Santa Barbara C-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

C-2 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-2

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 Applies: unless the project is a Community Benefit Project approved by the Planning Commission (then up to 60 ft) § 28.66.050 · code text Notwithstanding the maximum building height specified in subsection A above, no building constructed in this zone after the effective date of the ordinance enacting this chapter shall exceed a height of 45 feet unless the project qualifies as a Community Benefit Project or a Community Benefit Housing Project, and the Planning Commission expressly makes all of the following findings:
Maximum number of stories	4 stories § 28.66.050 · code text A. Maximum Building Height. No building in this zone shall exceed a height of four stories, nor shall any building exceed a height of 60 feet.
Minimum front setback	None required Applies: Nonresidential or mixed use buildings, structures and parking § 28.66.060 · code text 1. Nonresidential or mixed use buildings, structures and parking: No setback required.
Minimum side setback	None required Applies: Interior lot line abuts a nonresidentially-zoned parcel; nonresidential or mixed use buildings or structures § 28.66.060 · code text 1. Nonresidential 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 text Studio 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-2:

Maximum building height: 60 ft — Community Benefit Project or Community Benefit Housing Project with required Planning Commission findings § 28.66.050
Minimum side setback: 10 ft or one-half the building height, whichever is greater — Interior lot line abuts a residentially-zoned parcel; all buildings and structures § 28.66.060

Not on this page

We did not find a general rear setback, lot size, lot coverage, FAR limit for C-2 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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Santa Barbara's C-2 zone?

45 ft (unless the project is a Community Benefit Project approved by the Planning Commission (then up to 60 ft)) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.66.050.

What is the maximum number of stories in Santa Barbara's C-2 zone?

4 stories — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.66.050.

What is the minimum front setback in Santa Barbara's C-2 zone?

None required (nonresidential or mixed use buildings, structures and parking) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.66.060.

What is the minimum side setback in Santa Barbara's C-2 zone?

None required (interior lot line abuts a nonresidentially-zoned parcel; nonresidential or mixed use buildings or structures) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.66.060.

What is the maximum density in Santa Barbara's C-2 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.