Local zoning · Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara — Parking

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

Quick answer

Santa Barbara requires off-street parking for all uses and prohibits parking in the front setback citywide (§ 28.90.001(I)). Single-unit homes need 2 covered spaces, with limited uncovered substitutions tied to 85%/80% maximum net floor area and design/siting rules (§ 28.90.100(G)(1)). Industrial/office buildings over 10,000 sf may cut parking to 90/80/70% of baseline (§ 28.90.100(D)), and lots must meet driveway widths of 10 ft (<25 spaces) or 18 ft (≥25) plus planting strips (§ 28.90.001(G)).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from Santa Barbara's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Santa Barbara planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

Santa Barbara regulates off-street parking, loading, and bicycle spaces through the City’s zoning code, primarily in Chapter 28.90. Most individual zoning districts defer to these citywide standards, with a few added district-specific landscaping or layout requirements. When you change a use or expand floor area, required parking recalculates under the minimums and rounding rules in § 28.90.001 and § 28.90.100, and most projects are also subject to design review for parking layout and screening.

In any zone, parking is prohibited in the front setback; limited allowances exist for interior setback parking in higher-density and nonresidential contexts with added landscaping (§ 28.90.001(H)–(I)).

Citywide parking standards (Chapter 28.90)

The following rules apply citywide unless a specific district standard is stricter.

General requirement: Provide off-street parking for any use in the City (§ 28.90.100(A)).
Minimums are cumulative: On mixed-use sites, add the requirement for each use (§ 28.90.100(C)).
Existing and expanded buildings:
- If you enlarge more than 50% of existing net floor area (excluding the garage), bring parking up to current standards for the entire lot (§ 28.90.001(B)).
- When a change of use increases required parking, you must add the difference (§ 28.90.001(N)).
Rounding: Fractions of one-half or greater round up to one space (§ 28.90.100(E)).
Small-car stalls: Up to 30% of required spaces may be small-car (lots with >10 spaces), subject to layout approval by the City Transportation Engineer (§ 28.90.100(F)).
Collective/shared parking: Allowed if collectively available to all users on the permit (§ 28.90.001(C)).
Alternative transportation programs: A modification may reduce required parking if you implement an approved TDM or similar program (§ 28.90.001(D); see variances and exceptions).
Loading: Required when loading would interfere with short-term or visitor parking; final requirements set by the Transportation Engineer (§ 28.90.001(F)).
Driveway access (non–single/two-family):
- Fewer than 25 spaces: driveway at least 10 ft wide + 3 ft planting strip along any main building (§ 28.90.001(G)(1)).
- 25 or more spaces: two-way driveway at least 18 ft wide + 3 ft planting strip, or two one-way drives meeting the 10 ft + 3 ft standard (§ 28.90.001(G)(2)).
- The design review body may reduce/waive the 3 ft planting strip with equally effective landscaping (§ 28.90.001(G)).
Parking in setbacks and yards:
- No parking in any required setback, except interior setback parking/turnarounds may be allowed in R‑3 or less restrictive zones for lots with three or more residential units or for commercial/office uses if at least 5% of the parking/turnaround/driveway area is landscaped (§ 28.90.001(H)).
- No parking in the front setback in any zone; parking may occur in the remaining front yard if screened by a decorative wall or fence and planting (§ 28.90.001(I)). See landscaping and screening.
Surfacing and visibility:
- Required areas must be hard-surfaced with at least 2 in asphaltic concrete or approved equivalents (§ 28.90.001(J)).
- Each driveway must afford visibility to a pedestrian within 10 ft of the driveway when a car is stopped at the property line (§ 28.90.001(K)).
Design review: All parking area plans are reviewed under Chapters 22.22/22.68/22.69, where applicable (§ 28.90.001(L)); see design review.
Storage of inoperable or unregistered vehicles: Must be in a fully enclosed space (except auto-wrecking establishments) (§ 28.90.001(M)).

Residential parking minimums

Applies in any zone, for every residential unit/building; required spaces must be available to occupants (assigned or unassigned) (§ 28.90.100(G)).

Single residential unit or group home: 2 spaces per unit, both in a garage or carport (§ 28.90.100(G)(1)(a)).
- Exception: One uncovered + one covered space allowed on lots developed with less than 85% of maximum net floor area per § 28.15.083, if:
  - Uncovered space not in any front yard; permeable if feasible; and in A, E, or R‑1 zones on lots under 15,000 sf, it may encroach up to 3 ft into a required interior yard with a landscaped buffer (§ 28.90.100(G)(1)(b)).
- Exception: Two uncovered spaces allowed on lots developed with less than 80% of maximum net floor area per § 28.15.083, if:
  - Not in any front yard; screened from public view; permeable if feasible; provide 150 sf exterior-access storage; reviewed/approved by the Single Family Design Board or Historic Landmarks Commission; and in A, E, or R‑1 zones on lots under 15,000 sf, may encroach up to 3 ft into a required interior yard with a landscaped buffer (§ 28.90.100(G)(1)(c)).
Two-residential unit (duplex): 4 spaces total; two must be covered (§ 28.90.100(G)(2)).
- 100% very low/low-income rental duplexes may reduce to 1 uncovered space per unit with recorded affordability and parking-reduction covenants (minimum 30 years) and 200 cubic feet of exterior-access private storage per unit (§ 28.90.100(G)(2)(a)–(c)).
Multiple residential units:
- Studio: 1.25 spaces/unit (§ 28.90.100(G)(3)(a)).
- One-bedroom: 1.5 spaces/unit (§ 28.90.100(G)(3)(b)).
- Other bedroom counts: Not found in source materials.

Bicycle parking

Typical bicycle space: minimum 2.5 ft wide by 6 ft long (or shorter if a device stands the bike on end) with about 5 ft of maneuvering space (§ 28.90.045).

Large buildings (parking reductions)

For industrial and office uses in buildings/complexes over 10,000 sf net floor area, required parking may be reduced:
- 10,000–30,000 sf: 90% of otherwise required parking.
- 30,000–50,000 sf: 80%.
- Over 50,000 sf: 70% (§ 28.90.100(D)).

District-by-district notes (how zones tie back to Chapter 28.90)

Most zoning chapters explicitly defer to Chapter 28.90 for off-street parking. Where the source materials add a district-specific twist, it’s noted below.

Chapter 28.15 — Off-Street Parking reference

Parking standard: Defers to Chapter 28.90 (§ 28.15.100).
District purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Chapter 28.30 — Off-Street Parking reference

Parking standard: Defers to Chapter 28.90 (§ 28.30.100).
District purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Chapter 28.36 — District-specific parking layout and minimums

Parking standard: Two spaces per dwelling unit (garage or carport); plus 1 uncovered space per every 2 dwelling units; tree planting at 1 per 10 spaces; no more than 5 spaces may adjoin without landscaped breaks; no paved area in the right-of-way; landscape screening between parking and street (§ 28.36.100).
District purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Chapter 28.39 — Off-Street Parking reference

Parking standard: Defers to Chapter 28.90 (§ 28.39.100).
District purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Chapter 28.42 — Off-Street Parking reference

Parking standard: Defers to Chapter 28.90 (§ 28.42.100).
District purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Chapter 28.46 — District-specific parking landscaping pattern

Parking standard: Defers to Chapter 28.90; additionally, no more than 5 spaces may adjoin without intervening landscaping; parking areas should not dominate open space (§ 28.46.045).
District purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Chapter 28.48 — Off-Street Parking reference

Parking standard: Defers to Chapter 28.90 (§ 28.48.100).
District purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Chapter 28.54 — Off-Street Parking and loading reference

Parking standard: Defers to Chapter 28.90 (§ 28.54.100).
District purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Chapter 28.57 — Off-Street Parking and loading reference

Parking standard: Defers to Chapter 28.90 (§ 28.57.100).
District purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Chapter 28.60 — Off-Street Parking reference

Parking standard: Defers to Chapter 28.90 (§ 28.60.100).
District purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Chapter 28.63 — Off-Street Parking and loading reference

Parking standard: Defers to Chapter 28.90 (§ 28.63.100).
District purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Chapter 28.71 — Off-Street Parking and loading reference

Parking standard: Defers to Chapter 28.90 (§ 28.71.080).
District purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Zones explicitly referenced by § 28.90 (parking nuances)

A, E, and R‑1 zones: For single-unit lots under 15,000 sf, certain uncovered parking exceptions may encroach up to 3 ft into interior yards when landscaped; uncovered substitutions depend on development intensity relative to § 28.15.083 (§ 28.90.100(G)(1)(b)(iii), (G)(1)(c)(vi)).
R‑3 and less restrictive zones: Interior setback parking/turnarounds may be allowed for lots with three or more residential units or for commercial/office uses, with at least 5% landscape across parking/drive/turnaround areas (§ 28.90.001(H)).
C‑M and M‑1 zones (Industrial use definition): “Industrial use” means uses permitted in these zones; industrial and office buildings over 10,000 sf may use the tiered parking reduction in § 28.90.100(D).

Key standards at a glance

Topic	Standard	Code Reference
Residential single unit	2 spaces, both covered (garage or carport)	§ 28.90.100(G)(1)(a)
Duplex	4 spaces; 2 covered	§ 28.90.100(G)(2)
Affordable duplex option	1 uncovered/unit with 30-year affordability + 200 cu ft exterior storage/unit	§ 28.90.100(G)(2)(a)–(c)
Multiple units (studio)	1.25 spaces/unit	§ 28.90.100(G)(3)(a)
Multiple units (1-bedroom)	1.5 spaces/unit	§ 28.90.100(G)(3)(b)
Small-car allowance	Up to 30% small-car in lots with >10 spaces	§ 28.90.100(F)
Rounding	0.5 or more rounds up to 1 space	§ 28.90.100(E)
Large buildings (industrial/office)	90% (10–30k sf), 80% (30–50k sf), 70% (>50k sf) of required parking	§ 28.90.100(D)
No parking in setbacks	None in any setback; limited interior setback allowance in R‑3+ with 5% landscaping	§ 28.90.001(H)–(I)
Driveway width (<25 spaces)	10 ft + 3 ft planting strip by main building	§ 28.90.001(G)(1)
Driveway width (≥25 spaces)	18 ft two-way + 3 ft planting strip (or two one-ways)	§ 28.90.001(G)(2)
Surfacing	Hard-surface; min 2 in asphalt or approved equivalent	§ 28.90.001(J)
Bicycle parking (typical)	2.5 ft x 6 ft with ~5 ft maneuvering space	§ 28.90.045
Layout breaks/landscaping (selected districts)	No more than 5 spaces in a row without landscape break	§ 28.36.100; § 28.46.045

Practical guidance

Start with citywide Chapter 28.90 minimums, then check your site’s zoning chapter for any added parking landscaping or arrangement rules (many districts simply defer to Chapter 28.90). Use the zoning map and designations, and confirm whether your site is in R‑3 or less restrictive zones for any interior setback flexibility (§ 28.90.001(H)).
For single-unit lots seeking uncovered spaces or minor yard encroachments, first test whether you’re under the 85%/80% “maximum net floor area” thresholds tied to § 28.15.083 and prepare the required screening, permeable paving, and (for two uncovered spaces) 150 sf storage (§ 28.90.100(G)(1)(b)–(c)).
For industrial/office over 10,000 sf, apply the tiered reduction and consider a TDM program/modification under § 28.90.001(D) if you need more relief; coordinate early with Transportation Engineering and design review.
Don’t count on front-yard parking: it’s barred in the front setback everywhere (§ 28.90.001(I)). Where screening is required, align with landscaping and screening and any overlay district or historic preservation guidelines.

Checklist

Identify your site’s zoning district and any applicable overlays; confirm if it is R‑3 or less restrictive (§ 28.90.001(H)).
Calculate required parking per use; add components for mixed-use (§ 28.90.100(C), (E), (G)).
If single-unit: confirm eligibility for uncovered space exceptions using the § 28.15.083 max net floor area thresholds; prepare any required screening, permeable paving, and storage (§ 28.90.100(G)(1)(b)–(c)).
If industrial/office >10,000 sf: apply the 90/80/70% reduction tiers (§ 28.90.100(D)).
Lay out driveways to the width + planting strip standards; request design review relief only with equally effective landscaping (§ 28.90.001(G)).
Keep all parking out of required front setbacks; apply screening in front yards where allowed (§ 28.90.001(I)).
Provide loading if needed to protect visitor parking; confirm with Transportation Engineer (§ 28.90.001(F)).
Hard-surface all required parking/drive areas; ensure driveway visibility at the property line (§ 28.90.001(J)–(K)).
If expanding/changing use: verify whether you must bring the entire lot up to current parking standards (§ 28.90.001(B), (N)).
Confirm design review jurisdiction and submit parking plans accordingly (§ 28.90.001(L)); see development standards.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Multiple-unit parking rates beyond studios/1-bedrooms	The schedule is truncated in the source; larger-unit ratios are unknown	Not found in source materials; verify with the jurisdiction
District names and applicability of Chapters 28.15, 28.30, 28.36, etc.	Many chapters defer to 28.90 but district scopes aren’t provided	Not found in source materials; check your parcel’s zoning and chapter title
Interior setback parking in R‑3+ zones	Allowed only with 5% landscaping and specific site types	Confirm zone classification and landscape area calculations (§ 28.90.001(H))
Uncovered parking exceptions for single units	Tied to “maximum net floor area” thresholds and design board/HLC approval	Calculate per § 28.15.083 and obtain required reviews (§ 28.90.100(G)(1)(b)–(c))
TDM-based parking reductions	Granted via modification; criteria are not detailed here	Process under § 28.90.001(D) and applicable modification provisions; verify with the jurisdiction
Loading space requirements	Determined by the Transportation Engineer case-by-case	Early coordination to avoid late layout changes (§ 28.90.001(F))

Information Gaps

Complete parking ratios for multi-unit housing beyond studios and one-bedrooms. Not found in source materials.
Names/purposes/standard dimensional rules of the districts corresponding to Chapters 28.15, 28.30, 28.36, 28.39, 28.42, 28.46, 28.48, 28.54, 28.57, 28.60, 28.63, 28.71. Not found in source materials.
Any district-specific parking quantity changes in commercial/mixed-use districts beyond the Chapter 28.90 baseline. Not found in source materials.

Plain-English Summary

Santa Barbara makes you add up the parking for each use on your site and keep cars out of required setbacks, especially the front setback. Single-family homes generally need two covered spaces, with carefully defined options for uncovered spaces if the home is under certain size thresholds. Larger industrial/office buildings can use a tiered reduction, and any lot redesign must meet driveway widths, landscaping, hard-surface, visibility, and design review requirements.

Source References

§ 28.90.001 (In General; minimums; existing/expanded buildings; collective/shared parking; TDM modification; loading; driveway width/landscape; setbacks; surfacing; visibility; design review; storage; change of use)
§ 28.90.100 (Parking Requirements; cumulative; rounding; small cars; residential minimums and exceptions; industrial/office reductions)
§ 28.90.045 (Bicycle parking space dimensions)
§ 28.36.100 (District-specific residential parking layout and landscaping)
§ 28.46.045 (District-specific landscaping breaks in parking)
§ 28.15.100; § 28.30.100; § 28.39.100; § 28.42.100; § 28.48.100; § 28.54.100; § 28.57.100; § 28.60.100; § 28.63.100; § 28.71.080 (District chapters that defer to Chapter 28.90)
See also: Santa Barbara Zoning, Santa Barbara Development Standards, Santa Barbara Overlay Districts, Santa Barbara Historic Preservation, Santa Barbara Nonconforming Uses, Santa Barbara ADUs, California Building Standards Code

Sources

Source passages

Santa Barbara Zoning Code (§ 28.90.100) High relevance
Santa Barbara Zoning Code (§ 28.90.001) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara Zoning Code (§ 28.30.100) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara Zoning Code (§ 28.57.100) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara Zoning Code (§ 28.54.100) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara Zoning Code (§ 28.46.045) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara Zoning Code (§ 28.39.100) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara Zoning Code (§ 28.90.045) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara Zoning Code (§ 28.48.100) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara Zoning Code (§ 28.63.100) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara Zoning Code (§ 28.71.080) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara Zoning Code (§ 28.36.100) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara Zoning Code (§ 28.15.100) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara Zoning Code (§ 28.60.100) Medium relevance
Santa Barbara Zoning Code (§ 28.42.100) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Santa Barbara code library

Frequently asked questions

Can I park in my front yard in Santa Barbara?

No. Parking is prohibited in the front setback in any zone. Parking may be allowed in the remaining front yard area only if it is screened by a decorative wall or fence and planting (§ 28.90.001(I)).

What are the driveway width requirements for commercial or multifamily parking lots?

If your lot has fewer than 25 spaces, provide at least a 10 ft wide driveway plus a 3 ft planting strip along any main building. With 25 or more spaces, provide an 18 ft two-way drive plus a 3 ft planting strip (or two one-way drives meeting the smaller width). Design review can reduce/waive the planting strip with equally effective landscaping (§ 28.90.001(G)).

How many parking spaces are required for a single-family home?

Two spaces are required, both in a garage or carport. Limited exceptions allow one or two uncovered spaces if the home is below the 85%/80% maximum net floor area thresholds and you meet siting, screening, permeable paving, and (for two spaces) 150 sf storage requirements (§ 28.90.100(G)(1)).

Can a duplex reduce parking if it’s affordable housing?

Yes. A 100% very low/low-income rental duplex may reduce to one uncovered space per unit if it records long-term affordability covenants and provides at least 200 cubic feet of exterior-access private storage per unit (§ 28.90.100(G)(2)(a)–(c)).

What are the apartment parking ratios?

Studios must provide 1.25 spaces per unit and one-bedrooms 1.5 spaces per unit. Ratios for other bedroom counts were not included in the source materials; verify with the jurisdiction (§ 28.90.100(G)(3)(a)–(b)).

Are small-car spaces allowed?

Yes. Up to 30% of required spaces in a lot with more than 10 spaces may be designated for small cars, subject to Transportation Engineer approval of the layout (§ 28.90.100(F)).

Can I place parking in interior setbacks?

Not in general, but in R‑3 or less restrictive zones, interior setback parking/turnarounds may be allowed for lots with three or more residential units or for commercial/office buildings if at least 5% of the parking/drive/turnaround area is landscaped (§ 28.90.001(H)).

Do large office or industrial buildings get any parking relief?

Yes. Industrial and office buildings over 10,000 sf can reduce required parking to 90% (10–30k sf), 80% (30–50k sf), or 70% (>50k sf) of the baseline requirement (§ 28.90.100(D)).

What bicycle parking dimensions should I use?

Provide a typical space of at least 2.5 ft by 6 ft (or shorter if a device stands the bike on end) and about 5 ft of maneuvering space (§ 28.90.045).

When I expand a building, do I have to upgrade all parking?

If you enlarge more than 50% of the existing net floor area (excluding the garage), parking must be brought up to current standards for the entire lot. Smaller additions require parking for the added area only (§ 28.90.001(B)).

General information, not legal advice.

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