Santa Barbara · Zoning · C-O
Santa Barbara C-O zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Santa Barbara's C-O zone, generally buildings can be up to 45 ft (3 stories) tall and the front setback is 10 ft, 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 (one- or two-story buildings and uncovered parking)
- Minimum side setback: 6 ft (Interior lot line abuts a nonresidentially zoned parcel; one- or two-story building or structure or uncovered parking)
C-O (MEDICAL OFFICE 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-O
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 § 28.51.050 · code textThree stories and not to exceed 45 feet. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 28.51.050 · code textThree stories and not to exceed 45 feet. |
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft Applies: one- or two-story buildings and uncovered parking § 28.51.060 · code text1. One- or two-story building or structure or uncovered parking: 10 feet |
| Minimum side setback | 6 ft Applies: Interior lot line abuts a nonresidentially zoned parcel; one- or two-story building or structure or uncovered parking § 28.51.060 · code text1. One- or two-story building or structure or uncovered parking: 6 feet |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C-O:
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft — Three-story building or structure § 28.51.060
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — third story of a building whose third floor is under 50% of the first-floor footprint § 28.51.060
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Interior lot line abuts a nonresidentially zoned parcel; three-story building or structure § 28.51.060
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft or one-half of the building height, whichever is greater — Interior lot line abuts a residentially-zoned parcel; any building, structure or covered parking § 28.51.060
Not on this page
We did not find a general rear setback, lot size, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for C-O 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-O zone?
45 ft — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.51.050.
What is the maximum number of stories in Santa Barbara's C-O zone?
3 stories — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.51.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Santa Barbara's C-O zone?
10 ft (one- or two-story buildings and uncovered parking) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.51.060.
What is the minimum side setback in Santa Barbara's C-O zone?
6 ft (interior lot line abuts a nonresidentially zoned parcel; one- or two-story building or structure or uncovered parking) — Santa Barbara Municipal Code § 28.51.060.
General information, not legal advice.
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