01 / Plan pathChoose the right production starting point.
The Planning and Zoning Division handles zone clearance for building permits, use permits and design review. Ojai has adopted ADU-related ordinances including a limited pilot program for moveable tiny houses as ADUs.
Express PlanStarting at $4,500For a qualifying jurisdiction preapproved plan adapted into the property-specific architectural production set.
Custom PlanStarting at $6,500For an original floor plan and architectural production set developed around the property and homeowner.
Size affects more than floor area.
Ojai's ADU provisions have been amended through several ordinances. Confirm the current standards directly with Planning and Zoning at 805-646-5581 before design.
The City has amended its second-unit compliance guidelines to remove connection fees, capacity charges and will-serve letters as conditions of permitting an ADU. Confirm what currently applies.
500 SFConfirm school-fee assessment rules750 SFState impact-fee protection checkpoint1,000 SFTwo-bedroom state minimum allowance1,200 SFCommon local upper-range checkpoint
03 / Site conditionsProperty conditions can change the path.
- Zoning and lot configuration
- Whether the moveable tiny house pilot program applies
- Second Unit Compliance Program eligibility for an existing unpermitted unit
- Fire access and water supply
04 / Consultant screenLikely disciplines to evaluate.
- Structural engineering
- Title 24 energy documentation
- Survey where boundaries require it
- Civil or geotechnical review when triggered
Consultants are retained only when required by the property, design, or reviewing agency. Their proposals and coordination are separate from the architectural production fee unless stated otherwise in the agreement.
05 / Property-specific next stepTurn the guide into a preliminary project report.
Enter the address to screen jurisdiction, mapped constraints, likely agencies, drawing requirements, consultants, and the preliminary fee path.
Important: This guide is general planning information, not a zoning determination, permit approval, fee quote, or guarantee of feasibility. Current parcel records, adopted codes, agency interpretations, utility requirements, site investigation, and written agency confirmation control.