Santa Barbara County, CA Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Santa Barbara County's Land Use & Development Code Section 35.42.190 governs home occupations in unincorporated areas and states that home occupations may be permitted in any dwelling in any zone, including nonconforming dwellings, provided they prevent adverse effects on surrounding residential properties. The development standards require that only one home occupation be allowed per lot and that it be conducted entirely within not more than one room of the dwelling (not including garages) or entirely within an artist studio; it may not be conducted outside the dwelling or studio. The home occupation must not alter the residential character of the dwelling or lot, must not be discernible from the exterior, and must be strictly secondary and subordinate to the primary residential use. There must be no outdoor storage of business materials, no smoke or odor from the activity, and no electrical or mechanical equipment that creates radio/TV interference or noise audible beyond the lot (noise may not exceed 65 dBA outside the dwelling). Business-related deliveries are limited to two per week (U.S. Mail and parcel carriers exempt). Certain uses, such as onsite automotive repair/service and vehicle/boat/machinery painting, are expressly prohibited as home occupations.