Santa Barbara · Zoning · SP-5
Santa Barbara SP-5 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Santa Barbara's SP-5 zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft tall, the front setback is 25 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,500 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Santa Barbara code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft (also limited by the solar access height limits of Chapter 28.11)
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft (Residential lots fronting a public or private street; measured from the curb face of the roadway)
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 6,500 sq ft
- Maximum density: 1.4 residential units per gross acre (at most 41 residential units in the whole zone)
SP-5 (SP-5 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 SP-5
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: also limited by the solar access height limits of Chapter 28.11 § 28.46.025 · code textNo building in this zone shall exceed a height of 30 feet nor exceed the height limitations imposed for the protection and enhancement of solar access by Chapter 28.11 of this title. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft Applies: Residential lots fronting a public or private street; measured from the curb face of the roadway § 28.46.035 · code textResidential lots fronting a public or private street shall have a front setback from curb face of the roadway of not less than 25 feet. |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 28.46.035 · code textThere shall be interior setbacks of not less than 10 feet. |
| Minimum lot size | 6,500 sq ft § 28.46.040 · code textResidential lots shall have no less than 6,500 square feet. |
| Maximum density | 1.4 residential units per gross acre Applies: at most 41 residential units in the whole zone § 28.46.065 · code textThe maximum density shall be no greater than 1.4 residential units per gross acre. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in SP-5:
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft — Residential lots fronting common open space or driveways § 28.46.035
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, rear setback, lot coverage, FAR limit for SP-5 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 SP-5 zone?
30 ft (also limited by the solar access height limits of Chapter 28.11) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.46.025.
What is the minimum front setback in Santa Barbara's SP-5 zone?
25 ft (residential lots fronting a public or private street; measured from the curb face of the roadway) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.46.035.
What is the minimum side setback in Santa Barbara's SP-5 zone?
10 ft — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.46.035.
What is the minimum lot size in Santa Barbara's SP-5 zone?
6,500 sq ft — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.46.040.
What is the maximum density in Santa Barbara's SP-5 zone?
1.4 residential units per gross acre (at most 41 residential units in the whole zone) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.46.065.
General information, not legal advice.
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