§ 35.22 — Santa Barbara County Planning Code

35.22.010 - Purpose ¶

This Chapter lists the land uses that may be allowed within the Resource Protection zones established by Section 35.14.020 (Zoning Map and Zones), determines the type of planning permit/approval required for each use, and provides basic standards for site layout and building size.

35.22.020 - Purposes of the Resource Protection Zones ¶

The purpose of the MT-GAV (Mountainous - Gaviota), MT-GOL (Mountainous - Goleta), MT-TORO (Mountainous - Toro Canyon), and RMZ (Resource Management) zones is to protect lands that are unsuited for intensive development and that have:

1.

Slopes in excess of 40 percent; or

2.

Valleys surrounded by slopes exceeding 40 percent; or

3.

Isolated table land surrounded by slopes exceeding 40 percent; or

4.

Areas with outstanding resource values, including environmentally sensitive habitats and/or watersheds.

The intent is to allow reasonable but limited development because of extreme fire hazards, minimum services, and/or environmental constraints, and to encourage the preservation of these areas for uses including grazing, scientific and educational study, and limited residential uses.

35.22.030 - Resource Protection Zones Allowable Land Uses ¶

A.

General permit requirements. Table 2-4 (Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Resource Protection Zones) identifies the uses of land allowed by this Development Code in each Resource Protection Zone, and the planning permit required to establish each use, in compliance with Section 35.20.030 (Allowable Development and Planning Permit Requirements).

B.

Requirements for certain specific land uses. Where the last column ("Specific Use Regulations") in Table 2- 4 (Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Resource Protection Zones) includes a section number, the referenced Section may affect whether the use requires a Land Use Permit, Development Plan, Minor Conditional Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit, and/or may establish other requirements and standards applicable to the use.

C.

Development Plan approval required.

1.

MT-GAV, MT-GOL, and MT-TORO zones. Final Development Plan approval in compliance with Section 35.82.080 (Development Plans) is required prior to the approval of a Land Use Permit in compliance with Section 35.82.110 (Land Use Permits) or the issuance of a Zoning Clearance in compliance with Section

35.82.210 (Zoning Clearances) for a structure, other than an agricultural reservoir, that is not otherwise required by this Development Code to have discretionary permit approval and is 20,000 or more square feet in gross floor area, or is an attached or detached addition that together with existing structures on the site will total 20,000 square feet or more in gross floor area.

2.

RMZ zone. Final Development Plan approval is required for all development, including grading.

D.

Design Review required. Design Review may be required prior to the approval of a planning permit for a structure, or an addition to or an alteration of, an existing structure in compliance with Section 35.82.070 (Design Review).

E.

Accessory structures and uses. Each use allowed by Table 2-4 (Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for the Resource Protection Zones) may include accessory structures and uses that are customarily incidental to the primary use.

Table 2-4 Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Resource Protection Zones	E P MCUP CUP S —	Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) Permitted use, Land Use Permit required (2) Minor Conditional Use Permit required Conditional Use Permit required Permit determined by Specifc Use Regulations Use Not Allowed	Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) Permitted use, Land Use Permit required (2) Minor Conditional Use Permit required Conditional Use Permit required Permit determined by Specifc Use Regulations Use Not Allowed	Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) Permitted use, Land Use Permit required (2) Minor Conditional Use Permit required Conditional Use Permit required Permit determined by Specifc Use Regulations Use Not Allowed	Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) Permitted use, Land Use Permit required (2) Minor Conditional Use Permit required Conditional Use Permit required Permit determined by Specifc Use Regulations Use Not Allowed
LAND USE (1)	PERMIT	REQUIRED BY ZONE			Specifc Use Regulations
	MT- GAV	MT- GOL	MT- TORO	RMZ
AGRICULTURAL, MINING, & ENERGY FACILITIES
Agricultural accessory structure	P	P	P	P	35.42.020
Animal keeping (except equestrian facilities - see RECREATION)	S	S	S	S	35.42.060
Aquaculture	CUP	CUP	—	CUP
Cannabis — Cultivation, nursery, and microbusiness	—	—	—	—
Cultivated agriculture, orchard, vineyard	—	—	—	—
Cultivated agriculture, orchard, vineyard - Historic legal use	—	—	E	MCUP
Cultivated agriculture, orchard, vineyard - Limited slope	E	E	MCUP	CUP
Cultivated agriculture, orchard, vineyard - Steep slope	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP	CUP
Grazing	E	E	—	E
Mining, extraction & quarrying of natural resources, not including gas, oil & other hydrocarbons	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	35.82.160
Mining - Surface, less than 1,000 cubic yards	P (3)	P (3)	P (3)	P (3)	35.82.160
Mining - Surface, 1,000 cubic yards or more	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	35.82.160
Oil and gas development, ofshore, from onshore location	—	—	—	S	35.5

Oil and gas development, onshore	CUP	CUP	CUP	S	35.5
Oil and gas treatment and processing	—	—	—	S	35.5
RECREATION, EDUCATION & PUBLIC ASSEMBLY USES
Country club	—	CUP	CUP	CUP
Education or research facility, limited	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Equestrian facilities	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Fairgrounds	—	CUP	CUP	CUP
Golf course	—	CUP	CUP	CUP
Golf driving range	—	CUP	CUP	CUP
Library	—	—	CUP	—
Meeting facility, public or private	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Meeting facility, religious	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Museum	—	CUP	CUP	CUP
Rural recreation	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP	35.42.240
School	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
School - Business, professional or trade	—	CUP	CUP	CUP
Sports and outdoor recreation facilities	—	CUP	CUP	CUP

Key to Zone Symbols

MT-GAV	Mountainous - Gaviota	MT-TORO	Mountainous - Toro Canyon
MT-GOL	Mountainous - Goleta	RMZ	Resource Management

Notes:

(1) See Article 35.11 (Glossary) for land use definitions.

(2) Development Plan approval may also be required; see Subsection 35.22.030.C.

(3) On one or more locations or lots under the control of an operator that do not exceed a total area of one acre; if the total area exceeds one acre, than a CUP is required.

Table 2-4- Continued Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Resource Protection Zones	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required (2) MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required S Permit determined by Specifc Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required (2) MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required S Permit determined by Specifc Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required (2) MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required S Permit determined by Specifc Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required (2) MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required S Permit determined by Specifc Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required (2) MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required S Permit determined by Specifc Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed
LAND USE (1)	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE				Specifc Use
	MT- GAV	MT- GOL	MT- TORO	RMZ	Regulations


RESIDENTIAL USES
Accessory dwelling unit	S	S	S	S	35.42.015
Agricultural employee housing, 4 or fewer employees	MCUP	MCUP	—	—	35.42.030
Artist studio	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP	35.42.150
Dwelling, one-family	P	P	P	P
Farmworker dwelling unit	P	P	P	P	35.42.135
Farmworker housing complex	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP	CUP	35.42.135
Guesthouse	P	P	P	P	35.42.150
Home occupation	P	P	P	P	35.42.190
Junior accessory dwelling unit	S	S	S	S	35.42.015
Monastery	—	CUP	CUP	—
Residential accessory uses and structures	P	P	P	P	35.42.020
Special care home, 7 or more clients	—	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP	35.42.090
Supportive housing	S	S	S	S	35.42.265
Transitional housing	S	S	S	S	35.42.265
RETAIL TRADE
Agricultural product sales	—	—	—	—
Cannabis - Retail	—	—	—	—
SERVICES
Cemetery	—	CUP	CUP	CUP
Charitable or philanthropic organization	—	CUP	CUP	CUP
Large family day care home, serving adults	P	P	P	P	35.42.090
Large family day care home, serving children	E (3)	E (3)	E (3)	E (3)	35.42.090
Small family day care home, serving adults	E	E	E	E	35.42.090
Small family day care home, serving children	E (3)	E (3)	E (3)	E (3)	35.42.090
Day care center, accessory to non-dwelling	—	MCUP (4)	MCUP (4)	MCUP (4)	35.42.090
Day care center, accessory to dwelling	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP	35.42.090
Day care center, principal use	MCUP (4)	MCUP (4)	MCUP (4)	MCUP (4)	35.42.090
Drive-through facility, accessory to a permitted use	—	—	CUP	—
Lodging - Guest ranch, low intensity	—	—	CUP	CUP
Lodging - Homestay	—	—	—	—
Lodging - Hostel	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Lodging - Short-term rental	—	—	—	—
Mausoleum	—	CUP	CUP	CUP
Medical services - Clinic	—	—	CUP	—
Medical services - Extended care	—	—	CUP	—

Medical services - Hospital	—	—	CUP	—
Mortuary, accessory to cemetery	—	CUP	CUP	CUP	35.42.120
Mortuary	—	—	—	—	35.42.120
Music recording studio	—	—	CUP	—

Key to Zone Symbols

MT-GAV	Mountainous - Gaviota	MT-TORO	Mountainous - Toro Canyon
MT-GOL	Mountainous - Goleta	RMZ	Resource Management

Notes:

(1) See Article 35.11 (Glossary) for land use definitions.

(2) Development Plan approval may also be required; see Subsection 35.22.030.C.

(3) A change of use to a large or small family day care home, serving children, is exempt from zoning permits. An application to construct a new structure to be used as a large or small family day care home, serving children, is subject to the same standards and permit requirements as a proposal to construct a residential structure in the same zone.

(4) Day care centers serving up to and including fifty (50) children may be permitted with a Land Use Permit in compliance with Section 35.82.110 (Land Use Permits).

Table 2-4- Continued Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Resource Protection Zones	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required (2) MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required S Permit determined by Specifc Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required (2) MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required S Permit determined by Specifc Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required (2) MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required S Permit determined by Specifc Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required (2) MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required S Permit determined by Specifc Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed	E Allowed use, no permit required (Exempt) P Permitted use, Land Use Permit required (2) MCUP Minor Conditional Use Permit required CUP Conditional Use Permit required S Permit determined by Specifc Use Regulations — Use Not Allowed
LAND USE (1)	PERMIT REQUIRED BY ZONE				Specifc Use
	MT- GAV	MT- GOL	MT- TORO	RMZ	Regulations
INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURING & PROCESSING, WHOLESALING
Cannabis - Manufacturing	—	—	—	—
Cannabis - Testing	—	—	—	—
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS, INFRASTRUCTURE
Airport, public	—	CUP	CUP	CUP
Airstrip, private and temporary	—	CUP	CUP	CUP
Airstrip, temporary	—	CUP	—	—
Cannabis - Distribution	—	—	—	—
Drainage channel, water course, storm drain, less than 20,000 sf	P	P	P	P

Drainage channel, water course, storm drain, 20,000 sf or more	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP
Electrical substation - Minor (3)	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP
Electrical transmission line (4)	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Heliport	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Pipeline - Oil and gas	P	P	P	P	35.5
Public utility facility	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Public works or private service facility	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP
Road, street, less than 20,000 sf total area (5)	P	P	P	P
Road, street, 20,000 sf or more total area (5)	P	P	P	P
Telecommunications facility	S	S	S	S	35.44
Wind turbines and wind energy systems	S	S	S	S	35.57
WATER SUPPLY & WASTEWATER FACILITIES
Onsite wastewater treatment system, individual, alternative	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP
Onsite wastewater treatment system, individual, conventional	E	E	E	E
Onsite wastewater treatment system, individual, supplemental	E	E	E	E
Pipeline - Water, reclaimed water, wastewater	P	P	P	P
Reservoir, less than 50,000 sf total development	P	P	P	P
Reservoir, 50,000 sf or more total development	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP
Wastewater treatment facility, less than 200 connections	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Water diversion project	P	P	P	P
Water extraction, commercial	CUP	CUP	CUP	CUP
Water system with 1 connection	E	E	E	E
Water system with 2 to less than 5 connections	P	P	P	P
Water system with 5 or more connections	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP	MCUP
Water well, agricultural	E	E	E	E

Key to Zone Symbols

MT-GAV	Mountainous - Gaviota	MT-TORO	Mountainous - Toro Canyon
MT-GOL	Mountainous - Goleta	RMZ	Resource Management

Notes:

(1) See Article 35.11 (Glossary) for land use definitions.

(2) Development Plan approval may also be required; see Subsection 35.22.030.C.

(3) Use is subject to the standards of the PU zone.

(4) Does not include lines outside the jurisdiction of the County.

(5) Not applicable to facilities constructed by the County.
(Ord. No. 5167, § 3, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 5202, § 2, 2-13-2024)

35.22.040 - Resource Protection Zones Lot Standards ¶

Each subdivision and residential development shall comply with the following minimum lot area and building site requirements for the applicable zone.

A.

Minimum lot size. Each lot in a proposed subdivision shall comply with the minimum gross lot area requirements in Table 2-5 (Minimum Lot Area/Building Site Area). Minimum lot width and depth shall be determined by the review authority through the subdivision approval process.

B.

Minimum building site area for residential use. Each primary dwelling shall be located on a lot with the minimum gross area shown in Table 2-5 (Minimum Lot Area/Building Site Area). A dwelling and its accessory structures and uses may also be located on a smaller existing legal lot, except for a fraction lot.

Table 2-5- Minimum Lot Area/Building Site Area

Zoning Map Symbol	Minimum Gross Lot Area
MT-GAV-100	100 acres
MT-GAV-320	320 acres
MT-GOL-40	40 acres
MT-GOL-100	100 acres
MT-GOL-320	320 acres
MT-TORO-40	40 acres
MT-TORO-100	100 acres
MT-TORO-320	320 acres
RMZ-40	40 acres
RMZ-100	100 acres
RMZ-320	320 acres

35.22.050 - Resource Protection Zones Development Standards

General development standards. Development within the Resource Protection zones shall be designed, constructed, and established in compliance with the requirements in Table 2-6 (MT and RMZ Zones Development Standards), below and all applicable standards in Article 35.3 through Article 35.7 of this Development Code.

B.

Community Plan overlay requirements. Section 35.28.210 (Community Plan Overlays) establishes additional requirements and standards that apply to development and uses located in an applicable community or area plan as specified in Section 35.28.210 (Community Plan Overlays).

Table 2-6- MT and RMZ Zones Development Standards

Development Feature	Requirement by Zone
	MT-GAV Mountainous - Gaviota & MT-GOL Mountainous - Goleta	MT-TORO Mountainous - Toro Canyon	RMZ Resource Management
Residential density	Maximum number of dwelling units allowed on a lot. The actual number of units allowed will be determined through subdivision or planning permit approval.
Maximum density	One one-family dwelling per lot; plus one accessory dwelling unit or one junior accessory dwelling unit per lot where allowed in compliance with Section 35.42.015 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units); plus agricultural employee housing, where allowed by Table 2-1 and applicable standards.	One one-family dwelling per lot; plus one accessory dwelling unit or one junior accessory dwelling unit per lot where allowed in compliance with Section 35.42.015 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units).	One one-family dwelling per lot; plus one accessory dwelling unit or one junior accessory dwelling unit per lot where allowed in compliance with Section 35.42.015 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units).
	The lot shall also comply with Section 35.22.040 (Resource Protection Zones Lot Standards), as applicable.
Setbacks	Minimum setbacks required. See Section 35.30.150 (Setback Requirements and Exceptions) for exceptions. Required building separation is between buildings on the same site.
Front	50 ft from the road centerline and 20 ft from the lot lines.
Side	None.
Rear	None.
Building separation	5 ft.		5 ft.

Height limit	Maximum allowable height of structures. See Section 35.30.090 (Height Measurement, Exceptions and Limitations) for height measurement requirements, and height limit exceptions.
Maximum height	25 ft.
Landscaping	See Chapter 35.34 (Landscaping Standards).
Parking	See Chapter 35.36 (Parking and Loading Standards).
Signs	See Chapter 35.38 (Sign Standards).

35.22.060 - Resource Protection Zones Findings for Project Approval ¶

The approval of a Conditional Use Permit or Minor Conditional Use Permit in a Resource Protection zone shall require that the review authority first make the applicable findings in Section 35.82.060 (Conditional Use Permits and Minor Conditional Use Permits), including any specific findings required for the applicable zone.