Santa Barbara · Zoning · C-L
Santa Barbara C-L zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Santa Barbara's C-L zone, generally buildings can be up to 45 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is No minimum, with the conditions listed below (Santa Barbara code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: None required (Between an interior lot line abutting a nonresidentially-zoned parcel and nonresidential or mixed use buildings or structures)
- Minimum lot size: No minimum (buildings used only for dwellings follow the R-4 zone)
C-L (LIMITED COMMERCIAL ZONE) is a zoning district in Santa Barbara. Every value below was read from the Santa Barbara 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 C-L
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 | 45 ft § 28.57.050 · code textThree stories and not exceeding 45 feet. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 28.57.050 · code textThree stories and not exceeding 45 feet. |
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 28.57.060 · code textA front setback of not less than 10 feet shall be provided between the front lot line and all buildings, structures and parking on the lot. |
| Minimum side setback | None required Applies: Between an interior lot line abutting a nonresidentially-zoned parcel and nonresidential or mixed use buildings or structures § 28.57.060 · code textNonresidential or mixed use buildings or structures: No setback required. |
| Minimum lot size | No minimum Applies: buildings used only for dwellings follow the R-4 zone § 28.57.080 · code textNone, except all buildings or portions thereof used exclusively for dwelling purposes shall comply with the provisions of the R-4 Zone. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C-L:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft or one-half the building height, whichever is greater — Between an interior lot line abutting a residentially-zoned parcel and all buildings and structures § 28.57.060
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — Between an interior lot line abutting a residentially-zoned parcel and nonresidential or mixed use parking and driveways; landscaped § 28.57.060
Not on this page
We did not find a general rear setback, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for C-L in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Santa Barbara Municipal Code.
Other Santa Barbara zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Santa Barbara's C-L zone?
45 ft — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.57.050.
What is the maximum number of stories in Santa Barbara's C-L zone?
3 stories — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.57.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Santa Barbara's C-L zone?
10 ft — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.57.060.
What is the minimum side setback in Santa Barbara's C-L zone?
None required (between an interior lot line abutting a nonresidentially-zoned parcel and nonresidential or mixed use buildings or structures) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.57.060.
What is the minimum lot size in Santa Barbara's C-L zone?
No minimum (buildings used only for dwellings follow the R-4 zone) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.57.080.
General information, not legal advice.
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