ADU Permits: Thousand Oaks vs Ventura
How do adu permits rules compare between Thousand Oaks, CA and Ventura, CA?
Thousand Oaks and Ventura have similar restriction levels.
Thousand Oaks, CA
Ventura County
Thousand Oaks issues Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) permits ministerially under Title 9 of the Thousand Oaks Municipal Code (TOMC), which implements California Government Code §65852.2. ADUs and Junior ADUs (JADUs) are allowed in any residential zone where a single-family or multifamily dwelling is permitted. The 60-day statutory review applies — no public hearing, no discretionary design review.
View full Thousand Oaks rules →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
Ventura processes ADU and JADU applications as ministerial permits, not discretionary. Under Gov. Code § 65852.2(b), a complete ADU/JADU application must be approved or denied within 60 days. Applications are submitted through Ventura's Permit Services / Ventura OPS online portal.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Thousand Oaks | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Code Reference | TOMC Title 9; Gov. Code §65852.2 | - |
| Review Type | Ministerial (no hearing) | - |
| Statutory Deadline | 60 days | - |
| Detached ADU Max | 1,200 sq ft | - |
| JADU Max | 500 sq ft | - |
| Permit Office | Community Development, 805-449-2100 | - |
| Review type | - | Ministerial (no discretionary review or hearing) — § 65852.2(b) |
| State deadline | - | 60 days from complete application |
| Apply at | - | Ventura OPS online portal |
| Fee estimator | - | City of Ventura permit fee estimator includes ADUs |
| Coastal zone | - | CDP required under Public Resources Code § 30600 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Thousand Oaks FAQ
How long does an ADU permit take in Thousand Oaks?
Thousand Oaks must approve or deny a complete ADU application within 60 days under TOMC Title 9 and Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(3). If the City misses the deadline, the permit is deemed approved by operation of state law.
Do I need a Planning Commission hearing for a Thousand Oaks ADU?
No. ADUs and JADUs are reviewed ministerially by Community Development staff — no public hearing, no Planning Commission, and no discretionary design review. Building plans must still meet the California Building Code, including WUI standards for properties in the High or Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
Ventura FAQ
How long does Ventura take to approve an ADU permit?
By state law, the city must approve or deny a complete ADU application within 60 days (Gov. Code § 65852.2(b)). Failure to act within that window results in deemed approval.
Can the city require a public hearing for my ADU?
No. Gov. Code § 65852.2(b)(1) requires ministerial processing — no public hearing or discretionary review is allowed.
Where do I file?
Use the Ventura OPS online portal or contact Permit Services at City Hall, 501 Poli Street.
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