In lower-density residential zones, main buildings are limited to 30 feet; in R-M and R-MH zones the limit is 45 feet. Accessory buildings are limited to 30 feet and 2 stories. Building height is also capped by the City's Solar Access Ordinance (SBMC 30.140.170 / 28.11).
The City of Santa Barbara limits the height of residential structures by zone. Per the City's Residential Zoning Standards, main-building height is limited to thirty feet (30') in the lower-density single-unit zones (RS-1A through R-2 / Title 28 A-1 through R-2) and forty-five feet (45') in the multi-family R-M and R-MH zones (Title 28 R-3 and R-4). Accessory buildings are limited to thirty feet (30') and two stories, with additional standards in the code (SBMC 30.140.020 / 28.87.160). Beyond these flat limits, building height is further restricted by the City's Solar Access height limitations (Solar Access Ordinance), found at SBMC 30.140.170 outside the Coastal Zone and SBMC 28.11 in the Coastal Zone, which protect neighboring properties' access to sunlight. Floor area is separately limited for taller buildings: development is precluded if floor area exceeds 85% of the maximum and the building height is more than 25 feet (among other triggers). Because exact height measurement, story counts and solar-access shadow limits depend on the zone, slope and code (Title 28 vs 30), owners should confirm the applicable limit with the City rather than assume the flat figure controls.
Building above the applicable height limit, exceeding the allowed number of stories, or casting shadows beyond the solar-access limits without approval is a zoning violation. The City can deny or revoke permits and require the structure to be lowered or modified.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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The Fence Guidelines set height and location but defer the exact material, color, width and style to design-review boards. Front-yard fences, walls and gates...
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No fence, screen, wall or hedge over 3.5 feet may stand in a driveway visibility triangle: 10 ft along the driveway and 10 ft back from the front lot line wh...
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Residential retaining walls not over 4 feet (footing to top) are permit-exempt unless they support a surcharge or impound flammable liquids. Where a fence si...
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The City of Santa Barbara addresses animal hoarding through its care-and-keeping and nuisance provisions plus California's anti-cruelty law. Keeping animals ...
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The City of Santa Barbara does not publish a dedicated wildlife-feeding ban in its general animal regulations, but feeding wild animals can create a public n...
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The City of Santa Barbara requires a license for each unaltered cat over four months old, obtained from the City. There is no leash requirement for cats. Red...
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