Santa Barbara County Municipal Code Ch. 35.452 Montecito Ridgeline and Hillside Development

This Chapter describes the County's requirements for development on sloping lots and ridgeline sites.

The requirements of this Section apply except where specifically stated otherwise.

The following standards are applicable.

A. Purpose and intent. This Chapter provides for the visual protection of the Montecito's ridgelines and hillsides by requiring that the Montecito Board of Architectural Review evaluate each proposed structure within the areas identified in Subsection B (Applicability) below, in terms of the guidelines in Subsection C (Development guidelines) below. The intent of this Section is to encourage architectural designs and landscaping that conform to the natural topography on hillsides and ridgelines.

B. Applicability. Each structure proposed where there is a 16-foot drop in elevation within 100 feet in any direction from the proposed building footprint shall be subject to Design Review in compliance with Section 35.472.070 (Design Review) for conformity with the development guidelines in Subsection C (Development guidelines) below.

1. Exempt structures. The following structures are exempt from these guidelines.

a. Windmills and water tanks for agricultural purposes.

b. Poles, towers, antennas, and related facilities of public utilities used to provide electrical, communications, or similar services.

2. Exemptions allowed by Montecito Board of Architectural Review. The Montecito Board of Architectural Review may exempt a new structure or an alteration to an existing structure from compliance with these guidelines, in compliance with Section 35.472.070 (Design Review) provided that in their review of the structure they find that one or more of the following situations applies to the proposed development:

a. Due to unusual circumstances, strict adherence to these guidelines would inordinately restrict the building footprint or height below the average enjoyed by the neighborhood. For example, significant existing vegetation, lot configuration, topography or unusual geologic features may necessitate exceeding the height limit in order to build a dwelling comparable to other structures in the neighborhood.

b. In certain circumstances, allowing greater flexibility in the guidelines will better serve the interests of good design without negatively affecting neighborhood compatibility or the surrounding viewshed.

3. Exemptions allowed by the Director. The Director may exempt a new structure or an alteration to an existing structure from compliance with these guidelines if the Director determines that the proposed site is on or adjacent to a minor topographic variation (e.g., gully) such that the 16-foot drop in elevation is not the result of a true ridgeline or hillside condition.

C. Development guidelines. Ridgeline and hillside development shall comply with the following guidelines as specified in Subsection C.1 (Guidelines - Application and interpretation) except where a project is exempted from the guidelines in compliance with Subsection B (Applicability) above.

1. Guidelines - Application and interpretation. The Montecito Board of Architectural Review shall have the discretion to interpret and apply the following guidelines.

a. Urban areas. The following guidelines apply within Urban areas as designated on the Comprehensive Plan maps.

(1) The height of a structure should not exceed 25 feet wherever there is a 16-foot drop in elevation within 100 feet of the proposed structure's location.

(2) Proposed structures should be in character with adjacent structures.

(3) Large understories and exposed retaining walls should be minimized.

(4) Landscaping should be compatible with the character of the surroundings and the architectural style of the structure.

(5) Development on ridgelines shall be discouraged if suitable alternative locations are available on the lot.

b. Rural areas. The following guidelines apply within Rural areas as designated on the Comprehensive Plan maps.

(1) The height of any structure should not exceed 16 feet wherever there is a 16-foot drop in elevation within 100 feet of the proposed structure's location.

(2) Building rake and ridge line should conform to or reflect the surrounding terrain.

(3) Materials and colors should be compatible with the character of the terrain and natural surroundings of the site.

(4) Large, visually unbroken and/or exposed retaining walls should be minimized.

(5) Landscaping should be used to integrate the structure into the hillside, and shall be compatible with the adjacent vegetation.

(6) Grading shall be minimized, in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan.

(7) Development on ridgelines shall be discouraged if suitable alternative locations are available on the lot.