In 2018, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and California Coastal Commission approved amendments to both the Non-Coastal and Coastal Zoning Ordinances for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) in unincorporated Ventura County. Accessory Dwelling Unit replaced “Second Dwelling Unit” within the ordinances in order to apply a broader range of development standards in both zoning ordinances. The term was redefined as part of a larger comprehensive Accessory Dwelling Unit update to both zoning ordinances to be consistent with state law.
On January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2021 new state regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units went into effect. Draft amendments to the Accessory Dwelling Unit development standards for both Non-Coastal and Coastal Zoning Ordinances are being prepared to comply with the state regulations passed earlier this year. Standards associated with parking, Junior ADUs, owner occupancy requirements, and others will be amended to reflect the required changes made at the state level.
A summary of updated housing legislation was presented to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on February 25, 2020. The informational slides from that presentation on Accessory Dwelling Unit provisions can be found here.
More information about the recent state-wide changes to Accessory Dwelling Units can be found on the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD) webpage.
Click here to be notified of Accessory Dwelling Unit updates and notice of future public hearings!
What if I am ready now to permit my accessory dwelling unit?
We are here to help! If you have questions about how to permit your accessory dwelling unit but need guidance, contact us. Our staff can assist with navigating the new state laws, what the Ventura County’s current Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance says, and what you can do whilethe updates are being prepared.
Contact the Public Counter by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at (805) 654-2488.
For information on Accessory Dwelling Unit Permitting click here.