Tiny Homes: Ojai vs Simi Valley
How do tiny homes rules compare between Ojai, CA and Simi Valley, CA?
Ojai and Simi Valley 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 →Simi Valley, CA
Ventura County
Tiny homes on foundations in Simi Valley are regulated as ADUs or standard dwellings and must meet California Building Code requirements. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and may not be used as permanent residences on residential lots.
View full Simi Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ojai | Simi Valley |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | Regulated as ADU, permits required |
| On Wheels | - | Classified as RV, no habitation |
| HCD Certification | - | Required for factory-built units |
| Minimum Size | - | Must meet CBC habitable standards |
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.
Simi Valley FAQ
Can I live in a tiny home in Simi Valley?
Tiny homes on permanent foundations are allowed as ADUs with proper permits. Tiny homes on wheels cannot be used as permanent residences and are classified as RVs.
Do tiny homes need to meet building code?
Yes, tiny homes on foundations must meet all California Building Code requirements for habitable space including minimum ceiling heights, egress, plumbing, and electrical standards.
Can I park a tiny home on wheels in my yard?
You may store a THOW on your property subject to RV parking rules, but you cannot live in it or connect it to permanent utilities for habitation purposes.
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