Santa Barbara Municipal Code Ch. 25.04 Building Types

This chapter provides the standards for development of main building types that can be developed using the ODDS. The building type options are selected to maintain the existing and intended physical character of each zone, offer housing choices and affordable housing opportunities, and encourage a mix of land uses to include retail and workplace centers, residential living in commercial centers with easy access to grocery stores and recreation, connectivity and civic engagement, and public space for pedestrians.

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)

A. Building types are used to articulate size, scale, and massing according to the intent of each zone.

B. Building types are categorized into two groups: House-Scale Buildings and Block-Scale Buildings. See Figure 25.04.020.1 (Examples of House-Scale and Block-Scale Buildings).

1. House-Scale Buildings. Buildings with the appearance of a single-unit house and scaled to fit within low- to moderate-intensity neighborhoods. House-scale buildings are up to 30 feet in height, ranging in width and depth from 32 feet up to 130 feet on deeper lots.

2. Block-Scale Buildings. Buildings that individually, or when arranged together, comprise a typical City block. They are scaled to fit within moderate- to high-intensity neighborhoods, standing up to 48 feet in height, and ranging in width and depth from 60 feet up to 200 feet.

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)

A. Main Buildings on a Design Site. Each design site shall have only one main building, except as follows, in compliance with the standards:

1. The Cottage Court (Section 25.04.070) may consist of up to nine individual buildings;

2. The Duplex Court (Section 25.04.090) may consist of up to three individual buildings;

3. The Side Court (Section 25.04.100) may consist of up to two buildings;

4. The Medium Courtyard (Section 25.04.110) may consist of up to two buildings; and

5. The Large Courtyard (Section 25.04.130) may consist of up to two buildings.

B. Design. Buildings shall be designed in compliance with Chapter 25.06 (Architectural Design).

C. Pedestrian Access. Pedestrian pathways must connect each unit or building to the right-of-way and on-site parking in compliance with Chapter 25.04 (Building Types), Subsection D (Pedestrian Access) of the Building Type and the City's Access & Parking Design Standards. Lots with multiple design sites may share pedestrian pathways.

D. Open Yard. Open yard shall be designed in compliance with Section 25.03.040 (Open Yards).

E. Parking. Parking shall be designed and located in compliance with Section 25.03.100 (Parking Techniques). Parking may be designed as uncovered (surface) or covered (individual detached or attached garage/carport, tuck-under, podium, subterranean), in compliance with the setbacks in Chapter 25.02 (Zones), Subsection E (Parking) of the Zone.

F. Wings. Wings are a secondary component of building form that allow the overall building footprint to increase beyond the maximum size of the main body. To further this objective, the standards identify specific requirements for wings:

1. Wings shall be less in length than the main body;

2. Wings that are aligned with the façade of the main body shall be one story less in height than the main body; and

3. Wings that are offset from the façade plane of the main body by at least five feet are allowed at the same height as the main body.

G. Density. The number of units identified for each building type is dependent on the design site being large enough to accommodate all the zone's standards (e.g., parking). The total number of units is as allowed by the General Plan maximum density. See Section 25.02.030 (General Requirements).

H. Measuring Building Types.

1. Main Body. The width and depth of the main body shall be measured as follows:

(a) The width shall be parallel to the primary front in compliance with the Façade Zone requirements.

(b) The depth shall be perpendicular to the primary front.

2. Wings. The width and depth of wings shall be measured as follows:

(a) The width shall be the greater of the two dimensions of the footprint.

(b) The depth shall be the lesser of the two dimensions of the footprint.

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)

Table 25.04.040.A (Building Types Overview) provides an overview of the allowed building types in each zone. The house-scale buildings allowing in the Neighborhood Medium (NM) and Neighborhood Large (NL) zones are also allowed in Mixed-Use Corridor (MUC), Downtown Edge (DE), and Downtown Core (DC) zones subject to design site dimensions and all other standards for those building types.

Table 25.04.040.A: Building Types Overview

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)

A. Description. A small- to medium-sized, detached, House-Scale Building. The building consists of two side-by-side units, both facing the street and within a single building massing. The type has the appearance of a single-unit house and is scaled to fit within lower intensity neighborhoods.

B. Number of Units/Buildings.

C. Building Size and Massing.

Height

D. Pedestrian Access.

E. Vehicle Access and Parking.

F. Open Yard.

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)

A. Description. A small- to medium-sized, detached, House-Scale Building. The building consists of two stacked units, both facing the street and within a single building massing. The type has the appearance of a single-unit house and is scaled to fit within lower intensity neighborhoods.

B. Number of Units/Buildings.

C. Building Size and Massing.

Height

D. Pedestrian Access.

E. Vehicle Access and Parking.

F. Open Yard.

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)

A. Description. A group of up to nine small, detached, House-Scale Buildings arranged to define a shared court open to and visible from the street. The shared court is common open yard, thus becoming an important community-enhancing element. The type is scaled to fit within low- to moderate-intensity neighborhoods and in nonresidential contexts.

B. Number of Units/Buildings.

Note:

C. Building Size and Massing.

Height

Note:

D. Pedestrian Access.

Note:

E. Vehicle Access and Parking.

F. Open Yard.

G. Fencing. Fencing only allowed around or between individual buildings. Fences shall not bisect the shared court or exceed 42" height. Fence materials shall be in compliance with the materials for the style.

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)

A. Description. A small- to medium-sized, detached, House-Scale Building that consists of three to four stacked units, typically with one shared entry or individual entries along the primary front. The type has the appearance of a single-unit house and is scaled to fit within low- to moderate-intensity neighborhoods.

B. Number of Units/Buildings.

Note:

C. Building Size and Massing.

Height

D. Pedestrian Access.

Note:

E. Vehicle Access and Parking.

F. Open Yard.

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)

A. Description. A group of small, detached House-Scale duplex buildings which may be added to one or more existing buildings on the lot. The new buildings are arranged to define a shared court. The shared court is common open yard. The type is scaled to fit within low- to moderate-intensity neighborhoods.

B. Number of Units/Buildings.

C. Building Size and Massing.

Height

D. Pedestrian Access.

E. Vehicle Access and Parking.

F. Open Yard.

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)

A. Description. A House-Scale Building fronting a shared pedestrian pathway and vehicular driveway with decorative paving. The foremost units face the street. This type is intended for narrow and deep parcels and is typically located within low- to moderate-intensity neighborhoods.

B. Number of Units/Buildings.

Note:

C. Building Size and Massing.

Note:

D. Pedestrian Access.

E. Vehicle Access and Parking.

Driveway and parking location shall comply with standards in Chapter 25.02 (Zones), Subsection E (Parking) of the Zone. Parking may be surface, garage/carport, or tuck-under.

F. Open Yard. Open yard shall comply with standards in Section 25.03.040 (Open Yards).

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)

A. Description. A detached, House-Scale Building that consists of up to 18 attached or stacked units, accessed from a shared courtyard. The shared courtyard is common open yard. The type is typically integrated in low- to moderate-intensity neighborhoods.

B. Number of Units/Buildings.

Note:

C. Building Size and Massing.

Note:

D. Pedestrian Access.

Note:

E. Vehicle Access and Parking.

F. Open Yard.

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)

A. Description. A large-sized, detached, Block-Scale Building that consists of up to 18 attached or stacked units, typically with one shared entry. The type is scaled to fit within moderate-intensity neighborhoods.

B. Number of Units/Buildings

Note:

C. Building Size and Massing.

D. Pedestrian Access.

E. Vehicle Access and Parking.

F. Open Yard.

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)

A. Description. A detached or attached, Block-Scale Building that consists of stacked units, accessed from one or more shared courtyards. The shared courtyard is common open yard. The type is typically integrated into moderate- to high-intensity neighborhoods and on streets with a nonresidential ground floor.

B. Numbers of Units/Buildings.

Note:

C. Building Size and Massing.

Height

Notes:

D. Pedestrian Access.

Notes:

E. Vehicle Access and Parking.

F. Open Yard.

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)

A. Description. A Block-Scale Building, typically attached, but sometimes detached. The type is intended to provide a vertical mix of uses with ground floor retail, office, or service uses and upper floor residential uses. Ground floor residential can occur behind retail, office, or services uses on the primary front, and along secondary front.

B. Number of Units/Buildings.

Notes:

C. Building Size and Massing.

Height

D. Pedestrian Access.

Note:

E. Vehicle Access and Parking.

F. Open Yard. Open yard shall comply with standards in Section 25.03.040 (Open Yards).

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)

A. Main Body. The main body massing type serves as an organizational framework for the building form in Table 25.04.150.A (Main Body Massing Types).

1. Allowed massing types for building types are listed in Chapter 25.04 (Building Types), Subsection C (Building Size and Massing) of the Building Type.

2. Each massing type has a regulated main body width, projecting volumes, and recessed volumes, Façades of intersecting volumes shall be offset by a minimum of three feet.

3. Each massing type may be rotated to any site orientation, provided the main body is consistent with Subsection C (Building Size and Massing) of the Building Type as measured consistent with Section 25.04.030H (Measuring Building Types).

B. Architectural Massing Features. A massing type does not preclude the incorporation of secondary architectural features such as bay windows, balconies, gables, dormers, tower elements, projections, recesses, stepbacks, or exterior stairs in compliance with Section 25.04.160 (Massing and Façade Composition) and the applicable zone standards.

Figure 25.04.150.1: Example of Massing Types

Key

Table 25.04.150.A: Main Body Massing Types

1. Narrow Box

Note:

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)

A. Intent. Santa Barbara's architecture reflects traditional design principles that contribute to a pleasant, human-scale environment. These include a clear representation of each building's relationship to the ground and sky, as well as how openings such as doors and windows establish an interface between the inside, the outside, and the buildings structure itself. Table 25.04.160.A (Massing and Façade Composition Overview) provides an overview of massing and façade composition standards that support these principles.

Table 25.04.160.A: Massing and Façade Composition Overview Massing, Façade Composition and Architectural Elements Standards

Note:

B. Tripartite Design. Buildings of at least two stories have a base, middle, and top as required by Chapter 25.06 (Architectural Design), Subsection C (Wall) of the Architectural Style. See Figure 25.04.160.1 (Example of Base, Middle, and Top Divisions).

1. Base. See Chapter 25.06 (Architectural Design), Subsection C (Wall) for base standards and required articulation between base and middle, if applicable. If no base is required by the selected style or included as an optional element, base is considered to coincide with the building's foundation unless otherwise indicated by the applicant.

2. Middle. See Chapter 25.06 (Architectural Design), Subsection C (Wall) for middle standards.

3. Top. See Chapter 25.06 (Architectural Design), Subsection D (Roof), for top standards. Top includes all elements regulated by Chapter 25.06 (Architectural Design), Subsection E (Rake), Subsection F (Eave), Subsection G (Parapet), and Subsection J (Dormers).

Figure 25.04.160.1: Example of Base, Middle, and Top Divisions

C. Bay Composition. The pattern of openings in the wall of a building is one of its most easily recognizable features, instantly providing a sense of scale, defining the relationship between the interior and the exterior, and providing both order and visual interest along a building face.

1. Each façade shall be arranged according to a pattern of vertical bays. See Figure 25.04.160.3 (Examples of Bay Compositions within a Massing Type) for examples that are consistent with the intent of this standard.

2. For each volume/façade of main body massing, identify and apply a number of bays within the allowed range.

3. Standards.

(a) Each bay shall be at least 4 feet wide and no wider than 17 feet; except that in the Downtown Edge (DE) and Downtown Core (DC) zones, bays within the building's base may be up to 25 feet wide.

(b) Bays are not required to be equal in width.

(c) Within each façade plane, the base, middle, or top may use a different horizontal rhythm of bays. Within the base, middle, or top, the horizontal rhythm of bays must be consistent. See Figure 25.04.160.2 (Example of Bay Composition).

(d) Walls without fenestration, material changes, or details shall not exceed 10 feet in length, measured horizontally from the edge of each opening to the nearest opening or façade edge.

4. Measurement.

(a) Bay width shall be measured horizontally from one boundary to the opposite boundary.

(b) Bay boundary is the midpoint between successive openings unless marked by a projecting or recessed volume on the façade.

(c) Boundaries of each bay shall extend vertically from the lower boundary of the base, middle, or top to the upper boundary of the same division and shall not intersect any opening.

(d) Where applicable, bay boundary shall coincide with the boundary of any massing feature type identified in accordance with Section 25.04.160E (Architectural Massing Features).

Figure 25.04.160.2: Example of Bay Composition

Table 25.04.160.A: Massing and Façade Composition Overview Massing, Façade Composition and Architectural Elements Standards

Note:

D. Parapet Roof Distribution. Application of parapets to roofs is regulated according to Chapter 25.06 (Architectural Design), Subsection D (Building Roof) of the Architectural Style.

1. Roof Form Terminations. See Figure 25.04.160.4 (Example of Parapet Roofs).

(a) Where sloped roof parapet adjoins a side wall or shared lot line, sloped profile shall terminate at lot line or side wall and shall not wrap the corner. Flat roof parapet may extend to the rear along lot line or side wall.

(b) A flat roof parapet adjacent to a sloped roof parapet shall extend or return to establish continuity between the two.

Figure 25.04.160.4: Example of Parapet Roofs

E. Architectural Massing Features. Block-Scale Buildings shall include massing features to add interest and improve the legibility of the streetscape.

1. Block-Scale Buildings of at least two stories in height and greater than 80 feet in length shall meet the standards in this subsection for each primary front and secondary front elevation. For House-Scale Buildings, refer to the standards in Section 25.04.150 (Massing Types).

2. For the purpose of satisfying the required number of massing features, separate instances may be counted toward the required minimum number.

Table 25.04.160.B: Required Architecture Massing Features by Elevation Length

Note:

Figure 25.04.160.5: Example of Massing Features by Elevation Length

3. Projecting Volume. A projecting volume extends outward from the building to creates a visual focal point on the buildings façade.

(a) Projecting Volumes must project three feet min. from the adjacent façade.

(b) Projecting Volumes must be a minimum of 10 feet wide and no longer than 40 feet.

(c) Projecting Volumes shall extend vertically throughout the building's middle and may also extend through the top and/or base.

(d) The roof form of a Projecting Volume shall correspond to that of the volume from which it projects and shall maintain the same eave height. Gable or hip roofs shall include a ridge running perpendicular to the projecting façade.

4. Recessed Volume. A recessed volume adds visual interest and creates depth and variation to the buildings façade.

(a) Recessed Volumes must recess three feet minimum from the adjacent façade.

(b) Recessed Volumes must be a minimum of eight feet wide and no longer than 40 feet.

(c) Recessed Volumes shall extend vertically throughout the building's middle and top and may also extend through the base.

(d) Gable or hip roofs shall break at Recessed Volumes by maintaining the same eave height on all sides of the recessed volume where eaves occur.

(e) When extending to the ground plane, Recessed Volumes shall incorporate landscape, outdoor seating, and/or an extension of the sidewalk pavement.

(f) Recessed Volume may coincide with a frontage type such as the dooryard or forecourt. See Chapter 25.05 (Frontages).

(g) Where a Recessed Volume is identified, adjacent façades from which the recess is measured may not be counted as a Projecting Volume.

5. Tower Element. A tower element adds interest to the roofline and further shapes the public realm.

(a) Tower Elements must project or recess a minimum of three feet from adjacent façades.

(b) Tower Elements must have a minimum footprint of 10 feet by 10 feet and maximum footprint of 30 feet by 30 feet.

(c) When the highest story of the building is at the maximum height allowed by the zone, Tower Element may exceed maximum height allowed by the zone by up to 10 feet unless further limited in height in compliance with Section 25.02.030 (General Requirements).

(1) A Tower Element exceeding maximum height allowed by the zone shall not add occupiable floor area to the structure, in compliance with Section 30.140.100A (Exceptions to Height Limitations).

(d) Where a Tower Element is identified, adjacent façades may not be counted as a Projecting Volume or Recessed Volume.

Figure 25.04.160.6: Example of Tower Element

6. Additional Massing Stepback. An additional massing stepback creates depth and variation to the upper stories of a building.

(a) Additional Massing Stepbacks must step back a minimum of 10 feet from the primary façade.

(b) Additional Massing Stepbacks must be a minimum of 30 feet wide and no longer than 80 feet.

(c) Additional Massing Stepbacks shall modify the building's uppermost story and may also modify the second highest story.

(d) The elevated area created by the additional Massing Stepback shall be roofed in compliance with Chapter 25.06 (Architectural Design), Subsection D (Building Roof) of the Architectural Style.

(e) The Additional Massing Stepback may overlap with the front stepback required by the zone, provided the required front stepback portion does not include a deck. In zones where there is no required front setback, the Additional Massing Stepback may include a deck and can be used for open yard in compliance with Section 25.03.040 (Open Yards).

(f) A corner element that is at least five feet lower in height than the surrounding building volume in compliance with Section 25.04.170C (Specific to Corner Parcels) may be counted as an Additional Massing Stepback in fulfillment of this subsection.

Figure 25.04.160.7: Example of Upper-Story Stepback

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)

A. Intent. This Section establishes adjacency standards to ease transitions from newer buildings to existing buildings in relation to the site and surrounding neighborhood and height standards to protect public views at corner parcels.

B. Block-Scale Buildings Adjacent to House-Scale Buildings. A 20-foot minimum Transition Area is required along the length of the shared interior property line where a new Block-Scale Building is proposed adjacent to an existing House Scale Building that is 30 feet or less in height and 80 feet or less in length. See Figure 25.04.170.1 (Transition to House-Scale Building Size).

1. Within 20 feet of the shared interior property line:

(a) The new Block-Scale Building height shall not exceed 30 feet; and

(b) The new Block-Scale Building volume shall be no longer than the longest existing House-Scale Building dimension. Multiple volumes of this or smaller size are allowed within the 20-foot Transition Area provided they are separated with a minimum 15-foot distance between each volume.

Figure 25.04.170.1: Transition to House-Scale Building Size

C. Specific to Corner Parcels. Buildings shall not exceed 30 feet in height within a minimum 25 feet of a corner measured along both of the intersecting streets extending to a 25-foot min. depth from each right-of-way. Parcels with a street frontage of less than 60 feet along the primary front are exempt from this height limit. See Figure 25.04.170.2 (Height Limit at Corners).

Figure 25.04.170.2: Height Limit at Corners

D. New Building Adjacent to Historic Resource. The following historic sensitivity standards are required when at least one historic resource building is located within 20 feet of the shared interior lot line of a new building:

1. Front Setback. The front setback of the new building shall be the minimum front setback of the zone or equal to the smallest front setback of the historic resource, whichever is greater. At no point shall the front setback exceed 20 feet, regardless of the setback of the historic resource.

2. Expression Line. The façade of the new building along the primary or secondary front shall have a ground floor expression line or entablature at the same height as the ground floor expression line or entablature on the existing adjacent historic resource building. The top of the expression line or entablature shall be used for the purpose of determining this height. Where two existing historic resource buildings abut the site, the resource with the taller expression line applies. See Figure 25.04.170.3 (Required Ground Floor Expression Line Alignment).

3. Transition Area. Within a Transition Area measured 20 feet inward from the front façade of the existing historic resource and 20 feet inward from the shared interior lot line, the new building volume shall not exceed the height, width, and length of the adjacent existing historic resource or 30 feet, whichever is greater, in compliance with the zone standards. Multiple volumes of this or smaller size are allowed within the Transition Area provided they are separated with a minimum 15 foot distance between each volume. See Figure 25.04.170.4 (Transition to Historic Resource Building Size).

Figure 25.04.170.3: Required Ground Floor Expression Line Alignment

Figure 25.04.170.4: Transition to Historic Resource Building Size

(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)