CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
CITY COUNCIL
Randy Rowse
Mayor
Kelly McAdoo
City Administrator
Kristen W. Sneddon
Mayor Pro Tempore
Oscar Gutierrez
Ordinance Committee Chair
John S. Doimas
City Attorney
Eric Friedman
Finance Committee Chair
Meagan Harmon
Mike Jordan
Wendy Santamaria
City Hall
735 Anacapa Street
http://www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov
MARCH 17, 2026, 2:00 PM
AGENDA
IN-PERSON PUBLIC COMMENT: At the beginning of each meeting of the City Council, Finance Committee, or Ordinance Committee, any member of the public may address the City Council concerning any item not on the Council's agenda. Any person wishing to make such address should first complete and deliver a "Request to Speak" form prior to the time that public comment is taken up by the City Council. Each speaker will be given a total of 3 minutes to address the Council. Pooling of time is not allowed during general public comment. The time allotted for general public comment at the beginning of the 2:00 p.m. session is 30 minutes.
Any member of the public who did not speak during the 2:00 p.m. session but who submitted a request to do so during the 2:00 p.m. 30 minute session may do so at the end of the meeting when the additional “Public Comment (If Necessary)” is announced. The City Council, upon majority vote, may decline to hear a speaker on the grounds that the subject matter is beyond their jurisdiction.
REMOTE PUBLIC COMMENT: Members of the public wishing to speak must “raise their hand” in the Zoom platform by selecting the virtual hand icon when their item is called. The keyboard shortcut for this is Alt+Y for Windows and Option+Y for Macs. City staff will activate the speaker’s microphone when the speaker’s name is called. The speaker will then need to unmute themselves. The keyboard shortcut for this is Alt+M for Windows or Command-Shift-A for Macs.
HOW TO REMOTELY OBSERVE AND/OR SPEAK LIVE AT A MEETING
• Web: https://santabarbaraca-gov.zoom.us/j/89359334270 (Participation via Zoom) • Telephone: Dial 1-669-900-6833, Enter Webinar ID: 893 5933 4270 (press *9 to raise/lower hand; press *6 to mute/unmute) • Online Streaming: Council meetings are streamed live at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CAP • TV: Each regular City Council meeting is broadcast live in English and Spanish on City TV Channel 18 and rebroadcast in English on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m., and in Spanish on Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
Each televised Council meeting is closed captioned for the hearing impaired. Check the City TV program guide at www.santabarbaraca.gov/citytv for rebroadcasts of Finance and Ordinance Committee meetings.
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comments may also be submitted via email to [email protected] prior to the beginning of the Council Meeting. All public comments submitted via email will be provided to City Council and will become part of the public record.
(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
ORDER OF BUSINESS: Regular meetings of the Finance Committee and the Ordinance Committee begin at 12:00 p.m. The regular City Council meeting begins at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
REPORTS: Copies of the reports relating to agenda items are available for review at http://www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CAP.In accordance with state law requirements, this agenda generally contains only a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting. Should you wish more detailed information regarding any particular agenda item, you are encouraged to obtain a copy of the Council Agenda Report (a "CAR") online at the City's website (http://www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CAP). Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are posted to the City’s website as soon as reasonably feasible.
CONSENT CALENDAR: The Consent Calendar is comprised of items that will not usually require discussion by the City Council. A Consent Calendar item is open for discussion by the City Council upon request of a Councilmember, City staff, or member of the public. Items on the Consent Calendar may be approved by a single motion. Should you wish to comment on an item listed on the Consent Agenda, after turning in your "Request to Speak" form, you should come forward to speak or raise your hand in Zoom at the time the Council considers the Consent Calendar.
LANGUAGE TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION: The City of Santa Barbara offers live Spanish translation and interpretation for City Council Meetings via the Wordly platform. Follow the directions below to access the service. • Go to: https://attend.wordly.ai/join/QQBV-6746
o Ensure the Session ID QQBV-6746 is displayed.
o Select “Spanish” and click on the “Attend” button.
o You can now read the captions on your device and/or listen to the translation of the City Council meeting. o Click the speaker button to hear a text-to-speech version of the translated dialogue. • If you have any questions or concerns, please contact City TV at 805-564-5311.
SPANISH INTERPRETATION: If you need interpretation of your communications to Council from Spanish into English, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 564-5309 or by email at [email protected]. If possible, notification of at least 48 hours will usually enable the City to make arrangements.
INTERPRETACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Si necesita una interpretación del español al inglés, para sus comunicaciones al Consejo, comuníquese con la Oficina del Secretario Municipal al 564-5309, o por correo electrónico a [email protected]. Si es posible, la notificación de al menos 48 horas generalmente permitirá a la Ciudad hacer los arreglos.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: If you need auxiliary aids or services or staff assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's Office at 564-5305 or by email at [email protected]. If possible, notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will usually enable the City to make reasonable arrangements. For those who need accessibility accommodation in using the “raise hand” function and/or registering to participate in the Zoom session, please contact the Clerk’s office by 5:00 p.m. the day before the meeting for assistance. Additionally, a speaker may email [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. the day before a meeting, stating which item they wish to speak on. Specialized services, such as sign language interpretation or documents in Braille, may require additional lead time to arrange. 03/17/2026 Santa Barbara City Council Final Agenda Page 1 MARCH 17, 2026 AGENDA
SPECIAL ORDINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING - 11:00 A.M. IN THE COUNCIL
CHAMBER
1. Subject: Single Family Streamlining Project Ordinance Amendments Recommendation: That Ordinance Committee review and recommend that City Council approve the ordinance amendments to Titles 30, 25, and 22 related to the Single Family Streamlining Project, determine that the proposed ordinance amendments are consistent with the General Plan, and determine that the proposed ordinance amendments are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Class 5 (Guidelines Section 15305:
Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations).
03/17/2026 Santa Barbara City Council Final Agenda Page 2 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 2:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Subject: Introduction of Ordinance Authorizing a Utility Easement to Southern California Edison at 51 Crestview Lane [Ordinance Introduction] Recommendation: That Council introduce and subsequently adopt, by reading of title only, an Ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Approving and Authorizing the Public Works Director to Execute a Utility Easement to Southern California Edison and Related Maintenance Agreement for Property Located at 51 Crestview Lane.
2. Subject: Budget Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2026 to Support Program Operations at Daytime Navigation and Workforce Development Center at 621 Chapala Street [Resolution]
Recommendation: That Council adopt, by reading of title only, a Resolution of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Amending Resolution No. 25-066, Adopting the Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, to Approve an Increase in Expenditure Appropriations in the Flexible Housing and Homelessness Fund in the Amount of $145,972 Funded by Measure I Revenue and an Increase in Revenue and Expenditure Appropriations in the City Administrator’s Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund Budget in the Amount of $25,000 Funded by Sublease Revenue to Support an Agreement with the Service Provider for Referral-Based Navigation Center Services at 621 Chapala Street.
03/17/2026 Santa Barbara City Council Final Agenda Page 3
3. Subject: Agreement with RSG, Inc. to Support the Development of a Rent Stabilization Ordinance and Program [Resolution; Agreement] Recommendation: That Council:
A. Authorize the City Administrator to execute an Agreement, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney, with RSG, Inc. to assist in developing a rent stabilization ordinance and program; and B. Adopt, by reading of title only, a Resolution of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Amending Resolution No. 25-066, Adopting the Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, to Approve an Allocation in the Fiscal Year 2026 Expenditure Appropriations in the Flexible Housing and Homelessness Fund in the Amount of $65,105 to fund an Agreement with RSG, Inc.
4. Subject: Professional Design Services for Downtown Parking Structures and Facilities Conditions Assessment [Agreement]
Recommendation: That Council:
A. Authorize the City Administrator to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Watry Design, Inc. (Watry), in the amount of $249,900 for professional design services to provide a Comprehensive Downtown Parking Structures and Facilities Conditions Assessment; and B. Determine that the Project is exempt under California Environmental Quality Act Guideline § 15306 and direct the filing of a Notice of Exemption in compliance with California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines § 15062.
5. Subject: Amendment to City Attorney and City Administrator Employment Agreements [Agreement]
Recommendation: That Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the First Amendment to the Employment Agreement with City Attorney John Doimas and the Second Amendment to the Employment Agreement with City Administrator Kelly McAdoo, which would modify the retirement contribution provisions to require the employees to pay the statutory member contribution to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and an additional 7.5 percent employee cost-sharing contribution toward the employer retirement contribution, resulting in a total employee retirement contribution of 15.5 percent of reportable compensation through Fiscal Year 2027, subject to compliance with applicable CalPERS laws.
03/17/2026 Santa Barbara City Council Final Agenda Page 4
6. Subject: Amendment to City Net Agreement No. 28,759 Allocating Sufficient Funding to Complete Fiscal Year 2026 Funding Cycle [Agreement] Recommendation: That Council authorize the City Administrator to execute a First Amendment to City Agreement No. 28,759 with Kingdom Causes, Inc. (dba City Net) to increase the HOME ARP Budget Allocation for Fiscal Year 2026, in the amount of $133,614, and to extend the term of the Agreement to June 30, 2026.
7. Subject: Letters to State and Federal Legislators Supporting Funding for Subsidence-Related Repairs to the State Water Project
Recommendation: That Council authorize the Mayor to send letters to State and Federal legislators to include funding for subsidence-related water infrastructure repairs on the State Water Project’s California Aqueduct.
8. Subject: City of Santa Barbara Public Comment on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Proposed Rule Changing Treatment of Mixed-Status Households in HUD-Assisted Housing and Rental Assistance Programs
Recommendation: That Council authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) opposing a proposed rule changing treatment of mixed-status households in HUD-assisted housing and rental assistance programs.
REPORT FROM THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
CITY COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE AND ATTORNEY REPORTS
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
9. Subject: Ordinance Adjusting Tax Rates of Cannabis Businesses [Ordinance Introduction]
Recommendation: That Council introduce and subsequently adopt, by reading of title only, an Ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Adjusting Tax Rates of Cannabis Businesses Pursuant to Santa Barbara Municipal Code Section
5.42.250 and Rescinding Ordinance No. 5831.
03/17/2026 Santa Barbara City Council Final Agenda Page 5
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
10. Subject: 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report (CITY2026-00006) Recommendation: That Council receive the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report.
COUNCIL AND STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
COUNCILMEMBER COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT REPORTS & ENGAGEMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENT (IF NECESSARY)
ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
SPECIAL ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
MEETING
MEETING AGENDA
DATE: March 17, 2026 Oscar Gutierrez, Chair
TIME: 11:00 a.m. Mike Jordan
PLACE: Council Chambers Kristen Sneddon
Office of the City Office of the City
Administrator Attorney
Kelly McAdoo John Doimas
City Administrator, City Administrator’s Office City Attorney Nicole Grisanti
Manager, City Administrator’s Office
IN-PERSON PUBLIC COMMENT: Any person wishing to address the Ordinance Committee should first complete and deliver a "Request to Speak" form prior to the time that public comment is taken up by the Committee Member. Each speaker will be given a total of 3 minutes to address the Committee. The Ordinance Committee, upon majority vote, may decline to hear a speaker on the grounds that the subject matter is beyond their jurisdiction.
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comments may also be submitted via email to [email protected] prior to the beginning of the Ordinance Committee Meeting. All public comments submitted via email will be provided to the Ordinance Committee and will become part of the public record.
HOW TO REMOTELY OBSERVE AND/OR SPEAK LIVE AT A MEETING:
WEB: https://santabarbaraca-gov.zoom.us/j/83099911799?pwd=N0fwX914FLbpUNNMPr2foEbiub5ovC.1 Passcode: 199458
TELEPHONE: Phone one-tap:
+16699006833,,83099911799# US (San Jose)
+16694449171,,83099911799#US
LANGUAGE TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION: The City of Santa Barbara offers live Spanish translation and interpretation for City Council Meetings via the Wordly platform. Follow the directions below to access the service. Go to: https://attend.wordly.ai/join/QQBV-6746
o Ensure the Session ID QQBV-6746 is displayed.
o Select “Spanish” and click on the “Attend” button.
o You can now read the captions on your device and/or listen to the translation of the City Council meeting. o Click the speaker button to hear a text-to-speech version of the translated dialogue. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact City TV at 805-564-5311.
REPORTS: Copies of the reports relating to agenda items are available for review at http://www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CAP.In accordance with state law requirements, this agenda generally contains only a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting. Should you wish more detailed information regarding any particular agenda item, you are encouraged to obtain a copy of the Council Agenda Report (a "CAR") online at the City's website (http://www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CAP). Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are posted to the City’s website as soon as reasonably feasible.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: If you need auxiliary aids or services or staff assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's Office at 564-5305 or by email at [email protected] if possible, notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will usually enable the City to make reasonable arrangements. For those who need accessibility accommodation in using the “raise hand” function and/or registering to participate in the Zoom session, please contact the Clerk’s office by 5:00 p.m. the day before the meeting for assistance. Additionally, a speaker may email [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. the day before a meeting, stating which item they wish to speak on. Specialized Services, such as sign language interpretation or documents in Braille, may require additional lead time to arrange.
ITEM FOR CONSIDERATION
1. SUBJECT: Single Family Streamlining Project Ordinance Amendments RECOMMENDATION: That Ordinance Committee review and recommend that City Council approves ordinance amendments to Titles 30, 25, and 22 related to the Single Family Streamlining Project, determine that the proposed ordinance amendments are consistent with the General Plan, and determine that the proposed ordinance amendments are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Class 5 (Guidelines Section 15305: Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations).
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
ORDINANCE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
AGENDA DATE: March 17, 2026
TO: Ordinance Committee
FROM: Community Development Department
SUBJECT: Single Family Streamlining Project Ordinance Amendments RECOMMENDATION:
That Ordinance Committee review and recommend that City Council approve the ordinance amendments to Titles 30, 25, and 22 related to the Single Family Streamlining Project, determine that the proposed ordinance amendments are consistent with the General Plan, and determine that the proposed ordinance amendments are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Class 5 (Guidelines Section 15305: Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations).
DISCUSSION:
The Single Family Streamlining Project includes amendments to Titles 30, 25, and 22 of the Municipal Code, which are intended to simplify the review and approval process for single-unit development projects while also providing needed Zoning Ordinance cleanups. More specifically, the amendments aim to:
1. Reduce the total number of projects that require Single Family Design Board (SFDB) review.
Eliminate SFDB review of alterations-only projects (e.g., repairs, maintenance, or upgrades, including window replacement, reroofing, replacement siding, with no new floor area) and replace that review with objective design standards in Title 30.
The proposed objective standards in Title 30 are based on long-standing design guidelines (e.g., for upper story decks and retaining walls). If applicants do not want to follow those standards, they can opt for a design review process. Expand the ability for staff to grant administrative approvals for minor projects. This is primarily accomplished by increasing the size limits that qualify for administrative approval. For example, staff could administratively approve an accessory building of up to 800 square feet, whereas the current limit is 500 square feet.
Agenda Item No. 1
Ordinance Committee Agenda Report
Single Family Streamlining Project Ordinance Amendments March 17, 2026
Reduce mailed notice requirements for less visually impactful developments (e.g., first-story additions and small additions to existing upper stories). This allows staff to review more projects administratively.
Eliminate requirement for Minor Zoning Exceptions for height and volume increases in setbacks, front yard trash enclosures, and new or enlarged openings in setbacks by replacing them with objective design criteria.
2. Streamline the public hearing process for single family projects. Shift Final Approval from SFDB to staff. This would make Project Design Approval (PDA) the only appealable SFDB action. New Substantial Conformance Criteria have been developed to assist staff in reviewing minor changes that may occur between PDA and Final Approval. Projects that do not comply with the criteria would return to SFDB for a revised PDA.
Shift approval authority from Planning Commission to SFDB or Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC), as applicable, for projects that exceed the maximum allowable Floor Area Ratio (FAR). Appeals of FAR Design Exceptions would be heard by either Planning Commission (from SFDB) or City Council (from HLC), allowing projects the standard practice of due process at a higher review authority.
3. Provide increased flexibility in the zoning ordinance to address common homeowner interests.
Eliminate requirement for covered (i.e., garage or carport) parking; Allow guest houses;
Reduce open yard requirements for small lots (less than 6,000 square feet) and provide more flexible open yard standards for multi-unit development; and Reduce requirements for sheds (e.g., by allowing small sheds/accessory buildings in interior setbacks if they meet objective criteria).
4. Clean up and clarify existing zoning language
Convert written standards into table format for ease of application, Incorporate updates required by state law, such as for community care facilities, day care centers, emergency shelters, family day care homes, low-barrier navigation centers, and transitional/supportive housing.
Refer to the Attached Planning Commission Staff Report for additional details on the Project. The proposed ordinances are included as Exhibits A (Title 30), B (Title 25), and C (Title 22) of the Attachment. See Exhibit D of the Attachment for a succinct explanation of each proposed change to the Municipal Code.
Ordinance Committee Agenda Report
Single Family Streamlining Project Ordinance Amendments March 17, 2026
The proposed design review triggers (i.e., changes to SBMC Chapter 30.220) would apply both in the coastal zone and inland. Similarly, the newly established objective standards for balconies, privacy, windows, doors, etc., would also be applicable inland and in the coastal zone. However, the Title 30 amendments that offer increased flexibility for common homeowner interests (e.g., garage conversions, guest houses, open yard, sheds) would not apply in the coastal zone. Ultimately, it is staff’s desire to have all of Title 30 certified by the California Coastal Commission as a new Zoning Ordinance for the coastal zone. Timing of that effort is currently undetermined due to other critical work priorities.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACT:
By reducing the overall number of SFDB projects, the Planning Division expects to see a reduction in SFDB-related revenue. The magnitude of this reduction is uncertain at this time but is expected to be minor relative to the Planning Division’s overall budgeted revenue. Currently, the SFDB workload exceeds one FTE. By reducing the number of SFDB projects, staff resources currently supporting SFDB activities can be reassigned to other work, including plan checks, to improve overall timeliness and responsiveness.
The Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget for SFDB-related revenue was originally set at $177,000. In light of the streamlining project, this amount has been reduced in the updated FY27 budget by approximately 10 percent, to $160,000. With total Planning Division revenue budgeted at approximately $2.1 million in FY27, the SFDB revenue adjustment represents less than a one-percent reduction in overall Planning revenue.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Staff have determined that this project qualifies for a categorical exemption from further environmental review pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15305 [Minor Alterations in Land use Limitations], because the proposed Single Family Streamlining Project ordinances, regulations, standards, and guidelines substantially maintain existing land use intensity and density.
Ordinance Committee Agenda Report
Single Family Streamlining Project Ordinance Amendments March 17, 2026
ATTACHMENT: Planning Commission Staff Report, January 8, 2026 Exhibit A: Title 30 Ordinance Amendments (pp 21–477)
Exhibit B: Title 25 Ordinance Amendments (pp 478–479)
Exhibit C: Title 22 Ordinance Amendments (pp 480–512)
Exhibit D: Table of Proposed Ordinance Amendments
(pp 513–539)
Exhibit E: Project Background and Public Outreach Summary (pp 540–543)
Exhibit F: SFDB Applicant Survey Responses Report
(pp 544–672)
Exhibit G: Proposed Single Family Design Board Guidelines (pp 673–737)
Exhibit H: Summary of Changes to SFDB Guidelines
(pp 738–743)
Exhibit I: Summary of SFDB Project Data Analysis
(pp 744–747)
Exhibit J: Planning Commission Minutes, March 21, 2024
(pp 748–751)
Exhibit K: Current and Proposed SFDB Findings (pp 752–755) Exhibit L: General Plan Policy Consistency Analysis
(pp 756–762)
Exhibit M: Planning Commission Draft Minutes, December 4, 2025 (pp 763–767)
PREPARED BY: Ted Hamilton-Rolle, Design Review Supervisor SUBMITTED BY: Allison DeBusk, Community Development Director APPROVED BY: Kelly McAdoo, City Administrator
PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
REPORT DATE: December 18, 2025
AGENDA DATE: January 8, 2026
SUBJECT: Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467) TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Planning Division
Ellen Kokinda, City Planner
Ted Hamilton-Rolle, Acting Design Review Supervisor
I. PURPOSE
Review and recommend to City Council the proposed Single Family Streamlining Project, including amendments to the Single Family Design Board Ordinance and updates to the Single Family Design Board Guidelines, along with amendments to Titles 30, 25, and 22 of the Municipal Code. This project aims to simplify the review and approval process for single-unit development projects while also providing needed Zoning Ordinance clean-ups.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Planning Commission consider the proposed amendments to Chapters
22.22, 22.68, 22.69, 25.03, and multiple chapters in Title 30 (inland Zoning Ordinance) and forward a recommendation to City Council to:
A. Relocate and amend the content of Santa Barbara Municipal Code (SBMC) Chapter 22.68 pertaining to the Architectural Board of Review (ABR) and Chapter 22.69 pertaining to the Single Family Design Board (SFDB) and move it to Title 30 under Chapter 30.220, Design Review;
B. Re-establish SBMC Chapter 22.22, Historic Landmarks Commission, to reference Chapter
30.220, Design Review, to maintain consistency with the City Charter; C. Amend SBMC Title 30 pertaining to process and other regulations for single-family development streamlining and implement Zoning Ordinance clean-up items; D. Amend SBMC Title 25, Section 25.03.040 pertaining to open yards for consistency with Title 30 amendments;
E. Determine that the Single Family Streamlining Project, including Design Board Process Improvements and amendments to the Municipal Code, is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15305: Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations; and F. Determine that the Single Family Streamlining Project, including Design Board Process Improvements and amendments to the Municipal Code, is consistent with the General Plan.
ATTACHMENT
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
III. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In response to community feedback, State law, direction from City Council, and to implement Housing Element Program HE-5, the Single-Family Development Streamlining Project (Project) is intended to simplify the process for review and approval of single-family residential development projects while maintaining Santa Barbara’s tradition of quality architecture and distinctive neighborhood character.
Since establishment of the Single Family Design Board (SFDB) in 2007, the volume of SFDB projects has increased significantly through code updates and the introduction of Title 30. While many of the code updates were intended to streamline processes, the new regulations added projects to SFDB’s workload. In 2020, when tasked to review the City’s land development processes, the Novak Consulting Group called out the substantial number of single-unit projects subject to review and suggested reassigning SFDB’s duties to streamline land development. 1 When polled, homeowners and project applicants provided staff overwhelming feedback expressing frustration with the time, anguish, and money involved in getting approvals for minor home projects, especially when those projects required noticed public hearings. As a result of the input, the City’s Land Development Team Oversight Subcommittee, with support from the Planning Commission, directed staff to pursue single family streamlining updates to the zoning code and design guidelines.
The Project aims to reduce the total number of projects that require SFDB review by more than 20 percent, streamline the public hearing process for single family projects, and provide more flexibility within the zoning ordinance and design guidelines to reduce permitting barriers. These changes are expected to result in faster processing times and reduced complexity while upholding SFDB’s primary goal of ensuring residential projects are compatible with the surrounding neighborhood in size and design. Further, these efforts are in line with the state’s direction in streamlining processes for residential development. The Project also includes zoning ordinance amendments to clarify existing language, as well as make updates required by state law.
IV. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The goals of the Single Family Development Streamlining Project (Project) are as follows:
1. Reduce the number of single family development projects subject to design review.
2. Streamline the public hearing process for single family projects.
3. Create more flexibility to address common homeowner interests.
The Project responds to City Council direction, community input, General Plan policies, and consultant recommendations to streamline and simplify the review and approval process for single-unit residential projects. The Project implements 2023-2031 Housing Element Program HE-5: Process Improvements. In August 2022, the Land Development Team Oversight Subcommittee (LDTO) directed staff to address recommendations made by the Novak Consulting Group’s 2020 Land Development Process Improvement Report, which included reducing the number of design review triggers, streamlining the review process for simple 1 Novak Consulting Group 2020 Land Development Process Improvement Report
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
permits and homeowner projects, and developing project tiers that trigger different routing and levels of review.
The Project includes amendments to Chapters 22.22, 22.68, 22.69, 25.03, and multiple chapters of Title 30 of the Municipal Code to achieve the project goals and to address general “clean-up” items. The code amendments fall into the following four categories: 1) significant change; 2) minor change; 3) cleanup and clarifying amendments; 4) clarifying amendments required by State law. The proposed amendments to Title 30 related to design review will be in effect Citywide. See Exhibits A, B, and C – Draft Title 30, Title 25, and Title 22 Ordinance Amendments, respectively – for the draft ordinances and Exhibit D - Table of Proposed Ordinance Amendments – for a tabulated list and explanation of the proposed amendments.
This project also proposes updates to the SFDB General Design Guidelines and Meeting Procedures to complement the proposed zoning ordinance amendments.
The zoning ordinance and design guidelines are interconnected, and as such, the proposed amendments must maintain alignment between them. It is important that the Planning Commission and the public understand the interrelation between the ordinance and guidelines, as a change to one will affect the other. The proposed ordinance and design guideline amendments have been carefully calibrated to align with each other, providing a predictable process for City staff and the public.
V. BACKGROUND
City staff initiated the project in August 2022 and conducted more than 14 targeted stakeholder engagement efforts with homeowners, applicants, the design community with major support from the American Institute of Architects Santa Barbara, Planning Commission, and SFDB – both past and present board members. This included an applicant and homeowner survey with over 220 respondents providing feedback on the SFDB process. Most recently, staff workshopped concepts at City Council for feedback and, at Council’s direction, sought input from SFDB project appellants (neighborhood representatives). See Exhibit E – Project Background and Public Outreach Summary and Exhibit F – SFDB Applicant Survey Responses Report for additional information.
On December 4, 2025, a draft of the proposed amendments was presented to Planning Commission. The Commission unanimously supported the proposed amendments and directed Staff to make several refinements to the draft ordinances and Guidelines. See Exhibit M – Draft Minutes – for the Commission’s comments. In response to the feedback received at this meeting, the following changes have been incorporated into the draft ordinances and Guidelines:
1. Exhibits A, B, and C, Proposed Ordinance Amendments: Removed Title 25 amendments from previous Exhibit A and moved them to a separate exhibit (Exhibit B). Title 22 amendments changed from Exhibit B to Exhibit C. (Note, this changed the subsequent numbering of all exhibits.)
2. Exhibit A, Proposed Title 30 Amendments, §30.140.115.C.2: Clarification that there is no maximum floor area for a guest house created by converting existing space within a residential unit or accessory building.
3. Exhibit A, Proposed Title 30 Amendments, §30.300.160 “P”: Added a definition for Public Scenic Views.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
4. Exhibit G, Proposed SFDB Guidelines, Table 1.3.7: Reduced the Substantial Conformance Criteria for floor area increases from a maximum allowable increase of 150 square feet to 50 square feet.
5. Exhibit G, Proposed SFDB Guidelines, Section 4: In response to feedback from applicants and the Planning Commission, Staff will create more objective criteria for when supplemental visual aids are required. The purpose of requiring visual aids is to provide for more productive, efficient Concept Reviews. Currently, the SFDB determines what visual aids are needed at Concept Review; however, this creates frustration for applicants who could have provided these materials up front. Providing objective submittal requirements for visual aids ensures a more streamlined Concept Review and will help neighbors understand the projects better, earlier in the process. These changes will be incorporated to the SFDB Guidelines prior to the Project’s initiation at City Council.
6. Exhibit G, Proposed SFDB Guidelines, Sections 4.3.6 – 4.5: The Guidelines have been updated to specify that story poles shall be installed at least 7 days prior to the public hearing for a decision and shall remain in place until the public hearing. Photographic documentation requirements for story pole installations were also added, consistent with the City’s existing Visual Aids and Story Poles handout.
VI. DISCUSSION
This discussion section begins with an explanation of the Project goals and proposed solutions.
The Project proposes three goals to address single family streamlining and includes a series of proposed solutions for each goal. Following the discussion of goals and solutions is a discussion of proposed updates to the SFDB General Design Guidelines and Meeting Procedures (SFDB Guidelines) that support the Project goals and address other key issues including the SFDB’s purpose and administrative approval standards. Next is a brief discussion of the additional zoning ordinance cleanup efforts, followed by a discussion of the project’s anticipated benefits. For brevity, only the most significant proposed changes are discussed in the staff report. Further details and the full text of proposed solutions can be found in Exhibits A, B, and C (Draft ordinance amendments), D (table of proposed ordinance amendments), G (draft guidelines), and H (summary of guidelines amendments).
A. Project Goals and Proposed Solutions
Each Project goal is supported by multiple proposed solutions, including ordinance amendments and guideline updates, aimed at improving the single-family development process.
Goal Solution
1. Reduce the number of single family development projects subject to design review. 1A. Eliminate site-alterations-only projects from SFDB purview and add objective design standards to the zoning ordinance that address alterations to existing development to avoid automatically triggered design review.* 1B. Expand exemptions from SFDB review and increase opportunities for administrative (staff) review and approval of minor projects.**
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
1C. Reduce triggers for mailed notice.*
1D. Streamline the process for Minor Zoning Exceptions (MZEs) by converting commonly approved MZEs into zoning standards.*
2. Streamline the public hearing process for single family projects. 2A. Eliminate the SFDB Final Approval hearing and associated appeal.** 2B. Make SFDB the decisionmaker for projects exceeding the maximum allowable Floor Area Ratio (FAR).**
3. Create more flexibility to address common homeowner interests. 3A. Remove the requirement for covered parking.*
3B. Provide options for the creative use of home space by allowing the conversion of an existing garage or carport from vehicle parking to another residential use, such as a home office, hobby room, or extra bedroom.*
3C. Reduce open yard requirements for small lots and provide more flexible open yard standards for all other lots.*
3D. Create design and development standards for storage sheds, playhouses, and similar enclosed yard buildings.*
*Addressed through ordinance amendments
**Addressed through both ordinance amendments and guidelines updates Goal 1: Reduce the number of single family development projects subject to design review.
Solution 1A: Eliminate alterations-only projects from SFDB purview and add design standards to the zoning ordinance that address alterations to existing development to avoid automatically triggered design review.
There are currently over 35 triggers for SFDB design review, mostly listed in Chapter 22.69, with some in Titles 28 and 30 (coastal and inland zoning ordinances). The major amendment proposed to reduce SFDB design review triggers is to exempt alteration projects that do not involve a change in building square footage. In reviewing three years of SFDB project data (2019-2022), staff found that approximately 45% of projects were building or site alterations that did not involve any changes to floor area, and were instead routine maintenance, upgrades, and repairs, with a slim minority resulting in a significant change to the appearance of the building or site2 .
Board members and applicants felt strongly that projects involving routine repairs, maintenance, and updates that do not affect house size are the least important thing for the SFDB to review, 2 See Exhibit I for a summary of SFDB project data analysis.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
while new two-story houses, large additions, and major site work are among the most important.
As a result, the proposed amendments to the SFDB design review triggers have been carefully calibrated to exempt alteration-only projects if they meet proposed design and development standards within Title 30.
If adopted, these amendments would result in an estimated 21% reduction in the total number of SFDB projects3. The 21% estimated project reduction is conservative; the actual percentage of projects that would no longer be subject to SFDB review may be higher. In addition, staff anticipate that a larger share of the projects under SFDB purview will be eligible for administrative approval based on the expanded administrative approval standards in the proposed SFDB Guidelines. At the March 2024 hearing, the Planning Commission directed staff to draft an objective definition for major alterations as the initial definition lacked clarity4. Since the March 2024 Planning Commission hearing, staff explored an exhaustive number of potential definitions for major alterations, but they posed challenges for implementation. Staff are now proposing a different approach. Rather than identifying projects that constitute a major alteration, staff propose creating exemptions for minor alterations that do not rise to the level of SFDB oversight. The resulting design review exemptions are drafted as design and development standards and allow ministerial review of projects that either visually match the existing, permitted condition of the building or site, or result in a new, cohesive design style as defined in the SFDB Guidelines. This approach allows for ministerial review of routine maintenance projects such as window replacement, reroofing, and exterior siding replacement, while avoiding significant time spent between applicants and staff debating what constitutes as major alteration.
Some members of the public expressed concern that City staff do not have the expertise to review projects for consistency with a specific architectural style and to determine whether a project matches the existing style or results in a new cohesive style. Staff acknowledge this concern but remain confident that we possess the ability to do this type of review. Staff process administrative approval requests daily through the review of Accessory Dwelling Unit projects for consistency with the codified ministerial design criteria and through review of other minor projects for consistency with the Administrative Approval Standards in the Architectural Board of Review (ABR), Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC), and SFDB Guidelines. Staff conduct weekly internal workshops to review architectural details, window schedules, and materials and finishes to evaluate consistency with the ministerial criteria. Staff also rely on A Field Guide to American Houses to evaluate project details for consistency with a variety of architectural styles. For these reasons, the type of review required to evaluate whether a proposed alteration matches existing development or results in a cohesive new style is not new to City staff. Further, as part of Project implementation, staff will be thoroughly trained on the proposed ordinance and procedures and expectations for project review.
In addition to the exemptions from SFDB design review discussed above, the Project proposes additional design standards throughout the zoning ordinance for alterations projects. Creating design standards gives applicants a clear permitting path to ministerial approval if desired, but also an option to choose a process that allows them to deviate from the objective standard. The 3 The 21% reduction is estimated based on analysis of 3 years of project data subtracting projects that would no longer be triggered for design review under the proposed code. 4 See Exhibit J – Planning Commission Minutes, March 21, 2024.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
proposed design standards for elements such as retaining walls, decks, and new or expanded upper story windows, are based on long-standing design guideline criteria, and thus push applicants to design toward existing, familiar design preferences.
For example, there are no standards for retaining walls under current code other than those that apply to fences, which do not directly address considerations specific to retaining walls. The proposed design standards for retaining walls include required materials (natural stone, brick, or stucco) and required landscape elements for retaining walls over 4 feet in height to soften the massing. The proposed standards also clarify cumulative height limits for terraced retaining walls in both cut slope and fill slope configurations.
As another example, there are no standards for upper story decks under the current code, even though they tend to present neighbor privacy concerns. The proposed amendments address this by implementing a 15-foot setback from interior lot lines for upper story decks, consistent with Good Neighbor Guideline 36.2.4 from the Single Family Residence Design Guidelines. Decks smaller than 160 square feet that are more than 15 feet from an interior lot line would not require design review, and decks that do not meet those size or distance standards may request an exception reviewed by the applicable design review body. One deck is allowed per façade.
Also included in the proposed amendments to Title 30 are new standards for landscape improvements for all zones. The standards require that front setbacks must be landscaped with ground cover, shrubs, vines, or trees to provide a landscape buffer from the street and avoid excessive paving. Existing properties made nonconforming by these new standards would not be required to meet the standards unless building or site improvements are proposed that require a landscape plan5
.
See Exhibit A (draft ordinance, section 30.220.040.B) for the full text of the proposed SFDB design review triggers, and Exhibit G (Draft SFDB Guidelines, Section 6) for the updated administrative approval standards.
Solution 1B: Expand opportunities for administrative (staff) review and approval of minor projects.
In addition to reducing the number of projects that require SFDB review at any level, this project proposes to reduce the number of single family projects that require a public hearing by expanding the criteria for administrative approvals in the SFDB Guidelines. Proposed cleanups and clarifications to the SFDB Guidelines incorporate feedback from the SFDB Working Group, applicants, and staff. As part of this effort, staff are also addressing lessons learned from previous administrative approvals based on feedback from neighbors. The discussion below does not include every change to the administrative approval criteria; only those that are the most significant. Proposed expansion of administrative approvals includes the following increases in approvable size limits for accessory buildings, additions, and decks. Note that projects must comply with additional criteria beyond these proposed administrative approval size limits. 5 See SBMC Ch.14.23 – Landscape Design Standards and Recycled Water Use – for projects that require a landscape plan.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
Project Element
Administrative Approval Limit
Current Proposed
Accessory Buildings6 (one-story,
max. 17 feet in height)
250 SF
(500 SF if not publicly visible)
800 SF
Additions, First-Story7 500 SF 800 SF
Additions to an existing Secondor Higher-Story150 SF 250 SF Decks, First Story 200 SF 400 SF
Decks, Second- and Higher-Story
(except roof decks)
Ineligible for administrative
approval
250 SF
See Exhibit G, Draft SFDB Guidelines, Section 6.1-6.3 for the full text of the SFDB Administrative Approval Standards, and Exhibit H, Summary of Changes to SFDB Guidelines, for additional information.
Solution 1C: Reduce triggers for mailed notice.
The purpose of a mailed notice is to inform neighbors about proposed development that may affect them. Not all projects require mailed notice; only those that have the greatest potential for neighborhood impacts are subject to this requirement. Staff recognize that mailed noticing is a critical component of public participation in the Planning process. Therefore, we propose to maintain the noticing requirement for projects that warrant it while removing the noticing requirement for projects that do not generally garner neighborhood interest.
Projects that require a mailed notice are not eligible for administrative approval. Therefore, to expand administrative approvals, the SFDB’s mailed notice triggers also require adjustment. To determine appropriate adjustments to the mailed notice triggers, staff reviewed project data and consulted with SFDB stakeholders. Notably, the proposed amendments change the noticing trigger for first-story additions from 500 square feet to 800 square feet to be consistent with the State allowance for an 800 square foot ministerial ADU. SFDB stakeholders felt that this threshold was appropriate for additions to the first story as it encourages massing on the first story rather than the second story. In addition, some Minor Zoning Exceptions and other waivers of zoning requirements that routinely receive a rubber-stamp approval at design review are proposed to become ministerial and no longer require a mailed notice or public hearing. A new main building, a new upper story on an existing building, and grading in excess of 250 cubic yards would still require a mailed notice. All existing mailed notice thresholds are listed in the table below, along with proposed changes:
6 To qualify for administrative approval, accessory buildings cannot be located in the front yard. 7 To qualify for administrative approval, additions must not significantly alter the front/street-facing façade in terms of massing, scale, and architectural style.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
Mailed Noticing Threshold
Current Proposed
New main building No change
500-square-foot first story addition 800-square-foot first story addition New second or higher story on an existing building No change 150-square-foot addition to an existing second or
higher story
250-square-foot addition to an existing
second or higher story
250 cubic yards of grading outside the main
building footprint or on a vacant lot
No change
Minor Zoning Exceptions: fence and hedge height No change Minor Zoning Exceptions: alterations to
nonconforming structures, trash enclosure location
No notice required8
Exterior lighting with potential for impacts to
neighboring properties
No change9
Uncovered parking spaces exception No notice required
Solution 1D: Streamline the process for Minor Zoning Exceptions (MZEs) by converting commonly approved MZEs into zoning standards.
Currently, Title 30 identifies a limited number of specific projects (e.g. new or enlarged window openings in setbacks) for which an MZE can be granted by the applicable design review body, subject to specific findings. Prior to adoption of Title 30, exceptions to the zoning standards for these projects required Staff Hearing Officer review and approval of a Zoning Modification. In that sense, Title 30 MZEs already streamline the process compared to the former (Title 28) regulations. However, we have learned that at SFDB, most MZE requests get a “rubber stamp” approval because they generally do not garner neighborhood interest at hearings and do not pose architectural compatibility concerns. All MZE requests heard by SFDB between 2019 and 2022 were approved. Current and former board members and SFDB Process Improvements working group members indicated that most MZEs are straightforward enough to be handled at the staff level and rarely warrant the level of oversight they are given at a public hearing.
Initially, this Project proposed to take all MZEs out of design review purview by making the Community Development Director the MZE review authority. However, street-facing fences and hedges can have a major aesthetic impact on the streetscape and pose inconsistencies with neighborhood patterns; and interior fences and hedges can have impacts on adjacent neighbors’ 8 All MZEs except those for additional fence and hedge height are proposed to be converted to zoning standards reviewed ministerially or as a waiver by the applicable design review body, without a mailed notice. Refer to additional discussion under Solution 1D.
9 Although the noticing trigger for lighting is not being substantively changed, it is being edited for clarity so that Staff better understand when it applies.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
properties. Staff believe fence and hedge MZEs still warrant a public forum and design review board oversight. Therefore, the proposed ordinance maintains the applicable design review body as the review authority for front- and interior-lot-line fence and hedge MZE requests. The remaining MZEs – for height and volume increases in setbacks, trash enclosures in front yards, and new or enlarged openings in setbacks – are proposed to be reviewed by the Community Development Director using new design standards in the zoning ordinance. MZE requests that the Director finds do not meet those standards would be forwarded to the applicable design review body. This approach ensures aesthetic oversight of projects with more potential to impact neighbors and neighborhood character while providing additional streamlining for projects that are less likely to present neighborhood compatibility issues.
Goal 2: Streamline the public hearing process for single family projects.
Solution 2A: Eliminate the Final Approval hearing and associated appeal.
Under the current SFDB process, staff, the Board, and project applicants spend a significant amount of time on Final Approval, the last discretionary action by the SFDB prior to building permit submittal. The Board’s purview at Final Approval is narrow, limited to whether the plans substantially conform to Project Design Approval10 and whether the exterior construction details and materials are sufficient and accurate. Along with adding time and cost to a homeowner, the current Final Approval process requires staff to perform an additional plan review that otherwise occurs during building permit application review – a redundancy in the process. Specifically, when a project granted Project Design Approval is submitted for Final Approval, staff reviews for substantial conformance to Project Design Approval and ensures the required materials and details are on the plans. The same staff review is performed again when the project is submitted for a building permit.
To shorten the time a project spends in the SFDB process, this Project proposes making the Community Development Director the default review authority for post-approval decisions, namely Final Approval and Review After Final, for SFDB projects. The Director would have the ability to refer post-approval decisions to SFDB if necessary to ensure substantial conformance to Project Design Approval or verify final details. This would make Final Approval and Review After Final ministerial actions performed by the Community Development Director. It would also make Project Design Approval the only SFDB action appealable by the public – Final Approval and Review After Final would be appealable only by the project applicant, but only if referred to the SFDB by the Director.
To ensure a robust Project Design Approval, some project details currently required at Final Approval, including exterior colors, materials, and key exterior structural details, would now be required at Project Design Approval. Under the proposed process, staff would perform their routine plan check of Final Approval plans during the building permit phase, verifying that all conditions of approval have been met and that any changes requested by the SFDB have been made. Minor changes to the approved plans would be eligible for an administrative substantial conformance determination, subject to the new Substantial Conformance Criteria in the proposed SFDB Guidelines (explained in detail below). If staff determines that a Final Approval plan set 10 Project Design Approval is the substantive approval for all City design boards.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
does not substantially conform to the plans that received Project Design Approval, then a revised Project Design Approval would be required. Staff would also be able to refer any post-approval decision to the SFDB, which would then be appealable to Planning Commission only by the project applicant.
This process improvement reduces confusion by making Project Design Approval the only appealable action at which all project elements can be addressed. Further, it decreases confusion for the public on the appropriate time to appeal a project. In addition, it facilitates compliance with the Housing Crisis Act, which limits the total number of hearings that a single family residence may be subject to, which is especially important when projects can be subject to other City discretionary review processes and those appeal processes (e.g. Staff Hearing Officer, Planning Commission, or Street Tree Advisory Committee/Parks and Recreation Commission, and City Council). Appeals are staff-intensive, highly subsidized by the General Fund, involve multiple departments, and a single appealable hearing is sufficient for single family development.
Requiring a Final Approval decision at the SFDB remains a popular idea to some community members who have expressed concerns about staff’s ability to determine substantial conformance. Our effort in removing the automatic SFDB Final Approval hearing is to significantly streamline review and provide clear standards for substantial conformance for building permit submittals.
Substantial Conformance
To better assist staff and the public, the proposed SFDB Guidelines provide new criteria for determining substantial conformance to approved plans. For SFDB projects, the new substantial conformance determination process will be carried out by the Community Development Director and will apply to projects seeking Final Approval at the building permit phase and projects proposing changes after Final Approval (Review After Final). Below are the criteria that must be met for a Final Approval plan set or revised project to substantially conform to Project Design Approval:
Issue Substantial Conformance Criteria (Proposed)
Conditions of
Approval
Does not conflict with findings or conditions of approval made by the SFDB or Planning Commission on appeal.
Height Does not result in an overall height which is greater than one foot above the approved height and does not exceed a maximum of 25 feet. For residences between 25 and 30 feet in height, the revised project does not increase the height by more than 4 inches above the approved height. In no case shall the building height exceed the maximum residential height in the zone.
Floor Area Does not result in an increase of more than 50 square feet to the approved net floor area.
Grading Does not result in an increase in grading outside the building footprint greater than 25 cubic yards more than the quantities shown on the approved plans.
Environmental Alterations do not occur in any biologically sensitive area as identified in
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
Studies the City’s MAPS database, unless a technical study prepared by a qualified consultant indicates that the alterations will not have an adverse environmental impact. Does not result in environmental effects not analyzed or discussed at the approval process and does not result in new mitigation measures.
Trees Any proposed tree removal is consistent with the Administrative Approval Standards for tree removals.
Privacy
Alterations do not result in new or enlarged window or door openings within interior setbacks. Any new or expanded decks or patios are located outside required zoning setbacks.
In addition to these criteria, the proposed changes in the SFDB Guidelines include staff considering broad issues such as whether the project was subject to an appeal, whether the proposed changes result in a new project or impact zoning conformance, whether the project was subject to significant controversy, whether there was significant discussion about the particular issue, and whether the proposed revisions would alter the public’s perception of the project. The above-listed criteria provide guardrails for the decision, and the additional considerations provide the project-specific critical analysis needed to ensure consistency in the Director’s determinations of substantial conformance.
Although eliminating the final approval hearing has garnered major support and was included in the Novak Report recommendations, some concerns and considerations were raised during public outreach. These concerns, along with staff responses, are provided below:
• Concern: City staff are not licensed architects, and therefore, are less equipped to make informed decisions on substantial conformance determinations during building permit review or to make calls on architectural details for administrative design review requests.
Staff response: Staff review architectural plans and details daily and hold weekly meetings to review and apply eligibility criteria when assessing administrative design requests. If staff raise questions about final architectural details and feel uncomfortable with making a determination, staff would refer those to the SFDB. To be clear, although a project is eligible for administrative approval, staff are not obligated to approve the request if questions or concerns emerge about neighbor impacts, neighborhood compatibility, or any other design elements. In these instances, staff may refer projects back to the Board (either Consent or Full Board) for a decision.
• Concern: Requiring more information and project details at Project Design Approval would be too costly or too much of a time investment when the project has not yet been approved.
Staff response: Due to the significant upfront cost, full working construction drawings would not be required at Project Design Approval, but it is expected that more details will be required. Staff consider this a balance between concerns we hear from applicants about early investment without knowing if a project will be approved and having enough detail that the SFDB can make their required findings. Staff find that the trade-off is worth being able to eliminate an additional appealable hearing. Conceptual review is the best way for applicants
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
to get early feedback on the design and massing before moving forward with the additional details that would be required prior to Project Design Approval and it is included in the SFDB review fee (fee currently covers up to four total hearings). The SFDB may also request exterior details to clarify confusion with a design and the submitted plans. • Consideration: Some members of the public will want to maintain maximum oversight on neighborhood development and will not support the expansion of administrative approvals.
Staff response: The most significant single-unit projects—such as new second and third story additions and new residences, including new residences in the Hillside Design District—will still require Full Board SFDB review. This project aims to maintain the existing oversight that SFDB has on projects that pose the greatest impact to neighborhood compatibility based on a project’s size, bulk, and scale. Unlike the Architectural Board of Review and the Historic Landmarks Commission, the SFDB is not a Charter board or commission. As such, there is more flexibility to experiment with streamlining efforts—an advantage that will help us try to find the right balance of SFDB oversight. Prior to 1992, there was no design review for single family residences. Over time, we have added a significant number of projects to SFDB’s plate. This effort will hopefully course correct to bring the number of minor projects down so that they may be ministerially reviewed and approved. The effort to streamline the process for single family homeowners is a tradeoff to maintaining maximum oversight of projects. We understand the desire of some to maintain maximum oversight, but staff believe there is a more appropriate balance of oversight given the direction to streamline.
Solution 2B: Make SFDB the decisionmaker for projects exceeding the maximum allowable Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
To further streamline the process for single family projects, this Project proposes a shift in the decision-making responsibility for FAR Modifications from Planning Commission to the SFDB (or HLC for historic resources). Currently, if a project proposes to exceed the maximum allowable FAR, the majority of SFDB or HLC members must vote in favor of the project at a concept hearing. Following an affirmative majority vote at design review, the project is referred to Planning Commission for a decision on the FAR Modification. In discussions with both the SFDB and Planning Commission, this process was determined to be unnecessary because the required findings11 to grant an FAR Modification are more closely related to design and aesthetics than land use. As a result of the proposed change, appeals of FAR Design Exceptions granted by the SFDB would be heard by Planning Commission, and appeals of FAR Design Exceptions granted by HLC would be heard by City Council, allowing projects the standard practice of due process at a higher review authority.
Goal 3: Create more flexibility within the code and design guidelines to address common homeowner interests.
11 Findings to approve an FAR Modification (SBMC §30.250.060.C): 1. Not less than five members of the Single Family Design Board or six members of the Historic Landmarks Commission (on projects referred to the Commission pursuant to Section 22.69.030) have voted in support of the Modification following a concept review of the project; 2. The subject lot has a physical condition (such as the location, surroundings, topography, or the size or dimensions of the lot relative to other lots in the neighborhood) that does not generally exist on other lots in the neighborhood; and 3. The physical condition of the lot allows the project to be compatible with existing development within the neighborhood that comply with the floor area standard.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
Solution 3A: Remove the requirement to provide covered parking.
The proposed amendments give homeowners more flexibility by removing the requirement for off-street parking to be “covered”—meaning in a garage or carport. Currently, two covered parking spaces are required for every single family residence, with some exceptions12. The proposed amendments would not change the number of required spaces, only the requirement that they be covered in either a carport or garage. Staff proposed this amendment as a commonsense solution to a problem that tends to hold up projects. While covered parking is encouraged both as a principle of sound transportation planning and an aesthetic preference, to require it can present hardships, especially for owners of lots developed prior to the current covered parking requirement. Removing the covered parking requirement can make it easier for homeowners who have to address existing substandard garages. In instances where substandard garages have needed to be rebuilt to conform to current regulations, it has been a massive cost to a homeowner for something they may not wish to have. Replacement uncovered parking spaces would be allowed in an existing driveway13. This is a newer concept that received strong support from City Council at their June 2025 project briefing.
Solution 3B: Provide options for the creative use of home space by allowing the conversion of an existing garage or carport from vehicle parking to another residential accessory use, such as a home office, hobby room, or extra bedroom.
By giving homeowners the option to park in different configurations, the proposed code amendments facilitate the conversion of an existing garage to another residential use such as a storage room, workshop/home office, bedroom, or guest house (no requirement for kitchen). This flexibility would allow homeowners to increase the amount of usable space on their property at a lower cost than building a new addition or accessory building while maintaining the residential character of the area. Additionally, more opportunities to allow a full bathroom (i.e. toilet, sink, and bathtub/shower) in a garage or other accessory buildings are offered. This allows owners to add a “guest house”—a maximum 500-square-foot building used for guests—without the need to create a separate dwelling unit. This fills a need not currently met for homeowners who do not want to go to the length of permitting an ADU, specifically installing a kitchen, but want to convert their garage to livable space with a full bathroom.
Solution 3C: Reduce open yard requirements for small lots and provide more flexible open yard standards for all other lots.
Modest changes to the residential open yard requirements for both single family and multi-family developments are proposed to simplify the requirements and make it easier for smaller, constrained lots to build additions without needing a discretionary approval, waiver, or modification. Additional flexibility would allow a mix of open yard options (e.g. balconies, decks, patios, natural areas, etc.) by eliminating the need for a design review “waiver” of private open yards.
12 SBMC §30.175.030.N provides for two exceptions to the covered parking requirement for lots under 15,000 square feet:
i.) One covered and once uncovered space allowed for lots developed with less than 85% of the allowed floor area ratio, and ii.) Two uncovered spaces allowed for lots developed with less than 80% of the allowed floor area ratio, if at least 200 cubic feet of enclosed exterior storage space is provided and subject to approval by the appropriate design review body. 13 Uncovered parking spaces may be located in the front yard if they are screened from public view, meeting zoning standards.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
For example, the open yard requirement for a single family residence on a lot less than 6,000 square feet (sq. ft.) would be reduced from 1,250 sq. ft. to 800 sq. ft. and minimum dimensions for all lots would be reduced from 20 feet x 20 feet to 15 feet x 20 feet. Similarly, the open yard requirement for multi-family development is not decreasing in overall area— it is still 15% of the lot area—but the strict requirement to provide a certain area of private patio or balcony area for each unit based on the number of bedrooms is relaxed to give more options in a new project14.
Solution 3D: Create design and development standards for storage sheds, playhouses, and similar enclosed yard buildings.
The proposed amendments would make it easier for homeowners to have a small accessory building, such as a storage shed, bicycle locker, or playhouse, in the backyard. Current zoning requirements are strict on these types of yard buildings, with the main limitation being that they are not allowed in setbacks or open yards. The proposed code would allow an 8-foot-tall yard building in side-yard setbacks if it meets size, location, and screening requirements. Accessory buildings in the setbacks that exceed those requirements would require a Modification and review by the applicable design review body.
B. Updates to the SFDB General Design Guidelines & Meeting Procedures This Project includes an extensive overhaul of the Single Family Design Board General Design Guidelines and Meeting Procedures, including a proposed renaming to the Single Family Design Board Guidelines (SFDB Guidelines). The proposed scope and content of the SFDB Guidelines remains largely the same, with several key changes:
• Consolidate SFDB purpose and goals
• Update references to other guidelines
• Expand and update administrative approval standards
• Update SFDB meeting procedures
• Update and clarify submittal requirements
• Reorganize, reformat, and edit for clarity
The SFDB Guidelines were most recently updated in June 2023 to address SFDB membership, quorum requirements (from four15 members to three members), and a change in the appeal body (from Council to Planning Commission). The next most recent update occurred in 2011 to clarify SFDB procedures and clean up the original 2007 document. Other than these two updates, the document has remained largely unchanged since the SFDB’s inception. As a result, the guidelines have not evolved with options for new building materials, sustainability practices, and development policies. The proposed guideline updates allow staff to approve more minor, aesthetically appropriate projects, thereby reducing the number of SFDB projects at a hearing.
Consolidating the SFDB’s Purpose and Goals
Guided by robust community feedback, staff carefully revised the SFDB’s purpose statement in the municipal code and the SFDB’s goals in the SFDB Guidelines to better align with the realities 14 This concept was discussed and supported by Planning Commission in 2022. 15 One of the four board members had to be a licensed architect to establish a quorum. In June 2023, the licensed architect requirement to establish SFDB quorum was removed due to project delays and cancelled meetings as a result of not having a quorum.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
of the SFDB process. The SFDB’s current purpose statement within SBMC Chapter 22.69 addresses the SFDB’s primary goal of ensuring projects are compatible with their surrounding neighborhood, but in the expanded list of goals in the existing Guidelines, it also includes elements that SFDB members feel are less within their purview or serve a tertiary purpose, such as “promoting the ecological sustainability of the City’s built environment.” The SFDB General Design Guidelines and Meeting Procedures identify 12 additional goals, which the Board wished to consolidate to be more focused. SFDB members indicated that the Board’s purpose statement and goals should more concretely reflect their purview, including project size and design, architectural style, landscape design, exterior building materials, and the protection of public views of the hillsides and ocean. They felt that other considerations within the purpose statement and goals, such as public safety, sustainability, and consistency with the zoning ordinance, were adequately addressed through staff’s routine review of development applications for consistency with code standards and CEQA requirements.
The updated purpose statement within the proposed ordinance (SBMC §30.220.040) is:
“…to protect and preserve the City’s natural and historical character and to enhance its visual and aesthetic quality. The SFDB ensures that single‑unit residential development is compatible in scale and design with the surrounding neighborhood and that public visual resources are protected through the design review process.” This focused purpose statement clarifies the purpose and intent of the Board and reduces the potential for confusion as to the Board’s purview. Further, per SFDB’s direction, staff propose to consolidate the goals in the Guidelines from a list of twelve wide-ranging goals to six focused goals:
A. Ensure development is compatible with the site and the neighborhood; B. Enhance neighborhood character by fostering quality and diversity in architectural styles;
C. Promote high standards in architectural and landscape design and the construction of aesthetically pleasing structures;
D. Ensure new development does not significantly impact adjacent historic resources;
E. Ensure new development does not significantly impact the beauty of Santa Barbara’s natural and built resources; and
F. Promote visual relief throughout the community and preserve public scenic views of the ocean and mountains.
Updated SFDB Findings
The SFDB’s codified findings to approve a project are related to the SFDB’s goals as stated in the Council-adopted guidelines; this Project proposes to align the SFDB’s goals and findings more closely with one another and to simplify the text of the findings. The resulting Neighborhood Compatibility Findings (formerly Neighborhood Preservation Findings) have been reduced from 7 items to 5, and the length of text has been reduced by half, making it less tedious for board members to make findings and therefore easier to craft a solid motion.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
Board members indicated discomfort with certain findings that relate more closely to public health and compliance with codes and environmental review than project size, design, and aesthetics. They pointed out that it is staff’s job to ensure projects meet applicable regulations related to health and safety, such as building and fire codes and other considerations that outside agencies have control over such as air quality or hazardous materials. Therefore, staff propose to remove the findings that reference those elements which are outside the Board’s purview and comfort zone.
During targeted outreach to appellants of SFDB projects, we heard that these neighbors felt strongly that the SFDB insufficiently address the Good Neighbor Guidelines and considered the “Good Neighbor Finding” to be a throw away finding. They expressed a desire for the SFDB to be more explicit in their motions about how a project meets the “Good Neighbor Guidelines” finding identified below:
“The project complies with the Good Neighbor Guidelines regarding privacy, landscaping, noise and lighting.”
Staff do not propose to change this finding; however, we believe it is imperative to hold additional trainings for SFDB members to ensure a shared understanding of the Good Neighbor guidelines and to help improve the Board’s motion making.
Lastly, the Hillside Design District Findings and Grading and Vegetation Removal Findings have been consolidated for simplicity.
Refer to Section 30.220.040.E of the proposed ordinance (Exhibit A) for the updated findings and Exhibit K – Proposed and Current SFDB Findings for a comparison of the current and proposed findings.
Addressing Feedback on the Concept of Neighborhood Compatibility General feedback from board members, applicants, and members of the public is that the concept of neighborhood compatibility is ambiguous and not sufficiently defined. Some expressed interest in having a simple, unambiguous definition to help in the evaluation of projects. In the early stages of this Project, staff heard from past and present board members about the challenges of applying the concept of neighborhood compatibility, specifically defining the geographic boundaries of a neighborhood and assessing a project’s massing and appearance based on the residences within that boundary. The SFDB’s assessment of parcel size, specific site conditions, and home orientation to the streetscape and nearby development, shapes the geography of the defined “neighborhood.” The current Guidelines provide SFDB some guidance about defining neighborhood, but there remains a strong desire for greater clarity – an objective definition. From our survey, applicants and homeowners shared their frustrations with the Board’s application of the concept of neighborhood compatibility, saying that board members tend to be biased toward a specific architectural style. We also heard statements such as the zoning ordinance is clear, but the concept of neighborhood compatibility is not clear, especially when it comes to Board Member’s personal design opinions. Rather than coming up with an objective definition, staff added direction in the Guidelines based on our conversations and research. The Guidelines have been updated to include an introduction regarding compatibility, character, and style to clarify that compatibility does not mean uniformity, that multiple styles may be appropriate, and that
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
those involved in the planning process should rely on the robust guidance in the Single Family Residence Design Guidelines regarding neighborhood compatibility.
Refer to the Introduction of the Draft Proposed SFDB Guidelines (Exhibit G) for this contextual note.
Expanded Administrative Approval Standards
The expansion of administrative approvals to reduce the number of SFDB projects at a public hearing is discussed in detail above under Project Goal 1. In addition, staff added a new step-bystep Procedures subsection has been added to the Administrative Approval Standards section to enhance usability.
Refer to Section 6 of the Draft Proposed SFDB Guidelines (Exhibit G) for the updated Administrative Approval Standards.
C. Conclusion
Additional Project benefits include:
• Upholding SFDB Objectives: Ensures the aesthetic quality of neighborhoods and participation of neighbors for larger projects.
• Faster Approvals: Homeowners should see quicker approval times for simple projects. • Less Bureaucracy: Reduces unnecessary public hearings which results in fewer delays in homeowners’ ability to make improvements and more money to put toward their project. • Staff Efficiency: City staff and the SFDB will focus on more complex projects, improving overall workflow and reducing board member burnout.
• More Homeowner Flexibility: Homeowners will have greater freedom to improve their homes without unnecessary hurdles.
• Zoning Ordinance cleanups for clarity and consistency.
Additional Zoning Ordinance Clean-ups
Along with amendments to streamline single family development, this Project proposes multiple clean-up amendments to the Zoning Ordinance for clarity and consistency. The clean-up items include: clarifications to land use regulations and development standards for commercial and office zones, manufacturing zones, residential zones, and coastal-oriented zones; clarifying amendments to standards for nonconforming structures, site development, and uses; clean-ups and clarifications to the section on common procedures for processing Planning Applications; and updates to definitions; and moving written standards into table format. Most of these items are related to State law and Housing Element updates, and some are clean-up items identified by staff to address errors and needed clarifications based on application of the code.
D. General Plan Policy Consistency Analysis
Municipal Code Section 30.235.100 (General Plan Consistency Required for Zoning Amendments) requires approval of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to be found consistent with the General Plan.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
Staff has determined that the proposed amendments to the Title 30 Zoning Ordinance are consistent with General Plan policies and programs. See Exhibit L – General Plan Policy Consistency Analysis – for details.
VII. NEXT STEPS
Next steps for this project include Ordinance Committee (anticipated early Spring 2026) and City Council Introduction and Adoption hearings (anticipated late Spring 2026).
The project webpage is available at https://santabarbaraca.gov/SFDB-Amendments. If the Project is adopted, a revised Design Review Checklist will be created to assist applicants and staff. Additional outreach and training will be scheduled for design boards, staff, and applicants.
VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Staff have determined that this project qualifies for a categorical exemption from further environmental review pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15305, based on the City’s adopted CEQA implementation ordinance per SBMC Section
22.100.070 (List of Ministerial Projects and Categorical Exemptions), Subsection C.5. Class 5:
Minor Alternations in Land Use Limitations, Subsection C. Adoption or amendment of land use or development ordinance, regulations, standards, or guidelines that substantially maintain existing land use intensity or density.
The Single Family Streamlining Project does not change the density allowed under the General Plan Land Use or Zoning designations or increase the intensity of use. The related amendments to Municipal Code Chapters 22.22, 22.68, 22.69, 25.03, and Title 30 are either administrative in nature and outline permitting procedures for single-unit residential projects; or add, cleanup, or clarify zoning standards; or add SFDB-related definitions. Based on review of the Project, there would be no significant project-specific or cumulative impacts on the environment due to unusual circumstances, and the Project does not have the potential to damage scenic highways or historic resources. Accordingly, the action is consistent with the description of a Class 5 categorical exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15305, and none of the exceptions under Section 15300.2 apply.
IX. RECOMMENDED FINDINGS
The Planning Commission finds the following:
A. The Single Family Streamlining Project, including Design Board Process Improvements, and associated amendments to the Municipal Code, is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15305:
Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations; and
B. The Single Family Streamlining Project, including Design Board Process Improvements, and associated amendments to the Municipal Code, is consistent with the General Plan.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Single Family Streamlining Project (PLN2024-00467)
Report Date: December 18, 2025
EXHIBITS
A. Proposed Title 30 Ordinance Amendments
B. Proposed Title 25 Ordinance Amendments
C. Proposed Title 22 Ordinance Amendments
D. Table of Proposed Ordinance Amendments
E. Project Background and Public Outreach Summary
F. SFDB Applicant Survey Responses Report
G. Proposed Single Family Design Board Guidelines
H. Summary of Changes to SFDB Guidelines
I. Summary of SFDB Project Data Analysis
J. Planning Commission Minutes – March 21, 2024
K. Current and Proposed SFDB Findings
L. General Plan Policy Consistency Analysis
M. Planning Commission Draft Minutes - December 4, 2025 Contact/Case Planner: Ted Hamilton-Rolle, Acting Design Review Supervisor ([email protected])
630 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 564-5507
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
ORDINANCE NO. ______
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA BARBARA AMENDING THE SANTA BARBARA
MUNICIPAL CODE BY AND AMENDING CHAPTERS
30.01, 30.15, 30.20, 30.25, 30.30, 30.35, 30.140, 30.165,
30.175, 30.185, 30.200, 30.205, 30.220, 30.235, 30.250,
30.290, 30.295, 30.300, AND SECTION 30.150.090 OF
CHAPTER 30.150 OF TITLE 30 PERTAINING TO
REGULATIONS FOR SINGLE FAMILY STREAMLINING
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 30.15 of Title 30 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
Division I: Introductory Provisions
Chapter 30.15 Rules of Measurement
Sections:
30.15.010 Purpose
30.15.020 General Provisions
30.15.025 Calculating Density
30.15.030 Determining Average Slope
30.15.040 Determining Creek Top of Bank
30.15.050 Fractions
30.15.060 Measuring Distances
30.15.070 Measuring Floor Area
30.15.080 Measuring Front Yards
30.15.090 Measuring Height and Stories
30.15.100 Measuring Setbacks and
Stepbacks
30.15.110 Measuring Street Frontage
30.15.120 Screening
EXHIBIT A Page 21 of 767
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
2 30.15.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to explain how various measurements referred to in this Title are to be calculated.
30.15.020 General Provisions.
For all calculations, the applicant is responsible for supplying drawings illustrating the measurements that apply to a project. These drawings must be drawn to scale and of sufficient detail to allow easy verification upon inspection by the Community Development Director.
30.15.025 Calculating Density.
A. Maximum Allowable Residential Density. The maximum allowable residential density or “base density” means the greatest number of units allowed under the density range specified by the Zoning Ordinance, Specific Plan, or land use element of the General Plan or Coastal Land Use Plan, applicable to the project. Density shall be determined using dwelling units per acre (du/ac). If there is a conflict, the highest allowable density prevails.
1. Calculation. To calculate the maximum number of dwelling units permitted allowed on a lot, the net lot area is converted from square feet to acres by dividing it by 43,560. The resulting acreage is multiplied by the density range. For density calculations with a remainder greater than 0.01 units, a whole unit is permitted allowed.
Residential Density Calculation Example:
Net Lot Area: 21,000 sq. ft./43,560 = 0.48 acres
General Plan Density Range: 27 to 36 units/acre
Calculate Allowed Units: 27 to 36 units per acre x 0.48 acres = 12.96 to 17.28 units Rounding Up: 13 to 18 units allowed
B. Density Calculations in Mixed-Use Projects. For mixed-use projects, the maximum allowable residential density shall be calculated by using the total net lot area and does not exclude the nonresidential portion of the mixed-use site.
C. Density Calculations for Other Uses. Other facilities that are not residential uses but are subject to residential density limitations as specified in this code, (including, but not limited to,
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
3 Group Residential, Community Care Facilities, Residential Care Facilities, and Hotels with kitchens) must be equivalent in size to a residential project at base density ranges as permitted allowed by the General Plan.
D. Accessory Dwelling Units. Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units are not counted in maximum density calculations, unless otherwise specified in this Title.
E. Density Calculations for Lot Merger. To determine allowable residential density for projects involving the merger of lots, the allowed density for the resulting lot is calculated as the greater of the following:
1. The aggregate density allowed under the zoning regulations applicable to each individual lot prior to the merger; or
2. The density allowed under the zoning regulations applicable to the lot as configured following the merger.
30.15.027 Calculating Unit Size.
When calculating the floor area of a residential unit, the following standards apply unless otherwise provided in this Title. See also Section 30.140.150, Residential Unit.
A. Minimum Unit Size. Minimum unit size must include all contiguous net livable floor area located within the perimeter walls of the residential unit. The following areas are excluded from the calculation of minimum unit size:
1. Detached accessory buildings.
2. Non-livable floor area, such as crawlspaces, storage, or utility areas.
3. Covered parking areas, such as garages and carports.
B. Modifications Based on Unit Yield. If a modification, waiver, or exception is requested based on the inability to achieve the allowable number of residential units on a property, the applicant must demonstrate infeasibility using the minimum unit size for a onebedroom unit.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
4 C. Maximum Unit Size. Where a maximum unit size is specified in this Title, the calculation must include any attached non-livable floor area under the control of the unit occupant (e.g., storage). The following areas are excluded from the calculation of maximum unit size:
1. Detached accessory buildings.
2. Covered parking areas, such as garages and carports.
3. Common areas not controlled by the individual unit occupant.
4. Areas excluded from floor area, per Section 30.15.070, Measuring Floor Area.
D. Maximum Average Unit Size. Where a maximum average unit size is specified in this Title, the average is calculated by dividing the total Maximum Unit Size, as described in Subsection C, of all residential units on the property by the total number of residential units on the property.
30.15.030 Determining Average Slope.
The average slope of a parcel of land, or any portion thereof, is calculated using a topographic map conforming to National Mapping Standards and having a scale of not less than one inch equals 200 feet and a contour interval of not more than five feet), and the following formula:
S = (I)(L)/A, where:
A. S = Average slope (in percent)
B. I = Contour interval (in feet)
C. L = Total length of all contour lines on the parcel (in feet), excluding the length of contours in drainage channels and in natural water courses below the 25-year flood level D. A = Area of subject area for which the slope is to be determined (in square feet)
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
5 FIGURE 30.15.030: DETERMINING AVERAGE SLOPE
30.15.040 Determining Creek Top of Bank.
The “Top of Bank” is determined by the creek channel geometry. Any parcel that adjoins or is within 50 feet of a creek where development is proposed shall have the top of bank determined as part of any plan submittal. The top of bank shall be determined using one of the conditions described below in Cases 1-4 and depicted in the associated diagrams below. If more than one condition applies, the approach that is most protective of creek resources shall apply. If there is disagreement about where the top of bank is located, the Creeks Division Manager in consultation with the City Attorney, shall make a final determination of top of bank.
A. Case 1 - Bank Slopes with a Single Defined Hinge Point. When the creek has a sloped bank rising from the toe of the bank to a hinge point at the generally level ground above, the hinge point is the top of bank. If the existing slope of the bank is steeper than 1.5 (horizontal):1 (vertical), the intersection of a projected plane with a 1.5:1 slope from the toe
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
6 of the bank to the generally level upper ground is the “top of bank.” For concrete flood control channels, that meet the definition outlined above, the top of bank is the upper hinge point regardless of the steepness of the bank.
B. Case 2 – Bank Slopes with Multiple Hinge Points. When the creek bank slope rises from the toe of the bank, levels off one or more times, then rises to a higher hinge point at the generally level upper ground, the hinge point at or directly above the FEMA 100-year flood surface elevation is the top of bank. If the FEMA 100-year flood surface elevation is above the highest hinge point, the location of the top of bank does not change and is the highest hinge point.
C. Case 3 – Bank Slopes with No Readily Defined Hinge Point. When no discernible break in slope occurs above the active channel, and the creek bank opposite a project site has a well-defined hinge point, the elevation of that hinge point will be used to determine the top of bank for the project site. Where no readily determined hinge point defines the top of bank on either side of the creek, the FEMA 100-year flood elevation is the top of bank.
D. Case 4 – Flood Control Projects. Where an existing flood control project exists, or has been approved, the top of bank will be located at the top of the proposed or completed flood control channel wall, or the hinge point just above the top of wall, whichever is higher, even for banks steeper than 1.5:1 as outlined in Case 1 above.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
7 FIGURE 30.15.040: DETERMINING TOP OF BANK
30.15.050 Fractions.
Whenever this Title requires consideration of numerical quantities, all calculations shall use fractions no smaller than hundredths, and if the end result of a calculation contains a fraction of a whole number, the results shall be rounded as follows:
A. General Rounding. Fractions are to be rounded up to the nearest whole number, except as otherwise provided.
B. Exception for Parking Spaces. In determining the number of parking spaces fractions are to be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Where multiple structures or standards are involved, any rounding of spaces must be made on the aggregate total required for the site, and not on individual uses prior to calculating the total. See Section 30.175.040, Required Automobile and Bicycle Parking Spaces, for additional parking rounding requirements.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
8 C. Exception for Inclusionary Housing. In determining the number of Inclusionary Units required by Chapter 30.160, Inclusionary Housing, any decimal fraction less than 0.5 shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number, and any decimal fraction of 0.5 or more shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. Refer to Section 30.150.110 Inclusionary Requirements for Rental Housing Projects, to determine the number of Inclusionary Units for Rental Housing Projects.
30.15.055 Grading
A. Calculation of Grading Quantities. Whenever this Title requires consideration of grading quantities, the total volume includes all excavation, cut, and fill, or any combination thereof. Grading quantities must be calculated cumulatively across all phases of a project and all areas of the site, unless expressly exempted by this Title.
B. Grading Excluded.
1. Recompacted Soil. Soil excavated within five feet horizontally of an exterior building wall and subsequently recompacted is excluded from the calculation of grading volume outside the building footprint.
2. Below-Grade Swimming Pools. Soil excavated for a below-grade swimming pool is excluded from the calculation of grading volume outside the building footprint for purposes of Design Review.
C. Determination of Existing Grade. For purposes of establishing “Existing Grade,” as defined in this Title, the topographic elevations of the natural ground surface as it existed five years prior to the date of application for grading, filling, or other site alterations is used.
30.15.060 Measuring Distances.
A. Measurements are Shortest Distance. When measuring a required distance, such as the minimum distance between a structure and a lot line, the measurement is made at the closest or shortest distance between the two objects.
B. Distances are Measured Horizontally. When determining distances for setbacks and structure dimensions, all distances are measured along a horizontal plane from the appropriate line, edge of building, structure, storage area, parking area, or other object. These distances are not measured by following the topography or slope of the land.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
9 C. Measurements Involving a Structure. When measuring a required distance involving a structure, the measurements are made to the closest exterior wall or exterior element of the structure. Structures or portions of structures that are entirely underground are not included in measuring required distances.
FIGURE 30.15.060.A, B, AND C: MEASURING DISTANCES
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
10 D. Measurement of Vehicle Stacking or Travel Areas. Measurement of a minimum travel distance for vehicles, such as vehicle backup distance, are measured down the center of the vehicle travel area. For example, curving driveways and travel lanes are measured along the center arc of the driveway or traffic lane.
FIGURE 30.15.060.D: MEASURING TRAVEL AREAS
E. Measuring Radius. When a specified element is required to be located a minimum distance from another element, the minimum distance is measured in a straight line from all points along the lot line of the subject land use, in all directions.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
11 FIGURE 30.15.060.E: MEASURING RADIUS
30.15.070 Measuring Floor Area.
A. General Measurement. All references to floor area in this Title are to net floor area, unless otherwise indicated. Net floor area is as defined in Section 30.300.060 “F” and as measured in this Section 30.15.070. Unless specifically exempted, the following areas are included in net floor area:
1. All enclosed space between the finished floor and roofline, and within the interior perimeter of exterior walls of any main or accessory building.
2. Floor area of all stories, both above and below grade.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
12 3. Vertical circulation and rooftop enclosures, including covered or enclosed stairways, stairwells, elevator shafts, and similar features.
4. Covered parking areas, including enclosed garages and covered or partially covered carports.
5. Roofed, unenclosed, detached accessory buildings regulated by this Title.
B. Measurement Methods.
1. Interior Spaces. Net floor area of rooms or tenant spaces is measured to the centerline of demising walls separating such spaces, where applicable.
2. Vertical Circulation. Stairways, stairwells, and elevator shafts are counted only once, at the level of greatest horizontal extent.
3. Unenclosed Roofed Areas. Where development standards regulate the floor area of a roofed structure with no walls, the floor area is measured as the horizontal area beneath the roofline.
C. Areas Excluded from Floor Area. The following areas are not counted as floor area:
1. Low-Ceiling Areas. Vent shafts and any area with a ceiling height less than five feet above finished floor.
2. Unfinished Utility Spaces. Unfinished attics, crawlspaces, and similar utility spaces that are unusable and not designed for occupancy are not considered floor area, except where converted to usable floor space. Such spaces may accommodate mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or other utility equipment without being counted as floor area.
3. Architectural Projections. Bay windows or similar architectural projections that begin no lower than 18 inches above the adjacent interior finished floor, measured to the lowest point of the projection, so that the projection does not create usable or occupiable floor area.
4. Attached Shade or Entry Areas. Attached, exterior roofed shade or entry features such as arcades, porticoes, porches, trellises, gazebos, patio covers, and similar, that are unenclosed and are not designed or used for occupiable space.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
13 5. Outdoor Seating, Storage, and Display Areas. Nonresidential unroofed, unenclosed areas used for outdoor seating, sales, or display, such as plant nurseries, building materials yards, or auto sales lots.
6. Incidental Equipment Rooms. Attached mechanical, electrical, and communication equipment rooms that do not exceed 2% of the building’s gross floor area.
7. Minor Accessory Structures. Yard buildings less than 120 square feet allowed under Section 30.140.240, Yard Buildings, and other accessory structures expressly exempt from building permit requirements.
8. Temporary Structures. Temporary structures allowed under a valid Temporary Use Permit.
9. Nonresidential Parking Structures. Areas used for occupant or patron off‑street parking, loading, driveways, ramps between floors of a multi‑level parking garage, and maneuvering aisles are excluded from nonresidential floor area calculations under Chapter 30.170, Nonresidential Growth Management Program. However, structures or portions of structures used for vehicle storage, vehicle sales, car washing, repair, or servicing must be included in nonresidential floor area calculations.
10. Residential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Calculations. See Section 30.15.075, Measuring Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
The net floor area of a structure is the sum, in square feet, of the horizontal areas of all floors of a structure or other enclosed structure, or portions thereof, measured from either the interior perimeter of the exterior walls, or below the roofline, or the centerline of interior walls, as described below. All references to floor area in this Title are to net floor area, unless otherwise indicated. The following are included in and excluded from floor area except as otherwise provided in this Title A. Included in Floor Area.
1. Enclosed Structures. Net floor area includes all space within a structure that is below the roof and within the interior perimeter of the exterior walls of any main or accessory structure.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
14 2. Interior Spaces. Net floor area of interior spaces, such as rooms or separate tenant spaces, includes all space within the centerlines of demising walls separating such spaces or portions thereof.
3. Stairways and Elevator Shafts. In the case of a multistory structure that has covered or enclosed stairways, stairwells, or elevator shafts, the floor area of such features is counted only once at the floor level of their greatest area of horizontal extent.
4. Unenclosed Structures. When measuring the area of a structure that is unenclosed such as a carport, the net floor area includes all space below the roof line.
B. Excluded from Floor Area. The following areas are excluded from floor area:
1. Vent shafts or areas with a ceiling height of less than five feet above finished floor.
2. Attics, crawlspaces, or similar areas, where entry is made only for service of utilities, and not designed for use as storage or any other use whatsoever.
3. If unenclosed on at least two sides, roofed areas such as patio covers, porches, trellises, gazebos, shade structures, or other similar unenclosed structures shall not count toward the calculation of floor area if not used for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of persons, animals, or property.
4. Enclosed spaces in nonresidential or mixed-use structures that contain “infrastructure” (e.g., mechanical equipment enclosures, vent shafts, trash and recycling enclosures, air conditioners, forced air units, electric vaults, water heaters and softeners, cellular telephone equipment, and other similar uses) shall not count toward the calculation of floor area if such areas are designed in the minimum size necessary to screen or enclose such equipment, and the space cannot be converted to storage or another non-infrastructure use.
5. Minor accessory structures that do not require a building permit for construction or installation.
6. Temporary structures permitted with a Temporary Use Permit.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
15 FIGURE 30.15.070.A: MEASURING FLOOR AREA
30.15.075 Measuring Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is a ratio of the net floor area of all buildings on a site to the net lot area. To calculate FAR, divide the total net floor area of all main and accessory buildings on a lot by the net lot area. FAR is typically expressed as a decimal. For example, if the floor area of all buildings on a site totals 5,000 square feet, and the site area is 10,000 square feet, the FAR is expressed as 0.5. Special measurement examples are also provided below.
A. Nonresidential FAR. This Title establishes maximum FARs for certain types of nonresidential development. To calculate the maximum nonresidential FAR, multiply the allowable FAR by the net lot area.
Nonresidential FAR Example:
Maximum Nonresidential Floor Area = Allowable FAR x Net Lot Area Allowable FAR*: 0.25
Net Lot Area: 10,000 sq. ft.
Maximum Nonresidential Floor Area = 0.25 x 10,000 = 2,500 sq. ft. * Amount determined by this Title
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
16 FIGURE 30.15.027: CALCULATING NONRESIDENTIAL FLOOR AREA RATIO B. Residential FAR. Maximum FARs for residential developments are established in Table
30.20.030.A (Development Standards–Residential Single Unit Zones). To calculate the maximum residential FAR, multiply the allowable FAR by the net lot area, and add the supplementary floor area allowance per lot size.
Residential FAR Example:
Maximum Residential Floor Area = (Allowable FAR x Lot Area) + Supplementary Floor Area Allowance
Allowable FAR*: 0.25
Net Lot Area: 9,000 sq. ft.
Supplementary Floor Area Allowance*: 1,200 sq. ft.
Maximum Residential Floor Area = (0.25 x 9,000 = 2,250) + 1,200= 3,450 sq. ft. * Amount determined per Table 30.20.030.A
C. Residential Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Calculations. For residential developments, the following additional calculations apply when calculating Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR):
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
17 1. Below Grade Exclusion. A floor may be excluded entirely from FAR if no more than 12 linear feet along any building elevation has a grade‑to‑ceiling height greater than four feet.
2. Partial Reduction. If more than 12 linear feet but less than one-half of the total perimeter length has a grade-to-ceiling height greater than four feet, the floor area may be reduced by 50% in the FAR calculation.
3. Full Inclusion. If more than one-half of the total perimeter length has a grade-toceiling height greater than four feet, the entire floor area is included in the FAR.
4. Accessory Buildings. Floor area within any accessory building, including an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit, is included in the FAR, except for portions specifically excluded under Subsections C.1 (Below Grade Exclusion) and C.2 (Partial Reduction) of this Section, or under Section 30.15.070.C, Areas Excluded from Floor Area.
30.15.080 Measuring Front Yards.
Front yards shall be measured by extending perpendicular lines from each point of a front lot line to the nearest wall of the first main building on the lot. Where there is no wall of a main building on the lot which intercepts said perpendicular lines, said yard will terminate at a point determined by extending a line parallel to the front lot line from the corner of the front elevation of the main building to the nearest lot line. The front elevation of a building is any elevation that faces a street.
A. Rounded Corners. If the corner of the front elevation is rounded (i.e., a tower), the corner of the elevation shall be established by drawing the smallest square or rectangle that will enclose the round element and extend the line from the corner of the superimposed square or rectangle that is closest to the front lot line.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
18 FIGURE 30.15.080: MEASURING FRONT YARDS
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
19 30.15.090 Measuring Height and Stories.
A. Measuring Height Generally General Measurement. Height is the vertical distance measured from existing or finished grade, whichever is lower, to the top of the structure directly above. Special measurement provisions are also provided below.
B. Measuring Building Height on Sloped Lots. Building height on sloped lots is measured from a warped plane connecting the perimeter of the building where it contacts the lower of existing or finished grade to every part of the building roof or parapet.
C. Height Exclusions.
1. Light Wells. The vertical portion of exterior doors, stairway landings, or light wells on a basement elevation are excluded from the height calculation if the cumulative total width does not exceed 12 feet per elevation.
2. Architectural Elements. Architectural elements that do not add floor area to a structure, such as are limited to the following types of features: chimneys, vents, antennae, open trellises that do not exceed 12 feet in height, rooftop equipment and associated screening, roof-mounted solar energy systems a maximum of three feet above the maximum height limit, rooftop decks that do not exceed 10 inches in height above the roof, guard rails for rooftop decks, and towers including stairway or elevator towers with minimum landings for egress are not considered a part of the height of a structure, but all portions of the roof and roof parapet are included.
3. Additional Height Allowances. See Section 30.140.100, Exceptions to Height Limitations.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
20 FIGURE 30.15.090.B: MEASURING BUILDING HEIGHT ON SLOPED LOTS
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
21 D. Measuring the Height of Fences and Hedges. The height of a fence or hedge is measured in a vertical line vertically from the lowest point of contact with the ground directly adjacent to both sides of the fence or hedge on either side to the highest point of the fence or hedge along said that same vertical line.
1. Multiple Fences and Hedges. All fences and hedges located within five feet of each other, including fences and hedges on adjoining lots, shall be considered a single fence or hedge. The height of multiple fences and hedges that are subject to the same height limitation shall be measured from the lowest point of contact with the ground of a fence or hedge to the highest point of any other fence or hedge located within five feet. The horizontal separation shall be measured from the surfaces of the fences or hedges that face each other. When two or more fences or hedges are placed within five feet of each other they are treated as a single fence or hedge for the purpose of measuring height. This includes fences or hedges located on the same property or on adjacent properties.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
22 a. The five-foot distance is measured between the sides of the fences or hedges that face each other.
b. In such cases, the height is measured from the lowest ground level at the base of any of the fences or hedges to the highest point of any of them. c. If the distance between fences or hedges is five feet or more, each one is measured separately.
2. Fence and Retaining Wall Combinations. Where a fence is placed within five feet of a retaining wall, the total combined height of both elements must not exceed the maximum fence height allowed in that location. Each element must still comply with its individual height limit as specified in this Title.
3. Fence and Hedge Combinations. When a fence or retaining wall is located within five feet of a hedge, the total combined height of all elements may equal the maximum hedge height allowed in that location. Each element must still comply with its individual height limit a specified in this Title.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
23 FIGURE 30.15.090.D: MEASURING THE HEIGHT OF FENCES AND HEDGES E. Determining Prescribed Landscape Height. The prescribed heights of landscape are the heights to be attained within five years after planting, unless otherwise specified in this code.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
24 F. Measuring the Height of Decks and Patios. Deck and patio height is determined by measuring from the ground below to the top of the surface of the deck or patio directly above.
Guardrails, the minimum height required by the Building Code, are exempt from the height measurement.
FIGURE 30.15.090.F: MEASURING HEIGHT OF DECKS AND PATIOS G. Determining the Number of Stories in a Building. In determining the number of stories in a building or structure, the following rules apply:
1. The number of stories in a building or structure shall be construed to be the maximum number of stories through which any one of an unlimited number of possible vertical lines can pass, without passing through a wall.
2. An interior balcony or mezzanine is counted as a story if its floor area exceeds onethird of the total area of the nearest full floor directly below it.
3. Any floor which is partly below and partly above grade, such as a basement, cellar, or understory, shall be counted as a story if more than a cumulative total width of 12 feet per elevation has a distance from finished grade to ceiling greater than four feet.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
25 4. An attic half-story, when applicable, is identified by “.5” in the description of maximum height. An attic half-story is not counted as a whole story when its top wall plates, on at least two opposite exterior walls, are less than four feet above the floor of such story.
FIGURE 30.15.090.G: DETERMINING THE NUMBER OF STORIES
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
26 30.15.100 Measuring Setbacks and Stepbacks.
Setbacks are measured as the distance between any lot line and a line parallel to the lot line the depth of such area being the distance required by this Title.
A. Front Setbacks. If a portion of the property is located within a street dedication, the setback is measured from the boundary of the street dedication.
B. Upper Story Setbacks. Upper story setbacks shall apply to all portions of any upper story except as provided in Section 30.140.090, Encroachments into Setbacks and Open Yards.
C. Upper Story Stepbacks. Upper story stepbacks shall be measured at the required setback line. For example, if the setback is 15 feet, with a 5-foot stepback, the portion of the building subject to the stepback shall be stepped back a minimum of 5 feet from the 15-foot setback line (i.e., 20 feet from the property line). Upper story stepbacks apply to all portions of any upper story except as provided in Section 30.140.090, Encroachments into Setbacks and Open Yards. Recessed areas on interior upper story stepbacks may not be used as an unenclosed, unroofed balcony, deck, terrace, or other usable space, but in no case shall it be enclosed or extend past the plane of the floor below.
D. Multiple Required Setbacks. If there are multiple required setbacks, the more restrictive applies.
E. First Story Building Setbacks. First story setbacks for any building are measured from the outer edge of the building foundation at the first floor level.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
27 FIGURE 30.15.100: MEASURING SETBACKS
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
28 FIGURE 30.15.100.C: MEASURING UPPER STORY STEPBACKS
30.15.110 Measuring Street Frontage.
Street frontage is measured along the front lot line.
30.15.120 Screening.
These standards provide methods for the screening and buffering of surface parking, mechanical equipment, and any other objects or land uses as required by this code to minimize visual, noise, and privacy impacts to surrounding properties and rights-of-way.
A. Screening Generally. Unless otherwise stated in this section, objects and activities are considered “screened” when they are either not publicly visible, as defined in Section 30.300.160 “P” of this code, or behind a solid six-foot-high fence or hedge where such fence or hedge is otherwise
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
29 allowed by zoning. Screening shall be required for the repair, rehabilitation, expansion, new installation, or relocation of any object or land use to be screened.
B. Uncovered Parking. Uncovered automobile parking shall be screened, in locations as specified by Section 30.175.060, Location of Required Automobile and Bicycle Parking, consistent with one of the following:
1. On a site with four or fewer automobile parking spaces, uncovered parking must be screened from public view, except at driveways necessary for ingress and egress, by a solid fence, wall, driveway gate, or a compact evergreen hedge, with a maximum height between five and six feet and a minimum distance of 10 feet from the front lot line. The area between the lot line and such fence or wall must be landscaped; or
2. If located more than 35 feet from a front lot line, and includes no more than four automobile parking spaces, uncovered parking is considered screened by the distance from the front lot line; or
3. On a site with five or more automobile parking spaces, applicable fence and landscape buffers, consistent with Section 30.175.080 Parking Area Landscape and Fence Standards, must be provided for screening.
C. Trash and Recycling. Trash and recycling containers must be screened and located in compliance with the standards in Section 30.140.240, Waste, Recycling, and Outdoor Storage.
D. Screening Materials. Screening may include fences and walls, landscape, equipment painted to match the building, building parapets, or other architectural elements in the building’s architectural style.
E. Screening Height. All screen devices shall be as high as the highest point of the object being screened but shall not exceed applicable maximum height limitations. Screening height shall be measured as the vertical distance between the finished grade at the base of the screen and the top edge of the screen material.
F. Exceptions.
1. Solar energy (i.e., photovoltaic) panels and electric vehicle charging stations shall not be subject to the screening requirements described in this section. However, accessory power equipment associated with these systems shall be fully screened.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
30 2. Where an applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the appropriate Design Review body that variations in the requirements of this section are warranted in order to provide relief for existing site constraints, or to achieve a superior aesthetic or environmental design, screening may be reduced or waived by the Design Review body.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
31 SECTION 2. Chapter 30.20 of Title 30 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
Division II: Zone Regulations; Part 1: Base Zones
Chapter 30.20 Residential Zones
Sections:
30.20.010 Purpose
30.20.020 Land Use Regulations
30.20.030 Development Standards
30.20.010 Purpose.
The specific purposes of the Residential Zones are to:
A. Preserve, protect, and enhance the character of the City’s different residential neighborhoods.
B. Provide for a full range of housing options to suit the spectrum of individual lifestyles and space needs and ensure continued availability of the range of housing opportunities necessary to meet the needs of all segments of the community consistent with the General Plan.
C. Ensure adequate light, air, and open space for each residence, enhance livability, and develop and sustain a suitable residential environment.
D. Ensure that the scale and design of new development and alterations to existing structures are compatible with the scale, mass, and character of their neighborhoods.
E. Provide sites for public, semi-public, and neighborhood serving land uses that are appropriate in a residential environment, such as day care, schools, neighborhood markets in twounit residential and residential multi-unit zones, and community facilities that provide goods and services to support daily life within walking distance of neighborhoods and complement surrounding residential development.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
32 F. Implement and provide appropriate regulations for General Plan residential density classifications. of Low Density Residential, Medium Density Residential, Medium High Density Residential, and High Density Residential.
Additional purposes of each Residential Zone follow:
1. RS Residential Single Unit. This zone is intended to provide areas for single-unit housing on individual lots at appropriate low densities of one unit per legal lot with allowances for an Accessory Dwelling Unit or Two-Unit Residential Development when certain standards are met. Designators (e.g. -25, -15) refer to minimum lot size in thousands of square feet or, in the case of RS-1A, acres. The regulations for the RS Zone are intended to limit activities which would be inharmonious with or injurious to the preservation and character of a residential environment. Nonresidential uses are limited to those that support daily life of neighborhoods and complement surrounding residential development.
Nonresidential uses are strictly limited in order to mitigate impacts associated with nonresidential uses such as: traffic, increased parking demand, light, glare, and noise.
2. R-2 Two-Unit Residential. This zone is intended to provide areas for medium density residential where the principal use of land is for two-unit residences. Single-unit residence and garden apartment developments are also allowed. The regulations for this zone are intended to limit activities which would be inharmonious with or injurious to the preservation and character of a residential environment. Nonresidential uses are limited to those that support daily life of neighborhoods, complement surrounding residential development, and mitigate impacts to traffic, parking demand, light, glare, and noise.
3. R-M Residential Multi-Unit. This zone is intended to provide areas for a variety of multi-unit housing types. The regulations for this zone are intended to limit activities which would be inharmonious with or injurious to the preservation and character of a residential environment. Nonresidential uses are limited to those that support daily life of neighborhoods, complement surrounding residential development, and mitigate impacts to traffic, parking demand, light, glare, and noise.
4. R-MH Residential Multi-Unit and Hotel. This zone is intended to provide areas for a variety of multi-unit housing types. It is also the intent of this zone to allow hotels and similar establishments, including related restaurant, recreational, conference center, and other auxiliary uses primarily for use by hotel guests, while protecting the existing housing stock, and preserving the residential character of those neighborhoods that are still primarily
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
33 residential. Regulations for this zone are designed to control activities of a retail nonresidential nature and those which would tend to be inharmonious with housing.
30.20.020 Land Use Regulations.
Table 30.20.020, Land Use Regulations-Residential Zones, prescribes the land use regulations for Residential Zones.
Use classifications are defined in Chapter 30.295, Use Classifications. In cases where a specific land use or activity is not defined, the Community Development Director shall assign the land use or activity to a classification that is substantially similar in character. Use classifications and subclassifications not listed in the table, or not found to be substantially similar to the uses below, are prohibited.
The table also notes additional land use regulations that apply to various uses. Numbers in parentheses refer to specific limitations listed at the end of the table. Section numbers in the righthand column refer to other sections of this Title.
TABLE 30.20.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–RESIDENTIAL ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the table
Use Classification RS R-2 R-M R-MH Additional
Regulations
Residential Uses
Residential Housing Types
Single-Unit Residential A A A A
Two-Unit Residential A(8) A A A
§30.185.440, TwoUnit Residential
Development
Multi-Unit Residential – A(1) A A
Special Residential Unit Types
Accessory Dwelling Unit A A A A
§30.185.040,
Accessory Dwelling
Units
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
34 TABLE 30.20.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–RESIDENTIAL ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the table
Use Classification RS R-2 R-M R-MH Additional
Regulations
Additional Residential Unit PSP – – –
§30.185.050,
Additional
Residential Unit
Caretaker Unit – – A A §30.185.120,
Caretaker Unit
Garden Apartment – CUP – –
§30.185.180, Garden
Apartment
Developments
Planned Residential Development CUP – – –
§30.185.330,
Planned Residential
Development
Community Care Facilities,
Residential Care Facilities for the
Elderly, and Hospices
6 or fewer individuals A A A A §30.185.140,
Community Care
Facilities, Residential
Care Facilities for the
Elderly, and
Hospices
7 to 12 15 individuals PSP PSP PSPA PSPA
More than 12 16 or more individuals CUP PSP CUP PSP CUP PSP CUP PSP Family Day Care Home A A A A
§30.185.230, Large
and Small Family
Day Care Homes
Small A A A A §30.185.230, Large
Family Day Care
Large PSP PSP PSP PSP Homes
Group Residential CUP(2) CUP CUP CUP §30.185.190, Group Residential
Home Occupation A A A A §30.185.200, Home
Occupation
Live-Work Unit Allowed subject to the highest permit level required for any individual use or component of the project.
§30.185.240, LiveWork Units
Mobilehome Park CUP(3) CUP(3) CUP(3) CUP(3)
§30.185.280,
Mobilehome and
Permanent
Recreational Vehicle
Parks
Supportive Housing §30.185.430, Transitional and Supportive Housing
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
35 TABLE 30.20.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–RESIDENTIAL ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the table
Use Classification RS R-2 R-M R-MH Additional
Regulations
Transitional Housing §30.185.430, Transitional and Supportive Housing Public and Semi-Public Uses (4)
Cemetery CUP CUP CUP CUP
Community Assembly CUP CUP CUP CUP
Community Garden A A A A
§30.185.130,
Community and
Market Gardens
Cultural Institution CUP CUP CUP CUP
Day Care Center CUP CUP A/CUP A/CUP §30.185.150, Day
Care Centers
Emergency Shelter CUP CUP CUP CUP §30.185.170,
Emergency Shelter
Hospitals and Clinics – – – CUP
Park and Recreation Facility CUP CUP CUP CUP §30.185.350, Recreation Facilities
Public Facility CUP CUP CUP CUP
Recreational Vehicle Park
Recreational Vehicle and Camping
Parks, Overnight – – – CUP
§30.185.320,
Overnight
Recreational Vehicle
or Camping Parks
Recreational Vehicle Parks,
Permanent CUP(3) CUP(3) CUP(3) CUP(3)
§30.185.280,
Mobilehome and
Permanent
Recreational Vehicle
Parks
Schools CUP CUP CUP CUP
Skilled Nursing Facility – – – CUP
Social Service Facilities CUP(5) CUP(5) CUP(5) CUP(5)
Commercial Uses
Agriculture A(2) A(2) A(2) A(2) §30.185.070,
Agriculture
Commercial Entertainment and
Recreation
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
36 TABLE 30.20.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–RESIDENTIAL ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the table
Use Classification RS R-2 R-M R-MH Additional
Regulations
Large-scale CUP(6) CUP(6) CUP(6) CUP(6) §30.185.350,
Recreation Facilities
Eating and Drinking Establishments – – – CUP(7)
Hotels and Similar Uses – – CUP(10) A §30.185.220, Hotels and Similar Uses
Market Garden CUP PSP PSP PSP
§30.185.130,
Community and
Market Gardens
Parking, Public or Private
(Nonresidential) CUP CUP CUP CUP
Retail Sales, Neighborhood Market – PSP PSP PSP
§30.185.370, Retail
Sales, Neighborhood
Market
Transportation, Communication, and Utilities Uses
Telecommunications Facilities §30.185.410, Telecommunications Facilities Public Works and Utilities §30.185.340, Public Works and Utilities Other Applicable Types
Accessory Uses and Buildings A A A A
§30.185.030,
Accessory Uses and
§30.140.020,
Accessory Buildings,
Alcoholic Beverage Retail
Establishments CUP(9) CUP(9) CUP(9) CUP(9)
§30.185.075,
Alcoholic Beverage
Retail
Establishments
Animal Keeping A A A A
§30.185.210, Horse
Keeping and
SBMC 6.08, Care and
Keeping of Animals
Cannabis Cultivation, Personal §30.185.110, Cannabis Cultivation for Personal Use Mixed-Use Development
Mixed-Use Development is allowed subject to the regulations of the specific uses and applicable zone and permit requirements for any individual use or component of the project.
Mobilehome §30.185.270, Mobilehomes, Recreational Vehicles, and Modular Units, Individual Use; and §30.185.420 Temporary Uses
Nonconforming Use Chapter 30.165, Nonconforming Uses, Site Development, and Uses
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
37 TABLE 30.20.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–RESIDENTIAL ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the table
Use Classification RS R-2 R-M R-MH Additional
Regulations
Solar Energy Systems §30.140.090.D.8, Solar Energy Systems Encroachments, and §30.185.400, Solar Energy Systems
Temporary Use §30.185.420, Temporary Uses
Specific Limitations
1. No more than two residential units may be located in any one building.
2. Limited to convents and monasteries.
2. Agriculture uses are limited to accessory uses only.
3. Not allowed in a Historic or Landmark District. Allowed within a High Fire Hazard Area if designed to meet high fire construction standards adopted or enforced by the City, as determined by the Chief Building Official or the Fire Code Official.
4. Other public or semi-public facilities not specifically permitted allowed may be allowed in any zone pursuant to Conditional Use Permit approval.
5. Must be located a minimum 300 feet from any other social service facility or emergency shelter.
6. Limited to outdoor tennis clubs, lawn bowling clubs, golf courses and driving ranges. Miniature golf is not allowed.
7. There shall be a minimum of 100 established hotel-motel guestrooms closer than 500 feet of the boundary of the restaurant site or as allowed pursuant to §30.185.220, Hotels and Similar Uses. The 100 guestrooms may be used to support any number of restaurants.
8. Limited to specific standards in §30.185.440, Two-Unit Residential Development.
9. Limited to uses permitted allowed in the zone.
10. Limited to Hotels located in Structures of Merit or Landmarks pursuant to Chapter 30.157, Historic Resources or in another structure on the same lot as a Structure of Merit or Landmark used as a Hotel.
30.20.030 Development Standards.
Tables 30.20.030.A and 30.20.030.B prescribe the development standards for Residential Zones.
Section numbers refer to other sections of this Title, while individual letters refer to subsections that directly follow the tables. Additional regulations that apply throughout the City are located in Division III, Citywide Regulations.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
38 TABLE 30.20.030.A: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–RESIDENTIAL SINGLE UNIT ZONES Zone RS-1A RS-25 RS-15 RS-10 RS-7.5 RS-6
Lot Size and Street Frontage
Minimum Net Lot Area for Newly
Created Lots (sq. ft. unless noted) See also Chapter 27.60, Parcel Maps for Urban Lot Splits Average Slope less than 10%, and all
lots with frontage on the Pacific
Ocean regardless of slope
1 acre 25,000 15,000 10,000 7,500 6,000
Average Slope 10% to 20% 1.5 acre 37,500 22,500 15,000 11,250 9,000 Average Slope over 20% to 30% 2 acres 50,000 30,000 20,000 15,000 12,000 Average Slope over 30% 3 acres 75,000 45,000 30,000 22,500 18,000 Minimum Public Street Frontage (ft.)
100 100 90 75 60 60
See also §30.140.180, Street Frontage and Access; and §30.140.120, Location of Lot Lines
Maximum Base Residential Density
Maximum Density (per lot) 1 unit 1 unit 1 unit 1 unit 1 unit 1 unit Additional Residential Density Allowances
All lots, in compliance with the
applicable section
See §30.185.050, Additional Residential Unit
See §30.185.040, Accessory Dwelling Units
See §30.185.440, Two-Unit Residential Development
See Chapter 30.145, Affordable Housing and Density Bonus and Development Incentives
Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
Maximum Floor Area Ratio
(Floor to Lot Area Ratio) (sq. ft.)
Applicable only to lots developed, or proposed to be developed, with a building with two or more stories or 17 feet or more in height.
Less than 4,000 sq. ft. Net Lot Area 2,200. See also A, Maximum Floor Area Ratio (Floor to Lot Area Ratio) 4,000 to 9,999 sq. ft. Net Lot Area 1,200 + (0.25 multiplied by the net lot area) = Maximum Floor Area. See also (A), Maximum Floor Area Ratio (Floor to Lot Area Ratio) 10,000 to 14,999 sq. ft. Net Lot Area 2,500 + (0.125 multiplied by the net lot area) = Maximum Floor Area. See also A, Maximum Floor Area Ratio (Floor to Lot Area Ratio) 15,000 and more sq. ft. Net Lot Area Not Applicable
Structure Form and Location
Minimum Residential Unit Size
Studio: 220 square feet;
All other units: 400 square feet
See §30.140.150, Residential Unit
Maximum Height (ft.) 30, except as further limited in accordance with §30.140.170, Solar Access Height Limitations
Minimum Setbacks and Stepbacks (ft.),
Residential Structures
See Ch. 30.185, Standards for Specific Uses and Activities See Ch. 30.165, Nonconforming Structures, Site Development, and Uses
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
39 TABLE 30.20.030.A: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–RESIDENTIAL SINGLE UNIT ZONES Zone RS-1A RS-25 RS-15 RS-10 RS-7.5 RS-6
See also §30.140.090, Encroachments into Setbacks and Open Yards Front
35 30 30 25 20
15; Portions of
structures over 15
feet in height:
+5Portions of
structures 15 feet or
less in height: 15;
Portions of
structures more
than 15 feet in
height: 20;
Street facing
covered parking: 20
See also 30.20.030.B, Setback Reduction for Sloping Lots Interior 15 10 10 8 6 5
Minimum Setbacks and Stepbacks (ft.),
Nonresidential Structures
See Ch. 30.185, Standards for Specific Uses and Activities See Ch. 30.165, Nonconforming Structures, Site Development, and Uses See also §30.140.090, Encroachments into Setbacks and Open Yards Front Same as for Residential Structures
Front 35 30 30 25 20
15; Portions of
structures over 15
feet in height: +5
Interior (Conversion and Alterations)
Conversions of existing residential structures to nonresidential structures, or alterations of existing structures that contain nonresidential uses, are subject to the setback requirements for residential structures.
Interior (New or Additions)
30 20 20 12 16 12 10
Exception: Community Gardens are subject to the setback requirements for residential structures.
Minimum Setbacks and Stepbacks,
Mixed Use
Residential portions follow residential setbacks; nonresidential and mixed-use portions follow nonresidential setbacks
Minimum Setbacks, Mixed-Use
Portions of structures that contain residential uses are subject to the setback for residential structures, and portions of structures used for nonresidential uses are subject to the setback requirement for nonresidential structures.
Portions of structures used by both the residential and nonresidential uses are subject to the setback requirement for nonresidential structures.
Minimum Setbacks, Uncovered Parking See §30.175.060, Location of Required Automobile and Bicycle Parking Minimum Setbacks (ft.), Parking See §30.175.060, Location of Required Automobile and Bicycle Parking Front, Street-Facing 35 30 30 25 20 20
Front, Non-Street-Facing 35 30 30 25 20 15
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
40 TABLE 30.20.030.A: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–RESIDENTIAL SINGLE UNIT ZONES Zone RS-1A RS-25 RS-15 RS-10 RS-7.5 RS-6
Interior, Covered – Residential Use 15 10 10 8 6 5
Interior, Covered – Nonresidential Use 30 20 20 16 12 10 Interior, Uncovered 3-foot wide landscape buffer along the interior property line Building Materials Roofing and siding materials shall be nonreflective. Shiny, mirror like, or glossy metallic finishes are prohibited.
Open Yard and Landscape
Open Yards Any lot developed with residential uses must provide open yard pursuant to See §30.140.140, Open Yards
Landscape Any lot developed with residential uses must provide landscape areas pursuant to §30.140.118, Landscape
TABLE 30.20.030.B: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–TWO-UNIT AND MULTI-UNIT ZONES Zone R-2 R-M R-MH
Lot Size and Street Frontage
Minimum Net Lot Area for Newly Created Lots
(sq. ft.)
Average Slope less than 10% 7,000
14,000 14,000
Average Slope 10% to 20% 10,500
Average Slope over 20% to 30% 14,000
Average Slope over 30% 21,000
Minimum Public Street Frontage (ft.)
60 60 60
See §30.140.180, Street Frontage and Access; and
§30.140.120, Location of Lot Lines
Maximum Base Residential Density
Less than 5,000 sq. ft. Net Lot Area 1 unit 1 unit
5,000 to 5,999 sq. ft. Net Lot Area 1 unit 2 units
6,000 to 6,999 sq. ft. Net Lot Area
2 units if average
slope less than
10%, 1 unit
otherwise
2 units
7,000 and more sq. ft. Net Lot Area
Average Slope less than 10% 1 unit/3,500 sq. ft. of
net lot area
3 units, or 1 unit/3,500 sq. ft. of net
lot area, whichever is greater
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
41 TABLE 30.20.030.B: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–TWO-UNIT AND MULTI-UNIT ZONES Zone R-2 R-M R-MH
Average Slope 10% to 20% 1 unit/5,250 sq. ft. of
net lot area
Average Slope over 20% to 30% 1 unit/7,000 sq. ft. of
net lot area
Average Slope over 30% 1 unit/10,500 sq. ft.
of net lot area
Additional Residential Density Allowances
All lots, in compliance with the applicable section
See §30.185.040, Accessory Dwelling Units
See Chapter 30.150, Average Unit-Size Density Incentive Program
See Chapter 30.145, Affordable Housing and Density Bonus and Development Incentives
Structure Form and Location
Minimum Residential Unit Size See §30.140.150, Residential Unit Maximum Height (ft.)
30 45 45
Except as further limited in accordance with §30.140.170, Solar Access Height Limitations
Minimum Setbacks and Stepbacks (ft.),
Residential Structures
See Ch. 30.185, Standards for Specific Uses and Activities See Ch. 30.165, Nonconforming Structures, Site
Development, and Uses
See also §30.140.090, Encroachments into Setbacks and
Open Yards
See Chapter 30.150, Average Unit-Size Density Incentive Program
Front
15; Portions of
structures over 15
feet in height: +5
10; Portions of structures over 25 feet
in height: +10
See also 30.20.030.B, Setback Reduction for Sloping Lots Interior 6 6; Portions of structures over 25 feet
in height: +4
Minimum Setbacks and Stepbacks (ft.),
Nonresidential Structures
See Ch. 30.185, Standards for Specific Uses and Activities See Ch. 30.165, Nonconforming Structures, Site
Development, and Uses
See also §30.140.090, Encroachments
Front
15; Portions of
structures over 15
feet in height: +5
10; Portions of structures over 25 feet
in height: +10
Interior 12; Portions of structures over 25 feet in height: +8
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
42 TABLE 30.20.030.B: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–TWO-UNIT AND MULTI-UNIT ZONES Zone R-2 R-M R-MH
Front
Portions of structures
15 feet or less in
height: 15;
Portions of structures
more than 15 feet in
height: 20;
Street facing covered
parking: 20
See also (B), Setback
Reduction for Sloping
Lots
1st and 2nd Stories: 10
Portions of structures above 2nd
story: 20
Covered parking: 10
Covered parking, street-facing: 20
Interior Covered parking: 3
Other structures: 6
1st and 2nd Stories: 6
Portions of structures above 2nd
story: 10
Covered parking:
● Single-Unit Residential and TwoUnit Residential: 3
● Multi-Unit Residential: 6 except as
provided in (C), Interior Setback
Reduction for Covered Parking on Lots
55 Feet or Less and (D), Interior
Setback for Covered Parking Opposite
the Primary Front Lot Line
Minimum Setbacks (ft.), Nonresidential
Structures
See also §30.140.090, Encroachments into Setbacks and
Open Yards
Front Same as for Residential Structures
Interior (Conversions and Alterations)
Conversions of existing residential structures to
nonresidential structures, or alterations of existing structures that contain nonresidential uses, are subject to the setback requirements for residential structures.
Interior (New or Additions) 12
New nonresidential structures or
additions to existing nonresidential
structures are subject to the following
interior setback:
● 1st and 2nd Stories: 12
● Portions of structures above
2nd story: 20
● Exception: Neighborhood Markets
and Community Gardens are subject
to the setback requirements for
residential structures.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
43 TABLE 30.20.030.B: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–TWO-UNIT AND MULTI-UNIT ZONES Zone R-2 R-M R-MH
Minimum Setbacks and Stepbacks, Mixed-Use
Residential portions follow residential setbacks;
nonresidential and mixed-use portions follow nonresidential setbacks
Minimum Setbacks, Mixed-Use
Portions of structures that contain residential uses are subject to the setback for residential structures, and portions of structures used for nonresidential uses are subject to the setback requirement for nonresidential structures.
Portions of structures used by both the residential and nonresidential uses are subject to the setback requirement for nonresidential structures.
Minimum Setbacks, Uncovered Parking See §30.175.060, Location of Required Automobile and Bicycle Parking
Minimum Setbacks (ft.), Parking See §30.175.060, Location of Required Automobile and Bicycle Parking
Front, Street-Facing 20
Front, Non-Street-Facing
15; Portions of
structures over 15
feet in height: +5
10; Portions of structures over 25 feet
in height: +10
Interior, Covered, 4 or Fewer Spaces –
Residential Use 3
Interior, Covered, 5 or More Spaces –
Residential Use
6; 3 feet on the lot line opposite the primary front lot line. If the lot has two or more front lot lines, only one opposite lot line may qualify for the reduced setback
Interior, Covered, Lots ≤ 55 ft –
Residential Use
May be reduced to 3 feet if:
• The lot is less than 55 feet wide at the location of the covered parking structure,
• The parking opening does not face a street or alley, and • The interior depth of the covered parking structure does not exceed 20 feet
Interior, Covered – Nonresidential Use 12
Interior, Uncovered Parking 3-foot wide landscape buffer along the interior property line Materials Roofing and siding materials must be nonreflective. Shiny, mirror like, or glossy metallic finishes are prohibited Open Yard and Landscape
Open Yards
Any lot developed with residential uses must provide open yard pursuant to See §30.140.140, Open Yards
See Chapter 30.150, Average Unit-Size Density Incentive Program
Landscape Any lot developed with residential uses must provide landscape areas pursuant to §30.140.118, Landscape
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
44 Additional Residential Zone Development Regulations
A. Maximum Floor Area Ratio (Floor to Lot Area Ratio) (FAR) Standards.
1. Measuring Floor Area. For the purposes of determining floor area, refer to Section 30.15.075, Measuring Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
2. Applicability in RS Zones. The Maximum FAR standards apply to any project that increases floor area on a lot, if all of the following apply:
a. The lot is located in an RS zone; and
b. The lot is less than 15,000 square feet in area; and c. The lot is developed, or proposed to be developed, with a building of two or more stories or a height of 17 feet or greater.
3. Maximum FAR Exception. A project that meets the criteria in Subsection A.2 and any of the conditions listed below in Subsection A.3 is prohibited unless a Maximum FAR Exception is approved by the applicable Design Review body:
a. The proposed floor area exceeds 100% of the Maximum FAR for the lot; or b. The proposed floor area exceeds 85% of the Maximum FAR for the lot, and one or more of the following apply:
i. The average slope of the lot or building site is 30% or greater; or ii. The height of any structure on the lot exceeds 25 feet; or iii. The lot is located within the Hillside Design District and 500 or more cubic yards of grading is proposed outside the footprint of the main or accessory buildings.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
45 4. Required Findings for Maximum FAR Exception. The Design Review body must make all of the following findings in order to approve a Maximum FAR Exception pursuant to Subsection A.3:
a. The subject lot has a physical condition—such as location, surroundings, topography, or the size or dimensions of the lot relative to other lots in the neighborhood—that does not generally exist on other lots in the neighborhood; and
b. The physical condition of the lot allows the proposed project to be compatible with existing development within the neighborhood that complies with the applicable Maximum FAR standard.
1. Floor Area, Precluded Development-RS Zones. No application for a Building Permit may be approved for a project in an RS Zone that will: (1) result in an increase of the floor area on the lot; (2) change the location of any floor area on the second or higher story of any structure on the lot; or (3) increase the height of any portion of a structure on the lot to 17 feet or higher if any of the following will occur:
a. The floor area will exceed the allowable maximum floor area for the lot; or b. The floor area will exceed 85% of the allowable maximum floor area and any of the following apply:
i. The average slope of the lot or the building site is 30% or greater, ii. The height of any structure on the lot is more than 25 feet, or iii. The lot is located in the Hillside Design District and 500 or more cubic yards of grading is proposed to occur outside the footprint of the main or accessory buildings. Soil located within five feet of an exterior wall of a main or accessory building that is excavated and recompacted shall not be included in the calculation of the volume of grading outside the building footprint.
2. Measuring Floor Area Pursuant to this Section. In determining floor area pursuant to this section see Section 30.15.070, Measuring Floor Area, and the following:
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
46 a. Below Grade Excluded. On any floor which is partly below and partly above grade, such as a basement, cellar, or understory, the total floor area of that floor may be excluded from the floor to lot area ratio (FAR) if no more than a cumulative total width of 12 feet per elevation has a distance from finished grade to ceiling greater than four feet.
b. Partially Below Grade Reduced. On any floor which is partly below and partly above grade, such as a basement, cellar or understory, the total floor area of that floor may be reduced by 50% from the floor to lot area ratio (FAR) if more than 12 feet, but less than one half the entire length of the perimeter has a distance from grade to ceiling greater than four feet.
c. All Other Floor Area Included. If more than one half the entire length of the perimeter of any floor has a distance from grade to ceiling greater than four feet, it is included in the floor to lot area ratio (FAR).
d. Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Included. Floor area within a portion of a structure designed and permitted as an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit is included.
FIGURE 30.20.030.A.2: MEASURING FLOOR AREA
B. Setback Reduction for Sloping Lots.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
47 1. Residential Single Unit Zones. In Residential Single Unit zones, where the average natural slope of the area within 50 feet of the front lot line is more than 20%, the required front setback and stepback for all stories is reduced by five feet.
2. R-2 Zone. In the R-2 Zone, where the average natural slope of the area within 50 feet of the front lot line is more than 20%, the required front setback and stepback for all stories is reduced to 10 feet.
C. Interior Setback Reduction for Covered Parking on Lots 55 Feet or Less. the required interior setback for covered parking on lots in the R-M or R-MH zone less than 55 feet in width, measured at the location of the covered parking structure, may be reduced to three feet provided the covered parking opening does not face a street or alley and the interior depth of the covered parking structure does not exceed 20 feet.
D. Interior Setback Reduction for Covered Parking Opposite the Primary Front Lot Line. The required interior setback for covered parking on lots in the R-M or RMH zone developed with multi-unit residential may be reduced to three feet on the lot line opposite the primary front lot line. In the event of two or more front lot lines, the setback of only one opposite lot line may be reduced to three feet.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
48 FIGURE 30.20.030.C AND DB: INTERIOR SETBACK REDUCTION FOR COVERED
PARKING
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
49 SECTION 3. Chapter 30.25 of Title 30 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
Chapter 30.25 Commercial and Office Zones
Sections:
30.25.010 Purpose
30.25.020 Land Use Regulations
30.25.030 Development Standards
30.25.010 Purpose.
The specific purposes of the Commercial and Office Zones are to:
A. Provide for the orderly, well-planned, and balanced development of commercial, office, and residential areas.
B. Encourage a mix of uses that promotes convenience, economic vitality, fiscal stability, and a pleasant quality of life.
C. Provide for a full range of commercial, retail, and professional services to serve the city, its residents, employees, and visitors.
D. Promote pedestrian- and transit-oriented mixed-use areas at appropriate locations.
E. Provide appropriate transition between commercial and office uses and adjacent residential zones to preserve commercial feasibility and provide a desirable living environment by preserving and protecting surrounding residential land uses in terms of light, air, and existing visual amenities.
F. Implement and provide appropriate regulations for a variety of multi-unit housing types and mixed-use projects General Plan classifications of Commercial/Medium High Residential, Commercial/High Residential, Office/Medium Density Residential, Office/Medium High Residential, and Office/High Residential.
Additional purposes of each Commercial and Office Zone follow.
O-R Office Restricted. The O-R Zone is intended to provide sites for administrative, financial, business, professional, and public offices as well as a mix of complementary uses. This zone is a transitional zone between major commercial zones and residential zones.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
50 O-M Office Medical. The O-M Zone is intended to provide sites for medical, dental, and related professional offices, and complementary uses, near a major medical facility.
C-R Commercial Restricted. The C-R Zone is intended for pedestrian-oriented commercial development that primarily serves neighborhood needs such as convenience shopping and offices.
C-G Commercial General. The C-G Zone is intended to provide a wide range of commercial uses, serving as the City’s major retail, professional, and service zone.
30.25.020 Land Use Regulations.
Table 30.25.020 prescribes the land use regulations for Commercial and Office Zones.
Use classifications are defined in Chapter 30.295, Use Classifications. In cases where a specific land use or activity is not defined, the Community Development Director shall assign the land use or activity to a classification that is substantially similar in character. Use classifications and subclassifications not listed in the table, or not found to be substantially similar to the uses below, are prohibited.
The table also notes additional land use regulations that apply to various uses. Numbers in parentheses refer to specific limitations listed at the end of the table. Section numbers in the right hand column refer to other sections of this Title.
TABLE 30.25.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the
table
Use Classification O-R O-M C-R C-G Additional Regulations Residential Uses
Residential Housing Types
Single-Unit Residential A A A A
Two-Unit Residential A A A A
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
51 TABLE 30.25.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the
table
Use Classification O-R O-M C-R C-G Additional Regulations Multi-Unit Residential A A A A
Special Residential Unit
Types
Accessory Dwelling Unit A A A A §30.185.040, Accessory Dwelling Units
Caretaker Unit A A A A §30.185.120, Caretaker Unit
Community Care Facilities,
Residential Care Facilities
for the Elderly, and
Hospices
6 or fewer individuals A A A A §30.185.140, Community Care Facilities, Residential Care
Facilities for the Elderly, and
Hospices
7 to 1215 individuals A A A A
More than 1216 or more
individuals CUPPSP CUPPSP CUPPSP CUPPSP
Family Day Care Home A A A A §30.185.230, Large and Small Family Day Care Homes
Small A A A A §30.185.230, Large Family Day
Care Homes Large A A A A
Group Residential PSP PSP PSP PSP §30.185.190, Group Residential Home Occupation A A A A §30.185.200, Home Occupation
Live-Work Unit
Allowed subject to the highest permit level
required for any individual use or
component of the project.
§30.185.240, Live-Work Units
Mobilehome Park CUP(1) CUP(1) CUP(1) CUP(1)
§30.185.280, Mobilehome and
Permanent Recreational Vehicle
Parks
Supportive Housing §30.185.430, Transitional and Supportive Housing Transitional Housing §30.185.430, Transitional and Supportive Housing Public and Semi-Public Uses (2)
Cemetery CUP CUP CUP A
College and Trade School CUP CUP CUP A
Community Assembly CUP CUP CUP A
Community Garden A A A A §30.185.130, Community and
Market Gardens
Cultural Institution CUP CUP CUP A
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
52 TABLE 30.25.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the
table
Use Classification O-R O-M C-R C-G Additional Regulations Day Care Center A/CUP A/CUP A A §30.185.150, Day Care Centers Emergency Shelter CUP CUP CUP CUP §30.185.170, Emergency Shelter Hospitals and Clinics
Hospital – CUP CUP CUP
Clinic CUP A CUP A
Birth Center – A A A
Instructional Services – – A A
Park and Recreation Facility CUP CUP CUP CUP §30.185.350, Recreation Facilities
Public Facilities CUP CUP CUP A
Recreational Vehicle and
Camping Parks, Overnight – – CUP CUP
§30.185.320, Overnight
Recreational Vehicle and
Camping Parks
Recreational Vehicle Parks,
Permanent CUP(1) CUP(1) CUP(1) CUP(1)
§30.185.280, Mobilehome and
Permanent Recreational Vehicle
Parks
Schools CUP CUP CUP A
Skilled Nursing Facility – CUP CUP CUP
Social Service Facilities CUP(3) CUP(3) CUP(3) CUP(3)
Commercial Uses
Adult Entertainment
Facilities – – – A §30.185.060, AdultEntertainment Facilities Agriculture A(21) A(21) A(21) A(21) §30.185.070, Agriculture Animal Care, Sales and
Services
Animal Daycare – – A(4) A(4)
Animal Shelter and
Boarding – – A(5) A(5)
Grooming and Pet Stores – – A(4) A(4)
Veterinary Services – – A(4) A(4)
Artist Studio – – A A
Automated Teller Machine A A A A §30.185.080, Automated Teller Machines
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
53 TABLE 30.25.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the
table
Use Classification O-R O-M C-R C-G Additional Regulations Automobile/Vehicle Sales
and Services
Automobile/Vehicle
Rentals – – A A
Automobile/Vehicle Sales
and Leasing – – – A(6)
Car Washing Facilities – – PSP PSP
§30.185.090, Automobile/Vehicle
Fueling Stations or Car Washing
Facilities
Fueling Station – – PSP(7) PSP
§30.185.090, Automobile/Vehicle
Fueling Stations or Car Washing
Facilities
Service and Repair, Minor – – CUP A
Banks and Financial
Institutions A A/PSP(8) A A §30.185.100, Banks and Financial Institutions in the O-M Zone
Business Services – – A A
Cannabis StorefrontRetailer – – A(19) A(19) Chapter 9.44 Commercial Cannabis Businesses
Commercial Entertainment
and Recreation
Cinema/Theater – – – A
Large-scale – – – CUP §30.185.350, Recreation
Facilities
Small-scale – – A A
Eating and Drinking
Establishments – – A A
Food Preparation – – A(9) A(10) §30.185.380, Seafood Odor Control
Funeral Parlors and
Interment Services – – A A
Hotels and Similar Uses CUP(11) – A A §30.185.220, Hotels and Similar Uses
Maintenance & Repair
Services – – A A
Market Garden A A A A §30.185.130, Community and
Market Gardens
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
54 TABLE 30.25.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the
table
Use Classification O-R O-M C-R C-G Additional Regulations Medical Cannabis
Dispensaries – – – –
Nonconforming Use. Formerly
codified as §30.185.250, Medical
Cannabis Dispensaries
Nurseries and Garden
Centers – – A A
Offices
Business and Professional A A(12) A A
Medical and Dental A A A A
Outdoor Sales and Display – – A(13) A §30.185.300, Outdoor Sales and Display
Outdoor Seating – – A(14) A(14)
Parking, Public or Private A A A A
Personal Services – – A A
Retail Sales
Food and Beverage Retail
Sales – – A A
General Retail – A/PSP(15) A A §30.185.260, Medical Equipment Supply Stores
Neighborhood Market PSP PSP PSP – PSP – §30.185.370, Retail Sales, Neighborhood Market
Industrial Uses
Building Materials and
Services – – – A(16)
Custom Manufacturing – – – A(16)
Food and Beverage
Manufacturing,
Limited/Small Scale
– – A(16) A(16) §30.185.380, Seafood Odor
Control
Household Hazardous
Waste Collection Facility – – A A
Industry, Limited – – – A(16)
Research and Development A(17) – A(17) A
Warehousing and Storage
Personal Storage – – – A(18)
Transportation, Communication, and Utilities Uses
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
55 TABLE 30.25.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the
table
Use Classification O-R O-M C-R C-G Additional Regulations Telecommunications
Facilities §30.185.410, Telecommunications Facilities
Transportation Passenger
Terminals – – – PSP
Public Works and Utilities §30.185.340, Public Works and Utilities Other Applicable Types
Accessory Uses and
Buildings A/PSP A/PSP A/PSP A/PSP §30.185.030, Accessory Uses and §30.140.020, Accessory Buildings
Alcoholic Beverage Retail
Establishments CUP(20) CUP(20) CUP(20) CUP(20) §30.185.075, Alcoholic Beverage Retail Establishments
Animal Keeping A A A A
§30.185.210, Horse Keeping and
SBMC 6.08, Care and Keeping of
Animals
Cannabis Cultivation,
Personal §30.185.110, Cannabis Cultivation for Personal Use Mixed-Use Development
Mixed-Use Development is allowed subject to the regulations of the specific uses and applicable zone and permit requirements for any individual use or component of the project.
Mobilehome §30.185.270, Mobilehomes, Recreational Vehicles, and Modular Units, Individual Use; and §30.185.420 Temporary Uses
Nonconforming Use Chapter 30.165, Nonconforming Uses, Site Development, and Uses Solar Energy Systems §30.140.090.D.8, Solar Energy Systems Encroachments, and §30.185.400, Solar Energy Systems
Temporary Use §30.185.420, Temporary Uses
Specific Limitations
1. Not allowed in a Historic or Landmark District. Allowed within a High Fire Hazard Area if designed to meet high fire construction standards adopted or enforced by the City, as determined by the Chief Building Official or the Fire Code Official.
2. Other public or semi-public facilities not specifically permitted allowed may be allowed in any zone pursuant to Conditional Use Permit approval.
3. Must be located a minimum 300 feet from any other social service facility or emergency shelter.
4. All activities shall be conducted within an enclosed building.
5. Limited to boarding of cats and other household pets, excluding dogs. All activities shall be conducted within an enclosed building. Breeding is not permitted allowed.
6. Limited to sales of used automobiles; new or used motorcycles and mopeds are allowed.
7. Limited to no more than six fuel dispensers, which may each serve two vehicles.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
56 TABLE 30.25.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the
table
Use Classification O-R O-M C-R C-G Additional Regulations
8. Banks with 1,000 square feet of floor area or less per lot are allowed. Banks with more than 1,000 square feet of floor area per lot require Performance Standard Permit approval.
9. Limited to no more than 10 employees at any given time.
10. Limited to no more than 20 employees at any given time.
11. Limited to Hotels located in Structures of Merit or Landmarks pursuant to Chapter 22.22 30.157, Historic Structures Resources or in another structure on the same lot as a Structure of Merit or Landmark used as a Hotel.
12. Limited to offices related to medical and dental field only.
13. Limited to outdoor uses associated with Fueling Stations and Nurseries and Garden Centers.
14. In conjunction with any establishment that serves or sells food or beverages.
15. Limited to pharmacies and medical equipment supply stores. Medical equipment supply stores with 3,000 square feet of floor area or less per lot are allowed. Medical equipment supply stores with more than 3,000 square feet of floor area per lot require a Performance Standard Permit.
16. Limited to no more than 10 employees engaged in manufacturing. Manufacturing activities are limited to accessory uses as defined in §30.185.030, Accessory Uses, and may occupy no more than 25% of the floor area in a structure in the C-R Zone and 50% in the C-G Zone.
17. Limited to the Land Use Regulations, Operational and Performance Standards in Chapter 30.65, Research and Development (RD) Overlay Zone.
18. Individual storage compartments not to exceed 400 square feet in area.
19. Cannabis Storefront-Retailer uses require a commercial cannabis business permit pursuant to Chapter 9.44.
20. Limited to uses permitted allowed in the zone.
21. Agriculture limited to accessory uses only.
30.25.030 Development Standards.
Table 30.25.030 prescribes the development standards for Commercial and Office Zones.
Section numbers refer to other sections of this Title, while individual letters refer to subsections that directly follow the table. Additional regulations that apply throughout the City are located in Division III, Citywide Regulations.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
57 TABLE 30.25.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE ZONES Zone O-R O-M C-R C-G
Lot Size and Street Frontage
Minimum Net Lot Area for Newly
Created Lots (sq. ft.)
None; except 3,500 sq. ft. of net lot area is required for lots that include residential uses
Minimum Public Street Frontage
(ft.)
None, See §30.140.180, Street Frontage and Access; and §30.140.120, Location of Lot Lines
Maximum Base Residential Density
Less than 5,000 sq. ft. Net Lot
Area 1 unit
5,000 to 6,999 sq. ft. Net Lot
Area 2 units
7,000 and more sq. ft. Net Lot
Area 3 units, or 1 unit/3,500 sq. ft. of net lot area, whichever is greater Additional Residential Density Allowances
All lots, in compliance with the
applicable section
See §30.185.040, Accessory Dwelling Units
See §30.140.220, Variable Density in Certain Zones
See Chapter 30.150, Average Unit-Size Density Incentive Program See Chapter 30.145, Affordable Housing and Density Bonus and Development Incentives
Structure Form and Location
Minimum Residential Unit Size
Studio: 220 square feet;
All other units: 400 square feet
See §30.140.150, Residential Unit
Maximum Height (ft.) 45 45 45
45;
60 for Community
Benefit Project or
Community Benefit
Housing Project
(§30.140.100.B)
See also A, Theater
Additions
Additional Height Limitations
Adjacent to all Residential Zones
Height is further limited in accordance with §30.140.170, Solar Access Height Limitations
Minimum Setbacks and
Stepbacks (ft.), Residential
Structures
See Ch. 30.185, Standards for Specific Uses and Activities See Ch. 30.165, Nonconforming Structures, Site Development, and Uses See also §30.140.090, Encroachments into Setbacks and Open Yards See Chapter 30.150, Average Unit-Size Density Incentive Program Front 10; Portions of structures over 25 ft in height: +10
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
58 TABLE 30.25.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE ZONES Zone O-R O-M C-R C-G
Interior 6; Portions of structures over 25 ft in height: +4 Minimum Setbacks and
Stepbacks (ft.), Nonresidential
Structures
See Ch. 30.185, Standards for Specific Uses and Activities See Ch. 30.165, Nonconforming Structures, Site Development, and Uses See also §30.140.090, Encroachments
Front 10; Portions of structures over 25 ft in height:
+10 0
Interior, Adjacent to
Nonresidential Zone
6; Portions of structures over 25 ft in height:
+4 0
Interior, Adjacent to
Residential Zone 10; Portions of structures over 25 ft in height: +10 Minimum Setbacks and
Stepbacks, Mixed-Use
Residential portions follow residential setbacks; nonresidential and mixed-use portions follow nonresidential setbacks.
Minimum Setbacks (ft.), Parking See §30.175.060, Location of Required Automobile and Bicycle Parking Front, Street-Facing 20
Front, Non-Street-Facing –
Nonresidential Use 10 0
Front, Non-Street-Facing –
Residential Use 10
Interior, Covered –
Nonresidential Use 6 0
Interior, Covered, 4 or Fewer
Spaces – Residential Use 3
Interior, Covered, 5 or More
Spaces – Residential Use
6; 3 feet on the lot line opposite the primary front lot line. If the lot has two or more front lot lines, only one opposite lot line may qualify for the reduced setback
Interior, Covered, Lots ≤ 55 ft –
Residential Use
May be reduced to 3 feet if:
• The lot is less than 55 feet wide at the location of the covered parking structure,
• The parking opening does not face a street or alley, and • The interior depth of the covered parking structure does not exceed 20 feet
Interior, Uncovered 3-foot wide landscape buffer along the interior property line Front
Residential only development: Same as R-M
Zone
Nonresidential and mixed-use development:
● 1st and 2nd Stories: 10
● Portions of structure above 2nd story: 20
Residential only
development: Same as
R-M Zone
Nonresidential and
mixed-use
development: 0
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
59 TABLE 30.25.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE ZONES Zone O-R O-M C-R C-G
Interior, Adjacent to a
Nonresidential Zone
Residential only
development: Same as R-M
Zone
Nonresidential and mixed-use
development:
● 1st and 2nd Stories: 6
● Portions of structure above
2nd story: 10
Residential only development: Same as RM Zone
Nonresidential and mixed-use
development: 0
Interior, Adjacent to a
Residential Zone
Residential structures, and the residential portion of any mixed-use development: Same as R-M Zone
Nonresidential structures, and the nonresidential portion of any structure in a mixed-use development, 30 feet or less in height: 15 Nonresidential structures, and the nonresidential portion of any structure in a mixed-use development, more than 30 feet in height: 20 Portions of structures used by both the residential and nonresidential uses are subject to the setback requirement for nonresidential structures.
Uncovered Parking See §30.175.060, Location of Required Automobile and Bicycle Parking Open Yard and Landscape
Open Yards
Any lot developed with residential uses shall provide open yard pursuant to §30.140.140, Open Yards.
See Chapter 30.150, Average Unit-Size Density Incentive Program Landscape Any lot developed with residential uses must provide landscape areas pursuant to §30.140.118, Landscape
Additional Commercial and Office Zone Development Regulations A. Theater Additions. A stage addition to a live performance theater shall not be considered as part of the height of the structure under the following circumstances:
1. The stage addition is devoted solely to rigging fly systems,
2. The addition is made to a theater that existed as of December 31, 2003, and
3. The stage addition does not exceed the height of the theater as such theater existed on December 31, 2003.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
60 SECTION 4. Chapter 30.30 of Title 30 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
Chapter 30.30 Manufacturing Zones
Sections:
30.30.010 Purpose
30.30.020 Land Use Regulations
30.30.030 Development Standards
30.30.010 Purpose.
The specific purposes of the Manufacturing Zones are to:
A. Designate adequate land for manufacturing, research and development, and flexible commercial uses to strengthen the city’s economic base and provide a range of employment opportunities for the city and region.
B. Provide areas for a wide range of manufacturing, industrial processing, and service commercial uses and protect areas where such uses now exist.
C. Implement and provide appropriate regulations for General Plan classifications of Commercial Industrial/Medium High Residential and Industrial.
Additional purposes of each Manufacturing Zone follow.
M-C Manufacturing Commercial. The M-C Zone is intended to accommodate a wide range of limited industrial, residential, retail service, office, and research and development uses.
M-I Manufacturing Industrial. The M-I Zone is intended to provide area for a diverse range of industrial uses, including manufacturing and processing, research and development, fabrication, equipment and service yards, and wholesaling. Retail, office, and other nonresidential uses may be allowed as accessory uses to industrial uses.
30.30.020 Land Use Regulations.
Table 30.30.020 prescribes the land use regulations for Manufacturing Zones.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
61 Use classifications are defined in Chapter 30.295, Use Classifications. In cases where a specific land use or activity is not defined, the Director shall assign the land use or activity to a classification that is substantially similar in character. Use classifications and subclassifications not listed in the table, or not found to be substantially similar to the uses below, are prohibited.
The table also notes additional land use regulations that apply to various uses. Numbers in parentheses refer to specific limitations listed at the end of the table. Section numbers in the right hand column refer to other sections of this Title.
TABLE 30.30.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–MANUFACTURING ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit
Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the table
Use Classification M-C M-I Additional Regulations
Residential Uses
Residential Housing Types
Single-Unit Residential A –
Two-Unit Residential A –
Multi-Unit Residential A –
Special Residential Unit Types
Accessory Dwelling Unit A – §30.185.040, Accessory Dwelling Units Caretaker Unit A A(1) §30.185.120, Caretaker Unit
Community Care Facilities,
Residential Care Facilities for the
Elderly, and Hospices
6 or fewer individuals A –
§30.185.140, Community Care Facilities, Residential
Care Facilities for the Elderly, and Hospices
7 to 12 15 individuals A –
More than 12 16 or more
individuals CUP PSP –
Family Day Care Home A – §30.185.230, Large and Small Family Day Care Homes Small A – §30.185.230, Large Family Day Care Homes
Large A –
Group Residential PSP – §30.185.190, Group Residential
Home Occupation A – §30.185.200, Home Occupation
Live-Work Unit
Allowed
subject to
the highest
permit level
– §30.185.240, Live-Work Units
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
62 TABLE 30.30.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–MANUFACTURING ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit
Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the table
Use Classification M-C M-I Additional Regulations
required for
any
individual
use or
component
of the
project.
Mobilehome Park CUP(2) – §30.185.280, Mobilehome and Permanent Recreational Vehicle Parks
Supportive Housing §30.185.430, Transitional and Supportive Housing Transitional Housing §30.185.430, Transitional and Supportive Housing Public and Semi-Public Uses (3)
Cemetery A –
College and Trade School A A(4)
Community Assembly A –
Community Garden A A §30.185.130, Community and Market Gardens Cultural Institution A –
Day Care Center A – §30.185.150, Day Care Centers
Emergency Shelter A CUP §30.185.170, Emergency Shelter
Hospitals and Clinics
Hospital CUP –
Clinic A –
Birth Center A –
Instructional Services A –
Park and Recreation Facility CUP – §30.185.350, Recreation Facilities Public Facility A A
Recreational Vehicle and Camping
Parks, Overnight CUP(2) – §30.185.320, Overnight Recreational Vehicle andCamping Parks Recreational Vehicle Parks,
Permanent CUP(2) – §30.185.280, Mobilehome and Permanent RecreationalVehicle Parks Schools A –
Skilled Nursing Facility A –
Social Service Facilities CUP(5) CUP(5)
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
63 TABLE 30.30.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–MANUFACTURING ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit
Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the table
Use Classification M-C M-I Additional Regulations
Commercial Uses
Adult Entertainment Facilities A A §30.185.060, Adult Entertainment Facilities Agriculture A(15) A(15) §30.185.070, Agriculture
Animal Care, Sales and Services
Animal Daycare A(6) A
Animal Shelter and Boarding A(7) A
Grooming and Pet Stores A(6) A
Veterinary Services A(6) A
Artist Studio A A
Automated Teller Machine A A §30.185.080, Automated Teller Machines Automobile/Vehicle Sales and
Services
Automobile/Vehicle Rentals A A
Automobile/Vehicle Sales and
Leasing A(8) A(8)
Car Washing Facilities PSP PSP §30.185.090, Automobile/Vehicle Fueling Stations or Car Washing Facilities
Fueling Station PSP A §30.185.090, Automobile/Vehicle Fueling Stations or Car Washing Facilities
Service and Repair, Minor A A
Banks and Financial Institutions A –
Business Services A –
Cannabis Storefront-Retailer – A(13) Chapter 9.44 Commercial Cannabis Businesses Commercial Entertainment and
Recreation
Cinema/Theater A –
Large-scale CUP – §30.185.350, Recreation Facilities
Small-scale A –
Eating and Drinking Establishments A A(9)
Food Preparation A A(10) §30.185.380, Seafood Odor Control Funeral Parlors and Interment
Services A A
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
64 TABLE 30.30.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–MANUFACTURING ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit
Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the table
Use Classification M-C M-I Additional Regulations
Hotels and Similar Uses A – §30.185.220, Hotels and Similar Uses Maintenance and Repair Services A A
Market Garden A A §30.185.130, Community and Market Gardens Medical Cannabis Dispensaries – – Nonconforming Use. Formerly codified as §30.185.250, Medical Cannabis Dispensaries
Nurseries and Garden Centers A A
Offices
Business and Professional A A(9)
Medical and Dental A –
Outdoor Sales and Display A A §30.185.300, Outdoor Sales and Display Outdoor Seating A A
Parking, Public or Private A A
Personal Services A –
Retail Sales
Food and Beverage Retail Sales A A(9)
General Retail A A(9)
Neighborhood Market PSP – – §30.185.370, Retail Sales, Neighborhood Market Industrial Uses
Automobile and Vehicle Repair,
Major A A
Building Materials and Services A A
Commercial Cannabis Business – A(13)
Commercial Vehicle and Equipment
Sales and Rental A A
Construction and Materials Yard A A
Custom Manufacturing A A(10)
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Limited/Small Scale A(11) A/PSP
(12) §30.185.380, Seafood Odor Control
General/Large Scale – A/PSP
(12) §30.185.380, Seafood Odor Control
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
65 TABLE 30.30.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–MANUFACTURING ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit
Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the table
Use Classification M-C M-I Additional Regulations
Hazardous Waste Management
Facility CUP CUP Chapter 30.55, Hazardous Waste Management Facility (HWMF) Overlay Zone Household Hazardous Waste
Collection Facility A A
Industry, General – A
Industry, Limited A A
Recycling Collection Facility A A
Research and Development A A
Salvage and Wrecking CUP CUP
Towing and Impound A A
Warehousing and Storage
Indoor Warehousing and Storage A A
Outdoor Storage – A §30.185.310, Outdoor Storage
Personal Storage A A
Wholesaling and Distribution – A
Transportation, Communication, and Utilities Uses
Freight/Truck Terminals and
Warehouses – A
Light Fleet Based Services A A
Telecommunications Facilities §30.185.410, Telecommunications Facilities Transportation Passenger Terminals A A
Public Works and Utilities §30.185.340, Public Works and Utilities Other Applicable Types
Accessory Uses and Buildings A/PSP A/PSP §30.185.030, Accessory Uses, and §30.140.020, Accessory Buildings
Alcoholic Beverage Retail
Establishments CUP(14) CUP(14) §30.185.075, Alcoholic Beverage Retail Establishments Animal Keeping A A §30.185.210, Horse Keeping and SBMC 6.08, Care and Keeping of Animals
Cannabis Cultivation, Personal §30.185.110, Cannabis Cultivation for Personal Use
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
66 TABLE 30.30.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–MANUFACTURING ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit
Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the table
Use Classification M-C M-I Additional Regulations
Mixed-Use Development
Mixed-Use Development is allowed subject to the regulations of the specific uses and applicable zone and permit requirements for any individual use or component of the project.
Mobilehome §30.185.270, Mobilehomes, Recreational Vehicles, and Modular Units, Individual Use; and §30.185.420 Temporary Uses
Nonconforming Use Chapter 30.165, Nonconforming Uses, Site Development, and Uses Solar Energy Systems §30.140.090.D.8, Solar Energy Systems Encroachments, and §30.185.400, Solar Energy Systems
Temporary Use §30.185.420, Temporary Uses
Specific Limitations
1. Limited to a Caretaker Unit of no more than 400 square feet of net floor area.
2. Not allowed in a Historic or Landmark District. Allowed within a High Fire Hazard Area if designed to meet high fire construction standards adopted or enforced by the City, as determined by the Chief Building Official or the Fire Code Official.
3. Other public or semi-public facilities not specifically permitted allowed may be allowed in any zone pursuant to Conditional Use Permit approval.
4. Limited to industrial-related trade schools.
5. Must be located a minimum 300 feet from any other social service facility or emergency shelter.
6. Outdoor activities may occur between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Activities at all other times shall be conducted within an enclosed building.
7. Limited to the boarding of cats and other household pets, excluding dogs. Outdoor activities may occur between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Activities at all other times shall be conducted within an enclosed building.
Breeding is not permitted allowed.
8. Limited to sales of used automobiles. New or used motorcycles or mopeds are allowed.
9. Only allowed as an accessory use pursuant to §30.185.030, Accessory Uses.
10. Retail sales only allowed as an accessory use. See §30.185.030, Accessory Uses.
11. Seafood processing is not allowed.
12. Seafood processing is only allowed with a PSP.
13. Commercial Cannabis Businesses, as defined in Section 30.295.050.C., require a commercial cannabis business permit pursuant to Chapter 9.44.
14. Limited to uses permitted allowed in the zone.
15. Agriculture limited to accessory uses only.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
67 30.30.030 Development Standards.
Table 30.30.030 prescribes the development standards for Manufacturing Zones. Section numbers refer to other sections of this Title. Additional regulations that apply throughout the City are located in Division III, Citywide Regulations.
TABLE 30.30.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–MANUFACTURING ZONES Zone M-C M-I
Lot Size and Street Frontage
Minimum Net Lot Area for Newly
Created Lots (sq. ft.)
None; except 3,500 sq. ft. of net lot area is required for lots that include residential uses
Minimum Public Street Frontage
(ft.)
None, See §30.140.180, Street Frontage and Access; and §30.140.120, Location of Lot Lines
Maximum Base Residential Density
Less than 5,000 sq. ft. Net Lot Area 1 unit
One Caretaker Unit
See §30.185.120, Caretaker Unit
5,000 to 6,999 sq. ft. Net Lot Area 2 units
7,000 and more sq. ft. Net Lot Area 3 units, or 1 unit/3,500 sq. ft. of net lot area, whichever is greater
Additional Residential Density Allowances
All lots, in compliance with the
applicable section
See §30.185.040, Accessory Dwelling
Units
See Chapter 30.150, Average UnitSize Density Incentive Program See Chapter 30.145, Affordable
Housing and Density Bonus and
Development Incentives
None applicable
Structure Form and Location
Minimum Residential Unit Size
Studio: 220 square feet;
All other units: 400 square feet
See §30.140.150, Residential Unit
Maximum Height (ft.)
45;
60 for Community Benefit Project or Community Benefit Housing Project (§30.140.100.B)
Additional Height Limitations
Adjacent to all Residential Zones
Height is further limited in accordance with §30.140.170, Solar Access Height Limitations
Minimum Setbacks and Stepbacks
(ft.), Residential Structures
See Ch. 30.185, Standards for Specific Uses and Activities See Ch. 30.165, Nonconforming Structures, Site Development, and Uses See also §30.140.090, Encroachments into Setbacks and Open Yards See Chapter 30.150, Average Unit-Size Density Incentive Program Front Setback 10; Portions of structures over 25 ft in height: +10
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
68 TABLE 30.30.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–MANUFACTURING ZONES Zone M-C M-I
Interior Setback 6; Portions of structures over 25 ft in height: +4 Minimum Setbacks (ft.),
Nonresidential Structures
See Ch. 30.185, Standards for Specific Uses and Activities See Ch. 30.165, Nonconforming Structures, Site Development, and Uses See also §30.140.090, Encroachments
Front 0
Interior, Adjacent to
Nonresidential Zone 0
Interior, Adjacent to Residential
Zone 15; Portions of structures over 25 ft in height: +5 Minimum Setbacks and Stepbacks,
Mixed-Use
Residential portions follow residential setbacks; nonresidential and mixeduse portions follow nonresidential setbacks.
Minimum Setbacks (ft.), Parking See §30.175.060, Location of Required Automobile and Bicycle Parking Front, Street-Facing 20
Front, Non-Street-Facing –
Nonresidential Use 0
Front, Non-Street-Facing –
Residential Use 10
Interior, Covered –
Nonresidential Use 0
Interior, Covered, 4 or Fewer
Spaces – Residential Use 3
Interior, Covered, 5 or More
Spaces – Residential Use
6; 3 feet on the lot line opposite the primary front lot line. If the lot has two or more front lot lines, only one opposite lot line may qualify for the reduced setback
Interior, Covered, Lots ≤ 55 ft –
Residential Use
May be reduced to 3 feet if:
• The lot is less than 55 feet wide at the location of the covered parking structure,
• The parking opening does not face a street or alley, and • The interior depth of the covered parking structure does not exceed 20 feet
Interior, Uncovered 3-foot wide landscape buffer along the interior property line Front Residential only structures: Same as R-M Zone
Nonresidential and mixed-use development: 0
Interior, Adjacent to a
Nonresidential Zone
Residential only structures: Same as R-M Zone
Nonresidential and mixed-use development: 0
See §30.185.265, Mixed-Use Projects
Interior, Adjacent to a Residential
Zone
Residential structures and the residential portion of any mixed-use development: Same as R-M Zone
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
69 TABLE 30.30.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–MANUFACTURING ZONES Zone M-C M-I
Nonresidential, and the nonresidential portion of any structure in a mixeduse development, 30 feet in height or less: 15 Nonresidential structures, and the nonresidential portion of any structure in a mixed-use development, more than 30 feet in height: 20 Portions of structures used by both the residential and nonresidential uses are subject to the setback requirement for nonresidential structures.
Uncovered Parking See §30.175.060, Location of Required Automobile and Bicycle Parking Open Yard and Landscape
Open Yards
Any lot developed with residential use shall provide open yard pursuant to §30.140.140, Open Yards.
See Chapter 30.150, Average Unit-Size Density Incentive Program Landscape Any lot developed with residential uses must provide landscape areas pursuant to §30.140.118, Landscape
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
70 SECTION 5. Chapter 30.35 of Title 30 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
Chapter 30.35 Coastal-Oriented Zones
Sections:
30.35.010 Purpose
30.35.020 Land Use Regulations
30.35.030 Development Standards
30.35.010 Purpose.
The purposes of Coastal-Oriented Zones are as follows:
A. Coastal-Oriented Hotel and Restaurant (CO-HR) Zone. The Coastal-Oriented Hotel and Restaurant (CO-HR) Zone, strives to promote, maintain and protect visitor-serving uses. Hotels and restaurants are the primary uses.
B. Coastal-Oriented Hotel and Visitor-Serving (CO-HV) Zone. The Coastal-Oriented Hotel and Visitor-Serving (CO-HV) Zone, because of its proximity to the shoreline and location along two major arteries, strives to promote, maintain and protect visitor-serving and commercial recreational uses. Tourist and traveler related uses shall be encouraged in this zone in a manner which does not detract from the desirability of the shoreline as a place to visit. Residential uses are appropriate in certain areas. Land classified in the CO-HV Zone may also be overlaid with a second classification of being in the Coastal-Oriented Commercial, Arts and Recreation (CO-CAR) Zone.
C. Coastal-Oriented Harbor (CO-H) Zone. The Coastal-Oriented Harbor (CO-H) Zone strives to maintain the harbor as primarily a working harbor with visitor-serving and coastal-related uses secondary to coastal-dependent uses, and that Stearns Wharf will consist of a mixture of visitorserving, and coastal-dependent and coastal-related uses. In addition, this zone is intended to preserve and protect the coastal environment in terms of light, air, and visual amenities.
D. Coastal-Oriented Commercial, Arts, and Recreation (CO-CAR) Zone. The CoastalOriented Commercial, Arts, and Recreation (CO-CAR) Zone strives to achieve balanced use of the City’s Waterfront and maintain the small scale, local character that is unique to the Waterfront area.
Land uses shall be encouraged in this zone that maintain and enhance the desirability of the Waterfront as a place to work, visit, and live. This zone is intended to foster a vital, mixed-use neighborhood and preserve and protect the coastal environment in terms of light, air, and visual
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
71 amenities. Residential uses are appropriate in certain areas. Land classified in the CO-CAR Zone may also be classified in the Coastal-Oriented Hotel and Visitor-Serving (CO-HV) Zone.
E. Coastal-Oriented Manufacturing Industrial (CO-MI) Zone. The Coastal-Oriented Manufacturing Industrial (CO-MI) Zone strives to provide for appropriate coastal-dependent and coastal-related industrial uses in close proximity to the Harbor/Wharf Complex. The zone encourages the establishment of coastal-oriented industrial uses in keeping with the policies of the California Coastal Act and the City’s Local Coastal Plan.
30.35.020 Land Use Regulations.
Table 30.35.020 and the subsections that follow prescribe the land use regulations for CoastalOriented Zones.
Use classifications are defined in Chapter 30.295, Use Classifications. In cases where a specific land use or activity is not defined, the Director shall assign the land use or activity to a classification that is substantially similar in character. Use classifications and subclassifications not listed in the table or not found to be substantially similar to the uses below are prohibited.
The table also notes additional use regulations that apply to various uses. Numbers in parentheses refer to specific limitations listed at the end of the table. Section numbers in the right-hand column refer to other sections of this Title.
TABLE 30.35.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–COASTAL-ORIENTED ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the table
Use Classification CO-HR CO-HV CO-H CO-CAR CO-MI Additional Regulations Residential Uses
Residential Uses – A – A –
§30.185.360, Residential
Uses in the CO-HV and COCAR Zones
§30.185.040, Accessory
Dwelling Units
Public and Semi-Public Uses
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
72 TABLE 30.35.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–COASTAL-ORIENTED ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the table
Use Classification CO-HR CO-HV CO-H CO-CAR CO-MI Additional Regulations College and Trade School – – – A(1) –
Community Assembly CUP CUP CUP(2) CUP –
Cultural Institution – A A(2) A –
Harbor, Port, and Marina
Facilities – – A – –
Instructional Services – – – A –
Park and Recreation Facilities – – – A – §30.185.350, Recreation Facilities
Public Facility – – A(3) A(3) CUP
Commercial Uses
Aquaculture Facilities – – – A –
Artist Studio – – – A –
Automobile/Vehicle Sales and
Services
Automobile/Vehicle Rentals – A/CUP
(4) A(4) A/CUP
(4) A(4)
Automobile/Vehicle Sales and
Leasing – A(5) A(2,5) A(5) A(5)
Fueling Station – CUP(6) PSP(3) CUP CUP
§30.185.090,
Automobile/Vehicle Fueling
Stations or Car Washing
Facilities
Service and Repair, Minor – – A(5) A(5) A(5)
Business Services – – – A(7) –
Commercial Entertainment
and Recreation
Small-scale – – – A –
Eating and Drinking
Establishments A(6) A A(2) A –
Hotels and Similar Uses A A – CUP – §30.185.220, Hotels and Similar Uses
Maintenance and Repair
Services – – A(5) A(5) A(5)
Offices
Business and Professional – CUP(8) A(2,9) A(9) –
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
73 TABLE 30.35.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–COASTAL-ORIENTED ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the table
Use Classification CO-HR CO-HV CO-H CO-CAR CO-MI Additional Regulations Parking, Public or Private – A A A A
Retail Sales
Food and Beverage Sales – A(6,10) A(2,10) A(10) –
General Retail – A(11) A(2,11) A(11) –
Industrial Uses
Automobile and Vehicle
Repair, Major – – A(5) A(5) A(5)/CUP
Custom Manufacturing – – – A A(5)/
CUP
Food and Beverage
Manufacturing – – PSP(12) PSP(12)
PSP
(12)
§30.185.380, Seafood Odor
Control
Hazardous Waste
Management Facility – – – – CUP
Chapter 30.55, Hazardous
Waste Management Facility
(HWMF) Overlay Zone
Household Hazardous Waste
Collection Facility – – A(13) – A
Industry, Limited – – A(5) A(5) A(5)/
CUP
Research and Development – – – A(3) A(3)/
CUP
Warehousing and Storage – – A(5) A(5) A(5)/
CUP
§30.185.310, Outdoor
Storage
Transportation, Communication, and Utilities Uses
Public Works and Utilities – – – – CUP
Other Applicable Types
Accessory Uses and Buildings A A A A A
§30.185.030, Accessory
Uses and §30.140.020,
Accessory Buildings
Alcoholic Beverage Retail
Establishments CUP(14) CUP(14) CUP(14) CUP(14) CUP(14)
§30.185.075, Alcoholic
Beverage Retail
Establishments
Animal Keeping – A – A –
§30.185.210, Horse
Keeping and SBMC 6.08,
Care and Keeping of
Animals
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
74 TABLE 30.35.020: LAND USE REGULATIONS–COASTAL-ORIENTED ZONES “A” Allowed Use
“PSP” Performance Standard Permit Required
“CUP” Conditional Use Permit Required
“–“ Use Not Allowed
“(#)” Specific Limitations at the end of the table
Use Classification CO-HR CO-HV CO-H CO-CAR CO-MI Additional Regulations Cannabis Cultivation, Personal §30.185.110, Cannabis Cultivation for Personal Use Mixed-Use Development
Mixed-Use Development is allowed subject to the regulations of the specific uses and applicable zone and permit requirements for any individual use or component of the project.
Mobilehome §30.185.270, Mobilehomes, Recreational Vehicles, and Modular Units, Individual Use; and §30.185.420 Temporary Uses
Nonconforming Use Chapter 30.165, Nonconforming Uses, Site Development, and Uses Solar Energy Systems §30.140.090.D.8, Solar Energy Systems Encroachments, and §30.185.400, Solar Energy Systems
Temporary Use §30.185.420, Temporary Uses
Specific Limitations:
1. Limited to schools for the arts or coastal-oriented education facilities.
2. Limited to Stearns Wharf or as secondary harbor uses.
3. Limited to marine-related facilities.
4. Allowed if boat, boat trailer, or personal watercraft rental, CUP for automobile rental in the CO-HV and CO-CAR Zones only.
5. Limited to boats, personal watercraft, and marine-related equipment, CUP in the CO-MI Zone for other uses allowed in the M-I Zone.
6. Food and Beverage Sales, Eating and Drinking Establishments-Convenience, and Fueling Stations are not allowed in the area bounded by Cabrillo Boulevard on the southeast, Los Patos Way on the southwest and the existing railroad right-of-way on the north, due to concerns about protection of the sensitive habitat character and aesthetics of the Andree Clark Bird Refuge, except that Food and Beverage Sales are allowed as an accessory use.
7. Limited to printing and copying, blueprint services, advertising and mailing, photo finishing, model building, and publishing.
8. Limited to the second and third floors of commercial structures and where the Review Authority makes the required findings pursuant to subsection B, below.
9. Limited to offices of businesses or persons engaged in coastal-related activities.
10. Limited to 2,500 square feet of floor area per lot.
11. Limited to uses that are primarily coastal-related, coastal-dependent, visitor-serving, or of a commercial recreational nature specific to the Coastal Zone such as bait and tackle shops, marine supply and related equipment sales, specialty and gift shops, and bicycle, roller skating, moped, dive gear, surfing, and other recreational equipment rental stores.
12. Limited to seafood facilities.
13. Allowed as a secondary harbor use only when limited to facilities exclusively serving the area within the CO-H Zone.
14. Limited to uses permitted allowed in the zone.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
75 A. Dual Zoning: CO-HV and CO-CAR. The land uses allowances within the CO-HV Zone and the CO-CAR Zone apply within the dual CO-CAR/CO-HV Zone.
B. Additional Land Use Regulations: CO-HV Zone.
1. Required Findings for Business and Professional Offices. Business and Professional Offices may only be allowed where the Review Authority finds that:
a. The use is compatible with visitor-serving uses;
b. Visitor-serving uses remain the primary use of the structure; and c. Non-visitor-serving uses do not exceed 50% of the total square footage of the structure.
2. Other Allowed Uses in the CO-HV Zone. Other visitor-serving or commercial recreational uses deemed appropriate by the Planning Commission are allowed in the COHV Zone.
C. Additional Land Use Regulations: CO-H Zone.
1. Other Allowed Uses and Development in the CO-H Zone. The following uses and development are allowed in the CO-H Zone.
a. Primary Harbor Uses: Other coastal-dependent uses as deemed appropriate by the Planning Commission.
b. Secondary Harbor Uses: Other coastal-related uses as deemed appropriate by the Planning Commission.
c. Stearns Wharf Uses: Other coastal-dependent, coastal-related, and visitorserving uses as deemed appropriate by the Planning Commission.
2. Five Year Review of Uses. At least once every five years from March 30, 1993, the Board of Harbor Commissioners shall review the extent and nature of the uses existing in the Harbor and Shoreline Area of the CO-H Zone and make a recommendation to the Planning Commission regarding the adequacy of coastal-dependent uses (Harbor primary uses) in relation to coastal-related and visitor-serving uses (Harbor secondary uses) in order
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
76 to assure that the harbor remains a working harbor. A review of the mix of uses may occur at any other time at the direction of the Board of Harbor Commissioners or Planning Commission. Subsequent reviews shall be at five year intervals thereafter. The Coastal Commission shall receive a copy of the recommendation and accompanying background materials associated with each review.
D. Additional Land Use Regulations: CO-CAR Zone. Other coastal-dependent, coastaloriented, commercial recreational, or arts-related uses that are found to be consistent with the intent of the CO-CAR Zone by the Planning Commission are allowed in the CO-CAR Zone.
E. Additional Land Use Regulations: CO-MI Zone. The following uses and development are allowed in the CO-MI Zone.
1. Other coastal-related uses deemed appropriate by the Planning Commission.
2. Any other use permitted allowed in the M-I Zone subject to the restrictions and limitations contained therein and issuance of a Conditional Use Permit. A Conditional Use Permit may be granted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 30.215, Conditional Use Permits, subject to the following additional findings:
a. The use is compatible with coastal-dependent or coastal-related uses; and b. The property would have no feasible economic value if limited to coastaldependent or coastal-related uses. This finding shall be substantiated by competent evidence determined by the Planning Commission to be objective which includes no present or future demand for coastal-dependent or coastal-related uses. Structures in existence or developments which have a valid and unexpired approval from the Coastal Commission on the effective date of this subsection may be used for all uses permitted allowed in the M-I Zone.
30.35.030 Development Standards.
Table 30.35.030 prescribes the development standards for Coastal-Oriented Zones. Section numbers refer to other sections of this Title. Additional regulations that apply throughout the City are located in Division III, Citywide Regulations.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
77 TABLE 30.35.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–COASTAL-ORIENTED ZONES Zone CO-HR CO-HV CO-H
CO-CAR
[CO-HV/CO-CAR(A)] CO-MI
Lot Size and Street Frontage
Minimum Net Lot Area for Newly
Created Lots (sq. ft.)
None; except 3,500 sq. ft. of net lot area is required for lots that include residential uses
Minimum Public Street Frontage
(ft.)
None, See §30.140.180, Street Frontage and Access; and §30.140.120, Location of Lot Lines
Minimum Net Lot Area for Newly
Created Lots (sq. ft.) None
Lots that include
residential
uses: 3,500
Otherwise: None
None
Lots that include
residential
uses: 3,500
Otherwise: None
None
Minimum Public Street Frontage None Structures and
portions of
structures used
for residential
purposes: Same as
R-M Zone
Otherwise: None
None Structures and
portions of
structures used for
residential
purposes: Same as
R-M Zone
Otherwise: None
None
See §30.140.180, Street Frontage and Access; and §30.140.120, Location of Lot Lines
Residential Density
Maximum Base Residential
Density
N/A Structures and
portions of
structures used
for residential
purposes: Same as
R-M Zone
Otherwise: N/A
N/A Structures and
portions of
structures used for
residential
purposes: Same as
R-M Zone
Otherwise: N/A
N/A
Additional Density Allowances N/A N/A N/A
Structure Form and Location
Maximum Height (ft.) 45;
30 when located in the area
bounded by Cabrillo Boulevard
on the southeast, Los Patos
Way on the southwest and the
existing railroad right-of-way
on the north
30 45 Same as MI
Zone
Adjacent to RS or R-2 Zone N/A N/A N/A N/A Same as MI
Zone
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
78 TABLE 30.35.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–COASTAL-ORIENTED ZONES Zone CO-HR CO-HV CO-H
CO-CAR
[CO-HV/CO-CAR(A)] CO-MI
Additional Height Limitations
Adjacent to all Residential Zones
Height is further limited in accordance with §30.140.170, Solar Access Height Limitations
Minimum Setbacks and
Stepbacks (ft.)
Residential Structures
See Ch. 30.185, Standards for Specific Uses and Activities See Ch. 30.165, Nonconforming Structures, Site Development, and Uses See also §30.140.090, Encroachments into Setbacks and Open Yards See Chapter 30.150, Average Unit-Size Density Incentive Program Front
10; Portions of structures over 15 feet in
height: +10;
Portions of structures over 15 feet in
height and when located in the area
bounded by Cabrillo Boulevard on the
southeast, Los Patos Way on the
southwest and the existing railroad
right-of-way on the north: +90
10; Portions of structures over 25
feet in height: +10
Interior 6; Portions of structures over 25 feet in height: +4 Minimum Setbacks and
Stepbacks (ft.), Nonresidential
Structures
See Ch. 30.185, Standards for Specific Uses and Activities See Ch. 30.165, Nonconforming Structures, Site Development, and Uses See also §30.140.090, Encroachments
Front 0
Interior, Adjacent to
Nonresidential Zone 0
Interior, Adjacent to Residential
Zone 15; Portions of structures over 25 feet in height: +5 Front Portions of structures 15 feet
or less: 10
Portions of structures more
than 15 feet in height: 20;
100 when located in the area
bounded by Cabrillo Boulevard
on the southeast, Los Patos
Way on the southwest and the
existing railroad right-of-way
on the north
None Residential only
development: Same
as R-M Zone
Otherwise: None
None
Interior, Adjacent to a
Nonresidential Zone
None 0 None
0 Residential only
development: Same
as R-M Zone
Otherwise: None
None
0 Interior, Adjacent to a Residential
Zone
Residential structures, and the
residential portions of mixedNone
0 Residential only
development: Same
as R-M Zone
None
0
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
79 TABLE 30.35.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–COASTAL-ORIENTED ZONES Zone CO-HR CO-HV CO-H
CO-CAR
[CO-HV/CO-CAR(A)] CO-MI
use development: Same as R-M
Zone
Nonresidential structures and
the nonresidential portions of
any structure in a mixed-use
development, 30 feet in height
or less: 15
Nonresidential structures, and
the nonresidential portion of
any structure in a mixed-use
development, more than 30
feet in height: 20
Portions of structures used by
both the residential and
nonresidential uses are subject
to the setback requirement for
nonresidential structures.
Otherwise: None
Uncovered Parking See §30.175.060, Location of Required Automobile and Bicycle Parking Minimum Setbacks and
Stepbacks, Mixed-Use
Residential portions follow residential setbacks; nonresidential and mixeduse portions follow nonresidential setbacks Minimum Setbacks (ft.), Parking See §30.175.060, Location of Required Automobile and Bicycle Parking Front, Street-Facing 20
Front, Non-Street-Facing –
Nonresidential Use
0 Front, Non-Street-Facing –
Residential Use
10 Interior, Covered –
Nonresidential Use
0 Interior, Covered, 4 or Fewer
Spaces – Residential Use
3 Interior, Covered, 5 or More
Spaces – Residential Use
6; 3 feet on the lot line opposite the primary front lot line. If the lot has two or more front lot lines, only one opposite lot line may qualify for the reduced setback
Interior, Covered, Lots ≤ 55 ft –
Residential Use
May be reduced to 3 feet if:
• The lot is less than 55 feet wide at the location of the covered parking structure,
• The parking opening does not face a street or alley, and • The interior depth of the covered parking structure does not exceed 20 feet Interior, Uncovered 3-foot wide landscape buffer along the interior property line Open Yard and Landscape
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
80 TABLE 30.35.030: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS–COASTAL-ORIENTED ZONES Zone CO-HR CO-HV CO-H
CO-CAR
[CO-HV/CO-CAR(A)] CO-MI
Open Yards Any lot developed with residential uses shall provide open yard pursuant to §30.140.140, Open Yards.
See Chapter 30.150, Average Unit-Size Density Incentive Program Landscape Any lot developed with residential uses must provide landscape areas pursuant to §30.140.118, Landscape
A. Dual Zoning: CO-HV and CO-CAR. The CO-CAR Zone development standards shall apply to all development projects on land with a dual CO-HV/CO-CAR zoning designation.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
81 SECTION 6. Chapter 30.140 of Title 30 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
Division III: Citywide Regulations
Chapter 30.140 General Site Regulations
Sections:
30.140.010 Purpose and Applicability
30.140.020 Accessory Buildings
30.140.025 Balconies and Upper Story Decks
30.140.030 Building Attachment
30.140.040 Development Adjacent to
Unincorporated Lots
30.140.050 Development Along Mission
Creek
30.140.060 Development on Lots Divided by
Zone Boundaries
30.140.070 Development on Substandard
and Publicly Reduced Lots
30.140.080 Discontinuation of Use
30.140.090 Encroachments into Setbacks and
Open Yards
30.140.100 Exceptions to Height Limitations
30.140.110 Fences and Hedges
30.140.112 Garage Conversions
30.140.115 Guest Houses
30.140.118 Landscape
30.140.120 Location of Lot Lines
30.140.130 Mechanical and Other
Equipment
30.140.140 Open Yards
30.140.141 Patio Covers
30.140.145 Privacy Standards for Upper
Stories
30.140.150 Residential Unit
30.140.155 Screening
30.140.160 Setbacks and Stepbacks
30.140.170 Solar Access Height Limitations
30.140.180 Street Frontage and Access
30.140.190 Street Widening Setback Lines
30.140.200 Substantial Redevelopment
30.140.210 Swimming Pools
30.140.220 Reserved Trash, Recycling, and
Personal Outdoor Storage
30.140.230 Visibility at Driveways and
Intersections
30.140.240 Waste, Recycling, and Outdoor
Storage
30.140.240 Yard Buildings
30.140.010 Purpose and Applicability.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
82 The purpose of this chapter is to prescribe development and site regulations that apply, except where specifically stated, to development in all zones. These standards shall be used in conjunction with the standards for each zone established in Division II, Zone Regulations. In any case of conflict, the more restrictive standards shall apply.
30.140.020 Accessory Buildings.
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish objective standards for accessory buildings to ensure that such structures are subordinate to the primary use and reflect the size and appearance of surrounding development. These standards regulate the location, size, height, design, and use of accessory buildings to minimize impacts on privacy, scale, and visual character.
A. B. Applicability. The standards in this section apply to all lots developed with residential uses, and accessory buildings used for agricultural purposes, community gardens, and market gardens. The provisions of this section These standards apply to:
1. aAll attached and detached covered parking structures, and
2. aAll other detached accessory buildings and structures, whether enclosed or unenclosed, that have having a solid roof supported by columns or walls. located on lots developed with Residential, Agriculture, Community Garden, or Market Garden uses. Attached accessory buildings consistent with Section 30.140.030, Building Attachment, are not subject to this section, and are considered part of the main building subject to all of the standards and regulations of the main building.
B.C. Types of Regulated Accessory Buildings. Accessory buildings are defined in Chapter 30.300, Definitions, and may include, but are not limited to include the following:
1. Covered Parking Structures. Garage or carport, whether attached or detached.
2. Livable Accessory Buildings. Detached, roofed, enclosed structures designed for human habitation or occupancy. Examples include Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), guest houses, home offices, or similar habitable spaces.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
83 3. Non-Livable Accessory Buildings. Detached, roofed structures not designed or intended for human habitation. Examples include workshops, greenhouses, agricultural buildings, barns, pens, stables, sheds, and storage rooms.
D. Exempt Accessory Structures. The following types of structures are not subject to the provisions of this section:
1. Attached Enclosed Spaces. Livable or non-livable spaces that are attached to and part of the main building pursuant to Section 30.140.030, Building Attachment, and not used for covered parking. These include enclosed additions such as storage rooms, studios, or other interior spaces regardless of whether they have interior access to the main building.
These structures are subject to all standards and regulations applicable to the main building.
2. Attached Unenclosed Areas. Exterior roofed shade or entry features such as arcades, porticoes, porches, trellises, gazebos, patio covers, and similar, that are attached to the main building, unenclosed, and are not designed or used for covered parking.
3. Unroofed Structures. Structures without a solid roof, such as fountains, hot tubs, benches, fences, open trellises, and unroofed decks.
4. Yard Buildings. Minor accessory buildings meeting the standards in Section
30.140.240, Yard Buildings.
Accessory buildings are defined in Chapter 30.300, Definitions, and may include, but are not limited to, non-livable buildings used as garages, carports, workshops, barns, greenhouses, agricultural buildings, pens, stables, sheds, and storage rooms; and livable floor area such as detached Accessory Dwelling Units, bedrooms, playrooms, or guestrooms.
C.E. Residential Units in Accessory Buildings. The unauthorized use of accessory buildings for residential purposes is prohibited. Unauthorized or unpermitted Residential Building Elements listed in subsection 30.140.150.E, Determination of Residential Unit, shall not be installed in an accessory building without first obtaining all required City approvals and permits. Bathing facilities, more than one sink, or a kitchen are prohibited unless approved as a residential unit, or an accessory dwelling unit pursuant to subsection D, Additional Residential Building Elements, below and a Performance Standard Permit, Chapter 30.255
D.F. Additional Residential Building Elements.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
84 1. An accessory building is limited to the following residential building elements:
a. One partial bathroom (a room with only a toilet and lavatory sink); or b. One utility or bar sink.
2. A full bathroom with bathing facilities, more than one sink, or a kitchen are prohibited in accessory buildings. The installation of any cooking appliance, including but not limited to a stove, range, microwave, toaster oven, hot plate, or similar device, is considered a kitchen.
3. Exceptions to these limitations may be approved as follows:
a. The building is approved as a residential unit or an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU); or
b. The building is approved as a guest house consistent with the standards in Section 30.140.115, Guest Houses; or
c. Additional residential building elements are approved pursuant to this subsection and granted a Performance Standard Permit in accordance with Chapter 30.255.
4. The Community Development Director may determine whether proposed residential building elements would result in separate residential occupancy. A Performance Standard Permit issued under Subsection F.3.c must include a condition of approval providing for the automatic expiration of limited-term approvals or rescission of the permit if the City determines there is evidence of separate residential occupancy.
The additional residential building elements that may be considered for a Performance Standard Permit, are limited to those which in the determination of the Community Development Director would not result in separate residential occupancy. The Performance Standard Permit shall include a Recorded Agreement providing for the automatic expiration of limited term approvals, or rescission of the permit or approval, if the City determines there is evidence of separate residential occupancy.
E.G. Relation to Existing Structures. Accessory buildings and structures may only be constructed on a lot on which there is a permitted main building or land use to which the accessory building is related, with the exception of accessory buildings and structures used for Agriculture, Community Garden, or Market Garden uses, pursuant to Section 30.185.070, Agriculture, and Section 30.185.130, Community and Market Gardens.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
85 F.H. Setbacks.
1. Accessory buildings and structures shall comply with the minimum setback requirements of main buildings in the zone, except as provided in Subsections H.2 through H.4.
2. One-story accessory buildings less than 17 feet in height and not exceeding 1,000 square feet may use the same setback as covered parking structures serving four or fewer spaces, or as allowed by Section 30.140.090, Encroachments into Setbacks and Open Yards.
3. Accessory buildings used for the care and keeping of animals shall be subject to the distance limitations in Title 6 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code.
4. Accessory buildings used for agricultural operations are subject to the distance limitations in Section 30.185.070, Agriculture.
G.I. Maximum Height. Accessory buildings or structures shall not exceed two stories and 30 feet in height, or as otherwise limited by this Title.
H.J. Front Yard Limitation. Detached accessory buildings, except covered parking or a building used exclusively as an Accessory Dwelling Unit approved under Section 30.185.040, are prohibited in a front yard.
K. Design Style. New accessory buildings, additions to accessory buildings, and exterior alterations must incorporate architectural elements that either match the exterior materials, colors, and finishes of the main building, or existing accessory building. Roof form and pitch, window proportions, and door styles must be consistent with those of the main building. Variations may be approved by the applicable Design Review body if the proposed design does not adversely affect the visual character of the site or surrounding area.
I. Design Review Required. Design review approval by the appropriate Design Review body pursuant to Title 22 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code shall be required for any new building, additions, or other exterior alterations to an existing accessory building, when any of the following apply:
1. The aggregate floor area of all detached accessory buildings on the lot is greater than 500 square feet; or
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
86 2. The cumulative total of all buildings, or portions of buildings, on the lot providing covered parking, result in three or more covered parking spaces on the lot.
Exception for Accessory Dwelling Units. Design review approval under this subsection is not required for any portion of an accessory building proposed for use as an Accessory Dwelling Unit approved under Section 30.185.040, Accessory Dwelling Units.
J.L. Maximum Floor Area – Single-Unit Residential Uses. The provisions of this subsection shall apply to all development located in single unit zones; or in all zones, on lots developed with a single residential unit, Single-Unit Residential use, as defined in Section 30.295.020.A.1, and no other principal uses. Agriculture pursuant to Section 30.185.070, or Community and Market Gardens pursuant to Section 30.185.130. The maximum floor area for attached or detached covered parking and other detached accessory buildings and structures is as follows:
1. Maximum Total Square Footage Per Lot.
a. Lots less than 5,000 square feet: 1,000 square feet
b. Lots 5,000 square feet up to 9,999 square feet: 1,300 square feet c. Lots 10,000 square feet up to 14,999 square feet: 1,500 square feet d. Lots 15,000 square feet up to 19,999 square feet: 1,750 square feet e. Lots 20,000 square feet or larger: 1,950 square feet
2. Covered Parking. Other than to permit the construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit pursuant to Section 30.185.040, detached accessory buildings in excess of 500 square feet shall not be permitted unless the total amount of required covered parking is provided per Chapter 30.175, Parking Regulations.
3. Maximum in a Single Building. The maximum floor area in any single detached building shall not exceed 1,250 square feet. The floor area of an Accessory Dwelling Unit attached to or constructed above a new or existing covered parking structure shall not be included in the calculation of floor area pursuant to this subsection.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
87 4. Maximum Livable Floor Area. The maximum cumulative detached livable floor area in accessory buildings per lot, excluding the livable floor area of a permitted Accessory Dwelling Unit, shall not exceed 500 square feet.
M. Rooftop Decks Prohibited. No rooftop deck or rooftop viewing area shall be placed on the roof of an accessory building or structure unless approved by the applicable Design Review body.
30.140.025 Balconies and Upper Story Decks
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish objective standards that allow balconies and upper story decks as architectural features while minimizing visual and privacy impacts on surrounding properties.
B. Privacy Standards – Single-Unit and Two-Unit Residential Development. All new or altered upper story unenclosed landings, decks, and balconies on lots developed with single-unit or two-unit residential development must comply with all of the following standards:
1. Size and Placement.
a. The structure must not exceed 16 feet in width and 10 feet in depth, exclusive of handrails, guardrails, wing walls, and uncovered steps. b. Only one balcony or deck is permitted per building façade. Balconies or decks on the same façade or on façades that meet at a building corner must not be combined into a single structure that exceeds 16 feet in width or 10 feet in depth.
2. Setback from Lot Lines. Any upper-story unenclosed landing, deck, or balcony greater than 20 square feet must be located a minimum of 15 feet from all interior lot lines and meet the front setback or comply with allowed encroachments pursuant to Section
30.140.090, Encroachments.
3. Rooftop Decks. Rooftop decks are prohibited unless approved by the applicable Design Review body pursuant to Chapter 30.220.
4. Exceptions. Variations to the privacy standards in this subsection may be approved by the applicable Design Review body, provided the structure complies with all applicable base zone setback and development standards.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
88 C. Encroachments.
1. Setbacks. The cantilevered portion of a balcony or upper story deck may encroach into front setbacks, but not interior setbacks, consistent with Section 30.140.090, Encroachments, provided no new ground supports are placed within the setback area.
2. Stepbacks. An unenclosed balcony, deck, terrace, or similar usable open space may be located within an upper story stepback, provided there is no further encroachment beyond the plane of the floor below.
D. Open Yards.
1. Qualifying Open Yard Area. Balconies and upper story decks may be used to satisfy the required open yard area for multi-unit and mixed-use projects consistent with the standards in Section 30.140.140, Open Yards.
2. Overhangs into Open Yards. A balcony or upper story deck may overhang into required open yards, consistent with Section 30.140.090, Encroachments.
E. Uncovered Structures. The portion of a balcony or upper story deck that encroaches into a required setback, stepback, or open yard must:
1. Remain uncovered, except for an awning; or
2. Be located above or below another balcony or upper story deck, provided there are no direct vertical connections between them, such as stairs, ladders, or structural supports, other than the wall from which they are cantilevered. A minimum vertical clearance of seven feet shall be maintained, measured from grade or the top of the lower balcony slab to the underside of the balcony slab directly above.
F. Guardrail and Windscreen Materials.
1. Transparency and Height.
a. Guardrails shall not exceed 42 inches in height, or the minimum height required by the Building Code, whichever is greater.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
89 b. Guardrails shall not exceed 50% opacity, consisting of open elements such as bars, balusters, or railings. Solid materials, including glass panels, are not considered open elements and do not meet this transparency requirement unless otherwise approved by the applicable Design Review body.
c. Variations to these guardrail standards may be approved by the applicable Design Review body to ensure consistency with the building’s architectural style, as defined in applicable design guidelines.
2. Reflective Materials. Glass or other reflective materials used on windscreens or guardrails must be oriented or treated to minimize glare onto streets, pedestrians, or surrounding structures.
G. Lighting. All outdoor lighting associated with decks, balconies, exterior stairways, and landings shall be fully shielded and downward directed to prevent light trespass onto adjacent properties.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
90 FIGURE 30.140.025: BALCONIES AND UPPER STORY DECKS
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
91 30.140.030 Building Attachment.
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish objective standards for determining when buildings and structures are considered attached or detached. These standards ensure consistent application of development standards and promote a cohesive architectural relationship between main and accessory buildings on a property.
A. B. Applicability. The provisions of this section apply to all main and accessory buildings, or portions thereof, and structures having a solid roof supported by columns or walls. All buildings and structures must either be classified as attached or detached in accordance with the standards in this section.
If a building or roofed structure or portion of a building or roofed structure, does not meet the minimum connection standards of Subsection 30.140.030.B, Required Minimum Connection, below, the building or roofed structure, or portion of a building or roofed structure, shall be subject to all of the standards and limitations for separate main or accessory buildings in this Title.
C. Required Separation. Any building, roofed structure, or portion thereof that does not meet the minimum connection standards in Subsection D shall be considered detached. Detached buildings or structures must be physically separated and unconnected from other buildings or structures and are subject to all applicable standards and limitations for detached main or accessory buildings under this Title.
B.D Required Minimum Connection. Buildings or roofed structures shall be considered attached when the structures meet the following minimum connection standards.:
1. Enclosed Buildings. Enclosed buildings shall be considered attached when the buildings share either:
a. A common building wall or floor-to-ceiling connection with minimum dimensions a minimum of eight feet by eight feet of common building wall, or floor to ceiling connection; or
b. An interior connection, such as a hallway or room, with share a minimum dimensions of seven feet by seven feet of interior connection, such as a hallway or room.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
92 2. Unenclosed Structures. Unenclosed roofed structures such as carports, patio covers, or similar, shall be are considered attached when they share a solid roof connection with a minimum dimension of eight feet. An unenclosed structure, such as a breezeway, shall not be used to attach enclosed buildings. Breezeways or other similar unenclosed connections do not qualify as attachment between enclosed buildings.
FIGURE 30.140.030: BUILDING ATTACHMENT
30.140.040 Development Adjacent to Unincorporated Lots.
Where development is subject to limitations based upon the adjacent lot, and the adjacent lot is located outside the City of Santa Barbara City Limit, the adjacent lot shall be regarded as within the
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
93 City of Santa Barbara in a zone most similar in terms of allowed uses or maximum residential density to the lot’s zoning in the subject jurisdiction, as determined by the Community Development Director.
30.140.050 Development Along Mission Creek.
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide controls on development adjacent to the bed of Mission Creek within the City of Santa Barbara. These controls are necessary:
1. To prevent undue damage or destruction of developments by flood waters;
2. To prevent development on one parcel from causing undue detrimental impact on adjacent or downstream properties in the event of flood waters; and
3. To protect the public health, safety and welfare.
B. Applicability. No person may construct, build, or place a development within the area described in Subsection 30.140.050.C, Development Limitation Area, unless said development has been previously approved as provided in Subsection 30.140.050.E, Approval Required. The development must also comply with the City of Santa Barbara's adopted Floodplain Management regulations.
C. Development Limitation Area. The limitations of this section shall apply to all land within the area of the Mission Creek watercourse pursuant to Section 30.15.040, Determining Creek Top of Bank, and all land located within 25 feet of the top of either bank of Mission Creek within the City of Santa Barbara.
D. Development Defined. Development, for the purposes of this section, shall include any structure requiring a building permit; the construction or placement of a fence, wall, retaining wall, steps, deck (wood, rock, or concrete), or walkway; any grading; or, the relocation or removal of stones or other surface which forms a natural creek channel.
E. Approval Required. Prior to construction of a development in the area described in Subsection 30.140.050.C, Development Limitation Area, the property owner shall obtain approvals as follows:
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
94 1. Any development subject to the requirement for a building permit shall be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Director or the Planning Commission on appeal, prior to the issuance of a building permit.
2. Any development not requiring a building permit shall be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Director, or the Planning Commission on appeal. A description of the development shall be submitted showing the use of intended development, its location, size and manner of construction.
F. Development Standards. No development in the area subject to this section shall be approved unless it is found that it will be consistent with the purposes set forth in Subsection
30.140.050.A, Purpose.
1. The Community Development Director, or the Planning Commission on appeal, shall consider the following in determining whether the development is consistent with Subsection 30.140.050.A, Purpose:
a. That the proposed new development, additions, alterations, and improvements, will not significantly reduce existing floodways, realign stream beds or otherwise adversely affect other properties by increasing stream velocities or depths, or by diverting the flow, and that the proposed new development will be reasonably safe from flow-related erosion and will not cause flow-related erosion hazards or otherwise aggravate existing flow-related erosion hazards. b. That proposed reconstruction of structures damaged by fire, flood or other calamities will comply with Subparagraph 1.a above, or be less nonconforming than the original structure and will not adversely affect other properties. c. The report, if any, of a qualified soils engineer or geologist and the recommendations of the Santa Barbara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.
d. Whether denial of approval would cause severe hardship or prohibit the reasonable development and use of the property.
2. The Community Development Director, or the Planning Commission on appeal, may consider the following factors as mitigating possible hazards which might otherwise result from such development:
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
95 a. Where the development is located on a bank of the creek which is sufficiently higher than the opposite bank to place the development outside a flood hazard area.
b. Where the creek bed adjacent to the development is sufficiently wide or the creek bank slope sufficiently gradual that the probability of flood hazard is reduced. c. Where approved erosion or flood control facilities or devices have been installed in the creek bed adjacent to the development. d. Where the ground level floor of the development is not used for human occupancy and has no solid walls.
e. Where the development is set on pilings so that the first occupied floor lies above the 100-year flood level, and such pilings are designed to minimize turbulence.
3. The Staff Hearing Officer, or the Planning Commission on appeal, may grant a Modification to required Open Yards or setbacks required by the applicable zone, pursuant to Chapter 30.250, Modifications, in order to enable a structure to comply with the Development Limitation Area in Subsection 30.140.050.C, or to be relocated to a safer or more appropriate location on the lot.
G. Procedures. The following procedures shall apply to developments in the area defined in Subsection 30.140.050.C, Development Limitation Area:
1. All applicants shall receive an environmental assessment.
2. All applications shall be referred to the Santa Barbara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and the City Parks and Recreation Department Creeks Division for review and comment.
3. Upon completion of the above review and comment, the proposed development shall be reviewed by the Community Development Director as provided in Subsection
30.140.050.E, Approval Required. The Community Development Director shall give the applicant and any other person requesting to be heard, an opportunity to submit oral or written comments prior to a decision. The Community Development Director shall send by mail notice of the decision to the applicant. The decision of the Community Development Director shall be final unless appealed by the applicant or any interested person to the Planning Commission within 10 days by the filing of a written appeal with the Community
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
96 Development Department. The Community Development Department shall schedule the matter for a noticed public hearing by the Planning Commission pursuant to 30.205, Common Procedures. The decision of the Planning Commission shall be final.
30.140.060 Development on Lots Divided by Zone Boundaries.
A. Generally. Where a lot is divided by a zone boundary, the regulations applicable to each zone shall be applied to the area within the zone, and no use, other than parking serving a principal use on the site, shall be located in a zone in which it is not an allowed use.
B. Accessory Facilities. Accessory landscapeing, fences, screening or retaining walls, and usable open space may be located on the lot without regard for zone boundaries but must comply with the standards of the applicable zone.
C. Density. The maximum density allowed, if any, shall be calculated according to the lot area within each zone and the corresponding allowable density for that zone, and distributed as follows:
1. Residential Single Unit Zones. Up to the allowable density for the Residential Single Unit portion of the site may be located on the area of the lot in the Residential Single Unit Zone. If the lot is divided by multiple RS Zone designations, then the allowed density is one unit per lot.
2. Other Zones. The resulting maximum permitted allowed number of units may be distributed on the lot without regard for zone boundaries, as long as all portions of the project comply with the development standards of the zone in which they are located and all other provisions of this section.
30.140.070 Development on Substandard and Publicly Reduced Lots.
A. Use of Legally Created Substandard Lots. Any lot or parcel of land that was legally created may be used as a building site even when consisting of less area or lot dimensions than that required by the regulations for the zone in which it is located. Lot area per residential unit requirements and all other provisions of this Title shall apply. No substandard lot shall be
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
97 subdivided or further reduced in area or dimensions unless required for a public purpose by a public agency or unless granted a Modification pursuant to Chapter 30.250, Modifications.
B. Conformity of Lots Reduced for Public Purposes. Where any existing parcel of land is reduced in size or lot dimensions below those required by this Title by reason of the acquisition or dedication of a portion thereof, along any perimeter of such parcel for any public purpose by any public agency, such parcel as so reduced shall be considered as conforming to the provisions of this Title as a legal lot. This section shall not apply to property acquired by a public agency as part of a subdivision of more than one lot:.
1. Minimum lot area and street frontage required by this Title shall not apply.
2. In applying residential density and Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) requirements, the area of such lot shall be considered as that which existed immediately prior to such acquisition or dedication.
3. All setbacks and other development standards for new development shall be measured and calculated from the resulting lot line created by said acquisition or dedication.
4. For provisions related to existing structures that become nonconforming due to public acquisition or dedication, refer to Section 30.165.050, Structures Made Nonconforming by Public Acquisition.
30.140.080 Discontinuation of Use.
A. Nonresidential Use. A use shall be considered discontinued when the use ceases for a period of 12 consecutive months and evidence that the use has been discontinued occurs. The 12- month limitation may be extended to a maximum of 24 additional months at the Community Development Director’s sole discretion if due diligence in obtaining permits has been demonstrated.
Elements to be considered in determining whether a use has been discontinued include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following:
1. Site is vacated;
2. Business license or other required license lapse;
3. Building is closed for business;
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
98 4. There are no persons, materials, equipment, or products occupying the buildings, structures, or site;
5. Utilities are terminated; or
6. Lease is terminated.
B. Residential Use. A legal residential use shall not be considered discontinued, regardless of the length of time of nonuse.
30.140.090 Encroachments into Setbacks and Open Yards.
A. Applicability. Required setbacks, stepbacks, landscape areas, and open yard areas shall remain open, unenclosed, and unobstructed from the ground or allowed finished surface upward, except as provided in this section. The provisions of this section do not apply to:
1. Section 30.140.050, Development along Mission Creek;
2. Section 30.140.190, Street Widening Setback Lines; or
3. This section applies only to encroachments on private property and does not authorize encroachments into the public right-of-way or utility easements.
B. General Limitations. All encroachments allowed under this section shall comply with the following limitations:
1. Vertical Clearance.
a. Wall-mounted encroachments into setbacks or stepbacks shall be elevated at least 18 inches above the adjacent finished floor or adjacent grade, whichever is higher, to ensure they do not create occupiable floor area or rest directly on a horizontal surface, in accordance with the definition of a wall-mounted structure. b. Encroachments located above a required open yard must maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 7 feet, measured from the finished grade or finished surface directly beneath the encroachment to the lowest point of the encroaching structure.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
99 2. Floor Area Not Allowed. Encroachments shall not be designed or constructed to provide usable interior floor area within a building or structure.
3. Below or At Grade Structures. Structures located below finished grade, or with a finished surface level no more than 10 inches above existing grade, are not considered encroachments. This includes non-vehicular paved areas such as patios, decks, pathways, dooryards, or steps, provided the surface is not part of the building’s roof structure.
4. Screening Enclosures. Enclosures intended to screen an encroachment must comply with the same setback and minimum distance requirements applicable to the encroaching feature.
5. Nonconforming Features. Encroachments are allowed within both conforming and nonconforming setbacks, stepbacks, landscape areas, and open yards, provided they maintain the minimum required distance from the property line and comply with all applicable standards in this section. The extent of horizontal encroachment shall not be limited solely due to the nonconforming status of the open yard or setback area.
6. Building Code Compliance. All encroachments shall comply with applicable provisions of the Building Code.
7. Encroachments into Required Landscape Areas. If a required landscape area overlaps a setback, stepback, or open yard, the features listed in Table 30.140.090.C may also encroach into the required landscape area, provided they comply with the same standards and limitations that apply to those features elsewhere.
8. Classification of Structures. All features subject to this section shall be classified based on their physical characteristics, placement, and functional design, as determined by the Community Development Director. Reclassification to avoid applicable standards is prohibited.
C. Allowed Encroachments. The features listed in Table 30.140.090.C: Allowed Encroachments may encroach into setbacks, stepbacks, landscape, and open yard areas, subject to the standards specified in the table and the specific limitations in Subsection D. Where “Front” is indicated it refers to the Front Yard, Front Setback, and Front Stepback. Where “Interior” is indicated it refers to the Interior Setback and Interior Stepback. Where “No limit” is indicated in any column, the feature may extend without a maximum dimension in that category; however, it must
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
100
still meet any applicable minimum distance from the lot line set forth in this section or elsewhere in this Title.
TABLE 30.140.090.C: ALLOWED ENCROACHMENTS
“–” Encroachment Not Allowed; “MZE” Minor Zoning Exception Required Feature
Maximum Encroachment Minimum
Distance from
Lot Line
Limitations/Additional
Front Regulations Interior Open Yard
Architectural Elements
Architectural Features
(Wall-Mounted) 3 ft 3 ft 3 ft 2 ft See Definitions, §30.300.010 “A” Bay Windows 3 ft – 3 ft 2 ft
Chimneys
(Attached) 3 ft 3 ft 3 ft 3 ft Must serve the interior of a building Eaves 3 ft 3 ft 3 ft 2 ft
Porch (Front) 10 ft
3 ft; or same as
residence if
nonconforming
– 5 ft (front),
3 ft (interior)
One per unit; See
Subsection D.3
Rain Gutters and
Downspouts 6 in 6 in 6 in N/A Allowed projection beyond the roof eave Stoops, Landings, and
Outside Steps 10 ft 3 ft 3 ft 5 ft (front), 3 ft (interior) First-floor level only;
See Subsection D.3
Wing Wall One wing wall per lot line allowed Per Building Code ≤1 ft thick, ≤9 ft tall
Functional Elements
Mechanical
Equipment
(Roof-Mounted)
May match roof or roof parapet, if
screened consistent with
§30.140.155, Screening
N/A 2 ft
See §30.140.130,
Mechanical and Other
Equipment
Mechanical
Equipment
(Wall-Mounted)
18 in 18 in 18 in 2 ft
See §30.140.130,
Mechanical and Other
Equipment
Mechanical
Equipment
(Ground-Mounted)
Max. 50 sq. ft No limit Max. 50 sq. ft 10 ft (front),
3 ft (interior)
See §30.140.130,
Mechanical and Other
Equipment
Solar Energy Systems
(Roof-Mounted)
May match roof eaves if parallel
and ≤10 in. above roof N/A 2 ft See §30.140.170, Solar Energy Systems Solar Energy Systems
(Ground-Mounted) 3 ft No limit – 10 ft (front),
3 ft (interior)
Max. height: 30 in
(front), 6 ft (interior)
See §30.140.170, Solar
Energy Systems
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
101
TABLE 30.140.090.C: ALLOWED ENCROACHMENTS
“–” Encroachment Not Allowed; “MZE” Minor Zoning Exception Required Feature
Maximum Encroachment Minimum
Distance from
Lot Line
Limitations/Additional
Front Regulations Interior Open Yard
Storm Water
Management
Equipment (Rain
Barrels/Cisterns)
Max. 50 sq. ft Max 2 per
setback
Max 2 per
open yard area
10 ft (front)
2 ft (interior)
Cumulative max.
capacity: 1,000 gallons;
Max. height: 6 ft
Trash/Recycling
Enclosures (Unroofed) Max. 50 sq. ft No limit – 10 ft (front) 2 ft (interior)
See §30.140.220, Trash
Recycling, and Personal
Outdoor Storage
Yard Building
(<6 ft tall) – No limit No limit No limit See §30.140.240, Yard Buildings Yard Building
(6–8 ft tall) – No limit 3 ft 3 ft See §30.140.240, Yard Buildings Outdoor Living and Circulation
Accessible
Parking/Access
Improvements
No limit No limit – No limit ADA-compliant features
only
Balconies and Upper
Story Decks 3 ft – Max. 20% per Subsection D.2 2 ft
See §30.140.025,
Balconies and Upper
Story Decks
Driveways (On Grade) No limit No limit – No limit
Not exceeding the
width necessary for
vehicular access
Driveway Gate No limit No limit –
20 ft (front),
unless waived
by the Public
Works Director
See Subsection D.5
Entryway Trellis,
Arbor, Gate 1 per lot line 1 per lot line N/A No limit Se Subsection D.1 Fences and Walls No limit No limit No limit No limit See §30.140.110, Fences and Hedges
Landscape
Accessories
(Residential)
Max. 50 sq. ft
Allowed only
where front and
interior setbacks
intersect
No limit No limit See Definitions
§30.300.120 “L”
Open Yard Amenities
(Residential) – – Max. 20% per Subsection D.2 N/A
Outdoor Furniture
(Nonresidential) No limit – – No limit Must be movable
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
102
TABLE 30.140.090.C: ALLOWED ENCROACHMENTS
“–” Encroachment Not Allowed; “MZE” Minor Zoning Exception Required Feature
Maximum Encroachment Minimum
Distance from
Lot Line
Limitations/Additional
Front Regulations Interior Open Yard
Patio Covers, Solid
Roof (Attached)
3 ft for
overhang only
3 ft for overhang
only
Max. 20% per
Subsection D.2 2 ft See §30.140.142, Patio Covers
Patio Cover, Solid
Roof (Detached) – 3 ft for overhang only
Max. 20% per
Subsection D.2 2 ft See §30.140.142, Patio Covers
Planter Beds &
Terraces (≤42 in
height)
No limit No limit No limit No limit See §30.140.110,
Fences and Hedges
Swimming Pools &
Spas (Below-Grade) No limit No limit No limit 15 ft (front), 5 ft (interior) See §30.140.210,
Swimming Pools
Uncovered
Decks/Patios
(≤10 in. high)
No limit No limit No limit No limit
Not considered
encroachments; see
§30.140.090.B.3
Uncovered Decks
(≤18 in. high) –
With MZE
approved by the
Community
Development
Director
No limit N/A See Ch. 30.245, Minor
Zoning Exceptions
Uncovered Decks
(≤36 in. high) – – No limit N/A Allowed in open yard only D. Specific Limitations. The following limitations apply to features listed in Table
30.140.090.C:
1. Entryway Trellis, Arbor, or Gate. An entryway trellis, arbor, or gate may encroach into required setbacks, subject to the following limitations. These structures are intended solely as entry features and are distinct from larger patio covers or trellises allowed in open yard areas under Subsection D.2 and Section 30.140.142, Patio Covers. Ground supports for these structures may be located within required setbacks, notwithstanding the limitations in Subsection D.2.b
a. Quantity. One entryway trellis, arbor, or gate is allowed per lot line within required setbacks.
b. Height and Area Limits.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
103
i. Within required setbacks, an overhead structure shall not exceed 9 feet in height and 18 square feet in area.
ii. Within required open yard areas, an overhead structure shall not exceed 12 feet in height.
c. Design. A roofed trellis must be constructed of lattice or other roof material which allows light and air to pass through a minimum of 50% of the roof surface as defined in Section 30.300.200 “T”.
d. Placement. The structure must be located over a walkway or entry path and shall not obstruct required access or visibility.
e. Additional Standards. All structures shall comply with applicable design and screening requirements in Section 30.140.142, Patio Covers.
2. Open Yard.
a. Encroachments into required open yard areas shall not exceed 20% of any individual open yard area, or a cumulative total of 20% of the total required open yard area per lot.
b. Where an encroachment into required open yard areas includes a covered structure (e.g., patio cover, pergola, trellis), the area beneath the cover must be unenclosed, as defined in Section 30.300.210 “U,” and must be designed and used for outdoor purposes, such as a patio, seating area, or similar amenity. Ground supports may be located in the open yard area, but shall not be located within required setbacks, unless otherwise allowed by this section.
3. Front Porches, Stoops, Landings, and Outside Steps. To qualify for the encroachments allowed under this section, front porches, stoops, landings, and outside steps shall meet all of the following standards:
a. Each porch, stoop, or landing shall not exceed 16 feet in width and 10 feet in depth, exclusive of handrails, guardrails, wing walls, and uncovered steps; b. Be unenclosed, as defined in Section 30.300.210 “U”; c. Be located at the first-floor level only;
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
104
d. Only one front porch is allowed per residential unit, but multiple stoops and landings are allowed per unit, provided each complies with the dimensional, location, and design standards of this subsection;
e. For nonconforming residences, a front entry porch may encroach into the interior setback to the same extent as the existing residence, provided that:
i. The porch faces the street; and
ii. No portion of the porch, except for uncovered steps, is located closer than two feet to the interior property line.
f. Have a finished surface no more than 6 feet above finished grade. If covered, the maximum roof height shall not exceed 12 feet above the finished floor; and g. The structure must use the same exterior materials, roof pitch, and architectural detailing as the structure it serves. A different architectural style or materials may be approved by the applicable Design Review body.
4. Rain Barrels and Cisterns. Shall be maintained in good condition to prevent accumulation of material that attracts mosquitoes or other vectors.
5. Driveway Gates and Opening Devices. Driveway gates and their associated opening devices may encroach into required setbacks, subject to the following standards:
a. Gate Height. Consistent with fence heights in Section 30.140.110, Fences and Hedges.
b. Gate Width. The gate width shall not exceed the width of the driveway it serves.
c. Opening Devices. Gate motors, arms, or control boxes may encroach up to 18 inches into a required setback, provided they are located entirely on private property and do not obstruct access or visibility.
d. Design. Gates and associated equipment shall be screened or finished in a manner consistent with the design of the gate and surrounding improvements.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
Proposed Amendments to SBMC Title 30
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
Staff Draft Showing Changes
From Current Code
105
A. Applicability. Required setbacks, and open yard areas shall be open, unenclosed, and unobstructed by structures from the ground upward, except as provided in this section. The provisions of this section do not apply to Development Along Mission Creek, pursuant to Section 30.140.050, Street Widening Setbacks, pursuant to Section 30.140.190, or public utility easements which are to remain unobstructed.
B. Limitations. The following limitations shall apply to all allowed encroachments:
1. Encroachments shall not provide floor area within a building or structure;
2. Structures constructed below grade, or less than 10 inches above existing grade, are not considered an encroachment;
3. Enclosures for any encroachment are subject to the same setback and distance requirements as the encroachment.
4. Encroachments up to the maximum allowed by this section may be made, in both conforming and nonconforming setbacks and open yards, provided the minimum distance to the property line is met; and
5. Encroachments are subject to the applicable requirements of the Building Code.
C. General Encroachments. The following may encroach into setbacks, and open yards, subject to the specified standards.
1. Architectural Projections. A cantilevered architectural building projection, such as awnings, cornices, eaves, and canopies, located at least 30 inches above adjacent grade and at least 18 inches above finish floor, may encroach up to three feet into any setback or open yard, but shall be no closer than two feet to any property line and shall have a minimum of seven feet vertical clearance below. Rain gutters may encroach an additional six inches beyond the roof eave.
2. Balconies and Upper Story Decks. An uncovered balcony or upper story deck may encroach up to three feet into a front setback or open yard, but shall be no closer than two feet to any property line and subject to the following:
a. Size. The overall size of each balcony or upper story deck shall be limited to a maximum of six feet deep and 16 feet wide, excluding railings.
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b. Ground Supports. No new ground supports for the balcony or upper story deck may be located in the setback or open yard.
c. Vertical Clearance. The cantilevered portion of the balcony or upper story deck shall have a minimum vertical clearance of seven feet.
d. Uncovered. A balcony or upper story deck shall be uncovered by any structure other than an awning. However, a balcony or upper story deck may be placed above another balcony or upper story deck if there are no horizontal connections of any kind between balconies and upper story decks except the wall from which the balconies and upper story decks are cantilevered. e. Guardrails. The guardrails on balconies and decks shall not exceed the minimum height required by the Building Code, and the design of the guardrail shall be at least 50% transparent or see through (consisting of open spaces with bars, balusters, railings, or similar). Decorative elements on balconies or decks that exceed the height limitation or guardrails that are less than 50% transparent may be approved by the appropriate Design Review body on a case-by-case basis to achieve consistency with the architectural style of the site.
FIGURE 30.140.090.C.2: BALCONY AND UPPER STORY DECK ENCROACHMENTS
3. Bay Windows. A bay window, or similar protruding window construction, with a sill located at least 30 inches above adjacent grade and at least 18 inches above finish floor, may encroach up to
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
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three feet into a front setback or open yard, except private open yard, but shall be no closer than two feet to any property line.
FIGURE 30.140.090.C.3: BAY WINDOW ENCROACHMENTS
Exhibit A
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FIGURE 30.140.090.B.1: VERTICAL CLEARANCE FOR WALL-MOUNTED
ENCROACHMENTS
4. Chimneys. A chimney serving the interior of a building may encroach up to three feet into any setback or open yard, except private open yard, but shall be no closer than two feet to any property line. Freestanding chimneys shall not encroach into setbacks but may be allowed in Open Yard pursuant to Subsection 30.140.090.E, Open Yard Encroachments.
5. Fences and Hedges. Fences and hedges may encroach into any setback or open yard, pursuant to the standards in Section 30.140.110, Fences and Hedges.
6. Landings and Outside Steps. Unenclosed landings and outside steps uncovered by any structure other than an awning or roof eave, serving the first floor of a building, in the minimum size required by the Building Code, may encroach up to three feet into any setback or open yard, except private open yard, but shall be no closer than two feet to any property line.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
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AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
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FIGURE 30.140.090.C.6 D.3: STOOPS, LANDINGS, AND OUTSIDE STEPS
ENCROACHMENTS
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
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7. Mechanical and Other Equipment. See Section 30.140.130, Mechanical and Other Equipment.
8. Planter Beds. Planter beds consisting of low walls and earth for the purpose of providing landscaping and gardening areas, no more than 42 inches in height above existing grade, may encroach into any setback and open yard.
9. Rain Barrels and Cisterns. Rain barrels and cisterns with a maximum cumulative capacity of 1,000 gallons per lot line, or other similar storm water management equipment, may encroach up to three feet into any setback or open yard, except private open yard, but shall be no closer than two feet to any property line, subject to the following:
a. Height. Rain barrels and cisterns shall not exceed a maximum height of six feet. b. Number. Maximum two per setback or open yard area.
c. Screening. Rain barrels and cisterns shall be hidden from view or screened, pursuant to Section 30.15.120, Screening.
d. Maintenance. Rain barrels and cisterns shall be maintained in good condition and shall be utilized regularly to prevent accumulation of material which attracts mosquitoes or other vectors.
Rain barrels and cisterns shall not create a nuisance, hazard, or other objectionable condition, pursuant to Chapter 30.180, Performance Standards.
10. Swimming Pools and Spas. See Section 30.140.210, Swimming Pools, Spas, and Similar Uses.
11. Trellis. One small overhead structure per lot line, such as an arbor, arch, trellis, or pergola, not exceeding nine feet in height and 18 square feet in area, may encroach into any setback or open yard.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
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FIGURE 30.140.090.C.11: TRELLIS ENCROACHMENTS
12. Waste and Recycling Enclosures. See Section 30.140.240, Waste Recycling, and Outdoor Storage.
D. Setback Encroachments. The following may encroach into front and interior setbacks, subject to the standards of this section:
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
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1. Accessibility Improvements. Accessible uncovered parking spaces and associated access aisles, and components of an accessible route (sloped walk ways and ramps/landings/guard rails), may encroach into any setback, as follows:
a. Configuration. The accessibility improvement is designed and provided for persons with disabilities as required by the Building Code, on existing multi-unit residential, mixeduse, or nonresidential development. b. Existing Development. This allowance is applicable to existing development only and shall not apply to new or reconstructed structures, additions, or substantial redevelopment where the proposed project can provide a reasonable accommodation. c. Minimum Size. The accessibility improvement is the minimum size required by the Building Code.
d. Modifications. If the accessibility improvement does not meet these criteria, a Modification for reasonable accommodations will be made, if found to be consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act; see Chapter 30.250, Modifications.
2. Decks, First Story. One residential uncovered deck per lot, including landings and stairs serving the deck, no more than 18 inches in height above existing grade, may encroach up to three feet into any interior setback, but shall be no closer than two feet to any property line provided:
a. Minor Zoning Exception Required. A Minor Zoning Exception is approved by the appropriate Design Review body pursuant to Chapter 30.245, Minor Zoning Exception.
3. Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). See Section 30.175.030.Q, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
4. Outdoor Furniture. Ground signs and outdoor furniture for nonresidential uses, consisting of items not permanently affixed to the ground, such as tables, chairs, umbrellas, space heaters, sculptures, and potted plants, may encroach into any nonresidential front setback provided that the encroachments are not located in an open yard or any setback required for exclusively residential structures.
5. Yard Ornaments. Yard amenities such as mailboxes, flag poles, fountains, bird baths, benches, sculptures, and other practical or decorative freestanding yard elements accessory and
Exhibit A
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complimentary to the primary use of the development, may encroach into any front setback, as follows:
a. Prohibited Items. Yard Ornaments shall not include any roofed or overhead structures, enclosed structures, barbecues, loose rubbish, garbage, junk, items that create a nuisance, or any of the prohibited items from Section 30.140.240, Waste Trash, Recycling and Outdoor Storage, or any of the items identified in this section as either limited or not allowed in the front setback. b. Maximum Area. Residential front yard amenities are limited to a cumulative total of 50 square feet or one percent of the total combined front setback area, whichever is greater.
6. Porches and Outside Steps. Covered front porches and outside steps, serving the first floor of a residential main building, and unenclosed except for the wall of the main building, may encroach into the front and interior setbacks, as follows:
a. Size. Porches shall be limited to a maximum of 16 feet wide and six feet deep exclusive of handrails, guardrails, wing walls and associated uncovered steps. b. Number. One porch is allowed per residential unit, provided the porch serves as the front entry of the unit.
c. Interior Setback. Porches may encroach into the interior setback the same distance as an existing residence, provided that the porch faces the street, and no portion of the porch, except the uncovered steps, is closer than two feet to the interior property line. d. Front Setback. Porches may encroach a maximum three feet into the front setback for all new buildings, and six feet into the front setback for all buildings constructed prior to the effective date of this Title, provided the porch faces the street and no portion of the porch, except the uncovered steps, is closer than five feet to any front lot line.
e. Design Review. Approval Required The porch must be compatible with the architecture of the building and the development pattern of the neighborhood, as determined by the appropriate Design Review body.
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
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AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
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FIGURE 30.140.090.D.6 D.3: PORCHES AND OUTSIDE STEP ENCROACHMENTS
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
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AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 30
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From Current Code
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7. Sheds. A detached accessory building may encroach into the interior setback if the building is:
a. Not more than 120 square feet; and
b. Not livable space; and
c. 10 feet or less in height; and
d. Constructed prior to August 1, 1975; and
e. Located outside of the front yard or required open yard.
8. Solar Energy Systems. Solar energy systems, as defined in subsection (a) of Civil Code Section 801.5. may encroach as follows:
a. Ground Mounted Equipment.
i. Front Setback. Ground mounted equipment no higher than 30 inches above existing grade may encroach up to three feet.
ii. Interior Setback. Ground mounted equipment no higher than six feet above existing grade may encroach up to three feet.
b. Roof Mounted Equipment. Roof mounted equipment may encroach up to three feet into any setback provided it is no higher than five feet above the highest point of the roof and does not exceed the maximum height limitation of the applicable zone. However, roof mounted equipment may encroach the same amount as the existing roof eave if installed roughly parallel to, and no higher than 10 inches above the roof (measured from the top of the roof perpendicularly to the highest point of the solar energy system).
FIGURE 30.140.090.D.8: ROOF MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY EQUIPMENT
ENCROACHMENT
Exhibit A
Single Family Streamlining Project
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E. Open Yard Encroachments. The following may encroach into the open yard, subject to the standards of this section:
1. Outdoor Amenities. Amenities intended for outdoor enjoyment of the required open yard area such as patio covers and other attached or detached unenclosed structures, upper story decks, gazebos, hot tubs, fountains, barbecues, outdoor fireplaces, above-grade pools, large trellises and arbors, and play equipment, may encroach into the open yard, as follows:
a. Vertical Clearance. The vertical clearance under any patio cover or similar overhead structure shall be seven feet or more; and
b. Maximum Area. Encroachments shall not exceed 20% of any individual open yard area, or a cumulative total of 20% of the total required open yard area, with the exception of Covered Private Open Yards, below.
2. Covered Private Open Yards. Private open yards may be covered by roof overhangs, patio covers, the floor above, or other similar architectural or buildings projections, either cantilevered or supported from below with columns or walls, provided that the vertical supports do not reduce the minimum area and dimensions of the open yard, the vertical clearance is seven feet or more, and the private open yard is substantially unenclosed on at least one side.