Many garages in Oxnard were turned into living space years ago without permits. If you own one, you are not alone, and California law has made it easier to fix.
Why legalizing matters
- An unpermitted unit cannot be legally rented, which puts your rental income at risk
- It can cause problems when you sell or refinance, because appraisers and lenders may not count it
- Insurance may not cover damage or injuries in unpermitted space
- Most importantly, it may not be safe: wiring, gas, ventilation and emergency exits matter
What AB 2533 changed
California’s AB 2533, in effect since January 1, 2025, strengthened protections for owners of unpermitted ADUs and junior ADUs built before January 1, 2020. In general, a city cannot deny a permit to legalize one of these units just because it did not meet building codes when it was built, unless correcting the violation is necessary to protect health and safety. The law also limits certain fees for these units. The details depend on your unit, so have it reviewed before you apply.
The legalization process
- Inspection by a builder to document what is there and what needs work
- As-built plans showing the existing unit, prepared like any other ADU submittal
- ADU Zone Clearance and building permit through the City of Oxnard
- Corrections, focused on health and safety: electrical, gas, smoke and CO alarms, ventilation, egress windows, and sometimes plumbing
- Inspections and final, after which the unit is a legal ADU
Common fixes
- Replacing extension cords and DIY wiring with a proper sub-panel and circuits
- Adding egress windows and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Proper venting for water heaters and kitchens
- Fixing slab moisture problems and adding insulation
- Fire separation between an attached garage unit and the main house
Start with a no-pressure look
A builder can walk through the unit and tell you honestly what legalization would involve and cost. Request a free consultation.
Common questions
Can the city fine me for coming forward about an unpermitted ADU?
California law now gives owners of older unpermitted ADUs more protection when they apply to legalize them, and limits a city's ability to deny the permit unless there is a health or safety issue. Ask the city or a builder about your specific situation before applying.
Do I have to bring an old conversion fully up to today's code?
For qualifying ADUs built before 2020, the city generally cannot require you to fix code violations that are not health and safety problems. Life-safety items, like electrical hazards, missing smoke alarms or no emergency exit, will still need to be corrected.