Santa Barbara Municipal Code Ch. 30.15 Rules of Measurement

The purpose of this chapter is to explain how various measurements referred to in this Title are to be calculated.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

For all calculations, the applicant is responsible for supplying drawings illustrating the measurements that apply to a project. These drawings must be drawn to scale and of sufficient detail to allow easy verification upon inspection by the Community Development Director.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

A. Maximum Allowable Residential Density. The maximum allowable residential density or "base density" means the greatest number of units allowed under the density range specified by the Zoning Ordinance, Specific Plan, or land use element of the General Plan or Coastal Land Use Plan, applicable to the project. Density shall be determined using dwelling units per acre (du/ac). If there is a conflict, the highest allowable density prevails.

1. Calculation. To calculate the maximum number of dwelling units allowed on a lot, the net lot area is converted from square feet to acres by dividing it by 43,560. The resulting acreage is multiplied by the density range. For density calculations with a remainder greater than 0.01 units, a whole unit is allowed.

Residential Density Calculation Example:

Net Lot Area: 21,000 sq. ft./43,560 = 0.48 acres

General Plan Density Range: 27 to 36 units/acre

Calculate Allowed Units: 27 to 36 units per acre x 0.48 acres = 12.96 to 17.28 units

Rounding Up: 13 to 18 units allowed

B. Density Calculations in Mixed-Use Projects. For mixed-use projects, the maximum allowable residential density shall be calculated by using the total net lot area and does not exclude the nonresidential portion of the mixed-use site.

C. Density Calculations for Other Uses. Other facilities that are not residential uses but are subject to residential density limitations as specified in this Code (including, but not limited to, Group Residential, Community Care Facilities, Residential Care Facilities, and Hotels with kitchens), must be equivalent in size to a residential project at base density ranges as allowed by the General Plan.

D. Accessory Dwelling Units. Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units are not counted in maximum density calculations, unless otherwise specified in this Title.

E. Density Calculations for Lot Merger. To determine allowable residential density for projects involving the merger of lots, the allowed density for the resulting lot is calculated as the greater of the following:

1. The aggregate density allowed under the zoning regulations applicable to each individual lot prior to the merger; or

2. The density allowed under the zoning regulations applicable to the lot as configured following the merger.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

When calculating the floor area of a residential unit, the following standards apply unless otherwise provided in this Title. See also Section 30.140.150, Residential Unit.

A. Minimum Unit Size. Minimum unit size must include all contiguous net livable floor area located within the perimeter walls of the residential unit. The following areas are excluded from the calculation of minimum unit size:

1. Detached accessory buildings.

2. Non-livable floor area, such as crawlspaces, storage, or utility areas.

3. Covered parking areas, such as garages and carports.

B. Modifications Based on Unit Yield. If a modification, waiver, or exception is requested based on the inability to achieve the allowable number of residential units on a property, the applicant must demonstrate infeasibility using the minimum unit size for a one-bedroom unit.

C. Maximum Unit Size. Where a maximum unit size is specified in this Title, the calculation must include any attached non-livable floor area under the control of the unit occupant (e.g., storage). The following areas are excluded from the calculation of maximum unit size:

1. Detached accessory buildings.

2. Covered parking areas, such as garages and carports.

3. Common areas not controlled by the individual unit occupant.

4. Areas excluded from floor area, per Section 30.15.070, Measuring Floor Area.

D. Maximum Average Unit Size. Where a maximum average unit size is specified in this Title, the average is calculated by dividing the total Maximum Unit Size, as described in subsection C, of all residential units on the property by the total number of residential units on the property.

(Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

The average slope of a parcel of land, or any portion thereof, is calculated using a topographic map conforming to National Mapping Standards and having a scale of not less than one inch equals 200 feet and a contour interval of not more than five feet, and the following formula:

S = (I)(L)/A, where:

A. S = Average slope (in percent)

B. I = Contour interval (in feet)

C. L = Total length of all contour lines on the parcel (in feet), excluding the length of contours in drainage channels and in natural water courses below the 25-year flood level.

D. A = Area of subject area for which the slope is to be determined (in square feet)

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

The "Top of Bank" is determined by the creek channel geometry. Any parcel that adjoins or is within 50 feet of a creek where development is proposed shall have the top of bank determined as part of any plan submittal. The top of bank shall be determined using one of the conditions described below in Cases 1-4 and depicted in the associated diagrams below. If more than one condition applies, the approach that is most protective of creek resources shall apply. If there is disagreement about where the top of bank is located, the Creeks Division Manager in consultation with the City Attorney, shall make a final determination of top of bank.

A. Case 1 – Bank Slopes with a Single Defined Hinge Point. When the creek has a sloped bank rising from the toe of the bank to a hinge point at the generally level ground above, the hinge point is the top of bank. If the existing slope of the bank is steeper than 1.5 (horizontal):1 (vertical), the intersection of a projected plane with a 1.5:1 slope from the toe of the bank to the generally level upper ground is the "top of bank." For concrete flood control channels, that meet the definition outlined above, the top of bank is the upper hinge point regardless of the steepness of the bank.

B. Case 2 – Bank Slopes with Multiple Hinge Points. When the creek bank slope rises from the toe of the bank, levels off one or more times, then rises to a higher hinge point at the generally level upper ground, the hinge point at or directly above the FEMA 100-year flood surface elevation is the top of bank. If the FEMA 100-year flood surface elevation is above the highest hinge point, the location of the top of bank does not change and is the highest hinge point.

C. Case 3 – Bank Slopes with No Readily Defined Hinge Point. When no discernible break in slope occurs above the active channel, and the creek bank opposite a project site has a well-defined hinge point, the elevation of that hinge point will be used to determine the top of bank for the project site. Where no readily determined hinge point defines the top of bank on either side of the creek, the FEMA 100-year flood elevation is the top of bank.

D. Case 4 – Flood Control Projects. Where an existing flood control project exists, or has been approved, the top of bank will be located at the top of the proposed or completed flood control channel wall, or the hinge point just above the top of wall, whichever is higher, even for banks steeper than 1.5:1 as outlined in Case 1 above.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

Whenever this Title requires consideration of numerical quantities, all calculations shall use fractions no smaller than hundredths, and if the end result of a calculation contains a fraction of a whole number, the results shall be rounded as follows:

A. General Rounding. Fractions are to be rounded up to the nearest whole number, except as otherwise provided.

B. Exception for Parking Spaces. In determining the number of parking spaces fractions are to be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Where multiple structures or standards are involved, any rounding of spaces must be made on the aggregate total required for the site, and not on individual uses prior to calculating the total. See Section 30.175.040, Required Automobile and Bicycle Parking Spaces, for additional parking rounding requirements.

C. Exception for Inclusionary Housing. In determining the number of Inclusionary Units required by Chapter 30.160, Inclusionary Housing, any decimal fraction less than 0.5 shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number, and any decimal fraction of 0.5 or more shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. Refer to Section 30.150.110 Inclusionary Requirements for Rental Housing Projects, to determine the number of Inclusionary Units for Rental Housing Projects.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

A. Calculation of Grading Quantities. Whenever this Title requires consideration of grading quantities, the total volume includes all excavation, cut, and fill, or any combination thereof. Grading quantities must be calculated cumulatively across all phases of a project and all areas of the site, unless expressly exempted by this Title.

B. Grading Excluded.

1. Recompacted Soil. Soil excavated within five feet horizontally of an exterior building wall and subsequently recompacted is excluded from the calculation of grading volume outside the building footprint.

2. Below-Grade Swimming Pools. Soil excavated for a below-grade swimming pool is excluded from the calculation of grading volume outside the building footprint for purposes of Design Review.

C. Determination of Existing Grade. For purposes of establishing "Existing Grade," as defined in this Title, the topographic elevations of the natural ground surface as it existed five years prior to the date of application for grading, filling, or other site alterations is used.

(Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

A. Measurements are Shortest Distance. When measuring a required distance, such as the minimum distance between a structure and a lot line, the measurement is made at the closest or shortest distance between the two objects.

B. Distances are Measured Horizontally. When determining distances for setbacks and structure dimensions, all distances are measured along a horizontal plane from the appropriate line, edge of building, structure, storage area, parking area, or other object. These distances are not measured by following the topography or slope of the land.

C. Measurements Involving a Structure. When measuring a required distance involving a structure, the measurements are made to the closest exterior wall or exterior element of the structure. Structures or portions of structures that are entirely underground are not included in measuring required distances.

D. Measurement of Vehicle Stacking or Travel Areas. Measurement of a minimum travel distance for vehicles, such as vehicle backup distance, are measured down the center of the vehicle travel area. For example, curving driveways and travel lanes are measured along the center arc of the driveway or traffic lane.

E. Measuring Radius. When a specified element is required to be located a minimum distance from another element, the minimum distance is measured in a straight line from all points along the lot line of the subject land use, in all directions.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

A. General Measurement. All references to floor area in this Title are to net floor area, unless otherwise indicated. Net floor area is as defined in Section 30.300.060 "F," and as measured in this Section 30.15.070. Unless specifically exempted, the following areas are included in net floor area:

1. All enclosed space between the finished floor and roofline, and within the interior perimeter of exterior walls of any main or accessory building.

2. Floor area of all stories, both above and below grade.

3. Vertical circulation and rooftop enclosures, including covered or enclosed stairways, stairwells, elevator shafts, and similar features.

4. Covered parking areas, including enclosed garages and covered or partially covered carports.

5. Roofed, unenclosed, detached accessory buildings regulated by this Title.

B. Measurement Methods.

1. Interior Spaces. Net floor area of rooms or tenant spaces is measured to the centerline of demising walls separating such spaces, where applicable.

2. Vertical Circulation. Stairways, stairwells, and elevator shafts are counted only once, at the level of greatest horizontal extent.

3. Unenclosed Roofed Areas. Where development standards regulate the floor area of a roofed structure with no walls, the floor area is measured as the horizontal area beneath the roofline.

C. Areas Excluded from Floor Area. The following areas are not counted as floor area:

1. Low-Ceiling Areas. Vent shafts and any area with a ceiling height less than five feet above finished floor.

2. Unfinished Utility Spaces. Unfinished attics, crawlspaces, and similar utility spaces that are unusable and not designed for occupancy are not considered floor area, except where converted to usable floor space. Such spaces may accommodate mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or other utility equipment without being counted as floor area.

3. Architectural Projections. Bay windows or similar architectural projections that begin no lower than 18 inches above the adjacent interior finished floor, measured to the lowest point of the projection, so that the projection does not create usable or occupiable floor area.

4. Attached Shade or Entry Areas. Attached, exterior roofed shade or entry features such as arcades, porticoes, porches, trellises, gazebos, patio covers, and similar, that are unenclosed and are not designed or used for occupiable space.

5. Outdoor Seating, Storage, and Display Areas. Nonresidential unroofed, unenclosed areas used for outdoor seating, sales, or display, such as plant nurseries, building materials yards, or auto sales lots.

6. Incidental Equipment Rooms. Attached mechanical, electrical, and communication equipment rooms that do not exceed 2% of the building's gross floor area.

7. Minor Accessory Structures. Yard buildings less than 120 square feet allowed under Section 30.140.240, Yard Buildings, and other accessory structures expressly exempt from building permit requirements.

8. Temporary Structures. Temporary structures allowed under a valid Temporary Use Permit.

9. Nonresidential Parking Structures. Areas used for occupant or patron off-street parking, loading, driveways, ramps between floors of a multi-level parking garage, and maneuvering aisles are excluded from nonresidential floor area calculations under Chapter 30.170, Nonresidential Growth Management Program. However, structures or portions of structures used for vehicle storage, vehicle sales, car washing, repair, or servicing must be included in nonresidential floor area calculations.

10. Residential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Calculations. See Section 30.15.075, Measuring Floor Area Ratio (FAR).

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is a ratio of the net floor area of all buildings on a site to the net lot area. To calculate FAR, divide the total net floor area of all main and accessory buildings on a lot by the net lot area. FAR is typically expressed as a decimal. For example, if the floor area of all buildings on a site totals 5,000 square feet, and the site area is 10,000 square feet, the FAR is expressed as 0.5. Special measurement examples are also provided below.

A. Nonresidential FAR. This Title establishes maximum FARs for certain types of nonresidential development. To calculate the maximum nonresidential FAR, multiply the allowable FAR by the net lot area.

Nonresidential FAR Example:

Maximum Nonresidential Floor Area = Allowable FAR x Net Lot Area

Allowable FAR*: 0.25

Net Lot Area: 10,000 sq. ft.

Maximum Nonresidential Floor Area = 0.25 x 10,000 = 2,500 sq. ft.

*Amount determined by this Title

B. Residential FAR. Maximum FARs for residential developments are established in Table 30.20.030.A (Development Standards—Residential Single Unit Zones). To calculate the maximum residential FAR, multiply the allowable FAR by the net lot area, and add the supplementary floor area allowance per lot size.

Residential FAR Example:

Maximum Residential Floor Area = (Allowable FAR x Lot Area) + Supplementary Floor Area Allowance

Allowable FAR*: 0.25

Net Lot Area: 9,000 sq. ft.

Supplementary Floor Area Allowance*: 1,200 sq. ft.

Maximum Residential Floor Area = (0.25 x 9,000 = 2,250) + 1,200= 3,450 sq. ft.

*Amount determined per Table 30.20.030.A

C. Residential Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Calculations. For residential developments, the following additional calculations apply when calculating Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR):

1. Below Grade Exclusion. A floor may be excluded entirely from FAR if no more than 12 linear feet along any building elevation has a grade-to-ceiling height greater than four feet.

2. Partial Reduction. If more than 12 linear feet but less than one-half of the total perimeter length has a grade-to-ceiling height greater than four feet, the floor area may be reduced by 50% in the FAR calculation.

3. Full Inclusion. If more than one-half of the total perimeter length has a grade-to-ceiling height greater than four feet, the entire floor area is included in the FAR.

4. Accessory Buildings. Floor area within any accessory building, including an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit, is included in the FAR, except for portions specifically excluded under subsections C.1 (Below Grade Exclusion) and C.2 (Partial Reduction) of this section, or under Section 30.15.070C, Areas Excluded from Floor Area.

(Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

Front yards shall be measured by extending perpendicular lines from each point of a front lot line to the nearest wall of the first main building on the lot. Where there is no wall of a main building on the lot which intercepts said perpendicular lines, said yard will terminate at a point determined by extending a line parallel to the front lot line from the corner of the front elevation of the main building to the nearest lot line. The front elevation of a building is any elevation that faces a street.

A. Rounded Corners. If the corner of the front elevation is rounded (i.e., a tower), the corner of the elevation shall be established by drawing the smallest square or rectangle that will enclose the round element and extend the line from the corner of the superimposed square or rectangle that is closest to the front lot line.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

A. General Measurement. Height is the vertical distance measured from existing or finished grade, whichever is lower, to the top of the structure directly above. Special measurement provisions are also provided below.

B. Measuring Building Height on Sloped Lots. Building height on sloped lots is measured from a warped plane connecting the perimeter of the building where it contacts the lower of existing or finished grade to every part of the building roof or parapet.

C. Height Exclusions.

1. Light Wells. The vertical portion of exterior doors, stairway landings, or light wells on a basement elevation are excluded from the height calculation if the cumulative total width does not exceed 12 feet per elevation.

2. Architectural Elements. Architectural elements that do not add floor area to a structure are limited to the following types of features: chimneys, vents, antennae, open trellises that do not exceed 12 feet in height, rooftop equipment and associated screening, roof-mounted solar energy systems a maximum of three feet above the maximum height limit, rooftop decks that do not exceed 10 inches in height above the roof, guard rails for rooftop decks, and towers including stairway or elevator towers with minimum landings for egress are not considered a part of the height of a structure, but all portions of the roof and roof parapet are included.

3. Additional Height Allowances. See Section 30.140.100, Exceptions to Height Limitations.

D. Measuring the Height of Fences and Hedges. The height of a fence or hedge is measured vertically from the lowest point of contact with the ground on either side to the highest point of the fence or hedge along that same vertical line.

1. Multiple Fences and Hedges. When two or more fences or hedges are placed within five feet of each other they are treated as a single fence or hedge for the purpose of measuring height. This includes fences or hedges located on the same property or on adjacent properties.

a. The five-foot distance is measured between the sides of the fences or hedges that face each other.

b. In such cases, the height is measured from the lowest ground level at the base of any of the fences or hedges to the highest point of any of them.

c. If the distance between fences or hedges is five feet or more, each one is measured separately.

2. Fence and Retaining Wall Combinations. Where a fence is placed within five feet of a retaining wall, the total combined height of both elements must not exceed the maximum fence height allowed in that location. Each element must still comply with its individual height limit as specified in this Title.

3. Fence and Hedge Combinations. When a fence or retaining wall is located within five feet of a hedge, the total combined height of all elements may equal the maximum hedge height allowed in that location. Each element must still comply with its individual height limit a specified in this Title.

E. Determining Prescribed Landscape Height. The prescribed heights of landscape are the heights to be attained within five years after planting, unless otherwise specified in this Code.

F. Measuring the Height of Decks and Patios. Deck and patio height is determined by measuring from the ground below to the top of the surface of the deck or patio directly above. Guardrails, the minimum height required by the Building Code, are exempt from the height measurement.

G. Determining the Number of Stories in a Building. In determining the number of stories in a building or structure, the following rules apply:

1. The number of stories in a building or structure shall be construed to be the maximum number of stories through which any one of an unlimited number of possible vertical lines can pass, without passing through a wall.

2. An interior balcony or mezzanine is counted as a story if its floor area exceeds one-third of the total area of the nearest full floor directly below it.

3. Any floor which is partly below and partly above grade, such as a basement, cellar, or understory, shall be counted as a story if more than a cumulative total width of 12 feet per elevation has a distance from finished grade to ceiling greater than four feet.

4. An attic half-story, when applicable, is identified by ".5" in the description of maximum height. An attic half-story is not counted as a whole story when its top wall plates, on at least two opposite exterior walls, are less than four feet above the floor of such story.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

Setbacks are measured as the distance between any lot line and a line parallel to the lot line the depth of such area being the distance required by this Title.

A. Front Setbacks. If a portion of the property is located within a street dedication, the setback is measured from the boundary of the street dedication.

B. Upper Story Setbacks. Upper story setbacks shall apply to all portions of any upper story except as provided in Section 30.140.090, Encroachments.

C. Upper Story Stepbacks. Upper story stepbacks shall be measured at the required setback line. For example, if the setback is 15 feet, with a five-foot stepback, the portion of the building subject to the stepback shall be stepped back a minimum of five feet from the 15-foot setback line (i.e., 20 feet from the property line). Upper story stepbacks apply to all portions of any upper story except as provided in Section 30.140.090, Encroachments. Recessed areas on interior upper story stepbacks may be used as an unenclosed, unroofed balcony, deck, terrace, or other usable space, but in no case shall it be enclosed or extend past the plane of the floor below.

D. Multiple Required Setbacks. If there are multiple required setbacks, the more restrictive applies.

E. First Story Building Setbacks. First story setbacks for any building are measured from the outer edge of the building foundation at the first floor level.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

Street frontage is measured along the front lot line.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)