Local zoning · Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County — Zoning

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

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

In the unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County, zoning in the Coastal Zone is governed by the County’s Article II — Coastal Zoning Ordinance, which establishes district designations, allowed uses, dimensional standards, and certified zoning maps for the Coastal Zone (§ 35-50; § 35-52; § 35-51 ). The ordinance applies to development within the Coastal Zone of the unincorporated areas and operates together with zoning maps and applicable overlays (§ 35-51; § 35-52; § 35-53 ). Outside the Coastal Zone, additional inland zoning provisions exist but were not included in the retrieved materials (Not found in retrieved materials).

Key rule for every project: First determine whether your parcel is in the Coastal Zone. If yes, the Article II Coastal Zoning Ordinance and its maps and overlays apply in the unincorporated areas (§ 35-51; § 35-52 ).

Before you design a project, confirm the base zone on the County’s zoning map, then check any applicable overlay districts, required development standards, parking, and whether design review or other permits apply.

How the ordinance is organized

Title/Purpose: Coastal Zoning Ordinance of Santa Barbara County (Article II) (§ 35-50 ).
Applicability: Coastal Zone of the unincorporated areas (§ 35-51 ).
Districts and Symbols: Agricultural, Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Other, and the Transportation Corridor district, each shown on County zoning maps (§ 35-52 ).
Overlays: Additional regulations apply where an overlay is mapped (§ 35-53 ).
Zoning maps: District boundaries and symbols are delineated on the County zoning maps; where boundaries are uncertain, the ordinance provides interpretive rules (§ 35-52; rules of interpretation in map section; see also map interpretation rules ).

Zoning Districts (unincorporated Coastal Zone)

The Coastal Zoning Ordinance establishes the following districts and core standards. Always verify the mapped zone and any applicable overlay before relying on these summaries (§ 35-52; § 35-53 ).

AG-I — Agriculture I

Purpose/uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Notable allowances: Certain agricultural sales may be exempt or permitted with specific approvals when located in AG-I, if standards are met (§ 35-131.3 ).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where the zoning map shows AG-I in the unincorporated Coastal Zone (§ 35-52 ).

AG-II — Agriculture II

Purpose/uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Notable allowances: Agricultural sales exemptions and permits similar to AG-I (§ 35-131.3 ). Exploratory oil and gas drilling is listed as a permitted use in AG-II under the Oil & Gas Division when that activity is allowed by district (§ 35-152.2.a.1 ).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where the zoning map shows AG-II (§ 35-52 ).

RR — Rural Residential

Purpose/uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional standards: Minimum gross lot width 250 ft with minimum lot areas keyed to the RR symbol (e.g., RR-5 = 5 ac; RR-10 = 10 ac; RR-15 = 15 ac; RR-20 = 20 ac; RR-40 = 40 ac; RR-100 = 100 ac) (§ 35-70.6.1 ). Setbacks: front 50 ft from centerline and 20 ft from right-of-way; side and rear 20 ft; lots of ≤1 gross ac use R-1/E-1 setbacks (§ 35-70.7 ). Height: 35 ft (§ 35-70.8 ).
Special lot rules: A dwelling may be on a lot with less area/width than otherwise required unless it is a “fraction lot” (§ 35-70.6.2–.3 ).
Where it applies: Where mapped as RR (§ 35-52 ).

R-1/E-1 — Single-Family Residential

Purpose: Provide areas for family living at appropriate densities and protect residential character (§ 35-71.1 ).
Typical permitted uses: One single-family dwelling per legal lot, with listed accessory and community uses; additional uses may require Minor/Major CUPs (see examples below) (§ 35-71.3; § 35-71.4; § 35-71.5 ).
Key dimensional standards: Minimum lot area/width controlled by the R-1/E-1 symbol on the zoning map (§ 35-71.6 ). Specific numeric setbacks not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where mapped as R-1/E-1 (§ 35-52 ).

R-2 — Two-Family Residential

Purpose/uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where mapped as R-2 (§ 35-52 ).

EX-1 — One-Family Exclusive Residential

Purpose/uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional standards: Minimum gross lot areas and widths keyed to symbol (e.g., 1.5-EX-1 = 1.5 ac/150 ft; 2.5-EX-1 = 2.5 ac/200 ft; 3.5-EX-1 = 3.5 ac/225 ft) (§ 35-73.5.1 ). Setbacks: front 75 ft from centerline (125 ft where ROW ≥80 ft); side 25 ft; rear 25 ft; special rules for interior and accessory structures apply (§ 35-73.6 ). Minimum building separation: 5 ft (§ 35-73.7 ).
Special lot rules: Older legal lots may be under minimums (fraction-lot limits apply) (§ 35-73.5.2–.3 ).
Where it applies: Where mapped as EX-1 (§ 35-52 ).

DR — Design Residential

Purpose/uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where mapped as DR (§ 35-52 ).

PRD — Planned Residential Development

Purpose/uses: Residential development following an approved plan; convenience commercial up to two acres may be integral to the development (§ 35-75.9; § 35-75.10; § 35-75.14.A.1–.b excerpt; convenience-use constraint excerpt § 35-75.10, § 35-75.14; convenience-use text from PRD section ).
Key dimensional standards: No standard setbacks (set via approved plans); max height 35 ft; building coverage ≤30% of net area for dwelling buildings (overall ≤50%); density per Coastal Land Use Plan maps (§ 35-75.10–.13 ).
Where it applies: Where mapped as PRD (§ 35-52 ).

SR-M — Medium Density Student Residential

Purpose/uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where mapped as SR-M (§ 35-52 ).

SR-H — High Density Student Residential

Purpose/uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where mapped as SR-H (§ 35-52 ).

MHP — Mobile Home Park

Purpose: Provide areas for mobile home parks with high standards of site planning and design (§ 35-91.1 ).
Typical permitted uses: Mobile home park, on-site recreational facilities, and one or more accessory dwelling units and/or a junior ADU per legal lot consistent with § 35-142 (ADUs/JADUs) (§ 35-91.4.1–.5 ). See also California ADU law.
Processing: No development permits may be issued except in conformance with an approved Final Development Plan and applicable coastal permitting (§ 35-91.3 ).
Where it applies: Where mapped as MHP (§ 35-52 ).

C-1 — Limited Commercial

Purpose/uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where mapped as C-1 (§ 35-52 ).

C-2 — Retail Commercial

Purpose/uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where mapped as C-2 (§ 35-52 ).

CH — Highway Commercial

Purpose/uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where mapped as CH (§ 35-52 ).

C-V — Resort/Visitor Serving Commercial

Purpose/uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where mapped as C-V (§ 35-52 ).

PI — Professional and Institutional

Purpose/uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where mapped as PI (§ 35-52 ).

M-RP — Industrial/Research Park

Purpose/uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where mapped as M-RP (§ 35-52 ).

M-CD — Coastal Dependent Industry

Purpose/uses: Supports coastal-dependent industrial uses; exploratory oil and gas drilling may be a permitted use under the Oil & Gas Division standards (§ 35-152.2.a.2 ).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where mapped as M-CD (§ 35-52 ).

M-CR — Coastal Related Industry

Purpose/uses: Supports coastal-related industry; exploratory oil and gas drilling may be a permitted use where allowed by district regulations (§ 35-152.2.a.3 ).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where mapped as M-CR (§ 35-52 ).

PU — Public Utilities

Purpose/uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where mapped as PU (§ 35-52 ).

REC — Recreation

Purpose/uses: Not found in retrieved materials. Rural recreation standards appear in general regulations for certain zones (e.g., AG-II/REC/RES) (§ 35-460.J ref., table excerpt; general regulation table snippet ).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where mapped as REC (§ 35-52 ).

RES — Resource Management

Purpose/uses: Resource areas with large-lot standards; specific permitted-use lists are referenced elsewhere (Not found in retrieved materials for full list).
Key dimensional standards: Minimum lot size keyed to symbol: RES-40 = 40 ac; RES-100 = 100 ac; RES-320 = 320 ac (§ 35-90.7.1 ). Setbacks: 50 ft from centerline of any street and 20 ft from lot lines; height 25 ft (§ 35-90.8; § 35-90.9 ).
Where it applies: Where mapped as RES (§ 35-52 ).

TC — Transportation Corridor

Purpose/uses: Transportation-serving uses (detailed use tables not found in retrieved materials). Additional references appear in Gaviota Coast Plan area provisions and cross-references to § 35-93 (TC) (§ 35-93 references in plan cross-cites ).
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Where it applies: Where mapped as TC (§ 35-52 ).

Selected standards and allowances

The table below highlights decision-critical items most commonly affecting residential and resource-zoned parcels in the unincorporated Coastal Zone.

District	Typical permitted uses (examples)	Key dimensional standards	Code Reference
RR	Not found in retrieved materials	Min lot width 250 ft; min lot area based on symbol: RR-5, RR-10, RR-15, RR-20, RR-40, RR-100; setbacks: front 50 ft from centerline/20 ft from ROW; side/rear 20 ft; height 35 ft; older legal lots may be under minimums (fraction-lot limits)	§ 35-70.6–.9
R-1/E-1	One single-family dwelling per legal lot; accessory/community uses per list; some uses require CUP	Min lot area/width per symbol (values not shown in retrieved text)	§ 35-71.1; § 35-71.3–.6
EX-1	Not found in retrieved materials	Min lot area/width per symbol (1.5–3.5 ac / 150–225 ft); setbacks: front 75 ft (125 ft on 80‑ft ROW), side 25 ft, rear 25 ft; min separation 5 ft; fraction-lot rules apply	§ 35-73.5–.7
PRD	Residential planned developments; limited convenience commercial integral to the project	No standard setbacks (set by plan); density per Coastal Land Use Plan; building coverage ≤30% (dwelling buildings), overall ≤50%; height 35 ft; added [parking] design/screening standards apply	§ 35-75.10–.14
RES	Resource management areas	Min lot size by symbol: 40/100/320 ac; setbacks 50 ft from centerline/20 ft from lot lines; height 25 ft	§ 35-90.7–.9
MHP	Mobile home parks; on-site rec facilities; ADUs/JADUs allowed per § 35-142	Development must follow an approved Final Development Plan; other dimensional standards not shown in retrieved text	§ 35-91.1; § 35-91.3–.4
AG‑I/AG‑II (note)	Agricultural sales may be exempt or require approvals if standards are met	Applies only where primary use is agriculture and all conditions are satisfied; includes limits on public area size and siting	§ 35-131.1–.4; § 35-131.3.a–c

Related definitions and lot rules appear in the ordinance’s general provisions (e.g., lot width computation; provisions for existing small lots) and should be checked case-by-case (§ 35-129; existing lot rules excerpt ).

Overlays, maps, and special areas

Overlays: Additional requirements may apply on parcels within mapped overlays (e.g., environmentally sensitive habitat, view corridors). Confirm overlay applicability on the zoning map and the Overlay Districts page (§ 35-53 ).
Certified zoning maps: The ordinance incorporates certified coastal zoning and overlay maps for named plan areas; interpretive rules clarify boundary placement where uncertain (map incorporation list and interpretation rules; § 35-52 reference; additional rules excerpt ).
Oil & gas uses: Exploratory oil and gas drilling is identified as permitted in specific districts (AG‑II, M‑CD, M‑CR) subject to Division 9 procedures and coastal permitting (§ 35-152.2; processing cross‑references in Division 9 ).

Using the code in practice

Land uses: Use the base zone table, then cross-check general regulations (e.g., animal keeping, agricultural sales) that layer additional limits or permits. For example, animal‑keeping tables clarify what is exempt or requires CUPs by zone (§ 35-144J table excerpt; § 35-430.E refs ).
Standards first: Confirm setbacks, height, lot size/width, and any coverage or separation requirements in your specific district; then verify any overlay-triggered standards. Coordinate with Development Standards and Design Review early.
Nonconforming/fraction lots: Several districts allow dwellings on older legal lots that do not meet current minimum area/width, with exceptions for “fraction lots.” Confirm status on the Nonconforming Uses page and applicable §§ (e.g., § 35-70.6.2–.3; § 35-73.5.2–.3; § 35-90.7.2 ).
Variances: Where unusual parcel conditions make strict application of standards impractical, limited relief may be available; a variance cannot authorize a use not otherwise allowed in the zone (§ 35-173.2.a; § 35-173.6 ). See Variances and Exceptions.

Checklist

Confirm parcel is in the unincorporated areas and whether it lies in the Coastal Zone (§ 35-51 ).
Identify the base zoning district symbol on the County zoning map (§ 35-52 ).
Check for mapped overlays and apply those standards (§ 35-53 ).
Verify district-specific dimensional standards (setbacks, height, lot size/width) in the ordinance (e.g., RR § 35-70.6–.9; EX‑1 § 35-73.5–.7; PRD § 35-75.10–.13; RES § 35-90.7–.9; MHP § 35-91.3–.4) .
Confirm allowed use and permit path for your use type (e.g., agricultural sales in AG‑I/AG‑II/RR/M‑CD/M‑CR under § 35-131.3) .
Check parking requirements where referenced in your district (e.g., RR § 35-70.9; PRD § 35-75.14) .
Determine if design review applies (e.g., Board of Architectural Review noted for certain agricultural sales structures) (§ 35-131.3 conditions excerpt ).
For ADUs/JADUs, confirm allowances within your base zone (e.g., MHP references § 35-142) and coordinate with California housing laws and the California Building Standards Code (§ 35-91.4.3 ).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Coastal vs. inland code	Different ordinances/standards may apply	Confirm Coastal Zone status (§ 35-51)
Overlay districts	Overlays can add or change standards	Check overlays on your parcel (§ 35-53)
Fraction/older lots	May allow relief from current minimums	See district-specific fraction‑lot clauses (e.g., RR § 35-70.6.2–.3; EX‑1 § 35-73.5.2–.3; RES § 35-90.7.2)
PRD no standard setbacks	Setbacks are set by plan	Read approved plan and PRD standards (§ 35-75.11)
Agricultural sales details	Some sales are exempt only if precise conditions are met	Confirm § 35-131.3 standards and any health/parking/signage conditions (§ 35-131.3; conditions excerpt)
Oil & gas references	Certain industrial activities allowed in specific zones	Confirm district allowances and Division 9 processing (§ 35-152.2; Division 9)
Use tables for many districts	Not all district permitted-use lists were retrieved	Verify allowed uses in your district (Not found in retrieved materials)

Plain-English Summary

If your property is in the unincorporated Coastal Zone, Santa Barbara County’s Coastal Zoning Ordinance controls what you can build and use on it. Find your base zone on the County’s zoning map, check overlays, then apply the district’s standards like setbacks, height, and lot size; some zones (like PRD) set these through an approved plan. Many routine items (e.g., parking, animal keeping, agricultural sales) are also governed by countywide rules that layer on top of your base zone.

Source References

§ 35-50 (Article II — Coastal Zoning Ordinance; title and purpose)
§ 35-51 (Applicability in the unincorporated Coastal Zone)
§ 35-52 (Zoning district designations; maps; boundary/application rules)
§ 35-53 (Overlay district designations)
RR standards: § 35-70.6–.9 (lot area/width; setbacks; height; parking)
R‑1/E‑1: § 35-71.1; § 35-71.3–.6 (purpose; uses; lot area/width)
EX‑1: § 35-73.5–.7 (lot area/width; setbacks; separation)
PRD: § 35-75.9–.16 (density; setbacks by plan; coverage; height; parking)
RES: § 35-90.7–.10 (lot size; setbacks; height; parking)
MHP: § 35-91.1–.4 (purpose; processing; permitted uses including ADUs/JADUs)
Agricultural Sales: § 35-131.1–.5 (purpose; applicability; exemptions/permits; conditions)
Variances/Development Plans: § 35-173–§ 35-174 (variances; development plans)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 35-70.6) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (ARTICLE II.) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 35-131.1.) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 35-73.5.1) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 35-75.9) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Article are) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara County Zoning Code (Section 35-51B) Medium relevance

Cited sections

§ 35-50 (Article II — Coastal Zoning Ordinance; title and purpose) (§ 35-50)
§ 35-51 (Applicability in the unincorporated Coastal Zone) (§ 35-51)
§ 35-52 (Zoning district designations; maps; boundary/application rules) (§ 35-52)
§ 35-53 (Overlay district designations) (§ 35-53)
RR standards: § 35-70.6–.9 (lot area/width; setbacks; height; parking) (§ 35-70.6)
R‑1/E‑1: § 35-71.1; § 35-71.3–.6 (purpose; uses; lot area/width) (§ 35-71.1)
EX‑1: § 35-73.5–.7 (lot area/width; setbacks; separation) (§ 35-73.5)
PRD: § 35-75.9–.16 (density; setbacks by plan; coverage; height; parking) (§ 35-75.9)
RES: § 35-90.7–.10 (lot size; setbacks; height; parking) (§ 35-90.7)
MHP: § 35-91.1–.4 (purpose; processing; permitted uses including ADUs/JADUs) (§ 35-91.1)
Agricultural Sales: § 35-131.1–.5 (purpose; applicability; exemptions/permits; conditions) (§ 35-131.1)
Variances/Development Plans: § 35-173–§ 35-174 (variances; development plans) (§ 35-173)
SantaBarbaraCounty_ZoningCode.md

Official Santa Barbara County code library

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1/E-1 lot in unincorporated Santa Barbara County?

The ordinance allows one single-family dwelling per legal lot, plus customary accessory uses and certain community uses; some activities require a Minor or Major Conditional Use Permit. Minimum lot area/width are tied to the zoning symbol for your parcel (§ 35-71.3; § 35-71.5–.6). Verify specific numeric setbacks before designing your project (§ 35-71.6) .

What are typical Rural Residential (RR) setbacks and heights?

In RR, front setbacks are generally 50 ft from the street centerline and 20 ft from the right-of-way; side and rear setbacks are 20 ft. Maximum building height is 35 ft. Lots one acre or smaller follow R‑1/E‑1 setback rules (§ 35-70.7–.8) .

Can older undersized lots be built on?

Yes, several districts allow a dwelling on a legal lot with less area/width than current minimums unless the lot is a “fraction lot.” Check the specific clause for your district (e.g., RR § 35-70.6.2–.3; EX‑1 § 35-73.5.2–.3; RES § 35-90.7.2) and verify with County staff .

Do I need a development plan or design review for a mobile home park?

Yes. In the MHP district, permits are issued only in conformance with an approved Final Development Plan, and coastal permitting applies. Additional uses (including ADUs/JADUs) are listed in § 35‑91.4 (§ 35-91.3–.4) .

Are farm stands or plant sales allowed in agricultural zones?

Agricultural sales may be exempt from a coastal permit or may require a Development Plan and Coastal Development Permit depending on size, location, and standards. Conditions include limits on public access area and compliance with siting and noticing rules (§ 35‑131.3–.5) .

How do I know which zoning map and overlays apply?

The ordinance applies district symbols and overlays via certified zoning maps; § 35‑52 ties regulations to those maps, and the code provides rules for interpreting boundaries where uncertain. Always verify overlays because they can change applicable standards (§ 35-52; § 35-53; map interpretation rules) .

Are oil and gas activities allowed anywhere?

Exploratory oil and gas drilling is identified as a permitted use in certain districts (AG‑II, M‑CD, M‑CR) under Division 9, with additional permitting and processing requirements. Other phases (e.g., production) have their own standards and may require approvals (§ 35‑152.2; Division 9 references) .

What if strict setbacks or lot standards make my site unbuildable?

A variance may be requested when special parcel circumstances deprive you of privileges enjoyed by similar properties, but it cannot authorize a use not allowed in the zone. Variance findings and public hearing procedures apply (§ 35‑173.2; § 35‑173.5–.6) .

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