Chapter 28.51 — C-O MEDICAL OFFICE ZONE

This is a zone which, because of its proximity to a major medical facility and its conformity with the General Plan, is deemed suitable for use for medical, dental and related professional offices as well as residences, under the following regulations. This zone also strives to provide a desirable living environment by preserving and protecting surrounding residential land uses in terms of light, air and existing visual amenities. (Ord. 2585, 1957; Ord. 3710, 1974; Ord. 4005 § 4, 1979)

• A. Any residential use permitted in the R-3 Limited Multiple-Family Residence Zone.

• B. Professional offices offering medical and related services, including the following: chiropodists, chiropractors, clinics, dentists, opticians, optometrists, osteopaths, physicians, surgeons and other similar medical offices as approved by the Planning Commission.

• C. Hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and other similar buildings and facilities for the treatment of human ailments where facilities are provided for the keeping of patients overnight or longer, subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit and subject to the special procedural provisions prescribed in Chapter 28.94 of this code.

• D. Accessory buildings and accessory uses such as medical laboratories and prescription pharmacies.

• E. Medical equipment and supply stores of no more than 3,000 square feet of net floor area. Medical equipment and supply stores of more than 3,000 square feet of net floor area are subject to the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit under Chapter 28.94 of this code.

• F. Banks of no more than 1,000 square feet of net floor area. Banks of more than 1,000 square feet of net floor area are subject to the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit issued under Chapter 28.94 of this code.

• G. Community care facilities, residential care facilities for the elderly, and hospices serving up to 12 individuals.

• H. State-licensed large family day care homes.

• I. Birth Centers.

• J. Other businesses and occupations that are substantially similar to the uses enumerated above, as determined and documented by the Community Development Director in a manner similar to the substantial conformance determination process provided in the adopted Planning Commission Guidelines.

(Ord. 2585, 1957; Ord. 2868, 1962; Ord. 3398, 1970; 3413, 1970; Ord. 3882, 1977; Ord. 3943, 1978; Ord. 4858, 1994; Ord. 5459, 2008)

Three stories and not to exceed 45 feet. Building height immediately adjacent to a residential zone(s) shall not exceed that allowed in the most restrictive adjacent residential zone for that part of the structure constructed within a distance of 23 feet or one-half the height of the proposed structure, whichever is less. (Ord. 2585, 1957; Ord. 3710, 1974; Ord. 4005 §5, 1979)

The following setback requirements shall be observed on all lots within this zone:

• A. Front setback. A front setback of not less than the indicated distance shall be provided between the front lot line and all buildings, structures, and parking on the lot as follows:

  1. One- or two-story building or structure or uncovered parking: 10 feet

  2. Three-story building or structure: 15 feet; however, if the net floor area of the third floor is less than 50% of the net floor area of the first floor building footprint, the front setback shall be reduced as follows:

     • a. Ground floor portions: 10 feet

     • b. Second story portions: 10 feet

     • c. Third story portions: 20 feet

  3. Covered parking: the setback applicable to the building in which the parking is provided as specified in A.1 or A.2 above.

• B. Interior setback adjacent to nonresidential zone. An interior setback of not less than the indicated distance shall be provided between an interior lot line that abuts a nonresidentially zoned parcel and all buildings, structures, and parking on the lot as follows:

  1. One- or two-story building or structure or uncovered parking: 6 feet

  2. Three-story building or structure: 10 feet; however, if the net floor area of the third floor is less than 50% of the net floor area of the first floor building footprint, the interior setback shall be reduced as follows:

     • a. Ground floor portions: 6 feet

     • b. Second story portions: 6 feet

     • c. Third story portions: 10 feet

  3. Covered parking: the setback applicable to the building in which the parking is provided as specified in B.1 or B.2 above.

• C. Interior setback adjacent to residential zone. An interior setback of not less than the indicated distance shall be provided between an interior lot line that abuts a residentially-zoned parcel and all buildings, structures, and parking on the lot as follows:

  1. Any building, structure or covered parking: 10 feet or one-half of the building height, whichever is greater.

  2. Driveways to parking areas serving exclusively residential uses: R-3/R-4 interior setback requirements.

  3. Driveways and parking areas serving nonresidential uses: five feet, landscaped. In addition, a minimum six-foot-high solid fence or decorative wall shall be provided along the property line abutting a residentiallyzoned parcel, except where such fence or wall will interfere with traffic safety or would be inconsistent with the provisions of Section 28.87.170 of this code. However, the requirement for a fence or wall may be reduced or waived by the design review body that reviews the project.

• (Ord. 5459, 2008)

None, except that all buildings or portions thereof used for dwelling purposes shall comply with the provisions of the R-3 Zone.

(Ord. 2585, 1957; Ord. 3710, 1974)

Any building in this zone developed exclusively for residential use or any mixed use development shall provide outdoor living space in accordance with the provisions of the R-3/R-4 Zone as stated in Section 28.21.081 of this title.

(Ord. 5459, 2008)

Off-street parking shall be provided as required in Chapter 28.90 of this title. (Ord. 3413, 1970; Ord. 3710, 1974)

Signs shall be permitted in this zone only as provided in the Sign Ordinance of the City of Santa Barbara. (Ord. 3413, 1970; Ord. 3710, 1974)

All buildings shall be designed to be compatible with the adjacent residential uses, to the satisfaction of the Architectural Board of Review, or the Historic Landmarks Commission if the property is located within El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District or another landmark district or if the structure is a designated City Landmark. (Ord. 2585, 1957; Ord. 3710, 1974; Ord. 4851, 1994)

Development plan review and approval by the Planning Commission are sometimes required by Chapter 28.85 of this code.

(Ord 3413, 1970; Ord. 4140, 1982; Ord. 5609, 2013)

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no application for a land use permit for a nonresidential construction project will be accepted or approved on or after December 6, 1989 unless the project complies with the provisions outlined in Development Plan Approval, Chapter 28.85 . (Ord. 4670, 1991; Ord. 5609, 2013)