Tiny Homes: Oxnard vs Santa Paula
How do tiny homes rules compare between Oxnard, CA and Santa Paula, CA?
Oxnard and Santa Paula have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Oxnard | Santa Paula |
|---|---|---|
| On Foundation | Treated as ADU, streamlined permit | Allowed as ADU — up to 1,200 sq ft |
| On Wheels | Classified as RV, no permanent use | - |
| State Law | Gov. Code §65852.2 (ADU) | - |
| Min Standards | Must meet CBC habitability | - |
| 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.
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.
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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