The Oxnard City Council voted unanimously Dec. 16 to update local ADU and residential permit rules to align with recent state housing law while preserving limited local design standards.

Staff told council the state has repeatedly amended ADU rules and asked cities either to update local ordinances or defer to state law. Planning staff said the city’s approach keeps the structure of the local zoning code while incorporating state‑mandated ADU allowances. That gives Oxnard the ability to require certain design features (for larger ADUs) such as roof and material compatibility with the primary dwelling, while complying with state restrictions on aspects local governments may regulate.

The council discussed junior ADUs (small units typically under 500 sq ft inside a single‑family dwelling), parking exemptions (one parking space can be requested for larger ADUs but is often waived within 1/2 mile of transit) and how the state’s changes have dramatically increased ADU permitting in recent years. Staff reported roughly 1,400 ADU permit applications citywide since the law changes with about 433 permits issued as of September and more in the pipeline.

Some public commenters used the hearing to complain about long permitting delays for individual projects. Council and staff acknowledged processing frustrations and said the ordinance clarifies procedures and is intended to streamline approvals going forward.

The council approved the first readings and waived further readings where applicable; ordinances will take effect per standard adoption timelines.

Why it matters: ADUs are a key near‑term source of new housing capacity. The ordinance seeks to balance state requirements, predictability for applicants and neighborhood design expectations.

Speakers quoted: “With the city passing its own ordinance, we have more control over certain types of ADUs,” Planning Supervisor Jamie Peltier said.

Ending: The council approved the updates 7–0 and directed staff to continue outreach and clarify permit timelines for applicants.