In Oxnard, ADUs are as much about family as they are about income. Grandparents moving closer, adult children saving for a home, a relative who needs a caregiver: an ADU gives everyone their own front door while keeping family a few steps away.
Choosing the right ADU for family
- Junior ADU: best for a parent who wants privacy but likes sharing family meals; lowest cost
- Garage conversion: a private studio or one-bedroom for an adult child or a single parent
- Detached ADU: the most independence, with room for a couple or a parent and a caregiver
- Attached ADU: close enough to help quickly, separate enough for real privacy
Design for today and tomorrow
Aging-in-place features cost little when designed in and a lot when added later:
- No-step entry and a level path from the driveway
- Curbless shower with blocking in the walls for grab bars
- 36-inch doorways and a turning space in the bathroom
- Lever handles and rocker light switches
- Good lighting and non-slip flooring
- A bedroom and bath on the ground floor for two-story units
Planning the whole lot
On many Oxnard lots you can build a detached ADU and a junior ADU. One family’s plan: grandparents in the backyard ADU now, an adult child in the junior ADU, and either unit rented later as the family changes.
Start the conversation
Request a free consultation and a builder will help you plan a space that works for your family now and for years to come.
Common questions
What is the best ADU for an aging parent?
A single-story detached ADU or a junior ADU with no steps, a curbless shower and wide doors is usually best. It keeps your parent close and independent while planning for mobility needs down the road.
Can my family member pay me rent for the ADU?
Yes. You can rent an ADU to family members just like any tenant, as long as the rental is for more than 30 days. Talk to a tax professional about how rental income is treated.