Goleta · Zoning · RS
Goleta RS zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Goleta's RS zone, generally buildings can be up to 25 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 7,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Goleta code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 25 ft
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10% of lot width, min 5 ft, max 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 25 ft
- Minimum lot size: 7,000 sq ft (RS-7 sub-zone only, the smallest; other RS sub-zones need larger lots, for example 8,000 sq ft in RS-8)
- Maximum density: 5 units per acre
RS (Residential Single-Unit) is a zoning district in Goleta. Every value below was read from the Goleta Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in RS
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 25 ft § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Building Height (ft.)”, column “RS”: 25 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RS”: 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 10% of lot width, min 5 ft, max 10 ft § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “RS”: 10% of lot width; min 5, max 10 |
| Minimum rear setback | 25 ft § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RS”: 25(D) |
| Minimum lot size | 7,000 sq ft Applies: RS-7 sub-zone only, the smallest; other RS sub-zones need larger lots, for example 8,000 sq ft in RS-8 § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.)”, column “RS”: RS-43.6: 43,560 RS-20: 20,000 RS-12: 12,000 RS-10: 10,000 RS-8: 8,000 RS-7: 7,000 |
| Maximum density | 5 units per acre § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Maximum”, column “RS”: 5 |
Uses in RS
Uses the code's use tables allow in RS, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Child care center — Needs a minor conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RS:
- Minimum lot size: 43,560 sq ft — RS-43.6 sub-zone § 17.07.030
- Minimum lot size: 20,000 sq ft — RS-20 sub-zone § 17.07.030
- Minimum lot size: 12,000 sq ft — RS-12 sub-zone § 17.07.030
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 sq ft — RS-10 sub-zone § 17.07.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR limit for RS in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Goleta Municipal Code.
Other Goleta zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Goleta's RS zone?
25 ft — Goleta Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Goleta's RS zone?
20 ft — Goleta Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Goleta's RS zone?
10% of lot width, min 5 ft, max 10 ft — Goleta Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Goleta's RS zone?
25 ft — Goleta Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Goleta's RS zone?
7,000 sq ft (rS-7 sub-zone only, the smallest; other RS sub-zones need larger lots, for example 8,000 sq ft in RS-8) — Goleta Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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