Title 17, Zoning, of the Goleta Municipal Code is to be known as the “Goleta Zoning Ordinance” and may also be referenced as the “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Goleta” or “Zoning Ordinance.” The Goleta Zoning Ordinance is referenced herein as “this Title” or “this Ordinance.” The Goleta Zoning Ordinance is adopted pursuant to the authority of California Government Code Section 65850.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
The purpose of this Title is to implement the General Plan, and to protect and promote the public health, safety, peace, comfort, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare. More specifically, this Title is adopted to achieve the following objectives:
A. 
To provide a precise guide for the physical development of the City in a manner as to achieve the arrangement of land uses depicted in the General Plan, consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan;
B. 
To implement the Coastal Land Use Plan, consistent with the California Coastal Act (California Public Resources Code Section 30000 et seq.);
C. 
To foster a harmonious, convenient, and workable relationship among land uses and ensure compatible development, consistent with the General Plan; and
D. 
To define the duties and powers of City bodies, officials, and administrators responsible for implementation and enforcement of this Title.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
A. 
Organization. This Title consists of six parts:
1. 
Part I: General Provisions (Chapters 17.01 to 17.06);
2. 
Part II: Base Zoning District Standards and Allowed Uses (Chapters 17.07 to 17.15);
3. 
Part III: Overlay Districts (Chapters 17.16 to 17.23);
4. 
Part IV: Regulations Applying to Multiple Districts (Chapters 17.24 to 17.49);
5. 
Part V: Administration and Permits (Chapters 17.50 to 17.71); and
6. 
Part VI: General Terms (Chapters 17.72 to 17.73).
B. 
Types of Regulations. Four types of zoning regulations control the use and development of property within the City:
1. 
Land Use Regulations. Land use regulations specify land uses permitted, conditionally permitted, or specifically prohibited in each zoning district, and include special requirements, if any, applicable to specific uses. Land use regulations for base zoning districts are in Part II of this Title, while land use regulations for overlay districts are in Part III of this Title. Certain regulations applicable in multiple districts and performance standards that govern special uses are in Part IV.
2. 
Development Regulations. Development regulations control building density and intensity and the height, bulk, location, and appearance of structures on development sites. Development regulations for base zoning districts and for overlay districts are in Parts II and III of this Title. Certain development regulations applicable to multiple districts are in Part IV.
3. 
Administrative Regulations. Administrative regulations contain detailed procedures for permitting all development as well as the administration of this Title and include common procedures, and permit processes. Administrative regulations are in Part V.
4. 
Use Classifications and Definitions. Part VI provides a list of use classifications and definitions of terms used within this Title.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
A. 
General Rules for Applicability of Zoning Regulations.
1. 
Minimum Requirements. In interpreting, analyzing, and applying the provisions of this Title, unless otherwise stated, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for promotion of public health, safety, peace, comfort, and general welfare. Discretionary Approvals required by this Title may include the imposition of conditions and standards that are stricter than those required by this Title.
2. 
Timing. All development within the City shall be subject to the development standards and regulations herein upon the effective date of this Title.
3. 
Private Property Takings.
a. 
This Title is not intended, and shall not be construed as authorizing the City acting pursuant to this Title to exercise its power in a manner which will take or damage private property for public use, without the payment of just compensation therefor. This section is not intended to increase or decrease the rights of any owner of property under the Constitution of the State of California or the United States.
b. 
Where strict adherence to this Title would preclude all economically beneficial use of private property, the City may apply the provisions of this Title to the maximum extent possible to avoid an unconstitutional taking of private property. However, where proposed use or development of property would violate background principles of property law, such as nuisance law, then the City shall fully apply this Title as applicable.
c. 
Where strict adherence to this Title would constitute an unconstitutional taking, the Review Authority may, at its sole discretion, waive full application of the pertinent provision or provisions of this Title only if the following findings can be made and are supported with substantial evidence:
i. 
The waiver extends only as far as necessary to allow some economically beneficial use of the property;
ii. 
The waiver complies with CEQA and all other applicable State and Federal laws; and
iii. 
The project does not constitute a nuisance.
4. 
Applicability to Property. This Title applies, to the extent permitted by law, to all property within the corporate limits of the City.
5. 
Compliance with Regulations. Land or buildings may be used and structures may be erected or altered only in accordance with the provisions of this Title.
6. 
Applicability to the City. The City will ensure that all public buildings and facilities comply with the same development standards and regulations as would be applicable to private development.
7. 
Applicability to Other Agencies. Other governmental agencies, including State and Federal, are exempt from the provisions of this Title only to the extent that the agency’s property cannot be lawfully regulated by the City.
B. 
Relationship to Other Regulations.
1. 
Local, State, and Federal Regulations.
a. 
The regulations of this Title and requirements or conditions imposed pursuant to this Title do not supersede any other regulations or requirements adopted or imposed by the City Council, the State, or any Federal agency that has jurisdiction by law over uses and development authorized by this Title. All uses and development authorized by this Title must comply with all other such regulations and requirements. Where conflict occurs between the provisions of the Title and any other provision of the Goleta Municipal Code or uncodified ordinances, resolutions, guidelines, or administrative procedures, the more restrictive provisions control, unless otherwise specified.
b. 
Issuance of a regulatory business license and/or payment of a tax, whether valid or invalid, does not constitute compliance with this Title or establish a vested right to operate under this Title.
2. 
Other Agency Review. Due to a proposed project’s location, size, use, or potential effects, development within the City may be subject to additional reviews and approvals by outside agencies prior to the City taking local action on the project. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact all other agencies to determine whether the project is subject to additional standards that are outside of this Title. Other agencies that may have some level of jurisdiction over specific projects within the City may include, but are not limited to, the following: Goleta Water District, Goleta Sanitary District, Goleta West Sanitary District, County Air Pollution Control District, County Environmental Health Services, County Fire, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Coastal Commission, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Transportation, California State Lands Commission, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
3. 
Permit Streamlining Act. It is the intent of this Title that all actions taken by the decision-making body pursuant to this Title that are solely adjudicatory in nature are to be within a timeframe consistent with the provisions of the Permit Streamlining Act (California Government Code Section 65920 et seq.). Nothing in this Title is to be interpreted as imposing time limits on actions taken by the decision-making body pursuant to this Title that are legislative in nature or that require both adjudicatory and legislative judgments.
4. 
Subdivision Map Act. The provisions of the State’s Map Act, Section 66410 et seq., of the California Government Code pertaining to the subdivision of real property (e.g., Parcel Maps, Lot Line Adjustments, Lot Mergers, etc.) are codified within Title 16 of the Goleta Municipal Code.
5. 
Relation to Prior Ordinances. The provisions of this Title supersede all prior zoning ordinances, codified or uncodified, adopted by the City. No provision of this Title validates any land use or structure established, constructed, or maintained in violation of prior zoning ordinances, unless such validation is specifically and expressly authorized by this Title and the land use or structure conforms to this Title, the General Plan, and all other applicable regulations.
6. 
Application During Local Emergency. The City Council may authorize a deviation from a provision of this Title during a local emergency declared and ratified under the Goleta Municipal Code or by the County Office of Emergency Management. The City Council may authorize such a deviation by resolution without notice or public hearing.
C. 
Consistency with the General Plan. Any permit, license, or approval issued pursuant to this Title must be consistent with the General Plan and all applicable area and specific plans. In any case where there is a conflict between this Title and the General Plan, the General Plan prevails.
D. 
Zoning Code Determinations. The Director has the authority to determine the applicability of any provision of this Title.
1. 
Official Determinations. The Director must issue an official determination, which is subject to appeal, pursuant to Section 17.52.120 of this Title. in the following situations:
a. 
Determination which of two or more conflicting provisions apply generally or to a specific case;
b. 
Determination of whether a specific unlisted use may be permitted in one or more zone districts in accordance with Section 17.02.030, Rules of Interpretation; and
c. 
Interpretations regarding disputed boundaries of zone districts in accordance with Section 17.01.080, Zoning Map and District Boundaries.
If one of the above situations is not present, but ambiguity in application of a provision of Title 17 exists, resolution of the ambiguity should be documented. However, such resolution does not qualify as requiring a Director determination.
2. 
Codification. Determinations shall be compiled and amendments to Title 17 shall be proposed that align with the determinations.
E. 
Project Vesting.
1. 
Projects Under the Authority of a Different Zoning Code. Unless specifically discussed elsewhere in this Title, any project approved and constructed under a different zoning ordinance but which does not conform to the standards of this Title shall be subject to Chapter 17.36, Nonconforming Uses and Structures.
2. 
Previously Approved Projects Under Construction. Any structure for which a building permit has been issued prior to adoption of this Title may be built in accordance with the approved zoning and building permits, provided construction commences prior to the expiration of any approved permit.
3. 
Previously Approved Projects Not Yet Under Construction. Any project with an approved or issued Zoning Permit may be built in accordance with the permit and all associated conditions of approval.
a. 
Time Extensions. Any request for extending the life of a project that has received an entitlement prior to the effective date of this Title may request a time extension in accordance with Section 17.52.090(D), Dates and Timing—Time Extensions.
4. 
Project Applications Deemed Complete. At the applicant’s election, a project application that is determined to be complete prior to September 1, 2019, shall either:
a. 
Be processed under the zoning regulations in effect at the time of the determination; or
b. 
Be processed under this Title.
The applicant’s option in accordance with subparagraph (a) of this provision shall terminate on December 31, 2021, unless extended by way of approval of a Development Agreement in accordance with Chapter 17.65. If a project has not received all required, final City discretionary land use entitlements by December 31, 2021, excluding any appeal period, the project shall be subject to all regulations of this Title unless otherwise required by law or by way of a City-approved Development Agreement.
5. 
Project Applications Not Deemed Complete. Projects for which an application has not been submitted and deemed complete prior to September 1, 2019 shall be subject to the regulations of this Title.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6; Ord. 20-09 § 5; Ord. 21-07 § 4; Ord. 22-06 § 4)
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Title is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision does not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Title. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this Title, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, and phrase thereof, regardless of the fact that any or one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases is declared invalid or unconstitutional.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
The City Council may establish, by resolution, fees and deposits for processing applications and other permits authorized or required by this Title. The City Council may, from time to time, amend and revise the processing fees and deposits. All processing fees and deposits must be paid at the time an application is filed, and no processing can commence until the fees and deposits are paid in full.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
All parcels in the City are and must be classified by districts for the purpose of implementing the regulations set forth in this Title and as follows:
A. 
Base Zoning Districts. Base zoning districts are established as shown in Table 17.01.070(A), Base Zoning Districts.
TABLE 17.01.070(A): BASE ZONING DISTRICTS
Map Symbol
Full Name
General Plan Land Use Designation
Residential Districts
RS*
Single Family Residential
Single-Family Residential
RP
Planned Residential
Planned Residential
RM
Residential—Medium Density
Medium-Density Residential
RH
Residential—High Density
High-Density Residential
RMHP
Residential—Mobile Home Park
Mobile Home Park
Commercial Districts
CR
Regional Commercial
Regional Commercial
CC
Community Commercial
Community Commercial
OT
Old Town—Commercial
Old Town Commercial
VS
Visitor Serving—Commercial
Visitor Commercial
CI
Intersection or Highway Commercial
Intersection or Highway Commercial
CG
General Commercial
General Commercial
Office Districts
BP
Business Park
Business Park
OI
Office Institutional
Office and Institutional
Industrial Districts
IS
Service Industrial
Service Industrial
IG
General Industrial
General Industrial
Public and Quasi-Public Districts
PQ
Public and Quasi-Public
Public and Quasi-Public
Open Space and Agricultural Districts
OSPR
Open Space—Passive Recreation
Open Space/Passive Recreation
OSAR
Open Space—Active Recreation
Open Space/Active Recreation
AG
Agricultural
Agriculture
Notes:
*
Numerical designators denote the minimum lot area allowed (in 1,000s of square feet). Where there is not designator, the minimum lot area is set through the land division.
B. 
Overlay Zoning Districts. Overlay zoning districts, one or more of which may be combined with and apply in addition to the underlying base district, are established as shown in Table 17.01.070(B), Overlay Zoning Districts.
TABLE 17.01.070(B): OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICTS
Map Symbol
Full Name
-AE
Airport Environs
-AH
Affordable Housing
-H
Hospital
-OTH
Old Town Heritage
-CBPSP
Cabrillo Business Park Specific Plan
-CRMSP
Camino Real Marketplace Specific Plan
-RH
High Density Residential
C. 
References to Classes of Base Districts. Throughout this Title, the following references apply:
1. 
The phrase ““R” Zone District” or “Residential District” means one or more of the following districts: RS, Single Family; RP, Planned Residential; RM, Residential—Medium Density; RH, Residential—High Density; and RMHP, Residential—Mobile Home Park.
2. 
“Non-Residential District” means any base zoning district except RS, RP, RM, RH, and RMHP districts.
3. 
“C District” or “Commercial District” means one or more of the following districts: CR Regional Commercial, CC Community Commercial, OT Old Town, VS Visitor-Serving Commercial, CI Intersection or Highway Commercial, or CG General Commercial.
4. 
“O District” or “Office District” means one or more of the following: BP Business Park or OI Office Institutional.
5. 
“I District” or “Industrial District” means one or more of the following: IS Service Industrial or IG General Industrial.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6; Ord. 25-10, 12/2/2025)
The boundaries of the zoning districts established by this Title are shown on the Zoning Map maintained by the City Clerk. The Zoning Map, together with all legends, symbols, notations, references, zoning district boundaries, map symbols, and other information on the maps, has been adopted by the City Council and is hereby incorporated into this Title by reference, together with any zoning map amendments previously or hereafter adopted, as though they were fully included here.
A. 
Uncertainty of Boundaries. If an uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of any district shown on the Zoning Map, the following rules apply:
1. 
Boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerlines of public or private alleys, lanes, streets, highways, streams, or railroads must be construed to follow such centerlines.
2. 
Boundaries indicated as approximately following lot lines, City limits, or extraterritorial boundary lines must be construed as following such lines, limits, or boundaries.
3. 
In the case of unsubdivided property or where a district boundary divides a lot and no dimensions are indicated, the location of such boundary is determined by the use of the scale appearing on the Zoning Map, metadata within an electronic graphic document maintained by the City, or historical information pertaining to the original adoption of the district boundary in question.
4. 
In the case of any remaining uncertainty, the Director must determine the location of boundaries.
B. 
Vacated or Abandoned Land.
1. 
Where any public street or alley is officially vacated or abandoned, the regulations applicable to each parcel of abutting property apply to that portion of such street or alley added thereto by virtue of such vacation or abandonment.
2. 
Any private right-of-way or easement of any railroad, railway, transportation, or public utility company that is vacated or abandoned and said property is unclassified, said property is automatically classified as being in the PQ Public and Quasi-Public District.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)