License: No. #1076712
Discover what you can build in the City of Thousand Oaks. This city guide covers essential ADU regulations and zoning laws to help you navigate the process and make informed decisions for your property.
You are allowed to put one attached or detached ADU on single-family property in Thousand Oaks, as well as one JADU.
Up to 8 detached ADUs can be built on multifamily property, as long as the number of detached ADUs does not exceed the current number of units on the property.
A detached studio ADU can be up to 850 square feet, while a detached one-bedroom ADU can be up to 1,000 square feet, and a detached two-bedroom ADU can be up to 1,200 square feet.
An attached ADU in Thousand Oaks can be up to 850 square feet, or 50% of the square footage of the primary dwelling unit, whichever is smaller.
An ADU in Thousand Oaks can usually be built to a maximum height of 16 feet. If the property is two stories and located within ½ mile walking distance of a major transit stop or transit thoroughfare, that limit increases to 18 feet. Conversions of existing spaces into ADUs are not limited by height requirements.
As long as the height requirement is adhered to, nothing specifically prohibits you from building a 2-story ADU. 16 feet is probably too short; an 18-foot structure is about the minimum for two stories.
Since only one ADU is allowed on single-family property in Thousand Oaks, you cannot have two ADUs stacked one on top of another with one on each story. Stacked ADUs may be permitted on multifamily property if height restrictions and other conditions are adhered to.
Since only one ADU is allowed on single-family property in Thousand Oaks, you cannot have two ADUs attached to one another in one structure. Detached structures containing multiple ADUs may be permitted on multifamily property.
No, a JADU is defined as an ADU converted from existing space within the main structure of the primary dwelling unit. As such, it cannot be attached to an ADU.
Generally roof decks would be permitted on an ADU, but must meet the height restrictions for the zone. Roof decks cannot encroach into the required setbacks. As a rule of thumb, railings and access staircases above 42″ need to be included in height calculations.
An ADU must match or harmonize with the exterior of the main dwelling unit, including color palette, roof pitch, architectural style, and other aesthetic characteristics.
ADUs behind the primary dwelling unit in Thousand Oaks require a minimum of 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
A detached ADU must be at least 6 feet wall-to-wall from existing structures.
ADUs are not permitted in the front yard of residential property in Thousand Oaks.
No, you can submit plans and apply for a permit using the Thousand Oaks Click2Gov building permit portal, accessible here.
Thousand Oaks may require a soils report for ADU permitting to make sure the soil can support the new structure, especially if the ADU will be located on a hillside, an area with significant grading, or if there are special foundation requirements.
If you are building an ADU in a coastal zone or within a designated landslide or geo-hazard zone, the City of Los Angeles may require you to pull coastal development permits (CDP) for your ADU project.
Sufficient green space and permeable surface must be maintained on the property. City regulations do not specify specific percentages and must be approved on a case-by-case basis in the planning stage.
Plans are submitted to the Thousand Oaks Planning Division, which checks the plans for compliance with building codes, safety codes, and structural integrity. Turnaround times can vary, but the process takes an average of 2-3 weeks.
One new parking spot is typically required to be added to the lot per new ADU. However, exemptions may apply if:
If a parking space must be added, it can be included on the driveway or any setback areas, and it may be configured as tandem parking.
Per Title 24 of the California Energy Code, solar panels of appropriate size and capacity are mandatory on new-construction ADUs. ADUs built from converted existing structures are exempt, as may be ADUs located under significant shading. Smaller ADUs may be subject to reduced or modified solar panel requirements.
An ADU is not required to have a separate water or electrical meter. You can opt for the ADU to share service with the main dwelling unit. However, you can request separate water or electrical meters from the City of Thousand Oaks.
An ADU doesn’t necessarily get its own address, but a separate address can be applied for and may be mandated if determined by the city to be necessary for public safety reasons.
Low Impact Development (LID) is an approach to land development or redevelopment that seeks to preserve and conserve onsite water quality and natural features, with minimal detrimental effect to local waterways and ecosystems. The City of Thousand Oaks may require LID fees for larger ADUs.
You can, but California State Law requires that dwelling units can only be used as short-term rentals or Airbnbs for terms of 30 days or longer.
Per the Costa-Hawkins Act of 1995, Thousand Oaks does not impose rent control on dwellings constructed after February 1, 1995. This means most new-build ADUs are exempt. However, if the primary dwelling unit is subject to rent control, it might apply to the ADU as well.
While encouraging the use of electric appliances for efficiency and sustainability, Thousand Oaks does not prohibit gas appliances in new ADUs as long as all relevant installation and safety standards are met.
In Thousand Oaks you are only required to install sprinklers in a new ADU if the primary dwelling unit has them as well. You may also be required to install them if the ADU is located within a special fire hazard zone.
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