Santa Barbara County Municipal Code Ch. 35.23 Residential Zones

This Chapter lists the land uses that may be allowed within the residential 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.

The purposes of the individual residential zones and the manner in which they are applied are as follows.

A. RR (Residential Ranchette). The RR zone is applied within Urban, Inner-Rural and Existing Developed Rural Neighborhood areas as designated on the Comprehensive Plan maps where low density residential and agricultural uses are appropriate. This zone is intended to preserve the character of an area and to minimize the services required by providing for low density residential development.

B. R-1/E-1 (Single Family Residential) zone. The R-1 and E-1 zones are applied to areas appropriately located for one-family living at a reasonable range of population densities, consistent with sound standards of public health, safety, and welfare. This zone is intended to protect the residential characteristics of an area.

C. EX-1 (One-Family Exclusive Residential) zone. The EX-1 zone is applied to areas appropriate for high standards of residential estate development on lots larger than one acre. The intent is to ensure that development protects the residential character of the area and is consistent with sound standards that promote public health, safety, and welfare.

D. R-2 (Two-Family Residential) zone. The R-2 zone is applied to areas appropriate for residential development in the form of two-family dwellings (duplexes) and to maintain a residential character similar to that of one-family neighborhoods. This zone is intended to ensure the compatibility of duplex development with surrounding multiple and one-family dwellings and neighborhoods.

E. DR (Design Residential) zone. The DR zone is applied to areas appropriate for one-family, two-family, and multi-family dwellings. This zone is intended to ensure comprehensively planned and well designed residential development, while allowing flexibility and encouraging innovation and diverse design, and encouraging clustering of structures to preserve significant natural, scenic, and cultural resources of a site.

F. PRD (Planned Residential Development) zone. The PRD zone ensures the comprehensively planned development of large acreage within Urban Areas as designated on the Comprehensive Plan maps that are intended primarily for residential use. The intent of this zone is to:

1. Promote flexibility and innovative design of residential development, to provide desirable aesthetic and efficient use of space and to preserve significant natural, scenic, and cultural resources of a site;

2. Encourage clustering of structures to preserve open space;

3. Allow for a diversity of housing types; and

4. Provide recreational opportunities for use by both the residents of the site and the public.

G. SLP (Small Lot Planned Development) zone. SLP zone is applied to areas appropriate for increased opportunities for affordable housing, and establishes standards for the development of individual small lots for one-family homes. The intent of this zone is to:

1. Provide housing opportunities which meet the needs of the community, including housing for low, moderate, and middle income households, families with children, senior citizens, and other identified households in need; and

2. Ensure a safe and attractive residential environment by promoting high standards of site planning, architecture, and landscaping for small lot planned development.

H. MHP (Mobile Home Planned Development) zone. The MHP zone is applied to areas appropriate for mobile homes on non-permanent foundations, in planned developments including mobile home rental parks and mobile home statutory (air space) condominiums. The intent is to meet community needs by providing affordable housing opportunities. The intent is also to ensure a safe and attractive residential environment by promoting high standards of site planning, architecture, and landscaping design for mobile home developments.

I. MHS (Mobile Home Subdivision) zone. The MHS zone is applied to areas appropriate for increasing opportunities for affordable housing, and established standards for the development of mobile home subdivisions. To this end, the intent of this MHS zone is to meet community needs by providing housing opportunities for low, moderate, and middle income households, families with children, senior citizens, and other identified households in need. The intent is also to ensure a safe and attractive residential environment by promoting high standards of site planning, architecture, and landscaping for mobile home developments.

J. MR-O (Multi-Family Residential - Orcutt) zone. The MR-O zone is applied to areas located within the Orcutt Community Plan that are appropriate for new high quality multi-family residential opportunities at densities considered by state law to be affordable by design to very low and low-income households. The regulations are intended to ensure projects located in this zone will provide safe, aesthetically pleasing and desirable new residential neighborhoods that are compatible with existing developments.

(Ord. No. 5275, § 9, 1-27-2026)

A. General permit requirements. Tables 2-7 and 2-8 (Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Residential Zones) identify the uses of land allowed by this Development Code in each residential 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 Tables 2-7 and 2-8 (Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for the Residential 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. Except as provided below, Development Plan approval is required in compliance with Section 35.82.080 (Development Plans) as follows:

1. RR, R-1/E-1, EX-1 and R-2 zones. Development Plan approval is required 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. DR zone. Development Plan approval in compliance with Section 35.82.080 (Development Plans) is required for all development within the DR zone, including grading, except that the following:

a. One one-family dwelling and its accessory uses and structures on a single lot where a Development Plan was not previously approved unless required in compliance with Subsection C.1 above. The one-family dwelling shall be subject to the development standards applicable to the R-1/E-1 zone in Section 35.23.040 (Residential Zones Development Standards).

b. Orchards, vegetable and flower gardens, raising of field crops and uses and structures accessory and customarily incidental thereto.

3. MHP, MHS and SLP zones. Development Plan approval in compliance with Section 35.82.080 (Development Plans) is required for all development, including grading within the MHP, MHS, and SLP zones.

4. PRD zone. Development Plan approval in compliance with Section 35.82.080 (Development Plans) is required for all development, including grading, within the PRD zone, except for the following:

a. Orchards, vegetable and flower gardens, the raising of field crops and uses and structures accessory and customarily incidental thereto subject to the development standards of the PRD zone.

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 Tables 2-7 and 2-8 (Allowed Land uses and Permit Requirements for Residential Zones) may include accessory structures and uses that are customarily incidental to the primary use, provided that the accessory structures and uses are in compliance with all applicable requirements of this Development Code, including standards for specific uses and structures in Chapter 35.42 (Standards for Specific Land Uses).

Key to Zone Symbols

Notes:

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

(2) 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, then a CUP is required.

Key to Zone Symbols

Notes:

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

(2) A Zoning Clearance (Section 35.82.210) is required instead of a Land Use Permit (Section 35.82.110) for a primary single-family dwelling on a lot that resulted from the recordation of a Final (tract) Map for which its Tentative Map was approved after January 1, 1990, and was vacant at the time the Final Map was recorded.

(3) Limited to student housing facilities located in an area where such facilities are to be used by students of a permitted educational facility.

(4) As defined in the CN Zone and the accompanying list of allowable uses.

Key to Zone Symbols

Notes:

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

(2) 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.

(3) 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).

(4) Allowed in the following locations subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit in compliance with Section 35.82.060 (Conditional Use Permits and Minor Conditional Use Permits):

1. Within cemeteries operating under a valid use permit; or

2. On any lot abutting a cemetery.

Key to Zone Symbols

Notes:

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

(2) Use is subject to the standards of the PU Zone.

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

(4) Not applicable to facilities constructed by the County.

Key to Zone Symbols

Notes:

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

Key to Zone Symbols

Notes:

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

(2) 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, then a CUP is required.

(4) See Section 35.23.100.G.

Key to Zone Symbols

Notes:

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

(2) A Zoning Clearance (Section 35.82.210) is required instead of a Land Use Permit (Section 35.82.110) for a primary single-family dwelling on a lot that resulted from the recordation of a Final (Tract) Map for which its Tentative Map was approved after January 1, 1990, and was vacant at the time the Final Map was recorded.

(3) See Section 35.23.080 (Mobile Home Park Zone Standards).

(4) Mobile home must be on a permanent foundation.

Key to Zone Symbols

Notes:

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

(2) 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.

(3) 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).

(4) Allowed in the following locations subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit in compliance with Section 35.82.060 (Conditional Use Permits and Minor Conditional Use Permits):

1. Within cemeteries operating under a valid use permit; or

2. On any lot abutting a cemetery.

Key to Zone Symbols

Notes:

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

(2) Use is subject to the standards of the PU Zone.

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

(4) Not applicable to facilities constructed by the County.

Key to Zone Symbols

Notes:

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

(Ord. No. 5167, §§ 4, 5, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 5202, §§ 3, 4, 2-13-2024; Ord. No. 5207, § 1, 5-3-2024; Ord. No. 5275, § 9, 1-27-2026)

A. Minimum lot size.

1. Minimum area and width. Each lot in a proposed subdivision shall comply with the minimum lot area and width requirements in Table 2-9 (Minimum Lot Size and Width). Area requirements are gross or net as noted, minimum lot widths are gross or net, as noted. (Note that lot width is defined differently in the EX-1 zone than other zones, see the definition of "Lot Width, Gross" in Article 35.11 (Glossary)).

2. Minimum depth. Minimum lot depth shall be determined by the review authority through the subdivision approval process; except that minimum lot depth in the SLP zone shall be 80 feet.

Table 2-9- Minimum Lot Size and Width

Notes:

(1) Lot width is defined differently for the EX-1 zone than other zones. See the definition of "Lot Width, Gross" in Article 35.11 (Glossary).

(2) The DR zoning map symbol is accompanied by a number(s) that specifies the allowable number of units per gross acre, see Table 2-11A (DR Zone Maximum Density) and Table 2-11B (DR Zone Minimum and Maximum Density).

(Ord. No. 5207, § 2, 5-3-2024; Ord. No. 5275, § 9, 1-27-2026)

A. General development standards. Development within the residential zones shall be designed, constructed, and established in compliance with the requirements in Table 2-10 (Residential 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 2-10- Residential Zones Development Standards

Table 2-10- Residential Zones Development Standards (continued)

Table 2-10- Residential Zones Development Standards (continued)

C. Accessory storage of materials. Storage of materials accessory to the principal structure or use on the lot on which the storage is located is subject to the following standards. A Land Use Permit in compliance with Section 35.82.110 (Land Use Permits) is not required to establish storage of materials except when 1) this Subsection C. requires a permit for a specific type of storage, or 2) the storage includes the construction of a new structure or alteration of an existing structure that is not exempt from a planning permit in compliance with Section 35.20.040 (Exemptions from Planning Permit Requirement), or 3) the storage in not in compliance with Section 35.20.040 (Exemptions from Planning Permit Requirement). However, other permits may be required in compliance with Chapter 17 (Solid Waste Services), Chapter 19 (Junk Yards and Dumps) and Chapter 23 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic) of the County Code. Nothing in this Subsection 35.23.050.C shall be construed as preventing the enforcement or implementation of the provisions of Chapter 17 (Solid Waste Services), Chapter 19 (Junk Yards and Dumps) and Chapter 23 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic) of the County Code.

1. Building materials and equipment used in a construction project.

a. The following storage of building materials and equipment used in a construction project is allowed on residentially zoned lots. Storage of building materials and equipment include stockpiles of construction materials, tools, equipment, and building component assembly operations.

(1) Same or adjacent lot. The storage of building materials and equipment used in a construction project on the same lot on which the construction is occurring or on a lot adjacent to the lot on which the construction is occurring provided:

(a) There is a valid building permit or planning permit in effect for the construction project; and

(b) When storage is proposed on a lot adjacent to the lot on which the construction is occurring, the planning permit application for the construction project shall also include the adjacent lot and shall describe the storage proposed to occur on the adjacent lot.

(2) Construction related to an approved Development Plan. The storage of building materials and equipment used in a construction project where concurrent development is occurring on several lots at the same time in compliance with an approved Development Plan or other planning permit or building permit that allows construction activities to occur on several lots that are proximate to one another.

b. The storage of building materials and equipment not allowed by Subsection C.1.a, above, or C.2, below, is considered a Contractor Equipment Storage Yard which is not allowed in residential zones.

2. Outdoor storage of miscellaneous materials. The storage of miscellaneous materials including articles, building materials not associated with the construction of a structure for which there is a valid planning or building permit, equipment, junk, motor vehicle parts, scrap or tools outside of a fully enclosed or fully screened structure is subject to the following requirements.

a. Area occupied by stored materials.

(1) Stored materials shall be limited to the following maximum area, based upon the lot area of the lot.

(2) No more than 100 square feet of the maximum allowed area of storage shown in the table above may be devoted to the storage of junk, including scrap material, salvage material or used material held for recycling, reuse or resale.

b. Maximum height of stored materials: Five feet.

c. Screening required. Except for stacked, cut firewood for on-site domestic use only, the outdoor storage of miscellaneous materials shall be enclosed within a six-foot high solid wood fence or masonry wall. The fence or wall shall be located in close proximity to the materials being stored so as to effectively screen the storage area.

d. Location of storage. Storage of miscellaneous materials shall not be located within required front setback or side setback areas in compliance with Section 35.23.050 (Residential Zones Development Standards).

e. Modifications to standards allowed with a Minor Conditional Use Permit. The storage of miscellaneous materials that does not comply with the standards contained in Subsections a. through d. of Subsection C.2, above, may be allowed in compliance with a Minor Conditional Use Permit approved in compliance with Section 35.82.060 (Conditional Use Permits and Minor Conditional Use Permits).

f. Noncompliance deemed a violation of this Development Code. As of June 1, 2012, storage of miscellaneous materials that does not comply with the standards contained in Subsections a. through d. of Subsection C.2, above, or is not allowed by a Minor Conditional Use Permit approved in compliance with Section 35.82.060 (Conditional Use Permits and Minor Conditional Use Permits) as allowed by Subsection C.2.e, above, shall be considered a violation of this Development Code and subject to enforcement and penalties in compliance with Chapter 35.108 (Enforcement and Penalties).

D. Motor vehicle assembly, dismantling, maintenance, repair, restoration, etc. The assembling, disassembling, modifying, repairing, restoration, servicing, wrecking or otherwise working (hereinafter referred to as "work" within the meaning of this Subsection D) on a motor vehicle is allowed only in compliance with the following standards. This Subsection D. shall not apply to occasional minor maintenance such as changing belts, hoses, oil and spark plugs. Nothing in this Subsection D. shall be construed as preventing the enforcement or implementation of the provisions of Chapter 17 (Solid Waste Services) or Chapter 19 (Junk Yards and Dumps) or Chapter 23 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic) of the County Code.

1. Work is restricted to vehicles that are registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles to a person residing on the lot on which the work occurs. Residing on a lot does not include transient occupancies where the occupancy is for a period of less than 30 days.

2. Vehicle dismantling shall not occur outside of a fully enclosed or fully screened structure and such vehicles shall not be kept, parked or stored outside of a fully enclosed or fully screened structure or on parking spaces required in compliance with Section 35.36.050 (Required Number of Spaces: Residential Uses).

3. Any storage of vehicle parts located outside of a fully enclosed or fully screened structure shall be in compliance with Subsection C. (Accessory storage of materials), above, and shall not be located on parking spaces required in compliance with Section 35.36.050 (Required Number of Spaces: Residential Uses).

4. Work associated with the preparation for sale of vehicles or vehicle parts for sale is not allowed.

5. Modifications to standards allowed with a Minor Conditional Use Permit. Work that does not comply with the standards contained in Subsections D.1 through D.4, above, may be allowed in compliance with a Minor Conditional Use Permit approved in compliance with Section 35.82.060 (Conditional Use Permits and Minor Conditional Use Permits).

6. Noncompliance deemed a violation of this Development Code. As of June 1, 2012, any motor vehicle assembly, dismantling, maintenance, repair, restoration, etc. that does not comply with the standards contained in Subsections D.1 through D.4, above, or is not allowed by a Minor Conditional Use Permit approved in compliance with Section 35.82.060 (Conditional Use Permits and Minor Conditional Use Permits) as allowed by Subsection D.5, above, shall be considered a violation of this Development Code and subject to enforcement and penalties in compliance with Chapter 35.108 (Enforcement and Penalties).

(Ord. No. 5275, § 9, 1-27-2026)

Proposed development and new land uses within the DR zone shall comply with the following standards, in addition to those in Section 35.23.050 (Residential Zones Development Standards).

A. Density.

1. Maximum density. The number of dwelling units on a lot shall not exceed the maximum specified by Table 2-11A (DR Zone Maximum Density) for each DR zoning designation shown in Table 2-11A (DR Zone Maximum Density).

Table 2-11A- DR Zone Maximum Density

2. Minimum and maximum density. The number of dwelling units on a lot shall comply with the minimums and maximums specified by Table 2-11B (DR Zone Minimum and Maximum Density) for each DR zoning designation shown in Table 2-11B (DR Zone Minimum and Maximum Density).

Table 2-11B- DR Zone Minimum and Maximum Density

a. Lower density allowance. An applicant may propose a lower density than the minimum density specified in Table 2-11B (DR Zone Minimum and Maximum Density) when physical, environmental, or infrastructure constraints would preclude a project from meeting the specified minimum density.

(1) Finding. The applicant must demonstrate, based upon a preponderance of evidence in the record, and the review authority must find that no feasible method(s) exists to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific constraint(s) without rendering the housing project financially infeasible for the development of housing for very low, low, and/or moderate-income households. Feasible methods may include alternative siting, alternative design, and/or smaller units.

(2) Project phasing. Applicants that request a lower density allowance than the specified minimum density based on current infrastructure constraints (e.g., deficient public water supply or sewer capacity) shall reserve a portion of the site and design and develop the housing project in phases to allow additional housing units in compliance with the specified minimum density for the overall site when adequate infrastructure becomes available. Each phase of the project shall include a proportional share of any required housing for very low-, low-, and/or moderate-income households.

B. Open space. Open space, unoccupied by main or accessory structures not directly related to the open space amenities, storage, parking areas, public or private streets, driveways, and loading areas, shall be provided in accordance with the following standards.

1. Minimum amount of open space.

a. Maximum Zone Density of Less than 20 Dwelling Units per Gross Acre (i.e. DR-0.1-DR-16). A minimum of 300 square feet of open space shall be provided per dwelling unit. The required open space shall be provided as common or private open space in conformance with the standards of this section.

b. Maximum Zone Density of 20 Dwelling Units per Gross Acre or More (i.e. DR-20-DR-30/40). A minimum of 150 square feet of open space shall be provided per dwelling unit. A minimum of 25 percent of the required open space shall be provided as common open space in conformance with the standards of this section. The balance of the required open space shall be provided as private or common open space in conformance with the standards of this section.

2. Configuration.

a. Private Open Space. Private open space typically consists of balconies, decks, patios, yards, and other similar areas outside the residential unit that are exclusively used by occupants of the specific unit and their guests.

b. Common Open Space. Common open space typically consists of recreational areas, landscaped areas, patios, swimming pools, barbeque areas, playgrounds, turf, or other such improvements as are appropriate to enhance the outdoor environment of the development and may be used by all occupants of the development. All or a portion of required common open space may be provided as public open space and developed as public parks, trails, or other public recreational facilities (e.g., sports fields or courts, playgrounds, picnic or BBQ areas, community center, pool/aquatic facility, gymnasium) to provide recreational opportunities for use by both the residents of the site and the public.

3. Minimum Dimensions.

a. Private Open Space.

(1) Ground Level. Private open space located on the ground level (e.g., yards, decks, patios) shall be a minimum of eight feet in length and eight feet in width.

(2) Above Ground Level. Private open space located above ground level (e.g., balconies) shall be a minimum of six feet in length and six feet in width.

b. Common Open Space. Common open space areas shall be a minimum of 15 feet in length and 15 feet in width, and must include at least one area of a minimum of 50 feet in length and 50 feet in width. The minimum dimensions must be uninterrupted by walkways with the primary purpose of providing access to and between buildings, parking areas, or other site features.

4. Usability. A surface shall be provided that allows convenient use for outdoor living and/or recreation. Such surface may be any practicable combination of lawn, garden, flagstone, wood planking, concrete, or other serviceable surfacing. Slope shall not exceed 10 percent.

5. Accessibility.

a. Private Open Space. The space shall be accessible to only the individual residential unit it serves and shall be accessible by a doorway to a habitable room or hallway.

b. Common Open Space. The space shall be accessible to all dwelling units within the development.

6. Dedication and maintenance of Public Open Space.

a. Lands to be preserved as public open space may be dedicated in fee to the County or other public agency or may remain in private ownership with dedication of only appropriate scenic and/or open space easements. For lands counted as public open space that remain in private ownership, the County shall require granting of an easement guaranteeing the public's right of access and use of such open space.

b. The County may require the applicant or Homeowner's Association to maintain all public open spaces and related facilities for a specified period after occupancy of the project or may require payment of an in-lieu fee if the County maintains the public open space and related facilities. If the applicant or Homeowner's Association is to maintain public open spaces, prior to the approval of any permits for construction, a bond or other approved financial security shall be posted guaranteeing performance of maintenance obligations.

C. Title to common areas. Title to the common open space, common recreational facilities, common parking areas and private streets shall be held by a non-profit association of all homeowners within the project area, or other individual or entity on such reasonable terms and conditions as the Director may prescribe to ensure the preservation and maintenance of common areas. The reasonable terms and conditions may include restricting the rights to develop the property to the uses described in the approved Development Plan for the project. The preservation and maintenance of all common open space, common recreational facilities, common parking areas, and private streets shall be the obligation of the individual or entity holding title to these areas.

D. Commercial Recreational Facilities and Neighborhood-Serving Commercial Uses

1. Commercial recreational facilities and neighborhood-serving commercial uses (i.e., convenience store, café, corner store) may be allowed in developments of at least 20 units per acre, provided that:

a. Such commercial recreational facilities are accessory to and compatible with the residential uses;

b. Such neighborhood-serving commercial uses are accessory to the residential use and limited to those serving such day-to-day needs of residents in the immediate area such as food, pharmacy, fuel, and other incidentals and shall be subject to the same permit requirements for the proposed use as specified in the CN zone;

c. Such commercial recreational facilities and neighborhood-serving commercial uses shall be an integral part of the development and accessible via active transportation modes (i.e., walking, biking) within the development; and

d. Such commercial recreational facilities and neighborhood-serving commercial uses shall not, by reason of their construction, lighting, location, manner or timing of operation, parking arrangements, signs, or other characteristics have adverse effects on residential uses within or adjoining the development or create traffic congestion or hazards to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

(Ord. No. 5207, §§ 3, 4, 5-3-2024; Ord. No. 5275, § 9, 1-27-2026)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 5275, § 9, adopted January 27, 2026, repealed the former Section 35.23.070 in its entirety, which pertained to EX-1 zone standards and derived from original codification.

Proposed development and new land uses within the MHP zone shall comply with the following standards, in addition to those in Section 35.23.050 (Residential Zones Development Standards).

A. Density. The maximum allowable density within the MHP zones shall comply with the Comprehensive Plan.

B. Park perimeter setbacks. The following minimum setbacks for structures shall apply to the perimeters of a mobile home park.

1. Front. 20 feet from the right-of-way line of any street.

2. Side and rear. 15 feet from the side or rear property lines of the mobile home park.

C. Park interior setbacks on individual mobile home sites. Each structure and mobile home within a mobile home park shall comply with all applicable requirements of California Code of Regulations Title 25.

D. Site coverage. Structures shall not occupy more than 75 percent of each mobile home site.

E. Height limit. No structure shall exceed a height of 25 feet.

F. Open space.

1. Mobile home park requirements. A mobile home park shall comply with the following open space requirements.

a. A minimum of 15 percent of the gross area of the mobile home development shall be in common open space, which may include recreational area and facilities for the use of the residents of the development. The facilities shall generally be provided in a central location and may include lawn and picnic areas, swimming pools, tennis courts, etc. Laundry facilities or other non-recreational uses shall not be included in the common open space. Improved sidewalks, walkways or paths shall link all mobile home sites to the recreational facilities. If the mobile home development is to be developed in phases, the open space/common recreation area must be developed during the first phase of construction.

b. In a mobile home condominium development, title to the common open space, common recreational amenities and private streets shall be conveyed to a non-profit association of all homeowners within the project area, or any other non-profit individual or entity on such reasonable terms and conditions as the Board of Supervisors may prescribe subject to conveying to the County the rights to develop such common open space with anything except open space, non-commercial recreational facilities, common parking areas, and private streets.

c. The preservation and maintenance of all common open space, common recreational facilities, common parking areas, and private streets shall be the obligation of the individual or entity holding title to said areas.

G. Mobile home skirting. Each mobile home within a MHP zone shall be equipped with perimeter skirting.

(Ord. No. 5275, § 9, 1-27-2026)

Proposed development and new land uses within the MHS zone shall comply with the following standards, in addition to those in Section 35.23.050 (Residential Zones Development Standards).

A. Minimum project area. The minimum amount of land that may be developed for a MHS project shall be one acre, provided that this minimum land area is adequate to meet the requirements of the MHS district.

B. Density and minimum lot area.

1. Maximum density. The maximum density of an MHS shall be seven units per gross acre.

2. Minimum lot area and dimensions. The minimum area for individual lots within the MHS shall be 4,000 square feet, with only one one-family dwelling permitted per lot. Each lot shall have a minimum width of 50 feet and a minimum depth of 80 feet.

C. Development standards.

1. Perimeter setback requirements. The following minimum setbacks shall apply to the perimeters of a MHS development:

a. Front. 20 feet from the right-of-way line of any street.

b. Side and rear. 15 feet from the side or rear property lines of any lot on which the MHS development is located.

2. Individual lot setback requirements. The following minimum setbacks shall apply to interior lots within a MHS development:

a. Front. 10 feet from the front line of each lot,

b. Side. Five feet in width on each side of the building or structure, exclusive of awnings, etc. Where the side yard abuts an access road, public parking area or walk, the setback shall be a minimum of 10 feet in width.

c. Rear. 10 feet.

d. Open space setback modifications. To maximize open space on individual lots, the side setback and minimum distance required between buildings may be modified by the Commission to allow dwelling units to be located within one side yard, provided that the remaining side yard is equal to the sum of the two required side yards. These modifications shall be subject to State of California approval to waive the minimum setback requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 25.

3. Separation between buildings on the same site. The minimum distance between a building designed or used for human habitation and any other detached building shall be 10 feet.

4. Site coverage. Structures shall not occupy more than 60 percent of each one-family lot.

5. Height limit. No structure shall exceed 25 feet in height.

6. Open space.

a. A minimum of 15 percent of the gross lot area shall be in common open space, which shall include a recreational area with facilities for the use of the residents of the development. The facilities shall generally be provided in a central location and may include lawn and picnic area, swimming pools, tennis courts, etc. Laundry facilities or other non-recreational uses shall not be included in the common open space. Improved sidewalks, walkways or paths shall link all mobile home lots to the recreational facilities. If the MHS is to be developed in phases, the open space/community recreation area must be developed during the first phase of construction.

b. Title to the common open space, common recreational facilities, common parking areas, and private streets shall be conveyed to a non-profit association of all homeowners within the project area, or any other non-profit individual or entity on such reasonable terms and conditions as the Board of Supervisors may prescribe subject to conveying to the County the rights to develop such property with anything except open space, non-commercial recreational facilities, common parking areas, and private streets. Preservation and maintenance of all common open space, common recreational facilities, common parking areas, and private streets shall be the obligation of the individual or entity holding title to the areas.

7. Additional requirements.

a. Tool shed and equipment storage structures shall be permitted on each lot but shall not be located in the front, side, or rear setback area.

b. The exterior design and finish of all buildings and structures within the MHS zone shall be compatible. For all buildings and structures, the Development Plan shall include the following: a description of the colors and finishes of exterior walls, roof lines, and other exterior design features determined by the County to be necessary for compatibility.

c. Each mobile home development shall comply with all applicable requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 25.

(Ord. No. 5275, § 9, 1-27-2026)

Proposed development and new land uses within the PRD zone shall comply with the following standards, in addition to those in Section 35.23.050 (Residential Zones Development Standards).

A. Minimum zone area. Rezoning to apply the PRD zone shall require that the site shall be a minimum of one acre provided that this minimum land area is adequate to meet the requirements of the PRD zone.

B. Development Standards. Except as specifically approved in the Development Plan, development shall comply with the development standards for the DR Zone in Section 35.23.060 (DR Zone Standards). Standards related to density in Section 35.23.060.A (Density) do not apply as the maximum allowed density in the PRD Zone is as specified in the Land Use Element.

C. Requirements of the Comprehensive Plan. Additional site specific requirements for property designated for Planned Development (PD) on the Land Use Element Maps may be set forth in the text of the Comprehensive Plan.

D. Streets. Streets may be public or private; provided that all private streets shall be constructed to County standards, and adequate provisions shall be made in the codes, covenants and restrictions to ensure the adequate maintenance of private streets. The standards for any onsite improvements (streets, walks, drainage, and utilities) may be modified for a planned residential development by the County upon recommendation from the Public Works Department, Road Division. Street design shall relate to the function of the street and, particularly in hillside areas, where no on-street parking is necessary or permitted, street widths may be reduced. Innovation in street and walkway design, the use of cul-de-sacs and loop streets, and reduction of grading for streets is encouraged. Vehicular access to individual lots or units shall generally be only from project streets.

E. Homeowners' Association. At the time of submittal of a Development Plan, the applicant shall file a description of the proposed organization of the Homeowners' Association including conditions, covenants, and restrictions that will govern the Association. The description shall include the following provisions:

1. The Association shall be established before the homes are sold;

2. Membership in the Association shall be mandatory for each home buyer and any successive buyer;

3. The Association shall be responsible for liability insurance, property taxes, and maintenance of common open space and recreational and other common facilities;

4. Homeowners shall pay their pro rata share of all costs of the Association and the assessment levied by the Association can become a lien on the property; and

5. The Association shall be able to adjust the assessment to meet changed needs.

(Ord. No. 5275, § 9, 1-27-2026)

Proposed development and new land uses within the SLP zone shall comply with the following standards, in addition to those in Section 35.23.050 (Residential Zones Development Standards).

A. Minimum project area. The minimum amount of land that may be developed for an SLP project shall be one acre, provided that this minimum land area is adequate to meet the requirements of the SLP zone.

B. Side setbacks and building separation. To maximize open space on individual lots, the side setback and minimum distance required between buildings may be modified by the Commission to allow dwelling units to be located within one side yard; provided that the remaining side yard is equal to the sum of the two required side yards.

C. Open space.

1. A minimum of 15 percent of the gross site area shall be in common open space which shall include a recreational area with facilities for the use of the residents of the development.

a. These facilities shall generally be provided in a central location and may include lawn and picnic areas, swimming pools, tennis courts, etc.

b. Laundry facilities or other non-recreational uses shall not be included in the common open space.

c. Sidewalks, walkways or paths shall link all residential lots to the recreational facilities.

If the SLP is to be developed in phases, the open space/community recreation area must be developed during the first phase of construction.

D. Common areas.

1. Title to the common open space, common recreational facilities, common parking areas, and private streets shall be conveyed to a non-profit association of all homeowners within the project area. At the option of the Board, title may otherwise be conveyed to any other non-profit individual or entity on such reasonable terms and conditions as the Board may prescribe, subject to conveying to the County the rights to develop the property with anything except open space, non-commercial recreational facilities, common parking areas, and private streets.

2. The preservation and maintenance of all common open space, common recreational facilities, common parking areas, and private streets shall be the obligation of the individual or entity holding title to the areas.

E. Accessory structures. Tool shed and equipment storage structures shall be permitted on each lot but shall not be located in the front, side, or rear setback area.

F. Design of structures. The exterior design and finish of all structures within the SLP shall be compatible. For all structures, the Development Plan shall include the following: the building envelope or footprint of each lot, a description of the colors and finishes of exterior walls, roof lines, and other exterior design features determined by the County to be necessary for compatibility.

(Ord. No. 5275, § 9, 1-27-2026)

Proposed development within the MR-O zone shall comply with the following standards, in addition to those in Section 35.23.050 (Residential Zones Development Standards).

A. Application processing.

1. Additional discretionary review, environmental review and public hearings not required; exception. Uses shown in Table 2-8 , above, as allowed subject to the issuance of a Zoning Clearance in compliance with Section 35.82.210, shall be allowed ministerially and shall not require further environmental review, public hearing, or discretionary approval.

2. Predevelopment review. Predevelopment consultation with the Director shall be required prior to acceptance of a formal development application for sites within this zoning district. Prior to these meetings, applicants shall be advised that the project is subject to ministerial review and the MR-O zone regulations.

a. Predevelopment review submittal requirements. Applicants shall review the Multi Family Residential Zone Design Principles in Subsection H, below, prior to scheduling a predevelopment appointment with the Director and incorporate the principles into the concept plan. An application for predevelopment review by the Director shall be submitted in compliance with Chapter 35.80 (Permit Application Filing and Processing) and shall include at a minimum the following materials.

(1) Preliminary site plans with conceptual building footprints, parking, and site circulation identified.

(2) General open space and landscaping concept plans.

(3) Exterior building elevation examples with conceptual design features illustrated.

3. Development application requirements. Applications for Zoning Clearance shall be submitted in compliance with Chapter 35.80 (Permit Application Filing and Processing) and shall include at a minimum the following materials:

a. Proposed site, parking, grading, and drainage plans.

b. Proposed landscaping plan and a list of proposed plants.

c. Proposed lighting plan developed in compliance with Section 35.30.120 (Outdoor Lighting).

d. Building materials board, and color plates with examples for each proposed building in the development.

e. Building identification and traffic sign design examples and colors.

f. Elevation drawings depicting the proposed project's context with adjacent buildings.

4. Prior to issuance of a Zoning Clearance in compliance with Section 35.82.210, the Director shall verify that the project incorporates, to the extent feasible, the design principles described in Subsection I below.

B. Setbacks.

1. Perimeter setback. All structures shall be setback a minimum of 10 feet from the perimeter of the entire development.

2. Interior setbacks. The following shall apply to all lots within the development:

a. Front. Each lot shall provide an average setback of 10 feet from all public and private street rights-of-way. Balconies, decks, entryways, landings, patios and porches may encroach within the front setback.

b. Side. None.

c. Rear. Each lot shall provide an average setback of 10 feet from the rear property line.

3. Parking.

a. Off-street parking. Covered or uncovered off-street parking shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from any public or private street right-of-way line and a minimum of five feet from any other property line and shall be made available throughout the project.

C. Minimum distance between opposing garages. 20 feet.

D. Distance between buildings on same building site. The minimum distance between a building containing dwelling units and any other detached building shall be five feet.

E. Height limit. The height limit of any structure is 50 feet, except that within 100 feet of any street located adjacent to the perimeter of the development the height limit is 40 feet.

F. Open space. A minimum of 25 percent of the net site area shall be reserved for the life of the project as open space.

1. A minimum of 60 percent of the total open space requirement shall be provided as common open space areas such as greenways, landscaping, outdoor dining and cooking areas, play areas, picnic, swales and walkways.

2. A maximum of 40 percent of the total open space requirement may be provided as private open space.

G. Title to common areas. Title to the common open space, common recreational facilities, common parking areas, and private streets shall be conveyed to a non-profit association of all homeowners within the project area, or any other individual or entity on such reasonable terms and conditions as the Director may prescribe to ensure the preservation and maintenance of common areas. The reasonable terms and conditions may include restricting the rights to develop the property to the uses described in the project approval. Preservation and maintenance of all common open space, common recreational facilities, common parking areas, and private streets shall be the obligation of the individual or entity holding title to the areas.

H. Density. The minimum residential density within the MR-O zone shall be equal to the maximum allowed residential density of 20 units per acre, excluding private or public rights-of-way.

I. Design. Design requirements are detailed in the Orcutt Community Plan as development standards applicable to Key Site with MR-O zoning. The primary purpose of the MR-O zone design requirement is to establish self-mitigating design components to minimize the potential negative aesthetic impacts of any proposed project. The secondary purpose of the design requirement is to ensure continuity and compatibility with inter-related design components found in other residential zone districts in the Orcutt Community Plan. A verification of feasible compliance with the Design Components by the Board of Architectural Review and the Director is required prior to issuance of Zoning Clearance in compliance with Section 35.82.210 and guarantees fast-track project processing.

J. Additional requirements for condominiums, stock cooperatives, or community apartments. The following requirements shall apply to condominiums, stock cooperatives, or community apartments:

1. Individual metering for utilities shall be provided for each unit, unless metering would be in conflict with an innovative energy-efficient or resource conserving utility system designed for the project.

2. Individual or shared enclosed trash collection areas shall be provided sufficient to serve each housing unit and building in the development.

3. In the case of cluster development, the perimeter of the development shall be landscaped with a minimum strip of 10 feet except for access to adjacent streets.

4. Preservation and maintenance of all common open space, common recreational facilities, common parking areas, and private streets shall be the obligation of the individual or entity holding title to said areas, consistent with the project landscape plan.

(Ord. No. 5238, § 3, 2-11-2025; Ord. No. 5275, § 9, 1-27-2026)