ADU Rules: Thousand Oaks vs Ventura
How do adu rules rules compare between Thousand Oaks, CA and Ventura, CA?
Ventura has fewer restrictions than Thousand Oaks.
Thousand Oaks, CA
Ventura County
Thousand Oaks Ordinance 1732-NS (Nov. 22, 2024) governs ADUs. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft; 4-foot side/rear setbacks; up to 16 ft height for detached. Attached ADUs up to 50% of primary or 1,200 sq ft, up to 25 ft height. JADUs max 500 sq ft. Minimum 30-day rental per state law.
View full Thousand Oaks rules →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
Ventura permits ADUs and JADUs on lots with existing or proposed single-family or multifamily dwellings, consistent with California Government Code § 65852.2 (ADU) and § 65852.22 (JADU). State law preempts local bans in single-family zones, and Ventura's local zoning standards in Division 13 of the San Buenaventura Municipal Code (SBMC) must conform to those statewide floors.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Thousand Oaks | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | Up to 1,200 sq ft / 16 ft height | - |
| Setbacks | 4 ft side/rear | - |
| JADU | Max 500 sq ft | - |
| Min Rental | 30 days (CA Gov Code §65852.2) | - |
| Ordinance | Ord. 1732-NS (Nov. 22, 2024) | - |
| State authority | - | Cal. Gov. Code § 65852.2 (ADU) and § 65852.22 (JADU) |
| Local zoning chapter | - | SBMC Division 13 Zoning Regulations |
| Max detached ADU size | - | 850 sq ft (1,000 sq ft with 2+ bedrooms) under § 65852.2(a)(1)(D)(i) |
| Max JADU size | - | 500 sq ft within existing/proposed single-family dwelling |
| Min side/rear setback | - | 4 ft for new detached ADUs (§ 65852.2(a)(1)(D)(vii)) |
| Coastal Commission | - | Applies in Ventura's coastal zone |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Thousand Oaks FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Thousand Oaks?
Yes. California law (Gov Code 65852.2) requires cities to allow ADUs on residential lots. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft are permitted with 4-foot side and rear setbacks. Contact Community Development at (805) 449-2100.
How long does ADU permitting take?
State law requires ministerial (no discretionary review) approval within 60 days for compliant applications. Pre-approved ADU plans may be available for faster processing. Check with Community Development.
Can I rent out my ADU?
Yes. ADUs can be rented as long-term housing. Some jurisdictions restrict ADU short-term rentals (under 30 days). JADUs (under 500 sq ft, within the primary dwelling) must be owner-occupied. Check current city regulations.
Ventura FAQ
Can Ventura ban ADUs in single-family zones?
No. Gov. Code § 65852.2 preempts local bans on ADUs in residential zones that allow single-family or multifamily use. Ventura must permit at least one ADU and one JADU on qualifying single-family lots.
How big can my ADU be?
State law guarantees at least 850 sq ft (or 1,000 sq ft with two or more bedrooms) for a detached new-construction ADU. Attached ADUs may be up to 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft.
Does Ventura's coastal zone affect ADUs?
Yes. Properties within the California Coastal Commission's coastal zone require a Coastal Development Permit or local equivalent in addition to the ADU permit.
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