Simi Valley & Ventura County
ADU Guide· 10 min read

Newbury Park ADU Guide: Permits, Costs & City of Thousand Oaks Process (2026)

Newbury Park is within Thousand Oaks city limits. You use the City's digital-only TO/24 portal, just like the rest of Thousand Oaks. Here's the full 2026 guide: costs, permits, school fees, and timeline.

Newbury Park is within Thousand Oaks city limits. ADU permits go through the City of Thousand Oaks using the digital-only TO/24 portal (since September 1, 2025). The city completes ministerial review within 60 days of a complete application. Construction costs range from $50,000 for a garage conversion to $280,000 for a detached unit. Under SB 543 (effective 2026), ADUs 750 sq ft or smaller are exempt from school developer fees — a major savings. Add permit fees, design, and utilities: $54,000–$299,500 total. Timeline: 5–9 months from design to move-in.

Newbury Park is an unincorporated community that lies within the City of Thousand Oaks city limits. That means ADU permits go through the City of Thousand Oaks — the same digital-only TO/24 portal as the rest of Thousand Oaks. The city approves code-compliant ADUs ministerially — no discretionary review, no hearings, and a guaranteed 60-day review timeline if your application is complete. Learn more about 2026 California ADU law changes that affect your project — including SB 543 fee exemptions — in our 2026 California ADU law guide.

Newbury Park is known for tree-lined neighborhoods, premium residential properties, and proximity to parks and trails. Many Newbury Park lots are in Hillside Planned Development (HPD) zones. If your property is hillside, your ADU must include fire defensible space and non-combustible materials.

We've been building ADUs in Ventura County for over 20 years. This guide covers the 2026 Newbury Park rules in full — what the TO/24 digital portal requires, what you can build, setback and height rules, school fee exemptions under SB 543, costs, rental income potential, and the realistic timeline to get your permit and start construction.


The Permit Process: Ministerial Review, Digital-Only

Agency:City of Thousand Oaks Planning and Building Division
Phone:(805) 449-2500

Digital-only submissions through TO/24 portal — 60-day ministerial review for complete applications. All paper submissions rejected as of September 1, 2025.

California state ADU law (AB 68, AB 881, SB 13) requires Thousand Oaks to approve code-compliant ADUs by ministerial review. The city checks your plans against a standard checklist — setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking, fire safety — but cannot deny or impose special conditions based on discretion or neighborhood preference.

The ministerial review timeline is firm: 60 days from the date you submit a complete application through TO/24. If your application is incomplete, the clock doesn't start until you submit everything required. Once the 60-day clock starts, the city must either approve your ADU or send you corrections.

The TO/24 digital portal makes this clearer than older cities with physical permit counters. You submit your plans, you get a confirmation email with your application number, and you can track the review online. No guessing. No waiting for a phone call.


Size, Setback & Height Rules for Newbury Park

Thousand Oaks allows three types of ADUs. Here are the key dimensions that apply to Newbury Park:

Detached ADU

Max size850 sq ft (independent lot) / 1,000 sq ft (same lot as primary dwelling)
Front setback4 feet
Side / rear setback4 feet
Max height16 feet (or match primary dwelling)

Attached ADU (or on upper story of primary)

Max size850 sq ft OR 50% of primary dwelling — whichever is less
SetbacksSame as primary dwelling
Max heightMatch primary dwelling

Junior ADU (JADU)

Max size500 sq ft
LocationInside primary dwelling or attached garage conversion
ParkingOne space required

If your Newbury Park lot is in a Hillside Planned Development (HPD) zone, ADUs must comply with fire defensible space rules. Your ADU design cannot force a neighboring property to create defensible space on their land.


Where ADUs Are Allowed in Newbury Park

ADUs are allowed in every residential zone in Thousand Oaks (which includes Newbury Park):

  • R-A (Estate Residential)
  • R-E (Equestrian Residential)
  • R-O (Suburban Residential)
  • R-1 (Single-Family Residential)
  • RPD (Residential Planned Development)
  • HPD (Hillside Planned Development)
  • R-2 (Duplex)
  • R-3 (Multifamily)
  • MU (Mixed-Use)

There is no minimum lot size requirement. You can build an ADU on any Newbury Park lot with an existing or proposed primary dwelling.


Newbury Park ADU Costs (2026)

Construction costs vary by type and lot conditions. Here's what to budget. Under California SB 543 (effective January 1, 2026), ADUs 750 sq ft or smaller are exempt from school developer fees — a major savings compared to 2025.

Garage Conversion to ADU (400–500 sq ft)

Construction$50,000–$80,000
City permit fees$1,500–$3,000
CVUSD school developer fee$0 (exempt under SB 543)
Utility connections & impact fees$1,500–$3,000
Architecture / design$1,000–$2,500
Total Estimate$54,000–$88,500

Attached ADU (500–700 sq ft)

Construction$110,000–$200,000
City permit fees$2,500–$5,000
CVUSD school developer fee$0 (exempt under SB 543)
Utility connections & impact fees$2,000–$4,000
Architecture / design$3,000–$7,000
Total Estimate$117,500–$216,000

Detached ADU (600–800 sq ft)

Construction$140,000–$280,000
City permit fees$3,000–$6,500
CVUSD school developer fee$0 (exempt under SB 543)
Utility connections & impact fees$2,500–$5,000
Architecture / design$4,000–$8,000
Total Estimate$149,500–$299,500

Conejo Valley USD School Fees (Newbury Park)

Newbury Park is served by Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) — the same district as Thousand Oaks. This is the biggest 2026 change: under California SB 543, ADUs 750 sq ft or smaller are now exempt from school developer fees.

ADUs 750 sq ft or smaller:No school developer fee
JADUs 500 sq ft or smaller:No school developer fee
Larger units:School developer fees apply ($3.36/sq ft as of 2024, may increase to $5.38/sq ft per state maximum)

Call Conejo Valley USD early in your project to confirm exemption status. Get written confirmation. This saves $2,000–$4,500 per project compared to 2025. Use our free ADU cost calculator to estimate your specific project costs and savings.

CVUSD Contact:(805) 498-4557
Address:750 Mitchell Road, 2nd Floor, Newbury Park, CA 91320

Newbury Park Rental Market & Income Potential

Newbury Park is a premium residential community in northwestern Ventura County. It's known for tree-lined neighborhoods, well-maintained properties, and proximity to hiking trails and parks. The market is stronger than Oak Park but comparable to Thousand Oaks.

The 1-bedroom rental market in Newbury Park averages $2,700–$2,850/month — higher than Oak Park but in line with Thousand Oaks. A well-finished 500–600 sq ft ADU in Newbury Park typically rents for $2,000–$2,500/month, generating $24,000–$30,000 in annual gross income. Newbury Park's premium neighborhood status supports higher rents than surrounding unincorporated areas. For ADU investors, Newbury Park offers strong long-term appreciation. Properties have consistently increased in value, and adding rental income from an ADU increases net worth and cash flow significantly.


The Timeline: Design to Move-In

Here's a realistic Newbury Park ADU timeline:

1. Design & Architecture(3–6 weeks)
2. TO/24 Submittal(1 week)
3. City Plan Review(60 days)
4. Address Corrections(2–4 weeks, if needed)
5. Building Permit Issuance(1 week)
6. Construction(12–20 weeks)
7. Final Inspection & CO(1–2 weeks)

Total: 5–9 months from design through move-in.


Common ADU Mistakes in Newbury Park (& How to Avoid Them)

1. Incomplete TO/24 Submittals

The city's 60-day clock doesn't start until your application is 100% complete. Missing even one document (soil report, fire setback certification, utility letters) resets the timeline. Have your architect do a full TO/24 checklist before submittal.

2. Fire Defensible Space on Hillside Lots

Newbury Park has many HPD (Hillside Planned Development) zones. If your lot is hillside, your ADU must include defensible space and non-combustible materials. Plan this early — it affects design, cost, and landscaping.

3. Underestimating Utility Work

Some Newbury Park lots require new water lines or sewer connections. These can add $3,000–$8,000 and 2–4 weeks to your timeline. Have a preliminary civil engineer report done before finalizing your design.

4. Not Contacting CVUSD Early

Call Conejo Valley USD early to confirm SB 543 exemption status. Get a written confirmation letter. This saves time during the city review and clarifies your total project cost.

5. Forgetting to Plan for Parking

Even a small ADU needs at least one parking space. Verify your lot layout can accommodate this without violating setback rules.

6. Designing from Photos Instead of Rules

Don't design by looking at finished ADUs in other neighborhoods. Design by reading Thousand Oaks' ADU ordinance and TO/24 checklist. Your lot's specific zoning, setbacks, and utility access determine what's actually buildable.


FAQ: Newbury Park ADU Permits & Costs

How much does an ADU cost in Newbury Park?

Construction costs range from $50,000 for a garage conversion to $280,000 for a large detached unit. Add $5,000–$16,500 in permit fees, design, and utility connections. Most ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from school fees as of 2026. Get a free instant estimate at our free cost calculator.

Are ADUs allowed on all lots in Newbury Park?

Yes. ADUs are allowed in every residential zone in Thousand Oaks (which includes Newbury Park) on any lot with an existing or proposed primary dwelling. No minimum lot size is required.

How long does the Newbury Park ADU permit take?

The City of Thousand Oaks must complete ministerial review within 60 days of a complete TO/24 application. Total timeline from design through construction is typically 5–9 months.

What's the Conejo Valley USD school fee?

ADUs 750 sq ft or smaller and JADUs under 500 sq ft are exempt from school fees under SB 543 (effective 2026). Larger units may have fees. Call (805) 498-4557 to confirm your project's exemption status.

Do I need to submit plans digitally through TO/24?

Yes. Since September 1, 2025, all Newbury Park ADU plans must be submitted through the City of Thousand Oaks TO/24 digital portal. Paper submissions are no longer accepted.

Can I build an ADU on a hillside lot in Newbury Park?

Yes, but ADUs in Hillside Planned Development (HPD) zones must comply with fire defensible space rules. Your ADU cannot force a neighboring property to create defensible space on their lot. Plan defensible space into your design from the start.

How much rent can I charge for an ADU in Newbury Park?

Market data shows 1-bedroom rents at $2,700–$2,850/month in Newbury Park. A 500–600 sq ft ADU typically rents for $2,000–$2,500/month, generating $24,000–$30,000 in annual gross income.

Ready to Build an ADU in Newbury Park?

Get a free AI-powered estimate in 2 minutes at our free cost calculator. No contractor visit required. We'll include permit cost estimates and a realistic timeline based on the City of Thousand Oaks ministerial review process.

Licensed #1066117. 5.0 stars on Google. 20+ years building in Ventura County. We've done this before — and we'll make sure your Newbury Park ADU permit process goes the way it's supposed to.

For full ADU cost context, see our California ADU cost guide. For financing options, see our ADU financing guide. And to compare Newbury Park ADU rules with other Ventura County cities, read our Thousand Oaks ADU permit guide.

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