Ojai VMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

VMU is a zoning district in Ojai. Every value below was read from the Ojai Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.

Development standards in VMU

The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.

Maximum building height	35 ft Applies: Basic Allowance See note 2 below the table in the code. § 10-2.504 · code text Table row “Height Limit (2)”, column “Basic Allowance”: 35 ft. Note 2: Maximum allowed height of structures. See also Section 10-2.803 (Height measurement and exceptions).
Minimum front setback	Block median setback; no more than 20 ft required Applies: median setback is the mid-point of the front setbacks of developed lots on the same street frontage and block; basic allowance § 10-2.504 · code text Table row “Front”, column “Basic Allowance”: Median Setback; 20 ft Max. Required (8)
Minimum side setback	10% of lot width (no more than 10 ft required) Applies: Basic Allowance See note 6 below the table in the code. § 10-2.504 · code text Table row “Sides (each)”, column “Basic Allowance”: 10% of Lot Width; 10 ft Max. Required (6) Note 6: For reverse corner lots, the street side yard setback shall be not less than 50% of the front yard setback required on the key lot immediately adjacent to the corner lot; provided that in no case shall the buildable width of a reverse corner lot be reduced to less than 60% after providing the required side yard setback for interior lots; provided, however, that in no event shall the street side ya
Minimum rear setback	25% of lot depth (no more than 25 ft required) Applies: Basic Allowance § 10-2.504 · code text Table row “Rear”, column “Basic Allowance”: 25% of Lot Depth; 25 ft Max. Required
Minimum lot size	8,500 sq. ft. Applies: Basic Allowance § 10-2.504 · code text Table row “Area”, column “Basic Allowance”: 8,500 sq. ft.
Maximum lot coverage	50% Applies: Basic Allowance See note 1 below the table in the code. § 10-2.504 · code text Table row “Site Coverage (1)”, column “Basic Allowance”: 50% Note 1: Maximum percentage of site area that may be covered by structures.

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in VMU:

Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.50 without planning commission approval — design review sets the standard; a FAR above 0.50 needs planning commission approval § 10-2.504

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, FAR, density limit for VMU in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Ojai Municipal Code.

Other Ojai zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Ojai's VMU zone?

35 ft (basic Allowance) — Ojai Municipal Code § 10-2.504.

What is the minimum front setback in Ojai's VMU zone?

Block median setback; no more than 20 ft required (median setback is the mid-point of the front setbacks of developed lots on the same street frontage and block; basic allowance) — Ojai Municipal Code § 10-2.504.

What is the minimum side setback in Ojai's VMU zone?

10% of lot width (no more than 10 ft required) (basic Allowance) — Ojai Municipal Code § 10-2.504.

What is the minimum rear setback in Ojai's VMU zone?

25% of lot depth (no more than 25 ft required) (basic Allowance) — Ojai Municipal Code § 10-2.504.

What is the minimum lot size in Ojai's VMU zone?

8,500 sq. ft. (basic Allowance) — Ojai Municipal Code § 10-2.504.

General information, not legal advice.