Before You Build in Camarillo, CA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Retaining walls over 4 feet in height require a building permit and engineered plans under CMC Title 16 and the California Building Code. Combined retaining wall and fence heights are measured from the lower finished grade. Retaining walls are common in Camarillo's hillside neighborhoods.

Camarillo requires pool safety barriers per CMC Title 16 and the California Building Code Section 3109. All residential swimming pools and spas must be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. The barrier must meet specific design standards to prevent child access.

California Civil Code Sections 841-841.4 govern shared boundary fence responsibilities statewide, including in Camarillo. Both property owners share equally in the cost of maintaining a reasonable boundary fence. Camarillo's zoning code (CMC Title 19) establishes the physical standards fences must meet.

Camarillo generally does not require a building permit for standard residential fences up to 6 feet under CMC Title 16, consistent with California Building Code exemptions. Retaining walls over 4 feet, fences over 6 feet, electric fences, and fences in setbacks or easements may require permits.

Camarillo's zoning code (CMC Title 19) establishes fence height limits of 6 feet in rear and side yards and 3 feet in front yards for residential zones. Higher fences may be allowed with a variance or conditional use permit. Sight triangle requirements at intersections and driveways limit fence heights for visibility.

All in-ground swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs in Camarillo require a building permit under CMC Title 16. The permit process includes plan review, zoning compliance verification for setbacks and lot coverage, and multiple inspections during construction. Above-ground pools over certain thresholds also require permits.

California Building Code Section 3109 and California HSC 115921-115929, adopted by Camarillo through CMC Title 16, require all residential pools and spas to be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. At least one additional safety feature is also required.

Camarillo adopts California's comprehensive pool safety laws through CMC Title 16, requiring anti-entrapment drain covers (Virginia Graeme Baker Act compliant), at least one additional safety device for new pools, and compliance with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC 115920-115929).

Hot tubs and spas in Camarillo require building permits under CMC Title 16 for in-ground installations and may require permits for above-ground units with permanent electrical connections. Barrier requirements apply per California HSC 115921. Spas must have locking safety covers and comply with setback requirements.

Above-ground pools deeper than 18 inches in Camarillo are regulated as swimming pools under the California Pool Safety Act (HSC 115920-115929) and CRC Appendix AX. A 60-inch barrier with self-closing/self-latching gates plus at least two of seven safety features are required. Building permit is required from Camarillo Community Development.

Garage conversions in Camarillo are primarily governed by California's ADU laws (Government Code 65852.2), which allow converting existing garages to ADUs without requiring replacement parking. CMC Title 16 requires building permits for all conversions to ensure habitability standards are met.

Camarillo permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs (JADUs) on residential lots per California Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22, as implemented through CMC Title 19 zoning standards. ADUs up to 800 sq ft are approved ministerially. Larger ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft are allowed with additional standards.

Camarillo treats tiny homes on permanent foundations as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) under CMC Chapter 19.30 and CA Gov Code 65852.2. Minimum 150 sq ft, 4-foot side/rear setbacks, 16-foot height limit for detached units, and 60-day permit review. Movable tiny houses on wheels are not separately authorized.

Carports in Camarillo require a building permit from Community Development and must comply with Title 19 (Zoning) setback, height, and lot-coverage rules for the underlying residential zone. Detached carports are accessory structures and must match the architectural style of the primary dwelling.

Under CMC Title 16 and the California Building Code, storage sheds up to 120 square feet in area and not exceeding 10 feet in height are generally exempt from building permits in Camarillo. All sheds must comply with zoning setback and lot coverage requirements under CMC Title 19.

Open burning of any waste materials is prohibited in Camarillo under CMC Section 9.04.110 and Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) Rule 56. The VCAPCD issues daily burn status decisions. Recreational fires in approved containers are generally allowed outside of no-burn periods.

Fire pits in Camarillo are regulated by the Ventura County Fire Protection District (VCFPD) under the California Fire Code as adopted locally. Portable fire pits and chimineas are generally allowed with restrictions on fuel type, setbacks from structures, and clearance requirements. Permanent fire pits may require a building permit under CMC Title 16.

Camarillo water customers served by the Camrosa Water District and the City of Camarillo water system are subject to water conservation regulations. California's permanent water conservation framework under AB 1668 and SB 606 mandates efficiency standards. Landscape irrigation is restricted to certain days and hours depending on the current conservation level.

Camarillo requires property owners to maintain trees that overhang public streets and sidewalks with adequate clearance. CMC Title 13 (Streets, Sidewalks and Parks) governs public tree maintenance. Street trees are managed by the city's Public Works department. Property owners may need permits to trim or remove certain protected trees.

Camarillo regulates tree removal through CMC Title 19 (Zoning) and Title 20 (Development Control). Protected trees, including certain oak species and mature trees meeting size thresholds, require permits before removal. Street trees in the public right-of-way are city property and may not be removed without city authorization.