Oxnard, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Section 16-264 sits in Division 16 of Chapter 16 (Zoning), which governs the C-R Community Reserve zone specifically, not the city at large. The rule is short and absolute: total coverage by buildings or structures on the parcel may not exceed 25 percent of the lot area. That flat cap contrasts with the division's neighboring setback sections. Section 16-260 sets height at two stories, not to exceed 25 feet, with additional height allowed only through a special use permit under Sections 16-530 to 16-553. Section 16-261 requires a front yard of at least 25 percent of parcel depth (capped at 50 feet), Section 16-262 requires a side yard of at least 10 percent of parcel width (capped at 50 feet, with a 5 or 10-foot street side yard depending on street classification), and Section 16-263 requires a rear yard of at least 25 percent of lot depth (capped at 50 feet).

Each of those three setback sections expressly allows a reduction through special use permit approval. Section 16-264's lot coverage limit carries no such modification language, so a property owner cannot rely on the special use permit process described elsewhere in the division to exceed the 25 percent ceiling. The Community Development Department administers zone compliance for C-R parcels, and plans exceeding the coverage cap will be rejected at plan check unless the project is processed through a different zoning mechanism, such as a planned development designation under Division 17.