A Resident's Guide to Camarillo's Local Ordinances

Camarillo, California may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 114 tracked ordinances across 23 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Parking Rules

RV & Boat Parking: Camarillo's zoning code (CMC Title 19) restricts the parking and storage of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers in residential zones. RVs and boats generally may not be stored in front yards or on the street and must be screened from view.

Also covered: Overnight Parking (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate), EV Charging (permissive). See the full parking rules guide for Camarillo for details.

Accessory Structures

Tiny Homes: Camarillo treats tiny homes on permanent foundations as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) under CMC Chapter 19.30 and CA Gov Code 65852.2. Minimum 150 sq ft, 4-foot side/rear setbacks, 16-foot height limit for detached units, and 60-day permit review.

Also covered: Garage Conversions (moderate), Carport Rules (moderate), ADU Permits (permissive). See the full accessory structures guide for Camarillo for details.

Noise Ordinances

Amplified Music & Events: Amplified music in Camarillo is regulated by Chapter 10.34 of the Camarillo Municipal Code (CMC). The ordinance does not set a separate dBA limit for amplifiers — instead, any amplified source must keep total noise at the receiving property line below the zone-based exterior standard (55 dBA Leq daytime / 45 dBA Leq nighttime in residential Noise Zone II) plus a tiered cumulative-time allowance..

Also covered: Decibel Limits (moderate), Industrial Noise (moderate), Aircraft Noise (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Camarillo for details.

Landscaping Rules

Water Restrictions: Camarillo water customers served by the Camrosa Water District and the City of Camarillo water system are subject to water conservation regulations. California's permanent water conservation framework under AB 1668 and SB 606 mandates efficiency standards.

Also covered: Grass Height Limits (moderate), Tree Trimming (moderate), Rainwater Harvesting (permissive). See the full landscaping rules guide for Camarillo for details.

Tree Protection

Tree Replacement Requirements: Camarillo requires replacement planting when protected trees are removed. Replacement ratios vary by species, size, and location, with native oaks typically requiring a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio..

Also covered: Heritage & Protected Trees (strict), Tree Removal Permits (strict), Tree Ordinances (moderate). See the full tree protection guide for Camarillo for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Noise Rules: Short-term rentals are not specifically authorized in Camarillo, so there are no STR-specific noise rules. However, any rental property must comply with CMC Chapter 10.34 noise standards (55/45 dBA day/night at residential property lines).

Also covered: Taxes & Fees (moderate), Parking Rules (strict), Occupancy Limits (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Camarillo for details.

Fence Regulations

Pool Barriers: Camarillo requires pool safety barriers per CMC Title 16 and the California Building Code Section 3109. All residential swimming pools and spas must be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Also covered: Retaining Walls (moderate), Fence Requirements (moderate), Material Restrictions (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Camarillo for details.

Fire Regulations

Wildfire Zones: Portions of Camarillo, particularly hillside areas near the Santa Monica Mountains and Conejo Grade, are designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) by CAL FIRE. Properties in these zones face stricter building standards, enhanced defensible space requirements, and mandatory fire-resistant construction materials under CMC Title 16 and the California Building Code..

Also covered: Backyard Fires (moderate), Smoke Detectors (moderate), Brush Clearance (strict). See the full fire regulations guide for Camarillo for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Home Occupation Permits in Camarillo are issued by the Department of Community Development as part of the business tax application. CMC Title 19 restricts home-based businesses from displaying any exterior signs or advertising visible from the public right-of-way — the residential character of the property must be preserved..

Also covered: Cottage Food Operations (permissive), Home Occupation Permits (moderate), Zoning Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Camarillo for details.

Solar Energy

Panel Permits: Camarillo follows California's Solar Rights Act and AB 2188, requiring streamlined permitting for residential rooftop solar systems. An electrical and building permit under CMC Title 16 is required but must be processed ministerially.

Also covered: HOA Restrictions (permissive). See the full solar energy guide for Camarillo for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Dispensary Zoning: Camarillo prohibits commercial cannabis businesses including dispensaries, cultivation facilities, manufacturing, and delivery services within city limits under CMC Chapter 9.50. The city has opted out of commercial cannabis licensing under California Business and Professions Code Section 26200..

Also covered: Home Cultivation (moderate). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Camarillo for details.

Curfew Laws

Park Curfew: Camarillo public parks have designated operating hours enforced under CMC Section 10.44.010 (Park Regulations). Parks are generally open from dawn to dusk unless otherwise posted.

Also covered: Juvenile Curfew (moderate). See the full curfew laws guide for Camarillo for details.

Sign Regulations

Garage Sale Signs: Garage sale signs in Camarillo are regulated under CMC Title 17 (Signs). Signs may be placed on private property with the owner's permission but are prohibited in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, traffic signs, and city property.

Also covered: Holiday Displays (permissive), Political Signs (permissive). See the full sign regulations guide for Camarillo for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Above-Ground Pools: Above-ground pools deeper than 18 inches in Camarillo are regulated as swimming pools under the California Pool Safety Act (HSC 115920-115929) and CRC Appendix AX. A 60-inch barrier with self-closing/self-latching gates plus at least two of seven safety features are required.

Also covered: Fencing Requirements (strict), Safety Rules (strict), Hot Tub Rules (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Camarillo for details.

Environmental Rules

Stormwater Management: Camarillo Municipal Code Chapter 9.32 (Stormwater Quality) prohibits illicit discharges to the storm drain system and requires best management practices (BMPs) for both construction activities and developed properties. The city participates in the Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program under the municipal NPDES permit..

Also covered: Erosion Control (moderate), Grading & Drainage (moderate), Flood Zones (moderate). See the full environmental rules guide for Camarillo for details.

Animal Ordinances

Exotic Pets: Exotic animals are regulated by CA Fish & Game Code and CDFW. Ferrets and hedgehogs are illegal to own statewide (CA Code of Regulations §671).

Also covered: Dog Leash Laws (moderate), Wildlife Feeding (moderate), Chickens & Livestock (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Camarillo for details.

Property Maintenance

Vacant Lot Maintenance: Camarillo requires vacant lot owners to maintain properties clear of weeds, debris, and hazards. Vacant lots are subject to the city's weed abatement program and regular inspections during fire season..

Also covered: Trash Bin Storage (moderate), Property Blight (moderate), Garage Sale Rules (moderate). See the full property maintenance guide for Camarillo for details.

Garage & Yard Sales

Time Restrictions: Camarillo garage sales must operate during reasonable daylight hours and comply with CMC Chapter 10.34 noise limits (no amplified sound above 55 dBA Leq before 9 p.m. at the property line, 45 dBA Leq after 9 p.m.).

Also covered: Frequency Limits (moderate), Garage Sale Permits (moderate). See the full garage & yard sales guide for Camarillo for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Setback Rules: Camarillo R-1 single-family zoning under CMC Chapter 19.14 requires standard setbacks of approximately 20 feet front, 5 feet side, and 15-foot rear (varies by lot). New ADUs are allowed at the same front setback as the primary house with reduced 4-foot side and rear setbacks per state law..

Also covered: Lot Coverage Limits (moderate), Structure Height Limits (moderate). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Camarillo for details.

Filming & Production

Street Closures: Street and lane closures for filming in Camarillo require a Special Event Permit through the Department of Community Development, with at least seven days' notice and coordination with Public Works and the Ventura County Sheriff's Department (which provides Camarillo policing). Closures typically require traffic-control plans, signed detours, and certified flaggers..

Also covered: Production Noise (moderate), Location Permits (moderate). See the full filming & production guide for Camarillo for details.

Trash & Recycling

Bin Placement Rules: Residential trash, recycling and organics carts in Camarillo (collection by E.J. Harrison & Sons under City franchise) must be placed at the curb no earlier than the evening before the scheduled pickup day and removed within 24 hours after collection.

Also covered: Bulk Item Disposal (permissive), Recycling Requirements (moderate), Pickup Rules & Schedules (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Camarillo for details.

Outdoor Cooking

Outdoor Kitchen Permits: Built-in outdoor kitchens in Camarillo require building, gas, electrical, and plumbing permits from Building & Safety under CMC Title 16 (which adopts the California Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Codes). Free-standing portable BBQs are permit-exempt.

Also covered: BBQ & Propane Rules (moderate), Smoker Rules (moderate). See the full outdoor cooking guide for Camarillo for details.

Holiday Decorations

Inflatable Display Rules: Camarillo does not regulate residential inflatable holiday displays by ordinance. Setup is subject only to general code provisions — electrical safety under CMC 16.04, noise from blower motors under CMC 10.34, and HOA architectural restrictions where applicable.

Also covered: Holiday Light Rules (permissive), Lawn Ornament Rules (permissive). See the full holiday decorations guide for Camarillo for details.

What to Do With This Information

Whether you are renting, buying, or renovating in Camarillo, knowing the local rules upfront saves headaches later. Dig into the individual ordinance pages linked above for the complete picture, including fines and exemptions.