ADU Regulations in Camarillo, California (2026)

Regulations at a glance

Local rules & notes

Illegal Owner Occupancy Requirement: The City's ordinance attempts to reimpose owner-occupancy requirements starting Jan 1, 2025. HCD explicitly flags this as a violation of Government Code section 66315. Prohibition of ADU and JADU Combination: The City incorrectly limits lots to either one ADU OR one JADU. State law mandates allowing both a detached ADU and a JADU on the same single-family lot. Restriction on JADUs in Attached Garages: The City ordinance attempts to ban JADUs in attached garages by requiring them to be within the 'existing or proposed single-family dwelling'. HCD clarifies that attached garages count as part of the dwelling. Multifamily Detached ADU Expansion (SB 1211): New state law allows up to 8 detached ADUs on existing multifamily lots (capped at number of existing units), forcing the City to update its more restrictive rules.

For the official ordinance and latest updates, check your city or county planning department.

Frequently asked questions about ADU regulations in Camarillo

• What is the maximum ADU size in Camarillo, California?

  In Camarillo, the maximum ADU size is typically 1200 square feet, depending on whether the unit is attached or detached. California state law allows up to 1,200 sq ft for detached ADUs and 800 sq ft for attached in many jurisdictions; Camarillo may follow state defaults or have local limits. Verify with Camarillo planning for your specific lot.

• What are the setback requirements for ADUs in Camarillo?

  In Camarillo, typical setback requirements are 4 feet from the side property line and 4 feet from the rear. These may be reduced to 4 feet under California Government Code § 65852.2 where applicable. Check with Camarillo planning for overlay zones or design standards that could affect your site.

• What is the maximum height for an ADU in Camarillo?

  In Camarillo, the maximum height for an ADU is generally 16 feet. State law often allows up to 16 feet for detached ADUs and up to 25 feet when within 4 feet of the property line in some cases. Confirm with Camarillo or county planning for your zone.

• Is ADU approval ministerial in Camarillo?

  In Camarillo, ADU approval is typically Ministerial (by-right) per Gov Code §65852.2. Ministerial (by-right) review means the city must approve qualifying applications without discretionary review, per California Gov Code § 65852.2. Your project must still meet objective standards; Camarillo planning can confirm the exact process.

• Are there parking requirements for ADUs in Camarillo?

  In Camarillo, parking for ADUs is generally Often waived per state law; check local ordinance. California law often waives parking for ADUs within a half-mile of transit or in certain historic districts. Check with Camarillo planning for your address.