3 rules for unincorporated Santa Barbara County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Building setbacks in unincorporated Santa Barbara County are set by the zone (Article 35.2) and measured under LUDC Section 35.30.150. They vary widely - for example, R-1/E-1 front setbacks of 50 ft from road centerline and 20 ft from the right-of-way, with side and rear setbacks scaled to lot width and size. Corner-lot and interior-lot rules adjust these.
Maximum structure height in unincorporated Santa Barbara County is set by the zone and measured under LUDC Section 35.30.090. Common residential limits are 25 feet in the Coastal Zone and 35 feet inland (R-1/E-1, R-2), 35 feet in RR, and 30 feet inland for EX-1. Ridgeline/hillside development is capped at 32 feet, with limited roof-pitch and architectural exceptions.
Maximum lot coverage in unincorporated Santa Barbara County is set by zone in the LUDC's development-standards tables. Many residential zones (R-1/E-1, R-2) set no fixed coverage cap, while DR and PRD limit dwelling structures to 30% (PRD up to 50% for all structures) and SLP caps single-family lots at 60%. Setbacks effectively control building footprint.
See every category we cover for Santa Barbara County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Santa Barbara County Ordinance Hub →