Local zoning · Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County — Design Review

Design Review under the Santa Barbara County local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

In unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County, “Design Review” is administered by the County’s Boards of Architectural Review (BAR) under the County zoning ordinance. Design Review typically applies where an overlay or plan area requires it, or where the code calls it out based on a site’s context (e.g., ridgelines, shoreline lots). BAR jurisdiction, procedures, and exemptions are set out in the County’s Coastal Zoning Ordinance, Article II; similar inland provisions exist, but only coastal sections were retrieved here. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel-specific applicability.

Bottom line: if your project is in a Design Control overlay or a named plan area (Montecito, Summerland, Toro Canyon, Gaviota Coast) or on a visually sensitive site (ridgeline/hillside, shoreline), expect BAR review before other permits move forward (§ 35-184 et seq.).

The BARs’ role and geography are defined in § 35-184.1–.2; Montecito, Central, South, and North County BARs have distinct jurisdictions.
If Design Review applies, the BAR must review the plans before discretionary decisions (e.g., Modifications); BAR also reviews signs where required. See § 35-184.2 and § 35-179.5.2.
A mailed and posted notice precedes the first BAR hearing (generally at least 10 days); specialized plan areas may impose stricter notice (e.g., 500 feet in Toro Canyon). See § 35-181 (Noticing) and § 35-194.6.

Linking context:

Your base zoning, land use, and development standards still apply; Design Review is in addition.
BAR often evaluates landscaping and screening and may look at signage.
Parking changes typically go through other processes, not BAR; see parking and Modifications.
For overlays, see overlay districts.
Work affecting listed historic resources may also intersect with historic preservation.
ADUs are generally exempt from BAR under County code and state California ADU law; objective standards under California housing laws can also limit subjective BAR discretion for certain housing types.
Construction is still subject to the California Building Standards Code.

What triggers Design Review (and what doesn’t)

Countywide BAR applicability and exceptions:
- BAR review is required where any district or overlay says so; also for any structure or sign in the Montecito Planning Area and any residential structure on a lot adjacent to the sea (§ 35-184.2.2.f, .g).
- The code lists explicit exemptions. Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior ADUs, interior alterations, decks, pools/hot tubs/spas, and other listed items are exempt from BAR (§ 35-184.3.1).
- Multi-unit residential and mixed-use projects that are processed under the County’s objective design standards are not subject to separate Design Review if they fully comply with those objective standards (§ 35-144B, “Design Review Exemption”).
Procedures:
- Application contents must include site, architectural, and landscape plans plus material/color info (§ 35-184.4).
- BAR grants preliminary and final approvals based on findings in § 35-184.6; the BAR also advises decision-makers when requested (§ 35-184.5).
- When a Modification is sought, BAR preliminary approval is required before the Zoning Administrator hearing (§ 35-179.5.2).

District-by-district Design Review

D — Design Control Overlay District

Purpose: Protect scenic qualities and neighborhood character; Design Review applies to new structures and alterations unless excepted (§ 35-98.1, § 35-98.3).
Where it applies: Mapped “D” overlay areas in unincorporated coastal communities. Verify exact parcel coverage with County maps.
Typical permitted uses: Same as the base zone; the overlay adds BAR review to those uses (§ 35-98.2).
Key standards:
- BAR may recommend modified setbacks/height where the base zone allows decision-maker modifications, to protect visual resources (§ 35-98.4).
- In Eastern Goleta Valley (within D), single-family/two-family projects meeting enumerated thresholds must go to BAR (§ 35-98.5).

Ridgeline & Hillside Development Guidelines Area

Purpose: Ensure development on visually prominent slopes follows siting, height, grading, and design guidance (§ 35-144.3).
Where it applies: Sites with a 16-foot elevation drop within 100 feet of the footprint; such projects require Design Review for conformity with the Guidelines (§ 35-144.3).
Typical uses: Same as base zone; the Guidelines overlay BAR review onto otherwise-allowed development.
Key standards:
- Height guidance: 25 feet in urban areas; 16 feet in rural/inner-rural areas, with tailoring to terrain; minimize large understories and visible retaining walls; integrate landscaping (§ 35-144.3).
- Limited exemptions may be granted by BAR or the Director in narrow circumstances (§ 35-144.4).

Montecito Planning Area

Purpose: Elevate architectural quality and consistency with Montecito Community Plan policies.
Where it applies: Montecito Planning Area (as shown on Coastal Land Use Plan maps).
Typical uses: Any structure or sign requires BAR review here regardless of other triggers (§ 35-184.2.2.f).
Key standards:
- Montecito projects must also meet additional plan findings (e.g., consistency with Montecito Community Plan; see § 35-215). Some BAR actions in Montecito reference BAR-specific findings (§ 35-213, as cited in County code text) (§ 35-215; also see the County’s Montecito BAR findings reference in the code).

Summerland Community Plan Area

Purpose: Maintain Summerland’s scale and character via residential design guidelines.
Where it applies: Summerland Community Plan area.
Typical uses: New/altered homes and additions as defined in the Summerland guidelines; Base zone uses remain as allowed.
Key standards and process:
- BAR review is required for applicable plans; grading/building permits are sequenced after BAR final approval (§ 35-191.6–.7).
- The Summerland guidelines include specific floor area, height, parking siting, and materials expectations; projects exceeding older maximums have tailored rules (§ 35-191.6, § 35-191.8).

Toro Canyon Area Plan Area

Purpose: Fit development to rural/semi-rural landscape and topography.
Where it applies: Toro Canyon planning area.
Typical uses: Base zone uses with BAR overlay.
Key standards:
- Architectural Review Standards include non-reflective materials, minimized exterior lighting, terrain-following rooflines, and retaining wall height limits (visible portion ≤ 6 feet) (§ 35-194.6). Mailed notice to owners within 500 feet is required before initial BAR hearings here (§ 35-194.6.2).

Gaviota Coast: CVC Overlay District

Purpose: Preserve public views from Highway 101 and protect coastal resources.
Where it applies: Lots within the CVC overlay (as mapped in the Gaviota Coast Plan context).
Typical uses: Base zone uses; overlay adds BAR and stricter siting/height expectations.
Key standards and process:
- Design Review is required before a Coastal Development Permit, Land Use Permit, or Zoning Clearance; applications must follow § 35-184 and § 35-57A (§ 35-102F.D.1–2).
- Criteria include screening, landscaping that does not block public mountain/ocean views, clustering, and strict height limits south of Highway 101 (15 feet unless a higher but still protective design is shown; never above base-zone limits and capped at 25 feet in AG-II) (§ 35-102F.D.3).

Gaviota Coast Plan Overlay (General)

Purpose: Implement the Gaviota Coast Plan; most protective standards control where conflicts arise (§ 35-400, § 35-410).
Where it applies: The mapped Gaviota Coast Plan area; Design Review is commonly layered through other triggers (e.g., CVC overlay, § 35-184.2.2.g for shoreline lots).

Shoreline Residential Lots (adjacent to the sea)

Purpose: Ensure context-sensitive design along the shoreline.
Where it applies: Any residential structure on a lot adjacent to the sea.
Key rule: BAR review is required for any residential structure on a lot adjacent to the sea (§ 35-184.2.2.g).

Decision standards BAR uses

Countywide, BAR applies the specific standards in each applicable overlay/plan (e.g., CVC screening and height; Toro Canyon materials/lighting; D overlay visual-resource protection) and the BAR findings in § 35-184.6 (referenced in § 35-184.5) when granting preliminary/final approval. See also plan-specific findings for Montecito (§ 35-215).
Examples of applied standards:
- Preserve ocean views from Highway 101 in the CVC overlay; keep structures low and clustered (§ 35-102F.D.3).
- Use non-reflective materials, limit visible retaining walls, and minimize lighting in Toro Canyon (§ 35-194.6).
- Follow Ridgeline & Hillside guidance: terrain-fitting massing, reduced heights on slopes, sensitive landscaping (§ 35-144.3).

Table — Common Design Review Triggers and Criteria (unincorporated areas)

Area/Trigger	What needs BAR	Key criteria/limits	Noticing highlights	Code Reference
D — Design Control Overlay	New/altered structures unless excepted	BAR may recommend modified setbacks/height (where allowed) to protect visual resources	Standard BAR noticing	§ 35-98.3–.5; § 35-98.4
Eastern Goleta Valley (within D)	SFD/2FD: new/reconstructions over thresholds; large additions; street-visible alterations	Conform to Eastern Goleta Valley Residential Design Guidelines	Standard BAR noticing	§ 35-98.5
Ridgeline & Hillside sites	Any structure on sites with 16' drop within 100'	Height guidance (16' rural/inner-rural, 25' urban); minimize grading/retaining walls; terrain-fitting roofs	Standard BAR noticing	§ 35-144.3–.4
Montecito Planning Area	Any structure or sign	Must satisfy Montecito plan findings in addition to BAR findings	Standard BAR noticing	§ 35-184.2.2.f; § 35-215
Summerland Community Plan	New/altered homes per guidelines	Floor area, siting, and parking expectations; BAR required	Standard BAR noticing	§ 35-191.6–.8
Toro Canyon Area Plan	New/altered structures/signs (with limited ag exemptions)	Non-reflective materials; lighting limits; visible retaining wall ≤ 6'; terrain-following roofs	500-foot mailed notice before initial BAR hearing	§ 35-194.6
CVC overlay (Gaviota Coast)	All structural development unless exempt	Screen from public viewpoints; preserve ocean views; cluster; south of Hwy 101 ≈ 15' height unless justified; absolute caps apply	Standard BAR noticing	§ 35-102F.D.1–3
Shoreline lots (any zone)	Any residential structure	BAR required due to shoreline adjacency	Standard BAR noticing	§ 35-184.2.2.g
Countywide exemptions	ADUs/JADUs; interior alterations; decks; pools/spas; others listed	N/A	N/A	§ 35-184.3.1
Housing with objective standards	Multi-unit/mixed-use that fully meet objective standards	Separate Design Review not required	N/A	§ 35-144B (Design Review Exemption)

Process and noticing

Filing: Include site, architectural, landscape plans; materials/colors/sign details as applicable (§ 35-184.4).
Hearings/approvals: BAR provides preliminary and final approvals using § 35-184.6 findings and any plan/overlay criteria; BAR also issues advisory comments when asked (§ 35-184.5).
Noticing: The Department mails/posts notice within 15 days of completeness and at least 10 days before the initial BAR review; posting continues through a minimum period after a Director action. Some plan areas add requirements (e.g., Toro Canyon’s 500-foot mailing) (§ 35-181; § 35-194.6.2).
Sequence with other permits: BAR review typically precedes or runs concurrent with other approvals (e.g., Modifications require BAR preliminary approval before the Zoning Administrator hearing) (§ 35-179.5.2).

Practical boundaries on BAR discretion

BAR can’t rewrite base entitlements; it works within the development standards and overlay criteria. D overlay lets BAR recommend modifications where the base zone already allows them to the decision-maker (§ 35-98.4).
Parking reductions are handled via Modifications with their own findings; BAR review doesn’t itself reduce required parking (§ 35-179.6.f). See parking.
For qualifying housing, state “objective standards” limit subjective design review; County code codifies a Design Review exemption when those standards are met (§ 35-144B).

Related but different: “Site design plan”

The ordinance uses “site design plan” in certain districts with Planning Commission conceptual approval, findings, and amendment procedures; this is not the same as BAR Design Review and is not countywide. It appears in specific districts (e.g., § 35-94.5). Not found in retrieved materials as a countywide “site plan review.” Verify with the jurisdiction.

Checklist

Confirm whether your parcel lies in a Design Review trigger area: D overlay, ridgeline/hillside, Montecito, Summerland, Toro Canyon, Gaviota Coast/CVC, or shoreline-adjacent (§ 35-98; § 35-144.3; § 35-184.2.2.f–g; § 35-191.6; § 35-194.6; § 35-102F.D).
Screen for BAR exemptions (ADUs/JADUs, interior-only work, decks, pools/spas, other listed items) (§ 35-184.3.1).
Prepare BAR submittal: site/architectural/landscape plans, materials/colors; sign drawings if applicable (§ 35-184.4).
Align design with applicable criteria (e.g., CVC height/view standards; Toro Canyon materials/lighting; ridgeline/hillside height and grading guidance) (§ 35-102F.D.3; § 35-194.6; § 35-144.3).
Coordinate noticing and hearing timelines (10+ day notice before first BAR hearing; more stringent in some areas) (§ 35-181; § 35-194.6.2).
If seeking a Modification to standards, obtain BAR preliminary approval before the Zoning Administrator hearing (§ 35-179.5.2).
Ensure consistency with any local design standards adopted by the Board of Supervisors (§ 35-144A).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Mixed overlap of triggers	A parcel may be in multiple overlays (D + CVC + plan area). Standards stack and the most protective can control.	Map all overlays; identify which standards are most protective (§ 35-98.2; § 35-410).
Objective housing standards vs. BAR	Certain multi-unit/mixed-use projects are exempt from separate Design Review if they meet objective standards.	Whether the project qualifies for § 35-144B exemption.
Montecito-specific findings	Montecito adds plan-level findings and BAR requirements beyond countywide norms.	Which Montecito findings apply (§ 35-215; BAR findings reference at § 35-213 per code text).
Ridgeline/hillside threshold	The 16-foot grade-drop test can be nuanced by site topography.	Whether § 35-144.3 applies, or if an exemption under § 35-144.4 is justified.
Notice radius in special areas	Toro Canyon requires 500-foot mailed notice before the first BAR hearing.	If Toro Canyon rules apply to your parcel (§ 35-194.6.2).
“Site design plan” vs. Design Review	Some districts require a Planning Commission-approved site design plan; different from BAR.	Whether § 35-94.5 applies to your district.

Plain-English Summary

If you’re building or substantially altering a structure in unincorporated Santa Barbara County, check whether your parcel falls in a Design Review trigger area. Many coastal neighborhoods and visually sensitive sites require BAR approval of your plans—sometimes with tailored local rules about height, materials, lighting, and view protection. Bring a complete set of drawings and pick materials that fit the landscape; some work (like ADUs or interior-only remodels) is exempt, and some multi‑unit housing that meets objective standards skips Design Review entirely.

Source References

§ 35-184.1–.3 (Board of Architectural Review: purpose, applicability, exceptions)
§ 35-184.4–.5 (BAR application contents and processing)
§ 35-181 (Noticing; BAR initial review notice timing)
§ 35-98.1–.5 (D — Design Control Overlay District; Eastern Goleta Valley triggers)
§ 35-144.3–.4 (Ridgeline & Hillside Development Guidelines and exemptions)
§ 35-102F.D (CVC overlay — Design Review required; view/height criteria)
§ 35-191.6–.8 (Summerland: BAR and related standards)
§ 35-194.6 (Toro Canyon: Architectural Review Standards; 500-foot mailed notice)
§ 35-215 (Montecito findings) and BAR findings reference (§ 35-213)
§ 35-179.5.2 (Modifications require BAR preliminary approval)
§ 35-144A (Local Design Standards adoption)
§ 35-144B (Multiple-unit and mixed-use Objective Design Standards; Design Review exemption)

Information Gaps

Inland (non-coastal) Design Review chapter numbers and any differences from the coastal article: Not found in retrieved materials.
Full text of BAR “Findings Required for Approval” (§ 35-184.6): Not found in retrieved materials.
Exact formal title/expansion of “CVC overlay district”: Not found in retrieved materials.
Countywide “site plan review” procedure: Not found in retrieved materials (only district-specific “site design plan” at § 35-94.5).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 35-144A) High relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (§ 41) High relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 35-184) High relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 35-184) High relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 35-182) High relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 35-73.5.1) High relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 35-144) High relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 35-150.1) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 35-184) High relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 30236) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 35-144.4) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 35-184) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 35-184) Medium relevance

Cited sections

§ 35-184.1–.3 (Board of Architectural Review: purpose, applicability, exceptions) (§ 35-184.1)
§ 35-184.4–.5 (BAR application contents and processing) (§ 35-184.4)
§ 35-181 (Noticing; BAR initial review notice timing) (§ 35-181)
§ 35-98.1–.5 (D — Design Control Overlay District; Eastern Goleta Valley triggers) (§ 35-98.1)
§ 35-144.3–.4 (Ridgeline & Hillside Development Guidelines and exemptions) (§ 35-144.3)
§ 35-102F.D (CVC overlay — Design Review required; view/height criteria) (§ 35-102F.D)
§ 35-191.6–.8 (Summerland: BAR and related standards) (§ 35-191.6)
§ 35-194.6 (Toro Canyon: Architectural Review Standards; 500-foot mailed notice) (§ 35-194.6)
§ 35-215 (Montecito findings) and BAR findings reference (§ 35-213) (§ 35-215)
§ 35-179.5.2 (Modifications require BAR preliminary approval) (§ 35-179.5.2)
§ 35-144A (Local Design Standards adoption) (§ 35-144A)
§ 35-144B (Multiple-unit and mixed-use Objective Design Standards; Design Review exemption) (§ 35-144B)
SantaBarbaraCounty_ZoningCode.md

Official Santa Barbara County code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Design Review for a new single-family home in unincorporated Santa Barbara County?

It depends on location. Homes in the D overlay, Montecito, Summerland, Toro Canyon, shoreline-adjacent lots, ridgeline/hillside sites, and CVC overlay areas typically require BAR review (§ 35-98; § 35-184.2.2.f–g; § 35-191.6; § 35-194.6; § 35-144.3; § 35-102F.D). Verify your parcel overlays.

Are ADUs subject to Santa Barbara County Design Review?

No. Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior ADUs are exempt from BAR approval under § 35-184.3.1, and objective state standards limit local discretion. Always confirm your project meets all ADU standards.

How does Design Review interact with other permits like Modifications or Coastal Development Permits?

For Modifications, BAR preliminary approval is required before the Zoning Administrator hearing (§ 35-179.5.2). In the CVC overlay, Design Review must occur before Coastal Development Permit/Land Use Permit/Zoning Clearance issuance (§ 35-102F.D.1).

What design standards does the BAR apply on hillside lots?

Projects on lots with a 16-foot drop within 100 feet must conform to Ridgeline & Hillside Guidelines—reduced heights, terrain-fitting forms, minimized grading/retaining walls, compatible landscaping (§ 35-144.3). Limited exemptions exist (§ 35-144.4).

I’m in Montecito. What’s different?

Any structure or sign must go to BAR, and your project must meet Montecito Community Plan findings in addition to BAR findings (§ 35-184.2.2.f; § 35-215). Expect an elevated focus on context, massing, and materials.

What notice is provided before a BAR hearing?

The County mails/posts notice at least 10 days before the initial BAR review (§ 35-181). In Toro Canyon, notice must be mailed to owners within 500 feet prior to the initial BAR hearing (§ 35-194.6.2).

Can BAR reduce my required parking or setbacks?

BAR may recommend modified setbacks/height in a D overlay when the base zone allows decision-makers to consider such modifications (§ 35-98.4). Parking reductions are not a BAR function; they require a Modification with specific findings (§ 35-179.6.f).

Do multi-unit housing projects go through BAR?

If a multi-unit or mixed-use project is processed solely against the County’s objective standards and it fully complies, a separate Design Review is not required (§ 35-144B, Design Review Exemption).

Is there a countywide “site plan review” instead of BAR?

Not generally. “Site design plan” appears in specific districts with Planning Commission review (§ 35-94.5). It’s distinct from BAR Design Review and not a countywide substitute.

What about signs—do they go to BAR?

Yes, where a district or overlay subjects signs to Design Review, BAR reviews them; in Montecito, any structure or sign requires BAR review (§ 35-184.2.2.a–b, .f).

Ask about any Santa Barbara County property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Santa Barbara County zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial