Tiny Homes: Ojai vs Thousand Oaks
How do tiny homes rules compare between Ojai, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA?
Ojai and Thousand Oaks 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 →Thousand Oaks, CA
Ventura County
Tiny homes on permanent foundations are regulated as ADUs under California state law and TOMC Chapter 9. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent dwellings in residential zones. Minimum dwelling size requirements apply.
View full Thousand Oaks rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ojai | Thousand Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| 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, permitted |
| On Wheels | - | Classified as RV, no permanent dwelling |
| Min Size (JADU) | - | 150 sq ft |
| State Law | - | CA Gov Code 65852.2 |
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.
Thousand Oaks FAQ
Can I put a tiny home in my backyard in Thousand Oaks?
Yes, if it is on a permanent foundation and permitted as an ADU or JADU under California state law. Junior ADUs can be as small as 150 square feet.
Can I live in a tiny home on wheels in Thousand Oaks?
No, tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent residences in residential zones. They can be stored on your property per RV parking rules.
What building codes apply to tiny homes?
Tiny homes on permanent foundations must meet California Building Code standards for habitable space, including minimum ceiling heights, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, and emergency egress requirements.
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