Everything about building Accessory Dwelling Units in Oxnard, CA
Check your property's zoning, browse designs & get contractor estimates for your ADU project:
Last Updated 09/17/21
City Hint: The City of Oxnard permitted a total of 143 ADU projects in the past year of 2020.
Number of ADUs allowed:
Under state law, each single-family home may now add at least one Accessory Dwelling Unit. Owner occupied single-family lots may add one Accessory Dwelling Unit and one Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU).
For multi-family Lots: at least 1 ADU, not more than 2 detached ADU's, total ADUs not to exceed 25% of total multifamily units.
Types of ADUs allowed:
Detached ADU, Attached ADU, Junior ADU are allowed. ADUs may be new construction or converted from existing space. JADUs must be converted from existing space.
Lot size:
Residential properties will not be subject to any minimum lot size for Accessory Dwelling Units by ordinance or of the underlying zoning district. ~ Updated: State Law AB-68
ADU size:
Conversion of Existing Non-residential Space: Detached ADU up to 1,200 SF. If ADU is part of the Primary Unit, ADU shall not exceed 50% of Primary Unit; however, in no instance shall the maximum size be less than 850 SF for one-bedroom or 1,000 SF for two or more bedrooms
ADU Attached to primary unit: Not exceed 50% of the Primary Unit; however, in no instance shall the maximum size be less than 850 SF for one-bedroom or 1,000 SF for two or more bedrooms.
ADU Fully within Existing Primary Unit: Remaining Primary Unit area and ADU must both meet minimum HSC requirements. No limit on ADU conversion area within Primary Unit. Up to 150 SF addition allowed for egress/ingress within ADU buildable area
New Construction Detached ADUs: 1,200 sq. ft.
JADU: 500 Sq. Ft
Setbacks:
Front setbacks are set by zoning. For conversion of existing space, the conversion ADU is limited to the setbacks set by the zone, with an exception for a 150 foot entrance expansion, which is limited to 4 feet.
Side and Rear setbacks are 4 feet.
Parking:
Generally, no spot required, one recommended.
If conversion of existing non-residential structure to Primary Dwelling Unit with ADU: One parking space
ADU parking not required if:
1) 1/2 mile walking distance of OTC or bus stops,
2) within historic district,
3) parking permits required but not offered to ADU,
4) car-share within 1 block.
Applicant to provide evidence to claim ADU parking exemption. ADU parking space may be tandem, uncovered, and/or located in a side yard setback.
Replacement parking shall not apply to parcels which convert an existing garage to an Accessory Dwelling Unit or Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit
Fire Safety:
Fire sprinklers are required for any accessory dwelling unit if they are required for the primary dwelling.
Shape, materials and style:
The accessory dwelling unit shall comply with the architectural standards of section 16-23. If the accessory dwelling unit is an addition to the primary unit. The accessory dwelling unit shall be of material colors and in a style which are each compatible with the primary dwelling as reasonably determined by the director.
Height:
The maximum allowed ADU height is determined by the underlying zone.
Design review:
Except as otherwise provided herein, the primary dwelling and the accessory dwelling unit shall meet current requirements for interior yard space, height, landscaping. Setbacks and parking for the zone in which the primary dwelling and the underlying zone. The director is directed to approve the application within 120 days of receipt of a complete application in a ministerial process, as required by state law.
Number of Bedrooms:
Not specified by State Standards.
Ownership:
Owner-occupancy will not be required for new Accessory Dwelling Units (conversion and new construction) built between 2020 and 2025. ~ Updated: State Law SB-13
Utility connections:
Separate facilities including, but not limited to, electric, sewer, water and streets, as certified by the public works director are required for the ADU.
Historic Requirements:
The accessory dwelling unit shall not be permitted on any parcel that is listed in the California Register of Historic Places, and shall not be conspicuously visible from any parcel that is listed in the California Register of Historic Places.
Allowed Zones:
*** Beginning in 2020, according to state law, all residential zoning districts, including single-family and multi-family, are allowed to build Accessory Dwelling Units. ***
ADUs are permitted on these residentially zoned. The lot must be zoned R-1 '"Single Family", R-2 "Multiple Family", or R-3 "Garden Apartment".
Residential Building Code:
The California Building Code (CBC) 2019 is adopted.
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