Tiny Homes: Camarillo vs Thousand Oaks
How do tiny homes rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA?
Camarillo and Thousand Oaks have similar restriction levels.
Camarillo, CA
Ventura County
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. Movable tiny houses on wheels are not separately authorized.
View full Camarillo rules →Thousand Oaks, CA
Ventura County
Tiny homes on permanent foundations are regulated as ADUs under California state law and TOMC Chapter 9. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent dwellings in residential zones. Minimum dwelling size requirements apply.
View full Thousand Oaks rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Classified As | Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | - |
| Code | CMC Chapter 19.30; CA Gov Code 65852.2 | - |
| Min Size | 150 sq ft | - |
| Side/Rear Setback | 4 ft | - |
| Height (Detached) | <=16 ft | - |
| Permit Review | 60 days max | - |
| Quantity | 1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot | - |
| STR Prohibited | Min 31-day lease | - |
| Movable THOW | Not authorized as housing | - |
| Amnesty | CA AB 2533 (2024) - pre-2020 units | - |
| Confirm Details | Camarillo Community Development (805) 388-5340 | - |
| On Foundation | - | Regulated as ADU, permitted |
| On Wheels | - | Classified as RV, no permanent dwelling |
| Min Size (JADU) | - | 150 sq ft |
| State Law | - | CA Gov Code 65852.2 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Camarillo FAQ
Can I put a tiny house in my Camarillo backyard?
Yes, if it sits on a permanent foundation and meets ADU rules: at least 150 sq ft, 4-foot side and rear setbacks, 16 feet maximum height (detached), and a building permit through Camarillo Community Development. The City has 60 days to issue the permit on a complete application.
Can I live in a tiny house on wheels in Camarillo?
No. Camarillo's ADU ordinance does not authorize movable tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) as permanent dwellings. THOWs are treated as recreational vehicles and may not be used as housing on residential lots. Confirm any specific scenario with Community Development at (805) 388-5340.
Can I rent my tiny-home ADU on Airbnb?
No. Camarillo prohibits short-term rentals citywide. ADUs - including tiny-home ADUs - must be rented for 31 consecutive days or longer.
Thousand Oaks FAQ
Can I put a tiny home in my backyard in Thousand Oaks?
Yes, if it is on a permanent foundation and permitted as an ADU or JADU under California state law. Junior ADUs can be as small as 150 square feet.
Can I live in a tiny home on wheels in Thousand Oaks?
No, tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent residences in residential zones. They can be stored on your property per RV parking rules.
What building codes apply to tiny homes?
Tiny homes on permanent foundations must meet California Building Code standards for habitable space, including minimum ceiling heights, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, and emergency egress requirements.
Compare other topics
See how Camarillo and Thousand Oaks compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool