Ventura County, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum rental term
- Longer than 30 consecutive days
- Enforcement tool
- Recorded deed restriction
- Applies to
- Both ADUs and JADUs
Summary
Accessory dwelling units and junior ADUs in unincorporated Ventura County can be rented out, but only for terms longer than 30 consecutive days: the county records a deed restriction locking in the rule.
Rental Term: All ADUs and JADUs, and any portion thereof, that are rented shall be rented for terms that are longer than thirty (30) consecutive days.
(3) Owner Occupancy:
(a) Lot with ADU: For a lot with an ADU, the owner of the lot does not have to occupy the primary residence or ADU. However, if a single-family dwelling has an ADU and a JADU, then the owner must occupy either the JADU or the remaining portion of the single-family dwelling in accordance with Section 8107-1.7.7 (e)(3)(b).
(b) Lot with JADU: At the time of application for a JADU, the owner of the lot must reside in the single-family dwelling. Upon completion of construction of the JADU, the owner must occupy either the remaining portion of the single-family dwelling or the JADU. For purposes of this Section 8107-1.7 . 7(e)(3)(b), owner includes a beneficial owner when the property is owned by a trust or legal entity. Owner-occupancy, however, is not required if the owner is a governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.
(4) Sales and Transfers: Except as provided in Government Code section 66340 et seq., an ADU shall not be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the primary residence. JADUs shall not be sold or transferred separately from the single-family dwelling.
f. Deed Restriction:
(1) For ADUs: Upon approval of an ADU, a deed restriction running with the land in a form provided by the County must be
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 8107-1.7.7(e), an ADU or JADU may be rented separately from the primary home, but every rental term must run longer than 30 consecutive days. The county requires a recorded deed restriction on each approved ADU and JADU stating that rentals must exceed 30 days, closing off short-term or vacation-rental use of the unit.
Violations & Fines
Renting an ADU or JADU for stays of 30 days or less violates both the ordinance and the recorded deed restriction, exposing the owner to code enforcement action and possible permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I list my Ventura County ADU on a short-term rental site?
Does the 30-day rule apply to JADUs too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ventura County
California rules heatmap·Compare Ventura County to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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