Oxnard ADU rules

Local regulations (non-coastal areas only)

Outside the Coastal Zone only (does not apply to Coastal Zone parcels): The ADU rules below are in Chapter 16 (Zoning) of the City Code; Oxnard's Coastal Zone has its own zoning chapter (Chapter 17, Coastal Zoning), where other rules may apply. This lookup cannot tell whether a parcel is in the Coastal Zone; check with the Planning Division.

Source: Oxnard City Code (American Legal Publishing), Chapter 16 Article V Division 13 and code contents, Code contents: Chapter 16 Zoning; Chapter 17 Coastal Zoning, accessed 2026-10-23.

Permit route and timing (non-coastal areas only)

Outside the Coastal Zone only (does not apply to Coastal Zone parcels): A building permit is required and complying ADUs are allowed ministerially, without a hearing. Completeness notice within 15 business days; decision within 60 days of a complete application, or 30 days for a detached ADU using a City “preapproved” plan. Denials and incomplete findings can be appealed. HOAs and CC&Rs may not block or unreasonably restrict ADUs.

Source: City of Oxnard, Ordinance No. 3072 (City Code Chapter 16, Article V, Division 13, Accessory Dwelling Units), Sec. 16-465.2, accessed 2026-10-23.

How many units (non-coastal areas only)

Outside the Coastal Zone only (does not apply to Coastal Zone parcels): Single-family lot: one internal or attached ADU and one junior ADU, plus one detached ADU (new or converted). Multifamily lot: conversions of non-living space up to 25% of units (at least one), and up to eight detached ADUs (not more than existing units) or two with a proposed building.

Source: City of Oxnard, Ordinance No. 3072 (City Code Chapter 16, Article V, Division 13, Accessory Dwelling Units), Sec. 16-465.4, accessed 2026-10-23.

Units under the state standards (non-coastal areas only)

Outside the Coastal Zone only (does not apply to Coastal Zone parcels): Allowed ministerially: a conversion ADU and junior ADU (up to 150 sq ft added for access), and a new detached ADU of up to 800 sq ft with 4-foot side and rear setbacks and 16 feet high (18 feet near major transit, plus 2 feet for roof pitch, or with a multistory multifamily building). No other design standards apply to these units.

Source: City of Oxnard, Ordinance No. 3072 (City Code Chapter 16, Article V, Division 13, Accessory Dwelling Units), Sec. 16-465.5, accessed 2026-10-23.

Detached ADU size (local standards) (non-coastal areas only)

Outside the Coastal Zone only (does not apply to Coastal Zone parcels): 850 sq ft with one bedroom or less, 1,200 sq ft with more bedrooms; minimum efficiency-unit size.

Source: City of Oxnard, Ordinance No. 3072 (City Code Chapter 16, Article V, Division 13, Accessory Dwelling Units), Sec. 16-465.7(A), (B), accessed 2026-10-23.

Height and setbacks (local standards) (non-coastal areas only)

Outside the Coastal Zone only (does not apply to Coastal Zone parcels): Two stories and 25 feet (converted structures may keep their height). Front setback as in the zone, 4-foot side and rear setbacks; zone standards may not prevent an 800 sq ft ADU with 4-foot side and rear setbacks.

Source: City of Oxnard, Ordinance No. 3072 (City Code Chapter 16, Article V, Division 13, Accessory Dwelling Units), Sec. 16-465.7(C) to (E), accessed 2026-10-23.

Design (local standards) (non-coastal areas only)

Outside the Coastal Zone only (does not apply to Coastal Zone parcels): Sloped roof if the main home has one; wood or composite shingle, shake, tile, standing seam metal or copper roofing (no reflective surfaces); non-reflective, non-metallic siding such as wood, stucco, tile, brick or stone. Extra standards for historic resources.

Source: City of Oxnard, Ordinance No. 3072 (City Code Chapter 16, Article V, Division 13, Accessory Dwelling Units), Sec. 16-465.7(F), (G); Sec. 16-465.8, accessed 2026-10-23.

General requirements (non-coastal areas only)

Outside the Coastal Zone only (does not apply to Coastal Zone parcels): Separate entrance for attached or internal ADUs; no new path to the street required; no covered breezeway linking the main home to a detached ADU. Manufactured and prefabricated homes allowed. Fire sprinklers only if the main home needs them.

Source: City of Oxnard, Ordinance No. 3072 (City Code Chapter 16, Article V, Division 13, Accessory Dwelling Units), Sec. 16-465.6, accessed 2026-10-23.

Parking (local standards) (non-coastal areas only)

Outside the Coastal Zone only (does not apply to Coastal Zone parcels): One space per attached or detached ADU (tandem or in setbacks allowed); none for internal ADUs, within a half mile walk of transit, in a historic district, for conversions, near car share, where on-street permits are not offered, or when filed with a new home. Lost parking does not have to be replaced.

Source: City of Oxnard, Ordinance No. 3072 (City Code Chapter 16, Article V, Division 13, Accessory Dwelling Units), Sec. 16-465.9, accessed 2026-10-23.

Junior ADU (non-coastal areas only)

Outside the Coastal Zone only (does not apply to Coastal Zone parcels): One per single-family lot, up to 500 sq ft within the home (attached garages count), with a separate entrance and an efficiency kitchen (at least a sink and refrigerator); no parking. If it shares sanitation, it needs interior access to the home.

Source: City of Oxnard, Ordinance No. 3072 (City Code Chapter 16, Article V, Division 13, Accessory Dwelling Units), Sec. 16-465.10, accessed 2026-10-23.

Utilities and fees (non-coastal areas only)

Outside the Coastal Zone only (does not apply to Coastal Zone parcels): The City may require a separate water connection, except for conversion units under Government Code 66323(a)(1); connection fees must be proportionate. No new utility connection or impact fees for ADUs under 750 sq ft or junior ADUs of 500 sq ft or less.

Source: City of Oxnard, Ordinance No. 3072 (City Code Chapter 16, Article V, Division 13, Accessory Dwelling Units), Sec. 16-465.11, accessed 2026-10-23.

Occupancy, sale and rentals (non-coastal areas only)

Outside the Coastal Zone only (does not apply to Coastal Zone parcels): Owner occupancy only for a junior ADU with shared sanitation. ADUs may be sold separately only under Government Code 66341 and 66342. Rentals must be longer than 30 days. A junior ADU needs a recorded agreement.

Source: City of Oxnard, Ordinance No. 3072 (City Code Chapter 16, Article V, Division 13, Accessory Dwelling Units), Sec. 16-465.12, accessed 2026-10-23.