ADU rules in Ventura, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Ventura permits ADUs and JADUs on lots with existing or proposed single-family or multifamily dwellings, consistent with California Government Code § 65852.2 (ADU) and § 65852.22 (JADU). State law preempts local bans in single-family zones, and Ventura's local zoning standards in Division 13 of the San Buenaventura Municipal Code (SBMC) must conform to those statewide floors.
Under Gov. Code § 65852.2(a)(1)(D)(i), a detached new-construction ADU may be up to 850 sq ft (1,000 sq ft with more than one bedroom), and an attached ADU may not exceed 50% of the existing primary dwelling's floor area or 1,200 sq ft. Section 65852.2(a)(1)(D)(vii) caps required rear and side setbacks at 4 feet for new detached ADUs, and ADUs converted from existing space have no required setback. SBMC Division 13 (Zoning Regulations) implements ADU and JADU standards locally; per the descriptor on file, mapping references Gov. Code § 65852.2 (ADU) and §§ 65852.21 / 66411.7 (SB 9 lot splits/duplexes). JADUs are limited to 500 sq ft and must be contained within the walls of an existing or proposed single-family dwelling (Gov. Code § 65852.22(a)(4)). California Coastal Commission jurisdiction applies for ADU projects in Ventura's coastal zone, and projects in the Santa Clara River FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area must also satisfy the city's floodplain management standards.
Building or occupying an ADU without permits is a code violation enforced under SBMC's general code-enforcement provisions and may result in stop-work orders, daily administrative fines, and required removal or legalization. Unpermitted work also blocks final inspection of the primary dwelling and may impair title.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Ventura County.
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