Santa Maria · Zoning · M-2
Santa Maria M-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Santa Maria's M-2 zone, generally buildings can be up to 40 ft tall and the front setback is 20 ft, with the conditions listed below (Santa Maria code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 40 ft (unless the Zoning Administrator authorizes more, on findings of unique circumstances that justify an exception)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: None required (Except next to an R district, where 10 ft is required)
- Minimum rear setback: None required (Except next to an R district, where 10 ft is required)
M-2 (M-2 GENERAL MANUFACTURING 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 M-2
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 Applies: unless the Zoning Administrator authorizes more, on findings of unique circumstances that justify an exception § 12-17.09 · code textNo building or structure erected in this zone shall have a height greater than 40 feet, unless so authorized by the Zoning Administrator, upon his findings that unique circumstances apply to the particular property or development proposed which justify an exception and which if allowed will nevertheless be compatible with adjoining properties. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft See note a below the table in the code. § 12-17.10 · code text(a) Front Yard. A minimum front yard setback of 20 feet is required. Note a: Front Yard. A minimum front yard setback of 20 feet is required. Where parking is provided in the required front yard setback a 10 foot wide landscaped strip shall be provided between the parking and the public right-of-way. |
| Minimum side setback | None required Applies: Except next to an R district, where 10 ft is required See note 1 below the table in the code. § 12-17.10 · code text(1) No side or rear yards are required, except when adjacent to an "R" district; then, the required side yard or rear yard adjacent to the "R" district shall be a minimum of 10 feet. Note 1: No side or rear yards are required, except when adjacent to an "R" district; then, the required side yard or rear yard adjacent to the "R" district shall be a minimum of 10 feet. |
| Minimum rear setback | None required Applies: Except next to an R district, where 10 ft is required See note 1 below the table in the code. § 12-17.10 · code text(1) No side or rear yards are required, except when adjacent to an "R" district; then, the required side yard or rear yard adjacent to the "R" district shall be a minimum of 10 feet. Note 1: No side or rear yards are required, except when adjacent to an "R" district; then, the required side yard or rear yard adjacent to the "R" district shall be a minimum of 10 feet. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in M-2:
- Maximum building height: 18 ft — Limit without a conditional use permit when adjacent to a residential zone, unless the building is more than 100 feet from its boundary § 12-17.09
- Maximum number of stories: 1 story — Limit without a conditional use permit when adjacent to a residential zone, unless the building is more than 100 feet from its boundary § 12-17.09
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Side yard adjacent to an "R" district. § 12-17.10
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Corner lot or parcel of land; landscaped side yard adjoining the street. § 12-17.10
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — Rear yard adjacent to an "R" district. § 12-17.10
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for M-2 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 M-2 zone?
40 ft (unless the Zoning Administrator authorizes more, on findings of unique circumstances that justify an exception) — Santa Maria Municipal Code § 12-17.09.
What is the minimum front setback in Santa Maria's M-2 zone?
20 ft — Santa Maria Municipal Code § 12-17.10.
What is the minimum side setback in Santa Maria's M-2 zone?
None required (except next to an R district, where 10 ft is required) — Santa Maria Municipal Code § 12-17.10.
What is the minimum rear setback in Santa Maria's M-2 zone?
None required (except next to an R district, where 10 ft is required) — Santa Maria Municipal Code § 12-17.10.
General information, not legal advice.
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