Tiny Homes: Ojai vs Santa Paula
How do tiny homes rules compare between Ojai, CA and Santa Paula, CA?
Ojai and Santa Paula 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 →Santa Paula, CA
Ventura County
Santa Paula permits tiny homes on foundations as ADUs under California ADU law. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles and may not be used as permanent dwellings in residential zones. Factory-built tiny homes certified by HCD are treated as manufactured housing.
View full Santa Paula rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ojai | Santa Paula |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | Allowed as ADU — up to 1,200 sq ft |
| Factory-Built (HCD) | - | Treated as manufactured housing |
| On Wheels (THOW) | - | RV classification — no permanent residence |
| Minimum Size (ADU) | - | No minimum per CA ADU law |
| Permit | - | Building permit required for all permanent |
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.
Santa Paula FAQ
Can I put a tiny home on my property in Santa Paula?
Yes, tiny homes on permanent foundations are allowed as ADUs under California ADU law. Factory-built units certified by HCD are also permitted.
Can I live in a tiny house on wheels in Santa Paula?
No, tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences in residential zones. They may be used temporarily for caretaking.
Is there a minimum size for a tiny home?
California ADU law eliminated minimum unit size requirements. Your tiny home ADU must meet building code for habitable space but has no minimum square footage.
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