Building Setbacks & Zoning in Ventura County, CA (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in Ventura County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Ventura County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Setback Rules

Unincorporated Ventura County's Open Space-Recreation zone sets a 20-ft front, 10-ft side, 20-ft reverse-corner, and 15-ft rear yard setback.

Ventura County Yard Setback Minimums

Some Restrictions

Ventura County Ordinance Code § 8106-1.1

OS-REC 10 acres See Section 8106-1.4. Building lot coverage depends on lot location. 20 ft 10 ft 20 ft 15 ft 25 ft Height may be increased above 25 ft (to maximum 35 ft) if each side yard setback is at least 15 ft or as specified by permit 15 ft, except as noted in Section 8106-7.4 OS 10 acres AE 40 acres RA 1 acre 5 ft 10 ft RE 10,000 sq. ft. RO 20,000 sq. ft. R1 6,000 sq. ft. 20 ft 5 R...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Structure Height Limits

Unincorporated Ventura County caps principal structures at 25 ft in the Open Space-Recreation zone, extendable to 35 ft with wider side yards.

Ventura County Building Height Limit

Some Restrictions

Ventura County Ordinance Code § 8106-1.1

OS-REC 10 acres ... 25 ft Height may be increased above 25 ft (to maximum 35 ft) if each side yard setback is at least 15 ft or as specified by permit 15 ft, except as noted in Section 8106-7.4

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Lot Coverage Limits

Ventura County caps how much of a lot buildings may cover on unincorporated land that lies outside a mapped existing community boundary and is not governed by an area plan. Table 9 of Ordinance Code § 8106-1.4.1.3 sets the ceiling by General Plan land use designation: 5 percent on Agricultural and Open Space land, 25 percent on Rural land, 50 percent on Industrial land, and 60 percent in the Mixed Use and Commercial designations.

Ventura County Maximum Lot Coverage

Some Restrictions

Ventura County Ordinance Code § 8106-1.4.1.3, Table 9

Maximum Building Lot Coverage for Lots Outside of a Mapped Existing Community Designated Area Boundary and Not Subject to an Area Plan General Plan Land Use Designation Maximum Building Lot Coverage (Percent) Rural 25 ECU-Rural 25 Agricultural 5 ECU-Agricultural 5 Open Space 5 ECU-Open Space 5 Mixed Use 60 Commercial 60 Commercial Planned Development 60 Industrial 50 Parks and Re...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗