Santa Barbara County, CA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Driveway-related parking in unincorporated Santa Barbara County is controlled mainly by state traffic law and County permitting. California Vehicle Code Section 22500 prohibits stopping, standing, or parking a vehicle in front of a public or private driveway, so blocking any driveway, including your own neighbor's, is unlawful on county roads and can be cited or towed. New or modified driveway approaches that connect a property to a county-maintained road are encroachments into the public right-of-way and require a permit from Santa Barbara County Public Works; the permit ensures the approach meets county standards for sight distance, drainage, and width. The dimensions, number, and surfacing of on-lot driveways and parking areas are addressed in the County's Land Use and Development Code and the Coastal Zoning Ordinance, which set parking-space and access standards that vary by zone district. There is no County ordinance authorizing a resident to reserve the public street area in front of their driveway beyond the CVC 22500 protection against blockage. Together, these rules mean a property owner must keep driveway approaches permitted and built to county standard, may not block any driveway from the street, and should confirm on-site parking and access layout with Planning & Development.