Orcutt, CA

Unincorporated Santa Barbara County has no ordinance banning or restricting gas-powered leaf blowers. The well-known leaf-blower ban (a 1997 ordinance) applies inside the City of Santa Barbara only. In unincorporated areas, leaf-blower use is allowed, subject to general nighttime noise limits.

County Code Sec. 40-2 prohibits loud, unreasonable amplified music broadcast outdoors at night in the unincorporated county. Loud and unreasonable sound is defined as clearly discernible 100 feet from the property line or exceeding 60 decibels at the property line. Isla Vista has added festival restrictions.

Santa Barbara County does not have its own vehicle-noise ordinance for unincorporated roads; vehicle exhaust and amplified car-sound noise are governed by the California Vehicle Code. Vehicle Code 27007 bars car stereos audible 50+ feet away, and 27150/27151 require adequate mufflers and cap modified exhaust at 95 decibels.

Santa Barbara County's only numeric noise threshold in the nighttime ordinance is in Sec. 40-2: sound is 'loud and unreasonable' if it exceeds 60 decibels at the edge of the property line, or is clearly discernible 100 feet from the property line, during protected nighttime hours.

In Isla Vista, County Code Sec. 6-70 defines 'outdoor festivals' and Sec. 6-70.01-.02 prohibit large amplified gatherings. Outdoor festivals over 250 attendees on Isla Vista residential property are prohibited at all times, and ticketed or alcohol-selling events are misdemeanors.

Santa Barbara County has no standalone industrial-noise decibel ordinance in the nighttime noise chapter. Industrial and commercial noise is controlled mainly through land-use permits, the General Plan Noise Element compatibility standards, and project conditions of approval, plus the Chapter 40 nighttime amplified-noise limit.

Santa Barbara County Code Chapter 40 (Nighttime Noise Restrictions) bars loud, unreasonable amplified noise broadcast outdoors in the unincorporated county from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from midnight to 7 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The County's clearest codified time limit on construction-type work is the Grading Code: County Code Sec. 14-22 bars permitted grading work between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless the Director authorizes night work in writing. Nighttime amplified noise is separately limited by Chapter 40.

Santa Barbara County's Chapter 40 noise restrictions target amplified nighttime noise and do not set a specific barking-dog decibel or timing standard. Persistent barking is generally handled as a public nuisance through County Animal Services and the Sheriff's Office.

Aircraft noise in unincorporated Santa Barbara County is governed by federal law, not a county ordinance. The FAA controls aircraft in flight and flight paths, so the County cannot impose mandatory in-flight noise limits. The County uses noise-overlay zoning in its General Plan to guide land use near airports.

Inland hosts must file a Land Use Permit with a Homestay Supplemental Application, Indemnification Form, and Agreement for Payment, then renew the permit annually. Every operator countywide must also obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate.

Operators in unincorporated Santa Barbara County must collect a 14% Transient Occupancy Tax from guests staying 30 days or less and remit it monthly to the Treasurer-Tax Collector. South County properties also pay a Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) assessment.

A homestay in unincorporated Santa Barbara County may use up to three bedrooms of a legal dwelling, and occupancy is capped at two persons per bedroom (up to six total), not counting minor children. No rooms other than the approved bedrooms may be used for sleeping.

Homestays in unincorporated Santa Barbara County must provide parking on the lot in compliance with County Parking and Loading Standards (LUDC Chapter 35.36). Generally two spaces are required for one- and two-family dwellings, and on-street parking cannot satisfy the requirement.

Homestays in unincorporated Santa Barbara County must comply with LUDC standards that include noise and nuisance-response requirements. The County's Homestays FAQ lists noise and nuisance among the development standards homestays must meet, alongside the County's general noise rules.

In unincorporated inland Santa Barbara County, residential-zone short-term rentals must be homestays - the owner or a long-term tenant (six months or more) must live on the property long-term and be present during guest stays. Non-hosted, investor-only STRs are limited to commercial zones.

A Santa Barbara County homestay requires the host - the owner or long-term tenant - to be on the property at the same time the guests are staying. Hosting is defined by simultaneous on-site presence of the host and the transient occupants on the same lot.

Santa Barbara County's published homestay rules do not impose an annual cap on the number of nights a homestay may be rented. Stays are limited to 30 consecutive days or less to qualify as transient occupancy, but no fetched County source sets a yearly night limit.

Santa Barbara County's published homestay guidance does not list a specific liability-insurance minimum, but applicants must sign an Indemnification Form and Agreement for Payment as part of the Land Use Permit. No fetched County source sets a dollar insurance amount.

In unincorporated inland Santa Barbara County a short-term rental or homestay permit is required before advertising or renting for 30 days or less. The Coastal Zone is currently unregulated, but Transient Occupancy Tax still applies countywide.

Burning waste of any kind in an open fire is prohibited across the Santa Barbara County APCD jurisdiction. Backyard burning of dry yard trimmings is allowed only by Fire Department permit, only in the Northern Zone, only on permissive burn days in February, May, August, and November, and only in low fire-season conditions.

A small backyard recreational fire (cooking or ceremonial) is permit-exempt only if the device is 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height. Burning yard waste is heavily restricted: it requires a Fire Department permit, is limited to the Northern Zone, and is allowed only on permissive burn days in February, May, August, and November.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements in unincorporated Santa Barbara County come from California law and the adopted California Residential/Building Codes, not a special county ordinance. California Health & Safety Code section 13113.7 requires smoke alarms in dwelling units, and section 17926.1 requires carbon monoxide alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.

Propane (LP-gas) storage in unincorporated Santa Barbara County is governed by the adopted California Fire Code Chapter 61 and NFPA 58, not a special county rule. Storage, handling, and equipment installation must comply with Chapter 61 and NFPA 58, and on combustible balconies LP-gas containers over 2.5 pounds water capacity are prohibited (CFC 308.1.4).

Small recreational fires are exempt from a burn permit in unincorporated Santa Barbara County when the device is 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height and burns clean fuel. Under the adopted California Fire Code, a recreational fire must stay at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material and be constantly attended.

All fireworks, including 'safe and sane' fireworks, are illegal in every unincorporated area of Santa Barbara County. The County Fire Department states there is no place in the unincorporated county where fireworks may be sold, possessed, or used. California Health & Safety Code adds statewide penalties for dangerous fireworks.

Much of unincorporated Santa Barbara County lies in CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones rated Moderate, High, or Very High. CAL FIRE released updated Local Responsibility Area maps on March 10, 2025 (the first update since 2009), and local agencies must adopt the new zones within 120 days. Designation triggers defensible space and ignition-resistant building requirements.

Santa Barbara County Fire requires defensible space clearance of not less than 100 feet around all structures (or to the property line, whichever is closer), under California Public Resources Code section 4291 and county vegetation management ordinances. County Fire conducts over 15,500 inspections a year; noncompliant owners receive a misdemeanor citation.

Unincorporated Santa Barbara County has no RV- or boat-specific street ordinance. RVs, boats, and trailers on a county highway fall under the general 72-hour limit and California Vehicle Code rules. Large vehicles over six feet tall are restricted near intersections only where signs are posted (CVC 22507). On-lot storage is governed by zoning.

A vehicle left on a county road more than 72 hours can be removed as abandoned under California Vehicle Code 22651(k). State law (CVC 22660-22669) lets the County abate abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles as a public nuisance, including on private property. County officers may also enforce CVC 22651 and 22658 (Ordinance 5163, Sec. 12A-26).

California Vehicle Code 22500 (applies in the unincorporated county) prohibits stopping, standing, or parking in front of a public or private driveway, so blocking a driveway is barred countywide. Driveway approaches and encroachments onto county roads require a Public Works encroachment permit. On-lot driveway design follows the County zoning code.

California Vehicle Code 22507 lets Santa Barbara County restrict parking of vehicles six feet or more in height within 100 feet of an intersection, but only where signs are posted. The County also caps buses, trucks, and tractors in residential districts at two hours unless permitted (Sec. 23-304). The 72-hour limit applies to all vehicles.

Santa Barbara County Ordinance 5163 (Sec. 12A-25) makes it unlawful to park in a designated EV charging stall in a County parking lot unless the vehicle is an electric vehicle that is actively charging. Overnight parking for EV charging at County stations is allowed (Sec. 12A-24(c)). Violations are administrative penalties, not crimes.

Santa Barbara County may establish loading zones by Board resolution and regulates truck loading zones under County Code (Sec. 23-11 and Sec. 23-305). California curb-color law (CVC 21458) marks yellow curbs for loading and white curbs for brief passenger loading. Loading zones are for active loading or unloading, not general parking, and apply where signs or markings are posted.

Curb colors in unincorporated Santa Barbara County follow California Vehicle Code 21458: red means no stopping, yellow is loading only, white is brief passenger loading, green is time-limited parking, and blue is disabled parking. Only the County installs regulatory curb markings; residents may not paint curbs to reserve street parking. In County lots, red curbs mark no-parking zones (Ord. 5163).

On unincorporated county roads, parking is shaped by Santa Barbara County Code Chapter 23 (Article III) and the California Vehicle Code. The County may set time-limited zones and prohibit parking by resolution (Sec. 23-11). State law (CVC 22500) bars parking in crosswalks, sidewalks, in front of driveways, and near fire hydrants. Isla Vista has its own permit program (Chapter 23B).

Unincorporated Santa Barbara County has no blanket overnight ban on residential roads; the limit is the 72-hour rule. The County may post county highways as no-parking between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. by resolution (Sec. 23-11). In County off-street lots, parking is banned from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless part of the Safe Parking Program (Ordinance 5163).

Santa Barbara County Code Chapter 23 restricts parking buses, trucks, and tractors in residential districts to two hours unless a permit is issued (Sec. 23-304), and regulates truck loading zones (Sec. 23-305). State law (CVC 22507) lets the County restrict commercial vehicle parking where signs are posted. Truck routes and weight limits apply to travel.

In unincorporated Santa Barbara County, the Land Use & Development Code (Section 35.30.070) ties fence height to where the fence sits. Fences up to 6 ft are exempt from a planning permit within a required front setback, and up to 8 ft within side and rear setbacks. Taller fences trigger a permit. Corner-lot vision-clearance limits also apply.

Many fences in unincorporated Santa Barbara County are exempt from a planning permit when they stay within the heights in LUDC Table 3-1 (6 ft in front setbacks, 8 ft in side/rear). Taller fences need a Minor Conditional Use Permit, Land Use Permit or Coastal Development Permit. The County Planning & Development Department processes these applications.

Santa Barbara County's LUDC sets where and how tall a boundary fence may be, but cost-sharing between neighbors is governed by California's Good Neighbor Fence Law (Civil Code 841). Adjoining owners are presumed to share equally in the cost of a dividing fence, and a neighbor must give 30 days' written notice before billing for the work.

In unincorporated Santa Barbara County, a retaining wall that retains earth only and is not over four feet (footing to top) and needs no grading permit is exempt from a Coastal Development or Land Use Permit, unless it is near a coastal bluff, beach or sensitive habitat. Statewide, retaining walls over 4 feet need a building permit.

Fences in unincorporated Santa Barbara County must comply with LUDC Section 35.30.070: stay within the height thresholds for their location, never exceed the underlying zone's height limit, and respect corner-lot vision-clearance. Coastal-zone fences must avoid wetlands, beaches, sensitive habitat and bluffs, and pools require their own safety barriers under state law.

The LUDC regulates fences in unincorporated Santa Barbara County by height and placement (Section 35.30.070) and does not prescribe or ban specific materials in that section. Common materials - wood, vinyl, masonry, wrought iron and chain link - are generally allowed, but scenic, hillside and coastal design standards can condition colors, finishes and wall appearance.

Santa Barbara County's LUDC Section 35.30.070 regulates fences by height and location rather than by a general list of banned materials. It does not set a countywide ban on barbed wire or chain link. Scenic, hillside and coastal overlays, however, require retaining walls and fence-related structures to be colored and textured to blend with the surroundings.

Santa Barbara County does not impose breed-specific bans. County Code Chapter 7, Article VIII (Vicious and Restricted Dogs), Sections 7-53 through 7-62, regulates dogs by behavior — not breed — defining "restricted" and "vicious" dogs based on aggression and bite history, consistent with California Food & Agricultural Code Section 31683.

Santa Barbara County does not publish its own list of prohibited exotic pets; possession of wild and exotic animals in unincorporated areas is controlled by California law. Fish & Game Code Section 2118 and Title 14 CCR Section 671 make it unlawful to import, transport, or possess listed restricted wild animals without a state permit.

In unincorporated Santa Barbara County, livestock is regulated by lot size and zone under Land Use & Development Code Section 35.42.060. In residential and agricultural zones, large hoofed animals such as cattle, horses, and llamas are generally allowed at one animal per 20,000 square feet, and large-animal enclosures must meet setbacks from dwellings and property lines.

Santa Barbara County does not require cats to be licensed — cat licensing through County Animal Services is voluntary. Cats are not subject to a leash law, but the general animal-keeping, nuisance, and cruelty standards in County Code Chapter 7 and California law still apply to cat owners in unincorporated areas.

We found no Santa Barbara County ordinance that specifically bans feeding wildlife in unincorporated areas. Feeding wild animals is instead controlled by California law: Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations (Title 14 CCR §251.1) treat intentional feeding that draws big-game mammals as prohibited harassment, and state law bans feeding big-game mammals.

Santa Barbara County does not have a standalone animal-hoarding ordinance. Hoarding and neglect are addressed through County Code Chapter 7 nuisance and impound authority combined with California Penal Code Section 597 (cruelty) and Section 597.1 (neglect), which let officers seize animals deprived of proper food, water, shelter, or veterinary care.

In unincorporated Santa Barbara County, County Code Chapter 7 (Animals and Fowl), Article II, Section 7-11 makes it unlawful to fail to keep any animal under restraint on public or private property without the property owner's permission. Chapter 7 defines restraint as an adequate leash or lead six feet in length or less under immediate control.

In unincorporated Santa Barbara County, chickens and poultry are regulated as "small non-hoofed animals" under the County Land Use & Development Code Section 35.42.060. Hens are generally allowed in residential and agricultural zones without numeric caps, but roosters and peacocks are restricted, and enclosures must sit at least 25 feet from a dwelling on another lot.

In unincorporated Santa Barbara County, Land Use & Development Code Section 35.42.060.F.1 limits households to no more than three dogs per lot as an accessory residential use. County Code Chapter 7 defines a kennel as a premises where four or more dogs four months or older are kept, which requires a kennel use permit.

In unincorporated Santa Barbara County, bees are classified as "small non-hoofed animals" under Land Use & Development Code Section 35.42.060 and may be kept as an exempt (no-permit) use in agricultural and residential zones for reasonable family, non-commercial purposes. Hive enclosures must sit at least 25 feet from a dwelling on another lot and create no nuisance.

Santa Barbara County applies California's State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (CCR Title 23, Section 490 et seq.) to new and rehabilitated landscapes. Day-to-day watering limits are set by the state and by local water purveyors, not by a single countywide watering-day rule.

Rooftop rainwater harvesting is broadly allowed in unincorporated Santa Barbara County. No County ordinance prohibits rain barrels, which are exempt from permitting under California's Rainwater Capture Act, while larger cistern and conveyance systems must meet California Plumbing Code standards.

Santa Barbara County encourages native and low-water-use plants and incentivizes them through rebates, but does not mandate native planting on existing private yards. Through the State Model WELO, qualifying new and rehabilitated landscapes must meet water-budget limits that favor low-water and native species.

Under California's SB 1383, unincorporated Santa Barbara County residents must divert organic waste from the trash. Backyard composting is allowed and actively encouraged as an alternative, and the County offers discounted compost bins, workshops and free guidance through its Resource Recovery program.

Santa Barbara County has no specific ordinance banning or broadly permitting synthetic lawn. Artificial turf is treated through the building, zoning and fire codes: in wildfire defensible-space Zone 0 (the first 5 feet around a structure) combustible landscape materials are prohibited, so non-combustible products are favored there.

Removing protected native deciduous oaks (valley and blue oaks four inches or larger) in the inland rural unincorporated County can require an Oak Tree Removal Permit once cumulative thresholds are exceeded. Most other trees on private land are not subject to a countywide removal permit unless tied to a development or grading permit.

In unincorporated Santa Barbara County there is no general lawn-mowing height rule, but the County Fire Department's hazard-reduction standard requires all parcels to remove weeds or mow them to a height of less than four inches. Cultivated green ground cover that does not readily transmit fire is exempt.

Tree trimming in unincorporated Santa Barbara County is driven by wildfire defensible-space rules rather than a general pruning permit. The Fire Department's Standard #6 sets vertical clearances and limb-trimming distances within the 100-foot defensible-space zones around structures and along access roads.

Unincorporated Santa Barbara County enforces a fire-hazard weed-abatement program. Under County Code Chapter 15 (Fire Code Section 4911) the fire chief can declare a parcel a fire hazard and order combustible weeds, brush and growth cleared, with non-compliance handled by County abatement and tax-roll cost recovery.

In unincorporated Santa Barbara County, a building permit from the Planning & Development Building & Safety Division is required to construct or remodel a residential swimming pool or spa. The Building & Safety Division enforces the California Building and Residential Codes plus County amendments.

When the County issues a building permit for a new or remodeled residential pool or spa, California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115922) requires at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention safety features, such as an isolating enclosure, ASTM mesh fencing, a safety cover, door/window exit alarms, or self-latching home doors.

Spas and hot tubs in unincorporated Santa Barbara County are accessory structures that must keep at least five feet from any property line under the County Land Use & Development Code. State law (Health & Safety Code 115922) allows a listed safety cover to count as a drowning-prevention feature for spas.

Pool barrier requirements in unincorporated Santa Barbara County come from California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115922-115923). An enclosure used to satisfy the law must be at least 60 inches high with no more than a 2-inch ground gap and a self-closing, self-latching gate.

Above-ground pools in unincorporated Santa Barbara County are treated as accessory structures under the County Land Use & Development Code. They must keep at least five feet from any property line, stay out of front and side setbacks, and meet the state Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier rules when a building permit is issued.

Most home occupations in unincorporated Santa Barbara County require a Land Use Permit (or a Coastal Development Permit in the Coastal Zone) under Land Use & Development Code Section 35.42.190, plus a recorded Notice to Property Owner. Office-only businesses that serve no clients on-site may be exempt.

Cottage food operations in unincorporated Santa Barbara County must register or permit with County Environmental Health Services under California's Cottage Food law (Health & Safety Code 113758). Class A (direct sales) self-certifies and registers; Class B (direct and indirect sales) needs an annual permit and a preopening inspection.

Under Santa Barbara County Land Use & Development Code Section 35.42.090, small and large family day care homes are treated as residential uses, consistent with California state law. Providers need a state license (or exemption) from the Department of Social Services, and large homes must keep 300 feet from another large facility.

Home occupations are allowed in any dwelling in any zone in unincorporated Santa Barbara County under Land Use & Development Code Section 35.42.190, but only as a strictly secondary use confined to one room, conducted by the residents, with no change to the residential character of the property.

Santa Barbara County's home occupation rules (Land Use & Development Code Section 35.42.190) prohibit any displays or signs naming or advertising a home business on or off the lot. Advertising may not divulge the home's location, though business cards and letterhead may list the address.

Home occupations in unincorporated Santa Barbara County must not generate traffic, parking demand or deliveries beyond what is normal for a residence; significant customer visits can disqualify the use.

In unincorporated Santa Barbara County, a tiny home on a permanent foundation is reviewed as an ADU or dwelling under California ADU law and the County LUDC. A tiny home on wheels (RV/park-model) is generally not allowed as a permanent residence outside approved RV/mobile-home parks.

Carports in unincorporated Santa Barbara County are accessory structures under the Land Use & Development Code. A carport (a roof supported by columns or walls) must meet the parcel zone's setback requirements, and building permits follow the California Building Code.

In unincorporated Santa Barbara County, ADUs are ministerial and follow California state law (Gov. Code 66310 et seq., formerly 65852.2) plus the County's Land Use & Development Code. A small detached new-construction ADU is capped at 800 sq ft and 16 ft with 4 ft side/rear setbacks.

Converting an existing garage into living space or an ADU in unincorporated Santa Barbara County is handled under California ADU law and the County's Land Use & Development Code. Conversions of existing permitted space generally avoid new setback requirements and need no replacement parking.

In unincorporated Santa Barbara County, sheds are accessory structures regulated by the Land Use & Development Code. They must meet the setback requirements of the zone, and accessory buildings are governed by the County's site-planning standards. Building permits follow the California Building Code thresholds.

Grilling rules in unincorporated Santa Barbara County come from the adopted California Fire Code, not a special county BBQ ordinance. Charcoal grills and LP-gas grills with a container over 2.5 pounds water capacity may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction, except at one- and two-family dwellings or in sprinklered buildings (CFC 308.1.4).

A BBQ smoker is treated as cooking, not open burning, so it needs no burn permit in unincorporated Santa Barbara County. Under the adopted California Fire Code, a charcoal or wood smoker is an open-flame cooking device and may not be operated on a combustible multifamily balcony or within 10 feet of combustible construction (CFC 308.1.4).

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.

An Oak Tree Removal Permit is required to remove protected valley or blue oaks above acreage-based thresholds in the inland rural unincorporated County, under Article IX of Chapter 35 (Deciduous Oak Tree Protection and Regeneration). Permitted removals trigger replacement planting at high ratios.

In unincorporated Santa Barbara County, accumulations of combustible waste and rubbish that the fire code official determines to be a fire hazard are prohibited on any yard, vacant lot, or open space under County Fire Code Chapter 15 (Section 304.1.1). Broader blight is addressed through the Land Use & Development Code and Code Compliance.

Unincorporated Santa Barbara County does not set a single statewide-style screening rule for residential carts, but the Land Use & Development Code (Section 35.24.050) requires trash and outdoor storage areas in commercial zones to be enclosed and screened to conceal them from public view. MarBorg carts must be removed from the roadway within 12 hours after collection.

Vacant lots in unincorporated Santa Barbara County must be kept clear of fire hazards. Under the County Fire Code (Chapter 15), combustible waste, weeds, and rubbish may not remain on a vacant lot when deemed a fire hazard (Section 304.1.1), and the Fire Hazard Abatement program (Section 4911) lets the Fire Department order abatement at the owner's expense.

Unincorporated Santa Barbara County does not set a fixed lawn-height limit. Instead, under County Fire Code Section 304.1.2, weeds, grass, and other growth that can be ignited and endanger property must be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant when determined to be a fire hazard. Defensible-space clearance applies in wildland-urban interface areas under Chapter 49.

Unincorporated Santa Barbara County does not have a dedicated countywide garage-sale permit ordinance in its Land Use & Development Code. Occasional residential yard sales are generally treated as an accessory residential activity, but sales must not become a continuing retail business, which the zoning code does not allow in residential zones.

In unincorporated Santa Barbara County, trash, recycling, and organics collection is provided through a County franchise. As of July 1, 2024, MarBorg Industries is the franchise hauler for all unincorporated zones. Residential trash is collected weekly, and carts must be at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on the collection day.

Unincorporated Santa Barbara County residents served by MarBorg receive four free bulky-item clean-ups per year, with up to five items per pickup. Items must be brought to the roadside by 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled day. Construction debris, hazardous waste, and large vessels like boats and Jacuzzis are not accepted.

In unincorporated Santa Barbara County, the franchise hauler MarBorg sets the curbside placement rules: carts must be at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on the collection day and removed from the roadway within 12 hours after collection. Backyard-service containers must stay in the same location and cannot exceed 60 pounds.

Recycling service is provided to unincorporated Santa Barbara County residents and businesses through the County franchise with MarBorg, and recycling carts are included with service. California's mandatory commercial recycling laws (AB 341) and SB 1383 require businesses and multifamily complexes to recycle; the County has had a mandatory commercial recycling program since 2003.

California SB 1383 (effective January 1, 2022) requires organic waste recycling statewide. In unincorporated Santa Barbara County, compliance varies by region: South Coast, Santa Ynez Valley, and Cuyama residents keep food scraps in the trash because the Tajiguas ReSource Center recovers organics from mixed waste, while North County (Santa Maria and Lompoc valleys) residents must put food scraps in their green carts.

The unincorporated Santa Barbara County sign code (LUDC Chapter 35.38) does not create a separate political-sign category; temporary political signs on private property are protected speech subject to general sign standards. On state highway right-of-way, California Bus. & Prof. Code 5405.3 limits political signs to 32 sq ft.

The unincorporated Santa Barbara County sign code (LUDC Chapter 35.38) has no dedicated garage-sale-sign category. Such temporary signs follow the general sign standards, must stay out of the public right-of-way, and cannot be posted on utility poles or county signs.

Under the Land Use & Development Code (Section 35.30.120), all exterior lighting in the unincorporated County must be hooded, with no unobstructed beam directed toward residential areas, and must not interfere with street traffic. The County also pursued a 2025 outdoor-lighting (dark-sky) ordinance update.

The unincorporated County's lighting rule (LUDC Section 35.30.120) directly addresses light trespass by prohibiting any unobstructed beam of exterior light from being directed toward residential-zoned or residential-developed areas, and requiring all exterior lighting to be hooded.

Under County Code Section 26-10, county park facilities open no later than 8:00 a.m. and close at sunset, and it is unlawful to use park facilities outside the posted hours. The Director of Community Services may set other hours.

Unincorporated Santa Barbara County is a participating NFIP community (CID 060331) that governs development in mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas through Santa Barbara County Code Chapter 15A - Floodplain Management Regulations, which adopts by reference the FEMA Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). The County Floodplain Administrator must review every development permit within an SFHA. Substantial improvements (50 percent or more of pre-damage market value) trigger full compliance, and lowest floors must be elevated to or above the Base Flood Elevation. After the January 9, 2018 Montecito Debris Flow and 2023 atmospheric-river floods, the County rigorously enforces floodplain rules along Mission, San Ysidro, Romero, Cold Spring, and Montecito Creeks, the Santa Ynez River, Santa Maria River, and coastal flood zones. FEMA released a preliminary FIRM on March 26, 2024 for portions of the County and City of Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara County has roughly 110 miles of Pacific coastline (the Gaviota Coast, Refugio, El Capitan, Goleta, Hope Ranch coastal areas, Mesa, Mission Canyon coastal slopes, Montecito coastal, Summerland coastal, Carpinteria coastal, Rincon Point). Almost all development in the County's coastal zone requires a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) under the California Coastal Act of 1976 (California Public Resources Code Section 30000 et seq.) and the County's California Coastal Commission-certified Local Coastal Program (LCP), which consists of the Coastal Land Use Plan (CLUP) and the Coastal Zoning Ordinance / Article II Coastal Zoning. Santa Barbara County Planning and Development administers CDPs in unincorporated coastal areas, while the City of Santa Barbara and other coastal cities administer CDPs within their own boundaries. Many County CDP decisions are appealable to the California Coastal Commission.