Santa Maria · Zoning · C-1
Santa Maria C-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Santa Maria's C-1 zone, generally buildings can be up to 40 ft (3 stories) tall and the front setback is 0 ft, with the conditions listed below (Santa Maria code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 40 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories (or 40 ft in height, whichever is less)
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft (Mixed-use projects (section 12-49.08). The district's own rules set a 10 ft yard only next to a residential zone.)
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft (Mixed-use projects (section 12-49.08). The district's own rules set a 10 ft yard only next to a residential zone.)
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft (Mixed-use projects (section 12-49.08). The district's own rules set a 10 ft yard only next to a residential zone.)
C-1 (CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT) is a zoning district in Santa Maria. Every value below was read from the Santa Maria 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-1
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 | 40 ft § 12-49.08 · code textTable row “Building Height”, column “C-1”: 40 |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories Applies: or 40 ft in height, whichever is less § 12-12.09 · code textNo lot or parcel of land in the C-1 district shall have a building or structure in excess of three stories, or 40 feet in height, whichever is less. |
| Minimum front setback | 0 ft Applies: Mixed-use projects (section 12-49.08). The district's own rules set a 10 ft yard only next to a residential zone. § 12-49.08 · code textTable row “Front Setback”, column “C-1”: 0 |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft Applies: Mixed-use projects (section 12-49.08). The district's own rules set a 10 ft yard only next to a residential zone. § 12-49.08 · code textTable row “Side Setback”, column “C-1”: 0 |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft Applies: Mixed-use projects (section 12-49.08). The district's own rules set a 10 ft yard only next to a residential zone. § 12-49.08 · code textTable row “Rear Setback”, column “C-1”: 0 |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C-1:
- Maximum building height: 75 ft — Inside the Central Redevelopment Project area (NDPA-1-2); above three stories or 40 ft needs a conditional use or planned development permit § 12-12.09
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft — When a side lot line adjoins property in a residential zone. § 12-12.11
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — On the side adjoining a residential lot or parcel when a side lot line adjoins property in a residential zone. § 12-12.11
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — When a rear lot line adjoins property in a residential zone. § 12-12.11
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for C-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Santa Maria Municipal Code.
Other Santa Maria zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Santa Maria's C-1 zone?
40 ft — Santa Maria Municipal Code § 12-49.08.
What is the maximum number of stories in Santa Maria's C-1 zone?
3 stories (or 40 ft in height, whichever is less) — Santa Maria Municipal Code § 12-12.09.
What is the minimum front setback in Santa Maria's C-1 zone?
0 ft (mixed-use projects (section 12-49.08). The district's own rules set a 10 ft yard only next to a residential zone) — Santa Maria Municipal Code § 12-49.08.
What is the minimum side setback in Santa Maria's C-1 zone?
0 ft (mixed-use projects (section 12-49.08). The district's own rules set a 10 ft yard only next to a residential zone) — Santa Maria Municipal Code § 12-49.08.
What is the minimum rear setback in Santa Maria's C-1 zone?
0 ft (mixed-use projects (section 12-49.08). The district's own rules set a 10 ft yard only next to a residential zone) — Santa Maria Municipal Code § 12-49.08.
General information, not legal advice.
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