Division 3 — BED AND BREAKFAST USES

Oxnard Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Oxnard

SEC. 16-370. PURPOSE.

The purpose of this division is:

(A) To encourage preservation and restoration of historically and culturally significant residential structures;

(B) To provide limited visitor lodging in residences in the city; and

(`64 Code, Sec. 36-7.8.1) (Ord. No. 2165)

SEC. 16-371. DEFINITIONS.

(A) BED AND BREAKFAST INN - An establishment, originally built as a single-family residence, operated by a resident owner, and containing three to five guest bedrooms, each of which is available for rent to the general public for up to 29 consecutive days.

(B) TRADITIONAL BED AND BREAKFAST (HOMESTAY) - A traditional bed and breakfast is an establishment which contains no more than two guest bedrooms, each of which is available for rent to the general public for up to 29 consecutive days. Traditional bed and breakfast facilities are also referred to as “homestays.”

(`64 Code, Sec. 36-7.8.2) (Ord. No. 2165)

SEC. 16-372. LIMITATIONS ON LOCATION.

Traditional bed and breakfast uses and bed and breakfast inns shall be permitted only within the boundaries of the Wilson Neighborhood. The commission may also approve bed and breakfast uses within other areas of the city provided the commission makes the findings required for designation of a structure as a significant heritage feature, as provided herein. Bed and breakfast uses must also comply with the standards in this section.

(`64 Code, Sec. 36-7.8.3) (Ord. No. 2165)

SEC. 16-373. TYPE OF PERMIT REQUIRED.

In those zones where bed and breakfast uses are allowed, the following permits are required:

(A) Traditional bed and breakfast (homestay): development design review permit.

(B) Bed and breakfast inns: special use permit, pursuant to sections 16-530 to 16-553.

(`64 Code, Sec. 36-7.8.4) (Ord. No. 2165)

SEC. 16-374. STANDARDS FOR TRADITIONAL BED AND BREAKFAST (HOMESTAY).

The standards for traditional bed and breakfast are:

(A) The maximum number of guest bedrooms for rent shall not exceed two.

(B) The owner of the homestay shall live on the premises and operate the homestay.

(D) No exterior advertising signs shall be permitted.

(E) Parking requirements -

(1) Parking shall be provided at the rate of one off-street parking space per guest room plus parking for the owner as required at the time of original construction of

the structure. Parking surfaces may include, but are not limited to: brick, pavers, cobblestones, stamped colored concrete, and grass-cell pavement. Excessive amounts of paving to meet parking requirements shall not be allowed.

(2) Homestays located on corner lots may credit the nonprimary street frontage toward the parking requirement, with 25 linear feet equal to one parking space,

subject to approval of a development design review permit.

(`64 Code, Sec. 36-7.8.5) (Ord. No. 3006)

SEC. 16-375. STANDARDS FOR BED AND BREAKFAST INNS.

The standards for bed and breakfast inns are:

(A) Maximum number of guest bedrooms - The maximum number of guest bedrooms for rent shall not exceed five. The commission may approve more bedrooms provided adequate parking and interior yard space are available.

(B) Owner occupancy required - The owner of the bed and breakfast inn shall live on the premises and operate the inn.

(D) Cooking in guest bedrooms - No cooking facilities shall be provided in individual guest bedrooms.

(E) Alteration to structures - Any alterations proposed to the inn shall be consistent with the materials, color, and architectural style of the original construction, as determined by the commission, based on a recommendation from the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Commission, or an architect or other design professional specializing in period architecture.

(F) Historical significance - The proposed bed and breakfast inn shall have some historical significance in the establishment and development of the city, as determined by the commission, based on the findings required for designation of a structure as a significant heritage feature.

(G) Signs -

(1) A bed and breakfast inn with 100 feet or more of continuous street frontage shall be permitted to install one double-faced sign not to exceed six square feet per

side and 48 inches in height in its front yard, or one indirectly lighted sign not exceeding four square feet in area attached to the main building, subject to approval of the commission. Any other bed and breakfast inn shall be limited to one 4-square-foot indirectly lighted sign attached to the main structure. Lighting fixtures and wattage of signs are to be approved by the director.

(2) The sign may not refer to the inn as a hotel or motel. The design of the sign shall be compatible with the design of the inn. Signs for bed and breakfast inns shall

be reviewed by the commission during consideration of the special use permit.

(H) Fire safety -

(1) In addition to Uniform Fire Code Requirements, the bed and breakfast inn shall comply with all fire safety requirements of the fire department prior to occupancy.

At a minimum these include, but are not limited to:

(a) Installation of a “hard wired” smoke detector and evacuation plan in every guest room;

(b) Installation of an approved fire extinguisher on each floor; and

(c) Provision of at least two exits from the main structure, both of which do not require a key or special knowledge to open from the inside.

(2) The bed and breakfast inn shall be subject to inspection by the city fire marshal. The results of this inspection shall be provided to the director.

(I) Building code -

(1) If the city council has designated the bed and breakfast inn as a significant heritage feature, the inn shall comply with the State historic building code.

(2) The bed and breakfast inn shall be subject to an inspection by the city building inspector, who shall provide to the director a list of Uniform Building Code or State historical building code deficiencies prior to the commission's consideration of the special use permit.

(J) Parking requirements -

(1) Parking shall be provided at the rate of one off-street parking space per guest room plus parking for the owner as required at the time of original construction of

(2) Inns located on corner lots may credit the nonprimary street frontage toward the parking requirement, with 25 linear feet equal to one parking space, subject to

approval of the commission.

(K) Yard areas - Interior yard space shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of the zoning designation within which the proposed bed and breakfast inn is located.

(L) On-site lighting - On-site lighting shall be shielded from spilling onto adjacent property.

(`64 Code, Sec. 36-7.8.6) (Ord. No. 2165)

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