Agenda packet — Oxnard City Council, December 16, 2025 (part 4 of 5)

Figure 1 – Historical View of Subject Property, c. 1955 Figure 2 – Contemporary View of Subject Property, 2024
Credit: San Buenaventura Research Associates
Credit: San Buenaventura Research Associates
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V. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:

The subject property was evaluated in a Historic Resources Report (“Historic Report”) prepared by San Buenaventura Research Associates on August 26, 2024 (Exhibit 1). 1 According to the Historic Report, the original 7-unit courtyard apartment complex was completed on the property in 1942 by and for general contractor Albert E. Schuster and his wife, Amanda Egbert Schuster. Schuster advertised the production of his designs to his clients, and consequently very likely designed this project for himself. 2 The westernmost one- and two-story building in the complex was originally constructed as a single unit residence, which the owners occupied until selling the property to Albert J. and Elise Jourdan of Santa Paula in 1944. The new owners apparently also lived in the single unit residence. The property was sold again in 1953 to Harry J. and Louise Savage, who split the rear building into two units in 1955. The rear unit was later modified into three units, bringing the total number of units to nine.3 Historical Background
The Town of Oxnard was laid out in 1898 on the lands of John G. and Aranetta Hill. It was primarily a neighborhood of single-family homes during the early years. With the 1920s housing boom, multifamily housing units began to make an appearance, primarily in the form of courtyard housing.4 Between 1920 and 1950, approximately fifteen such properties were developed throughout the city. Today, only about seven remain, including the subject property. Two of these courtyard complexes are designated as landmarks. The courtyard at 521 S. F Street was designated in 2010 and 534-42 S. F. Street in 2014 on the basis of their significance as a type of residential construction (courtyard housing).5
VI. SIGNIFICANCE:

According to the Historic Report, the subject property is significant for its reflection of the postwar multifamily housing boom in Southern California (Criterion 1) and as an example of courtyard housing built in the Minimal Traditional architectural style, a commonly employed style during the immediate prewar and postwar period (Criterion 3).
6 The Minimal Traditional style incorporates familiar design elements derived from historical architectural styles into otherwise Modern buildings; characteristic features 1 Historic Landmark Nomination, 119-127 S. D Street, Oxnard, Ventura County, CA, San Buenaventura Research Associates, August 26, 2024
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid.
4 Ibid.
5 Ibid.
6 Ibid.
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of this style observed at the subject property include its hipped roof with intersecting gables, shallow eaves, and wood drapery patterns.
7 According to the Historic Report, the apartment complex has retained sufficient integrity to convey its significance as an example of courtyard housing in Oxnard.

Some changes have been made over the years, including the removal of original windows and the addition of walkway railings. An appropriate period of significance for the property extends from when it was completed in 1942 through the alterations made in 1955 to divide the rear building into a duplex.8 VII. MILLS ACT PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

The requested Mills Act Contract is a formal agreement between the City of Oxnard and the property owner for a minimum term of ten years. The contract automatically renews each year on its anniversary date and another year is added to the effective term of the contract. The contract runs in perpetuity with the land unless non-renewed by the property owner. The contract is transferred to new owners when the property is sold and is binding on all successive owners.

Minimum Preservation Standards
The property owner agrees to restore, repair, maintain, and protect the property for the life of the contract in accordance with the specific historic preservation standards and conditions identified in the proper maintenance of the property (Exhibit 4, Contract Exhibit C). The proposed ten-year rehabilitation list (Exhibit 4, Contract Exhibit D) for the subject property describes the property owner’s intent to restore, rehabilitate, and maintain the interior and exterior character-defining elements of the property in accordance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. A sample Mills Act contract is provided for reference in Exhibit 4. The City of Oxnard will prepare a final version, formatted according to city standards, for presentation at the City Council hearing on this request.

Inspections and Monitoring Requirements
On behalf of the City of Oxnard, County staff inspects Mills Act properties every five years to ensure proper maintenance and rehabilitation work is completed pursuant to the terms of the contract. The initial ten-year term is the period of time in which the rehabilitation projects should be completed. In addition, property owners are required to complete an annual self-certification process in order to update the County on their progress of rehabilitating and maintaining the property. 7 Ibid.
8 Ibid.
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The authority of the Cultural Heritage Board (CHB) as it relates to Mills Act contracts is set forth in Ventura County Cultural Heritage Ordinance, adopted by reference by the City of Oxnard. Specifically, Ordinance Section 1365-8 allows the CHB to make recommendations regarding applications for and administration of historical property contracts (i.e. Mills Act contracts) for properties located in the City of Oxnard to the Oxnard City Council. The Oxnard City Council is the final decision-making body for the adoption of the contract. The CHB may recommend modifications to the Mills Act contract to incorporate different or additional preservation or rehabilitation projects in the Ten-Year Rehabilitation Plan as deemed necessary, or may vote to recommend denial of the Mills Act contract if the CHB finds that the property is not eligible. The CHB does not have the authority to revise the Mills Act contract language and incorporate new conditions, though it would be feasible to include such recommendations in their resolution to the Oxnard City Council, should the majority of CHB members agree.

It’s worth noting that all future alterations to the structure, including to interior character-defining features, will require issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness from the CHB or CHB staff.

VIII. STAFF CONCLUSION:

The evidence provided in Exhibit 1 and this staff report supports making the findings under Ordinance Section 1367(a) that the Schuster Court property is eligible for designation as a Ventura County landmark. In addition, the evidence provided in Exhibit 1 and this staff report supports making the additional designation findings in Ordinance Section 1367-1 as the site has historic character, value, and interest to the general public, there are no foreseeable costs to the County in designating the subject property as a Ventura County landmark, and the designation shall not infringe upon the rights of the property owner as the designation does not affect allowable land uses and the property owner has requested this designation. Therefore, CHB staff recommends the CHB recommend the Oxnard City Council approve the request for Ventura County landmark designation.

IX. HEARING NOTICE AND PUBLIC COMMENTS:

A public notice was sent by U.S. mail to the property owner of the subject property not less than fifteen days prior to the date of this hearing in accordance with Ordinance Section 1366-2, which requires such notice prior to landmark designation (Exhibit 3 – 15-Day Public Hearing Notice).

No public comment regarding this item has been received to date.

X. RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
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Staff is recommending the CHB take the following actions regarding the request:

1. CONDUCT public hearing, RECEIVE oral and written testimony, and CONSIDER the Planning Division staff report and all exhibits and attachments hereto;

2. CERTIFY that the Cultural Heritage Board has reviewed and considered this staff report and all exhibits hereto, and has considered all comments received during the public comment process;

3. FIND that the property owner was given a 15-day notice (Exhibit 3) in accordance with Ordinance Section 1366-2, and that the property owner consents to landmark designation and placement in County lists;

4. FIND that the Schuster Court property meets Landmark Criterion 1 and 3 as required by Ordinance Section 1367(a), and the additional standards required by Ordinance Section 1367-1 based on the substantial evidence in the staff report and all exhibits and attachments hereto;

5. Based on the preceding evidence and analysis, FIND, through adoption of a Resolution (Exhibit 5), that the CHB recommends to the Oxnard City Council the designation of the Schuster Court property as Ventura County Landmark No. 184;

6. APPROVE findings one through four as follows:

1. Southern California 2022 Properties, LLC possesses and owns real property located at 119-127 S D Street, Oxnard, CA 93030;

2. The property is a qualified historical property that is privately owned, not exempt from property taxation and is being considered for designation as Ventura County Historical Landmark No. 184;

3. The owner desires to carry out the relevant purposes of the California Government Code for the entire site, the buildings’ interior and exterior, and all structures thereon; and

4. The owner desires to limit the use of the historical property to retain its characteristics as a property of historical significance; and

7. ADOPT a Resolution (Exhibit 5) recommending that the Oxnard City Council approve a Mills Act Historical Property Contract for the subject property.

The Cultural Heritage Board’s recommendation will be acted upon by the Oxnard City Council within 90 days from the time when the Cultural Heritage Board adopts a recommendation (Ordinance Section 1369-4). Until such time, the property owner is 728
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prohibited from defacing, demolishing, adding to, altering, or removing any feature of the subject property.

Prepared by: Reviewed by:

Dillan Murray, Senior Planner Tricia Maier, Manager
Ventura County Planning Division Planning Programs Section (805) 654-5042 (805) 654-2464
Exhibits:

Exhibit 1 – Historic Resources Report, dated August 26, 2024 Exhibit 2 – Property Owner Request for Landmark Designation Exhibit 3 – 15-day Public Hearing Notice
Exhibit 4 – Sample Mills Act Contract
Contract Exhibit A – Legal Description
Contract Exhibit B – List of Significant Character Defining and Historic Features
Contract Exhibit C – Mills Act Minimum Standards for Maintenance, Use, and Preservation
Contract Exhibit D – Mills Act Ten-Year Rehabilitation Plan Exhibit 5 – CHB Resolution No. 2025-13 to the Oxnard City Council 729
Historic Landmark Nomination
119-127 S. D Street,
Oxnard, Ventura County, CA
26 August 2024
Prepared for:

Teresa Spear
4120 Arrowhead Circle
Thousand Oaks CA 91362
Prepared by:
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Executive Summary
This report was prepared for the purpose of assisting the County of Ventura Cultural Heritage Board, acting as the City of Oxnard Cultural Heritage Board, in determining the eligibility of the property located at 119-127 S.

D Street (APN 202-0-044-020) for designation as a City of Oxnard Landmark. The property owner, Teresa Spear, intends to apply for a Mills Act Contract. The 0.32 acre parcel consists of a 8-unit, one and two-story courtyard apartment building with attached garages. [Figure 1] This report assesses the historical and architectural significance of the property in accordance with the City of Oxnard landmark criteria. This report was prepared by San Buenaventura Research Associates of Santa Paula, California, Judy Triem, Historian; and Mitch Stone, Preservation Planner, for the property owners. The evaluation is based on a field investigation and research conducted in May and June 2024.

San Buenaventura Research Associates provides qualified Historian and Architectural Historian services, in accordance with Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications (36 CFR 61). The conclusions contained herein represent the professional opinions of San Buenaventura Research Associates, and are based on the factual data available at the time of its preparation, the application of the appropriate local, state and federal regulations, and best professional practices.

Summary of Findings
This property appears to be individually eligible as a Oxnard City Landmark under Criteria 1 and 3. It also appears to be eligible as part of a discontiguous district comprised of the remaining seven U-plan courtyard apartment complexes in Oxnard built between 1920 and 1950.

Report Contents

1. Administrative Setting 1

2. Historical Setting 1

3. Historic Resources 2

4. Eligibility of Historic Resources 3
City of Oxnard Landmark Eligibility 3
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Figure 1. Property Location [Source: County of Ventura] Property Location
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Historic Landmark Nomination
119-27 S. D Street, Oxnard

1. Administrative Setting
In April 1991, the City of Oxnard adopted the Ventura County Cultural Heritage ordinance (§§1360-1374, as amended) by resolution (City of Oxnard Resolution No. 10135), including eligibility criteria and procedures, substituting references in the ordinance to the County of Ventura with the City of Oxnard. Since that time, the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board has acted as the city’s cultural heritage board. The criteria for designating properties for listing are:
a. Landmarks - Satisfy one or more of the below criteria of significance, in addition to retaining sufficient integrity. In evaluating integrity, the authenticity of the resource's physical identity shall be established by evidence of lack of deterioration and significant survival of the characteristics that existed during its period of significance. This shall be evaluated with regard to the retention of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, consistent with applicable National Register of Historic Places Bulletins for evaluating historic properties. (1) It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of Ventura County history;
(2) It is associated with the lives of significant persons in Ventura County’s past; (3) It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; (4) It has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in history or prehistory.

2. Historical Setting
General Historical Context. This property consists of two lots of the North Addition to the Town of Oxnard combined into a single assessor parcel. This subdivision recorded in 1901 by the Colonia Improvement Company was the first significant expansion of the original Oxnard townsite after its recordation in 1898. In the first two decades of the century the subdivision filled in with single family residences. Many became the homes of employees of the Oxnard Sugar Beet Company and merchants serving the booming new community.

With the next major period expansion in the 1920s, multifamily housing units began to appear in significant numbers in downtown Oxnard, with courtyard apartments becoming a favored form of construction, as it was throughout Southern California. Some of the courtyards and other types of multifamily residences built in Oxnard displaced older single family residences, particularly after World War II with the suburban push of single family subdivision towards the city’s ever-expanding periphery. The popularity of courtyards derived from their ability to replicate some of the amenities enjoyed by homeowners, including green spaces with lawns and gardens, and in some cases, detached units with individual entries. Between 1920 and 1950 approximately SAN BUENAVENTURA RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Page 1 of 4
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fifteen courtyard apartments were constructed throughout the downtown area of the city of Oxnard. Today, seven of these are known to remain.

Property Specific Context. The subject property is a 0.32 acre parcel located on the west side of S. D Street.

A 7-unit courtyard apartment complex was completed on this parcel in 1942 by and for general contractor Albert E. Schuster and his wife Amanda Egbert Shuster. They purchased these two lots of the North Addition in late 1941, with a small single family residence located on it. The western-most one-and-two-story building in the complex (123 S. D Street) was originally constructed as a single unit residence, which the owners occupied until selling the property to Albert J. and Elise Jourdan of Santa Paula in 1944. They apparently also lived in the unit at 123 S. D Street. The property was sold again in 1953 to Harry J. and Louise Savage, who split the rear building into two units in 1955, bringing the total number of units to eight. It appears to have been maintained entirely as a rental property since that time and through numerous subsequent changes of ownership.

3. Historic Resources
The property consists of seven detached, stucco-clad buildings organized in a u-plan, opening towards the street on the east, with a courtyard garden area running through the east-west center axis. The courtyard is set back and raised slightly above street level by a low concrete curb. The six buildings facing directly onto the garden area are identical in plan and elevation. The three on the northern and southern sides are mirrored on the opposite side in plan. [Photos 8-11]
Each of the six, one-story buildings facing each other in symmetrical rows are roughly square in plan with a medium-pitched hipped roof with intersecting medium-pitched gables. Eaves are shallow with exposed rafter tails. The entries facing the central courtyard garden area are slightly offset on this elevation and inset above a two-step concrete stoop. A pop-out around a double sash window is located to the left of the entry (southern units) or to the right for the northern units. Flat canopies featuring a drapery-pattern wood appliqué occur under the shallow eaves. The intersecting gable wing features a centered pair of casement windows and a tongue-in-groove wood drapery pattern appliqué under the gable end. The main entry doors features six recessed panels. [Photos 12-17, 20] The windows originally featured one-over-one sashes with a single horizontal muntin dividing the lights. Most of these windows have been replaced with single-light sashes or casements within unaltered wood framed openings. The original window sash configuration can still be seen at unit 127B [Photo 16], and in historic photos taken by the Ventura County Assessor, probably in the mid-1950s. [Photos 1-7] The rear secondary elevations of the units feature low stoops and smaller sash windows. [Photo 19] The larger one and two story duplex building forming the bottom (western) side of the u-site plan is irregular in plan. It features a projecting wing centered on the eastern elevation and an angled bay window consisting of a single fixed window flanked by sash windows. These windows were originally multi-pane [Photo 4]. Entries to the two units are located above three-step concrete stoops covered by small overhang supported by a square post. A pair of sash windows are found adjacent to the entries. A centered two-story portion of this building is set back from the eastern elevation adjacent to the alley at the rear of the property. Doors in this SAN BUENAVENTURA RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Page 2 of 4
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building feature vertical panels and a center light, differing from the individual unit doors, probably as a result of the 1955 alterations converting this building from a single residence to a duplex. The building is covered with a combination of medium-pitched hipped and shed roofs. A row of two-car garage doors faces the alley. [Photos 18, 19, 22]

4. Eligibility of Historic Resources
City of Oxnard Landmark Eligibility
This property reflects special elements of the county’s architectural history under Criterion 1 as a scarce example of a housing type built primarily during the 1920s through the 1950s as a response to the demand for multifamily housing. The postwar boom and the lack of construction during the Great Depression and wartime created an urgent need for housing throughout Southern California, of both single family and multifamily types. Literally thousands of these housing types were built throughout Southern California, and Oxnard was no exception. A cursory review of Sanborn maps for this period suggests that roughly fifteen of these “u-parti” apartment courtyards complexes were built in Oxnard by 1950, with fewer than half of them remaining today.

The seven remaining courtyard apartment complexes in Oxnard include the subject property (1942), McColm Manor at 534-42 S. F. Street (1950), Olive Court at 401 W. Fourth Street (1923), Palm Court at 330 W. Palm Drive (ca. 1930), 308 W. Palm Drive (ca. 1950), 529 W. First Street (1950), and 531 S. F Street (1926). Two of these courtyard complexes are designated as Oxnard City Landmarks. The courtyard at 521 S. F Street was designated in 2010 and 534-42 S. F. Street in 2013 on the basis of their significance as a type of residential construction (courtyard housing).

Under Criterion 2, the property is not associated with the lives of persons or events who have made a significant contribution to the city of Oxnard. Little information was found on the first owner, builder-contractor Albert E. Schuster. He moved to Oxnard from Santa Barbara in 1938, and after selling this property moved to Camarillo where he remained until his death in 1961. He made no, known significant contributions to the city’s development.1
Under Criterion 3, this property embodies the architectural design, details and materials characteristic of the courtyard housing, a popular housing type from the 1920s through the 1950s, and is one of four surviving prewar examples of this type of courtyard housing in Oxnard. The architectural style is Minimal Traditional, a commonly employed style during the immediate prewar and postwar period. The Minimal Traditional style is a popularized form of the Modern style incorporating familiar design elements derived from historical architectural styles (e.g., Colonial, Cape Cod) into otherwise Modern buildings. The hipped roof with intersecting gables, shallow eaves and wood drapery patterns seen on this property are representative of this approach.

The property does not represent the work of a master builder or designer. No architect is known to have been involved with its design. It was built by a contractor who advertised the production of his designs to his clients, and consequently very likely designed this project for himself.

Camarillo News, 5-18-1961. 1
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Historic Landmark Nomination
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The property is an example of the “u-parti” form of courtyard apartment complex, as defined in the typology created by Polyzoides, et. al., 1992. One of the most common and characteristic of the courtyard types built in Southern California, the u-parti is defined by building masses enclosing a courtyard on three sides with an opening facing the street.2
As the courtyard apartment form evolved into the 1950s, elements of the basic form began to change. The central landscaped courtyard was often replaced with a swimming pool, and in two-story examples, individual unit entries tended to be replaced with common exterior balconies above the ground floor. As one of the last properties to be developed before the pause in construction created by World War II, this property preceded these transitional forms, as each building is accessed by an individual entry and the landscape courtyard remains the central focus.

Criterion 4 pertains to archaeological resources and is not relevant to this evaluation.

Integrity. The property has retained sufficient integrity to convey its significance as an example of courtyard housing in Oxnard. The property remains in its original location, and its design in the Minimal Traditional style has remained essentially intact, and its site plan, which is of particular importance to the character of courtyard housing. The changes to the window sash configurations are readily reversible. An appropriate period of significance for the property extends from when it was completed 1942 through the alterations made in 1955 to divide the rear building into a duplex.

Summary Conclusion. The property at 119-127 S. D Street appears to be individually eligible as a Oxnard City Landmark under Criteria 1 and 3. It is also appears to be eligible as part of a discontiguous district comprised of the remaining seven u-plan courtyard apartment complexes built in Oxnard between 1920 and 1950. Further research and documentation would be required to establish the eligibility of this potential district.

Character Defining Features. The features defining the character of the property include:
• Plan and organization of units and open spaces between. • Roof shapes and eaves.
• Concrete walkways, curbs, stoops and steps.
• Garden grass area between sidewalks and foundation planting areas. • Window and door configurations and designs.
• Drapery patterns under eaves.
• Octagonal porch lights.
• Mail slots.
• Address number panels.

Polyzoides, Stefanos, Roger Sherwood, and James Tice. Courtyard Housing in Los Angeles. New York: Princeton 2 Architectural Press, 1992 (second edition), pp. 41-42.

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Photo 1. Unit 119, from southeast. Ventura County Assessor, c. 1955.

Photo 2. Unit 119, 119A, 119B from southeast. Ventura County Assessor, c. 1955. 737
SAN BUENAVENTURA RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Photo Page 1 of 11 Photo 3. Unit 119A, from southeast. Ventura County Assessor, c. 1955.

Photo 4. Central courtyard and units 123 and 123A from east. Ventura County Assessor, c. 1955. 738
SAN BUENAVENTURA RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Photo Page 2 of 11 Photo 5. Unit 127A, from northeast. Ventura County Assessor, c. 1955.

Photo 6. Unit 127, from northeast. Ventura County Assessor, c. 1955. 739
SAN BUENAVENTURA RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Photo Page 3 of 11 Photo 7. Unit at 127B, from northeast. Ventura County Assessor, c. 1955.

Photo 8. Streetscape setting, viewed from southeast. [5-15-2024] 740
SAN BUENAVENTURA RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Photo Page 4 of 11 Photo 10. Street elevation, viewed from southeast. [5-15-2024] Photo 9. Overall site, viewed from east. [5-15-2024]
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SAN BUENAVENTURA RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Photo Page 5 of 11 Photo 12. Unit 119, viewed from southeast. [5-15-2024]
Photo 11. Courtyard, viewed from east. [5-15-2024]
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SAN BUENAVENTURA RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Photo Page 6 of 11 Photo 14. Unit 127A, viewed from northeast. [5-15-2024] Photo 13. Unit 127, viewed from northeast. [5-15-2024]
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SAN BUENAVENTURA RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Photo Page 7 of 11 Photo 16. Unit 127B, viewed from northwest. [5-15-2024] Photo 15. Unit 119A, viewed from southeast. [5-15-2024] 744
SAN BUENAVENTURA RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Photo Page 8 of 11 Photo 18. Units 123 and 123A, viewed from east. [5-15-2024] Photo 17. Unit 127B, viewed from southwest. [5-15-2024] 745
SAN BUENAVENTURA RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Photo Page 9 of 11 Photo 20. Entry door treatment for individual units, typical. [5-15-2024] Photo 19. Rear of units 123 and 123A and garages, viewed from northwest on alley. [5-15-2024] 746
SAN BUENAVENTURA RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Photo Page 10 of 11 Photo 22. Entry door treatment for duplex units, typical. [5-15-2024] Photo 21. Rear stoop and door treatment for individual units, typical. [5-15-2024] 747
SAN BUENAVENTURA RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Photo Page 11 of 11 Photo 23. 119-23 S. D Street, view from east, c. 1981. [Ventura County Cultural Heritage Survey Phase I — Oxnard]
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Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board
County of Ventura • Resource Management Agency
800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009-1740 • (805) 654-2478 • rma.venturacounty.gov/divisions/planning/ The Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board (CHB), acting as the Oxnard Cultural Heritage Board, will consider a request to recommend the designation of a property as Ventura County Landmark No. 184 to the Oxnard City Council, in accordance with Section 1365.1 et seq. of Ventura County Ordinance No. 4604 and Resolution 10,135 of the City of Oxnard. The property is the site of Schuster Court, historically significant for its reflection of the postwar multifamily housing boom in Southern California and as an example of courtyard housing built in the Minimal Traditional architectural style. The property is located at the following address:
119-127 S D STREET, OXNARD, CA 93030 (APN 202-0-044-020) You are hereby notified of a public hearing to be held before the CHB to review this consideration. At this hearing, there may be presentations by the applicant, the property owner, and staff with an opportunity for any interested person or authorized agent to comment on the item.

Applicant/Property Owner: Southern California 2022 Properties, LLC, 4130 Arrowhead Circle, Westlake Village, CA 91362
Environmental Review: This application is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15308 which is consistent with a Class 8 exemption (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment).

Notice is hereby given that the City Ordinance Code authorizes the Oxnard Cultural Heritage Board to review applications to designate certain areas, buildings, structures, natural features, and significant landscaping as Cultural Heritage Sites if they possess significance as part of the historic, cultural, architectural, archaeological, community or aesthetic heritage of the County. The Oxnard City Council is responsible for the final decision regarding the application for landmark designation.

Cultural Heritage Board Hearing Date: Monday, October 13, 2025 Location: The CHB will convene for an in-person public hearing at the City of Oxnard Service Center, 214 S C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030, West Conference Room. Members of the public are welcome to attend. More information can be found here: https://rma.venturacounty.gov/divisions/planning/culturalheritage-board-meetings-and-agendas/.

Time: 1:15 p.m.

Note: From time to time, hearings are cancelled or rescheduled. It is recommended that you contact CHB staff to confirm the public hearing date at least one business day prior. cat
Public Information: Any interested persons or their representatives may attend the meeting and comment on the proposed action. Written comments may also be mailed to the CHB at 800 S. Victoria Ave., L #1740, Ventura, CA 93009. If you challenge the matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues that you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice. 15 Day Public Hearing Notice
Application for Landmark Designation for Historic Property 750
15 Day Public Hearing Notice
Application for Landmark Designation for Historic Property For additional information please contact:

CHB staff: Dillan Murray
Phone: (805) 654-5042
Email: [email protected]
In Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact staff. Reasonable advance notification of the need for accommodation prior to the meeting (48 hours advance notice is preferable) will enable us to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. 751

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SAMPLE HISTORICAL PROPERTY CONTRACT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into by and between
COUNTY OF VENTURA, State of California, hereinafter called “COUNTY” and [property owner name(s)], hereinafter called “OWNER”.

R E C I T A L S
OWNER possesses and owns real property located within COUNTY, located at [address] and more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.

The real property is qualified historical property pursuant to Section 50280.1 of the California Government Code, as it is privately owned, not exempt from property taxation, and meets either of the following: (a) is listed in the National Register of Historic Places or located in a registered historic district; or (b) is listed in any state, city, county, or city and county official register of historical or architecturally significant sites, places, or landmarks. The real property is hereinafter defined and referred to as the “Historical Property”.

Both COUNTY and OWNER desire to carry out the purposes of ARTICLE 12 (commencing with Section 50280) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 5 of the California Government Code, and ARTICLE 1.9 (commencing with Section 439) of Chapter 3 of Part 2 of Division 1 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code.

Both COUNTY and OWNER desire to limit the use of the Historical Property to retain its characteristics as property of historical significance.

A G R E E M E N T
NOW, THEREFORE, both OWNER and COUNTY, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and conditions contained herein and the substantial public benefits to be derived therefrom, do hereby agree as follows:

1. AGREEMENT SUBJECT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 50280-50290. This Agreement is made pursuant to California Government Code Sections 50280 through 50290 and ARTICLE 1.9 (commencing with Section 439) of Chapter 3 of Part 2 of Division 1 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code, and is subject to all of the provisions of those statutes.

2. FURNISHING OF INFORMATION. OWNER shall furnish COUNTY with any information which COUNTY shall require in order to enable COUNTY to determine the eligibility of the Historical Property to be classified as qualified historical property.
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3. PRESERVATION OF PROPERTY. OWNER agrees to preserve, restore, and rehabilitate the Historical Property in conformance with the following conditions, requirements, and restrictions.

A. OWNER shall preserve and maintain the characteristics of historical significance of the Historical Property described as Exhibit B. Attached hereto, marked as Exhibit C, and incorporated herein by this reference, is a list of those minimum standards and conditions for maintenance, use, and preservation of the Historical Property, which shall apply to such Historical Property throughout the term of this Agreement.

B. OWNER shall, where necessary, restore and rehabilitate the Historical Property according to the rules and regulations of the Office of Historic Preservation and the Department of Parks and Recreation, the United States Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and the State Historical Building Code, and in accordance with the schedule of improvements attached hereto as Exhibit D and incorporated herein by this reference.

4. INSPECTIONS. OWNER agrees to permit periodic examinations of the interior and exterior of the Historical Property by the COUNTY, State Board of Equalization, or State Department of Parks and Recreation as may be necessary to determine the OWNER’s compliance with this Agreement.

5. PAYMENT OF FEE. As a condition of the Agreement, on the anniversary date of this Agreement OWNER shall pay COUNTY an annual fee as adopted in the Ventura County Planning Division Fee Schedule by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors to the Cultural Heritage Board staff for the cost of administering the Agreement by the COUNTY’s Planning Director (or designated representative).

6. TERM. The term of this Agreement shall be for a minimum period of ten (10) years, from January 1, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), to and including January 1, 2033.

7. AUTOMATIC RENEWAL. On the anniversary date of the Effective Date of this Agreement, one year shall be added automatically to the initial Term of the Agreement, unless Notice of Nonrenewal is given as provided in this Agreement.

8. NOTICE OF NONRENEWAL. If in any year either OWNER or COUNTY desires not to renew this Agreement, that party shall serve written Notice of Nonrenewal on the other party in advance of the annual renewal date. Unless the Notice is served by the OWNER at least 90 days or by the COUNTY at least 60 days prior to the renewal date, one year shall automatically be added to the Term of this Agreement. OWNER in receipt of a Notice of Nonrenewal from COUNTY may make a written protest to the COUNTY’s Planning Director within ten calendar days of the date of service of the Notice of Nonrenewal (or the following work day 753

Page 3 of 6 ends

if the tenth day falls on a weekend or holiday). Should COUNTY Planning Director uphold Notice of Nonrenewal, OWNER may appeal to the COUNTY’s Board of Supervisors by filing an appeal application with the COUNTY’s Planning Director within ten calendar days of such decision, along with a fee deposit in accordance with the most recently adopted RMA/Planning Division Fee Schedule and a completed fee reimbursement agreement. At any time prior to the renewal date, COUNTY may withdraw its Notice of Nonrenewal.

9. EFFECT OF NOTICE OF NONRENEWAL. If in any year either party serves Notice of Nonrenewal, this Agreement shall remain in effect for the balance of the period remaining since the original execution or the last renewal of this Agreement, as the case may be.

10. CANCELLATION. COUNTY may cancel this Agreement if COUNTY determines OWNER has breached any of the conditions or covenants of this Agreement or has allowed the Historical Property to deteriorate to the point that it no longer meets the standards for a qualified historical property. COUNTY may also cancel this Agreement if it determines OWNER has failed to restore or rehabilitate the Historical Property in the manner specified in this Agreement.

11. NOTICE OF CANCELLATION. This Agreement cannot be canceled until after the COUNTY has given notice and has held a public hearing before the COUNTY’s Planning Director regarding the grounds of cancellation set forth in paragraph 11. Notice of the hearing shall be mailed to the last known address of OWNER of the Historical Property, and shall be published in accordance with Government Code Section 6060. An aggrieved party may appeal to the COUNTY’s Board of Supervisors a decision of the COUNTY’s Planning Director by filing an appeal application with the COUNTY’s Planning Director within ten calendar days (or the following work day if the tenth day falls on a weekend or holiday) of such decision, along with a fee deposit in accordance with the most recently adopted RMA/Planning Division Fee Schedule and a completed fee reimbursement agreement. Cancellation would be effective on the date as stated in final COUNTY decision, as applicable.

12. CANCELLATION FEE. If COUNTY cancels this Agreement in accordance with paragraphs 11 and 12, above, OWNER shall pay a cancellation fee of twelve and one-half percent (12½%) of the current fair market value of the Historical Property at the time of cancellation. The current fair market value shall be determined by COUNTY Assessor without regard to any restriction on the Historical Property imposed pursuant to this Agreement. The cancellation fee shall be paid to COUNTY Auditor-Controller at such time and in such manner as COUNTY Auditor-Controller shall prescribe, and shall be allocated by the County Auditor to each jurisdiction in the tax rate area in which the property is located in the same manner as the Auditor allocates the annual tax increment in that tax rate area in that fiscal year.
754

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13. ALTERNATIVE ENFORCEMENT. As an alternative to cancellation of this Agreement for breach of any condition or covenant, the COUNTY or any landowner may bring any action in court necessary to enforce the Agreement including, but not limited to, an action to enforce the Agreement by specific performance or injunction.

14. NOTICES. All notices required by or provided for in this Agreement shall be given in writing and may be mailed or delivered in person. If mailed, the address of OWNER shall be at the address shown on the last equalized County assessment role, and COUNTY’s address shall be: Planning Director L#1740, County of Ventura, County Government Center, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, California 93009. Deposit of notice in the mail, postage prepaid, shall be deemed receipt of the notice.

15. NO COMPENSATION. OWNER shall not receive any payment from COUNTY in consideration of the obligations imposed under this Agreement, it being recognized and agreed that the consideration for the execution of this Agreement is the substantial public benefit to be derived therefrom and the advantage that will accrue to OWNER as a result of the effect upon the assessed value of the Historical Property on account of the restrictions on the use and preservation of the Historical Property.

16. REMEDY IF AGREEMENT HELD NOT AN ENFORCEABLE RESTRICTION. In the event it is finally determined that this Agreement does not constitute an enforceable restriction within the meaning of the applicable provisions of the California Government Code and the California Revenue and Taxation Code, except for an unenforceability arising from the cancellation or nonrenewal of this Agreement, for any tax year during the Term or any renewal of this Agreement, then this Agreement shall be null and void and without further effect and the Historical Property subject to this Agreement shall from that time be free from any restriction whatsoever under this Agreement without any payment or further act of the parties to the Agreement.

17. EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS. In the event that the Historical Property is acquired in whole or in part by eminent domain or other acquisition by any entity authorized to exercise the power of eminent domain, and the acquisition is determined by the COUNTY to frustrate the purpose of this Agreement, the Agreement shall be canceled and no fee shall be imposed under Government Code Section 50286. This Agreement shall be deemed null and void for all purposes of determining the value of the property so acquired.

18. RECORDATION. No later than twenty (20) days after the COUNTY enters into this Agreement, the COUNTY shall record a copy of the Agreement (with properly notarized signatures of the Agreement signatories) with the County Recorder. This Agreement must be recorded on or before the lien date for the 755

Page 5 of 6 ends

fiscal year in which the valuation, pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code Section 439 et seq., would apply.

19. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement is binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of all successors in interest of OWNER. A successor in interest shall have the same rights and obligations under this Agreement as the original OWNER who entered into this Agreement.

20. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement may be amended, in whole or in part, only by a written and recorded instrument executed by the parties hereto, except that the COUNTY’s Planning Director is authorized to amend the list of required rehabilitation projects in Exhibit D, if applicable.

21. ADMINISTRATION. This Agreement shall be administered by the COUNTY’s Planning Director (or designated representative) following approval of this Agreement by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. The COUNTY shall maintain authority of this Agreement through the COUNTY’s Planning Director (or designated representative). The COUNTY’s Planning Director shall have the authority to issue interpretations, waive provisions, and enter into amendments of Exhibit D of this Agreement on behalf of the COUNTY so long as such actions do not change the uses permitted on the Historic Property or the purpose of this Agreement, and such amendments may include extensions of time specified in Exhibit D. All other waivers or amendments shall require the written approval and consent of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. 756

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this contract have caused their names to be affixed hereto by the proper officers thereof. This Agreement is signed and executed this day of , 2022.

COUNTY OF VENTURA
By:

Chair, Board of Supervisors
County of Ventura
ATTEST:

DR. SEVET JOHNSON
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
County of Ventura, State of California.

By:

Deputy Clerk of the Board
________________
[property owner name(s)] Date
________________
[property owner name(s)] Date
Attachments:

Exhibit A: Legal Description of Property
Exhibit B: List of Significant Character Defining and Historic Features Exhibit C: Mills Act Minimum Standards for Maintenance, Use, and Preservation Exhibit D: Mills Act 10 Year Rehabilitation Plan
757

EXHIBIT A

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Legal Description of Property
Schuster Court
119-127 S D Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
APN 202-0-044-020
Real Property in the City of Oxnard, County of Ventura, State of California, described as follows:

Lot 3 and 4, Block 15, NORTH ADDITION to the town of Oxnard, in the City of Oxnard, County of Ventura, State of California, as per map recorded in Book 5, Page 7 of Maps in the Office of the County Recorder of said County.

APN: 202-0-044-020
758

EXHIBIT B

Page 1 of 1 ends

List of Significant Character-Defining and Significant Historic Features Schuster Court
119-127 South D Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
Exterior:
• The property consists of a 9-unit courtyard layout, with six identical units arranged around a central garden walkway featuring open spaces. A larger triplex building—comprising one- and two-story sections—is located at the western edge of the property.
• Roof shapes and eaves. Each of the six units has a medium-pitched hipped roof with intersecting medium-pitched gables. The larger one- and two-story triplex building is covered with a combination of medium-pitched hipped and shed roofs. • Concrete walkways, curbs, stoops and steps.
• Garden grass area between sidewalks and foundation planting areas. • Window and door configurations and designs. The windows originally featured one-over-one sashes with a single horizontal muntin dividing the lights. The original window sash configuration can be seen at unit 127B. The main entry doors of the six units feature six recessed panels while those on the triplex building feature vertical panels and a center light.
• Drapery patterns under eaves.
• Octagonal-shaped porch lights.
• Mail slots at each unit’s entry.
• Address number panels at each unit’s porch.

Interior:
• All nine units retain original built-in cabinetry.
• All units contain built-in glass door cabinets at the end of the kitchen cabinetry, facing the dining room.
• All units except #123-A feature hallway telephone niches. • All units include an original mud/laundry room, integrated into the layout. • Unit #123-A contains a decorative fireplace and a large bay window, believed to serve as the living room of the original relocated home. • Unit #123 includes original hardwood flooring.
• Unit #123 features a single bowl drainboard farmhouse sink, original to the home’s construction.
• Unit #123-B showcases dining room built-ins with scalloped trim and mirrored backs.
759

EXHIBIT C

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Mills Act Minimum Standards for Maintenance, Use, and Preservation

1. A property will be used as it was historically or be given a new use that requires minimal change to its distinctive materials, features, spaces and spatial relationships.

2. The historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. The removal of distinctive materials or alteration of features, spaces and spatial relationships that characterize a property will be avoided.

3. Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or elements from other historic properties, will not be undertaken.

4. Changes to a property that have acquired historic significance in their own right will be retained and preserved.

5. Distinctive materials, features, finishes and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property will be preserved.

6. Deteriorated historic features will be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature will match the old in design, color, texture and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features will be substantiated by documentary and physical evidence.

7. Chemical or physical treatments, if appropriate, will be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. Treatments that cause damage to historic materials will not be used.

8. Archeological resources will be protected and preserved in place. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures will be undertaken.

9. New additions, exterior alterations or related new construction will not destroy historic materials, features and spatial relationships that characterize the 760

EXHIBIT C

Page 2 of 2 ends

property. The new work will be differentiated from the old and will be compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing to protect the integrity of the property and its environment.

10.New additions and adjacent or related new construction will be undertaken in such a manner that, if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.

Source: Morton, W. B., Grimmer, A. E., Weeks, K. D., & United States. (1992). The Secretary of the Interior's standards for rehabilitation & illustrated guidelines for rehabilitating historic buildings. Washington, D.C: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Cultural Resources, Preservation Assistance Division. 761

EXHIBIT D

Page 1 of 1 ends

Proposed Mills Act Ten-Year Rehabilitation Plan
Shuster Court, 123 S D Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
Year Proposed Project* Estimated
Cost
Year 1 Rehabilitation of all existing original wood-framed windows and window frames, including entry doors and thresholds, with restoration techniques preserving historical integrity (all units).
$5,400
Year 2 Installation of new historically accurate windows on 7 out of 9 apartments, matching the original in all dimensions, materials, and details.
$60,000-
$100,000
Year 3 Installation of new historically accurate windows on remaining units to match original design characteristics.
$60,000-
$100,000
Year 4 Replacement of wooden fence along the left side of the property with high-quality, historically appropriate materials. $5,400
Year 5 Refurbishment of all address plates and replacement of electrical components to ensure proper functionality while maintaining historic appearance.
$14,650
Year 6 Removal of all non-original black railings and installation of historically appropriate railings at each set of stairs and entries.
$8,000-
$15,000
Year 7 Installation of a landmark plaque at the property, designed and fabricated in accordance with historical preservation standards.
$1,130
Year 8 Repair of all original closet sliding doors to restore functionality (all units); replacement of missing cabinet glass panel at unit #123-B with historically accurate glass.
$3,204
Price Varies
Year 9 Refinishing of 18 original cast iron tub and farmhouse cast iron sinks using preservation-grade techniques to restore original condition.
$9,790
Price Varies
Year 10 Replacement of non-original tiles around fireplace with historically appropriate tile, replicating original patterns and materials (unit #123-A). Rehab original kitchen cabinets as needed.
$1,300 -
$4,100
*Please note that projects that affect the residence (exterior or interior) are subject to the Cultural Heritage Board (CHB) or CHB staff review and approval prior to work commencing. Work must meet all Building Code and Zoning Ordinance requirements and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. 762

OXNARD CULTURAL HERITAGE BOARD
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-13

A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE DESIGNATION OF

SCHUSTER COURT
LOCATED AT 119-127 S D STREET, OXNARD, CA 93030
AS VENTURA COUNTY LANDMARK NO. 184

AND THE ADOPTION OF A MILLS ACT CONTRACT FOR THE PROPERTY WHEREAS, the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board serves as the Cultural Heritage Board for the City of Oxnard;
WHEREAS, the Oxnard Cultural Heritage Board, on October 13, 2025, held a public hearing to consider a request to designate property commonly known as Schuster Court, located at 119-127 S D Street, Oxnard, CA 93030, as Ventura County Historical Landmark No. 184 and a request for a “Mills Act” historical property contract (“Contract”) with the property owner of the subject property, pursuant to City of Oxnard procedures and Section 50280 of the California Government Code, for all structures on-site and the site; WHEREAS, the Oxnard Cultural Heritage Board, on October 13, 2025, found Schuster Court, as a qualified historical property that is privately owned and not exempt from property taxation, eligible as a Ventura County Historical Landmark; WHEREAS, the property owner of Schuster Court, if designated by the Oxnard City Council as a County Landmark, is eligible to take advantage of the Contract benefits of potential property tax savings in exchange for rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, and maintenance of Schuster Court;
WHEREAS, the Contract requires that the owner agrees to complete specified rehabilitation measures over a minimum ten-year period and that the Contract is automatically renewed each year and is transferred to new owners when the property is sold.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Oxnard Cultural Heritage Board recommends to the Oxnard City Council that they approve the designation of Schuster Court located at 119-127 S D Street, Oxnard, CA 93030 as Ventura County Historical Landmark No. 184 and authorizes the Mayor to execute a Mills Act Contract for the property. A recorded copy of such Contract is to be filed with the Ventura County Recorder’s Office.

Date: _______________ By: __________________________________ Mike Winters, Chair
Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board
763

OXNARD CULTURAL HERITAGE BOARD
RESOLUTTON NO. 2025-13

A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE DESIGNATION OF

SCHUSTER COURT
LOCATED AT 119.127 S D STREET, OXNARD, CA 93030
AS VENTURA COUNTY LANDMARK NO. 184

AND THE ADOPTION OF A MILLS ACT CONTRACT FOR THE PROPERTY WHEREAS, the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board serves as the Cultural Heritage Board for the City of Oxnard;
WHEREAS, the Oxnard Cultural Heritage Board, on October 13,2025, held a public hearing to consider a request to designate property commonly known as Schuster Court, located at 119-127 S D Street, Oxnard, CA 93030, as Ventura County Historical Landmark No. 184 and a request for a "Mills Act" historical property contract ("Contract") with the property owner of the subject property, pursuant to City of Oxnard procedures and Section 50280 of the California Government Code, for all structures on-site and the site; WHEREAS, the Oxnard Cultural Heritage Board, on October 13,2025, found Schuster Court, as a qualified historical property that is privately owned and not exempt from property taxation, eligible as a Ventura County Historical Landmark; WHEREAS, the property owner of Schuster Court, if designated by the Oxnard City Council as a County Landmark, is eligible to take advantage of the Contract benefits of potential property tax savings in exchange for rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, and maintenance of Schuster Court;
WHEREAS, the Contract requires that the owner agrees to complete specified rehabilitation measures over a minimum ten-year period and that the Contract is automatically renewed each year and is transferred to new owners when the property is sold.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE lT RESOLVED that the Oxnard Cultural Heritage Board recommends to the Oxnard City Council that they approve the designation of Schuster Court located at 119-127 S D Street, Oxnard, CA 93030 as Ventura County Historical Landmark No. 184 and authorizes the Mayor to execute a Mills Act Contract for the property. A recorded copy of such Contract is to be filed with the Ventura County Recorder's Office.

Fo ri
Mike Winters, Chair
Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board
Date Icr. 11, ?/2tm By
764

EXHIBIT B

Page 1 of 1 ends

CITY OF OXNARD
Request recording without fee. Recorded for
Benefit of the City of Oxnard pursuant to
Section 6103 of Government Code.

WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:

City of Oxnard
300 West Third Street
Oxnard, CA 93030
AGREEMENT A - 8605

AGREEMENT AFFECTING REAL PROPERTY
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into, by, and between CITY OF OXNARD, a California Municipal Corporation, hereinafter called (“CITY”) and Southern California 2022 Properties LLC, A California Limited Liability Company, hereinafter called (“OWNER”)

R E C I T A L S
OWNER possesses and owns real property located within the City of Oxnard, as described in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.

The real property is qualified historical property that is privately owned, is not exempt from property taxation, and is either: (a) Listed in the National Register of Historic Places or located in a registered historic district, as defined in Section 1.191-2(b) of Title 26 of the Code of Federal Regulations; or (b) listed in any state, city, county, or city and county official register of historical or architecturally significant sites, places or landmarks. The real property is hereinafter referred to as the “Historical Property.”
Both CITY and OWNER desire to carry out the purposes of Article 12 (commencing with Section 50280) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 5 of the California Government Code, and Article 1.9 (commencing with Section 439) of Chapter 3 of Part 2 of Division 1 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code.

Both CITY and OWNER desire to preserve the Historical Property and, when necessary, to restore and rehabilitate the Historical Property to retain its characteristics as property of historical significance.
766
PZs 25-680-01 & 25-681-02
Schuster Court Landmark and Mills Act
December 16, 2025

A G R E E M E N T
NOW, THEREFORE, OWNER and CITY, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and conditions contained herein and the substantial public benefits to be derived therefrom, agree as follows:

1. Agreement Subject to California Government Code Sections 50280-50290 This Agreement is made pursuant to California Government Code Sections 50280 through 50290 and Article 1.9 (commencing with Section 439) of Chapter 3 of Part 2 of Division 1 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code, and is subject to all of the provisions of those statutes, except as modified by this Agreement.

2. Furnishing Information
Owner hereby agrees to furnish City with any and all information requested by City, which City deems necessary or advisable to enable City to determine compliance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

3. Preservation, Restoration and Rehabilitation of Property OWNER agrees to preserve, restore, and rehabilitate the Historical Property in conformance with the following conditions, requirements, and restrictions:
a. OWNER shall preserve and maintain the characteristics of historical significance of the Historical Property as described in Exhibit A and incorporated herein by this reference. A list of the minimum standards and conditions for maintenance, use, and preservation of the Historical Property, which shall apply to such Historical Property throughout the term of this Agreement, is attached hereto as Exhibit B and incorporated herein by this reference.
b. OWNER shall, where necessary, restore and rehabilitate the Historical Property according to the rules and regulations of the Office of Historic Preservation of the Department of Parks and Recreation, the United States Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and the State Historical Building Code, and in accordance with schedule of rehabilitations attached hereto as Exhibit C and incorporated herein by this reference.

4. Inspections
OWNER agrees to permit periodic examinations of the interior and exterior of the Historical Property by CITY’s Cultural Heritage Board representative(s), the Assessor of Ventura 767
PZs 25-680-01 & 25-681-02
Schuster Court Landmark and Mills Act
December 16, 2025
County, the State Department of Parks and Recreation, and the State Board of Equalization, as may be necessary to determine OWNER’S compliance with this Agreement.

5. Annual Inspection Fee
Each year on the anniversary date of this Agreement, OWNER shall pay an annual fee listed in the City of Oxnard Planning Department’s current fee schedule for Mills Act Contract Inspections for the inspection of the Historical Property by Cultural Heritage Board representative(s).

6. Term of Agreement
The term of this Agreement shall be for a minimum period of ten years, from January 1, 2026 to and including December 31, 2036.

7. Notification by Owner
OWNER shall provide written notice of this Agreement to the Office of Historic Preservation of the State Department of Parks and Recreation within six months of the execution of this Agreement, as required by California Government Code Section 50282.

8. Automatic Renewal
On the anniversary date of this Agreement, one year shall be added automatically to the initial ten year term of the Agreement, unless Notice of Nonrenewal is given as provided in this Agreement.

9. Update of Improvement Schedule.

At least ninety (90) days prior to the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date of this Agreement, and ninety (90) days prior to every tenth (10th) anniversary thereafter, OWNER shall provide the CITY with an updated schedule of improvements and maintenance items for the Cultural Heritage Board’s review and approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

Such updated schedule shall contain a list of proposed improvements and/or revisions to be accomplished during the next succeeding ten (10) years of the Agreement and a schedule for the construction of such improvements. Within thirty (30) days after the CITY’s receipt of said updated schedule, the Cultural Heritage Board shall either approve or disapprove such proposed schedule of proposed improvements, or shall respond in writing by stating what further information, if any, the Cultural Heritage Board reasonably requires in order to determine the request complete and determine whether or not to grant the requested approval. Upon receipt of such a response, the OWNER shall promptly furnish to the CITY such further information as may be reasonably requested.
768
PZs 25-680-01 & 25-681-02
Schuster Court Landmark and Mills Act
December 16, 2025

10. Notice of Nonrenewal
If in any year either OWNER or CITY desires not to renew this Agreement, that party shall serve written Notice of Nonrenewal on the other party in advance of the annual renewal date. Unless the Notice is served by OWNER at least ninety (90) days or by CITY at least sixty (60) days prior to the renewal date, one year shall automatically be added to the term of this Agreement. Upon receipt by OWNER of a Notice of Nonrenewal from CITY, OWNER may make a written protest. At any time prior to the renewal date, CITY may withdraw its Notice of Nonrenewal.

11. Effect of Notice of Nonrenewal
If in any year either party serves Notice of Nonrenewal, this Agreement shall remain in effect for the balance of the period remaining since the original execution or the last renewal of this Agreement, as the case may be.

12. Cancellation
CITY may cancel this Agreement if CITY determines OWNER has breached any of the conditions or covenants of this Agreement or has allowed the Historical Property to deteriorate to the point that it no longer meets the standards for qualified historical property. CITY may also cancel this Agreement if it determines OWNER has failed to restore or rehabilitate the Historical Property in the manner specified in this Agreement.

13. Notice of Cancellation
This Agreement cannot be cancelled until after CITY has given notice and has held a public hearing regarding the grounds of cancellation set forth in paragraph 12. Notice of the hearing shall be mailed to the last known address of OWNER of the Historical Property and to each owner of property within the historic zone where the Historical Property is located, and shall be published in accordance with Government Code Section 6061.

14. Cancellation Fee
If CITY cancels this Agreement in accordance with paragraph 12 above, OWNER shall pay a cancellation fee of 12-1/2% of the current fair market value of the Historical Property at the time of cancellation, which shall be determined by the Ventura County Assessor without regard to any restriction on the Historical Property imposed pursuant to this Agreement. The cancellation fee shall be paid to the Ventura County Auditor-Controller at such time and in such manner as he or she shall prescribe. The Ventura County auditor shall allocate the cancellation fee to each jurisdiction in the tax rate area in which the Historical Property is located in the same manner as he or she allocates the annual tax increment in that tax rate area in that fiscal year. 769
PZs 25-680-01 & 25-681-02
Schuster Court Landmark and Mills Act
December 16, 2025

15. Alternative Enforcement
As an alternative to cancellation of this Agreement for breach of any condition, CITY or any landowner may bring any action in court necessary to enforce the Agreement including, but not limited to, an action to enforce the Agreement by specific performance or injunction.

16. Notices
All notices required by or provided for in this Agreement shall be given in writing and may be mailed or delivered in person. If mailed, the address of OWNER shall be that last known address on CITY records, and CITY’s address shall be: Planning Division, 214 South C Street, Oxnard, California 93030. Deposit of notice in the mail, postage prepaid, shall be deemed receipt of the notice.

17. No Compensation
OWNER shall not receive any payment from CITY in consideration of the obligations imposed under this Agreement, it being recognized and agreed that the consideration for the execution of this Agreement is the substantial public benefit to be derived therefrom and the advantage that will accrue to OWNER as a result of the effect upon the assessed value of the Historical Property on account of the restrictions on the use and preservation of the Historical Property.

18. Remedy if Agreement Held Not an Enforceable Restriction If a court determines, and that determination is not appealed or is upheld on appeal, that this Agreement does not constitute an enforceable restriction within the meaning of the applicable provisions of California Government Code and the California Revenue and Taxation Code, except for an unenforceability arising from the cancellation or nonrenewal of this Agreement, for any tax year during the Term or any renewal of this Agreement, then this Agreement shall be null and void and without further effect and the Historical Property subject to this Agreement shall from that time be free from any restriction whatsoever under this Agreement without any payment or further act of the parties to the Agreement.

19. Eminent Domain Proceedings
In the event that the Historical Property is acquired in whole or in part by eminent domain or other acquisition by any entity authorized to exercise the power of eminent domain, and the acquisition is determined by CITY to frustrate the purpose of this Agreement, the Agreement shall be cancelled and no fee shall be imposed under Government Code Section 50286. This Agreement shall be deemed null and void for all purposes of determining the value of the property so acquired.
770
PZs 25-680-01 & 25-681-02
Schuster Court Landmark and Mills Act
December 16, 2025

20. Recordation
No later than 20 days after CITY enters into this Agreement, the City Clerk of the City of Oxnard shall record a copy of the Agreement (with properly notarized signatures of the Agreement signatories). This Agreement shall be recorded on or before the lien date for the fiscal year in which the valuation, pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code Section 439 et seq., will apply. From and after the time of recordation, this Agreement shall impart notice thereof to all persons, as is afforded by the recording laws of the State.

21. Successors and Assigns
This Agreement is binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of all successors in interest of OWNER. A successor in interest shall have the same rights and obligations under this Agreement as the original OWNER who entered into this Agreement.

22. Amendments.

This Agreement may be amended, in whole or in part, only by a written and recorded instrument executed by the parties hereto, except that the CITY’s Planning and Environmental Services Manager and OWNER are authorized to amend the list of required rehabilitation projects described in Exhibit C.

23. Administration.

This Agreement shall be administered by the CITY’s Planning Manager (or his/her designated representative) following approval of this Agreement by the Oxnard City Council.

The CITY shall maintain authority of this Agreement through the CITY’s Planning Manager (or his/her authorized representative). The CITY’s Planning Manager, upon mutual agreement with the OWNER, shall have the authority to issue interpretations, waive provisions and enter into amendments of Exhibit C of this Agreement on behalf of the CITY so long as such actions do not change the uses permitted on the Historic Property or the purpose of this Agreement, and such amendments may include extensions of time specified in Exhibit C. All other waivers or amendments shall require the written approval and consent of the Oxnard City Council.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, CITY and OWNER have caused their names to be affixed hereto by the proper officers thereof. This Agreement is signed and executed this _____ day of December, 2025.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
771
PZs 25-680-01 & 25-681-02
Schuster Court Landmark and Mills Act
December 16, 2025

CITY OF OXNARD OWNER/S
________________________________
Luis A. Mc Arthur, Mayor Southern California 2022 Properties LLC ATTEST:

Lourdes A. López, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Stephen M. Fischer, City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:

Jeff Pengilley, Community Development Director
772

EXHIBIT A

Page 1 of 1 ends

Legal Description of Property
Schuster Court
119-127 S D Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
APN 202-0-044-020
Real Property in the City of Oxnard, County of Ventura, State of California, described as follows:

APN: 202-0-044-020
773

EXHIBIT C

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Mills Act Minimum Standards for Maintenance, Use, and Preservation

1. A property will be used as it was historically or be given a new use that requires minimal change to its distinctive materials, features, spaces and spatial relationships.

4. Changes to a property that have acquired historic significance in their own right will be retained and preserved.

5. Distinctive materials, features, finishes and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property will be preserved.

7. Chemical or physical treatments, if appropriate, will be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. Treatments that cause damage to historic materials will not be used.

8. Archeological resources will be protected and preserved in place. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures will be undertaken.

9. New additions, exterior alterations or related new construction will not destroy historic materials, features and spatial relationships that characterize the 774

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EXHIBIT D

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CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD
RESOLUTION NO. ________________

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD TO APPROVE PLANNING AND ZONING PERMIT NO. 15-6812-02
(HISTORICAL LANDMARK DESIGNATION NO. 184) TO DESIGNATE A PROPERTY (SCHUSTER COURT) LOCATED AT 119-127 SOUTH D
STREET, AS VENTURA COUNTY HISTORICAL LANDMARK NO. 184.

FILED BY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2022 PROPERTIES LLC, 4130
ARROWHEAD CIRCLE, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362
WHEREAS, in accordance with City Council Resolution No. 10,135, the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board, serving as the City of Oxnard Cultural Heritage Board, adopted a resolution recommending that the City Council designate Schuster Court as Ventura COunty Historical Landmark No. 184, filed by Southern California 2022 Properties LLC; and WHEREAS, the application is subject to County Ordinance 4604, Ventura County’s Cultural Heritage Ordinance, which through City Council Resolution 10,135, acts as the City’s Cultural Heritage Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has held a public hearing and received and reviewed written and oral comments related to the application for historical landmark designation of the property Schuster Court; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has carefully reviewed the recommendation of the City of Oxnard Cultural Heritage Board, and based upon the information presented at the hearing, and for the reasons cited by the Oxnard Cultural Heritage board has concluded that the Schuster Court property is of historical significance to the City of Oxnard and meets criteria set forth by Resolution No. 10,135 regarding historical landmarks; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that approval of Ventura County Historical Landmark Designation No. 184 is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15331 (Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation) since approval will only result in limited maintenance repair, stabilization, rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, conservation, or reconstruction of a historical resource in a manner consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historical Properties, which is consistent with a Class 31 exemption, and as a result further finds that there is no substantial evidence that the Ventura County Historical Landmark Designation No. 184 may have a significant effect on the environment; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the Applicant agrees as a condition of this Resolution that at its own expense, to indemnify and defend (with counsel selected by the City in its discretion) the City of Oxnard and its agents, officers and employees from and against any claims, actions or proceedings to attack, set aside, void or annul the approval of this Resolution or any actions or proceedings, acts or determinations taken, done or made before the approval of this resolution that were part of the approval process.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD:
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Resolution No. __________________
PZ No. 25-681-02, Schuster Court
December 16, 2025

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SECTION 1. Based on the entire record before the City Council and all written and oral evidence presented, including the City Council Staff Report and all attachments thereto, the City Council finds:

The application satisfies one or more of the below criteria of significance from Section 1367 of the Cultural Heritage Ordinance (County Ordinance 4604), in addition to retaining sufficient integrity.
(1) It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of Ventura County history;
(2) It is associated with the lives of significant persons in Ventura County’s past; (3) It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction;
(4) It has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in history or prehistory.

And meets the following additional findings from Section 1367-1 of Ordinance 4604:
(1) It shall have historic, aesthetic, or special character or interest for the general public, and not be limited in interest to a special group of persons. (2) Its designation shall not require the expenditure by the County of Ventura of any amount of money not commensurate with the value of the object to be preserved; and
(3) Its designation shall not infringe upon the rights of a private owner thereof to make any and all reasonable uses thereof which are not in conflict with the purposes of this Article.

The project meets criteria 1 and 3 as well as the additional three findings based on the supporting documents and decision of the Cultural Heritage Board. The historic survey in Attachment 2 of the City Council Staff Report establishes the broad history and significance, with the same attachment’s staff report further noting the meeting of finds. The development still has high integrity considering the overall condition of the residential buildings and the significant amount of original features that remain. No expenditures out of proportion to the value of the preserved object were found by the County in their review and recommendation of approval. The project will not change or alter any private property owner’s rights, including on adjacent properties, as this merely provides a labeled status to the subject property. Overall, the Landmark findings as noted in the staff report were found to be met by the Cultural Heritage Board as they recommended the application’s approval by City Council (Attachment 778
Resolution No. __________________
PZ No. 25-681-02, Schuster Court
December 16, 2025

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2 of the City Council Staff Report.

SECTION 2. The City Council, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), determines that the Project will not have a significant impact on the environment and is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15331 (Class 31) of the State CEQA Guidelines. Under this categorical exemption class projects limited to maintenance, repair, stabilization, rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, conservation or reconstruction of historical resources in a manner consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings may be found to be exempt from the requirements of the CEQA. The Project involves a request to be designated a Landmark and Mills Act agreement and would help preserve the historical development. The City Council has determined that there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment and no Exceptions to the Exemptions (Section 15300.2) apply to defeat the Exemption. The Planning & Environmental Services Manager is hereby authorized to file a Notice of Exemption with the Ventura County Clerk pursuant to Section 15602 of the State CEQA Guidelines within five (5) working days of passage, approval and adoption of this Resolution.

SECTION 3. Based on the findings set forth herein and the Staff Report and all attachments thereto, the City Council hereby approves Planning and Zoning Permit No. 25-681-02 (Landmark Designation).

SECTION 4. The decision of the City Council is final.

SECTION 5. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution. (Signatures on the following page)
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Resolution No. __________________
PZ No. 25-681-02, Schuster Court
December 16, 2025

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PASSED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of December 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Luis A. Mc Arthur, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Lourdes A. López, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________
Stephen M. Fischer, City Attorney
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Table of Contents
Sec. 1360. TITLE.

Sec. 1361. PURPOSE AND FINDINGS.

Sec. 1362. APPLICABILITY OF ORDINANCE.

Sec. 1363. DEFINITIONS.

Sec. 1364. CULTURAL HERITAGE BOARD.

Sec. 1365. FUNCTIONS AND POWERS.

Sec. 1366. DESIGNATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES.

Sec. 1367. DEFINITION AND DESIGNATION CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES.

Sec. 1368. REMOVAL OF, OR DOWNGRADE OF, DESIGNATIONS.

Sec. 1369. CULTURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND PROHIBITIONS.

Sec. 1370. INCENTIVES FOR PRESERVING HISTORIC RESOURCES.

Sec. 1371. PROCESS FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS.

Sec. 1372. PROCESS FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVIEW.

Sec. 1373. APPEALS.

Sec. 1374. ACQUISITION OF DESIGNATED CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES.

Sec. 1375. MUNICIPAL CULTURAL HERITAGE.

Sec. 1376. FUNDS.

Sec. 1377. COOPERATION.

Sec. 1378. EXPENSES.

Sec. 1379. VIOLATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT.
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ORDINANCE NO. L}/., 0 Lj

AN ORDINANCE OF THE VENTURA COUNTY BOARD OF

SUPERVISORS REPEALING AND REENACTING
ARTICLE 5 OF CHAPTER 3 OF DIVISION 1 OF

THE VENTURA COUNTY ORDINANCE
CODE, BEGINNING AT SECTION 1360,

ADDRESSING CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Board of Supervisors of the County of Ventura ordains as follows:

Section 1. Article 5 of Chapter 3 of Division 1 of the Ventura County Ordinance Code, beginning at Section 1360, is hereby repealed and the subject matter therein is reenacted to read as follows:

Article 5 - Cultural Heritage
Sec. 1360. TITLE. This Article shall be known as and may be cited as the "Ventura County Cultural Heritage Ordinance".

Sec. 1361. PURPOSE AND FINDINGS. The purpose of this Article is to promote the economic and general welfare of the County of Ventura by preserving and protecting public and private historic, cultural and natural resources which are of special historical, archaeological, or aesthetic character or interest, or relocating or recreating such resources where necessary for their preservation and for their use, education, and view by the general public. This Article is intended to allow for the identification, inventory, preservation, and protection of cultural, historical, paleontological, and archaeological resources in Ventura County, including Native American resources, for their scientific, educational, and cultural value, consistent with the Ventura County General Plan. All such efforts are taken to make the citizens of this county, visitors, and tourists mindful of the rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage of the county.

The Board of Supervisors finds that Ventura County's cultural heritage is constantly being impacted by removal, demolition, earthquakes, and other alterations of sites and structures as documented in the 2000 Ventura County Historic Preservation Plan.

To offset this adverse impact on our cultural environment, the Board of Supervisors finds that strengthening efforts to preserve and protect this heritage, combined with incentives for those willing to participate in this effort, are necessary. This strengthening will also benefit the economic and general welfare of Ventura County and, therefore, the Board of Supervisors finds that the changes as developed and recommended in the Ventura County Historic Preservation Plan are necessary.

Sec. 1362. APPLICABILITY OF ORDINANCE. The Cultural Heritage Ordinance shall have force and effect only in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County. However, any designated Districts, Landmarks, Sites of Merit, or Points of Interest (hereafter referred to as designated Cultural Heritage Sites) existing as of the effective date of this Article, regardless of their location in the county, shall retain their declared status. At any time in the future, if the territory upon which a designated Cultural 21Page
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Heritage Site is annexed to any city, the site shall also retain its designated status.

Sec. 1363. DEFINITIONS. Application of Definitions: Unless the provision or context otherwise requires, the definitions of words and terms as follows shall govern the construction of this Chapter.
"Alteration": Any change affecting the exterior character-defining features of a potential or designated Cultural Heritage Site, including actions that affect the integrity of the resource. For a Cultural Heritage Site subject to a Mills Act contract, alteration shall include any change affecting the interior character-defining features thereof. "Board of Supervisors": The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors. "California Historical Building Code": The California Historical Building Code is a set of regulations contained in Part 8 of Title 24 (State Building Standards Code) of the California Code of Regulations (and authorized by statute under Health and Safety Code sections 18950 et seq.) that applies to all qualified historical structures, Districts, and sites designated under federal, state, or local authority. It provides alternatives to the Uniform Building Code for the rehabilitation, preservation, restoration, or relocation of qualified historic structures, Districts, and sites.
"Certificate of Appropriateness": An authorization issued by the Cultural Heritage Board or its designee which generally indicates that the proposed subdivision, rezoning, maintenance, acquisition, stabilization, preservation, reconstruction, protection, alteration, restoration, rehabilitation, remodeling, addition, change of use, demolition, relocation, change, remodeling or other project affecting a potential or designated Cultural Heritage Site will not reduce its cultural heritage values, or prevent the eligibility of a Potential Cultural Heritage Site to become a designated Cultural Heritage Site.
"Certificate of Review": An action by the Cultural Heritage Board or its designee documenting its consideration of, and recommendations, regarding the effects, including environmental effects to historic resources, of permit actions on a potential or designated Cultural Heritage Site, where a Certificate of Appropriateness is not required. “Certified Local Government”: The program authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. section 470 et seq.) and the subsequent participatory agreement between the County and the State of California Office of Historic Preservation.
"Character-Defining Features": The physical aspects of a site’s design and form which identify it as belonging to a specific time and place. Design, materials, workmanship, form, and style of decorative and structural features and spaces, and spacial relationships both interior, exterior, and environmental. A building, for example, may have character-defining features that include, but are not limited to, the overall shape, massing and form of the building, its roof and roof structures, openings, projections, trim, materials, craftsmanship, decorative details, as well as the various aspects of its site, landscape, and environment.
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"Cultural Heritage": Pertaining to the sum total of traditions and body of knowledge that are inherited as possessions, characteristics, or conditions expressing a traditional way of life subject to gradual but continuous modifications by succeeding generations.
"Cultural Heritage Board": The County of Ventura Cultural Heritage Board established by this Article.
"Cultural Heritage Site": An improvement, natural feature, site, or District that has completed the legally required procedures stipulated in this Article to have it designated by the Cultural Heritage Board or the Board of Supervisors as a District, Landmark, Site of Merit, or Point of Interest.
"Demolition": The complete destruction or removal of a structure, tree, landscaping, or natural feature identified as a character-defining feature; the cumulative removal of more than 50 percent of the perimeter walls, roof, or floor area of a structure; or the removal of a substantial portion of a street-facing façade visible from the public right-of-way.
"District": A geographically definable area, urban or rural, possessing a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, landscapes, structures, or objects, united by past events or aesthetically by plan or physical developments. A district may also be composed of individual elements separated geographically but linked by association or history.
"District Contributor": A building, structure, site, feature, or object within a District that embodies the significant physical characteristics and features thereof, or adds to the historical associations, historic architectural qualities, or archaeological values identified for the District, and was present during the period of significance, relates to the documented significance of the property, and possesses historic integrity or is capable of yielding important information about the period.
"District Non-Contributor": A building, structure, site, feature, or object within a defined District that is not associated with the significance of the District or was not present during the period of significance, or has been altered to the extent that it no longer retains integrity. A District Non-Contributor shall not be precluded from being individually eligible as a Site of Merit or Landmark under different significance criteria. "Downgrade": A reduction in the status of a designated Cultural Heritage Site, such as a re-designation of a Landmark to a Site of Merit or Point of Interest. "Historic Context": A broad pattern of historical development in a community or its region, which may be represented by historic or prehistoric resources. “Integrity”: Ability of a property to convey its historical significance, or the authenticity of a property’s historic identity, evidenced by the survival of physical 796
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characteristics and materials that existed during the property’s historic or pre-historic period of significance. A property would typically possess several (although not necessarily all) of the following seven aspects of integrity, as defined in National Register Bulletin 15, to convey its significance: Location, Design, Setting, Materials, Workmanship, Feeling, and Association.
"Landmark": An improvement, natural feature, or site of historical, prehistorical, architectural, community, or aesthetic merit which meets the criteria specified in this Article and has been so designated by the Cultural Heritage Board or the Board of Supervisors according to the provisions of this Article. "Owner": Those individuals, partnerships, corporations, or public agencies holding fee simple title to a resource. The term does not include individuals, partnerships, corporations, or public agencies holding easements or less than fee simple interests, including leaseholds, in a resource property. "Period of Significance": The span of time in which a property attained the significance for which it meets the designation criteria. "Point of Interest": The location of, or site of, a former improvement or natural feature, or event possessing historical or cultural characteristics which satisfy the provisions of this Article.
"Potential Cultural Heritage Site": An improvement, natural feature, or site of historical, architectural, community, or aesthetic merit which may meet the criteria specified in this Article and has not yet been officially designated by the Cultural Heritage Board or the Board of Supervisors as a District, Landmark, Site of Merit, or Point of Interest. A Potential Cultural Heritage Site may consist of a property listed in the National Register of Historic Places or California Register of Historical Resources that has not completed the legally required procedures for designation as a Cultural Heritage Site stipulated in this Article.
"Preservation" (treatment): The act or process of applying measures necessary to sustain the existing form, integrity, and materials of a historic property. Work, including preliminary measures to protect and stabilize the property, generally focuses upon the ongoing maintenance and repair of historic materials and features rather than extensive replacement and new construction. New exterior additions are not within the scope of this treatment; however, the limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a preservation project.
"Protection" (treatment): The act or process of applying measures to affect the physical condition of a historical resource by guarding it from deterioration, loss, or attack by natural causes, or to cover or shield it from threat of danger or harm.

In the case of buildings or structures, these measures are usually temporary; however, with regard to archaeological resources, protective measures may be temporary or permanent.
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"Reconstruction" (treatment): The act or process of depicting, by means of new construction, the form, features, and detailing of a non-surviving site, landscape, building, structure, or object for the purpose of replicating its appearance at a specific period of time and in its historic location.
"Rehabilitation" (treatment): The act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values. "Relocation": The removal of a potential or designated Cultural Heritage Site from its original location and placement at a new location. "Restoration" (treatment): The act or process of accurately depicting the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time by means of the removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period. The limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a restoration project. "Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards": The minimum education and experience required to perform identification, evaluation, registration, and treatment activities (36 Code of Federal Regulations Part 61, as may be amended). "Secretary of the Interior's Standards": The United States Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and Reconstructing Historic Buildings, or the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings (U.S. Dept. of Interior, National Park Service Technical Preservation Series, 2017 ed., as may be amended).
"Site of Merit": A site of historical, cultural, architectural, or aesthetic merit which has not been officially otherwise designated and has been surveyed according to Federal standards as required by the County of Ventura’s Certified Local Government agreement. Said sites are listed in a Board of Supervisors approved survey with a National Register status code of 1 through 5 and have been designated by the Cultural Heritage Board or the Board of Supervisors according to the provisions of this Article. "Stabilization" (treatment): The act or process of applying measures designed to establish a weather resistant enclosure and the structural stability of an unsafe or deteriorated property, or one which has the potential to deteriorate or to become unsafe, while maintaining the essential form as it exists at present.

Sec. 1364. CULTURAL HERITAGE BOARD. The Cultural Heritage Board is hereby established, the membership and term of appointment of which shall be as follows:

Sec. 1364-1. Supervisorial Appointees. One person who has demonstrated interest in and knowledge of historic preservation and the cultural resources of the County shall be selected by each of the five members of the Board of 798
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Supervisors, and confirmed by a majority of the Board of Supervisors thus providing representation from each Supervisorial District.

Where feasible, Board members shall be appointed from among professionals in the disciplines of architecture, history, architectural history, planning, archaeology, or other historic preservation-related disciplines, such as urban planning, American studies, American civilization, cultural geography, or cultural anthropology, to the extent that such professionals are available in the community; or persons who have demonstrated special interest, competence, experience, or knowledge in historic preservation, American studies, cultural anthropology, cultural geography, or other historic preservation-related disciplines.

Sec. 1364-2. Cultural Heritage Board Appointment of Members At Large. Two additional Ventura County residents who have demonstrated special interest, competence, experience, or knowledge in historic preservation, American studies, cultural anthropology, cultural geography, or other historic preservationrelated disciplines shall be selected and confirmed by a majority of the Board of Supervisors.

Sec. 1364-3. Term of Appointment. The term of appointment of the Supervisorial appointees shall be for four years corresponding to the established dates of regular Supervisorial terms of office.

If for any reason an incumbent Supervisor's term of office ends prematurely, the appointed Cultural Heritage Board member from that District shall remain in service on the Cultural Heritage Board until the new Supervisor from that Supervisorial District appoints a replacement member.

The term of appointment of Cultural Heritage Board at-large appointees shall be four years, commencing from the date of appointment.

Sec. 1365. FUNCTIONS AND POWERS. The functions and powers of the Cultural Heritage Board shall be:

Sec. 1365-1. Designation and Removal of Designation of Cultural Heritage Sites.

Upon providing notice to the property owner and conducting a public hearing, the Cultural Heritage Board shall: (a) identify and designate Cultural Heritage Sites, and (b) when justified, remove such designations.

Sec. 1365-2. Forward Recommendations. The Cultural Heritage Board shall make recommendations to policy makers and related staff members on issues related to the preservation and enhancement of cultural, historic, and natural features in unincorporated Ventura County as well as its cities, pursuant to any adopted contract for cultural heritage services with the County.

Sec. 1365-3. Recommend Placement in the National Register of Historic Places or California Register of Historical Resources. The Cultural Heritage Board shall recommend to the Board of Supervisors that the County nominate to the 799
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appropriate agency County designated Cultural Heritage Sites to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places or California Register of Historical Resources which have historical significance, which meet National or State Register criteria, and where the registration would assist in preservation.

Sec. 1365-4. Establish Markers. The Cultural Heritage Board shall determine which designated Cultural Heritage Sites shall be marked with uniform and distinctive markers, the text and design of which shall be approved by the Cultural Heritage Board.

Sec. 1365-5. Recommend Zoning. The Cultural Heritage Board shall recommend to the Board of Supervisors that a specific property or area be designated a historic or scenic zone, as set forth in the County’s zoning ordinances.

Sec. 1365-6. Establish Bylaws. The Cultural Heritage Board shall adopt such Bylaws as are necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of this Article.

Sec. 1365-7. Recommend Amendments. The Cultural Heritage Board may recommend to the Board of Supervisors amendments to this Article as needed.

Sec. 1365-8. Preservation of Cultural Heritage Sites. The Cultural Heritage Board may take steps necessary to preserve Cultural Heritage Sites when not in conflict with the public health, safety, and general welfare. Such steps may include the designation of Cultural Heritage Sites; the creation of civic and citizens' committees; the establishment of a private fund for the acquisition or restoration of such sites; recommendations that such sites be acquired by a governmental agency where private acquisition is not feasible; and recommendations regarding applications for, and administration of, historical property contracts (Mills Act contracts) pursuant to Government Code section 50280 et seq.

Sec. 1365-9. Conduct Surveys. The Cultural Heritage Board or its designee may establish criteria for and conduct or cause to be conducted comprehensive surveys in conformance with Federal and State survey standards and guidelines for cultural heritage resources within the boundaries of the County which the Cultural Heritage Board, on the basis of information available or presented to it, has reason to believe may be eligible for designation. Said surveys shall include notification to all affected property owners prior to acceptance of the surveys by the Cultural Heritage Board. The Cultural Heritage Board may publicize and periodically update the surveys' results. Said surveys will include all Federal and State designated cultural heritage sites.

Sec. 1365-10. Issue Certificates of Appropriateness. The Cultural Heritage Board or its designee shall issue Certificates of Appropriateness for proposals to construct, change, alter, modify, remodel, remove, or significantly affect any potential or designated Cultural Heritage Site which require a Certificate of Appropriateness as provided in this Article.
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Sec. 1365-11. Conduct Reviews. The Cultural Heritage Board or its designee shall, by Certificate of Review, review applications for permits to construct, change, alter, modify, remodel, remove, or significantly affect any potential or designated Cultural Heritage Site. This section applies only to sites not requiring a Certificate of Appropriateness and shall not apply in the case of demolition.

Sec. 1365-12. Conduct Environmental Reviews. The Cultural Heritage Board or its designee shall review all applications for discretionary permits pursuant to the County’s adopted Initial Study Assessment Guidelines.

Sec. 1366. DESIGNATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES.

Sec. 1366-1. The Cultural Heritage Board shall have the authority to designate Cultural Heritage Sites where the property owner has no objection to a site's designation.

Where the property owner objects to said designation prior to final action by the Cultural Heritage Board, the action of the Cultural Heritage Board shall become a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors which has the final authority for the designation.

A nomination for the designation of a Cultural Heritage Site may be filed by the property owner of the site or the County Resource Management Agency. A nomination for consideration of the designation of a Cultural Heritage Site, upon a presentation by staff at a future hearing, may also be initiated directly by a member of the Cultural Heritage Board if approved by a properly carried motion.

Sec. 1366-2. After a public hearing, preceded by a 15 day notice to the property owner(s), the Cultural Heritage Board may designate a site as the following:

District, Landmark, Site of Merit, or Point of Interest, if the applicable criteria of Sections 1367 and 1367-1 are met.

Sec. 1366-3. The Cultural Heritage Board may designate a site on an interim basis for no more than 60 days after said decision while it conducts and assesses evaluations/surveys of the site to determine if it should receive a formal designation as a Cultural Heritage Site. Such designation shall be preceded by a 15 day notice to property owner(s).

Sec. 1367. CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES.

For purposes of this Article, a site may be designated a Cultural Heritage Site by the Cultural Heritage Board or Board of Supervisors, as provided in this Article, if it meets the applicable criteria below.
a. Landmarks - Satisfy one or more of the below criteria of significance, in addition to retaining sufficient integrity. In evaluating integrity, the authenticity of the resource's physical identity shall be established by evidence of lack of deterioration and significant survival of the 801
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characteristics that existed during its period of significance. This shall be evaluated with regard to the retention of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, consistent with applicable National Register of Historic Places Bulletins for evaluating historic properties. (1) It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of Ventura County history;
(2) It is associated with the lives of significant persons in Ventura County’s past;
(3) It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction;
(4) It has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in history or prehistory.
b. Sites of Merit - Satisfy all of the following criteria:
(1) Sites of historical, architectural, community, or aesthetic merit which have not been designated as Landmarks or Points of Interest, but which are deserving of special recognition; (2) Board of Supervisors approved surveyed sites with a National Register status code of 1 through 5; and
(3) Retain sufficient integrity as described in Sec. 1367(a). c. Points of Interest - Satisfy one of the following criteria:
(1) The site of a building, structure or object that no longer exists, but was associated with historic events, important persons, or embodied a distinctive character or architectural style; or (2) A site that has historical significance, but has been altered to the extent that the integrity of the original workmanship, materials, or style has been substantially compromised; or
(3) The site of a historic event which has no distinguishable characteristics other than that a historic event occurred at that site, and the site is not of sufficient historical significance to justify the establishment of a Landmark.
d. Districts - Satisfy all of the following criteria:
(1) Possesses a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures, or objects united historically or aesthetically 802
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by plan or physical development;
(2) Has precisely mapped and defined boundaries based upon a shared relationship among the properties constituting the District; (3) Has at least one of the criteria for significance of Sec. 1367(a); and
(4) Retains sufficient integrity as described in Sec. 1367(a).

Sec. 1367-1. Additional Designation Standards. In addition to meeting the criteria in Sec. 1367, all the standards below must be met before a site becomes a designated Cultural Heritage Site. This section shall not apply in the determination of whether a site is eligible for Cultural Heritage Site designation. a. It shall have historic, aesthetic or special character or interest for the general public, and not be limited in interest to a special group of persons;
b. Its designation shall not require the expenditure by the County of Ventura of any amount of money not commensurate with the value of the object to be preserved; and
c. Its designation shall not infringe upon the rights of a private owner thereof to make reasonable uses thereof which are not in conflict with the purposes of this Article.

Sec. 1368. REMOVAL OR DOWNGRADE OF DESIGNATIONS. An application for the removal or downgrade of the designation of a Cultural Heritage Site may be filed by its property owner, by the County Resource Management Agency, or directly by the Cultural Heritage Board or a member of the Cultural Heritage Board if approved by a properly carried motion. If a designated Cultural Heritage Site is defaced, demolished, added to, altered, or moved, or damaged by natural disaster, including but not limited to, earthquake, fire, or flood, and the Cultural Heritage Board determines that the site's integrity has been impacted, through no fault or neglect of the property owner, to the extent that it no longer meets the criteria for a Cultural Heritage Site, the Cultural Heritage Board shall remove or downgrade its designation. Removal or downgrade actions shall take place following a public hearing preceded by a 15-day notice to the property owner. Private property applicant requests for removal or downgrade of designations shall, as determined necessary by the Planning Director, provide a historic resource report prepared by a professional architectural historian meeting the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards demonstrating the loss of integrity to the Cultural Heritage Site, or, in the instance of a natural disaster, a report demonstrating the loss of integrity due to natural disaster.

Sec. 1369. CULTURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND
PROHIBITIONS.
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Sec. 1369-1. List of Properties Potentially Eligible for Cultural Heritage Site Designation. The County Resource Management Agency shall maintain record of known Potential Cultural Heritage Sites within its applicable land use permitting system. Said list shall also include Ventura County sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places and California Register of Historical Resources.

Sec. 1369-2. Survey Results. Any list of Cultural Heritage resources which may be eligible for designation as Cultural Heritage Sites resulting from a historic survey shall contain a statement indicating, where appropriate, that sites are private and not open to the public.

Sec. 1369-3. Local Register of Historic Places. The County Resource Management Agency shall maintain a register of designated Cultural Heritage Sites.

Sec. 1369-4. Pending Designations. For Cultural Heritage Sites pending designation by the Board of Supervisors, from the time the Cultural Heritage Board adopts its recommendation until the time the Board of Supervisors either declares or determines not to declare the Cultural Heritage Site, the property owner is prohibited from defacing, demolishing, adding to, altering, or removing any feature of the Cultural Heritage Site. This time period is not to exceed 90 days. This section shall not apply to designation of Points of Interest.

Sec. 1369-5. Potential and Designated Cultural Heritage Sites. For those properties that are potentially eligible for Cultural Heritage Site designation and for those properties that have previously been designated Cultural Heritage Sites, the property owner is prohibited from defacing, demolishing, adding to, altering, or removing the potential or designated Cultural Heritage Site until a Certificate of Review or Certificate of Appropriateness, as required, has been processed pursuant to Sections 1371 or 1372, respectively.

Sec. 1369-6. Recordation of Cultural Heritage Site Designation. All designations of Cultural Heritage Sites by the Cultural Heritage Board or Board of Supervisors shall be submitted to the County Clerk and Recorder by means of a certified resolution establishing the designation, which shall be recorded by the County Clerk and Recorder. When the designation of a Cultural Heritage Site is modified, downgraded, or removed, a certified resolution establishing the modification, downgrade, or removal of the designation, shall be submitted to the County Clerk and Recorder, which shall be recorded by the County Clerk and Recorder.

Sec. 1369-7. Maintenance. The owner, lessee, or other person with actual possession, care, or control of a designated Landmark or District Contributor shall perform maintenance and repairs as needed to prevent the deterioration, decay, or degradation of the property in accordance with the International Property Maintenance Code, as adopted by the Board of Supervisors on November 5, 2019 and as may be amended. Additionally, it is the intent of this section to preserve from deliberate or inadvertent neglect the exterior features of a designated 804
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Landmark or District Contributor and the interior portions thereof when such maintenance is necessary to prevent deterioration, decay, or degradation of the exterior.

Sec. 1370. INCENTIVES FOR PRESERVING HISTORIC RESOURCES. The following incentives are available where specified to encourage the preservation, maintenance, and appropriate rehabilitation of historic resources, to encourage investment in historic properties, and to aid property owners with potential financial burdens.

Sec. 1370-1. Historical Property Contracts (Mills Act Contracts). The purpose of this section is to implement State of California law (Government Code sections 50280 et seq., or any successor statutes), allowing the approval of Historical Property Contracts by establishing a uniform procedure for the owners of qualified historic properties within unincorporated Ventura County to enter into contracts with the County for purposes of reducing property taxes. For the purposes of Sec. 1370-1, a qualified property shall be a Landmark or District Contributor designated pursuant to the legally required procedures stipulated in this Article. The required provisions of a Historical Property Contract shall be those required by State of California law, including the following specifications:
a. The contract term shall be 10 years minimum, with automatic renewal yearly on the anniversary of the contract date;
b. The contract agreement is to assist the preservation of the historic resource; therefore, restoration, and rehabilitation of the property shall conform to the rules and regulations of the State of California Office of Historic Preservation, the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, and the California Historical Building Code;
c. The owner agrees to permit periodic examination of the interior and exterior of the premises by the County Assessor, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the State Board of Equalization, and the County, as may be necessary to verify the owner's compliance with the contract agreement, and to provide any information requested to ensure compliance with the contract agreement;
d. The contract shall be binding on all successors-in-interest of the owner to the benefits and burdens of the contract; and
e. The procedure for notice of non-renewal by the owner or the County, shall be as identified in State law (Government Code sections 50280 et seq., or any successor statutes).

In addition, the contract shall state that the County may cancel the contract if it determines that the owner has breached any of the conditions of the contract or has allowed the property to deteriorate to the point that it no longer meets the significance criteria under which it was designated. In addition, the contract shall 805
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state that if the County cancels the contract for any of these reasons the owner shall pay a cancellation fee of twelve and one-half percent of the full value of the property at the time of cancellation, as determined by the County Assessor without regard to any restriction on the property imposed by the Historical Property Contract. The Planning Director, or designee, shall issue administrative guidelines for implementation of the Historical Property Contract process.

Sec. 1370-2. California Historical Building Code. The California Historical Building Code provides alternative building regulations for permitting repairs, alterations, and additions necessary for the preservation, rehabilitation, relocation, related construction, change of use, or continued use of a qualified historical building or structure, as defined by the Ventura County Building Code. Any qualified historical building or structure may, upon request of the applicant for a permit, be subject to the provisions of the California Historical Building Code if the work is required to comply with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards.

Sec. 1370-3. Cultural Heritage Sites Deviations. Section 8107-37 of the Ventura County Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance establishes a mechanism whereby appropriate deviations from the regulations of that Chapter can be granted to promote the enhancement, preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, reconstruction, and maintenance of sites and structures of historical or cultural heritage value through the imposition of design and development standards specific to the site.

Sec. 1370-4. Boarding Houses and Bed-And-Breakfast Inns. A Boarding House and Bed-And-Breakfast Inn land use may be allowed in the Open Space and Agricultural Exclusive zoning districts if the proposed use will occur in an existing structure designated a Cultural Heritage Site and all other required findings can be met, as provided in Section 8107-40 of the Ventura County Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance.

Sec. 1370-5. Interpretive Centers. An Interpretive Center land use may be allowed at designated Cultural Heritage Sites in certain zoning districts in compliance with Section 8107-38 of the Ventura County Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance. The Interpretive Center land use allows for the display of materials with a direct connection to the site and is intended to give the public an opportunity to experience and understand Ventura County’s past by exploring sites, structures, and improvements that have played an important role in the cultural and social history and prehistory of Ventura County.

Sec. 1370-6. Historic Repositories. A Historic Repository land use may be allowed at designated Cultural Heritage Sites in certain zoning districts in compliance with Section 8107-39 of the Ventura County Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance. The Historic Repositories land use allows for the collection and display of structures, facilities, equipment, and the like which are associated with the historic or cultural development of Ventura County.
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Sec. 1370-7. Conservation Subdivisions. Section 8211-0 of the Ventura County Subdivision Ordinance authorizes the creation of parcels for conservation purposes, including for the preservation of a historically important land area or a certified historic structure, as defined in Section 8202-0 of the Ventura County Subdivision Ordinance.

Sec. 1370-8. Federal Historic Preservation Tax Certification. The National Park Service (NPS) administers the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and in partnership with State Historic Preservation Offices. The tax incentives promote the rehabilitation of income-producing historic structures of every period, size, style, and type.

Sec. 1370-9. State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit. The State of California Office of Historic Preservation and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee administer the State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit. The tax credit provides an incentive for investment in local economies and the rehabilitation of historic buildings that reflect the character of communities.

Sec. 1371. PROCESS FOR CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS.

Sec. 1371-1. Certificates of Appropriateness shall be required for the following categories of sites only: 1. Landmarks; 2. Districts; 3. Demolition of Sites of Merit; 4. Demolition of Potential Cultural Heritage Sites; and 5. Designated Cultural Heritage Sites where a Planned Development Permit is being sought for the property pursuant to Section 8107-37 (Cultural Heritage Sites Deviations) of the Ventura County Zoning Ordinance. A Certificate of Appropriateness is an authorization issued by the Cultural Heritage Board or its designee in accordance with criteria in Sec. 1371-4. A Certificate of Appropriateness may be approved for a project as proposed, or approved with applicant modifications, or denied by the Cultural Heritage Board. A Certificate of Appropriateness shall only be required for projects affecting the exterior of a structure, site, or object, except in the case of a Cultural Heritage Site subject to a Mills Act contract, in which case it shall be required for any change affecting the interior character-defining features thereof.

Sec. 1371-2. Prior to commencement or receipt of necessary permits for maintenance, alteration, restoration, rehabilitation, remodeling, addition, change of use, demolition, subdivision, or relocation of potential or designated Cultural Heritage Sites, as set forth in Sec. 1371-1, the property owner shall have:
a. obtained a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Cultural Heritage Board or its designee, as the Cultural Heritage Board may delegate such authority, or
b. filed for a Certificate of Appropriateness and waited the time specified in Sec. 1371-6 without any action being taken on the request for a Certificate 807
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of Appropriateness; or
c. filed for a Certificate of Appropriateness and the relevant time specified in Sec. 1371-8 has expired.

Sec. 1371-3. The County Resource Management Agency and other applicable County agencies shall report any application for a permit to work on a potential or designated Cultural Heritage Site to the Cultural Heritage Board and its staff as soon as the application has been received.

Sec. 1371-4. In evaluating a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness, the Cultural Heritage Board or its designee shall consider the existing architectural style, design, arrangement, texture, materials, and any other factors with regard to the site's character-defining features. The Cultural Heritage Board or its designee may consider modifications to the proposed scope of work as may be offered by the applicant during the evaluation. Using the Secretary of the Interior's Standards as a guide, the Cultural Heritage Board or its designee shall approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for any proposed work on the site if one of the following standards can be met:
a. The proposed work will neither reduce the significant architectural features nor reduce the character of historical, architectural, or aesthetic interest or value of the site.
b. In the case of construction of a new improvement, addition, building, or structure, or object upon the site, the use and exterior of such construction will not reduce the integrity of the site.
c. If the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness involves a non-designated site and the proposed work would not prevent the potential future designation of the site.
d. If the applicant presents facts and clear evidence, as described below, demonstrating that failure to approve the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness will cause a hardship because of conditions peculiar to the structure or other feature involved, or damage to the property owner is unreasonable in comparison to the benefit conferred to the community, the Cultural Heritage Board may approve the Certificate of Appropriateness.

The Cultural Heritage Board is authorized to request that the applicant furnish additional information, documentation, and expert testimony, the cost of which shall be paid by the applicant, to be considered by the Cultural Heritage Board as it may require for its related findings. In determining whether a hardship exists, the Cultural Heritage Board shall consider evidence that demonstrates any of the following:

1. Denial of the application will deprive the owner of the property of all reasonable use of or economic return on the property;

2. Denial of the application will diminish the value of the subject 808
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property so as to leave substantially no value;

3. Sale or rental of the property is impractical, when compared to the cost of holding such property for uses permitted in this zone;

4. An adaptive reuse study has been conducted and found that utilization of the property for lawful purposes is prohibited or impractical;

5. Denial of the application would damage the owner of the property unreasonably in comparison to the benefit conferred on the community; or

6. All means involving County-sponsored incentives have been explored to relieve possible economic disincentives.
e. In the event that issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness is required by State or federal law.

Sec. 1371-5. A request for a Certificate of Appropriateness shall be signed by the property owner or their designated agent and filed with the County's Resource Management Agency for processing. The request shall include plans and specifications, and the relationship of the proposed work to the surrounding environment. The request shall be accompanied by all necessary information the Cultural Heritage Board needs to make an informed judgment of the proposed work according to the standards set forth in Sec. 1371-4.

Sec. 1371-6. If the Cultural Heritage Board or its designee, as applicable, fails to act on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness within 90 days of submission of a complete Certificate of Appropriateness application, a Certificate of Appropriateness shall not be required. Upon such a failure to act, a proposed project on a potential or designated Cultural Heritage Site may proceed without an approved Certificate of Appropriateness, provided an action is not pending on the designation of the site, and all other necessary County permits have been obtained.

Sec. 1371-7. If no building, zoning, land use, or other permit is required to pursue work on a designated Ventura County Landmark, then whoever is responsible for the work, whether it is the tenant, resident, or property owner, shall apply to the Cultural Heritage Board staff directly for the appropriate authorization pursuant to Sec. 1371.

Sec. 1371-8. If the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a specific project proposal is denied by the Cultural Heritage Board or its designee, the property owner of a designated Cultural Heritage Site shall be prohibited from taking action for 180 days from the date of the disapproval.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec. 1371-4 or any other provision of this Article, following the denial of a complete Certificate of Appropriateness application by the Cultural Heritage Board or its designee, or the Board of Supervisors on appeal, a Certificate of Appropriateness shall no longer be necessary for a permit application to proceed according to the following: (a) in the case of a designated Cultural Heritage Site or designated interim basis 809
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Cultural Heritage Site, one hundred eighty (180) days beyond; and (b) in the case of an undesignated site, immediately following such denial.

Sec. 1371-9. Non-Action After Certificate of Appropriateness. If the property owner has not acted on the Certificate of Appropriateness within one year and 180 days from the date the Cultural Heritage Board or its designee approved such action, the Certificate of Appropriateness shall be void.

Sec. 1372. PROCESS FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVIEW. This section applies only to Sites of Merit or Potential Cultural Heritage Sites for which a permit application is received to construct, change, alter, modify, or remodel in a manner that affects the exterior character-defining features or integrity of the site. This section applies only to sites not requiring a Certificate of Appropriateness and shall not apply to permit applications for demolition.

Sec. 1372-1. A request for a Certificate of Review shall be signed by the property owner or their designated agent and filed with the County's Resource Management Agency for processing. The request shall include plans and specifications and shall be accompanied by all necessary information the Cultural Heritage Board needs to provide an evaluation of the proposed work according to Sec. 1372-2.

Sec. 1372-2. Prior to issuance of a permit, the County Resource Management Agency shall forward the application materials described in Sec. 1372-1 to the Cultural Heritage Board for action at its next scheduled meeting, or its designee for such minor proposals as designated by resolution of the Cultural Heritage Board for review and comment. For such sites and applications, the Cultural Heritage Board, or its designee, shall:
a. Using the Secretary of the Interior's Standards as a guide, review and comment upon the permit application as it relates to potential or designated Cultural Heritage Sites; and
b. Review the permit application, and advise the applicant and/or all public agencies concerning the effects of the proposed action(s) on potential and/or designated Cultural Heritage Sites.

Sec. 1373. APPEALS. An aggrieved party may appeal to the Board of Supervisors any of the following decisions of the Cultural Heritage Board (or in the case of a decision of a designee of the Cultural Heritage Board, such appeal shall first be heard by the Cultural Heritage Board) by filing an appeal application with the Planning Director within ten calendar days (or the following work day if the tenth day falls on a weekend or holiday) of such decision:
a. Designations of Cultural Heritage Sites;
b. Removals, modifications, or downgrades of designation of Cultural Heritage Sites; and
c. Certificates of Appropriateness.
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Sec. 1373-1. The application for the appeal shall state the grounds for the appeal and any alleged decision-making error by the Cultural Heritage Board, or its designee. Appeals constitute a de novo hearing of the decision appealed and the Board of Supervisors may, following notice to the property owner and a public hearing, make its own determination on the matter.

Sec. 1374. ACQUISITION OF DESIGNATED CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES. If the decision is made that the historical significance of any designated Cultural Heritage Site justifies the expenditure of public funds, acquisition proceedings may be initiated.

If the Board of Supervisors finds a site to be of historical significance and public funds are not available, private funds may be used for acquisition or other arrangements may be made that are satisfactory to the property owner.

Sec. 1375. MUNICIPAL CULTURAL HERITAGE. The Cultural Heritage Board, at the request of a city, may serve as the city's Cultural Heritage Board. However, the provisions of this Article, unless adopted by the City Council, shall have force and effect only in the unincorporated area of the County.

Sec. 1376. FUNDS. The Cultural Heritage Board, or other interested persons, may petition the Board of Supervisors for funds necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article. The Board of Supervisors may expend all reasonable amounts of money needed to carry out the purposes of this Article or to acquire fee title or such lessor ownership rights or rights of possession or negative easements as it deems necessary or expedient to carry out the purposes of this Article.

Sec. 1377. COOPERATION. The Cultural Heritage Board shall cooperate with all County departments and officers when requested, and shall recommend for their consideration matters covered by this Article. All Boards, Commissions, Departments, and Officers of the County shall cooperate with the Cultural Heritage Board in carrying out the spirit and intent of this Article and shall:

Sec. 1377-1. Notify the Cultural Heritage Board of the discovery of items of historical significance, such as burial grounds, prehistoric artifacts, or historical foundations;
Sec. 1377-2. Inform the Cultural Heritage Board of the proposed alteration, demolition, or relocation of potential or designated Cultural Heritage Sites; Sec. 1377-3. Inform the Cultural Heritage Board of proposed changes of all road and geographical names; and
Sec. 1377-4. Inform the Cultural Heritage Board of all County records of historical significance which are to be disposed of or destroyed.

Sec. 1378. EXPENSES. The necessary and reasonable expenses to the operation of the Cultural Heritage Board, as set forth in Sec. 1365, shall be the responsibility of the County.
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812
Schuster Court Landmark Designation and
Mills Act Request
PZ# 25-680-01 & 25-681-02
Daniel Houck, Associate Planner
Community Development Department
City Council
December 16, 2025
813
Project Request 2
● The project consists of two applications:
• Landmark Designation
• Mills Act Contract
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Project Request - Landmark Designation 3
● Landmark Designation
• Gives the property designation as a Ventura County
Historical Landmark.
• Eligibility criteria, procedures, and findings result from City Council Resolution 10,135, which also establishes
the CHB as County of Ventura Cultural Heritage
Board and adopts their ordinance as our CUltural
Heritage Ordinance.
• Must meet one or more of 4 criteria and development
must maintain sufficient historical integrity.
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Project Request - Mills Act Contract 4
● Mills Act Contract
• From State Government Code 50280 - allows a City
to adopt an ordinance and engage in contracts with
property owners.
• Contract provides property tax savings to property
owner to maintain/revitalize historic buildings.
– Includes a list of rehabilitation work items to be
completed yearly for 10 years.
• City authorized Mills Act Contracts through
Resolution 13,215.
816
Project Location 5
● 119-127 South D Street
● Not in Historic District, therefore the Mills
Act requires the Landmark Designation.

Historic
District
817
Background
• Albert E. Schuster purchased the lot with
a single family home and developed the
site further into a multi-family
development in 1941.
• Today there are 7 detached buildings
organized around a courtyard, consisting
of 6 detached units and on the west end
of the courtyard 3 attached units and all
garages.
• Historically significant architecture
• Post-war WWII, multi-family, courtyard style.
• Development still maintains much of the
original construction both interior and
exterior, as well as has a number of
defining characteristics.
6 Character-Defining Features
818
Site Photos 7
819
Landmark Consideration
• Property meets multiple eligibility criteria from County Cultural Heritage Ordinance.
• The property is over 50 years old
• Historic architectural design
• Post-war multi-family, courtyard style
• Property is therefore, eligible and qualifies as a potential local Landmark, as it is a historic development with historic integrity. • 2 similar courtyard developments in proximity to the Henry T.

Oxnard Historic District are already designated as local landmarks.
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Mills Act Consideration
• Mills Act would reduce property taxes in exchange for revitalizing/maintaining historic developments.
• The property is not currently eligible for a Mills Act as it must be designated as a landmark, hence the concurrent application must be approved to allow the Mills Act Contract to proceed. • If allowed to proceed, the property would qualify as it is historically significant due to its architecture. The development also has historic integrity.
• The 2 landmark courtyard developments both have Mills Act Contracts with the City.
• The contract is for 10 years and auto renews every year after unless non-renewed is filed by owner or City, or City cancels. • The contract includes a 10-year rehabilitation list of work items to be completed yearly.
9 821
10 Year Plan 10
822
Staff Recommendations
That the City Council:

1. Conduct a Public Hearing; and

2. Find the project to be Categorically Exempt from environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15331 (Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation); and

3. Adopt a resolution upholding the City of Oxnard Cultural Heritage Board’s recommendation to designate property known as Schuster Court, located at 119-127 South D Street, as Ventura County Historical Landmark No. 184; and

4. Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a Mills Act contract (Agreement No. A-8605) with Southern California 2022 Properties LLC (Property Owner) to maintain and preserve a historic property located at 119-127 South D Street (Landmark No. 184) for the benefit of reduction in property taxes. 823
End of Presentation
824

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

PUBLIC HEARINGS
AGENDA ITEM NO. M.3
DATE: December 16, 2025
TO: City Council
FROM: Jeff Pengilley, Community Development Director, (805) 385-8208, [email protected] SUBJECT: Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance and Zone Text Amendment.

RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:

1. Conduct a Public Hearing;

2. Find the Project to be Categorically Exempt from environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule);

3. Approve the first reading by title only and waive further reading of the proposed ordinance titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD AMENDING CHAPTER 16 (ZONING) OF THE OXNARD CITY CODE §16-465 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS. FILED BY CITY OF OXNARD, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, 214 SOUTH C STREET, OXNARD, CA, 93030; and

4. Approve the first reading by title only and waive further reading of the proposed ordinance titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD AMENDING CHAPTER 16 (ZONING) OF THE OXNARD CITY CODE §16-20 THROUGH 16-24 AND DEVELOPMENT DESIGN REVIEW PERMIT §16-525 TO STREAMLINE DEVELOPMENT OF SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING UNITS

AND CONSOLIDATE PERMIT PROCEDURES FOR RESIDENTIAL ZONES TO OXNARD CITY CODE ARTICLE VII. PERMIT PROCEDURES. FILED BY CITY OF OXNARD, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, 214 SOUTH C STREET, OXNARD, CA, 93030; and

5. Approve the first reading by title only and waive further reading of the proposed ordinance titled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD AMENDING CHAPTER 16 (ZONING) OF THE OXNARD CITY CODE §16-10 DEFINITIONS, § 16-622 SCHEDULE OF OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS, AND §16-560 THROUGH 16-561.1 MODIFICATIONS TO SPECIAL USE PERMITS. FILED BY CITY OF OXNARD, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, 214 SOUTH C STREET, OXNARD, CA, 93030.

Please click on the following link to view the required Measure M pre-recorded presentation video: https://youtu.be/e3UXk4o9qaY

BACKGROUND
Since January 2017, Oxnard has been subject to state laws establishing the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) as an allowed “by right” use, which generally applies to residentially-zoned parcels with at least one existing “primary” dwelling unit. Since 2017, the State Legislature has adopted numerous additional bills providing further clarification or expanding upon ADU laws in California. The City of Oxnard has processed a series of Zone Text Amendments (“Amendments”) in 2016, 2019, 2020, and 2023 to facilitate construction of ADU’s consistent with state law. As a result of these changes, permitting activity for ADUs has significantly increased due to a streamlined process, reduced fees and parking requirements, allowing Junior ADU’s (JADU) and ADUs on a residential parcel/lot and converting existing permitted space (e.g., in a garage or detached accessory structure) into an ADU (Attachment 1 - Planning Commission 825
Staff Report, ADU statistics from the last three years are included in Table 1).

Earlier this year, on May 12, 2025, the City was contacted by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), who requested that the City either update its current ordinance to comply with state law or repeal its ordinances, which by default would make the City subject to the base requirements of state law. As a result, City staff has been working to update the City’s ordinance per the request of HCD.

The proposed Zone Text Amendment (ZTA) updates the Oxnard City Code (OCC) to comply with current Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) state laws, including those signed into law this year. In addition to the ADU language updates, the proposed ordinances include other minor revisions to other zoning code sections for internal consistency, clarification, and clean-up. These generally include modifying the Residential Zones by consolidating repetitive permit requirements section and referencing the Permit Procedures Section, changing the Development Design Review (DDR) Permit requirement for a new single-family residence and manufactured single-family in the land use matrix to a permitted use, and clarification of the permit modification procedures.

The subject ordinances were reviewed and recommended by the Planning Commission at their November 6, 2025 meeting for Council approval, with 5-0 vote (with one commissioner absent). Staff introduced two changes to the ADU Ordinance at their meeting, and the Planning Commission added one additional modification, all which were recommended to City Council for approval.

ANALYSIS
The proposed ordinances will be incorporated into the OCC, Chapter 16 (Zoning Code) to bring the OCC into compliance with state law, the City’s adopted 2021-2029 Housing Element, update other sections to streamline, and to reevaluate evolving zoning interpretations. This section discusses changes made to the existing OCC. The proposed ordinances indicate legislative revisions to the existing code with strike through and underline.

The draft ordinances for each proposed ZTA are appended and are summarized below.

Accessory Dwelling Units (Attachment 2)
ADUs are infill housing options that provide dwelling units on lots developed with a single-family or multifamily structure(s). The State of California over the last decade has passed significant legislative actions to allow ADUs with generally less restrictions than the local regulations with the intent to increase housing production and housing types. To bring the ADU ordinance up to date, the following bills will be incorporated and are discussed in Attachment 1: SB 477, AB 2533, SB 1211, AB 130, SB 543, and AB 1154. Among the more recent changes, the state prohibited local agencies from imposing any objective standards on ADUs and JADUs that are created pursuant to Government Code section 66323 (OCC Section 16-465.5). This includes, but is not limited to, parking, height, setbacks, or other zoning provisions (e.g., lot size, open space, floor area ratio, etc.) not specifically listed in Government Code section 66323. Outside of these ADUs and JADUs the City may impose objective standards relating to design and development standards (e.g., parking, height, setback, landscape, maximum size of a unit).

The definitions, numbering, language, and format of the ordinance will be updated in the OCC accordingly. Lastly, there are three changes that were recommended by the Planning Commission at the November 6, 2025, hearing, all of which are supported by staff and have been incorporated into the draft ordinance.

Planning Commission Recommendations
The following is a review of the three changes, two which were introduced by staff and one that the Planning Commission requested. In the Planning Commission’s action, all three changes were recommended to the City Council for approval by the Planning Commission at their hearing on November 6, 2025. Each of the recommended changes discussed below have been incorporated into the draft ordinances.

1. Removal of Size Limit for ADUs, on Multifamily Parcels As originally drafted Code Section 16-465.5(D)(3) imposed a size limit of 800 square feet on detached ADUs on multifamily parcels according to Government Code Section 66323. A public comment letter from Housing Defense Fund, submitted November 6, 2025 (Attachment 3) provided comments, which staff considered and ultimately agreed with. At the meeting on November 6, 2025, staff recommended the removal of this requirement from the proposed ordinance.
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2. Removal of Requirement for Permanent Foundation
As originally drafted Code Section 16-465.6(D)(1)(b) required manufactured homes being used as ADUs to have a permanent foundation. Similarly, at the meeting on November 6, 2025, staff recommended the removal of this requirement from the proposed ordinance. All new ADUs would remain subject to applicable California Building Code regulations.

3. Modification of Historical Preservation Design Standards As proposed the draft ordinance includes objective standards for ADUs proposed on state historic register-designated parcels that do not meet the requirements of California Government Code Section 66323. In response to a public comment letter, the Planning Commission recommended that staff review the standard and revise them to be more clearly objective. In response to the Planning Commission recommendation staff has revised the design standards to remove language such as consistent and compatible. The underline and strikethrough items are the proposed changes from the version presented to the Planning Commission.

Proposed OCC Section 16-465.7(G)
Historic Resources. Detached ADUs on any real property listed in the California Register of Historic Resources must meet design standards meant to prevent adverse impacts on any real property listed in the California Register of Historical Resources. Where this section uses the term "consistent", that shall mean to be compatible and similar to that of the resource but not precisely the same for the purpose of complying with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Standards shall include, without limitation, the following provisions:
(1) Architecture. The ADU shall be consistent with the primary residence by including features of the architectural style of the primary residence. Architectural details shall be simplified rather than ornate to differentiate the ADU. The ADU shall match the primary residence architectural style. Two or more architectural details such as, but not limited to, materials, window style, trimming, and/or decorative pendants/brackets shall be incorporated into the ADU with a simplified version. An example of a simplified version would be composite windows as an acceptable alternative to wood if they simulate the texture, appearance, and finish of a wood window.
(2) Materials. Materials shall have minor variations to differentiate them from the primary residence. Any materials that are not consistent with the primary residence must be consistent in look. (3) Color. The ADU shall match the color(s) of the existing primary residence. (4) Roof. Roof style and pitch shall match the primary residence. (5) Demolition. Demolition of any structures, partial or whole, shall require review by the Cultural Heritage Board for compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s standards. (6) Location. Newly constructed attached or detached ADUs shall be located behind the primary residence as viewed from the primary front lot line; however shall not preclude an ADU of 800 square feet or less with 4- foot side and rear setbacks in compliance with Section 16-465.5 (Government Code Section 66323). (a) If 50% or more of the primary dwelling is located at the rear 1/3 of a property and there is no other location on the property in which an 800 sf ADU could be added, a detached ADU is allowed in front of the dwelling. In such cases, the ADU shall not be attached to the front/primary facade of the primary dwelling.
(b) ADUs in front of the primary dwelling must not be in front of the main entrance or block visibility of more than 50% of the primary façade from the public right-of-way. (c) Attached ADUs will require review by the Cultural Heritage Board for compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s standards.
(d) JADUs will require review by the Cultural Heritage Board for compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s standards, if the exterior of the primary residence is being altered.

As currently proposed, staff believes the standards are objective, and therefore in compliance with state law.

Streamline Single-Family Dwelling Unit Permit Requirements (Attachment 3) Currently, new single-family dwellings first have to receive a Development Design Review (DDR) entitlement through a process in the Planning Division. As part of the ongoing effort to update the zoning code (Chapter 16) and streamline 827
housing opportunities, staff proposes to allow residential development “by-right”, allowing applicants to bypass the Planning Division review of a DDR and instead submit directly to the Building and Engineering Division for permits. To effectuate this proposed amendment, the Residential Land Use Matrix in Section 16-22 would amend the designation from “DDR” to “Permitted (P)” for single-family dwellings, including for manufactured housing, in all residential zones (Attachment 1 - Table 2). New homes still remain subject to all applicable development standards.This aligns with the state and city’s goal of streamlining the development process to increase housing productivity.

Definitions, Parking, and Permit Modifications (Attachments 3 and 4) The other proposed OCC Chapter 16 amendments update procedures and reduce confusion and conflicts. The proposed changes below are minor in nature and stay consistent with the 2030 General Plan.

Definitions (Attachment 4)
The definitions in OCC Section 16-10 are amended to assist in zoning determinations and for clarification purposes.

Some definitions have been updated along with a few new definitions and figures, mostly around lot configuration and yards.

Residential Zones
The OCC Section 16-20 through 16-24 - Residential Zones contains outdated and repetitive language. The proposed amendments consolidate this language. These sections can be viewed in Attachment 3. Further discussion of the amendments can be viewed in Attachment 1 - Planning Commission Staff Report and proposed changes are in Attachment 3.

Parking Table Modification
The parking requirements for ADUs will be relocated from Section 16-622 - Off Street Parking and relocated to Section 16-465.9 in the ADU division. This modification to the table in Section 16-622 only applies to the residential ADU offstreet parking requirement. The other parking requirements, standards, uses, and ratios remain as is, which are shown in the attached ordinance.

Modifications to Planning Permits
Currently the code indicates that projects which have received a Special Use Permit (SUP) are eligible for minor and major modifications to that SUP pursuant to OCC Chapter 16 Article VII Division 4 Sections 16-560-16-561.1. This is inconsistent with the long standing internal procedure to allow for modifications to other permit types beyond SUPs like Development Design Review Permits, Site Plan Review Permits, and Planned Development Permits. The proposed amendment demonstrates consistency with planning staff procedures that allow minor and major modifications to all planning permits. The proposed amendment modifies the in OCC Chapter 16 Article VII Division 4 to read as Modifications to Planning Permits.

For more details on each of the proposed ordinance changes please see Attachment 1 - Planning Commission Staff Report.

GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
The proposed ZTA calls for updates to address state law and internal inconsistencies. These proposed changes support several goals and policies included in the 2030 General Plan. Specifically, it will implement the code amendments identified in the City’s Land Use Element and 2021-2029 Housing Element, working to streamline development and encourage the development of ADUs. Analysis of the project's compliance with some of the directly applicable policies can be found in Attachment 1.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and (3) and 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, also known as the “general rule” or “common sense exemption,” activities that will not result in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment are not subject to CEQA.

The proposed ZTA are regulatory actions that are necessary to bring the OCC into compliance with state housing laws and the City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element that was adopted in 2022. The proposed amendments to the OCC do not include or approve any physical development, add new residential sites or units, or increase density for housing. 828
Therefore, staff has determined that there is no possibility that the project will have a significant effect on the environment. A Notice of Exemption will be filed upon City Council approval of the ZTA.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
This agenda item supports Economic Development strategy. The purpose of the Economic Development strategy is to focus on the retention and expansion of Oxnard businesses by increasing the skills and employability of our local workforce, invite new business investments, and target site-based redevelopment opportunities.

FINANCIAL IMPACT
There are no financial impacts associated with the proposed Zone Text Amendments.

COMMITTEE OUTCOME
This is a Public Hearing and was reviewed by the Planning Commission, therefore this item did not originate in Committee.

At the Planning Commission public hearing on November 6, 2025, the Commission asked a series of questions as a result of the staff report and presentation which were answered by staff at the hearing. One public comment letter from the California Housing Defense Fund (CalHDF) was submitted on November 6, 2025 and there were no public speakers at the hearing. The comments in the letter provided interpretation of ADU state law with proposed modification to the language of the ADU ordinance. At the hearing, staff recommended the Planning Commission incorporate two of those changes proposed in the comment letter. Further, the Commission discussed the public comment letter section on objective standards for ADUs and designated historic structures and included a recommendation to staff to revise the proposed standards to be more objective design standards for ADUs on properties containing historic structures. Based on the 5-0 vote (with one commissioner absent) with added recommendations, the ADU Ordinance in Attachment 2 has been updated to incorporate those recommendations. The November 6, 2025 meeting can be viewed online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0HuL8-GP8o. The Measure M Presentation for the Planning Commission meeting may be viewed at the following link: https://youtu.be/5OP_Em3DvZU.

Prepared by: Jamie Peltier, Planning Supervisor

ATTACHMENTS

1. Planning Commission Staff Report- November 6, 2025 (no attachments)

2. City Council Ordinance- Accessory Dwelling Units

3. City Council Ordinance- Residential Zones and Development Design Review Permit

4. City Council Ordinance- Definitions, Modifications to Special Use Permits and Parking Requirements

5. Current Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance

6. Planning Commission Public Comment Letter

7. CEQA Notice of Exemption

8. Staff Presentation
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PLANNING COMMISSION

STAFF REPORT
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Jamie Peltier, Planning Supervisor
DATE: November 6, 2025
SUBJECT: Planning & Zoning Permit No. 25-580-02 (Zone Text Amendment) Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units and Other Minor Zoning Text Amendments 1) Recommendation: That the Planning Commission (“Commission”):
a) Review and provide comments on the proposed amendments to Chapter 16 of the Oxnard City Code (OCC); and
b) Recommend the City Council find the Project to be Categorically Exempt from environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule); and
c) Adopt Resolution 2025-XX recommending that the City Council adopt the zone text amendment (ZTA) ordinances (PZ No. 25-580-02), subject to certain findings. 2) Project Description and Applicant: The project includes amendments to the City’s zoning code (Chapter 16) related to accessory dwelling units (ADU) that reflect compliance with changes to California State ADU law, along with other minor zoning code updates to the definitions and process procedures to streamline single-family residential development. Filed by the City of Oxnard Community Development Department, Planning and Environmental Services Division - 214 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030. 3) Background Information:

The proposed ZTA updates the OCC to comply with current state laws, and also includes minor revisions for internal consistency, clarification on requirements, and other amendments related to current zoning practices and interpretations. Because the ZTA are required to comply with state law or involve inconsequential revisions, they are considered minor in nature. The following is a list of the proposed code revisions:
a) Zoning Code Amendments:
i) Update OCC Chapter 16, Article V, Division 13 – Accessory Dwelling Units with 830
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new section numbering, consolidation of standards, and to reflect new State laws; ii) Update OCC Chapter 16, Article II - Definitions with definitions related to ADU law and other minor definition modifications along with new figures and images, iii) Update OCC Chapter 16, Article X, Division 2 - Parking Space and Loading Requirements table of uses and off-street parking ratios to relocate the parking standards for ADUs to Division 13 - ADUs.
iv) Streamline provisions of the residential permit procedures in OCC Chapter 16, Article III, Division 2 – Residential Zones by removing repetitive permit requirements sections and changing the Development Design Review (DDR) Permit for a new single-family residence and new manufactured single-family home in the land use matrix to a permitted use;
v) Update OCC Chapter 16, Article VII, Division 2 – Development Design Review Permit to reflect proposed changes to exempt single-family residential development from a DDR Permit.
vi) Update OCC Chapter 16, Article VII, Division 4 –Modifications to Special Use Permits to be consistent with staff’s procedural application, which allows for the modification of any existing planning entitlement, not only to a Special Use Permit (SUP).
4) Environmental Determination: Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, also known as the “general rule” or “common sense exemption,” activities that will not result in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment are not subject to CEQA. The project is limited to updating the existing sections of the Oxnard City Code and will not directly result in any physical development or authorize new uses. 5) Analysis: The proposed ordinances will be incorporated into the OCC, Chapter 16 (Zoning Code) to bring the OCC into compliance with state law, the City’s adopted 2021-2022 Housing Element, update other sections to streamline, and to reevaluate evolving zoning interpretations. This section discusses changes made to the existing OCC. The proposed ordinances indicate legislative revisions to the existing code with strikethrough and underline.

Proposed Zoning Code Amendments
The draft ordinances for each proposed ZTA are appended and are summarized below. a) Accessory Dwelling Units (Attachment 1a)
ADUs are infill housing options that provide dwelling units on lots developed with a single-family or multi-family structure. The State of California over the last decade has passed significant legislative actions to allow ADUs with generally less restrictions than the local regulations with the intent to increase housing production. The state continues to amend ADU laws to adjust to different needs of the state, refine regulations, and close the loopholes. The consistent reforms reduce barriers to build ADUs and create additional housing opportunities within residential zones.
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The City established an ADU Ordinance in 2016 and has since been modified in 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2023. This proposed update will bring the City’s ADU ordinance up to date by addressing the changes to state law in 2024 and 2025, and the newest legislation for 2026. The City fully revised the ADU ordinance in 2020 to comply with ADU state laws to allow ADUs ministerially and establish the different types of ADUs. Subsequently, in 2023, a minor ADU ordinance amendment was adopted which updated the regulations related to parking and impact fees. After several years of state law updates, and the City modifying its existing ADU ordinance with those changes, this proposed ADU ordinance is a complete overhaul to better mimic the format and language of the ADU Government Code (Sections 66310-66342). This proposed ordinance repeals the previous ADU ordinance and replaces it in its entirety. Updating the zoning code to comply with state law achieves an ongoing task within Program 6 of the 2021-2029 Housing Element (Zoning Code Amendments for recently adopted state laws).

With each update, development standards imposed by the state have reduced local purview to further streamline the review process and timelines. For the City of Oxnard, ADU development has significantly increased in every legislative update since 2016 providing a range of housing opportunities and addressing the housing shortage. ADUs are processed ministerially (i.e. without a separate planning permit or process) only requiring a building permit application through the Building and Engineering Division. In Table 1 below are ADU statistics from the last three years displaying an influx of applications and construction.

Table 1: Oxnard ADU Development
YEAR

BUILDING PERMIT

APPLICATIONS

RECEIVED

BUILDING

PERMITS ISSUED
FINAL
INSPECTIONS/CofO
2023 167 191 73
2024 347 251 134
2025* 271 188 138
*Data through September 2025
To bring the ADU ordinance up to date, the following bills will be incorporated and are discussed further below: SB 477, AB 2533, SB 1211, SB 543, and AB 1154. All ADU Government Code Sections (66310-66342) and recent amendments can be found in Attachment 3. The definitions, numbering, language, and format of the ordinance will be updated in the OCC accordingly.
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SB 477
On March 25, 2024, SB 477 went into effect and made changes to the numbering format of the Government Code Sections for ADUs and JADUs. Any existing regulations in the OCC will be updated to reflect the new Government Code sections shown as Cal. Gov’t.

Code Sections 66310-663342.

AB 2533
AB 2533 was introduced in 2024 and went into effect January 1, 2025 to address ADUs constructed without permits. This bill prohibits a local agency from denying an ADU or JADU permit because it was constructed and unpermitted before January 1, 2020 unless the City can make the finding that correcting the violation is necessary to protect the health and safety of the public or occupants of the structure. These new regulations would prohibit the City from penalizing a property owner or applicant for having an unpermitted ADU and require an approval of the permits to correct any noncompliance with health and safety standards.

SB 1211
Effective January 1, 2025, SB 1211 made changes to the parking requirements and number of ADUs allowed on lots with existing or proposed multi-family structures. Existing ADU regulations prohibit the City from requiring off-street parking spaces to be replaced when a garage, carport or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of, or conversion to, an ADU. SB 1211 amends this prohibition to now also prohibit a city from requiring replacement parking when an uncovered parking space is demolished for or replaced with an ADU.

In addition to the parking, ADU standards on multi-family properties have been updated.

The law required the City to ministerially approve ADU permit applications for ADUs within portions of existing multi-family structures not used as livable space; however, livable space was not defined. In this update, a definition of livable space was established, as follows: “Livable space means a space in a dwelling intended for human habitation, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitation.” SB 1211 increased the number of detached ADUs up to eight (8) on lots with existing multi-family structures. The previous law allowed on lots with existing or proposed multi-family structures up to two (2) detached ADUs. The change differentiated between eight (8) new detached units on a lot with an existing multi-family structure and a lot with a proposed multi-family structure remaining at two (2) detached ADUs.

AB 1154
In October 2025, AB 1154 was signed into legislation impacting Junior Accessory Dwelling Units. JADUs are separate living units under 500 square feet and constructed entirely within the existing single-family dwelling structure to create a new dwelling unit on the single-family property. Previously state law required the property owner to occupy 833
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either the main dwelling unit or the JADU. With AB 1154, that owner occupancy would be removed if the JADU does not share a sanitation (bathroom) facility with the main dwelling unit. Additionally, adding language that the rental of JADU be more than 30 days.

This legislation effective January 1, 2026 amends Government Code Section 66333 relating to JADUs and owner occupancy requirements and rental terms. This bill revises the existing language as follows:

Section 66333(b) - Require If the junior accessory dwelling unit has shared sanitation facilities with the existing structure, require owner-occupancy in the single family residence in which the junior accessory dwelling unit will be permitted. The owner may reside in either the remaining portion of the structure or the newly created junior accessory dwelling unit. Owner-occupancy shall not be required if the junior accessory dwelling unit has separate sanitation facilities, or if the owner is another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.” Section 66333(g) - (g) Require that a rental of a junior accessory dwelling unit be for a term longer than 30 days.

SB 543
In addition to AB 1154, SB 543 was signed into law and effective January 1, 2026. The ongoing intent of ADU law is to provide more housing options at an easier and faster rate.

The new law sets a 15 business day period for the city to review the permit application for an ADU or JADU, clarifies size, safety, and density standards, and provides parameters for a local agency to submit an adopted ordinance to the Department of Housing and Community Development within 60 days after adoption.

Currently, state law specifies that the city is required to either approve or deny a complete application within 60 days of receiving a completed application. SB 543 includes further timelines that each of the reviews to reach a complete application within the 60 days must be no later than 15 days after the application was submitted. Every subsequent building permit revision is subject to the 15 day review period by all reviewers including but not limited to the Planning Division, Fire Department, and Building and Engineering Division.

The clarification item in SB 543 relating to size modifies the state law to specify that the ADUs and JADUs should be calculated using interior livable space square footage only.

This is applied to the maximum size identified and when determining impact fees. 834
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SB 543 also renumbered several sections of the Government Code, which will be reflected in the proposed ordinance. The existing California Government Codes relating to ADUs and the amendments from SB 543 and AB 1154 are found in Attachment 3.

ADU Ordinance Format
As proposed, the text format of the ADU ordinance has significantly changed from the existing structure in Chapter 16. The previous ordinance (Attachment 2) established the different ADUs as Types (e.g. Type 1 is a detached ADU, Type 2A is a conversion, etc.) This classification has been removed and simplified to reflect the ADU types as defined in state law. The section numbering and naming conventions of each section will be modified for consistency with the language used in state law and for ease of use. This format will replace in its entirety the existing OCC ADU Division.

ADU Definitions
Updates are proposed to definitions relating to ADU State law and the off-street parking standards in the parking matrix. Below are definitions that currently exist but have been modified by state law, and new definitions.

Definitions related to ADU State Law:
● Updated definitions: ADU, JADU, habitable, space, and tandem parking. ● New definitions: Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), high quality transit corridor, livable space, living area, major transit stop, manufactured home, passageway, and public transit.

The proposed ordinance reflects these changes in OCC Section 16-10 - Definitions, Article V, Division 13, and Sections 16-465 - 16-465.13 - Accessory Dwelling Units.. b) Streamline Single-Family Dwelling Unit Permit Requirements (Attachment 1b) As part of the ongoing effort to update the zoning code (Chapter 16) and streamline housing opportunities, this proposed amendment includes simplification of code sections related to the single-family residential use permit requirements by eliminating the discretionary review of single-family dwelling units. This amendment proposes to consolidate the residential land use matrix and permit procedures sections of the OCC for consistency, ease of use, and streamlining.

Currently, the zoning code stipulates that all new development must obtain a Development Design Review Permit (DDR) unless a Special Use Permit or other planning permit is required. The proposed amendment updates the Residential Land Use Matrix in Section 16-22 to change this designation from “DDR” to “Permitted (P),” removing the DDR requirement for single-family dwellings, including for manufactured housing, in all residential zones (Table 2). Table 2 shown is only showing the Single-Family land use and the entirety of the Land Use Matrix can be found in the draft ordinance (Attachment 1b). 835
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Table 2: Proposed Land Use Matrix (portion of matrix)
Residential Land Use Matrix
Key: Blank: Not Allowed X: Prohibited Use
P: Permitted Use SPR: Site Plan Review
SUP: Special Use Permit DDR: Development Design Review Permit Land Use Zone District
R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 MH-PD Notes
Single-family dwelling conventionally
built and of a permanent character.
(Separate servants' quarters may be
established in connection with
single-family dwellings of 9 rooms or
larger, exclusive of bathrooms, when
such dwellings are located on lots of not
less than 10,000 sq. ft.). Development
Design Review Permit not required.

DDR
P
DDR
P
DDR
P
DDR
P
Manufactured housing consisting of
single-family dwellings constructed by
modular manufactured methods or
mobile homes certified under the
National Mobile Homes Construction
and Safety Standards Act of 1974,
provided such homes are of a permanent
character secured to a permanent
foundation
DDR
P
DDR
P
DDR
P
DDR
P
SUP
Under the existing process, constructing a new single-family dwelling requires submission of a planning application for a DDR. This involves a review period by the Planning Division and other city departments, a Community Workshop for public input, and a public hearing conducted by the Community Development Director as the review authority, followed by an appeal period. Once approved and after the appeal period ends, the project moves to the Building and Engineering Division for building permit plan check.

By removing the DDR requirement, new single-family dwellings, including manufactured single-family homes, would be submitted directly to the Building and Engineering Division for permits streamlining the process. This change would align the review process for new single-family dwellings with that of additions to single-family dwellings and ADUs/JADUs, which are reviewed ministerially through the building permit process.

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entitlement does not impact the review of the development because single-family dwellings must still comply with zoning code development standards, including setbacks, yard space, and height requirements regardless of the discretionary or ministerial process.

Single-family dwellings should be reviewed with objective standards the same way as other housing developments that the state has required under certain laws, such as ADUs.

These objective standards already exist in the Residential Development Standards Section 16-23 and 16-24 of the OCC and would already limit the subjective discretion.

Streamlining housing such as single-family dwellings regardless of construction type, and streamlining ADUs/JADUs offers a more predictable review process saving the property owner and applicant time and costs. There would be greater certainty that the project will be reviewed in a timely manner because a separate planning permit and public hearing process would not be required. Like ADUs, increasing housing supply for single-family dwelling units is a goal of the state and the City, therefore, removing the barrier of a separate planning process and public hearing for single-family dwelling units aligns with meeting that goal.

The language in the residential land use matrix removes references to requiring a DDR for all new construction and directs the reader to the permit procedures section of the OCC.

Section 16-525 proposes language exempting single-family dwelling units both conventionally built or a manufactured home from a DDR. c) Definitions, Parking, and Permit Modifications (Attachment 1c) The Zoning Code in OCC Chapter 16 contains zoning requirements, development standards, and procedures from 1964 with other updates over the years to reflect changes based on state law, specific amendments for development projects, and general plan updates. The zoning code amendments are intended to reflect procedural changes that align with streamlining the development process, reduce confusion, fix ongoing issues, and increase ease of use. The proposed changes below are minor in nature and stay consistent with the 2030 General Plan and general procedures by City staff.

Definitions
The definitions in OCC Section 16-10 apply to any section within the zoning code. This section includes entirely new definitions, modifications to existing definitions, renaming, changes to assist in zoning determinations, and for clarification purposes. In addition to the definitions, new figures with images related to lot types and lot lines are proposed to supplement the written definitions, as follows:

Definitions related to lot configuration:
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● Updated definitions: corner lot, frontage, front lot line, front yard, interior lot, interior yard space, key lot, lot, lot depth, rear lot line, rear yard, required yard, reverse corner lot, side yard, through lot, and yard.
● New definitions and figures: lot area (gross, net), lot (flag), and Figure 1: rear lot lines and Figure 2: lot types.

Miscellaneous Definitions:
● Updated definitions: accessory building, accessory structure, accessory use, detached, family, garage, patio, patio cover, and main building ● New definitions: carport, floor area (gross and net), planning manager, and structure.
● Deleted definitions: babysitting and frontage
Residential Zones (Attachment 1b)
The OCC Section 16-20 Residential Zones contains outdated and repetitive language proposed for consolidation and consistency. The following sections have been amended:
● Section 16-20 - Remove references to second dwelling units for consistency. ● Section 16-21 - Remove repetitive language of individual permit types and refer to Permit Procedures in Article VII.
● Section 16-22 - Land use matrix amendments: Remove babysitting use, remove high-density apartments (refer to multiple family residential), correct typo from traditional to transitional, change manufactured single-family dwelling from DDR to permitted, and changes to single-family home DDR requirement (see section above).
● Section 16-24 - Remove an architectural standard related to colors matching adjacent single family structures to reduce subjectivity on residential development and replace with objective standards. In addition, remove discretionary permit references in the R-1 zone.

ADU Parking Changes
The parking requirements for ADUs are currently located in the parking table in OCC Sec. 16-622. Those parking standards will be struck out in Sec. 16-622 and relocated to the ADU division in OCC Sec. 16-465.9. The parking standards will reflect the precise requirements of ADU State law and the table will direct the user to the ADU section of the OCC. This modification to the table in Sec. 16-622 only applies to the residential ADU off-street parking requirement and the other parking requirements, standards, uses, and ratios remain as is.

Modifications to Planning Permits
Projects that received a discretionary permit are eligible for minor and major modifications to those entitlements pursuant to OCC Chapter 16 Article VII Division 4 Sections 16-560-16-561.1 - Modifications to Special Use Permits. This division indicates 838
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modifications are only processed for special use permits, however, that is inconsistent with the long standing internal policy procedure to allow for modifications to other permit types beyond special use permits. The amendment opens the minor and major modification process to other permits like Development Design Review Permits, Site Plan Review Permits, and Planned Development Permits. This change demonstrates consistency with how planning staff processes modification permits. The proposed change modifies the language from Special Use Permits to Planning Permits in the zoning code.

OCC Chapter 16 Article VII Division 4 would be amended to read as Modifications to Planning Permits.

This proposed zone text amendment does not change the process for a modification to a permit, rather establishes certainty for city staff and the development community that there is a process in place to modify any planning permit, not just special use permits. 6) General Plan Consistency: The proposed ZTA calls for updates to address state law and internal inconsistencies demonstrating the project meets several goals and policies included in the 2030 General Plan, and it will implement the code amendments identified in the City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element. The project is determined to be consistent with the General Plan 2030 because all aspects of the project will further the objectives and policies of the General Plan.

The following three consistency classification levels are required for consistency evaluation under the 2030 General Plan Goals and Policies, Chapter 9, Section 9.2 “Consistency Procedure”:

I. Direct Applicability to a Proposed Project or Program (full text of the policy and an explanation).

II. Related or Indirect Applicability to the Proposed Project or Program (policy title and an explanation for each or groups of related or indirectly related policies).

III. No or Distant Applicability to the Proposed Project or Program (all policies not listed as Level I and II are assumed to be consistent).

POLICY LEVEL

GENERAL PLAN POLICY OR
TITLE

EXPLANATION
C
D
-
5 I
Housing Variety. Promote the
development of a variety of housing
types throughout the City including
apartments, condominiums, lofts,
townhouses, and attached and
detached single family units.

The ZTA promotes development of
ADUs, a housing type, and
affordability levels throughout the City.

C
D
-
I
Compact Development. Promote the
use of development patterns that are
more compactly built and use space
The ZTA promotes development of
ADUs, which encourage more compact
building patterns.
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POLICY LEVEL

GENERAL PLAN POLICY OR
TITLE

EXPLANATION
7 in an efficient aesthetic manner as
part of the community vision.

C
D
-
2 I
Zoning and General Plan
Consistency. Amend the zoning
code, zoning map, Coastal Land Use
Program, and other land use
regulations to make them consistent
with the adopted and/or
subsequently amended 2030 General
Plan.

The ZTA amends zoning regulations to
ensure consistency with the Adopted
Amended 2021-2029 Housing Element
and to comply with State laws.

C
D
-
4 I
Design Review Process. In the
evaluation of development
proposals, continue to ensure that
public and private development
projects comply with City design
policies, plans and guidelines.

Pursuant to Housing Element Program
6, the ZTA updates the OCC to codify
the existing process and noticing
procedures for Minor Modifications.

C
D
-
6 7
I
Flexibility in Regulation
Implementation. Continue to
research and amend the zoning code
and related regulations in order to
allow development to adequately
respond to market conditions.

The ZTA amends the zoning code to
streamline ordinance provisions, clarify
permitting requirements and simplify
code requirements.

H
-
2 7
I
Encourage Accessory Dwelling
Units. Allow and encourage
development of accessory dwelling
units while protecting the character
of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Pursuant to Housing Element Programs
6 and 27, the ZTA updates the OCC for
consistency with State law.

H
-
4 3
I
Processing. Provide for streamlined,
timely, and coordinated processing
of affordable residential
development projects to minimize
land acquisition, holding costs,
and/or upfront project development
costs.

The ZTA codifies streamlining the
process for single-family dwelling unit
development without a DDR, and
Minor Modifications to all planning
permits to provide greater certainty and
transparency for the development
community, thereby reducing a barrier
to development.
7) Community Outreach: A notice for the Planning Commission’s public hearing considering changes to the OCC was posted in the Ventura County Vida newspaper. 840
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8) Next Steps: The Planning Commission’s action on this matter is advisory to the City Council.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration.

Attachments:

1. Planning Commission Resolution for Zoning Code Text Amendments (PZ 23-580-03) a. Draft City Council Ordinance - OCC Section 16-465: Accessory Dwelling Units b. Draft City Council Ordinance - OCC Sections 16-20 through 16-24: Residential Zones and OCC Sections 16-525: Development Design Review Permit c. Draft City Council Ordinance - OCC Section 16-10: Definitions, OCC Sections 16-560 through 16-561.1: Modifications to Special Use Permits and OCC Section 16-622: Schedule Of Vehicle Off-Street Parking Requirements

2. Current ADU OCC Sections 16-465 through 16-469.6

3. ADU Government Code Sections and Amendments

4. Notice of Exemption

5. Staff Presentation
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CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD
ORDINANCE NO. __________

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
OXNARD AMENDING CHAPTER 16 (ZONING) OF THE OXNARD
CITY CODE §16-465 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS. FILED BY

CITY OF OXNARD, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT,
214 SOUTH C STREET, OXNARD, CA, 93030.

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Oxnard has considered Zone Text Amendment (ZTA) PZ No. 25-580-02, filed by the City of Oxnard Community Development Department, to amend Chapter 16 of the Oxnard City Code (OCC). The amendment is to update the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) OCC Sections 16-465-16-465.13 to comply with current State law (Government Code Sections 66310-66342) that repeals and replaces in its entirety the current ADU Ordinance in the zoning code, which changes the format and content of the ADU Ordinance, specifically, demonstrating consistency with state laws Senate (SB) 477, Assembly (AB) 2533, SB 1211, SB 543, and AB 1154; and
WHEREAS, on October 25, 2022 the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) certified the City of Oxnard 2021-2029 Housing Element.

Programs 6, 9, 22, 27 and 32 of the 2021-2029 Housing Element require the City update Chapter 16 of the Oxnard City Code (OCC) by 2023 to comply with state laws on ADUs; and other ordinance modifications to streamline, clarify and simplify permitting requirements to comply with State regulatory requirements and laws; and
WHEREAS, the California State Legislature approved, and the Governor signed into law, amendments to the state ADU law including SB 477 effective March 25, 2024, AB 2533 effective January 1, 2025, SB 1211 effective January 1, 2025, SB 130 effective July 1, 2025, and SB 543 and AB 1154 effective January 1, 2026, and for the City of Oxnard ADU Ordinance to remain valid, it shall be amended to reflect state law; and WHEREAS, on November 6, 2025 the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the amendments to Chapter 16 of the OCC to implement Zoning Text Amendments (ZTA) and adopted a Resolution recommending that the City Council approve Planning & Zoning Permit No. 25-580-02 (Zone Text Amendment); and
WHEREAS, on December 16, 2025, the City Council of the City of Oxnard conducted a duly noticed public hearing to consider Planning and Zoning Permit No. 25-580-02 (Zone Text Amendment) in accordance with the OCC, and
WHEREAS, the City Council received written and verbal comments from the public; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds the proposed Zoning Text Amendment is in the public interest and general welfare by complying with State law and encouraging the orderly development of small accessory structures and/or buildings on residential lots and providing 842
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residents with accurate standards to accommodate ADUs. There are no changes recommended under the proposed ZTA that would reduce or compromise existing standards that protect the health, safety or general welfare of the City; and
WHEREAS, the proposed ZTA does not involve any direct physical changes to the environment. There are no changes in landforms or an intensification of land uses as a part of the proposed ZTA and all public services for existing land uses will remain as-is, with no changes and no diminishment of service or safety; and
WHEREAS, the proposed ZTA to Chapter 16 of the OCC would establish specific provisions consistent with the action items and policy directives in the 2030 General Plan; and WHEREAS, the City Council determined that this action is exempt from environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15060(c)(2) and (3) and 15061(b)(3) as this ZTA is a regulatory action which will not result in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and when it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment are not subject to CEQA; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest, consistent with the 2030 General Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Oxnard does ordain as follows:

SECTION 1. The Recitals above are true and correct and incorporated herein by this reference.

SECTION 2. The City Council finds that the Zone Text Amendment is internally consistent with all other provisions of the City of Oxnard 2030 General Plan.

SECTION 3. The City Council finds that the Zone Text Amendment will not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City and is in the best interests and welfare of the City and its residents.

SECTION 4. Oxnard City Code Chapter 16, Article V, Division 13 entitled “Accessory Dwelling Units” is hereby repealed and readopted to read as provided in Exhibit A.

SECTION 5. In accordance with Government Code Section 66326 and Section 66333.5, the Community Development Department is directed to submit a copy of this Ordinance to the California Department of Housing and Community Development within 60 days after adoption.

SECTION 6. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is determined to be invalid, illegal or unconstitutional by a decision or order of any court of competent jurisdiction, then decision or order shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have passed and adopted this Ordinance, and each section, sentence, subsection, clause, phrase, part or portion thereof, regardless of the 843
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fact that any one or more sections, sentences, subsections, clauses, phrases, be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 7. Cumulative Ordinance. Nothing in this Ordinance shall be interpreted to allow any land use which is not expressly listed as permitted or conditionally permitted within the City’s Zoning Code.

SECTION 8. Accessory Dwelling Unit applications that are submitted on or before the effective date of this ordinance shall remain valid.

SECTION 9. Exempt from CEQA. The City Council determines and finds that the adoption of this Ordinance is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and (3) and 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines to the California Environmental Quality Act because the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA because the project is limited to updating the existing sections of the Oxnard City Code and will not directly result in any physical development or authorize new uses. Therefore, CEQA does not apply to this action.

SECTION 10. Pursuant to Government Code Section 36933(c)(1), the City Attorney was designated to prepare, and the City Clerk published, a summary of this Ordinance, and a certified copy the Ordinance was posted in the Office of the City Clerk a minimum of five days before the City Council’s adoption of the Ordinance.

SECTION 11. The City Clerk shall certify as to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause summary thereof to be published within fifteen calendar (15) days of the adoption and shall post a certified copy of this Ordinance, including for and against the same, in the office of the City Clerk, in accordance with Government Code Section 36933. Ordinance No. _________ was first read on December 16, 2025, and finally adopted on ___________, to become effective thirty (30) days thereafter.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of December 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
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_____________________________
Luis A. Mc Arthur, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ___________________________ Lourdes A. López, City Clerk Stephen M. Fischer, City Attorney 845
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Exhibit A
CHAPTER 16: ZONING CODE
ARTICLE V. SPECIFIC USE REQUIREMENTS
DIVISION 13 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
Sec. 16-465. Purpose.

Sec. 16-465.1. Types Of Accessory Dwelling Units.

Sec. 16-465.2. Permitting Process.

Sec. 16-465.3.Permitted Zones.

Sec. 16-465.4. Number Of Accessory Dwelling Units.

Sec. 16-465.5. Standards For Accessory Dwelling Units Permitted Pursuant To California Government Code Section 66323.

Sec. 16-465.6. General Accessory Dwelling Units And Junior Accessory Dwelling Units Requirements.

Sec. 16-465.7. Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards.

Sec. 16-465.8. Accessory Dwelling Unit Design Standards.

Sec. 16-465.9. Accessory Dwelling Unit Parking Standards.

Sec. 16-465.10. Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards.

Sec. 16-465.11. Utility Standards.

Sec. 16-465.12. Occupancy, Sale, And Rental Of Property.

Sec. 16-465.13. Conflicting Provisions.

DIVISION 13. ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
SEC. 16-465. PURPOSE.
(A) This Division 13 establishes reasonable regulations for the development of accessory dwelling units (ADU) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADU) as a type of affordable infill housing to meet the needs of existing and future residents within existing neighborhoods, while respecting architectural character.
(B) The purpose of this Division 13 is to meet the requirements set forth in Cal. Govt Code, Section 66310 et seq. (known as the California ADU Law). If any provision of this Division 13 conflicts with State law, the minimum requirements of State law shall control.

SEC. 16-465.1. TYPES OF ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS.

For the purposes of this Division 13, the following types of ADU shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:
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(A) “Accessory dwelling unit” (ADU; also known as "second unit," "granny flat," "in-law suite," "tiny home" and/or "cottage") are small residential units on a permanent foundation located within, attached to, or detached and adjacent to the primary single-family unit or multifamily structure, and can provide an important source of affordable housing. An ADU shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated. An ADU also includes the following:
(1) An efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of the California Health and Safety Code.
(2) A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the California Health and Safety Code.
(B) “ADU permitted pursuant to California Government Code Section 66323” (also known as “66323 Units,” “state mandated ADUs” or “state exempt ADUs”) are one of the four delineated types of ADUs (and JADUs) that must be permitted ministerially and are subject to reduced standards outlined under California Government Code Section 66323. See Section 16-465.5
(C) “Attached ADU” is an ADU attached by at least one common wall or ceiling/floor to a primary dwelling unit, and is not fully contained with the primary dwelling unit. The attached ADU includes new construction and conversion of an existing attached accessory building or structure. “Detached ADU” is an ADU that does not share a common wall with the primary dwelling unit. The detached ADU includes new construction and conversion of an existing detached accessory building or structure and can be attached to a detached accessory structure.
(D) “Junior accessory dwelling unit; JADU” means a unit that is no more than 500 square feet of interior livable space in size and contained entirely within a single-family residence. A JADU may include separate sanitation facilities, or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure.

SEC. 16-465.2. PERMITTING PROCESS.

A building permit shall be required prior to construction or creation of an ADU or JADU. (A) Consistency With Development Standards.
(1) For ADUs or JADUs meeting the requirements of California Government Code Section 66323, Section 16-465.5 of this division will apply. For ADUs not meeting the requirements of California Government Code Section 66323, all other standards of this division are applicable. Any application for an ADU or JADU that complies with this division will be approved ministerially without discretionary review or a public hearing is required.
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(2) A permit application shall receive written notice of determination to be complete or incomplete no later than 15 business days after the application is received. If the application is determined to be incomplete, the applicant shall be provided a list of incomplete items and a description to address. In the review of the incomplete application, no additional incomplete items shall be included that were not provided in the initial list. Each review of an application shall be 15 business days, otherwise the application or resubmitted application shall be deemed to be complete. (3) If a single-family or multifamily dwelling exists on the parcel upon which an ADU or JADU is proposed, the city will approve or deny an application to create an ADU or JADU within 60 days from the date the city receives a completed application.

Notwithstanding the above, the director shall ministerially approve or deny within 30 days the application for a detached ADU that utilizes an ADU plan that has been preapproved by the City Building Official. If the applicant requests a delay in writing, the 30-day or 60-day time period will be tolled for the period of the delay. (a) The city has approved or denied the application within time period if it:
i. Approves the permit for the ADU or JADU; or
ii. Provides the applicant a full set of comments in writing with a list of items that are defective or deficient and a description of how the application can be remedied by the applicant.
(b) An application deemed incomplete or denied shall be provided a process to appeal that decision in writing pursuant to Government Code Sections 66317 and 66335.
(4) A Homeowner’s Association (HOA) may not influence the City’s ministerial approval of an ADU or JADU (California Government Code Section 66317(c)). Additionally, covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) shall not prohibit or unreasonably restrict the construction or use of an ADU or JADU on lots zoned to permit single-family residential uses.
(5) If the ADU application is submitted with a permit application to create a new single-family or multifamily dwelling on the parcel, the city may delay approving or denying the ADU application until the city approves or denies the permit application for the new single-family or multifamily dwelling.
(B) When Dependent on Separate Construction. When a proposed ADU is dependent on the construction of a new single-family or multifamily dwelling on the same lot which is not a part of the ADU ("separate construction"), the city will either:
(1) Review and approve or deny the ADU application only after approving or denying an application for the proposed separate construction; or
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(2) Review and approve or deny the ADU application concurrently with the separate construction application, upon written request from the applicant. In this case, the ADU is subject to ministerial review, but both the approval and occupancy of the ADU shall be contingent upon the approval and occupancy for the separate construction. In the case of a denial, the city will inform the applicant in writing and articulate the changes to the proposed ADU application that are necessary to comply with this chapter. (C) Variance from Standards. Should a variance from any requirement of this chapter be requested, review of the application by the planning commission will be required pursuant to Sections 16-565 to 16-569 of this code.
(D) Unpermitted ADU or Unpermitted JADU. Applications to permit a previously unpermitted ADU or JADU constructed before January 1, 2020 will be processed pursuant to California Government Code Section 66311.7.
(E) Historic district or historic landmark designation. For an ADU or JADU on or within the California State designated historic district or parcel is subject to the standards set forth in Section 16-465.6.
(F) Concurrent Application. An ADU or JADU may be proposed and constructed concurrently with construction of an addition to the primary dwelling unit that, by and of itself, meets applicable zoning district development standards for the primary dwelling unit and its addition.
(G) A nonrefundable fee in the amount set by city council resolution shall be paid upon the filing of an application for an ADU or JADU. Applications may incur additional fees imposed pursuant to this code or other applicable regulations.
(H) ADU applications submitted on or before the adoption date of this ordinance shall remain permitted.

SEC 16-465.3. PERMITTED ZONES.

ADUs are permitted:
(A) In any district where single-family or multifamily dwellings are listed as a permitted use and includes a proposed or existing dwelling.
(B) ADUs are permitted in any other specific plan use designation zones on legal lots that are developed in a manner equivalent to a zone designation where single-family or multifamily dwellings are permitted.

SEC. 16-465.4. NUMBER OF ADU.

The following number of ADUs may be developed on a legal lot zoned to allow for residential uses. The categories of ADUs listed below for each type of parcel may be combined based on site and lot conditions.
(A) Single-Family Lot.
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(1) One internal or attached ADU and one JADU, is permitted per parcel within a proposed or existing single-family dwelling or an existing attached accessory structure; and (2) One detached, new construction or conversion of an existing detached structure, ADU is permitted for a parcel with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling. The detached ADU may be combined with a JADU as provided in subsection (A)(1) above. (B) Multifamily Lot.

1. At least one internal ADU is permitted within an existing multifamily dwelling structure up to a maximum of twenty-five percent of the existing number of multifamily units within the portions of an existing multifamily dwelling structure that are not used as livable space, such as a storage room, boiler room or garage; and

2. On a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling, not more than eight detached ADUs.

However, the number of detached ADUs shall not exceed the number of existing units on the lot.

3. Not more than two detached ADUs may be located on a parcel that has a proposed multifamily dwelling.

SEC. 16-465.5 STANDARDS FOR ADU PERMITTED PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 66323.

Notwithstanding all other provisions of this chapter, the city shall ministerially approve an application for a building permit within a residential or mixed-use zone to create any combination of the following ADU units pursuant to California Government Code section 66323:
(A) One ADU and one JADU per lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling if all of the following apply:

1. The ADU or JADU is within the proposed space of a single-family dwelling or existing space of a single-family dwelling or accessory structure and may include an expansion of not more than 150 square feet beyond the same physical dimensions as the existing accessory structure. An expansion beyond the physical dimensions of the existing accessory structure shall be limited to accommodating ingress and egress. If an expansion of an accessory structure beyond one hundred fifty (150) square feet is proposed, the ADU shall be subject to and comply with all development standards applicable to a new ADU in Sec. 16-465.7.

2. The space has exterior access from the proposed or existing single-family dwelling.

3. The side and rear setbacks are sufficient for fire and safety.

4. The JADU complies with the requirements of Article 3 (commencing with Section 66333) of Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code, which are provided below in Section 16-465.10.
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(B) One detached, new construction, ADU that does not exceed four-foot side and rear yard setbacks for a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling. The following conditions apply to an ADU proposed pursuant to this paragraph (B):

1. A total gross floor area of not more than 800 square feet of livable space.

2. A maximum height as provided in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of California Government Code section 66321, as follows:
a. A detached ADU may not exceed 16 feet in height, as measured from finished grade, on a lot with an existing or proposed single family or multi-family dwelling unit.
b. A detached ADU may not exceed 18 feet in height as measured from finished grade on a lot with an existing or proposed single family or multi-family dwelling unit that is within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or a high-quality transit corridor, as those terms are defined in Section 21155 of the California Public Resources Code.

Additionally, within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or a high-quality transit corridor an additional two feet in height shall be allowed to accommodate a roof pitch on the ADU that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.
c. A detached ADU may not exceed 18 feet in height as measured from finished grade for a detached ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed multi-family, multi-story dwelling.
(C) Multiple ADUs within the portions of existing multifamily dwelling structures that are not used as livable space, including, but not limited to, storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, if each unit complies with state building standards for dwellings. The city shall allow at least one ADU within an existing multifamily dwelling and shall allow up to twenty-five percent of the existing multifamily dwelling units. (D) Multiple ADUs, not to exceed the number specified below, as applicable, that are located on a lot that has an existing or proposed multifamily dwelling, but are detached from that multifamily dwelling.
(1) Height limited to subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of California Government Code Section 66321, also identified above in Sec.16-465.5(B)(2), as applicable.
(2) Rear yard and side setbacks of no more than four feet. (3) On a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling, not more than eight detached ADUs.

However, the number of ADUs allowable pursuant to this clause shall not exceed the number of existing units on the lot.
(4) On a lot with a proposed multifamily dwelling, not more than two detached ADUs. 851
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(5) If the existing multifamily dwelling has a rear or side setback of less than four feet, the city shall not require any modification of the existing multifamily dwelling as a condition of approving the application to construct an ADU that satisfies the requirements of this section.
(E) The city shall not impose any objective development or design standard that is not authorized by this section upon any ADU or JADU that meets the requirements of this section.
(F) The installation of fire sprinklers shall not be required in an ADU of JADU if sprinklers are not required for the primary residence. The construction of an ADU or JADU shall not trigger a requirement for fire sprinklers to be installed in the existing multifamily dwelling. (G) The rental of any ADU or JADU created pursuant to this section must be for a term longer than thirty days.
(H) ADU and JADU construction shall comply with building code and health and safety requirements for dwellings.

SEC. 16-465.6 GENERAL ADU AND JADU REQUIREMENTS.

The following requirements apply to all ADUs and JADUs:
(A) Building and Other Related Codes. Any unit must comply with all applicable building, health and fire codes, except that an ADU or JADU is not required to provide fire sprinklers if sprinklers are not required for the primary dwelling. Additionally, the construction of an ADU shall not trigger a requirement for fire sprinklers to be installed in an existing multifamily dwelling.
(B) Entrances. An attached or internal ADU must have a separate entrance to the ADU, which may also be served by a common entrance with the primary dwelling unit. (C) Passageways and Patio Covers. No ADU will be required to provide a new passageway from the ADU to the street. No covered passageway, breezeway, or other type of covered structure that is not fully enclosed and/or conditioned space shall be allowed to connect the primary dwelling unit to a detached ADU. A patio cover attached to an ADU or JADU may be approved that complies with the applicable zone development standards and the square footage shall not be included in the total area for the ADU or JADU. (D) Manufactured Homes and Prefabricated Homes.
(1) A manufactured home is allowed as an ADU provided that it meets the following requirements:
(a) Meets the definition of ADU in Sec. 16-465.1;
(b) Is designed for use as a single-family dwelling with or without a foundation when connected to the required utilities; and
(c) Includes plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems within the home.
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(2) A prefabricated or modular home is allowed as an ADU. (E) Other Buildings and Structures. Any other building or structure constructed on the lot concurrent with or subsequent to the construction of an ADU under this chapter must comply with all applicable development standards of the zoning code. (F) Replacing or Converting Existing Structures.
(1) If an existing living area or a detached structure is demolished and replaced with an ADU, an ADU may be constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as the demolished structure. JADUs shall be limited to conversion of existing or proposed single-family residence including attached garages.
(2) If any portion of an existing structure crosses a property line, the structure may not be converted to or replaced with an ADU.
(H) The local agency shall not deny an application for a permit to create an ADU due to the correction of nonconforming zoning conditions, building code violations, or unpermitted structures that do not present a threat to public health and safety and are not affected by the construction of the accessory dwelling unit.

SEC. 16-465.7 ADU DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.

The following development standards apply to ADUs not meeting the requirements of California Government Code Section 66323:
(A) Maximum Size.
(1) The maximum size of a new attached ADU may not exceed 1,200 square feet or 50% of the total floor area, including attached accessory buildings or structure, of the primary single-family unit, whichever is less, determined by gross floor area of living space; however, shall not preclude an ADU of 800 square feet or less of interior livable space with 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
(2) The maximum size of a detached ADU determined by gross floor area of living space is as follows:
a. 850 square feet of interior livable space, if one bedroom or less; b. 1,200 square feet of interior livable space, if more than one bedroom. (B) Minimum Size.
(1) The minimum size of an ADU must be no less than the minimum size necessary for the creation of an efficiency unit consistent with the meaning of Cal. Health & Safety Code Section 17958.1.
(C) Maximum Height.
(1) The maximum height for attached and detached shall not exceed two stories and 25 feet.
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(D) Setbacks.
(1) The front yard setback is the same as the underlying zone. (2) The minimum of 4 feet for rear and side yard setbacks. (E) Interior Yard Space.
(1) Same as the underlying zone. Standards shall not prohibit an ADU of 800 square feet or less of interior livable floor area and has 4-foot side and rear yard setbacks, provided the ADU complies with all other applicable standards of this chapter. (F) Additions to Historic Structures. A building addition to a designated historic resource or potential historic resource, as defined in Chapter 16.42 (Historic Preservation), for an attached ADU shall be inset or separated by a connector that is offset eighteen inches or more from the parallel side or rear building wall to distinguish it from the historic structure. (G) Historic Resources. Detached ADUs on any real property listed in the California Register of Historic Resources must meet design standards meant to prevent adverse impacts on any real property listed in the California Register of Historical Resources. Where this section uses the term "consistent", that shall mean to be compatible and similar to that of the resource but not precisely the same for the purpose of complying with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Standards shall include, without limitation, the following provisions:
(1) Architecture. The ADU shall match the primary residence architectural style. Two or more architectural details such as, but not limited to, materials, window style, trimming, and/or decorative pendants/brackets shall be incorporated into the ADU with a simplified version. An example of a simplified version would be composite windows as an acceptable alternative to wood if they simulate the texture, appearance, and finish of a wood window.
(2) Color. The ADU shall match the color(s) of the existing primary residence. (3) Roof. Roof style and pitch shall match the primary residence. (4) Location. Newly constructed attached or detached ADUs shall be located behind the primary residence as viewed from the primary front lot line; however shall not preclude an ADU of 800 square feet or less with 4-foot side and rear setbacks in compliance with Section 16-465.5 (Government Code Section 66323).

SEC. 16-465.8 ADU DESIGN STANDARDS.

Design of an attached or detached ADU will be ministerially reviewed under the following objective standards not meeting the requirements of California Government Code Section 66323:
(A) The roof shall be sloped if the primary structure contains a sloped roof. (B) The roof shall consist of one of the following: wood shingle, wood shake, synthetic, composite shingle, ceramic tile, concrete tile, standing seam metal or copper roofing, except reflective surfaces shall not be permitted
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(C) Exterior siding shall be made of nonreflective and nonmetallic materials such as wood, stucco, ceramic tile, brick, stone, or other masonry materials, or any combination of these materials.

SEC. 16-465.9 ADU PARKING STANDARDS.

The following parking standards apply to ADUs not meeting the requirements of California Government Code Section 66323:
(A) Number. The parking requirement for an attached or detached ADU is one open or enclosed parking space per unit. No additional parking, or reconfiguration of existing parking on the lot, is required for an internal ADU.
(B) Location. Required parking spaces may be provided as tandem parking on a driveway.

Off-street parking is permitted in setback areas in locations determined by the city or through tandem parking, unless specific findings are made that parking in setback areas or tandem parking is not feasible based upon specific site or regional topographical or fire and life safety conditions.
(C) Exemptions. No parking is required for an ADU in any of the following instances:

1. The ADU is located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit.

2. The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.

3. The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence.

4. The ADU is a conversion of an existing permitted accessory structure.

5. When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the ADU.

6. When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the ADU.

7. When a permit application for an ADU is submitted with a permit application to create a new single-family dwelling or a new multifamily dwelling on the same lot, provided that the ADU or the parcel satisfies any other exemption criteria listed in this section. (D) Replacement of Existing Parking. When a garage, carport, covered parking structure, or uncovered off-street parking space is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU, replacement parking stalls are not required.

SEC. 16-465.10 JADU DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
(A) Number. One JADU is permitted per residential lot zoned for single-family dwelling units with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling.
(B) Size. A JADU may have a maximum size of 500 square feet of living area and must be contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family dwelling. For purposes of this section, enclosed uses within the residence, such as attached garages, are considered a part of the proposed or existing single-family residence. 855
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(C) Entrance. A JADU must include a separate entrance from the main entrance to the primary residence.
(D) Kitchen. A JADU must include an efficiency kitchen that includes the following:
(1) A cooking facility with appliances (which must include, at minimum, a sink and a refrigerator); and,
(2) A food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of reasonable size in relation to the size of the JADU.
(E) Parking. No additional parking is required for a JADU. (F) Sanitation. A JADU may, but is not required to, include separate sanitation facilities. If separate sanitation facilities are not provided, the JADU must share sanitation facilities with the single-family dwelling unit and must have direct access to the residence from the interior of the JADU.
(G) State Law. The JADU must comply with the requirements of Article 3 (commencing with Section 66333) of Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the California Government Code.

SEC. 16-465.11 UTILITY STANDARDS.
(A) All ADUs and JADUs must be connected to public utilities, including water, electric, and sewer services and all such connections are subject to state law and the requirements of the serving utility provider.
(B) The city may require the installation of a new or separate water utility connection between the ADU and the utility, in accordance with Oxnard City Code, except as described in B(1) below. The connection fee or capacity charge must be proportionate to the burden of the proposed ADU based on either its square feet or the number of drainage fixture unit values as defined in the Uniform Plumbing Code.
(1) Notwithstanding, Government Code Section 6611.5, subdivision (d) states that for a unit created subject to Section 66323, subdivision (a)(1) a local agency, special district, or water corporation shall not require the applicant to install a new or separate utility connection directly between the ADU or JADU and the utility or impose a related connection fee or capacity charge, unless the ADU or JADU was constructed with a new single-family dwelling, or upon separate conveyance of the ADU pursuant to Section 66342.
(C) Existing water and wastewater service laterals and/or lines and/or meters may be required to upgrade to a capacity that includes the ADU.
(D) ADUs shall not be considered by a local agency, special district, or water corporation to be a new residential use for the purposes of calculating connection fees or capacity charges for utilities, including water and sewer service.
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(E) New utility connection or payment of impact fees shall not be required for an ADU of less than 750 square feet of interior livable space or a JADU that has 500 square feet of interior livable space or less. For ADUs that include a 150 square-foot exterior expansion, the 150 square feet count towards the 750 square-foot interior livable space limit. For example, a 700 square-foot interior conversion ADU with a 150 square-foot exterior expansion for ingress and egress would count as an 850 square-foot ADU for the purpose of calculating fees.
(F) Any impact fees charged for an ADU that has more than 750 square feet of interior livable space shall be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit. “Proportionately” means an amount in relation to a total amount of the impact fee for the primary dwelling. For example, a 2,000 square-foot primary dwelling with a proposed 1,000 square-foot ADU may result in 50 percent of the impact fee that is charged for a new primary dwelling on the same site. Impact fees for an ADU that has more than 750 square feet of interior livable space on a lot with a multifamily dwelling shall be charged at the adopted multi-family rate appropriate for the construction type. (G) For purposes of this division, City of Oxnard water or sewer connection fees or capacity charges are not included as impact fees.

SEC. 16-465.12 OCCUPANCY, SALE, AND RENTAL OF PROPERTY. (A) Occupancy.
(1) ADU - the primary residence or the ADU is not required to be occupied by the property owner.
(2) JADU - owner-occupancy is required for a single family residence with a JADU if the JADU has shared sanitation facilities with the existing structure. The owner may reside in either the remaining portion of the structure or the newly created JADU.

Owner-occupancy is not required if the JADU has separate sanitation facilities, or if the owner is a governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization. (B) Sale of ADU.
(1) ADU - The ADU may be sold or offered for sale or conveyance separately from the primary dwelling unit, pursuant to requirements under California Government Code Section 66341, or as the separate conveyance of the primary dwelling unit and ADU or units as condominiums pursuant to the requirements under California Government Code Section 66342.
(2) JADU - The JADU shall not be sold or offered for sale or conveyance separately from the primary dwelling.
(C) Rental of ADUs.
(1) The ADU and/or the primary dwelling unit may be rented. 857
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(2) For residences with a JADU subject to the owner occupancy requirement of Section 16-465.12(A)(2), the JADU or the primary dwelling unit may be rented, with the owner residing in either the primary unit or the JADU.
(3) Rental terms for ADUs and JADUs shall be longer than 30 days. (D) JADU Recorded agreement - Unless otherwise changed by State law or exempted in Sec. 16-465.12(A)(2), before building permit issuance for a JADU, an agreement affecting real property shall be recorded against the property that imposes specific restrictions on the property including the following:
(1) Prohibition on the sale of the JADU separate from the sale of the single-family residence, including a statement that the deed restriction may be enforced against future owners; (2) Occupancy of the property by the owner of the property; (3) Restriction on the size and attributes of the JADU that conforms to California Government Code Section 66333.
(4) The language of the agreement affecting real property shall be approved by the City of Oxnard prior to its recordation.
(5) This section and the owner-occupancy requirement does not apply for units with separate independent sanitation facilities or if the owner is a governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.

SEC. 16-465.13 CONFLICTING PROVISIONS.

Except as expressly provided in this division, to the extent that any provisions of this code conflict with any provisions of this division, the provisions of this division will control. To the extent any provisions of this division conflict with state law, the mandatory requirements of state law will control, but only to the extent legally required. 858

CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD
ORDINANCE NO. __________

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
OXNARD AMENDING CHAPTER 16 (ZONING) OF THE OXNARD
CITY CODE §16-20 THROUGH 16-24 AND DEVELOPMENT DESIGN
REVIEW PERMIT §16-525 TO STREAMLINE DEVELOPMENT OF

SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING UNITS AND CONSOLIDATE PERMIT

PROCEDURES FOR RESIDENTIAL ZONES TO OXNARD CITY
CODE ARTICLE VII. PERMIT PROCEDURES. FILED BY CITY OF
OXNARD, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, 214
SOUTH C STREET, OXNARD, CA, 93030.

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Oxnard has considered Zone Text Amendment (ZTA) PZ No. 25-580-02, filed by the City of Oxnard Community Development Department, to amend Chapter 16 of the Oxnard City Code (OCC); and WHEREAS, the proposed amendment will update the Residential ZoneDevelopment Design Review (DDR) permit procedures in OCC Section 16-525 to amend the zoning code to remove the DDR requirement for single-family dwelling units only requiring a building permit to provide a streamlined process for the development community, thereby reducing a barrier to development. The changes to the existing procedures are proposed in the residential land use matrix in OCC Section 16-22 and 16-525; and
WHEREAS, on November 6, 2025 the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the amendments to Chapter 16 of the OCC to implement the adopted a Resolution recommending that the City Council approve Planning & Zoning Permit No. 25-580-02 (Zone Text Amendment); and
WHEREAS, on December 16, 2025, the City Council of the City of Oxnard conducted a duly noticed public hearing to consider Planning and Zoning Permit No. 25-580-02 (Zone Text Amendment) in accordance with the OCC, and
WHEREAS, the City Council received written and verbal comments from the public; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds the proposed ZTA is in the public interest and general welfare by streamlining single-family dwelling unit development to remove barriers. There are no changes recommended under the proposed ZTA that would reduce or compromise existing standards that protect the health, safety or general welfare of the City; and WHEREAS, the proposed ZTA does not involve any direct physical changes to the environment. There are no changes in landforms or an intensification of land uses as a part of the proposed ZTA and all public services for existing land uses will remain as-is, with no changes and no diminishment of service or safety; and
WHEREAS, the proposed ZTA to Chapter 16 of the OCC would establish specific provisions consistent with the action items and policy directives in the 2030 General Plan; and 859
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WHEREAS, the City Council determined that this action is exempt from environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15060(c)(2) and (3) and 15061(b)(3) as this ZTA is a regulatory action which will not result in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and when it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment are not subject to CEQA; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest, consistent with the 2030 General Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Oxnard does ordain as follows:

Section 1. Oxnard City Code Chapter 16, Article III, Division 2, Residential Zones Section 16-20 through 16-24 are amended to read as follows (Only underlined portions are to be added and strikethrough portions deleted):
“SEC. 16-20. PURPOSE.

The following are descriptions of the purpose and intent of each one of the residential zoning districts in the city. All permitted and conditionally permitted uses shall be consistent with the purpose and intent of the respective zone.
(A) R-1 (Single Family Zone). The purpose of the R-1 zone is to provide a district for low density, single-family dwellings, and selected related uses by special use planning permits, and second dwelling units subject to certain conditions. This zone district also allows for manufactured homes on permanent foundations, and farm worker housing serving six or fewer persons pursuant to statutory requirements.
(B) R-2 (Multi-Family Zone). The purpose of the R-2 zone is to provide a district of low-density, multi-family dwellings, as well as emergency shelters for families, and supportive housing pursuant to statutory requirements that maintain a residential character suitable for locations abutting single-family dwellings.
(C) R-3 (Garden Apartment Zone). The purpose of the R-3 zone is to provide a district of moderate-density, multiple-family dwellings, as well as emergency shelters for families, transitional housing, and supportive housing pursuant to statutory requirements, suitable for locations abutting commercial centers and in other locations where moderate density is warranted.
(D) R-4 (High Rise Zone). The purpose of the R-4 zone is to provide a district for high-density, multi-family dwellings, emergency shelters for families, transitional housing, and supportive housing pursuant to statutory requirements, and other uses suitable for location within the city core and in other selected areas.
(E) MH-PD (Mobile Home Planned Development Zone). The purpose of the R-4 MH-PD zone is to provide a district for the development of mobile home parks and to permit mobile 860
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home use for single-family, farm worker housing, small, licensed residential care facilities, as well as supportive housing pursuant to statutory requirements. (`64 Code, Sec. 34-36) (Ord. No. 893, 1019, 2026, 3037) SEC. 16-21. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL USES.

The required permit for a respective residential land use is indicated in Section 16-22, residential land use matrix. The permit requirements are as provided for in this chapter and as further provided for below in Chapter 16 Article VII - Permit Procedures. (A) Zoning clearance. Permitted uses are subject to the requirement for approval of a zone clearance in accordance with this chapter. The permit application requirements and process for a zoning clearance are set forth in Article VII, Division 1 of this chapter. (B) Site plan review (SPR) permit. A SPR permit may be used for developments where the State has mandated that the city's approval must be ministerial. The permit application requirements and process for SPR permit are set forth in Article VII, Division 1A of this chapter. (C) Development design review (DDR) permit. The permit application requirements and process for DDR permit are set forth in Article VII, Division 2 of this chapter. (1) A DDR permit is required for all new construction unless a special use permit, site plan review or other zoning permit is required under this chapter. A DDR permit is also required for the review and approval of a use which requires administrative review to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter and other regulatory requirements. (2) For the review of uses proposed to be located in existing structures, the Director may determine the level of information and plans required.
(D) Special use permit (SUP). The permit application requirements and process for a special use permit are set forth in Article VII, Division 3 of this chapter. (E) Minor modifications. Where a planning permit such as a special use permit, planned development permit, development design review permit or site plan review has been previously approved, the Director may elect to modify that existing permit in lieu of requiring the application and approval of a new special use or development design review permit for a proposed physical modification or use clearance, provided such physical modification is within the parameters for minor modifications provided for in this chapter or by administrative policy. The requirements and process for modifications to a special use permit are set forth in Article VII, Division 4 of this chapter. Modifications to a site plan review permit are set forth in Article VII, Division 1A of this chapter. Modifications to a development design review permit are processed in the same manner as the original development design review permit as set forth in Article VII, Division 2. 861
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(FA) Specific plan permit requirements. For development in areas within a designated specific plan, the specific plan will identify the processing requirements for uses. Where the specific plan is silent on a use or process, or where State law allows for a use (e.g., accessory dwelling units), the following table identifies the permit processing requirements. (Ord. No. 3037)
SEC. 16-22. RESIDENTIAL LAND USES BY ZONE: RESIDENTIAL LAND USE MATRIX.

The allowable land uses in the residential zoning districts are identified in the following table.

Residential Land Use Matrix
Key: Blank: Not Allowed X: Prohibited Use
P: Permitted Use SPR: Site Plan Review
SUP: Special Use Permit DDR: Development Design Review Permit Land Use Zone District
R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 MH-PD Notes
Accessory buildings,
including other uses
customarily incidental to
the permitted residential
use
P P P P See Sections
16-300 and
16-301
Accessory dwelling units P P P P P Refer to Article V,
Division 13
Accessory uses normally
incidental to mobile
home parks
P
Adult day care facilities
serving no more than 6
adults

P P P P P
Adult day care facilities
serving 7 to 15 adults

SUP SUP SUP
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Adult day care facilities
serving more than 15
adults

SUP SUP
Assisted living
residential facility,
State-licensed, serving 7
or more persons

SUP SUP SUP
Babysitting, accessory P P P P P
Bed and breakfast inn SUP SUP Refer to Article V,
Division 3
Childcare centers
serving no more than 6
children

P P P P P
Childcare centers
serving no more than 15
children

SUP SUP SUP
Childcare centers
serving more than 15
children

SUP SUP
Churches SUP SUP SUP SUP
Common recreation
facilities and structures
P
Condominiums SUP SUP SUP SUP See Section
16-395
Congregate living health
facilities no more than 6
beds

P P P P P
Congregate living health
facilities of 7 to 15 beds

SUP SUP SUP SUP SUP
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Congregate living health
facilities more than 15
beds

SUP SUP SUP
Convents serving no
more than 15 person

SUP SUP SUP
Emergency shelters for
families
SUP SUP SUP Refer to Section
16-504
Farmworker employee
housing serving 6 or
fewer persons

DDR DDR DDR DDR DDR
Grounds, landscaping,
flower and vegetable
gardens and fruit trees,
not grown expressly for
profit

P P P P
Grounds, private
greenhouses and
horticultural collections,
flower and vegetable
gardens and fruit trees,
not grown expressly for
profit

P P P P
High-density apartments DDR
Home occupations with
a home occupation
permit
P P P P P Refer to Article V,
Division 6
Hospitals and
convalescent hospitals

SUP SUP
Large family day care
homes that the Planning
Manager finds to comply
with the standards
P P P P P See Section
16-440
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Manufactured housing
consisting of
single-family dwellings
constructed by modular
manufactured methods
or mobile homes
certified under the
National Mobile Homes
Construction and Safety
Standards Act of 1974,
provided such homes
are of a permanent
character secured to a
permanent foundation
DDR
P
DDR
P
DDR
P
DDR
P
SUP
Mobile home and mobile
home accessory
equipment sales
SUP See Section 16-25
Mobile home parks SUP See Section 16-25
Multiple-family
residential development

DDR DDR DDR
Multifamily residential
uses up to 30 dwelling
units per acre on parcels
in the AHP additive zone

SPR SPR SPR
Multifamily residential
uses up to 30 dwelling
units per acre on parcels
in the AHD additive zone

SUP SUP SUP
Off-street parking P P P P P Refer to Article X
Office for mobile home
space rental in a mobile
home or in a recreation
building only
SUP
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Private clubs,
fraternities, sororities,
and lodges, excepting
those the chief activity of
which is a service
customarily carried on as
a business

SUP SUP
Private or parochial
schools, except those of
a correctional nature or
those intended for the
mentally handicapped

SUP SUP SUP
Public or private parks
and playgrounds

SUP SUP SUP SUP SUP
Public parking on R-3
lots adjacent to or across
from the alley from C-2
lots
P
Public schools,
elementary, junior high,
high school, colleges

SUP SUP SUP SUP SUP
Public utility structure SUP SUP SUP SUP SUP
Residential care facilities
serving no more than 6
persons

P P P P P
Residential care facilities
serving 7 or more
persons

DDR DDR DDR
Residential stock
cooperatives and
community apartments
SUP SUP SUP See Section
16-395
Short-term rentals with
short term rental permit
P P P P Refer to Article XI
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Single room occupancy
(SRO)
SUP See section
16-441
Signs P P P P Refer to Article IX
Single-family dwelling
conventionally built and
of a permanent
character. (Separate
servants' quarters may
be established in
connection with
single-family dwellings of
9 rooms or larger,
exclusive of bathrooms,
when such dwellings are
located on lots of not
less than 10,000 sq. ft.).

Development Design
Review Permit not
required.

DDR
P
DDR
P
DDR
P
DDR
P
Small residential health
or care facilities,
State-licensed, serving
no more than 6 persons,
or small family daycare
home, State-certified or
licensed, serving no
more than 8 children.

P P P P P
Storage, incidental to
permitted uses,
contained within an
accessory building

P P P P
Supportive housing DDR SPR SPR SPR
Swim clubs, tennis
clubs, golf courses, and
similar uses incidental to

SUP SUP SUP SUP
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a residential tract or
development
Temporary uses with
temporary use permit,
including temporary
sales or rental office,
caretaker unit on
construction site, model
home, and similar uses
determined by the
Director to be compatible
with the zone and
surround land uses
P P P P P Refer to Article V,
Division 15
Timeshares X SUP X
Townhouse
condominiums or other
community ownership
unit, including
condominium conversion
SUP SUP SUP SUP Refer to Article V,
Divisions 5 and 6
Traditional bed and
breakfast (homestay),
only in the Wilson
Neighborhood
DDR DDR DDR DDR Refer Article V,
Division 3
Traditional bed and
breakfast (homestay)
SUP SUP SUP SUP Refer to Article V,
Division 3
Traditional Transitional
housing

DDR DDR
Wireless
communications
facilities, stealth
SUP SUP SUP SUP SUP Refer to Article V,
Division 16
* A development design review permit is required for all new construction unless a special use permit, site plan review or other zoning permit is required under this chapter. (Ord. No. 3037)
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SEC. 16-23. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.

The following table sets forth development standards for all of the residential zone districts in the city. All permitted and conditionally permitted uses shall be consistent with the purpose and intent of the respective zone.

Development Standards
Standard Zone District
R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 MH-PD
Minimum
dwelling size
1,000 sq. ft.,
exclusive of
garages,
carports, or any
accessory
building
1 bdrm unit: 450
sq. ft.
2+ bdrm unit:
800 sq. ft.
1 bdrm unit: 450
sq. ft.
2+ bdrm unit:
800 sq. ft.
1 bdrm unit: 450
sq. ft.
2+ bdrm unit:
800 sq. ft.

NA
Height permitted Two stories up to
25 ft.

Two stories up to
25 ft.

Three stories up
to 35 ft.

Four stories up
to 45 ft.*
See Section
16-24 for
additional
requirements
Minimum lot
area/density
6,000 sq. ft. 3,500 sq. ft. of
lot area for each
dwelling unit.

See Section
16-24 for
additional
requirements
2,400 sq. ft. of
lot area for each
dwelling unit.

See Section
16-24 for
additional
requirements
1,500 sq. ft. of
lot area for each
dwelling unit.

See Section
16-24 for
additional
requirements
3,000 sq. ft.
minimum lot area;

6.5 mobile home
lots per gross
acre.

See Section
16-25 for
additional
requirements
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Front yard
setback
20 ft.; or the
average for 60%
of block, but not
less than 15 ft.
min.

See Section
16-24 for
additional
requirements
25% of the depth
of the lot, not
less than 25 ft.
or more than 60
ft.

See Section
16-24 for
additional
requirements
20 ft.; 15 ft. if
access to all
parking is from
an alley
20 ft.; 15 ft. if
access to all
parking is from
an alley
10 ft.
20 ft. from public
way or other
residential or
commercial zone
or use.

See Section
16-25 for
additional
requirements
Interior yard side
yard setback
10% of the width
of the lot, but not
less than 3 ft.,
and need not
exceed 5 ft.
10% of the width
of the lot, but not
less than 3 ft.,
and need not
exceed 5 ft.
5 ft. for 1-2 story
buildings, 7.5 ft.
for 2.5 story
buildings
5 ft. for 1-2 story
buildings,
increased by 2.5
ft. for each
additional story
10 ft.

Corner lot side
yard setback
50% of front yard
setback for lot
See Section
16-24 for
additional
requirements
Same as interior
lots, except for
reverse corner
lot.

Reverse corner
lot side yard
setback on the
street side shall
be 50% of the
front yard in the
rear of the
corner lot.

See Section
16-24 for
additional
requirements
One-half the
required front
yard
10 ft. 10 ft.
20 ft. from the
public way or
other residential
or commercial
zone or use.

See Section
16-25 for
additional
requirements
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Rear yard
setback
25% of depth of
lot and need not
exceed 25 ft.;
Additions and
detached
structures to
maintain a 15 ft.
setback
See Section
16-24 for
additional
requirements
25% of depth of
lot not to exceed
25 ft.
25 ft. 5 ft. for 1-2 story
buildings,
increased by 2.5
ft. for each
additional story
10 ft.
20 ft. from public
way or other
residential or
commercial zone
or use.

See Section
16-25 for
additional
requirements
Interior yard
space
15% minimum or
900 sq. ft.,
whichever is less
and be
completely open
from ground to
sky**
See Section
16-24 for
additional
requirements
30% of lot area,
minimum 15 ft.
by 15 ft. area,
and completely
open from
ground to sky**
See Section
16-24 for
additional
requirements
30% of lot area,
minimum 15 ft.
by 15 ft. area,
and completely
open from
ground to sky**
See Section
16-24 for
additional
requirements
30% of lot area,
minimum 15 ft.
by 15 ft. area,
and completely
open from
ground to sky**
See Section
16-24 for
additional
requirements
450 sq. ft.,
minimum 15 ft. by
15 ft., completely
open from ground
to sky
See Section
16-25 for
additional
requirements
Space for
accessory
buildings
If 1 story in
height with same
required front,
rear, and side
yard setbacks as
main building
May occupy rear
yard setback if 1
story and located
6 ft. from nearest
part of main
building
May occupy rear
yard setback if 1
story and located
6 ft. from nearest
part of main
building
May occupy rear
yard setback if 1
story and located
6 ft. from nearest
part of main
building
Covered patios
and covered
parking spaces
may project into
the required 10 ft.
setback a
maximum of 5 ft.

See Section
16-25 for
additional
requirements
*Additional height may be allowed with approval of a SUP. **Except for a patio, pergola, or a roof or balcony overhang not exceeding 30 in. 871
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(Ord. No. 3037)
SEC. 16-24. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO R-1, R-2, R-3 AND R-4.

The purpose of this section is to provide regulations specific to the respective residential zoning categories as follows.
(A) R-1 zone.
(1) (a) Architectural standards. The following exterior architectural standards shall apply to all single-family dwellings including mobile homes located in an R-1 zone:

1. a. Exterior siding shall be made of nonreflective and nonmetallic materials.

Acceptable siding material includes wood, stucco, ceramic tile, brick, stone, or other masonry materials, or any combination of these materials.

2. b. Color/texture of exterior materials shall include one main color and maximum of three accent colors, including the roof material, prohibiting neon or fluorescent colors as the main building color. be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood adjacent single-family structures.

3. c. Roof structures, except for authorized deck areas, shall be sloped and provide an eave projection of no less than six inches and no greater than 30 inches.

4. d. Roofing material shall consist of one of the following: wood shingle, wood shake, synthetic, composite shingle, ceramic tile, concrete tile, standing seam metal or copper roofing, except reflective surfaces shall not be permitted on the residential structure or on any garage or carport.
(b) A finding that a proposed residential structure complies with the foregoing architectural standards shall be made as part of the required special use permit or planned development permit.
(c) If the proposed structure does not entail a special use permit or planned development permit, the director shall make a finding of compliance. ('64 Code, Sec. 34-36.3) (Ord. No. 1373)
(2) R-1 lot requirements.
(a) Minimum lot area. Every newly created lot shall have a lot area of not less than 6,000 square feet.
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(b) Minimum lot frontage. The frontage measured at the front lot line shall be at least 50 feet. Frontage for this purpose shall be defined as the linear measurement between the two side property lines at their point of tangency with the curb. (c) Minimum lot dimensions.

1. Interior lots shall be no less than 60 feet in width.

2. Corner lots shall be no less than 75 feet in width.

3. The depth of a lot shall be at least 100 feet.
(3) R-1 front yard.
(a) There shall be a front yard setback of not less than 20 feet; except that houses constructed with garages having a swing driveway, with the entrance facing the side property line, may have a minimum 15-foot setback. Where standard dwellings within any block vary from the required setback, the average setback of such standard dwellings shall determine the required setback within that block if the standard dwellings comprise at least 60% of the block. (b) In calculating the average setback, houses on reverse corner lots and houses wholly on the rear half of the lot shall not be counted. In no case shall setbacks of less than 15 feet be allowed, or setbacks of more than 60 feet be required.
(c) There shall be a distance of not less than 20 feet, measured at the center line of the driveway, between the garage door and the front property line. ('64 Code, Sec. 34-40) (Ord. No. 893, 946, 1019, 1409, 1611) (4) R-1 side yard.
(a) On interior lots there shall be a side yard on each side of a building of not less than 10% of the width of the lot; provided that such side yard shall not be less than three feet and need not exceed five feet in width.
(b) On corner lots the side yard regulation shall be the same as for the interior lots except in the case of a reversed corner lot. In the case of a reversed corner lot, there shall be a side yard on the street side of the corner lot of not less than 50% of the front yard required on the lots in the rear of such corner lot, and no accessory building on the corner lot shall project beyond the front yard line on the lots in the rear; provided further that this regulation shall not be so interpreted as to reduce the buildable width (after providing the required interior side yard) of a reversed corner lot of record on March 29, 1945, to less than 28 feet, nor to prohibit the erection of an accessory building where this regulation cannot reasonably be complied with. 873
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('64 Code, Sec. 34-41) (Ord. No. 893, 1019)
(5) R-1 rear yard.
(a) There shall be a rear yard of not less than 25% of the depth of the lot; provided, such rear yard need not exceed 25 feet.
(b) Single-story and two-story additions projecting into the required rear yard may be made if attached to existing single-family dwellings provided such additions maintain a minimum 15-foot setback from the rear property line for those lots not abutting an alley; and for those lots having rear property lines that abut a street, alley or parking space maintained by the public and more than 20 feet wide, the addition shall maintain a 15-foot setback from the center line of the street, alley or open space and in no case less than five feet from the rear property line. ('64 Code, Sec. 34-42) (Ord. No. 893, 1409, 1611)
(6) R-1 interior yard space. Interior yard space shall be provided on each lot equal to at least 15% of the lot area, or 900 square feet, whichever is less, and shall be completely open from ground to sky except for a patio, pergola, or a roof or balcony overhang not exceeding 30 inches. Interior yard space may include all of that open area from the required front yard setback line to the rear property line which has a minimum dimension of 10 feet by 15 feet. ('64 Code, Sec. 34-42.1) (Ord. No. 893, 1019, 1777, 1611) (7) R-1 space accessory buildings may occupy. An accessory building is permitted if the accessory building is not more than one story in height and maintains the same required front, rear and side yard setback as the main building.
('64 Code, Sec. 34-42.2) (Ord. No. 1409, 1611)
(B) R-2 zone.
(1) R-2 density. There shall be at least 3,500 square feet of lot area for each dwelling unit.

No more than one dwelling unit may be constructed on any lot with an average width of less than 50 feet or with an area less than 7,000 square feet. Any lot of record on May 21, 1981, which is 6,000 or more square feet may contain two dwelling units, provided the lot meets the minimum width required by this section.
('64 Code, Sec. 34-53) (Ord. No. 904, 1019, 1333, 1862, 1866) (2) R-2 front yard.
(a) There shall be a front yard of not less than 25% of the depth of the lot, provided such front yard need not exceed 25 feet. Where standard dwellings within any block vary from the 874
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required setback, the average of such standard dwellings shall determine the required setback for that block if such standard dwellings comprise at least 60% of the block. In calculating such average setback, houses on reversed corner lots and houses wholly on the rear half of a lot shall not be counted.
(b) In no case shall setbacks of less than 25 feet be allowed, or more than 60 feet be required. Where six or more dwellings are to be built concurrently within a given block, front yards of that block may average a minimum of 20 feet, provided houses within each block are staggered between 15 to 25 feet, and provided further that there shall be a distance of not less than 20 feet measured at the center line of the driveway between the garage door and the front property line.
(‘64 Code, Sec. 34-54) (Ord. No. 904, 1611)
(3) R-2 side yard.
(a) On interior lots there shall be a side yard on each side of a building of not less than 10% of the width of the lot, provided that such side yard shall not be less than three feet and need not exceed five feet in width.
(b) On corner lots the side yard regulation shall be the same as for interior lots except in the case of a reversed corner lot. In this case, there shall be a side yard on the street side of the corner lot of not less than 50% of the front yard required on the lots in the rear of such corner lot, and no accessory building on the corner lot shall project beyond the front yard line on the lots in the rear. This regulation shall not be interpreted to reduce the buildable width (after providing the required interior side yard) of a reversed corner lot of record on March 29, 1945, to less than 25 feet, nor to prohibit the erection of an accessory building where this regulation cannot reasonably be complied with.
('64 Code, Sec. 34-55) (Ord. No. 904, 1611)
(4) R-2 interior yard space.
(a) Each lot shall provide for interior yard space in an area equal to at least 30% of the lot area. This interior yard space shall be completely open from ground to sky except for a patio or pergola or the projections of those items referred to in Sections 16-304, 16-305, 16-306, and 16-307.
(b) Each interior yard space area shall have a minimum dimension of 15 by 15 feet. (c) The interior yard space shall be completely separate from any area required for automobile circulation.
('64 Code, Sec. 34-57) (Ord. No. 904, 1237, 1409, 1862, 1866, 2152) 875
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(C) R-3 zone.
(1) R-3 density.
(a) Except as provided in this section, there shall be at least 2,400 square feet of lot area for each dwelling unit. No more than two dwelling units shall be constructed on any lot with an average width between 50 and 60 feet.
(b) No more than one dwelling unit shall be constructed on any lot with an average width less than 40 feet.
(c) Any lot of record on May 21, 1981, which has more than 4,800 square feet may contain three dwelling units, provided the lot meets the minimum width requirement herein. ('64 Code, Sec. 34-60) (Ord. No. 970, 1019, 1862, 1866) (2) R-3 interior yard. Each lot shall provide for interior yard space in an area equal to at least 30% of the lot area. This interior yard space shall be completely open from ground to sky except for a patio or pergola or the projections of those items referred to in Sections 16-304 through 16-307. The interior yard space shall be located in an area between the required front yard setback and the rear property line. Each interior yard space area shall have a minimum dimension of 15 by 15 feet. The interior yard space shall be completely separate from any area required for automobile circulation. Twenty-five percent of the required interior yard space may be on decks if such decks have a minimum dimension of ten feet and a minimum of 200 square feet, and are directly accessible from the units served. All decks shall be open to the sky except for allowed roof projections and shall be provided with flooring and railings suitable for outdoor activity.
('64 Code, Sec. 34-63.1) (Ord. No. 970, 1019, 1237, 1409, 1862, 1866, 2152) (D) R-4 zone.
(1) R-4 building height. Four stories shall be permitted but shall not exceed 45 feet except as otherwise provided in this chapter. However, buildings not exceeding 11 stories or 100 feet maximum may be approved by special use permit as provided in Sections 16-530 to 16-553. ('64 Code, Sec. 34-66) (Ord. No. 1037, 1409, 1574)
(2) R-4 density. There shall be at least 1,500 square feet of lot area for each dwelling unit.

No more than two dwelling units shall be constructed on any lot with an average width between 40 and 50 feet or with an area between 4,000 and 5,000 square feet. No more than one single-family dwelling unit shall be constructed on any lot with an average width less than 40 feet or an area less than 4,000 square feet. Any lot with an average width between 65 and 50 feet shall comply with the R-3 zone standards.
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('64 Code, Sec. 34-67) (Ord. No. 1037, 1862, 1866)
(3) R-4 interior yard. Each lot shall provide for interior yard space in an area equal to at least 30% of the lot area. This interior yard space shall be completely open from ground to sky except for a patio or pergola or the projections of those items referred to in Sections 16-304 through 16-307. The interior yard space shall be located in an area between the required front yard setback and the rear property line. Each interior yard space area shall have a minimum dimension of 15 by 15 feet. The interior yard space shall be completely separate from any area required for automobile circulation. Twenty-five percent of the required interior yard space may be on decks if such decks have a minimum dimension of ten feet and a minimum of 200 square feet, and are directly accessible from the units served. All decks shall be open to the sky except for allowed roof projections and shall be provided with flooring and railings suitable for outdoor activity.
('64 Code, Sec. 34-63.1) (Ord. No. 970, 1019, 1237, 1409, 1862, 1866, 2152) (Ord. No. 3037)
—
SECTION 2. Oxnard City Code Chapter 16, Article VII, Division 2, Section 16-525 is amended to read as follows (Only underlined portions are to be added, strikethrough portions deleted, and the remaining Article and Division to remain unchanged):

DIVISION 2. DEVELOPMENT DESIGN REVIEW PERMIT
SEC. 16-525. PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY.
(A) This division establishes the procedures for conducting an administrative-level discretionary review of certain development applications, as identified in this chapter. This process requires the Director to verify that certain new or expanded uses, activities, structures, or development of land complies with all applicable policies, ordinances, and/or regulations of the city.
(B) Prior to the issuance of building permits for buildings or structures for uses for which this chapter does not require a special use permit or other zoning permit, an application for an administrative a development design review permit shall be filed with the Director, except for new single-family dwellings permitted in Section 16-22, which can be submitted directly for building permit review.
(Ord. No. 3039)”
SECTION 3. The City Council finds that the Zone Text Amendment is internally consistent with all other provisions of the City of Oxnard 2030 General Plan. 877
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SECTION 4. The City Council finds that the Zone Text Amendment will not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City and is in the best interests and welfare of the City and its residents.

SECTION 5. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is determined to be invalid, illegal or unconstitutional by a decision or order of any court of competent jurisdiction, then decision or order shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have passed and adopted this Ordinance, and each section, sentence, subsection, clause, phrase, part or portion thereof, regardless of the fact that any one or more sections, sentences, subsections, clauses, phrases, be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 6. Cumulative Ordinance. Nothing in this Ordinance shall be interpreted to allow any land use which is not expressly listed as permitted or conditionally permitted within the City’s Zoning Code.

SECTION 7. Exempt from CEQA. The City Council determines and finds that the adoption of this Ordinance is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and (3) and 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines to the California Environmental Quality Act because the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA because the project is limited to updating the existing sections of the OCC and will not directly result in any physical development or authorize new uses. Therefore, CEQA does not apply to this action.

SECTION 8. Pursuant to Government Code Section 36933(c)(1), the City Attorney was designated to prepare, and the City Clerk published, a summary of this Ordinance, and a certified copy the Ordinance was posted in the Office of the City Clerk a minimum of five days before the City Council’s adoption of the Ordinance.

SECTION 9. The City Clerk shall certify as to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause summary thereof to be published within fifteen calendar (15) days of the adoption and shall post a certified copy of this Ordinance, including for and against the same, in the office of the City Clerk, in accordance with Government Code Section 36933. Ordinance No. _________ was first read on December 16, 2025, and finally adopted on ___________, to become effective thirty (30) days thereafter.
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APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of December 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
_____________________________
Luis A. Mc Arthur, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________ ___________________________ Lourdes A. López, City Clerk Stephen M. Fischer, City Attorney 879

CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD
ORDINANCE NO. __________

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
OXNARD AMENDING CHAPTER 16 (ZONING) OF THE OXNARD
CITY CODE §16-10 DEFINITIONS, § 16-622 SCHEDULE OF
OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS, AND §16-560 THROUGH
16-561.1 MODIFICATIONS TO SPECIAL USE PERMITS. FILED BY

CITY OF OXNARD, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT,
214 SOUTH C STREET, OXNARD, CA, 93030.

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Oxnard has considered Zone Text Amendment (ZTA) PZ No. 25-580-02, filed by the City of Oxnard Community Development Department, to amend Chapter 16 of the Oxnard City Code (OCC); and WHEREAS, the amendment will update the Definitions, Off-Street Parking Requirements, and Modifications to Permit procedures in OCC Sections 16-10, Section 16-622, and 16-560 through 16-561.1 to provide clarification, consistency, and organization of the zoning code for ease of use and provide greater certainty of interpretations for future development, thereby reducing confusion; and
WHEREAS, on November 6, 2025 the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the amendments to Chapter 16 of the OCC to implement Zoning Text Amendments (ZTA) adopted a Resolution recommending that the City Council approve Planning & Zoning Permit No. 25-580-02 (Zone Text Amendment); and
WHEREAS, on December 16, 2025, the City Council of the City of Oxnard conducted a duly noticed public hearing to consider Planning and Zoning Permit No. 25-580-02 (Zone Text Amendment) in accordance with the OCC, and
WHEREAS, the City Council received written and verbal comments from the public; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds the proposed Zoning Text Amendment is in the public interest and general welfare by providing clarification and organization of the OCC Definitions, Parking, and Modification Permit process to align with City interpretations, policies, and procedures. There are no changes recommended under the proposed ZTA that would reduce or compromise existing standards that protect the health, safety or general welfare of the City; and
WHEREAS, the proposed ZTA does not involve any direct physical changes to the environment. There are no changes in landforms or an intensification of land uses as a part of the proposed ZTA and all public services for existing land uses will remain as-is, with no changes and no diminishment of service or safety; and
WHEREAS, the proposed ZTA to Chapter 16 of the OCC would establish specific provisions consistent with the action items and policy directives in the 2030 General Plan; and 880
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NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Oxnard does ordain as follows:

SECTION 1. Oxnard City Code Chapter 16, Article II, Section 16-10 Definitions is amended to read as follows (Only underlined portions are to be added and strikethrough portions deleted):
“ARTICLE II. DEFINITIONS
SEC. 16-10. DEFINITIONS.
(A) For the purposes of this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings:

ACCESSORY BUILDING - Any structure built for the support, shelter, or enclosure of property that is separate from but related, subordinate and secondary to the main use of the property, such as but not limited to: storage sheds, greenhouses, and garages.

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) - An attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence or multifamily structure. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes an efficiency unit as defined by Cal. Health and Safety Code, Section 17958.1 or a manufactured home as defined by Cal. Health and Safety Code, Section 18007. See JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT.
(a) EFFICIENCY UNIT - as defined in Section 17958.1 of the California Health and Safety Code.
(b) MANUFACTURED HOME - as defined in Section 18007 of the California Health and Safety Code.

ACCESSORY SIGN - Any sign which advertises goods manufactured or produced, goods for sale, or services rendered on the property upon which such sign is located, also known as an on-premise sign.
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ACCESSORY STRUCTURE - A man-made object other than ornamental statuary, having a permanent location on the ground and more than six inches above the finished grade that is separate from but related, subordinate and secondary to the main dwelling, structure, or use of the property, such as but not limited to: patio covers, gazebos, and children's play structures.

ACCESSORY USE - A use of property or structure separate from, but related, subordinate and secondary to, the main use of the property or structure.

ADULT DAY CARE FACILITY - A state-licensed facility that provides less than 24-hour per day care to persons 18 years of age or older in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of these individuals.

ADULT HEALTH CARE CENTER - Any family day home, day care center, or social rehabilitation center, as defined in Cal. Health and Safety Code, Section 1570.7, and licensed by the State Department of Health, which provides, on less than a twenty-four hour basis, nonmedical care to adults in need of personal services, protection, supervision, assistance, guidance or training essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual.

ALLEY - Any public thoroughfare for the use of pedestrians or vehicles, not less than ten feet nor more than thirty feet wide, which has been deeded or dedicated to the city as a secondary means of access to abutting property.

AMMUNITION - Any cartridge or encasement containing a bullet or projectile, propellant, or explosive charge and a primer that is used in the operation of a firearm.

ANTIQUE SHOP - A retail business that sells works of art, furniture, decorative objects and the like, all of which are at least thirty years old.

APARTMENT - A room or suite of rooms in a multi-family dwelling designated as a residence for one household and containing permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. Efficiency, studio, and single are terms used for apartments with combined living, sleeping, and/or kitchen areas.

APARTMENT HOTEL - A building containing six or more apartments, designated for use as second or temporary dwellings for transient guests.

APARTMENT HOUSE - Any building which is designed to be or is in fact occupied as the residence of two or more families living independently of each other in such building, in separate apartments, and where such apartments are rented or leased for a period of not less than one month.

AUTOMOBILE REPAIR GARAGE - A building used for the overhaul and repair of vehicles, including body repairs, engine overhaul, upholstery work, parts rebuilding and like activities. 882
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AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION - Any business which dispenses gasoline and which may also sell other automotive-related and nonrelated goods and services, but which excludes auto body work, complete engine and transmission overhaul and rebuilding and similar intensive vehicle-related services.

AUTOMOBILE WRECKING - The dismantling or destruction of one or more motorcycles or motor vehicles.

BABYSITTING - The care of one or more children by an individual in a home on a temporary basis, and without the benefit of formal advertising or established hours of business.

BASEMENT - A story partly underground with less than one-half its height above the average finished grade.

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 twenty-nine consecutive days.

BEDROOM - Any room that is or can be used for sleeping purposes, including any room other than a kitchen, bathroom, or utility service room, such as a study, den and loft.

BUILDING - Any structure built for the support, shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or property of any kind.

BUILDING HEIGHT - Total vertical height of a building measured from the average finished grade within five feet of the building to the highest point of the building, and as further defined in Section 16-303.

BUILDING SITE - The area, including all required yards, open space and parking, which a main building and its accessory buildings and uses occupy.

BUSINESS - Any use of property for profit requiring a business license.

CANNABIS - Shall have the same meaning as set forth in Cal. Bus. and Prof. Code Section 26001(f), as that section now appears or may hereinafter be amended or renumbered.

CARPORT – A roofed parking space for vehicles that may be open on one to four sides and may be attached to a main building, where the size of the parking space(s) complies with Article X.

CAR WASH (MECHANICAL) - Any operation which provides for the washing of motor vehicles primarily through the use of mechanical equipment which may include conveyor chains, blowers, steam guns, roller brushes, high pressure vacuum units and similar equipment.

CAR WASH (NONMECHANICAL, SELF-SERVICE) - Any operation which provides for the washing of motor vehicles by the customer, which employs persons only to check, maintain and supervise the use of the facility and equipment, and which has equipment limited to water 883
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softeners, water heaters, soap mixing tanks, low pressure vacuum units and similar equipment that produces only a low volume of sound.

CHILD CARE CENTER - A state-licensed child care facility other than a family day care home, in which less than twenty-four hours per day nonmedical care and supervision is provided in a group setting for children.

CHURCH - A building operated primarily for worship or for promotion of religious activities excluding other buildings or activities maintained by religious organizations such as educational institutions, hospitals, homeless shelters and day care centers or operations that are commercial in nature.

CLUB - An association of persons for some common, nonprofit purpose excluding groups organized primarily to render a service which is customarily carried on as a business.

COMMERCIAL DISTRICT - Stores and businesses located in a shopping center of more than ten acres but less than thirty acres and designed to serve several neighborhoods.

COMMERCIAL SCHOOL - A nonaccredited school providing training or personal improvement, such as a beauty college, dance school, business school, or gymnasium.

COMMISSION - The planning commission of the city.

COMMON AREA - Any area or space designed for joint use by tenants occupying mobile home parks, condominiums, planned residential groups and similar residential developments.

COMMUNITY APARTMENT PROJECT - A project in which an undivided interest in the property is coupled with the right of exclusive occupancy of any apartment located thereon.

COMMUNITY CARE FACILITY - A State-licensed facility maintained and operated to provide nonmedical residential care, day treatment, adult day care, or foster family agency services for children and/or adults, including, but not limited to, the physically handicapped, mentally impaired, incompetent persons, and abused or neglected children, as further defined in Cal.

Health and Safety Code, Section 1502.

CONDOMINIUM - An estate in real property consisting of an undivided interest in common in a portion of a parcel of real property, together with a separate interest in space in a building on real property such as a residence.

CONGREGATE LIVING HEALTH FACILITY - A State-licensed residential home with a non-institutional home-like environment that provides twenty-four hour medical supervision and skilled nursing with services for persons who are physically disabled, have a diagnosis of terminal illness, or are catastrophically and severely disabled, as further defined in Cal. Health and Safety Code, Section 1250.

COVENANTS, CONDITIONS, AND RESTRICTIONS (CC&Rs) - A set of rules governing the use of a certain piece of real estate in each community. “Governing documents” includes 884
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declarations, bylaws, operating rules, articles of incorporation, or articles of association, which govern the operation of the common interest development or association. Source: Civil Code section 4150.

CORNER LOT - A lot having frontage on two intersecting streets.(MOVED) DENSITY, RESIDENTIAL (NET) - The number of dwelling units in an acre of land, excluding land for public dedication such as public right-of-way. Residential density is usually indicated as dwelling units per acre (du/ac).

DETACHED BUILDING - Any freestanding building or structure that is separated and not physically joined to another the primary building by a common wall.

DIRECTOR - The city's community development director or designee.

DRIVE-IN THEATER - A motion picture theater containing a vehicle parking area where patrons remain in their vehicles to view the entertainment presented on one or more screens.

DRIVE-THRU FACILITY - A facility which, by its design, allows people to receive goods and/or services while remaining in their motor vehicles.

DUPLEX - A building containing two dwelling units.

DWELLING UNIT - A room or suite of rooms designed as a residence for one household and containing one kitchen.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION - An institution offering academic instruction or training leading to a degree, or accredited by the state, including private colleges or trade schools but not including dance schools, business schools, and similar commercial establishments.

EFFICIENCY DWELLING UNIT - A housing unit, typically a combined living room and bedroom area, a separate bathroom, and a kitchenette, with a typical minimum gross floor area of 220 square feet. Occupancy standards and square footage shall be governed by Cal. Residential Code Section R304.5. In no instance shall the minimum square footage be less than 220 square feet.

EMERGENCY SHELTER FOR FAMILIES - A permanent facility consisting of a building or group of buildings with overnight sleeping accommodations providing temporary housing for six months or less to homeless families with children under the age of 18, or 21 if they are full-time students or disabled, pursuant to standards set forth in article V, division 18. Such accommodations shall include basic supportive services such as meals, restroom, bathing and laundry facilities. No family shall be denied emergency shelter because of an inability to pay. For purposes of this definition, "disabled" means persons with special needs, including mental disabilities, developmental disabilities, AIDS, substance abuse or chronic health conditions.

EMERGENCY SHELTER, PERMANENT - A permanent facility consisting of a building or group of buildings with overnight sleeping accommodations providing temporary housing for six 885
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months or less to homeless persons pursuant to standards set forth in article V, division 18.

Such accommodations shall include basic supportive services such as meals, restroom, bathing and laundry facilities. No individual or household shall be denied emergency shelter because of an inability to pay.

EMERGENCY SHELTER, TEMPORARY - A temporary facility consisting of a building or group of buildings with overnight sleeping accommodations providing housing to homeless persons for winter warming or similar short-term, temporary operation not to exceed four months within a twelve-month period. No individual or household shall be denied emergency shelter because of an inability to pay.

ENTERTAINMENT - Any performance or activity defined herein; provided, however, that the term does not include vocal music or music from a single, unamplified, stringed instrument, including piano.

FAMILY - A group of residents whose members jointly occupy a dwelling unit as a single housekeeping unit and have joint use of and responsibility for common areas,; share household activities such as meals, chores, maintenance and expenses; but not including residents of commercial group living such as hotels, dormitories and fraternities.

FARMWORKER - An employee, also known as an agricultural worker, engaged in agricultural work/farming and any practices performed on a farm in conjunction with farming including cultivating and tillage of soil, the raising of animals and the preparation of agricultural products for market and or to carriers for transportation to market.

FARMWORKER EMPLOYEE HOUSING - A residential use of one or more single or multi family dwelling units and accessory dwellings of the same type and in the same zone, and/or group quarters structures with common dining area. A farmworker housing complex does not need to be located on the site of a qualifying agricultural operation where the farmworkers are employed.

FAST FOOD RESTAURANT - An establishment whose principal business is sale of pre-prepared or rapidly prepared food served in disposable packaging directly to the customer, for consumption either within the restaurant building or off premises.

FIREARM - Any device designed to be used as a weapon or modified to be used as a weapon, that expels a projectile by the force of an explosion or some other form of combustion, including any projectile which carries or contains its own fuel and is propelled by reaction. This definition does not include model rockets, airsoft guns, nerf-type guns, or paintball guns.

FIREARM AND AMMUNITION SALES - A retail business that engages in the sale of firearms and/or ammunition.

FIREARM RANGE - Any public or private establishment that operates an area designated for the discharge or other use of firearms within a controlled shooting environment. Also referred to as firing or shooting range.
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Ordinance No. _________ (PZ 25-580-02; Zone Text Amendment) City Council Hearing Date: December 16, 2025

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Oxnard City CouncilDecember 16, 2025

Oxnard City Council
December 16, 2025