ADU Rules: Camarillo vs Ventura
How do adu rules rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Ventura, CA?
Camarillo and Ventura have similar restriction levels.
Camarillo, CA
Ventura County
Camarillo permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs (JADUs) on residential lots per California Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22, as implemented through CMC Title 19 zoning standards. ADUs up to 800 sq ft are approved ministerially. Larger ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft are allowed with additional standards.
View full Camarillo rules →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
Ventura permits ADUs and JADUs on lots with existing or proposed single-family or multifamily dwellings, consistent with California Government Code § 65852.2 (ADU) and § 65852.22 (JADU). State law preempts local bans in single-family zones, and Ventura's local zoning standards in Division 13 of the San Buenaventura Municipal Code (SBMC) must conform to those statewide floors.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Max Size | 800-1,200 sq ft depending on bedrooms | - |
| Setbacks | 4 feet rear and side | - |
| JADU | Up to 500 sq ft within existing home | - |
| Parking | None required near transit | - |
| HOA Restrictions | Limited by CC 4751 | - |
| State authority | - | Cal. Gov. Code § 65852.2 (ADU) and § 65852.22 (JADU) |
| Local zoning chapter | - | SBMC Division 13 Zoning Regulations |
| Max detached ADU size | - | 850 sq ft (1,000 sq ft with 2+ bedrooms) under § 65852.2(a)(1)(D)(i) |
| Max JADU size | - | 500 sq ft within existing/proposed single-family dwelling |
| Min side/rear setback | - | 4 ft for new detached ADUs (§ 65852.2(a)(1)(D)(vii)) |
| Coastal Commission | - | Applies in Ventura's coastal zone |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Camarillo FAQ
Can I build an ADU on my Camarillo property?
Yes. California law requires cities to allow ADUs on residential lots. ADUs up to 800 sq ft are approved ministerially with a 4-foot setback. Building permits are required under CMC Title 16. Contact Community Development at (805) 388-5360 to start the process.
Can my Camarillo HOA block my ADU?
No. California Civil Code Section 4751 prohibits HOAs from effectively prohibiting or unreasonably restricting ADUs that comply with state law. Your HOA may have reasonable aesthetic standards but cannot deny an otherwise compliant ADU.
Do I need to live on the property to have an ADU?
No. California law eliminated the owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs. You may rent both the primary dwelling and the ADU. However, a JADU does require owner-occupancy of either the JADU or the primary residence.
Ventura FAQ
Can Ventura ban ADUs in single-family zones?
No. Gov. Code § 65852.2 preempts local bans on ADUs in residential zones that allow single-family or multifamily use. Ventura must permit at least one ADU and one JADU on qualifying single-family lots.
How big can my ADU be?
State law guarantees at least 850 sq ft (or 1,000 sq ft with two or more bedrooms) for a detached new-construction ADU. Attached ADUs may be up to 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft.
Does Ventura's coastal zone affect ADUs?
Yes. Properties within the California Coastal Commission's coastal zone require a Coastal Development Permit or local equivalent in addition to the ADU permit.
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