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Article 11 — Entitlements—Process and Procedures

§ 8174-6

Ventura County Planning Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Ventura County

8174-6.1 - Agricultural exclusions.

(a)

Pursuant to Categorical Exclusion Order E-83-1 (effective 9/30/1986, amendment effective 2/25/1987), the following uses are exempt from coastal development permit requirements when they meet all of the criteria listed in Section 8174-6.1(b):

(1)

The construction or demolition of barns, storage (including equipment storage), and other necessary buildings for agricultural purposes, provided the buildings are used for the sole purpose of commodities grown on the same lot;

(2)

The construction of fences for farm or ranch purposes, provided:

i.

No solid fence designs are used; and

ii.

Fences do not block existing or proposed public equestrian and/or pedestrian trails;

(3)

Greenhouses that do not exceed four hundred (400) square feet in total area;

(4)

Storage tanks and water distribution lines used for on-site agricultural activities;

(5)

Water impoundment projects in canyons and drainage areas, provided:

i.

Canyons and drainage areas are not identified as solid or dashed blue line streams on the USGS 7½-minute quadrangle maps; and

ii.

Projects do not exceed two (2) acre-feet either in actual water impounded or in design capacity.

(b)

Agricultural uses listed in Section 8174-6.1(a) above are exempt from the requirement for a coastal development permit when they meet all of the following criteria:

(1)

Development is located in the CA or COS zones;

(2)

Development is located on lots exceeding ten (10) acres;

(3)

Development is located inland of the following public roadways: U.S. 101 from Rincon Point to the intersection of Harbor Boulevard, Harbor Boulevard south to City of Oxnard corporate boundary at Wooley Road, and Highway 1 on the South Coast; and

(4)

Development is not located:

i.

Within tidelands, submerged lands, or beaches;

ii.

On a lot immediately adjacent to the inland extent of the beach, or of the mean high tide line of the sea where there is no beach;

iii.

Within any stream, wetland, estuary, marsh or lake, or one hundred (100) feet of such areas;

iv.

Within any area defined as riparian habitat or ESHA, or one hundred (100) feet of such areas;

v.

On lands or waters subject to, or potentially subject to, the public trust; or

vi.

Anywhere the policies of the LCP specify a larger geographic area of concern for natural resources, open space, or environmentally sensitive habitat than those areas listed in Sections 8174-6.1(b)(4)i—v above.

(c)

The following uses are not part of this exemption for agricultural uses, and may require a coastal development permit:

(1)

Water wells;

(2)

Equestrian facilities, including, but not limited to, boarding stables, riding areas, and polo fields;

(3)

Greenhouses that exceed four hundred (400) square feet in total area;

(4)

Any structure defined as "a qualified historical building or structure by Section 18955 of the Health and Safety Code;

(5)

Single-family residences;

(6)

Agricultural processing facilities, including storage and accessory structures;

(7)

The removal of vegetation on more than one-half (½) acre of land;* and

(8)

The removal of major vegetation, other than for agricultural purposes.*

(Ord. No. 4451, § 4, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

*The removal of any amount or type of vegetation may be subject to Coastal Development Permit requirements. See permit requirements for brush or vegetation removal in Section 8174-5.

8174-6.2 - Residential exemptions and exclusions.

8174-6.2.1 - Single-family dwellings.

(a)

Pursuant to Categorical Exclusion Order E-83-1 (effective 9/30/1986, amendment effective 2/25/1987), the construction of single-family dwellings on existing vacant legal lots of record in the following areas* is exempt from coastal development permit requirements, with the exception of dwellings located in the areas listed in Section 8174-6.2.1(b) below:

(1)

Solromar (South Coast Community). The developed areas inland of the Pacific Coast Highway zoned CRE, CR and CRPD;

(2)

Silver Strand/Hollywood-by-the-Sea. The entire unincorporated area inland of the first public road (Ocean Avenue) to the boundary of the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion Center zoned RBH;

(3)

Hollywood Beach. The entire unincorporated area inland of the first public road (Ocean Avenue) to the city limits of Oxnard zoned RBH; or

(4)

North Coast Community. Those lots inland of the first row of lots adjacent to the beach and part of the County Service Area 29 zoned RB.

(b)

Single-Family Dwellings described in Section 8174-6.2.1(a) above shall require a coastal development permit when they are located in the following areas:

(1)

Tidelands, submerged lands, or beaches;

(2)

Lots immediately adjacent to the inland extent of the beach, or of the mean high tide line of the sea where there is no beach;

(3)

Lands or waters subject to, or potentially subject to, the public trust;

(4)

Within any stream, wetland, estuary, marsh or lake, or one hundred (100) feet of such areas; or

(5)

Anywhere the policies of the LCP specify a larger geographic area of concern for natural resources, open space, or environmentally sensitive habitat than those areas listed in Sections 8174-6.2.1(b)(1)—(4) above.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 4, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

*See also Exclusion Maps in Categorical Exclusion Order E-83-1; effective 9/30/1986, amendment effective 2/25/1987.

8174-6.2.2 - Improvements to existing single-family dwellings.

(a)

Pursuant to Section 30610(a) of the Public Resources Code, improvements to existing, legally-permitted singlefamily dwellings are exempt from coastal development permit requirements, with the exception of those developments listed in Section 8174-6.2.2(c) below.

(b)

For the purposes of this section, the following are considered part of single-family dwellings:

(1)

All fixtures and other structures directly attached to a dwelling;

(2)

Structures on the property normally associated with a single-family residence, such as garages, swimming pools, fences, and storage sheds; but not including guest houses or self-contained residential units; and

(3)

Landscaping on the lot.

(c)

Pursuant to Section 13250 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, the following improvements to existing single-family dwellings require a coastal development permit because they involve a risk of adverse environmental effects:

(1)

Improvements to a single-family structure if the structure or improvement is located: on a beach, in a wetland, seaward of the mean high tide line, in an ESHA, in an area designated as highly scenic in a certified land use plan, or within fifty (50) feet of the edge of a coastal bluff;

(2)

Any significant alteration of land forms including removal or placement of vegetation, on a beach, wetland, or sand dune, or within fifty (50) feet of the edge of a coastal bluff, or in ESHAs;

(3)

The expansion or construction of water wells or septic systems;

(4)

On property not included in subsection (c)(1) above that is located between the sea and the first public road paralleling the sea or within three hundred (300) feet of the inland extent of any beach or of the mean high tide

of the sea where there is no beach, whichever is the greater distance, or in significant scenic resources areas as designated by the commission or regional commission, improvement that would result in an increase of ten (10) percent or more of internal floor area of an existing structure or an additional improvement of ten (10) percent or less where an improvement to the structure had previously been undertaken pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 30610(a), increase in height by more than ten (10) percent of an existing structure and/or any significant non-attached structure such as garages, fences, shoreline protective works or docks;

(5)

In areas which the commission or a regional commission has previously declared by resolution after public hearing to have a critically short water supply that must be maintained for the protection of coastal resources or public recreational use, the construction of any specified major water using development not essential to residential use including but not limited to swimming pools, or the construction or extension of any landscaping irrigation system;

(6)

Any improvement to a single-family residence where the development permit issued for the original structure by the commission, regional commission, or local government indicated that any future improvements would require a development permit.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 4, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8174-6.2.3 - Improvements to residential structures, other than single-family dwellings.

(a)

Pursuant to Section 30610(b) of the Public Resources Code, as it may be amended, improvements to existing legally permitted residential structures, other than single-family dwellings, are exempt from coastal development permit requirements, with the exception of those improvements listed in Section 8174-6.2.3(c) below.

(b)

For the purposes of this section, the following are considered part of residential structures, other than singlefamily dwellings:

(1)

All fixtures and other structures directly attached to the structure; and

(2)

Landscaping on the lot.

(c)

Pursuant to Section 13253 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, as it may be amended, the following improvements to residential structures, other than single-family dwellings, shall require a coastal development permit because they involve a risk of adverse environmental effect, adversely affect public access, or involve a change in use contrary to the policy of Division 20 of the Public Resources Code:

(1)

Improvement to any structure when the structure or the improvement is located: on a beach; in a wetland, stream, or lake; seaward of the mean high tide line; in an area designated as highly scenic in a certified land use plan; or within fifty (50) feet of the edge of a coastal bluff;

(2)

Any significant alteration of land forms including removal or placement of vegetation, on a beach or sand dune; in a wetland or stream; within one hundred (100) feet of the edge of a coastal bluff, in a highly scenic area, or in an ESHA;

(3)

The expansion or construction of water wells or septic systems;

(4)

On property not included in subsection (c)(1) above that is located between the sea and the first public road paralleling the sea or within three hundred (300) feet of the inland extent of any beach or of the mean high tide of the sea where there is no beach, whichever is the greater distance, or in significant scenic resource areas as designated by the commission or regional commission an improvement that would result in an increase of ten (10) percent or more of internal floor area of the existing structure, or constitute an additional improvement of ten (10) percent or less where an improvement to the structure has previously been undertaken pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 30610(b), and/or increase in height by more than ten (10) percent of an existing structure;

(5)

In areas which the commission or regional commission has previously declared by resolution after public hearing to have a critically short water supply that must be maintained for protection of coastal recreation or public recreational use, the construction of any specified major water using development including but not limited to swimming pools or the construction or extension of any landscaping irrigation system;

(6)

Any improvement to a structure where the coastal development permit issued for the original structure by the commission, regional commission, or local government indicated that any future improvements would require a development permit;

(7)

Any improvement to a structure which changes the intensity of use of the structure; or

(8)

Any improvement made pursuant to a conversion of an existing structure from a multiple unit rental use or visitor-serving commercial use to a use involving a fee ownership or long-term leasehold including but not limited to a condominium conversion, stock cooperative conversion or motel/hotel timesharing conversion.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 4, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8174-6.2.4 - Conversion of residential units.

Pursuant to Section 30610(h) of the Public Resources Code, the conversion of any existing, legally permitted multiple-unit residential structure to a time-share project, estate, or use, as defined in Section 11212 of the Business and Professions Code, is exempt from Coastal Development Permit requirements. If any

improvement to an existing structure is otherwise exempt from coastal development permit requirements, no coastal development permit is required for that improvement on the basis that it is to be made in connection with any conversion exempt pursuant to this Section. The division of a multiple-unit residential structure into condominiums, as defined in Section 783 of the Civil Code, shall not be considered a time-share project, estate, or use for purposes of this Section.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 4, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8174-6.2.5 - Residential accessory uses and structures.

(a)

Pursuant to Categorical Exclusion Order E-83-1 (effective 9/30/1986, amendment effective 2/25/1987) the following uses and structures accessory to dwellings are exempt from coastal development permit requirements, except when proposed within a location as described in Section 8174-6.2.5(b) below:

(1)

Pet animal keeping consistent with the standards of Section 8175-5.2.4;

(2)

Temporary mobile homes during construction consistent with the standards of Section 8175-5.1(e);

(3)

Exterior storage consistent with the standards of Section 8175-5.1(j);

(4)

Demolition of single-family dwellings, and of accessory structures such as garages, carports and storage sheds;

(5)

Accessory structures normally associated with single-family dwellings, including garages, swimming pools, fences and storage sheds, in accordance with Title 14, California Administrative Code, Section 13250(a) provided that:

i.

The lot contains an existing single-family dwelling;

ii.

The accessory structure is not used for human habitation;

iii.

The accessory structure does not exceed four hundred (400) square feet in aggregate in gross floor area; and

iv.

The structure does not conflict with Title 14, California Code of Regulations, Section 13250(b)(6).

(b)

Residential accessory uses and structures described in Section 8174-6.2.5(a) above shall require a coastal development permit when they are located in the following areas:

(1)

Tidelands, submerged lands, or beaches, or within one hundred (100) feet of such areas;

(2)

Within any ESHA, riparian habitat, river, sand dune, stream, wetland, estuary, marsh, lake, edge of coastal bluff, or one hundred (100) feet of such areas;

(3)

Lands or waters subject to, or potentially subject to, the public trust;

(4)

Lots immediately adjacent to the inland extent of the beach, or of the mean high tide line of the sea where there is no beach;

(5)

Lots between the mean high tide line and the first public road parallel to the sea, or within three hundred (300) feet of the mean high tide line where the nearest public road is not parallel to the sea;

(6)

On slopes greater than twenty (20) percent; or

(7)

Anywhere the policies of the LCP specify a larger geographic area of concern for natural resources, open space, or environmentally sensitive habitat than those areas listed in Sections 8174-6.2.5(b)(1)—(6) above.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 4, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8174-6.3 - General exemptions and exclusions.

8174-6.3.1 - Maintenance dredging.

Pursuant to Section 30610(c) of the Public Resources Code, as it may be amended, maintenance dredging of existing navigation channels or moving dredged material from those channels to a disposal area outside the

coastal zone, pursuant to a permit from the United States Army Corps of Engineers, is exempt from coastal development permit requirements.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 4, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8174-6.3.2 - Repair or maintenance activities.

(a)

Pursuant to Section 30610(d) of the Public Resources Code, as it may be amended, repair or maintenance activities that do not result in additions, enlargements or expansions are exempt from coastal development permit requirements, with the exception of those activities identified in Section 8174-6.3.2(b) below.

(b)

Pursuant to Section 13252 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, the following repair and maintenance activities are not exempt and shall require a coastal development permit because they involve a risk of substantial adverse environmental impact:

(1)

Any method of repair or maintenance of a seawall revetment, bluff retaining wall, breakwater, groin, culvert, outfall, or similar shoreline work that involves:

i.

Repair or maintenance involving substantial alteration of the foundation of the protective work including pilings and other surface or subsurface structures;

ii.

The placement, whether temporary or permanent, of rip-rap, artificial berms of sand or other beach materials, or any other forms of solid materials, on a beach or in coastal waters, streams, wetlands, estuaries and lakes or on a shoreline protective work except for agricultural dikes within enclosed bays or estuaries;

iii.

The replacement of twenty (20) percent or more of the materials of an existing structure with materials of a different kind; or

iv.

The presence, whether temporary or permanent, of mechanized construction equipment or construction materials on any sand area, bluff, or environmentally sensitive habitat area (ESHA), or within twenty (20) feet of coastal waters or streams.

(2)

Any method of routine maintenance dredging that involves:

i.

The dredging of one hundred thousand (100,000) cubic yards or more within a 12-month period;

ii.

The placement of dredged spoils of any quantity within an ESHA, on any sand area, within fifty (50) feet of the edge of a coastal bluff or ESHA, or within twenty (20) feet of coastal waters or streams; or

iii.

The removal, sale, or disposal of dredged spoils of any quantity that would be suitable for beach nourishment in an area the commission has declared by resolution to have a critically short sand supply that must be maintained for protection of structures, coastal access or public recreational use.

(3)

Any repair or maintenance to facilities or structures or work located in an ESHA, any sand area, within fifty (50) feet of the edge of a coastal bluff or ESHA, or within twenty (20) feet of coastal waters or streams that include:

i.

The placement or removal, whether temporary or permanent, of rip-rap, rocks, sand or other beach materials or any other forms of solid materials; or

ii.

The presence, whether temporary or permanent, of mechanized equipment or construction materials.

(c)

All repair and maintenance activities governed by the above provisions are subject to the permit regulations promulgated pursuant to the Coastal Act, including but not limited to the regulations governing administrative and emergency permits. The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to methods of repair and maintenance undertaken by the ports listed in Section 30700 of the Public Resources Code, unless so provided elsewhere in the Coastal Act. The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to those activities specifically described in the document entitled Repair, Maintenance and Utility Hookups, adopted by the Coastal Commission on September 5, 1978, unless a proposed activity will have a risk of substantial adverse impact on public access, ESHA, wetlands, or public views to the ocean.

(d)

Unless destroyed by natural disaster, the replacement of fifty (50) percent or more of a single-family residence, seawall, revetment, bluff retaining wall, breakwater, groin or any other structure is not repair and maintenance under Section 8174-6.3.2, but instead constitutes a replacement structure requiring a coastal development permit.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 4, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4492, § 2, 6-21-2016; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

Note— For additional information regarding repair and maintenance activities excluded from coastal permit requirements (including roads, public utilities, parks, industrial facilities, other structures and dredging and beach alteration) see Repair, Maintenance and Utility Hook-up Exclusions from Permit Requirements, adopted by the Coastal Commission on September 5, 1978.

8174-6.3.3 - Utility connections.

Pursuant to Section 30610(f) of the Public Resources Code, as it may be amended, the installation, testing, and placement in service or the replacement of any necessary utility connection between an existing service facility and any development approved pursuant to this Chapter is exempt from coastal development permit requirements; provided, however, that the County may, where necessary, require reasonable conditions to mitigate any adverse impacts on coastal resources, including scenic resources.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 4, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8174-6.3.4 - Improvements to non-residential structures, other than public works facilities.

(a)

Pursuant to Section 30610(b) of the Public Resources Code, as it may be amended, improvements to existing legally permitted non-residential structures, other than public works facilities, are exempt from coastal development permit requirements, with the exception of those improvements listed in Section 8174-6.3.4(c) below.

(b)

For the purposes of this section, the following are considered part of non-residential structures:

(1)

All fixtures and other structures directly attached to the structure; and

(2)

Landscaping on the lot.

(c)

Pursuant to Section 13253 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, as it may be amended, the following improvements to residential structures, other than public works facilities, shall require a coastal development permit because they involve a risk of adverse environmental effect, adversely affect public access, or involve a change in use contrary to the policy of Division 20 of the Public Resources Code:

(1)

Improvement to any structure when the structure or the improvement is located: on a beach; in a wetland, stream, or lake; seaward of the mean high tide line; in an area designated as highly scenic in a certified land use plan; or within fifty (50) feet of the edge of a coastal bluff;

(2)

Any significant alteration of land forms including removal or placement of vegetation, on a beach or sand dune; in a wetland or stream; within one hundred (100) feet of the edge of a coastal bluff, in a highly scenic area, or in an ESHA;

(3)

The expansion or construction of water wells or septic systems;

(4)

On property not included in subsection (c)(1) above that is located between the sea and the first public road paralleling the sea or within three hundred (300) feet of the inland extent of any beach or of the mean high tide of the sea where there is no beach, whichever is the greater distance, or in significant scenic resource areas as designated by the commission or regional commission an improvement that would result in an increase of ten (10) percent or more of internal floor area of the existing structure, or constitute an additional improvement of ten (10) percent or less where an improvement to the structure has previously been undertaken pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 30610(b), and/or increase in height by more than ten (10) percent of an existing structure;

(5)

In areas which the commission or regional commission has previously declared by resolution after public hearing to have a critically short water supply that must be maintained for protection of coastal recreation or public recreational use, the construction of any specified major water using development including but not limited to swimming pools or the construction or extension of any landscaping irrigation system;

(6)

Any improvement to a structure where the coastal development permit issued for the original structure by the commission, regional commission, or local government indicated that any future improvements would require a development permit;

(7)

Any improvement to a structure which changes the intensity of use of the structure; or

(8)

Any improvement made pursuant to a conversion of an existing structure from a multiple unit rental use or visitor-serving commercial use to a use involving a fee ownership or long-term leasehold including but not limited to a condominium conversion, stock cooperative conversion or motel/hotel timesharing conversion.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 4, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8174-6.3.5 - Disaster replacement of structures.

Pursuant to Section 30610(g) of the Public Resources Code, as it may be amended, the replacement of any legally permitted structure, other than a public works facility, destroyed by a disaster is exempt from coastal development permit requirements. The replacement structure shall conform to applicable existing zoning requirements, shall be for the same use as the destroyed structure, shall not exceed either the floor area, height, or bulk of the destroyed structure by more than ten (10) percent, and shall be sited in the same location on the affected property as the destroyed structure.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 4, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8174-6.3.6 - Other general exclusions.

(a)

Pursuant to Categorical Exclusion Order E-83-1 (effective 9/30/1986, amendment effective 2/25/1987), the following activities are exempt from coastal development permit requirements, except when proposed within a location as described in Section 8174-6.3.6(b) below:

(1)

Fences and walls of six (6) feet or less in height except when such fence or wall may obstruct public access to the beach;

(2)

The installation of irrigation lines;

(3)

Structures, or additions thereto, with an aggregate value of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or less;

(4)

The addition of solar collection systems to existing structures;

(5)

Grading, excavation or fill that involves less than fifty (50) cubic yards of material;

(6)

Brush or vegetation removal, other than major vegetation, of less than one-half (½) acre;

(7)

Lot line adjustments that do not result in an increase or potential increase in the number of lots, number of building sites, or density of permitted development;

(8)

Removal of architectural barriers to facilitate access by the physically handicapped;

(9)

Replacement of public works facilities, furnishings, and equipment which shall:

i.

Be for the same use as the structure replaced;

ii.

Not exceed the capacity, surface coverage, height, or bulk of the structure replaced by more than ten (10) percent;

iii.

Be sited in the same location on the affected property or right-of-way; and

iv.

Not include water, sewer and power plants or stations; public transportation stations; oil and gas production, processing or pipelines; and similar development.

(b)

Uses described in Section 8174-6.3.6(a) above shall require a coastal development permit when they are located in the following areas:

(1)

Tidelands, submerged lands, or beaches, or within one hundred (100) feet of such areas;

(2)

Within any ESHA, riparian habitat, river, sand dune, stream, wetland, estuary, marsh, lake, edge of coastal bluff, or one hundred (100) feet of such areas;

(3)

Lands or waters subject to, or potentially subject to, the public trust;

(4)

Lots immediately adjacent to the inland extent of the beach, or of the mean high tide line of the sea where there is no beach;

(5)

Lots between the mean high tide line and the first public road parallel to the sea, or within three hundred (300) feet of the mean high tide line where the nearest public road is not parallel to the sea;

(6)

On slopes greater than twenty (20) percent; or

(7)

Anywhere the policies of the LCP specify a larger geographic area of concern for natural resources than those areas listed in Sections 8174-6.3.6(b)(1)—(6) above.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 4, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8174-6.4 - Procedures for categorically excluded developments.

8174-6.4.1 - Records.

The County shall maintain a record of any other permits that may be required for categorically excluded development,* which shall be made available to the Coastal Commission or any interested person upon request.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 4, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

  • See Sections 8174-6.1, 8174-6.2.1, 8174-6.2.5, and 8174-6.3.6.

8174-6.4.2 - Notice.

On the first Monday of each month, the County Planning Division shall notify the District Office of the Coastal Commission, and any person who has requested such notice, of categorical exclusions on a form containing the following information:

(a)

Developer's name;

(b)

Street address and assessor's parcel number of property on which development is proposed;

(c)

Brief description of development;

(d)

Date of application for other local permit(s);

(e)

All terms and conditions of development imposed by the County in granting its approval of such other permits.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 4, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

Article 5. - Development Standards/Conditions—Uses

8175-1 - Purpose.

The purpose of this Article is to provide those development standards or conditions that are applicable to the use zones. This Article also delineates certain instances where exceptions to certain standards or conditions are allowable.

(Ord. No. 4451, § 9, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

8175-2 - Schedule of specific development standards by zone.

The following table indicates the lot area, lot width, setback, height, and building coverage standards that apply to individual lots in the zones specified. See Articles 6 and 7 for other general standards and exceptions.

Zone Minimum
Lot Area
(a)
Maximum
Percentage
of Building
Minimum
Lot Width
Required Minimum Setbacks (b) Required Minimum Setbacks (b) Required Minimum Setbacks (b) Maximum Height (b) Maximum Height (b) Maximum Height (b)
Front Side Rear Principal
Exceptions
Accessory
Coverage Structure
(Principal
Structure)
Structure
Interior &
Corner
Lots,
Except
Reverse
Corner
Reverse
Corner
Lots:
Street Side
COS 10 Acres
(c)
See Sec.
8175-2.1
40' 20' 10' 20' 15' 25' Height May Be
Increased to 35' if
Same as Principal
Structure
CA 40 Acres
(c)
Each Side
setback is at
Least 15'
CR One Acre 5' 10' 15'
CRE 20,000 Sq.
Ft.
CR1 7,000
Sq. Ft.
20' (d)
CR2
RB 3,000
Sq. Ft. (e)
25' 10' 3' 5' 14' (f) 28' Height May
RBH (g) 20' (h) 3' (q) 6' (r) Measured to the
highest point of
the fnished roof (i)
Be Increased to
30' for A-frame
Structures
CRPD As
Specifed
by Permit
See Sec.
8175-2.1
As
Specifed
by Permit
See Sec.
8177-1.3
25' N/A
CC 20,000 Sq.
Ft.
(j) (k) (l) 35'
CM 10 Acres 40' (m) (n)

(a)

See Sections 8175-4.10 through 8175-4.12 for exceptions.

(b)

See Sections 8175-4 and 8175-5 for exceptions.

(c)

For all proposed land divisions in the COS and CA zones, the parent parcel shall be subject to the following slope/density formula for determining minimum lot area.

S = (100)(I)(L)

A

Where:

S = average slope (%)

I = contour interval (feet)

L = total length of all contour lines (feet)

A = total area of the lot (square feet)

Once the average slope has been computed, the following table shall be used to determine a minimum lot size for all proposed lots (numbers should be rounded to the nearest tenth):

COS: CA:
0%—15% = 10 acres 0%—35% = 40 acres
15.1%—20% = 20 acres Over 35% = 100 acres
20.1%—25% = 30 acres
25.1%—35% = 40 acres

Exception (CA): Property with a land use designation of Agriculture in the Coastal Area Plan that is not prime agricultural land shall have a lot area not less than two hundred (200) acres, regardless of slope.

(d)

Dwellings constructed with carports or garages having a curved or "swing" driveway, with the entrances to the garages or carports facing the side property line, may have a minimum front setback distance of fifteen (15) feet.

(e)

Minimum one thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet of lot area per dwelling unit; maximum two (2) dwelling units per lot.

(f)

If the front setback distance is twenty (20) feet or more, the rear setback distance may be reduced to six (6) feet.

(g)

One thousand seven hundred fifty (1,750) square feet per single-family dwelling; three thousand (3,000) square feet per two-family dwelling.

(h)

Where there is a two- or three-storied structure, such second or third stories may intrude not more than four (4) feet into the required front setback. Eaves may extend a maximum of two (2) feet beyond the outside walls of such second or third floor extension.

(i)

See also Section 8175-3.13.

(j)

Ten (10) feet if the lot abuts a residential zone on the side; otherwise, as specified by permit.

(k)

Five (5) feet on any side abutting a residential zone. Also, when the rear of a corner lot abuts a residential zone, the side setback distance from the street shall be at least five (5) feet; otherwise, as specified by permit.

(l)

Ten (10) feet if the rear of the lot abuts a residential zone; otherwise, as specified by permit.

(m)

From street: the greater of fifteen (15) feet or fifteen (15) percent of lot width or depth. Interior: the greater of five (5) feet or ten (10) percent of lot width or depth. The Planning Director is authorized to modify or entirely waive the interior setback requirements in cases where such reductions are necessary for efficient utilization of property and will not adversely affect the public health, safety or welfare, and rail access is provided to the lot.

(n)

No building or structure located within one hundred (100) feet of any property in a residential zone shall exceed sixty (60) feet in height; otherwise, as specified by permit.

(o)

Exception: Each dwelling unit of a two-family dwelling may have a zero side setback distance if constructed on a lot (other than a through lot) of at least three thousand five hundred (3,500) square feet in area created prior to February 26, 1987, if that lot is subdivided along a common side wall of the two (2) dwelling units.

(p)

Exception: Each dwelling unit of a two-family dwelling may have a zero rear setback distance if constructed on a through lot of at least four thousand (4,000) square feet in area created prior to February 26, 1987, if that lot is subdivided along a common rear wall of the two (2) dwelling units, and the front setback distance of each resulting lot is at least twenty (20) feet.

(Am. Ord. 4055—2/1/94; Ord. 4378—1/29/08; Ord. No. 4451, § 9, 12-11-2012; Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

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Contents — Ventura County Planning Code
Ventura County Planning Code
  1. 8101-0 - Adoption and title of Chapter.
  2. 8101-1 - Purpose of Chapter.
  3. 8101-2 - Applicability of the zoning ordinance.
  4. 8101-3 - General prohibitions.
  5. § 8101-4
  6. § 8103-1
  7. § 8103-2
  8. 8103-3 - Adoption and validity of the official zoning data.
  9. 8103-6 - Absence of zoning.
  10. § 8104-1
  11. 8104-2 - Rural residential zones.
  12. 8104-3 - Urban residential zones.
  13. 8104-4 - Commercial zones.
  14. 8104-5 - Industrial zones.
  15. 8104-7 - Overlay zones.
  16. 8105-0 - Purpose.
  17. 8105-1 - Use of matrices.
  18. 8106-0 - Purpose.
  19. § 8106-1
  20. § 8106-4
  21. § 8106-5
  22. § 8106-6
  23. § 8106-7
  24. § 8106-8
  25. 8107-0 - Purpose.
  26. 8107-1 - Standards relating to dwellings.
  27. § 8107-2
  28. 8107-4 - Mobilehome parks.
  29. § 8107-5
  30. 8107-6 - Agricultural sales facilities.
  31. 8107-7 - Recreational vehicle parks.
  32. § 8107-9
  33. § 9.6
  34. 8107-9.6.3 - Obstruction of drainage courses.
  35. 9.6.4 - Control of contaminants, runoff and siltation.
  36. 8107-9.6.5 - Dust prevention.
  37. 8107-9.6.6 - Light emanation.
  38. 8107-9.6.7 - Painting.
  39. 8107-9.6.8 - Site maintenance.
  40. 8107-9.6.9 - Reclamation plan.
  41. 8107-9.6.10 - Removal of quipment, facilities and structures.
  42. 8107-9.6.11 - Application of sensitive use related standards.
  43. 8107-9.6.12 - Exceptions to standards.
  44. 8107-9.6.13 - Waivers of standards.
  45. 8107-9.6.14 - Reporting of accidents.
  46. 8107-9.6.15 - Contact person.
  47. 8107-9.6.16 - Current mining plans.
  48. 8107-9.6.17 - Permit review.
  49. 8107-9.6.18 - Enforcement costs.
  50. 8107-9.6.19 - Civil penalties.
  51. 8107-9.6.20 - Performance securities.
  52. 8107-9.6.21 - Insurance.
  53. 8107-9.6.22 - Noise standards.
  54. 8107-9.6.23 - Exceptions to noise standard.
  55. 8107-9.7 - Interim Management Plan standards.
  56. 8107-9.8 - Agricultural mining site.
  57. 8107-10 - Veterinary clinics.
  58. § 8107-11
  59. 8107-13 - Christmas tree sales.
  60. § 8107-14
  61. 8107-19 - Golf courses.
  62. § 8107-20
  63. § 8107-22
  64. § 8107-23
  65. 8107-25 - Tree protection regulations.
  66. § 8107-26
  67. 8107-27 - Cemeteries.
  68. 8107-28 - Radio stations.
  69. § 8107-29
  70. 8107-30 - Mobile food facilities.
  71. § 8107-31
  72. 8107-32 - Correctional institutions.
  73. § 8107-33
  74. 8107-35 - Botanic gardens and arboreta.
  75. § 8107-36
  76. § 8107-37
  77. § 8107-39
  78. § 8107-41
  79. § 8107-42
  80. § 8107-44
  81. § 8107-45
  82. 8107-46 - Outdoor events. 8107-46.1 - Purpose.
  83. 8107-48 - Urban parks.
  84. § 8107-50
  85. § 8107-51
  86. § 8107-52
  87. § 8107-53
  88. 8108-0 - Purpose.
  89. § 8108-3
  90. § 8108-4
  91. 8108-5 - Motor vehicle parking design standards.
  92. § 8108-6
  93. 8108-7 - Drive-through facilities.
  94. 8108-8 - Loading areas.
  95. 8109-0 - Standards for all zones.
  96. § 8109-1
  97. 8109-2 - Standards for commercial zones.
  98. 8109-3 - Standards for industrial zones.
  99. § 8109-4
  100. 8110-0 - Purpose.
  101. 8110-2 - Permit requirements.
  102. 8110-3 - Exempted signs.
  103. 8110-4 - Prohibited signs.
  104. 8110-5 - General sign regulations.
  105. 8110-6 - Specific regulations by type of sign. 8110-6.1 - Benc…
  106. 8110-8 - Nonconforming signs. 8110-8.1 - Continuance.
  107. Article 11 — Entitlements—Process and Procedures
    Overview
    1. 8111-0 - Purpose.
    2. 8111-1 - Entitlements.
    3. § 8111-2
    4. 8111-3 - Notice and hearing procedures.
    5. 8111-4 - Decisions.
    6. 8111-5 - Reapplication.
    7. § 8111-6
    8. 8111-7 - Appeals.
    9. § 8111-8
    10. § 8111-9
    11. 8112-0 - Purpose.
    12. 8112-1 - Findings.
    13. 8112-2 - Definitions.
    14. 8112-4 - Limitations on issuance of residential permits.
    15. 8112-5 - Waiting lists for residential permits.
    16. 8112-6 - Issuance of residential permits and application for b…
    17. 8112-7 - Issuance of building permits.
    18. 8112-8 - Voluntary withdrawal from waiting list.
    19. 8112-9 - Annual review.
    20. 8113-0 - Purpose.
    21. 8113-1 - Nonconforming structures.
    22. § 8113-3
    23. 8113-5 - Other nonconforming uses (no longer permitted).
    24. 8113-6 - Destruction.
    25. § 8113-10
    26. 8114-0 - Purpose.
    27. 8114-1 - Pending violations.
    28. 8114-2 - Penalties.
    29. 8114-3 - Enforcement.
    30. 8114-4 - Administrative process.
    31. 8114-5 - Enforcement and penalties for temporary rental units.
    32. 8115-0 - Purpose.
    33. 8115-1 - Amendments.
    34. 8115-3 - Decisions.
    35. 8116-0 - Purpose and application.
    36. 8116-1 - Density bonus and affordable housing incentives.
    37. 8117-0 - Purpose.
    38. 8117-1 - Definitions.
    39. 8117-2 - Exemptions.
    40. 8117-3 - Mobilehome park closure permit.
    41. 8117-4 - Notice to residents.
    42. 8117-5 - Mobilehome park closure permit application procedures.
    43. 8117-7 - Completeness of application.
    44. 8117-8 - Review of supplemental information.
    45. 8117-9 - Termination of incomplete application.
    46. 8117-12 - Denial for incompleteness.
    47. 8117-14 - Notice of approval of mobilehome park closure permit.
    48. 8117-15 - Denial of permit for coercion.
    49. 8117-16 - Duration of permit.
    50. 8117-17 - Decision of the board.
    51. 8117-18 - Termination of tenancy.
    52. 8117-19 - Effect on existing permits.
    53. 8117-20 - Affidavit of compliance.
    54. 8117-21 - Public policy.
    55. 8117-22 - Penalties.
    56. 8117-23 - Notice to new and prospective tenants.
    57. 8118-0 - Consolidation of zoning data.
    58. 8119-0 - Purpose.
    59. § 8119-1
    60. 8171-1 - Adoption and title of Chapter.
    61. 8171-3 - Application.
    62. 8171-4 - General prohibitions.
    63. § 8171-11
    64. 8171-15 - Number of days.
    65. 8171-16 - Rounding of quantities.
    66. 8172-1 - Application of definitions.
    67. 8173-3 - Coastal Rural (CR) Zone.
    68. 8173-10 - Coastal Commercial (CC) Zone.
    69. 8173-12 - Santa Monica Mountains (M) Overlay Zone.
    70. 8174-1 - Purpose.
    71. 8174-2 - Interpretation.
    72. 8174-3 - Original permit jurisdiction.
    73. 8174-4 - Environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHA).
    74. 8174-5 - Permitted uses by zone.
    75. § 8174-6
    76. § 8175-2
    77. 8175-3 - General requirements.
    78. § 8175-4
    79. 8175-5 - Standards and conditions for uses.
    80. 8176-0 - Purpose.
    81. § 8176-2
    82. § 8176-3
    83. § 8176-4
    84. 8176-5 - Bicycle parking design standards.
    85. 8176-6 - Queueing lanes. 8176-6.1 - Drive-through facilities.
    86. 8176-7 - Loading areas.
    87. 8176-8 - Private streets.
    88. § 8176-9
    89. § 8177-1
    90. § 8177-2
    91. 8177-3 - Standards for Coastal Industrial (CM) zone.
    92. § 8177-4
    93. 8178-1 - Purpose.
    94. 8178-2 - Environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHA).
    95. 8178-3 - Archaeological and paleontological resources[[7]]
    96. 8178-6 - Beach access.
    97. 8178-7 - Tree Protection Regulations. 8178-7.1 - Purpose.
    98. § 8178-8
    99. 8181-1 - Purpose.
    100. 8181-3 - Permits.
    101. 8181-4 - Variances.
    102. § 8181-5
    103. § 8181-6
    104. 8181-7 - Decisions.
    105. 8181-8 - Reapplication.
    106. 8181-9 - Appeals.
    107. 8181-10 - Modification, suspension and revocation.[[11]]
    108. § 8181-14
    109. 8182-1 - Purpose.
    110. 8182-5 - The keeping of animals.
    111. § 8182-6
    112. 8182-7 - Destruction.
    113. 8182-11 - Discontinuance and change of use status.
    114. 8182-12 - Effect of change of zoning regulations.
    115. 8183-1 - Purpose.
    116. 8183-2 - Pending violations.
    117. 8183-3 - Penalties.
    118. 8183-4 - Public nuisance.
    119. 8183-5 - Enforcement.
    120. 8183-6 - Administrative process.
    121. 8183-7 - Enforcement and penalties for temporary rental units.
    122. 8184-1 - Purpose.
    123. 8184-2 - Amendments.
    124. 8184-3 - Hearing and notice requirements.
    125. 8184-4 - Decisions.
    126. 8184-5 - Submittal to Coastal Commission.
    127. 8201-0 - Authority and title.
    128. 8201-1 - Purpose of Chapter.
    129. 8201-2 - Applicability of the Subdivision Ordinance.
    130. 8202-0 - Application of definitions; reference to other laws.
    131. § 8203-0
    132. 8204-0 - Purpose.
    133. 8204-1 - Applicability.
    134. 8204-2 - Application and processing.
    135. 8204-3 - Designated advisory agency.
    136. 8204-4 - Findings for approval.
    137. 8204-5 - Approval and required supplemental documents.
    138. 8204-6 - Expiration.
    139. 8204-7 - Recordation.
    140. 8205-0 - Subdivisions requiring tentative and final maps; excl…
    141. 8205-1 - Subdivisions requiring tentative and parcel maps.
    142. 8205-3 - Information to be shown on tentative maps.
    143. 8205-5 - General design requirements.
    144. § 8205-6
    145. § 8205-7
    146. 8206-0 - Map preparation, form and content.
    147. § 8206-2
    148. 8207-0 - Amendment of recorded final and parcel maps.
    149. § 8207-1
    150. 8208-0 - Improvements.
    151. 8208-1 - Subdivision improvement agreement.
    152. 8208-2 - Improvement security.
    153. 8208-3 - Time extensions for improvements.
    154. 8208-4 - Warranty security.
    155. § 8208-5
    156. 8208-6 - Dedications.
    157. 8208-7 - Reservations for public uses.
    158. 8208-8 - Fees.
  108. Article 9 — Lot Line Adjustments

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