ADU Regulations in Ventura, California
Ventura County · CA · Pop. 110,000
Max ADU Size
1,200
sq ft detached
Rear Setback
4 ft
Permit Timeline
60 days
Build Cost
$160,000 – $325,000
Zoning
Allowed ADU Types
State law preempts local owner-occupancy requirements. Ventura's coastal setting and quality-of-life amenities have driven post-pandemic demand from remote workers. ADU regulations fully comply with California state law.
Source: City of Ventura — Accessory Dwelling Units · Ventura Municipal Code Chapter 24.415 (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Dimensions
Size & Setback Requirements
Detached
1,200
sq ft max
JADU
500
sq ft max
Attached
50% of primary home, max 1,200 sq ft
Setbacks
front
Same as primary dwelling
side
4 ft
rear
4 ft
Max height: 16 ft (detached); up to primary structure height if attached
Lot coverage: Per underlying zone; coastal zone overlay may impose additional design review
Properties within the Coastal Zone may require a Coastal Development Permit in addition to standard ADU permits. Check with Planning Division for coastal overlay applicability.
Permitting
Permit Process
Department
City of Ventura Community Development Department — Planning Division
Review Timeline
60 days
Permit Fees
$7,000 – $14,000
Impact Fees
Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft; proportional fees apply above that threshold
Required Documents
- ›Site plan (to scale)
- ›Floor plans
- ›Elevations
- ›Title 24 energy compliance (CalGreen)
- ›Structural drawings
- ›Coastal Development Permit application (if in Coastal Zone)
Coastal Zone ADUs may require additional Coastal Commission review, adding 30–90 days beyond standard 60-day ministerial review. Non-coastal parcels follow standard state timeline.
Visit City of Ventura Community Development Department — Planning Division →Infrastructure
Utilities & Requirements
Solar
Required
Parking
Not required
Separate Meter
Optional
Fire Sprinklers
See note
Financials
ADU Costs in Ventura
Typical Build Cost
$160,000 – $325,000
Cost per Sq Ft
$225 – $295
Monthly Rental
$1,700 – $2,700/mo/mo
Property Value Added
Adds $200,000 – $380,000 to property value
Available Grants & Programs
- ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program available (up to $40,000 pre-development)
- ★Ventura County Housing Trust Fund programs may apply
Beach access and relatively affordable prices compared to Santa Barbara attract remote workers and young professionals. ADUs near downtown Ventura and the pier command higher rents. Tourism-driven short-term rental potential (check local STR rules).
Use the free ADU Cost Calculator →Free Service
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Ventura Quick Facts
- Max size1,200 sq ft
- Rear setback4 ft
- Permit timeline60 days
- Build cost$160,000 – $325,000
- Rental income$1,700 – $2,700/mo/mo
- Owner occupancyNot required
Official Source
City of Ventura — Accessory Dwelling UnitsVentura Municipal Code Chapter 24.415 (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Last verified: March 14, 2026
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