Tiny Homes: Ojai vs Ventura
How do tiny homes rules compare between Ojai, CA and Ventura, CA?
Ojai and Ventura 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 →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
Tiny homes on permanent foundations in Ventura are treated as ADUs or JADUs under SBMC Chapter 24.430 and must meet minimum size requirements (150 sq ft). Tiny homes on wheels are generally classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent dwellings in residential zones.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ojai | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| 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 — 150 sq ft minimum |
| On Wheels | - | Classified as RV — not a permanent dwelling |
| Building Code | - | Full CA Building Code compliance required |
| ADU Pathway | - | SBMC Chapter 24.430 |
| RV Parking | - | SBMC 16.217 restrictions apply to THOWs |
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.
Ventura FAQ
Can I live in a tiny home in Ventura?
Tiny homes on permanent foundations are permitted as ADUs under SBMC 24.430, with a minimum of 150 sq ft. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and cannot serve as permanent dwellings in residential zones.
What is the minimum size for a tiny home in Ventura?
ADUs and JADUs in Ventura have a minimum size of 150 square feet per California Health and Safety Code 17958.1.
Can I park a tiny home on wheels on my property?
Tiny homes on wheels are subject to the oversized vehicle parking restrictions in SBMC 16.217. They cannot be used as permanent dwellings. Contact Community Development at (805) 654-7869 for options.
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