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.
From 2018 through 2022, the state legislature has updated regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) annually, with the intended purpose of easing local zoning controls, reducing associated development fees, and streamlining the permit process. The updated legislation expressly limits a local agency’s ability to regulate ADUs and JADUs. More information about the recent state-wide changes to ADUs, including the State’s ADU Handbook (most recently updated in July 2022), can be found on the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD) webpage.
Staff conducted an update to the ADU regulations in the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance (NCZO) to comply with state regulations, which was adopted unanimously by the Board of Supervisors on February 7, 2023. This Ordinance clearly identifies the available permitting pathways for ADUs and JADUs, as well as requirements for parcels in non-coastal areas. The adopted amendments to the Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance were effective on March 9, 2023. Materials related to the public hearings are available below.
For information regarding the adopted ADU/JADU provisions, please visit our Accessory Dwelling Unit Permits page or contact us at 805-654-2488. Our staff can assist with navigating the new ordinance.
As a next step, Planning Division staff will be updating ADU and JADU regulations consistent with state law requirements in the Coastal Zoning Ordinance soon. Until that time, all coastal ADU permit applications will be reviewed using both the County’s existing development standards pursuant to Coastal Zoning Ordinance Section 8175-5.1.1 (available here) and, where applicable, the State’s revised development standards to verify consistency with state law. Please check back this webpage for the anticipated timeframe regarding this project.
Public Hearings for NCZO update
Board of Supervisors – February 7, 2023, 1:30 pm
On February 7, 2023, the County of Ventura’s Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the Proposed Ordinance amending Articles 2, 5, 7, 8, 11, and 19 of the Ventura County Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance, pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs), and the related CEQA exemption. The agenda, documents and recording of the hearing can be accessed at this link.
Planning Commission – August 18, 2022
On August 18, 2022, the County of Ventura’s Planning Commission recommended approval of county-initiated amendments to Articles 2, 5, 7, 8, 11, and 19 of the Ventura County Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance, pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs), and the related CEQA exemption to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. The agenda and documents for Planning Commission hearing can be accessed on the County of Ventura's website at this link.
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, please visit our Accessory Dwelling Unit Permits page or contact us at 805-654-2488. Our staff can assist with navigating the new ordinance.
Additionally, the Building and Safety Division has available for public use, pre-approved standardized ADU plans on their website HERE. These standardized plans are free of charge and provide County residents the option to build an ADU or Farmworker Dwelling Units on their property using standardized design, by reducing the cost or time that is typically needed for reviewing a new design.
Questions?
For questions regarding the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance update for the coastal zones, please contact Ruchita Kadakia, Planning Manager at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by calling 805-654-2414.