ADU ordinance. The rules in this guide apply to unincorporated areas only.

State Law Integration

  • State Compliance: Ventura County’s 2024 ordinance aligns with state law, including AB 2221 and SB 897.
  • Ministerial Approval: ADUs are approved through a streamlined process without public hearings if they meet objective standards.
  • Owner-Occupancy: Not required for ADUs. JADUs must be owner-occupied.
  • Multiple Units: One ADU and one JADU are allowed on single-family lots. Multi-family parcels may qualify for various conversions and up to two detached ADUs.

Ventura County fully complies with California’s ADU mandates while offering flexibility through zoning clearance and permit options.

ADU Size Regulations

  • Detached ADUs: Up to 850 sq ft for 1-bedroom units and 1,000 sq ft for 2+ bedrooms. On lots over 9,000 sq ft, the limit increases to 1,200 sq ft.
  • Attached ADUs: Must not exceed 50% of the main home’s floor area, up to a maximum of 1,200 sq ft.
  • JADUs: Maximum of 500 sq ft, located within the walls of the primary home.
  • Multi-Family ADUs: Up to 25% of existing units may be converted, plus up to two detached ADUs per parcel.

Ventura County uses tiered size limits to support density while preserving neighborhood character.

Setback and Separation Requirements

  • Side and Rear Setbacks: 4-foot minimum for new detached ADUs.
  • Front Setbacks: Must match the base zoning district’s front yard standards.
  • Separation: Detached ADUs must separate appropriately from other structures per building and fire codes.
  • Conversions: Setback requirements are waived when converting legally permitted structures.

These standards allow flexibility for smaller lots and urban infill development.

Height Restrictions

  • Detached ADUs: The maximum height is 16 feet. It may increase to 18 feet if the unit is near major transit stops or if the primary home is multi-story.
  • Attached ADUs: Must match or be subordinate to the height of the primary residence.
  • JADUs: Must remain within the envelope of the existing structure.

Height limits are designed to maintain compatibility with surrounding development and minimize impact.

Parking Requirements

  • General Rule: One off-street parking space is required per ADU.
  • Exemptions: No parking is required if the property is:
  • Within ½ mile of public transit
  • Located within a historic district
  • Part of an existing structure conversion
  • Garage Conversions: Replacement parking is not required if a garage is converted to an ADU.

These rules ensure parking availability while supporting ADU feasibility.

Permit Process and Timelines

  • Building Permit Path: Applies to most standard ADUs. Reviewed and approved ministerially.
  • Zoning Clearance Path: Required for certain larger or detached ADUs. Also ministerial, without public hearings.
  • Processing Timeline: Ventura County must approve or deny complete applications within 60 days.

Permit processing is streamlined for compliance and speed. Deed restrictions are required at the time of approval.

Fees and Utilities

  • Impact Fees: Waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft. Larger units may be charged proportionally.
  • Utility Connections: Required for all ADUs. Shared connections are standard, but separate meters may be installed.
  • School Fees: May apply to ADUs over 500 sq ft.

The County applies state-mandated fee caps to reduce barriers for homeowners developing small ADUs.

Incentives and Resources

  • State ADU Grant: Qualifying homeowners may receive up to $40,000 from CalHFA for pre-development costs.
  • Educational Resources: The County participates in public workshops and provides referrals to local ADU professionals.

While no local financial incentives currently exist, Ventura County supports ADU development through resources and streamlined permitting.

ADU Construction with Professional Support And Planning

Constructing an ADU in Ventura County involves coordinating with planning officials, complying with zoning codes, and navigating the permitting process, all while ensuring the design suits your goals and property. Hive ADU simplifies the entire experience. We evaluate your lot’s eligibility, design a code-compliant unit that maximizes space and functionality, and handle every aspect of the application and construction process. Our expert team thoroughly knows Ventura County’s ADU ordinance and works directly with county officials to minimize delays and deliver high-quality results. Whether you want to generate rental income, house family, or expand your living space, we ensure your ADU is built efficiently, legally, and beautifully.

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Your free ADU catalog provides everything needed to confidently start your accessory dwelling unit project. See exactly how each design fits your lifestyle, budget, and property. Start planning your dream ADU in Ventura County today.