Planning Division Frequently Asked Questions

Category
General Questions
Residence/Homeowner Questions
Commercial Related Questions
Procedural
Other

General

What is My Zoning?
You can access this information in a variety of ways.

Click here to find your zone and follow the guides to determine what type of business you an operate.
Additionally, downloadable city-wide PDF zone maps are available on the Planning maps webpage.

After you find the zone designation for your property, you can view the development standards and allowed uses by accessing the zoning code (Chapter 16) or the coastal zone code (Chapter 17).

What Uses are Allowed on my Property?
Once you determine your zoning, you view the appropriate zone designation within the zoning code (Chapter 16) or the coastal zone code (Chapter 17).

Do I Need a Planning Permit?
A planning permit is needed for almost any project that involves exterior modifications and additions to a structure or for any land-use modifications.

A building permit is typically required for interior modifications, exterior fences, windows, re-roofing, water heaters, etc. Please visit the Building & Engineering Division webpage for questions regarding building permits.

All of the procedures and regulations used to determine when a planning permit is necessary and also how to review that permit are set forth in city ordinances and/or state law. Such documents include:

Inland and Coastal Zoning Ordinances – (Chapter 16 & Coastal Zone Chapter 17 of the City Code)
Subdivisions– Chapter 15 of the City Code and the Subdivision Map Act
Specific Plans – When the project is located within a specific plan area, consult the appropriate specific plan for permit procedures.

What Uses are Allowed on my Property?
Once you determine your zoning, you view the appropriate zone designation within the zoning code (Chapter 16) or the coastal zone code (Chapter 17).

Where can I Find Recently Approved and Pending Project Lists?
The Planning Division maintains a quarterly list of pending, approved, and under construction projects. The Development Quarterly Project List is available on the Planning website.

Where can I view Planning agendas?
The agendas are available from the City’s website All City Meetings.

How can I contact the Planning Division?
Call (805) 385-7858
Email: planning@oxnard.org
Our office is located at 214 South C Street, Oxnard, Ca 93030

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For the Homeowner

I Want to operate a business from my home, where do I start?
You will need to obtain a Home Occupation Permit and Business Tax Certificate prior to starting a business from a residential location. Typical home occupations include mobile businesses such as landscapers, car washing services, contractors, and home-based businesses such as internet sales.

How do I get permits for home improvements?
If you are doing work in your house such as water heaters, windows, re-roof, fences, electrical, etc., visit the Building & Engineering website for guidance and information.

What type of fence/wall can I have on my property?
Determine your zoning, zoning regulations of your property (i.e. R-1, C-2, etc) and appropriate sections of the “General Requirements” (Sections 16-308 – 16-316). You can also consult the Fences and Walls handout prepared by the Building & Engineering Division.

Where can I build an addition?
Residential additions require a Planning review first and a Building Permit for construction. Determine your zone designation. Next, read the zoning regulations of your property and appropriate sections of the code. Lastly, verify with the Planning Division that there is not a Special Use Permit, Planned Development Permit, or other land use regulation containing development standards for your property. Consult the Building & Engineering Division website for the submittal requirements of a room addition (Residential Room Addition Requirements Information).

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
Single-family home resident owners in most areas of the City may create a relatively small and affordable “second” or “accessory” rental unit by either: 1) converting one or more rooms entirely within their existing house, 2) adding rooms to their house, or 3) building a separate ADU in the rear yard. Converting a garage is allowed provided there is a suitable location to park vehicles on the property. ADU details are outlined here:
ADU Information

Can I have an accessory building or an accessory structure on my property?
An accessory building or an accessory structure is typically a shed or a similar structure. Generally, an accessory structure can be allowed without a permit as long as it is not: in the front yard, greater than 120 sq.ft, 8-feet tall, 3 -feet from a property line, and 6-feet from another building or structure. Consult the definition section of the zoning code map (Sections 16-300 – 16-316). Check with Building & Engineering Division, (805) 385-7925, for the submittal requirements for an accessory structure or building. Also applies to patio covers.

See Building Form B300 a diagram showing accessory structures
See Building Form B200 for setback requirements on accessory structures

Can I have a shipping/storage container on my property?
In most cases, no. For temporary moving containers on a public rights-of-way, contact the Building & Engineering Division for an Encroachment Permit.

Can you provide me with my property dimensions?
This information is available from the County Assessor: http://assessor.countyofventura.org/research/mappage.asp

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For Businesses

I want to Operate a Business in the City – Where do I start?

Commercial uses are allowed on zones C-1, C-2, C-0, and C-M. Commercial uses include but are not limited to retail sales, professional services, food-service & restaurants, entertainment venues, etc.

Industrial uses are allowed on zones C-M, M-L, M-1, M-2, and BRP. Industrial uses include, warehousing, storage, manufacturing, research, processing, etc. Prior to signing a lease, buying a property, or initiating a use, meet a city planner to discuss your plans.

Permitted uses usually require a Zone Clearance Application and Business License.
Special Use Permits may be required for some uses as required by the City Code.

Downtown has a variety of codes, overlays and mixed use areas. Visit the Downtown Code page for all development, facade, and signage standards.

Find Your Zone. Click here to find your zone and follow the guides to determine what type of business you can operate.

A Zone Clearance Application and Business Tax Certificate are required in order to conduct any business from a non-residential location. A zone clearance must be obtained for new businesses and when an existing business changes locations.

When do I need a Building Permit for my Commercial/Industrial Business?
A building permit is required for any new addition or any modification to the existing structure, equipment, or installation. For more Information on the permit requirements and aplication information visit: oxnard.org/build.

How do I obtain a sign for my Building/Business?
Signs are regulated for each zone and may be subject to one or more of the following regulations: A sign program, a specific plan, the zoning code, and other applicable codes depending on the location.

Also see, Grand Opening Sign Temporary Use Permit.

The city utilizes Sign Programs for most shopping centers, business and industrial centers. A specific plan area is a larger geographical area that contains sign specifications. View the specific plan web page to determine if your location is within these areas. Some buildings may be subject to both a specific plan and sign program criteria.

Consult the Zoning Code Sections 16-595 – 16-612 for sign regulations and definitions (you will need to know the property zone designation. (See interactive Zoning Map to determine your zone).

A building sign may be subject to one or more regulations. When a sign program and/or specific plan do not apply, sign regulations identified in city code sections will be used. When sign program or specific plan sign regulations are different than sign regulations contained in city code, the sign program or specific plan prevails. A building permit/sign permit will be required for all signs. See below for sign submittal information.

Submitting a Sign Permit Application
For submitting a sign application, review the Basic Requirements and use the Building Application Form. Submittals are done in person at the Building Division counter.

What is the Process for a Wireless Facility/Antenna Permit?
Please see Oxnard Zoning Chapter 16-485 for Wireless Communication Facilities.

Can I have a shipping/storage container on my property?
For a commercial or industrial zoned property, in most cases, the shipping/storage container is considered “outdoor storage” and prohibited or would require a special use permit. Storage containers can be considered through a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) when they are in conjunction with an activity allowed through the Temporary Use Permit process (i.e. temporary construction yard for a site under development).

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Procedural

What is a Temporary Use Permit (TUP), and Do I need one?
A “temporary use” is one which occupies a parcel of land for a period of more than one hour within a 24- hour period, but less than the maximum time limits set forth in Division 15, Sections 16-475 – 16-483 of the City Code. Temporary use permits (TUP) are often granted for construction signs, Christmas tree lots, grand opening signs, carnivals, and outdoor sales subject to the regulations and procedures outlined in City Code Sections 16-475 – 16-483. Furthermore, a TUP is for uses on private property. A TUP application and TUP application information packet are available on the Planning website.

With the exception of Plaza Park, if you would like to hold an event in a City Park contact the General Services Division for a Parks Permit @ 805-385-7950. Use of Plaza Park would require a TUP.

What is the Application Review Process for a Discretionary Permit?
Please see the Planning Permit Review Process document for a description of the review process for Discretionary Permits.

Does my proposed project require a public hearing?
Please see the Planning Permit Review Process document for a description of the review process for Discretionary Permits.

Submitting Projects

Requests for Home Occupation Permits, Temporary Use Permits, Zone Clearances, and other projects not requiring a licensed design professional may be submitted via email.

Large projects, complex plans and those drawn by licensed design professionals can also be submitted by email, shipped, or dropped off. Please communicate with a planner for delivery and payment instructions.

For new applications, aside from Cannabis related permits, please contact us via email at Planning@oxnard.org. Planning staff will coordinate with the Licensing Services to process payment and to send receipts.

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Other

My Property was Damaged, Can I Re-build it?
A building destroyed to the extent of not more than 50% of its reasonable value may be restored subject to all provisions of Article VI of the zoning ordinance (Section 16-514).

How can I report illegal construction or business operation?
Contact the Code Compliance Unit by calling 805-385-7940 or by clicking here, Code Compliance Unit.

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