Local zoning · Buellton

Buellton — Zoning

Zoning under the Buellton local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

Buellton’s zoning rules live in the City’s zoning ordinance (Title 19), which establishes the official zoning map, base zoning districts, overlays, and the use and development standards that apply on each parcel. This page is a focused guide to what the ordinance itself says about zoning—how districts are named and coded, what they allow, and the core dimensional rules—so you can move from concept to a compliant site plan. For a broader context, start with the Buellton zoning & planning overview.

Zoning map and how districts are coded

  • The City Council has adopted an official zoning map “on file in the city planning department.” All zoning boundaries, symbols and notations on that map are part of the ordinance and control how property can be used and developed. Rezonings are processed per § 19.10.110 and then reflected on the map .
  • Base district map symbols used by Buellton include: RS (Single-Family Residential), RM (Multifamily Residential), PRD (Planned Residential Development), MHP (Mobilehome Park), CN (Neighborhood Commercial), CR (General Commercial), CS (Service Commercial), M (Industrial/Manufacturing), REC (Recreation), OS (Open Space), and PQP (Public/Quasi-Public). The affordable housing overlay is shown as a “-H” suffix when applied (e.g., “RM-H”) .
  • Only uses listed as allowed in your district—and permitted through the correct approval path—may be established. The ordinance points you to the detailed use tables for residential (§ 19.02.110), commercial/industrial (§ 19.02.210), and special-purpose (§ 19.02.310) zones . Setback and height are measured per the general development regulations in Chapter 19.04 .

Tip: Because the map is the legal locator of your zoning, always confirm the mapped symbol (and any overlay suffix) for your parcel before you design. If a rezoning or text amendment is needed, the city uses a public hearing process with Planning Commission recommendation and City Council action, per § 19.10.110 .

District-by-district guide

RS — Single-Family Residential

  • Purpose: Areas for detached single-family living at low densities; consistent with the General Plan’s Low Density Residential designation .
  • Typical uses: One dwelling per lot; other residential accessory and compatible uses per § 19.02.110 (see Buellton Land Use) .
  • Key dimensional standards: The front setback is 20 ft, side setbacks are 10% of lot width (min 5 ft, max 10 ft), and the rear setback is 25 ft (or 15 ft where the rear abuts a street with access denied). Height is 30 ft on lots < 20,000 sq ft and 35 ft on larger lots. No maximum site coverage and no open space requirement are specified for RS in § 19.02.120(A) .
  • Lot sizing by suffix: New RS subdivisions use suffixes that set the minimum lot area/width (e.g., RS-6 = 6,500 sq ft/65 ft width, RS-10 = 10,000 sq ft/80 ft width, up to RS-40 = 40,000 sq ft/120 ft width) .
  • Where it applies: As mapped on the City zoning map (§ 19.02.020). Verify with the jurisdiction .
  • Special note: Short‑term lodging is prohibited in all residential zoning districts (§ 19.02.190 as amended by Ord. 15‑03) .

RM — Multifamily Residential

  • Purpose: Duplexes, apartments, condos, and innovative residential forms at a range of densities; may allow mixed‑use projects under Chapter 19.18 .
  • Typical uses: Multiple dwellings; see § 19.02.110 for the residential use table (and Buellton Land Use) .
  • Density: RM districts carry a numeric suffix on the map indicating the maximum units per gross acre (e.g., RM‑4, RM‑6, … RM‑16), per § 19.02.120(C) .
  • Key dimensional standards: Min lot area 10,000 sq ft; front setback 10 ft, side 10 ft, rear 10 ft; 35 ft height max. Site coverage 30% for dwellings; open space 40% of net site area (§ 19.02.120(A)) .
  • Streamlined processing for RM infill: Some CEQA‑exempt, standards‑compliant RM projects can be approved by zoning clearance; otherwise, a development plan (DP) is required (§§ 19.02.120(E), 19.08.100, 19.08.120) .
  • Where it applies: As mapped on the zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction .
  • Special note: Short‑term lodging is prohibited in all residential zoning districts .

PRD — Planned Residential Development

  • Purpose: Flexible residential zoning for sites with sensitive environmental or visual characteristics, encouraging clustering and open space preservation; density follows the General Plan .
  • Permit path: Rezoning to PRD requires specific findings and a development plan; all PRD subdivision/development requires DP approval (§ 19.02.130(B)–(C)) .
  • Key dimensional standards: No fixed setbacks—these are set by the approved development plan to ensure resource protection and compatibility. Open space and parking standards are specified, with parking per § 19.04.140 (§ 19.02.130(F)) .
  • Where it applies: Sites rezoned to PRD via City action and mapped accordingly .

MHP — Mobilehome Park

  • Purpose: Accommodates mobilehome parks at up to 7 units per gross acre; development standards are in Chapter 19.06 (Mobilehome Parks) with selected dimensional items cross‑referenced in § 19.02.120(A) .
  • Key dimensional standards: 25 ft max height; other requirements, including setbacks and open space, per §§ 19.06.100 and 19.06.120 as referenced in § 19.02.120(A) .
  • Where it applies: As mapped on the zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction .

CN — Neighborhood Commercial

  • Purpose: Small‑scale retail and personal services serving nearby neighborhoods. Individual tenant spaces are capped at 5,000 sq ft (§ 19.02.200(A) and § 19.02.220(B)) .
  • Typical uses: Neighborhood‑serving retail/service (e.g., small grocery, pharmacy) per § 19.02.210 use tables (see Buellton Land Use) .
  • Mixed‑use note: Mixed‑use projects are allowed subject to Chapter 19.18 and typically require a development plan (§ 19.18.014) .
  • Dimensional highlights for mixed‑use projects in CN: No minimum lot area, 30 ft height, front setback 5 ft; side/rear have adjacency‑based exceptions; see § 19.18.018(B)–(C). Along Avenue of Flags, height may be increased up to 45 ft with DP approval (§ 19.02.220(F)) .
  • Where it applies: As mapped on the zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction .

CR — General Commercial

  • Purpose: Community‑serving retail, services, and offices; mixed‑use is allowed per Chapter 19.18 (§ 19.02.200(B)) .
  • Typical uses: Community‑scale retail/services; see § 19.02.210 use tables (and Buellton Land Use) .
  • Dimensional highlights for mixed‑use projects: The code provides mixed‑use standards by base zone in § 19.18.018; confirm site‑specific setbacks and coverage. Properties fronting Avenue of Flags may request up to 45 ft height with DP (§ 19.02.220(F)) .
  • Where it applies: As mapped on the zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction .

CS — Service Commercial

  • Purpose: Accommodates more intensive commercial uses (e.g., lumber yards, large product sales, wholesale services) while protecting neighbors from noise/odor/lighting/traffic (§ 19.02.200(C)) .
  • Residential in CS: Live‑work/work‑live units are the only residential units permitted (§ 19.18.026(B)) .
  • Where it applies: As mapped on the zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction .

M — Industrial/Manufacturing

  • Purpose: Light industrial/manufacturing areas; mixed‑use with a commercial component may be allowed under Chapter 19.18 (§ 19.02.200(D)) .
  • Performance standards: Industrial uses must meet odor, smoke/dust, vibration, and noise controls; see § 19.02.220(D) and § 8.04.030(G) for noise cross‑reference .
  • Residential in M: Live‑work/work‑live units are the only residential units permitted (§ 19.18.026(B)) .
  • Dimensional highlights (mixed‑use context): 45 ft height limit is identified for M in the mixed‑use standards table (§ 19.18.018(F)) .
  • Where it applies: As mapped on the zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction .

REC — Recreation

  • Purpose: Publicly or privately owned open space for outdoor recreation; emphasizes resource protection and compatibility with adjacent land uses (§ 19.02.300(A)) .
  • Rezoning findings: Council must find environmental capacity and General Plan conformity before rezoning new REC areas (§ 19.02.330(B)) .
  • Where it applies: As mapped on the zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction .

OS — Open Space

  • Purpose: Protect lands unsuited for intensive development (e.g., slopes > 40%, sensitive habitats, creeks, hillsides) (§ 19.02.300(B)) .
  • CUP findings: Additional findings are required for Conditional Use Permits in OS regarding topography, erosion/runoff, and habitat protection (§ 19.02.330(C)) .
  • Where it applies: As mapped on the zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction .

PQP — Public/Quasi‑Public

  • Purpose: Accommodates public and quasi‑public facilities (schools, churches, utilities) with a wide range of functions (§ 19.02.300(C)) .
  • Where it applies: As mapped on the zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction .

Overlays — Affordable Housing (-H) / AHOZ

  • Mapping and purpose: Overlays are applied as a suffix to the base district (e.g., RM‑H) via rezoning and appear on the zoning map (§ 19.02.400) .
  • AHOZ parameters: On designated AHOZ sites fronting Avenue of Flags or Highway 246, maximum residential density may be computed on site gross area; minimum required density is based on net buildable area excluding commercial components. Projects up to 25 du/ac in underlying CR or RM may qualify for zoning clearance if they meet standards; higher densities may be considered by development plan. City discretion cannot be used to make affordable housing infeasible consistent with Gov. Code § 65913.2 (§ 19.02. — AHOZ provisions) .
  • Cross‑references: AHOZ projects must meet underlying zone standards and the City’s community design guidelines, and proceed under the appropriate permit track noted above .

Key development standards (selected)

Residential districts summary (principal standards)

District Density Setbacks (front/side/rear) Height Open Space Code Reference
RS 1 dwelling per lot; lot size varies by suffix (e.g., RS‑6, RS‑10) 20 ft / 10% lot width (5–10 ft) / 25 ft (15 ft if rear abuts restricted street) 30 ft (<20,000 sq ft); 35 ft (≥20,000 sq ft) None § 19.02.120(A)–(B)
RM Per suffix (e.g., RM‑4, RM‑6, … RM‑16) 10 ft / 10 ft / 10 ft 35 ft 40% of net site area § 19.02.120(A),(C)
PRD Per General Plan; set by DP Set by Development Plan Set by DP 40% of gross site area § 19.02.130(F), § 19.02.120(A)
MHP Up to 7 units/gross acre Per Chapter 19.06 25 ft As required by Chapter 19.06 § 19.02.120(A), Ch. 19.06

Mixed‑use dimensional highlights (applies only to mixed‑use projects; underlying base zone governs)

Base Zone (mixed‑use) Minimum Lot Area Height Example Setbacks (front/side/rear) Notes Code Reference
RM 8,000 sq ft 35 ft 10 ft / 5 ft / 10 ft Additional adjacency rules to RS/R‑1 for side/rear setbacks § 19.18.018(B)
CN None 30 ft (up to 45 ft on Avenue of Flags with DP) 5 ft / none / 10 ft Tenant spaces ≤ 5,000 sq ft § 19.18.018(C), § 19.02.220(B),(F)
M None 45 ft 10 ft / none / 10 ft Residential limited to live‑work/work‑live units § 19.18.018(F), § 19.18.026(B)

Important: The mixed‑use standards in Chapter 19.18 supplement, and do not replace, the underlying zone standards; the primary use must constitute ≥ 50% of floor area, and a development plan is generally required (§§ 19.18.014, 19.18.018(A)) .

How zoning ties to other local requirements

Checklist

  • Identify your parcel’s base district symbol and any overlay suffix on the official zoning map (§ 19.02.020). Save a copy for your records .
  • Confirm your use is listed as allowed in your base district and obtain the correct entitlement (zoning clearance, MUP, CUP, DP) per §§ 19.02.110, 19.02.210, 19.02.310 .
  • For RS/RM/PRD/MHP residential projects, verify setbacks, height, open space, and coverage in § 19.02.120(A) and any special district section (e.g., PRD in § 19.02.130) .
  • For mixed‑use, confirm base‑zone mixed‑use standards and that the primary use ≥ 50% of floor area; secure a development plan (§§ 19.18.014, 19.18.018) .
  • If fronting Avenue of Flags in CN/CR, assess eligibility for variable height up to 45 ft via DP (§ 19.02.220(F)) .
  • On AHOZ sites, compute density correctly (gross vs. net buildable area) and choose the correct processing track (zoning clearance ≤ 25 du/ac on RM/CR; DP if higher) per the AHOZ section; document consistency with Gov. Code § 65913.2 .
  • Verify parking counts and reductions, if any, and provide landscaping and screening per Chapter 19.04 .
  • Confirm whether design review applies (it usually does for mixed‑use and PRD) and incorporate the City’s community design guidelines where required .
  • If nonconforming or seeking relief, review nonconforming status and variance/exception options.
  • If in a historic context, check historic preservation requirements. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Mixed‑use vs. base‑zone standards Chapter 19.18 overlays the base zone; the wrong standard can lead to redesign or denial Confirm your project’s “primary use,” applicable mixed‑use table row, and whether a DP is required (§§ 19.18.014, 19.18.018)
Avenue of Flags height CN/CR frontage may allow up to 45 ft, but only case‑by‑case via DP Map frontage and cite § 19.02.220(F) in your application; coordinate early with staff
AHOZ density calculations AHOZ projects compute max density on gross area; minimum density on net buildable area Apply the AHOZ rules precisely and pick the right permit track (§ AHOZ; Gov. Code § 65913.2)
Short‑term lodging in RS/RM Prohibited outright in residential districts Don’t propose STRs in RS/RM; see § 19.02.190 (Ord. 15‑03)
Setback/height measurement rules How to measure governs compliance Use § 19.04.110 (height) and § 19.04.160 (setbacks) per § 19.02.040(D)
CS/M residential Only live‑work/work‑live permitted as “residential” Design units to live‑work standards (§ 19.18.026(B)) or remove residential component
“R‑1” adjacency references in mixed‑use tables Some mixed‑use setback exceptions reference an “R‑1” district Buellton’s single‑family map symbol is “RS”; confirm how the City interprets “R‑1” language. Verify with the jurisdiction

Information Gaps

  • Full dimensional standards for non‑mixed‑use projects in CR and CS: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Detailed development standards table for REC/OS/PQP (e.g., numeric setbacks, coverage): Not found in retrieved materials.
  • The precise code section identifier labeling the AHOZ subsection within Chapter 19.02: Not found in retrieved materials.

Plain-English Summary

Buellton assigns every parcel a zoning district (like RS, RM, CN, or M) and sometimes an overlay (like -H for affordable housing). Your district controls what you can build and how big it can be, with numeric rules for setbacks, height, and open space spelled out in Title 19. Residential standards live in § 19.02.120; commercial/industrial uses run through § 19.02.210; special zones and overlays add extra layers. If you’re proposing mixed‑use, plan on a development plan review and follow Chapter 19.18. Always start by verifying your mapped zoning and any overlay on the City’s official zoning map, then match your use and site plan to the listed standards and approvals.

Source References

  • Zoning districts list and symbols; zoning map adoption; allowable uses and permits: §§ 19.02.010–19.02.030, 19.02.020
  • Zoning district regulations framework; measurement cross‑references: §§ 19.02.040, 19.04.110, 19.04.160
  • Residential purposes (RS, RM, PRD): § 19.02.100
  • Residential development standards and RM density table; RS subdivision sizing: § 19.02.120(A)–(C) ; § 19.02.120(B)
  • PRD zoning standards and DP requirement: § 19.02.130
  • Commercial/industrial purposes and use permit tables: § 19.02.200 (CN, CR, CS, M) ; § 19.02.210 (use tables)
  • CN tenant space cap; Avenue of Flags variable height: § 19.02.220(B),(F)
  • Special‑purpose zones (REC/OS/PQP) and findings: §§ 19.02.300–19.02.310, 19.02.330
  • Mixed‑use requirements, dimensional standards, and live‑work: §§ 19.18.014, 19.18.016, 19.18.018, 19.18.026
  • AHOZ/affordable housing overlay procedures and constraints: § 19.02 (AHOZ section), Gov. Code § 65913.2
  • Short‑term lodging prohibition in residential districts: § 19.02.190 (Ord. 15‑03)
  • Rezoning/text amendment procedures and findings: § 19.10.110

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Buellton Zoning Code (Chapter 3.) High relevance
  • CBC § 19.02.010 (§ 19.02.010) High relevance
  • Buellton Zoning Code (section and) High relevance
  • CBC § 3 (§ 3) High relevance
  • Buellton Zoning Code (§ 19.02.120) High relevance
  • Buellton Zoning Code (Chapter 3.) High relevance
  • Buellton Zoning Code (§ 19.02.220) High relevance
  • Buellton Zoning Code (title for) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an RS lot in Buellton?

Primarily a single detached home, with setbacks of 20 ft front, sides at 10% of lot width (5–10 ft), and 25 ft rear (15 ft where the rear abuts a restricted street). Height is 30–35 ft depending on lot size. See § 19.02.120(A) for the full residential standards and § 19.02.110 for allowed uses .

How do RM (multifamily) densities work?

The RM zone carries a numeric suffix on the map (e.g., RM‑8, RM‑12). That number is the maximum units per gross acre. Standards like 10 ft front/side/rear setbacks and a 35 ft height limit also apply (§ 19.02.120(A),(C)) .

Do I need a development plan for a mixed-use project?

Yes—unless a specific exception applies, mixed‑use projects require a development plan, with the City Council as decision‑maker. The primary use must be at least 50% of total floor area (Chapter 19.18) .

Can I go taller than 30 ft in the commercial core?

If your CN or CR site fronts Avenue of Flags, the City may allow up to 45 ft through a development plan, considering local topography (§ 19.02.220(F)) .

What’s special about the affordable housing overlay (-H/“AHOZ”)?

On designated AHOZ sites, density is computed in specific ways (gross vs. net buildable area) and projects up to 25 du/ac in RM or CR can process by zoning clearance if they meet standards; higher densities go by development plan. The City cannot apply discretion to make such housing infeasible (Gov. Code § 65913.2) .

Are short-term rentals allowed in RS or RM?

No. Short‑term lodging units are prohibited in all residential zoning districts (Ord. 15‑03; § 19.02.190) .

Can I put apartments in the CS or M zones?

Not traditional apartments. In CS and M, the only “residential” allowed is live‑work/work‑live, and those units have specific limits (e.g., unit configuration and living area share) (§ 19.18.026(B),(C)) .

What are the PRD basics I should know?

PRD is a flexible residential district applied by rezoning. It requires development plan approval; setbacks and other standards are set through that plan to protect resources and ensure compatibility (§ 19.02.130) .

Where do I find the official zoning for my parcel?

In the City’s adopted zoning map kept by the planning department; it is legally part of the zoning ordinance (§ 19.02.020). Always verify the exact map symbol and any overlay suffix there .

Do ADUs fit into Buellton zoning?

ADUs are governed by state law and local standards; confirm they’re allowed in your district through the residential use tables (§ 19.02.110) and then see the City’s ADU guidance. Verify with the jurisdiction .

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