Tiny Homes: Fillmore vs Ojai
How do tiny homes rules compare between Fillmore, CA and Ojai, CA?
Fillmore and Ojai have similar restriction levels.
Fillmore, CA
Ventura County
Tiny homes on permanent foundations in Fillmore are regulated as ADUs under California Government Code §65852.2 and must meet California Building Code standards. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent dwellings in residential zones.
View full Fillmore rules →Ojai, CA
Ventura County
Ojai is one of the few California cities allowing movable tiny houses as ADUs. The original two-year pilot (Ord. 923) sunsetted Nov. 26, 2023, capped at 399 sq ft. A 2025 draft replacement ordinance proposes 440 sq ft max, 14 ft height, 4-ft side/rear setbacks. Tiny homes on permanent foundations qualify as standard ADUs under Ord. 905 (CA Gov Code 65852.2).
View full Ojai rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fillmore | Ojai |
|---|---|---|
| On Foundation | Regulated as ADU | - |
| On Wheels | Classified as RV, no permanent dwelling | - |
| State Law | CA Gov Code §65852.2 | - |
| Min Ceiling Height | 7 feet per CBC | - |
| Foundation Tiny Home | - | Treated as ADU - Ord. 905 / CA Gov Code 65852.2 |
| ADU Max Detached | - | Up to 1,200 sq ft, 16 ft height, 4 ft setbacks |
| Movable Pilot (Ord. 923) | - | <=399 sq ft; expired Nov 26, 2023 |
| 2025 Draft Replacement | - | 440 sq ft max, 14 ft height, 4 ft side/rear setbacks |
| First-Year Cap | - | 20 units (per draft ordinance) |
| Toilets | - | Composting allowed if no sewer; no private septic |
| STR Restriction | - | No rentals under 30 days (Ord. 943) |
| ADU Amnesty | - | CA AB 2533 (2024) - foundation ADUs only |
| Confirm Status | - | Ojai Community Development (805) 646-5581 x112 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fillmore FAQ
Can I live in a tiny home in Fillmore?
Yes, if the tiny home is on a permanent foundation and meets California Building Code requirements. It would be permitted as an ADU under state law. Tiny homes on wheels cannot be used as permanent residences.
Can I park a tiny home on wheels on my property in Fillmore?
You can park it as a recreational vehicle subject to RV parking rules, but you cannot live in it. It must meet the same storage requirements as any RV on residential property.
What permits do I need for a tiny home in Fillmore?
A tiny home on a foundation needs an ADU building permit through Community Development at (805) 524-1500 ext 234. Plans must meet California Building Code and local zoning setbacks.
Ojai FAQ
Are movable tiny houses legal in Ojai?
The original two-year pilot (Ord. 923) expired Nov 26, 2023. A draft replacement ordinance was introduced April 8, 2025 with a 440 sq ft cap, 14-ft height, 4-ft side/rear setbacks, and a 20-unit first-year limit. Confirm current adopted status with Community Development at (805) 646-5581 x112.
Can I build a tiny home on a permanent foundation?
Yes. Tiny homes on permanent foundations are treated as standard ADUs under Ojai Ord. 905 and CA Gov Code 65852.2 - detached up to 1,200 sq ft, 4-ft side/rear setbacks, 16-ft height, with ministerial approval.
Can I rent my Ojai tiny home on Airbnb?
No. Ojai bans all short-term rentals under 30 days citywide (Ord. 943, eff. Nov 10, 2023), and the ban explicitly includes ADUs. Tiny home ADUs must be rented for 31 consecutive days or longer.
How many tiny homes can fit on one lot?
Single-family parcels generally allow one ADU plus one JADU under state law. Movable tiny houses are limited by the active pilot/ordinance program, currently subject to a 20-unit citywide cap in the draft 2025 ordinance. Confirm specifics with Community Development.
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