Santa Barbara · Zoning · R-O
Santa Barbara R-O zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Santa Barbara's R-O zone, generally buildings can be up to 45 ft (3 stories) tall and the front setback is 10 ft, with the conditions listed below (Santa Barbara code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft (One- or two-story building or structure)
- Minimum side setback: 6 ft (Interior lot line abuts a nonresidentially zoned parcel; one- or two-story building or structure)
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 1,600 sq ft (Studio units; 1,840 one-bedroom, 2,320 two-bedroom, 2,800 three or more bedrooms. Existing lots under 5,000 sq ft: at most 2 units.)
R-O (RESTRICTED 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 R-O
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 § 28.48.050 · code textThree stories and not to exceed 45 feet. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 28.48.050 · code textThree stories and not to exceed 45 feet. |
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft Applies: One- or two-story building or structure § 28.48.060 · code text1. One- or two-story building or structure or uncovered parking: 10 feet |
| Minimum side setback | 6 ft Applies: Interior lot line abuts a nonresidentially zoned parcel; one- or two-story building or structure § 28.48.060 · code text1. One- or two-story building or structure or uncovered parking: 6 feet |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 1,600 sq ft Applies: Studio units; 1,840 one-bedroom, 2,320 two-bedroom, 2,800 three or more bedrooms. Existing lots under 5,000 sq ft: at most 2 units. § 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 R-O:
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft — Three-story building or structure § 28.48.060
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — Third story of a three-story building whose third floor is under 50% of the first-floor footprint § 28.48.060
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Interior lot line abuts a nonresidentially zoned parcel; three-story building or structure § 28.48.060
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft or ½ of the building height, whichever is greater — Interior lot line abuts a residentially-zoned parcel; any building, structure or covered parking § 28.48.060
Not on this page
We did not find a general rear setback, lot size, lot coverage, FAR limit for R-O 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 R-O zone?
45 ft — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.48.050.
What is the maximum number of stories in Santa Barbara's R-O zone?
3 stories — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.48.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Santa Barbara's R-O zone?
10 ft (one- or two-story building or structure) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.48.060.
What is the minimum side setback in Santa Barbara's R-O zone?
6 ft (interior lot line abuts a nonresidentially zoned parcel; one- or two-story building or structure) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.48.060.
What is the maximum density in Santa Barbara's R-O zone?
1 unit per 1,600 sq ft (studio units; 1,840 one-bedroom, 2,320 two-bedroom, 2,800 three or more bedrooms. Existing lots under 5,000 sq ft: at most 2 units) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.21.080.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a Santa Barbara property in R-O
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question