Santa Barbara · Zoning · C-X
Santa Barbara C-X zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Santa Barbara's C-X zone, generally buildings can be up to 20 ft (1 story) tall and the front setback is 35 ft, with the conditions listed below (Santa Barbara code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 20 ft (or one story)
- Maximum number of stories: 1 story
- Minimum front setback: 35 ft
- Minimum side setback: 25 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 25% (no more than 30% of the site may be used for open parking, loading or delivery)
C-X (Research and Development and Administrative Office 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-X
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 | 20 ft Applies: or one story § 28.60.050 · code textNo building in a C-X Zone shall exceed one story or 20 feet in height. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 1 story § 28.60.050 · code textNo building in a C-X Zone shall exceed one story or 20 feet in height. |
| Minimum front setback | 35 ft § 28.60.060 · code textA front setback of not less than 35 feet shall be provided between the front lot line and all buildings, structures and parking on the lot. |
| Minimum side setback | 25 ft § 28.60.060 · code textAn interior setback of not less than 25 feet shall be provided between the interior lot line and all buildings, structures and parking on the lot. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 25% Applies: no more than 30% of the site may be used for open parking, loading or delivery § 28.60.063 · code textNot more than 25% of the total area comprising the site of a C-X establishment shall be covered with buildings or structures and not more than 30% of such area shall be used for open parking, loading or delivery uses. |
Not on this page
We did not find a general rear setback, lot size, FAR, density limit for C-X 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-X zone?
20 ft (or one story) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.60.050.
What is the maximum number of stories in Santa Barbara's C-X zone?
1 story — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.60.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Santa Barbara's C-X zone?
35 ft — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.60.060.
What is the minimum side setback in Santa Barbara's C-X zone?
25 ft — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.60.060.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Santa Barbara's C-X zone?
25% (no more than 30% of the site may be used for open parking, loading or delivery) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.60.063.
General information, not legal advice.
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