Planning commission approves coastal ADU, JADU ordinance amendments to align with state law

The Ventura County Planning Commission on Sept. 18 voted to approve amendments to the county's Coastal Zoning Ordinance (CZO) to update rules governing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs (JADUs) so they conform to recent state law. The motion to approve was made by Commissioner Ayala, seconded by Commissioner Cushing, and passed with four yes votes and one absence (Chair Kesely was absent).

The changes, presented by Rachita Kadakia, manager of the housing and state mandate section in the Planning Division, are intended to harmonize coastal ADU rules with the county's noncoastal ADU ordinance and state requirements enforced by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Kadakia said the amendments apply only to coastal zones and will be submitted to the Coastal Commission and HCD for certification if adopted by the Board of Supervisors. "An ADU is an attached or a detached residential dwelling unit with independent facilities and located on a lot with a proposed or existing principal dwelling," Kadakia said during the presentation.

Why it matters: Ventura County's 2021–2029 housing element identifies ADUs as an important mechanism to help meet the county's regional housing need (RHNA). The housing element anticipates that about 44% of the county's RHNA—identified in…