ADU Permits: Camarillo vs Oxnard
How do adu permits rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Oxnard, CA?
Camarillo has fewer restrictions than Oxnard.
Camarillo, CA
Ventura County
Camarillo issues Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) permits ministerially under CMC Chapter 19.56, which implements California Government Code §65852.2. ADUs are allowed in any residential zone where a single-family or multi-family dwelling is permitted. Standard 60-day review timeline applies once the application is complete; no public hearing is required.
View full Camarillo rules →Oxnard, CA
Ventura County
Oxnard processes accessory dwelling units ministerially under City Code Chapter 16 (Zoning Code), Sections 16-467 through 16-468 and related provisions. Review is by the Community Development Department, Planning and Environmental Services Division, with construction permits issued by the Building Division. State law (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2) preempts most local barriers and requires the City to act within 60 days of a complete application.
View full Oxnard rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Oxnard |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | CMC Ch. 19.56; Gov. Code 65852.2 | City Code Ch. 16 Sec. 16-467, 16-468 |
| Review Type | Ministerial (no hearing) | - |
| Statutory Deadline | 60 days | - |
| Detached ADU Max | 1,200 sq ft | - |
| JADU Max | 500 sq ft | - |
| Permit Office | Community Development, 805-388-5360 | - |
| Reviewing Body | - | Community Development - Planning & Environmental Services |
| Process | - | Ministerial - no hearing |
| Decision Window | - | 60 days (Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b)) |
| Detached Max Height | - | 16 ft (18-25 ft in statutory exceptions) |
| JADU Cap | - | 500 sf within existing walls |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Camarillo FAQ
How long does an ADU permit take in Camarillo?
Camarillo must approve or deny a complete ADU application within 60 days under CMC 19.56 and Gov. Code §65852.2. If the City misses the deadline, the permit is deemed approved by state law.
Do I need a Planning Commission hearing for a Camarillo ADU?
No. ADUs are reviewed ministerially by Community Development staff — no public hearing, no Planning Commission, and no discretionary design review. Building plans must still meet code.
How big can an ADU be in Camarillo?
Up to 1,200 sq ft for a detached ADU under CMC 19.56. Attached ADUs are limited to 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft, whichever is less. JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft within the existing dwelling.
Oxnard FAQ
Who approves ADU applications in Oxnard?
The Community Development Department's Planning and Environmental Services Division handles zoning review under City Code Sec. 16-467; the Building Division issues construction permits. No public hearing is held — approval is ministerial under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2.
How many ADUs can I build on my Oxnard lot?
One ADU per legally existing lot developed with one residential use, per City Code Sec. 16-467. A separate JADU (up to 500 sf within the existing walls of the primary dwelling) may also be permitted on single-family lots, consistent with Cal. Gov. Code §65852.22.
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