Accessory Structures in Ventura County, CA (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in Ventura County, California.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In unincorporated Ventura County, accessory dwelling unit floor area is capped by lot size, 850 to 1,800 square feet, under the county's ADU zoning standards, which also set height, story and setback limits for detached units.
Ventura County ADU Size and Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsVentura County Ordinance Code § 8107-1.7.5(g)
g.ADU Size for Attached and Detached ADUs:(1)For lots that are nine thousand (9,000) square feet or less, the maximum total floor area of an attached or detached ADU shall be eight hundred fifty (850) square feet if there is one (1) bedroom or an efficiency unit; or one thousand (1,000) square feet if there is more than one (1) bedroom; or(2)For lots that are larger than nine thousand (9,000) s...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Unincorporated Ventura County does not require an owner to live on-site for a standalone ADU, but if the lot has both an ADU and a JADU the owner must occupy the JADU or the remaining home.
Ventura County ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Some RestrictionsVentura County Ordinance Code § 8107-1.7.7(e)(3)
(3)Owner Occupancy:(a)Lot with ADU: For a lot with an ADU, the owner of the lot does not have to occupy the primary residence or ADU. However, if a single-family dwelling has an ADU and a JADU, then the owner must occupy either the JADU or the remaining portion of the single-family dwelling...(b)Lot with JADU: At the time of application for a JADU, the owner of the lot must reside in the single...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Accessory dwelling units and junior ADUs in unincorporated Ventura County can be rented out, but only for terms longer than 30 consecutive days: the county records a deed restriction locking in the rule.
Ventura County ADU 30-Day Rental Minimum
Some RestrictionsVentura County Ordinance Code § 8107-1.7.7(e)(2)
Rental Term: All ADUs and JADUs, and any portion thereof, that are rented shall be rented for terms that are longer than thirty (30) consecutive days. (3) Owner Occupancy: (a) Lot with ADU: For a lot with an ADU, the owner of the lot does not have to occupy the primary residence or ADU. However, if a single-family dwelling has an ADU and a JADU, then the owner must occupy either the JADU or...
Shed & Carport Rules
Unincorporated Ventura County lets detached sheds, garages and gazebos sit as close as 3 feet from interior and rear lot lines, but they can't cover more than 40% of the rear setback area under the county's zoning code.
Ventura County Shed Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsVentura County Ordinance Code § 8106-5.1
Detached accessory structures (e.g., gazebo, garages, storage shed), not used for human habitation, shall not be located closer than three (3) feet from interior and rear lot lines, provided that: a.Any such accessory structure(s) shall not occupy more than forty (40) percent of the rear setback area. This standard does not apply to below-grade, uncovered swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and ...
Accessory Structures by City in Ventura County
6 cities in Ventura County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
7 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
5 verified rules • ADU Owner Occupancy, ADU Rental Restrictions
6 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
6 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
4 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Rental Restrictions
4 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Rules
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