The purpose of this Title, also referred to as the Objective Design and Development Standards (ODDS), is to provide clear, objective, and measurable standards for multi-unit and mixed-use residential development within the zones established in Chapter 25.02 (Zones).
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
The ODDS regulate the desired physical form and character of new multi-unit housing projects to encourage a diversity of pedestrian-oriented housing types within walkable neighborhoods. Pedestrian orientation refers to design qualities and features that contribute to an active, inviting, and pleasant place for pedestrians that typically include most of the following elements:
A. 
Highly-articulated building façades at street level, located directly behind the sidewalk.
B. 
Visibility into buildings at street level.
C. 
A continuous sidewalk, with minimum intrusions into pedestrian right-of-way.
D. 
Continuity of building façades along the right-of-way with few interruptions in the progression of buildings.
E. 
Design amenities at the street level such as awning, paseos, arcades, landscape, and street furniture.
The ODDS regulations address the relationship between buildings and the public realm, the context of buildings in their neighborhoods, and development of new street networks on larger sites. The ODDS promotes desirable development patterns by regulating building size, placement, frontages, and architectural style. The ODDS are offered as an alternative path for planning entitlements to replace subjective guidelines with predictable and objective standards.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
A. 
Increase Predictability and confidence in the City review process with consistent expectations for desirable results.
B. 
Promote a Livable City by supporting diverse housing types that engage the streetscape to create a vibrant and walkable community.
C. 
Respect the Context of Santa Barbara's existing built and natural environment with buildings and design that reflect the City's vision of exemplary architecture.
D. 
Create a Visual Language to better communicate local standards with photographs, illustrations, maps, and tables in a catalog of agreed-upon designs.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
The ODDS implements the City's General Plan principles for development, which encourage sustainable land use and circulation patterns.
A. 
Focus growth to encourage housing with easy access to transit and commercial services and providing incentives to develop affordable housing.
B. 
Encourage a mix of land uses to include strong retail and workplace centers with easy access to commercial services and recreation, connectivity and civic engagement, and public space for pedestrians.
C. 
Strengthen mobility options and promote active, healthy living by linking mixed-use development with transit; encouraging compact, vibrant, walkable places; encouraging the use of bicycles; and reducing the need for parking.
The General Plan establishes residential densities (dwelling units per acre) for applicable land use designations, including parcels that can use the ODDS. The ODDS have been prepared to conform with the General Plan land use designations and to correlate with the City's Average Unit Size Density Incentive Program as the City's foremost multi-unit housing program to implement the General Plan goals. Applicants are responsible for complying with residential densities in the General Plan through choice of unit sizes, building footprint/massing, and building types. Table 25.01.040.A (General Plan Land Use Designations Correlated to ODDS Zones) shows how the existing General Plan land use designations correspond to ODDS zones as described in Chapter 25.02 (Zones).
Table 25.01.040.A: General Plan Land Use Designations Correlated to ODDS Zones
ODDS Zones
Land Use Designation
Max. Density
Neighborhood Medium
Neighborhood Large
Mixed-Use Corridor
Downtown Edge
Downtown Core
Low Density Residential
2-3 du/acre
Low Density Residential
X
Medium Density Residential
12 du/acre
Medium Density Residential
X
Office–Medium Density Residential
X
Medium-High Density Residential
27 du/acre
Medium-High Density Residential
X
X
X
X
X
Office–Medium-High Density Residential
X
X
Commercial–Medium-High Density Residential
X
X
X
X
Commercial Industrial–Medium-High Density Residential
X
X
X
High Density Residential
36 du/acre
High Density Residential
X
Office–High Density Residential
X
X
Commercial–High Density Residential
X
X
X
X
Priority Housing Overlay
63 du/acre
Priority Housing Overlay1
X
X
X
X
Lots with more than one Land Use Designation: Apply the applicable ODDS zone following the Land Use Designation boundaries.
Note:
1
Parcels with Priority Housing Overlay have an underlying Land Use Designation.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
The Local Coastal Program establishes residential densities (dwelling units per acre) for applicable land use designations for parcels in the Coastal Zone that can use the ODDS. Applicants for projects in the Coastal Zone are responsible for complying with Coastal Land Use Plan residential densities through choice of unit sizes, building footprint/massing, and building types. Development in the Coastal Zone shall require approval of a Coastal Development Permit consistent with the requirements of the Coastal Land Use Plan policies, including protection of coastal resources. Table 25.01.050.A (Local Coastal Program Land Use Designations Correlated to ODDS Zones) shows how existing coastal land use designations correspond to ODDS Zones.
Table 25.01.050.A: Local Coastal Program Land Use Designations Correlated to ODDS Zones
ODDS Zones
Land Use Designation
Max
Density
Neighborhood Medium
Neighborhood Large
Mixed-Use Corridor
Downtown Edge
Downtown Core
Medium Density Residential
12 du/acre
Medium Density Residential
X
Medium-High Density Residential
27 du/acre
Medium-High Density Residential
X
X
Hotel and Residential
X
Coastal-Oriented Commercial/Medium-High Residential
X
Hotel & Related Commerce II/Medium-High Residential
X
Coastal-Oriented Commercial/Hotel and Related Commerce II
X
Commercial/Medium-High Residential
X
X
Lots with more than one Land Use Designation: Apply the applicable ODDS zone following the Land Use Designation boundaries.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
The ODDS work in conjunction with the entire Santa Barbara Municipal Code to implement State law that requires "applicable, objective general plan, zoning, and subdivision standards and criteria, including design review standards" per the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 (Senate Bill 330).
The ODDS provide most of the development standards for housing development projects in Title 25, except that subdivision standards in Title 27 (Subdivisions) apply and land use continues to be regulated by Title 28 (Zoning—Coastal) and Title 30 (Zoning—Inland). Where Title 25 is silent, the rest of the Municipal Code prevails. Where a conflict exists between the standards in Title 25 and Title 28 (Zoning—Coastal) and Title 30 (Zoning—Inland), Title 25 shall prevail.
Table 25.01.060.A (Base Zones Correlated to ODDS Zones) shows how the ODDS corresponds to the existing Title 30 Base Zones.
Projects in the Coastal Zone will rely on certain portions of Title 28 (Zoning—Coastal) that remain in effect or are not included in Title 25 until Title 30 (Zoning—Inland) is certified as a Local Coastal Program Amendment by the California Coastal Commission.
Table 25.01.060.A: Base Zones Correlated to ODDS Zones
ODDS Zones
Base Zones1
Neighborhood Medium
Neighborhood Large
Mixed-Use Corridor
Downtown Edge
Downtown Core
Residential
R-2 (Two-Unit Residential)
X
R-M (Residential Multi-Unit)
X
X
R-MH (Residential Multi-Unit and Hotel)
X
Nonresidential
O-R (Office Restricted)
X
X
X
C-R (Commercial Restricted)
X
X
C-G (Commercial General)
X
X
X
X
M-C (Manufacturing Commercial)
X
X
X
X
CO-HV (Coastal-Oriented Hotel and Visitor-Serving)
X
X
CO-CAR (Coastal-Oriented Commercial, Arts, and Recreation)
X
Lots with more than one Base Zone: Apply the applicable ODDS Zone following the Base Zone boundaries.
Note:
1
All Base Zones listed are Inland Zones. See Section 30.05.010 (Zones Established) for Coastal Zone equivalencies.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
A. 
Rules for Construction of Language. The rules for construction of language in Chapter 30.10 (Rules for Construction of Language and Interpretation) apply to the text of the ODDS.
B. 
Standards. The applicable standards of the ODDS apply so as to not require stating the phrase "and all applicable standards" throughout the ODDS.
C. 
Applicability. ODDS applies to qualifying residential projects for which the State requires review for compliance using only objective standards, including Housing Development Projects meeting the definition of Government Code § 65589.5(h)(2).
1. 
Applicants may opt out of using ODDS for a project, including those projects that qualify under State law for objective review, however, the project will then proceed under the City's discretionary review process as outlined in Chapter 30.205 (Common Procedures).
2. 
Development standard waivers, concessions, or incentives granted pursuant to State Density Bonus Law (Government Code § 65915) and administrative exceptions allowed in Chapter 25.07 (Exceptions) of this Code are allowed. No other exceptions to ODDS through a discretionary variance, modification, exception, waiver, or other discretionary approval is allowed.
D. 
New Construction. The ODDS is only applicable for new construction, not additions, expansions, alterations, or remodels. The ODDS shall not be used to add new buildings to sites with existing buildings to remain except as provided below.
1. 
The ODDS may be used to add a Cottage Court, Duplex Court, or Side Court building type on a site with an existing single-unit or two-unit residential building provided the development is consistent with density standards in Section 25.02.030D (Density). The existing building is not required to comply with the ODDS standards unless exterior alterations are proposed.
E. 
Reference Illustrations. Images, figures, diagrams, and graphics are intended to provide a reference and are illustrative, not regulatory. They are not an exhaustive representation of applicable standards. In case of conflict between the text and a diagram or graphic, the text controls.
F. 
Definitions. See Chapter 25.08 (Definitions) for definitions of specialized terms used within the ODDS. All other terms are defined in Chapter 30.300 (Definitions).
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
Applications for development are to be processed in compliance with the City's common procedures for reviewing all applications and processing permits and approvals identified in Chapter 30.205 (Common Procedures), consistent with State law, and the following:
A. 
Administrative Relief. Requests for administrative relief from certain standards in the ODDS are to be processed in compliance with the procedures and the required findings in Section 25.07.020 (Exceptions to Standards).
B. 
Affordable Housing Streamlined Approval (Senate Bill 35). Streamlined affordable housing projects as defined in Government Code § 65913.4 must select the Affordable Housing Streamlined Approval review process per Section 30.145.035 (Affordable Housing Streamlined Approval) at the time of initial application submittal.
C. 
Housing Development Projects (Senate Bill 330). Housing development projects as defined in Government Code § 65589.5(h)(2) must select Objective Design Review process per Section 30.220.050 (Objective Design Review) at the time of initial application submittal.
D. 
Exempt from Concept Review. Qualifying multi-unit housing development projects in compliance with the ODDS and constructed in accordance with the Average Unit-Size Density Incentive Program, are exempt from mandatory Pre-Application and Concept Review pursuant to Section 30.150.060 (Pre-Application and Concept Review Required).
E. 
Amendments. All proposals to change the text of this Title or revise a zone or zoning boundary line shown on the Zone Map or architectural styles boundary as shown on the Architectural Styles Map must be made pursuant to a Zoning Amendment as described in Chapter 30.235 (General Plan and Zoning Amendments).
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
This section identifies the zones, based on the intended physical form and character of the environments described in the ODDS. These zones focus on multi-unit residential and mixed-use environments and range in function and intensity from primarily residential areas (Neighborhood Medium and Neighborhood Large) to moderate-intensity centers (Mixed-Use Corridor), to higher intensity neighborhoods (Downtown Edge) and the highest intensity center (Downtown Core). The terminology reflects the intended physical form and hierarchy of different places. These zones are for the purpose of generating and supporting a variety of housing types and the physical character of existing and new walkable environments.
To reflect historic development patterns in the City of Santa Barbara, and to allow greater use of the ODDS on a wider variety of lots, the ODDS zones build upon each other in building intensities by allowing small-to-medium footprint house-scale building types in all zones. To retain and create vibrant urban centers, certain portions of the Downtown Core along State Street requires ground floor nonresidential space.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
The ODDS implements Santa Barbara's General Plan vision and policies through a palette of zones described in Chapter 25.02 (Zones), coupled with building type choices, site planning, development standards, and architectural styles. These zones are applicable to residential and mixed-use projects of two or more units and consist of objective standards to facilitate development on those parcels.
A. 
Within the Downtown Core (DC) and Downtown Edge (DE) Zones, the ODDS:
1. 
Provides for large footprint, high-intensity, residential mixed-use buildings within easy access to all modes of travel; and
2. 
Facilitates transitions from the highest residential density and mixed-use areas to the adjacent nonresidential, mixed-use, and residential neighborhoods.
B. 
Within the Mixed-Use Corridor (MUC) Zone, the ODDS:
1. 
Supports medium- to large footprint buildings with moderate intensity residential or mixed-use buildings along arterial streets; and
2. 
Provides infill residential development within a safe, comfortable walking distance of services and amenities.
C. 
Within the Neighborhood Large (NL) and Neighborhood Medium (NM) Zones, the ODDS:
1. 
Promotes small- to medium footprint buildings with low- to moderate intensity residential with limited neighborhood-serving mixed-use; and
2. 
Builds upon the existing character of Santa Barbara's walkable neighborhoods with a range of multi-unit or clustered housing types that are compatible in scale with single-unit or transitional neighborhoods.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
A. 
Zone Map. The zones established in this section are mapped on the ODDS Zone Map (ODDS-ZM).
B. 
Zoning District Boundaries. The boundaries of the ODDS zoning districts shall be shown on the ODDS-ZM as applicable. In the event a housing development project is proposed on a site without an assigned ODDS zone (e.g., annexation, rezone, etc.), the ODDS zone is assigned based on the General Plan Land Use Designation. Low Density Residential and Medium Density Residential Land Use Designations are assigned the Neighborhood Medium ODDS Zone. Medium-High Density Residential and High Density Residential Land Use Designations are assigned the Neighborhood Large ODDS Zone. Sites with more than one Land Use Designation shall apply the applicable ODDS zone following the Land Use Designation boundaries.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
A. 
Architectural Styles Map. The architectural style groups established in Chapter 25.06 (Architectural Design) are mapped on the Architectural Styles Map (ODDS-ASM). The ODDS-ASM map designates areas that allow the Mediterranean style group, Mediterranean and Craftsman style groups, or Mediterranean, Craftsman, and Contemporary style groups.
B. 
Architectural Styles Map Boundaries. The boundaries of the ODDS architectural style districts shall be shown on the ODDS-ASM as applicable. In the event a housing development project is proposed on a site without an assigned ODDS architectural style (e.g., annexation, rezone, etc.), the Mediterranean style group is assigned.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
The following is intended as a summary guide to using the ODDS. Refer to Title 30 permit procedures and application standards and ODDS forms and applications for complete guidance.
0
Before You Begin
Identify the lot size, base zone, and, if mixed-use, verify nonresidential use is allowed in the base zone.
Identify the General Plan Land Use Designation and priority housing overlay to calculate maximum density for the site.
1
Design Your Site
Identify ODDS Zone
Section 25.01.110 (Zone Map)
Select Building Type and Apply Design Site Size
Chapter 25.02 (Zones)
Subsection B (Building Types and Design Site Size) of the Zone
Apply Building Form and Placement Standards
Chapter 25.02 (Zones)
Subsection C (Building Form) and Subsection D (Building Placement) of the Zone
Chapter 25.04 (Building Types)
Subsection C (Building Size and Massing) of the Building Type
Apply Vehicle Access and Parking Standards
Chapter 25.02 (Zones)
Subsection E (Parking) of the Zone
Section 25.03.100 (Parking Techniques)
Chapter 25.04 (Building Types)
Subsection E (Vehicle Access and Parking) of the Building Type
Apply Bicycle and Pedestrian Access Standards
Chapter 25.02 (Zones)
Subsection E (Parking) of the Zone
Chapter 25.04 (Building Types)
Subsection D (Pedestrian Access) of the Building Type
Apply Open Yard Standards
Section 25.03.040 (Open Yards)
Apply Landscape Standards
Section 25.03.050 (Landscape)
2
Designing the Building Form
Select Massing Type and Determine Building Footprint
Chapter 25.04 (Building Type)
Subsection C (Building Size and Massing) of the Building Type
Section 25.04.150 (Massing Types)
Apply Massing and Façade Composition Requirements
Section 25.04.160 (Massing and Façade Composition)
Incorporate Adjacency and Height Standards
Section 25.04.170 (Adjacency and Height Standards)
3
Activate the Streetscape
Select the Frontage Type
Chapter 25.02 (Zones)
Subsection F (Frontages) of the Zone
Apply Frontage Standards to Each Unit and Building Entrance
Chapter 25.05 (Frontages)
Subsections A–C of the Frontage
4
Apply the Architectural Style
Select an Allowed Architectural Style
Section 25.01.120 (Architectural Styles Map)
Apply Standards for the Architectural Style
Chapter 25.06 (Architectural Design)
Subsections A–Q of the Architectural Style
5
Submit the Project
Document Exception Request
Chapter 25.07 (Exceptions)
Submit a Planning Application and supplemental checklist for objective design review
Chapter 30.205 (Common Procedures)
Section 30.220.050 (Objective Design Review)
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)