Santa Barbara · Zoning · RS-15
Santa Barbara RS-15 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Santa Barbara's RS-15 zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft tall, the front setback is 30 ft and the minimum lot size is 15,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Santa Barbara code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft (Except as further limited in accordance with § 30.140.170, Solar Access Height Limitations)
- Minimum front setback: 30 ft (Residential structures)
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft (Interior side setback for residential structures)
- Minimum lot size: 15,000 sq ft (Average slope less than 10%, and all lots with frontage on the Pacific Ocean regardless of slope)
RS-15 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 RS-15
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 | 30 ft Applies: Except as further limited in accordance with § 30.140.170, Solar Access Height Limitations § 30.20.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft.)”, column “RS-15”: 30, except as further limited in accordance with § 30.140.170 , Solar Access Height Limitations |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 30 ft Applies: Residential structures § 30.20.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RS-15”: 30 |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft Applies: Interior side setback for residential structures § 30.20.030 · code textTable row “Interior”, column “RS-15”: 10 |
| Minimum lot size | 15,000 sq ft Applies: Average slope less than 10%, and all lots with frontage on the Pacific Ocean regardless of slope § 30.20.030 · code textTable row “Average Slope less than 10%, and all lots with frontage on the Pacific Ocean regardless of slope”, column “RS-15”: 15,000 |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RS-15:
- Minimum lot size: 22,500 sq ft — Average slope 10% to 20% § 30.20.030
- Minimum lot size: 30,000 sq ft — Average slope over 20% to 30% § 30.20.030
- Minimum lot size: 45,000 sq ft — Average slope over 30% § 30.20.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, rear setback, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for RS-15 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 RS-15 zone?
30 ft (except as further limited in accordance with § 30.140.170, Solar Access Height Limitations) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 30.20.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Santa Barbara's RS-15 zone?
30 ft (residential structures) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 30.20.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Santa Barbara's RS-15 zone?
10 ft (interior side setback for residential structures) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 30.20.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Santa Barbara's RS-15 zone?
15,000 sq ft (average slope less than 10%, and all lots with frontage on the Pacific Ocean regardless of slope) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 30.20.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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