Planning commission recommends Camarillo code changes to reflect new state JADU rules

The Camarillo Planning Commission on March 31 voted unanimously to adopt a resolution recommending the City Council approve a zoning ordinance amendment to align the municipal code with recent state legislation on accessory dwelling units, including junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs).

Management analyst Mike CPAC explained the changes during a staff presentation, saying JADUs "are a subsection of ADUs that can be characterized as being contained within an existing primary structure" and that they "are limited to 500 square foot in maximum size." He told commissioners the state law, referenced on the agenda as Assembly Bill 1154, became effective Jan. 1, 2026 and removes most owner-occupancy requirements for JADUs except when sanitary facilities are shared; the law also requires JADU rental terms to exceed 30 days.

The amendment before the commission would revise the Camarillo municipal code to remain consistent with the state law and support the city's strategic objectives for infill housing. Staff recommended the commission find the change exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and forward a resolution recommending approval to the City Council. With no public speakers and no commissioner questions, a motion was made and seconded and the commission voted to approve the recommendation. The recorded votes were: Commissioner Vanderm ' yes; Commissioner Edel ' yes; Commissioner Lemon ' yes; Vice Chair Murphy ' yes; Chair Davidson ' yes.

The commission's action is a recommendation to the City Council; the transcript records no council vote at this meeting. The resolution and the proposed zoning ordinance amendment will move forward to the City Council for further action.