The purpose of this chapter is to establish development and site regulations that apply, except where specifically stated, to development in all zoning districts. These standards are to be used in conjunction with the standards for each zoning district located in Part II, Base Zoning District Standards and Allowed Uses. In any case of conflict, the standards specific to the zoning district will override these Citywide regulations.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
A. 
Applicability. These provisions apply to all accessory structures except for trash, recycling, and green waste container enclosures regulated under subsection 17.24.140B. This section does not apply to accessory dwelling units, which are regulated by Section 17.41.030, Standards for Specific Uses and Activities-Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU).
B. 
Permit Requirements. Unless otherwise regulated under this Title, accessory structures are permitted based on the following:
1. 
Exempt. Accessory structures are exempt from permitting if all of the following requirements are met:
a. 
Does not exceed 12 feet in height;
b. 
The floor area does not exceed 120 square feet;
c. 
No plumbing is required; and
d. 
The accessory structure does not require Design Review Board approval.
2. 
Zoning Clearance. Accessory structures require a Zoning Clearance if any of the following are met:
a. 
The height exceeds 12 feet;
b. 
The floor area is greater than 120 square feet;
c. 
The accessory structure requires plumbing and does not otherwise require a Land Use Permit; or
d. 
The accessory structure requires Design Review Board approval.
3. 
Land Use Permit or Coastal Development Permit. Accessory structures shall require a Land Use Permit or Coastal Development Permit if any of the following are met:
a. 
A Land Use Permit or Coastal Development Permit is specifically required under this Title; or
b. 
The type of accessory structures requires a Notice to Property Owner.
C. 
Relation to Primary Use or Other Structures.
1. 
Primary Use. An attached or detached accessory structure may only be constructed on a lot on which there is a primary use to which the accessory structure is related.
2. 
Building Separation. A detached accessory structure must be separated from the primary structure and any other accessory structure by at least five feet.
D. 
Location. All accessory structures must comply with the following standards:
1. 
Residential District Setbacks.
a. 
Front and Side Setbacks. Accessory structures must conform to the setback regulations of the district, or as otherwise allowed under this Title.
b. 
Rear Setbacks.
i. 
Accessory structures greater than 12 feet in height must conform to the setback regulations of the district, or as otherwise allowed under this Title.
ii. 
Accessory structures that are less than or equal to 12 feet may be located no less than three feet from the rear lot line but may not occupy more than 40 percent of the required rear setback area.
2. 
Non-Residential District Setbacks. Accessory structures must comply with the setbacks per the underlying zoning district.
3. 
Wind Machines. Wind machine structures are allowed only in the Agricultural Zone District and requires a Zoning Clearance.
a. 
Additional Setbacks. Where allowed, wind machines must be set back 100 feet from all lot lines.
4. 
Bus Stops. Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District bus stop structures are allowed in front and street side setbacks if the structures meet the standards established in the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District Bus Stop Standards as adopted by the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District Board of Directors.
E. 
Height. Accessory structures are subject to the height limitations specific to the zoning district in which they are located, except as provided below:
1. 
Residential Districts. Accessory structures must be no greater than 16 feet in height. Additional height, up to the height limitation of the specific zone district in which they are located, may be permitted for accessory structures outside all setbacks, subject to Design Review by the Design Review Board and a Zoning Clearance.
F. 
Size. The floor area of an accessory structure shall not exceed 800 square feet. However, accessory structures may be attached to another accessory structure provided that the total floor area of the combined building does not exceed 800 square feet and there is no interior access between the structures.
G. 
Limitations.
1. 
There shall not be more than one accessory structure with habitable space on a lot except as allowed pursuant to Section 17.41.030, Standards for Specific Use and Activities—Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU).
2. 
Unless otherwise allowed within this Title, the following standards apply:
a. 
There shall not be any kitchen or cooking facilities within an accessory structure;
b. 
An accessory structure may contain a wetbar; and
c. 
An accessory structure may only contain one story.
H. 
Notice to Property Owner (NTPO). In addition to any other structures that require an NTPO pursuant to this Title, the following types of accessory structures require an NTPO:
1. 
Artist studios;
2. 
Cabañas;
3. 
Guesthouses; and
4. 
Other accessory structures as determined by the Director.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6; Ord. 20-09 § 5; Ord. 22-06 § 4; Ord. 23-05 § 4; Ord. 25-10, 12/2/2025)
Development adjacent to any parcel within the Agricultural District must include an on-site buffer so as to avoid and minimize potential conflicts with adjacent agricultural zones.
A. 
Width. The standard setbacks of the base district apply and must not be encroached upon by any structure. An additional buffer may be required by the Review Authority on a site-specific basis at the time of approval of the development. Factors to consider when determining the width of an additional buffer include, but are not limited to:
1. 
The historical land use on the agriculturally zoned parcel;
2. 
The current crop type and agricultural practices on the agriculturally zoned parcel;
3. 
The future farming potential of the agriculturally zoned parcel;
4. 
The elevation and topographical differences of the two parcels;
5. 
The location of existing roads or naturally occurring barriers;
6. 
The extent and location of existing non-agricultural development;
7. 
The type of use proposed for the new development and the potential for that use to impact use of the adjacent agriculturally zoned parcel for agricultural purposes;
8. 
The site design of new development including the use of landscape screening that may be used within the buffer itself;
9. 
The lot size and configuration of the new development; and
10. 
The prevailing wind direction.
B. 
Location. The buffer from an agriculturally zoned parcel must be located on the lot where the new development is proposed along the shared lot line with the agriculturally zoned parcel.
C. 
Additional Finding. For any development on a parcel adjacent to an Agriculture District parcel, the following finding must be made in addition to any other required findings:
1. 
The standard setback and any additional buffer are sufficient to minimize potential conflicts with agricultural activities.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
Architectural projections may extend into required setbacks, according to the standards of Table 17.24.040 below. The “Limitations” column states any dimensional, area, or other limitations that apply to such structures when they project into required setbacks. Notwithstanding the Table, no architectural project may project closer than five feet from any interior lot line.
TABLE 17.24.040: ALLOWED ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTIONS INTO SETBACKS
Projection
Distance into Front or Street Side Setback (ft)
Distance into Interior Side Setback (ft)
Distance Into Rear Setback (ft)
Limitations
All projections
No projection may extend into a public utility easement.
Cornices, canopies, eaves, belt courses, and similar architectural features; chimneys
3
3
3
Bay windows
3
3
3
Must not occupy more than one-third of the length of the building wall on which they are located and must be located at least 1 ft. above finished grade.
Fire escapes required by law or public agency regulation
4
4
4
Balconies, unroofed and unenclosed porches and patios, and landings
4
3
4
Outdoor stairways
3.5
3.5
3.5
Decks and stairs
Less than 18 inches above ground elevation
6
2
Entire Setback
Must be open on at least 3 sides. No closer than 7 ft. to a street-facing property line or 3 ft. to an interior property line.
18 inches or more above ground elevation
3
2
3
Ramps and similar structures that provide access for persons with disabilities
Reasonable accommodation will be made, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act; see Chapter 17.63, Reasonable Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities.
FIGURE 17.24.040: ALLOWED BUILDING PROJECTIONS
(Ord. 20-03 § 6; Ord. 21-07 § 4)
A. 
Generally. Where a lot is within two or more zoning districts, the regulations applicable to each zone district will be applied only to that portion of the lot area within that zone district.
B. 
Minimum Lot Area and Width. The minimum lot area and width requirements of the base zone district covering the greatest portion of the lot area will apply to the entire lot. If the lot area is divided equally between two or more zones, the requirements of the district with greater minimum lot area and width will apply to the entire lot.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
Any lot or parcel of land that was legally created may be used as a building site even when consisting of less area, width, or depth than that required by the regulations for the zoning district in which it is located. However, no nonconforming lot can be further reduced in area, width, or depth, unless such reduction is required as part of a public improvement. Unless a Variance is approved, pursuant to Chapter 17.60, a nonconforming lot will be subject to the same setback, lot coverage, and density requirements as a standard lot.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
Drive-through facilities must be located, developed, and operated in compliance with the following standards:
A. 
Approval Required. All drive-through facilities require the approval of a Major Conditional Use Permit.
B. 
Circulation. Drive-through facilities must provide safe, unimpeded movement of vehicles at street access points, in travel aisles, and parking areas.
C. 
Pedestrian Walkways. Interior pedestrian walkways must not intersect vehicle aisles, unless no alternative exists. In such cases, pedestrian walkways must have clear visibility, emphasized by enhanced paving or markings and comply with applicable Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
D. 
Stacking. Vehicular stacking areas must be provided to ensure vehicle queue will not interfere with public rights-of-way, pedestrian and ADA pathways, private streets, or with on- or off-site parking and circulation.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
The standards of this section apply to all new development and to all existing structures. The structures listed in Table 17.24.080 below may exceed the maximum permitted building height for the zoning district in which they are located, subject to the limitations stated in the Table limiting the height of the vertical projection above the structure it is on and further provided that no portion of a structure in excess of the building height limit may be used for sleeping quarters or advertising.
TABLE 17.24.080: ALLOWED PROJECTIONS ABOVE STRUCTURES
Structures Allowed Above the Height Limit
Maximum Vertical Projection Above the Structure
Size and Location Limitations of Projection
Skylights
1 foot
None
Solar energy systems
Subject to the provisions of Section 17.24.180, Solar Installations
Other energy production or capture structure located on roof-tops
5 feet
None
• Chimneys
20% of structure height
Limited to a total of 20% of roof area, including all structures and projections.
• Decorative features such as cupolas, pediments, obelisks, and monuments
• Roof-top open space features such as sun decks, sunshade and windscreen devices, open trellises, and landscaping, excluding detached residential structures
• Architectural features, such as spires, bell towers, and domes
Elevator and stair towers (for multiple-unit and non-residential buildings only)
10 feet
No additional projections may be located above the tower.
Flagpoles
Subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.40, Signs
Fire escapes, catwalks, and open railings required by law
No restriction
None
Parapets, excluding detached residential structures
4 feet
None
• Distribution and transmission towers, lines, and poles
10 feet as an accessory structure;
None as a principal use
Limited to 20% of the area of the lot, or 20% of the roof area of all On-site structures, whichever is less;
No limit if principal use permitted in the district
• Water tanks
• Airway beacons
Recreational facility lighting
Up to a maximum of 60 feet in total height
None
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
Fences, freestanding and retaining walls, and hedges must comply with the following standards.
A. 
Measuring Height. The height of structures or hedges subject to this section shall be measured in conformance with Section 17.03.090(C), Height—Measuring Height of Other Structures.
B. 
Permit Requirements.
1. 
Front Setbacks and Street Side Setbacks. Within the front and street side setbacks, or along the exterior boundaries of such setbacks, fences and freestanding walls may be allowed based on the following standards. Columns, gateposts, pilasters and entry lights may exceed the maximum height by two feet. However, no portion of the structure may encroach into a clearance triangle, pursuant to Section 17.24.210(A).
a. 
Six Feet or Less. Exempt.
b. 
More than Six Feet. Minor Conditional Use Permit.
2. 
Interior Side Setbacks and Rear Setbacks. Within interior side setbacks and rear setbacks, or along the exterior boundaries of such setbacks, fences and freestanding walls may be allowed based on the following standards. Columns, gateposts, pilasters and entry lights may exceed the maximum height by two feet.
a. 
Eight Feet or Less. Exempt.
b. 
More than Eight Feet. Minor Conditional Use Permit.
3. 
Other Parcel Locations. If located outside of required setbacks, the maximum height for fences and freestanding walls is eight feet, unless a higher fence or wall height is allowed pursuant to Design Review approval.
4. 
Exceedance. A maximum of 10 percent of the total linear length of a fence or freestanding wall may be allowed to exceed the heights specified above, where topographic or other unavoidable conditions will destroy its architectural integrity if held to the maximum height specified for its entire length.
5. 
Retaining Walls. Walls that are retaining earth only and that are less than four feet in height, as measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall and do not require a Grading Permit, are exempt from requiring a Zoning Permit.
C. 
Materials.
1. 
Limitation on Concrete/Masonry Block. Plain, concrete block may not be the primary material along arterial streets. Concrete block must be split-face or finished with stucco and capped with a decorative cap or other decorative material.
2. 
Exterior Appearance. A fence or wall with one side having a more-finished or smoother appearance than the other side must have the side with the more-finished appearance facing the exterior of the lot and the supporting members facing the interior of the lot.
3. 
Vegetation. Hedges must be adequately maintained and shall be subject to the height standards of subsection (B)(1) above, but may exceed the height standards of subsection (B)(2) of this section by an additional two feet. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure hedge heights are at or below the appropriate heights to ensure vision clearance and neighborhood compatibility and to avoid uncontrolled vegetation growth becoming a hazard or nuisance to the general public.
4. 
Limitation on Chain-Link Fencing. When located in “R” zone districts, chain-link fencing must use vines, ivy, and/or shrubbery to adequately screen the fence when located within a setback along a road right-of-way.
D. 
Recreational Fencing. Fencing located around tennis courts, basketball or volleyball courts, and similar areas up to 12 feet in height may be allowed outside of required setback areas.
E. 
Vision Clearance. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, fences, walls, hedges, and other similar or related structures must not obstruct visibility along roadways, intersections, and driveways, pursuant to Section 17.24.210. Any obstruction to visibility that creates a safety hazard must be removed.
F. 
Hedge Amortization. All nonconforming hedges may be continued and maintained for three months from the effective date of this Title. At the end of this three-month amortization period, such nonconforming hedges lose their status as nonconforming hedges and the property owner’s maintenance of such a hedge above the legal height constitutes a violation of the provisions of this Title and shall be removed or brought into conformance with this chapter.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6; Ord. 20-09 § 5; Ord. 22-06 § 4; Ord. 25-10, 12/2/2025)
This section provides additional information for grading and grubbing activities that are not associated with a larger approved project, which are themselves cumulatively considered a project and subject to this section.
A. 
Permit Requirements.
1. 
Exempt. The following grading and grubbing activities are exempt from Zoning Permits, pursuant to this Title:
a. 
Grading on a single lot of less than 50 cubic yards, less than two feet in depth, and not within 500 feet of any ESHA.
b. 
Grubbing on a single lot of less than one-half acre and not within 500 feet of any ESHA.
c. 
The annual or semiannual plowing, tilling, preparation, and planting of land for ongoing farming and agricultural operations.
2. 
Zoning Clearance. The following grading and grubbing activities require a Zoning Clearance, pursuant to this Title:
a. 
Grading of less than 50 cubic yards and within 500 feet, but not closer than 300 feet, of any ESHA.
b. 
Grading activities occurring on two or more contiguous lots and less than 500 square feet in area.
c. 
Grubbing of more than one-half acre, but less than one acre.
d. 
Grubbing less than 500 feet, but not within 300 feet, of any ESHA.
3. 
Land Use Permit or Coastal Development Permit. The following grading and grubbing activities require a Land Use Permit or Coastal Development Permit, pursuant to this Title:
a. 
Grading of 50 cubic yards or more.
b. 
Grading activities requiring a Grading Permit from the City.
c. 
Grading activities occurring on two or more contiguous lots and 500 square feet or more in area.
d. 
Grading or grubbing within 300 feet of, but more than 100 feet from any ESHA.
e. 
Grubbing of more than one acre.
4. 
Major Conditional Use Permit. The following grading and grubbing activities require a Major Conditional Use Permit pursuant to this Title:
a. 
Grading or grubbing within 100 feet of ESHA.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6; Ord. 23-05 § 4)
Heliports, including helipads and helistops, are limited to accessory uses and must be located, developed, and operated in compliance with the following standards.
A. 
Permit Required. Heliports require the approval of a Major Conditional Use Permit.
B. 
Findings for Approval. In addition to the requirements of Chapter 17.57, Conditional Use Permits, a heliport can only be approved if the following additional findings can be made:
1. 
The development conforms to the location criteria and standards of this section and the requirements of the California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics.
2. 
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport and/or the FAA confirms that proposed Heliport will not conflict with current airport operations.
3. 
The proposed facility obtains all required reviews and approvals by the California Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics and/or the FAA.
4. 
The proposed operation of the helicopter facility does not pose a threat to public health, safety or general welfare, or to sensitive and protected environmental resources.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
Mixed-use development must comply with the following standards for open space:
A. 
For Mixed-Use Development where no more than 40 percent of the total floor area of the development is devoted to residential use, a minimum of 60 square feet of open space per unit is required, which may be provided as restricted and/or common open space.
B. 
For Mixed-Use Development where more than 40 percent of the total floor area of the development is devoted to residential use, a minimum of 160 square feet of open space per unit is required, which may be provided as restricted and/or common open space.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6; Ord. No. 24-05, 12/3/2024)
Private outdoor storage of materials, including, but not limited to, machines, equipment, and unregistered vehicles or parts, or goods for sale or use as part of a business outside of a residential or non-residential building for more than 72 hours must conform to the standards of this section. The regulations of this section do not apply to temporary storage of construction materials reasonably required for construction work on the premises pursuant to a Building Permit and to agricultural/farming equipment used for agriculture or farming on the property.
A. 
Permitted Districts. Table 17.24.130 below states where private outdoor storage is permitted.
TABLE 17.24.130: PRIVATE OUTDOOR STORAGE REGULATIONS BY DISTRICT AND LOCATION
Districts
Permissibility of Private Outdoor Storage
Residential, Commercial, and Office
Not permitted. All storage must be within an enclosed building, except as allowed for Outdoor Sales or otherwise specifically permitted. Portable On-Demand Storage (PODS), shipping containers, and similar temporary storage containment qualify as an enclosed building and are subject to all development standards of Section 17.24.020, Accessory Structures.
Industrial and Public and Quasi-Public
Not permitted in front or street side setbacks. Permitted in interior side and rear setbacks, or outside of required setbacks, subject to the standards of this section.
Agricultural
Permitted if associated with a permitted agricultural use, located outside of all required setbacks, and screened subject to the standards of this section from adjacent residential properties and public rights-of-way.
Open Space
Not permitted.
B. 
Screening. Storage areas visible from public streets that are not separated from the street by intervening building(s) must be screened. Screening walls and fences must be high enough to sufficiently screen stored material. Fences and walls must not exceed the maximum allowable fence heights unless allowed pursuant to approval of a Minor Conditional Use Permit.
C. 
Location. Any use of outdoor storage containers (e.g., shipping containers, PODS, etc.) shall not be located within any required parking space, required landscape area or setback, and shall not impede emergency access to the site.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
This section establishes design and location standards for the construction of storage areas for refuse, solid waste, recycling, compost, organic, and green waste containers, which are all collectively referred to as “trash and recycling.”
A. 
General Requirements. All trash and recycling must be placed in an appropriate receptacle. All garbage cans, mobile trash bins, receptacles, and all recycling materials and containers must have a lid, be maintained in good repair, and stored in accord with this section.
B. 
Collection and Containment. All development must provide individual trash, recycling, and green waste containers or enclosures consistent with either the following:
1. 
Individual Trash, Recycling, and Green Waste Containers. Individual trash, recycling, and green waste containers for each dwelling unit or non-residential tenant may be provided as follows:
a. 
Development Type. Individual collection containers may be provided for:
i. 
Single-unit dwelling.
ii. 
Multi-unit dwellings where the Review Authority finds that the nature of the proposed development is such that the development will be adequately served with individual trash, recycling, and green waste containers.
iii. 
Non-residential development where the Review Authority finds that the nature of the proposed development is such that the development will be adequately served with individual trash and recycling containers.
b. 
Location. The trash and recycling containers must not be located within any required front setback, street side setback, any required parking and landscaped areas, or any other area required by this Title to be constructed or maintained unencumbered, according to fire and other applicable building and public safety codes.
c. 
Visibility. The trash and recycling containers must not be visible from a public right-of-way except as required for pick up as required by the trash and recycling haul operator.
2. 
Trash, Recycling, and Green Waste Container Enclosures. Trash, recycling, and green waste container enclosures are required for all new non-residential development except where the Review Authority finds the development will be adequately served with individual trash and recycling containers pursuant to subsection (B)(1) above.
a. 
Size. Trash and recycling enclosures must be sized to contain all trash, garbage, recyclables, and other waste generated on site based on the periodic pick up schedule by the City or its contracted trash and recycling collector(s).
b. 
Location. The trash and recycling storage area must be located outside of any required front setback, street side setback, any required parking and landscaped areas, any rear or interior side setback abutting an “R” Zone District parcel, or any other area required by this Title. Trash and recycling storage areas are to be maintained open, clear and unencumbered, pursuant to all applicable fire and building and public safety codes.
c. 
Accessibility. Trash and recycling storage areas must be directly accessible to trucks and equipment used by the trash and recycling collector(s). If feasible, access must have sufficient maneuvering areas, so collection equipment does not need to back into or out of the storage area.
d. 
Screening. Trash and recycling storage areas located outside of any building must be screened with a solid enclosure at least six feet in height and include a solid roof structure that fully shields the top of the container.
e. 
Permit Required. Enclosures are permitted according to subsection 17.24.020B.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6; Ord. 25-10, 12/2/2025)
Reverse vending machines must be located, developed, and operated in compliance with the following standards:
A. 
Location. Machines must be located adjacent or as near as feasibly possible, to the entrance of the commercial host use and must not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular circulation. Machines can be located against a wall, but not in parking areas.
B. 
Identification. Reverse vending machines must be clearly marked to identify the type of material to be deposited, operating instructions, and the identity and phone number of the operator or responsible person to call if the machine is inoperative.
C. 
Trash Receptacle. Machines must provide a minimum 40-gallon garbage can for non-recyclable materials located adjacent to the vending machine.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
A. 
Disclosure Requirement.
1. 
Disclosure by Subdivider. The subdivider of any property located within 1,000 feet of land zoned or used for agriculture, within or outside of the City, must disclose, through a notation on the Final Map, within CC&Rs if prepared, and through the recordation of a separate acknowledgment statement on each individual deed describing the newly created lots, the presence of agricultural and appurtenant uses in the vicinity through the following or similar statement:
“The property within this subdivision is located within 1,000 feet of land utilized or zoned for agricultural operations and residents/occupants of the property may be subject to inconvenience or discomfort arising from use of agricultural chemicals, including, without limitation, acaricides, fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, predacides and rodenticides; and from pursuit of agricultural operations, including, without limitation, crop protection, cultivation, harvesting, plowing, processing, pruning, shipping, spraying, and animal keeping and related activities, which may generate dust, light, noise, odor, smoke, and/or traffic. The City of Goleta has adopted policies to encourage and preserve agricultural lands and operations within and in the vicinity of the City. Residents/occupants of property should be prepared to accept inconveniences or discomfort as normal and necessary to properly conducted agricultural operations.”
2. 
Disclosure Before Issuance of a Building Permit. Where a new structure intended for human occupancy is to be located on land that is located within 1,000 feet of land zoned or used for agriculture within or outside of the City, the owner must, before the City issues a building permit, sign and record a statement in a form equivalent to that specified in subsection (A)(1), Disclosure by Subdivider. In lieu of signing the statement required above, the owner may submit evidence that the statement in subsection (A)(1), Disclosure by Subdivider, has been made a part of subdivision documents creating the lot on which the structure is proposed and appears on the deed for each lot.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
A. 
Applicability.
1. 
The standards of this section apply to:
a. 
New development.
b. 
Replacement or new equipment that is added to serve existing buildings.
c. 
Condominium conversions.
2. 
The standards of this section do not apply to:
a. 
Continued routine operation of existing equipment that serves existing buildings unless that equipment is the subject of a building code compliance case and is determined to be unsafe to operate and needs either replacement or repair, then subject to this section.
b. 
Solar energy systems which are subject to Section 17.24.180, General Site Regulations— Solar Installations.
B. 
General Requirements. All exterior mechanical equipment, whether on a roof, on the side of a structure, or located on the ground, must be screened from public view. Exterior mechanical equipment to be screened includes, without limitation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration equipment, plumbing lines, ductwork, transformers, smoke exhaust fans, water meters, backflow preventers, service entry section, and similar utility devices.
1. 
Screening must be architecturally integrated into the main structure with regard to materials, color, shape, and size to appear as an integral part of the building or structure.
2. 
Equipment must be screened on all sides.
3. 
The use of expanded metal lath or chain link for the purpose of screening is prohibited.
C. 
Requirements for Specific Types of Mechanical Equipment. The following additional screening standards apply to the specified types of mechanical equipment:
1. 
Ground-Mounted Equipment. Ground-mounted equipment that faces a public viewing area must be screened to a height of 12 inches above the equipment and designed and painted to blend in with the surrounding area, unless such screening conflicts with utility access, in which case reasonable accommodation must be allowed. Acceptable screening devices consist of decorative walls, berms, and/or plant materials.
2. 
Exterior Wall Equipment. Screening for wall-mounted equipment, (e.g., electrical meters, cableconnection boxes, electrical distribution cabinets, etc.) must incorporate elements of the building design (e.g., shape, color, texture, material, etc.). For screen walls that are three feet in height or lower, vegetative materials may be substituted for the screening device. This requirement does not apply to equipment that has accessibility and visibility requirements for health and safety.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
This section provides procedures for the review of solar energy systems, where the Building Official finds that solar energy systems could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, consistent with Goleta Municipal Code Section 15.14.070(E).
A. 
Exempt. Where the Building Official does not make the finding in Goleta Municipal Code Section 15.14.070(E), the solar energy system is exempt from all standards and requirements of this Title.
B. 
Permit Required. Where the Building Official makes the finding in Goleta Municipal Code Section 15.14.070(E), that a proposed solar energy system could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, issuance of a Land Use Permit is required.
C. 
Finding for Approval. The Director shall issue a Land Use Permit for a solar energy system only if the following finding can be made:
1. 
The proposed solar energy system installation would not have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety.
No additional findings are required for a solar energy system, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Title.
D. 
Finding for Denial. If the Director denies the project based on the finding in subsection (C)(1) above, the denial shall include a finding by the Building Official that there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact and the basis for the rejection of potential feasible alternatives of preventing the adverse impact.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6; Ord. 23-05 § 4)
This section establishes standards for private swimming pools and spas that are not open to the general public. Public pools are subject to Chapter 17.57, Conditional Use Permits.
A. 
Location. Swimming pools, spas, and appurtenant structures must not be located in the front or street side setback and must not be closer than five feet of any property line.
B. 
Equipment. All equipment must be mounted and enclosed/screened so that its sound is in compliance with Chapter 17.39, Performance Standards.
C. 
Safety. Any construction of a new swimming pool or spa, or the remodeling of an existing pool or spa must comply with the California Health and Safety Code Section 115922 et seq., also known as the Swimming Pool Safety Act.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
For all new development, all electrical, telephone, cable television, fiber-optic cable, gas, water, sewer, and similar utility lines providing direct service to a project must be installed underground within the site. This requirement may be waived by the Review Authority upon determining that underground installation is infeasible, or the utility line is otherwise exempt from an undergrounding requirement.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6)
A. 
Clearance Triangle. No wall, fence, or other structure may be erected, and no hedge, shrub, tree or other growth shall be maintained that will materially impede vision clearance within and to the road right-of-way for vehicular traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians.
1. 
Corner Lots. A hazard exists when a structure or vegetation exceeds the height of three feet within a triangle formed by the intersecting property lines nearest the streets and a straight line joining such property lines at points which are 10 feet from the point of intersection, measured along such property lines.
FIGURE 17.24.210(A)(1): CLEARANCE TRIANGLE, CORNER LOTS
2. 
Driveways. A hazard exists when a structure or vegetation exceeds the height of three feet within the triangle. The triangle is measured along the property line with roadway frontage from which access to the lot is taken and extends 10 feet parallel to the public right-of-way and 10 feet parallel to the driveway on both sides.
17.24.210.(A)(2): CLEARANCE TRIANGLE, DRIVEWAYS
3. 
Other Considerations. The Review Authority may further limit the height of construction by the terms of any zoning entitlement in order to prevent impairment of vision clearance. In consultation with Public Works staff, the City may require vision clearance triangles greater than those detailed in this subsection in order to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the public.
(Ord. 20-03 § 6; Ord. 21-07 § 4; Ord. 23-05 § 4)
This section provides procedures for the review of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, as they are defined in Goleta Municipal Code Section 15.20.030, where the Building Official finds that the EV charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, consistent with Goleta Municipal Code Section 15.20.070(A).
A. 
Exempt. Where the Building Official does not make the finding in Goleta Municipal Code Section 15.20.070(A), the EV charging station is exempt from all standards and requirements of this Title.
B. 
Permit Required. Where the Building Official makes the finding in Goleta Municipal Code Section 15.20.070(A) that a proposed EV charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, issuance of a Land Use Permit is required.
C. 
Finding for Approval. The Director shall issue a Zoning Clearance for an EV charging station only if the following finding can be made:
1. 
The proposed EV charging station installation would not have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety.
No additional findings are required for an EV charging station, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Title.
D. 
Finding for Denial. If the Director denies the project based on the finding in subsection (C)(1) above, the denial shall include a finding by the Building Official that there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact and the basis for the rejection of potential feasible alternatives of preventing the adverse impact.
(Ord. 21-07 § 4; Ord. 23-05 § 4)