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Camarillo council introduces zoning changes to align junior ADU rules with state law
Summary
To comply with AB 1154, the council unanimously introduced an amendment to Chapter 19.56 to update junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) rules: JADUs limited to 500 sq ft, must include living and food‑preparation facilities, owner‑occupancy requirements largely removed except when sanitary facilities are shared, and rental terms must exceed 30 days.
The Camarillo City Council voted unanimously on May 27, 2026, to introduce a zoning ordinance amendment that aligns local code with AB 1154 changes to junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs).
City planning staff explained the primary changes mandated by the state: JADUs are limited to 500 square feet, must contain living and food‑preparation facilities, and rental terms must be for more than 30 days. The law removes most owner‑occupancy requirements for JADUs except when a JADU shares sanitary facilities with the primary dwelling (that is, when the JADU lacks its own bathroom), in which case owner occupancy may still apply.
Planning staff said the amendment is intended to preserve compliance with state ADU law while supporting the council’s strategic plan objective to encourage infill housing. The staff report recommended a CEQA exemption for the code update and asked the council to introduce the ordinance amending relevant sections of Camarillo Municipal Code Chapter 19.56.
Councilmember Kildy asked about the policy’s likely effect on parking and neighborhood impacts, noting that ADU/JADU rules can increase off‑street parking demand. Planning staff responded that state law narrows cities’ authority to impose parking requirements for ADUs in many cases and that local rules remain focused on required standards where permitted by state law.
The council voted 5‑0 to introduce the ordinance. The staff presentation and council discussion emphasized that the update is a state‑driven compliance step to enable additional smaller infill units under current state ADU statutes.
