Accessory Structures in Santa Barbara, CA (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Santa Barbara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
The City of Santa Barbara permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs (JADUs) ministerially in residential zones under Municipal Code Section 30.185.040, implementing California ADU law. Detached ADUs may reach 850 to 1,200 sq ft depending on lot size; JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft. Coastal-zone ADUs also need coastal review.
Santa Barbara ADU and JADU Rules
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
In the City of Santa Barbara, work or storage sheds for non-commercial use are a permitted accessory use in residential zones. Accessory buildings may not exceed 30 feet and two stories, must meet zone setbacks (with limited encroachments allowed), and are subject to floor-area caps that scale with lot size.
Santa Barbara Shed and Accessory Building Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
The City of Santa Barbara allows an existing garage to be converted into an ADU or JADU under Municipal Code 30.185.040. No setback is required to convert legally permitted floor area, and the garage parking spaces that are removed need not be replaced. Converted garage doors must be replaced with matching wall, windows, or doors.
Santa Barbara Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
In the City of Santa Barbara, a private garage, carport, or parking space is a permitted accessory use in residential zones. Covered parking must meet zone setbacks (street-facing covered parking generally set back 20 feet) and counts toward the lot's combined covered-parking-and-accessory-building floor-area cap.
Santa Barbara Carport and Covered Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
The City of Santa Barbara has no separate 'tiny home' zoning category. A permanently founded small dwelling is regulated as an ADU under Municipal Code 30.185.040, which sets a 150 sq ft efficiency-unit minimum and requires an approved permanent foundation. Tiny homes on wheels (RVs) cannot be used as permanent dwellings.
Santa Barbara Tiny Homes Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Santa Barbara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Barbara city rules.
Accessory Structures in Santa Barbara County →