Thousand Oaks, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Low density (0-4.5 units/acre)
- 40% structural / 15% paved / 40% open / 5% other
- Medium density (4.5-15 units/acre)
- 30% structural / 20% paved / 45% open / 5% other
- High density (15-30 units/acre)
- 35% structural / 25% paved / 35% open / 5% other
- Applies to
- Residential Planned Development (R-P-D) zone
Summary
Thousand Oaks uses a 'space allocation formula' to guide how much of a Residential Planned Development (R-P-D) project can be structural coverage, paved area, or open space, with the target mix depending on the project's overall density. Low-density R-P-D projects are guided toward 40% structural coverage, 15% paved area, and 40% open space, while higher-density projects shift toward more paved area.
The formula set forth in this subsection is an evaluative tool to assist in determining the adequacy of space relationships involving structural covering, paved areas, and the open space system based on the density category of each project...The definition of the space allocation components consists of: (1) Structural coverage: all buildings, including carports and garages; (2) Paved areas: driveways and parking areas; and (3) Open space: all greenbelts, private yards, and open areas which are not less than fifteen (15') feet in dimension and are not located in the setback area adjacent to frontage streets that are public rights-of-way.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-78: 2026 S-78 Supplement contains: Current city legislation passed through March 31, 2026).
Full Breakdown
TOMC § 9-4.904(f) describes this as an 'evaluative tool' the City uses when reviewing R-P-D plot plans, not a rigid cap, covering three components: structural coverage (all buildings, including carports and garages), paved areas (driveways and parking), and open space (greenbelts, private yards, and open areas at least 15 feet in dimension, outside the street-frontage setback). The accompanying table sets guideline percentages by density tier: low density (0-4.5 units/net acre) targets 40% structural coverage / 15% paved / 40% open space / 5% other; medium density (4.5-15 units/net acre) targets 30% / 20% / 45% / 5%; and high density (15-30 units/net acre) targets 35% / 25% / 35% / 5%.
Violations & Fines
Not specified: the code frames this as a guideline for evaluating plot plans rather than a coverage cap carrying its own penalty; a noncompliant plan would simply be subject to revision during the residential planned development permit review process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a hard limit on how much of my R-P-D lot can be built on?
Does a denser R-P-D project get more or less open space?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thousand Oaks
California rules heatmap·Compare Thousand Oaks to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Lot Coverage Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle lot coverage limits.