Tiny Homes: Ojai vs Oxnard
How do tiny homes rules compare between Ojai, CA and Oxnard, CA?
Ojai and Oxnard have similar restriction levels.
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 →Oxnard, CA
Ventura County
Tiny homes in Oxnard are regulated as either ADUs (if on a permanent foundation) or park model RVs. California ADU law (AB 68, SB 13) streamlines accessory dwelling unit approval. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences on residential lots.
View full Oxnard rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ojai | Oxnard |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| On Foundation | - | Treated as ADU, streamlined permit |
| On Wheels | - | Classified as RV, no permanent use |
| State Law | - | Gov. Code §65852.2 (ADU) |
| Min Standards | - | Must meet CBC habitability |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Oxnard FAQ
Can I put a tiny home in my Oxnard backyard?
Yes, if it is on a permanent foundation and meets ADU requirements. California ADU law streamlines approval for accessory dwelling units including tiny homes meeting building code standards.
Can I live in a tiny house on wheels in Oxnard?
No. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent residences on residential lots in Oxnard. They may only be lived in at designated RV parks.
What size can a tiny home ADU be in Oxnard?
ADUs can be up to 800 square feet for detached units on single-family lots or up to 1,000 square feet for two-bedroom ADUs under California state law minimums that cities must allow.
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