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

Retaining walls over 3 feet require a grading permit and engineered plans in Ojai. Walls over 4 feet require a building permit. Given Ojai's hilly terrain, retaining walls are common and must account for soil stability and drainage.

Ojai limits front yard fences to 3.5 feet and side/rear yard fences to 6 feet under OMC zoning regulations. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit. Corner lots have additional visibility requirements at intersections.

All swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs in Ojai must have safety barriers per CA Building Code Section 3109 and the Swimming Pool Safety Act. Barriers must be at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Fences under 6 feet do not require a building permit in Ojai. Fences over 6 feet, retaining walls over 3 feet, and fences in the downtown overlay district may require permits. All fences must comply with setback and height requirements.

California's Good Neighbor Fence Act (CC 841) applies in Ojai. Adjoining landowners share equally in the cost of maintaining a boundary fence that benefits both properties. Disputes are resolved through civil mediation or small claims court.

In-ground pools and permanently installed above-ground pools require a building permit in Ojai. Permits require VCFPD review for properties in the VHFHSZ. Pool setbacks are typically 5 feet from property lines. Inspections are required at multiple stages.

All swimming pools in Ojai must be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches high per CA Building Code Section 3109. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Existing non-compliant pools must be upgraded upon sale or remodel.

Above-ground pools in Ojai with water deeper than 18 inches must comply with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC 115920-115929): a 60-inch barrier and at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention safety features. Building permit required from Ojai Community Development.

New or remodeled pools require a building permit and must comply with CA H&SC §115920–115929 and CA Building Code Title 24. Physical barrier plus one additional safety feature required.

Ojai allows ADUs on single-family lots per California ADU law (Government Code 65852.2). Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft are permitted. Junior ADUs up to 500 sq ft are allowed within the existing home. No owner-occupancy requirement per state law.

Garage conversions to ADUs are allowed under CA Gov Code §65852.2. No replacement parking required. Building permit required. Converted unit cannot be used for short-term rental.

Ojai's Zoning Regulations (Title 10, Chapter 2) define a carport as an attached or detached accessory structure enclosed on no more than two sides. Carports count toward lot coverage and accessory structure standards. A building permit is required; carport area cannot be used for home occupations.

Ojai is one of the few California cities allowing movable tiny houses as ADUs. The original two-year pilot (Ord. 923) sunsetted Nov. 26, 2023, capped at 399 sq ft. A 2025 draft replacement ordinance proposes 440 sq ft max, 14 ft height, 4-ft side/rear setbacks. Tiny homes on permanent foundations qualify as standard ADUs under Ord. 905 (CA Gov Code 65852.2).

Sheds and accessory structures must comply with Ojai's zoning setbacks. Structures under 120 sq ft typically do not require a building permit but must meet setback requirements.

Open burning is heavily restricted in Ojai due to extreme wildfire risk and air quality concerns. Agricultural burning requires a VCAPCD permit. Recreational fires are allowed only in approved fire pits when no burn ban is in effect. Yard waste burning is prohibited year-round.

Ojai regulates fire pits through Ventura County Fire Protection District (VCFPD) standards. Portable fire pits must be at least 15 feet from structures, use approved fuels only, and comply with any active burn bans. Permanent fire pits require building and fire department permits.

Ojai is served by Casitas Municipal Water District, which enforces tiered water conservation measures. Outdoor irrigation is limited to specific days and times. Water waste (runoff to gutters, irrigating during rain) is prohibited year-round.

Property owners in Ojai are responsible for trimming trees that overhang public sidewalks (8-foot clearance) and streets (14-foot clearance). Protected oak trees require a permit before pruning more than 25% of the canopy.

Tree removal in Ojai may require a permit for protected or significant trees. Ojai's small-town character means strong community interest in tree preservation. Verify with Community Development.