Tiny Homes: Camarillo vs Ventura
How do tiny homes rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Ventura, CA?
Camarillo and Ventura 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 →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
Ventura does not have a separate 'tiny home' ordinance. A tiny home on a permanent foundation is regulated as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) under SBMC Chapter 24.430 and Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 — minimum 150 sq ft per Health & Safety Code §17958.1, maximum 18 ft height (detached). Movable tiny homes on wheels are RVs/park trailers under California HCD regulations and cannot be used as permanent dwellings on a residential lot.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| 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 tiny home | - | Regulated as ADU under SBMC Ch. 24.430 |
| Minimum size | - | 150 sq ft (Cal. HSC §17958.1) |
| Max height detached | - | 18 ft (20 ft for roof pitch) |
| Tiny home on wheels | - | RV/park trailer — not a permanent residence |
| JADU max | - | 500 sq ft attached, single-family lots |
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.
Ventura FAQ
Can I put a tiny home in my Ventura backyard?
Yes — if it is on a permanent foundation and built as an ADU under SBMC Chapter 24.430. It must be at least 150 sq ft, no more than 18 ft tall (detached), and obtain a ministerial ADU building permit.
Can I live in a tiny house on wheels on my Ventura property?
No. A tiny house on wheels is classified by California HCD as a recreational vehicle or park trailer and cannot be used as a permanent residence on a residential lot. Use is limited to licensed RV/mobile home parks.
What is the smallest legal ADU I can build?
150 square feet, per Cal. Health & Safety Code §17958.1, which SBMC 24.430.050 incorporates by reference. The ADU must still meet California Building Code habitability standards.
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