ADU rules in Thousand Oaks, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Thousand Oaks Ordinance 1732-NS (Nov. 22, 2024) governs ADUs. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft; 4-foot side/rear setbacks; up to 16 ft height for detached. Attached ADUs up to 50% of primary or 1,200 sq ft, up to 25 ft height. JADUs max 500 sq ft. Minimum 30-day rental per state law.
Per Ord. 1732-NS, detached ADUs may be up to 1,200 sq ft with 4-foot rear/interior side setbacks and 16-foot height limit. Attached ADUs may be up to 50% of primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft, up to 25 feet. JADUs max 500 sq ft within existing home walls, must be owner-occupied. Conversions of existing structures are exempt from setback requirements. ADUs are exempt from parking requirements within ½ mile of transit. Units under 750 sq ft are exempt from impact fees. Oak tree-protected zones exclude ADU construction. Note: Ordinance 1735-NS (April 25, 2025) was flagged by CA HCD as failing to comply with state ADU law in some respects — check with city for latest requirements.
Building an ADU without permits: stop-work order, double retroactive permit fees, and fines of $250-$1,000/day. Occupying an unpermitted ADU: zoning violation with requirement to vacate. Non-compliant ADUs may face demolition orders if not brought into compliance. However, state law requires cities to approve compliant ADU applications ministerially within 60 days.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Ventura County.
See how other cities in Ventura County handle adu rules.
See how Thousand Oaks's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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