Accessory Structures in Oxnard, CA (2026)
7 verified accessory structures rules for Oxnard, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Oxnard's zoning code lets any single-family lot add one internal or attached ADU plus one junior ADU, and a separate detached ADU besides, all approved ministerially with no discretionary hearing under Municipal Code Section 16-465 et seq. Detached ADUs are capped at two stories and 25 feet, with four-foot side and rear setbacks, and multi-family lots can add up to eight detached units. Homeowners association covenants cannot block construction.
Oxnard ADU Zoning and Development Rules
Some RestrictionsOxnard Code of Ordinances § 16-465.7
(A) Maximum size. (1) The maximum size of a new attached ADU may not exceed 1,200 square feet or 50% of the total floor area, including attached accessory buildings or structure, of the primary single-family unit, whichever is less... (2) The maximum size of a detached ADU determined by gross floor area of living space is as follows: (a) 850 square feet of interior livable space, if one bedroom...
ADU Impact Fees
Oxnard charges no development impact fee on an accessory dwelling unit under 750 square feet, tracking Assembly Bill 881. An ADU of 750 square feet or larger pays a percentage of the standard residential impact fee based on the ADU's square footage relative to the primary dwelling, under Municipal Code Section 15-183. The fee applies across the city's drainage, wastewater, water and traffic circulation facility fee divisions.
Oxnard ADU Development Impact Fee Rules
Some RestrictionsOxnard Code of Ordinances § 15-183
An accessory dwelling unit is a second unit on the same lot that is attached or detached from a residential unit. In accordance with Assembly Bill 881 (AB 881), fees cannot be charged for an ADU that is less than 750 square feet. For an ADU that is 750 square feet or larger, an ADU will pay a percentage of the residential fee based on the square footage of the ADU in proportion to the primary d...
ADU Owner Occupancy
A full accessory dwelling unit in Oxnard carries no owner-occupancy requirement, but a junior ADU does under some conditions. Code of Ordinances Section 16-465.12(A) requires the owner to live on-site only when the JADU shares sanitation facilities with the main house, and exempts JADUs with separate bathrooms or units owned by a government agency, land trust or housing organization.
Oxnard JADU Owner-Occupancy Requirement
Some RestrictionsOxnard Code of Ordinances § 16-465.12(A)(2)
JADU - Owner-occupancy is required for a single-family residence with a JADU if the JADU has shared sanitation facilities with the existing structure. The owner may reside in either the remaining portion of the structure or the newly created JADU. Owner-occupancy is not required if the JADU has separate sanitation facilities, or if the owner is a governmental agency, land trust, or housing orga...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Oxnard does not allow an accessory dwelling unit or junior ADU to be used as a short-term rental. Code of Ordinances Section 16-465.12(C)(3) requires that rental terms for ADUs and JADUs be longer than 30 days, so nightly or weekend bookings through a platform like Airbnb are off-limits for these units regardless of what the primary residence is otherwise permitted to do.
Oxnard Bans Short-Term ADU Rentals
Heavy RestrictionsOxnard Code of Ordinances § 16-465.12(C)(3)
(C) Rental of ADUs. (1) The ADU and/or the primary dwelling unit may be rented. (2) For residences with a JADU subject to the owner occupancy requirement of Section 16-465.12(A)(2), the JADU or the primary dwelling unit may be rented, with the owner residing in either the primary unit or the JADU. (3) Rental terms for ADUs and JADUs shall be longer than 30 days.
Shed & Carport Rules
Oxnard lets homeowners build accessory structures like sheds in any residential zone without going through the normal chapter review, but only if the structure stays under 120 square feet, sits three feet off every property line, and meets strict height and use limits under Section 16-301.
Oxnard Backyard Shed and Accessory Rules
Some RestrictionsOxnard Code of Ordinances § 16-301
(A) Accessory structures and accessory buildings shall be allowed in any residential lot zone...provided they comply with the following standards: (1) The total aggregate floor area of all accessory structures and accessory buildings shall not exceed 15% of the total open area between the residence and adjacent rear property line or 120 square feet, whichever is less. (2) Minimum setback from a...
Garage Conversions
Oxnard lets a homeowner convert a garage into a junior accessory dwelling unit, but Code of Ordinances Section 16-465.6(F)(1) limits JADU conversions to an existing or proposed single-family residence, including its attached garage, and Section 16-465.10(B) treats that attached garage space as part of the residence itself for JADU purposes.
Oxnard Garage-to-JADU Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsOxnard Code of Ordinances § 16-465.6(F)(1)
If an existing living area or a detached structure is demolished and replaced with an ADU, an ADU may be constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as the demolished structure. JADUs shall be limited to conversion of existing or proposed single-family residence including attached garages.
Tiny Homes
Oxnard's zoning code does not have a separate "tiny home" ordinance: Section 16-465.1(A) folds tiny homes into the definition of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), so a backyard tiny house is built and permitted exactly like any other ADU, with the same size, height and permanent-foundation rules that apply citywide under Division 13 of the zoning code.
Oxnard Tiny Home ADU Definition & Limits
Some RestrictionsOxnard Code of Ordinances § 16-465.1(A)
"Accessory dwelling unit" (ADU; also known as "second unit," "granny flat," "in-law suite," "tiny home" and/or "cottage") are small residential units on a permanent foundation located within, attached to, or detached and adjacent to the primary single-family unit or multi-family structure, and can provide an important source of affordable housing. An ADU shall include permanent provisions for l...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Oxnard city rules.
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