Santa Barbara · Zoning · C-1
Santa Barbara C-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Santa Barbara's C-1 zone, buildings can be up to 45 ft (3 stories) tall and the front setback is 10 ft (Santa Barbara code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: None required (For nonresidential or mixed use buildings or structures adjacent to a nonresidential zone.)
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 1,600 sq ft (Studio units only; one-bedroom 1 per 1,840 sq ft, two-bedroom 1 per 2,320, three or more 1 per 2,800)
C-1 (LIMITED COMMERCIAL ZONE) is a zoning district in Santa Barbara. Every value below was read from the Santa Barbara Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in C-1
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 45 ft § 28.63.050 · code textThree stories and not exceeding 45 feet. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 28.63.050 · code textThree stories and not exceeding 45 feet. |
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 28.63.060 · code textA front setback of not less than 10 feet shall be provided between the front lot line and all buildings, structures and parking on the lot. |
| Minimum side setback | None required Applies: For nonresidential or mixed use buildings or structures adjacent to a nonresidential zone. § 28.63.060 · code textNonresidential or mixed use buildings or structures: No setback required. |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 1,600 sq ft Applies: Studio units only; one-bedroom 1 per 1,840 sq ft, two-bedroom 1 per 2,320, three or more 1 per 2,800 § 28.21.080 · code textStudio unit - one unit per 1,600 square feet of lot area; |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C-1:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft or one-half building height, whichever is greater — All buildings and structures adjacent to a residential zone. § 28.63.060
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — Nonresidential or mixed use parking and driveways adjacent to a residential zone; landscaped. § 28.63.060
Not on this page
We did not find a general rear setback, lot size, lot coverage, FAR limit for C-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Santa Barbara Municipal Code.
Other Santa Barbara zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Santa Barbara's C-1 zone?
45 ft — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.63.050.
What is the maximum number of stories in Santa Barbara's C-1 zone?
3 stories — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.63.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Santa Barbara's C-1 zone?
10 ft — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.63.060.
What is the minimum side setback in Santa Barbara's C-1 zone?
None required (for nonresidential or mixed use buildings or structures adjacent to a nonresidential zone) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.63.060.
What is the maximum density in Santa Barbara's C-1 zone?
1 unit per 1,600 sq ft (studio units only; one-bedroom 1 per 1,840 sq ft, two-bedroom 1 per 2,320, three or more 1 per 2,800) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.21.080.
General information, not legal advice.
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