Camarillo, CA Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

California Government Code 65852.2 preempts most local restrictions on ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, and Camarillo's ordinance was reviewed by HCD on March 6, 2025. A tiny home built on a permanent foundation is permitted citywide in residential zones as an ADU: minimum 150 sq ft (excluding bathrooms and closets); 4-foot side and rear setbacks; front-yard setback matches the primary dwelling; height capped at 16 feet for detached units (or up to 25 feet/primary-dwelling height for attached, internal, and Junior ADUs). One ADU plus one Junior ADU (under 500 sq ft, with owner-occupancy) is allowed per single-family lot. Exterior must match the primary dwelling. The City has 60 days to act on a complete ADU permit application. Tiny houses on foundations may also be permitted under CRC Appendix AX (correctly: Appendix AQ in the IRC, adopted in California as the small/tiny dwelling appendix). Movable tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) are not classified as ADUs in Camarillo and would generally be regulated as recreational vehicles - not allowed as permanent housing on residential lots. Short-term rental of an ADU is prohibited; minimum lease is 31 days.