This chapter establishes the palette of zones to implement the key characteristics that compromise the physical character of neighborhoods documented across Santa Barbara. The zones are for the purpose of generating and supporting the variety and physical character of existing and new pedestrian-oriented, walkable environments. These environments are described as walkable because of their interconnected streets and blocks with sidewalks, variety of housing choices, and proximity to services, shopping, and transit.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
A. 
The ODDS uses a palette of five zone districts to regulate and generate the intended physical character. Each zone district ("ODDS zone") regulates the following topics:
1. 
Intent: the intended physical character;
2. 
Building Type and Design Site Size: the menu of allowed building types and the associated minimum design site dimensions;
3. 
Building Form: the maximum overall building height or stories and minimum and maximum ground floor height;
4. 
Building Placement: the minimum to maximum building setbacks, stepbacks, and requirements for façade and frontage within or abutting the Façade Zone;
5. 
Parking: the required location and design requirements for parking and vehicle access;
6. 
Frontages: the menu of allowed frontage types required at building entries along rights-of-way and open yards; and
7. 
Open Yard: the required location and design requirements for open yard.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
A. 
Main Building. Development standards in this chapter apply to main buildings.
B. 
Accessory Structures. See Section 30.140.020 (Accessory Buildings).
C. 
Uses. Allowed uses are regulated by the Base Zone district (e.g., R-2). See Title 30 (Zoning–Inland) and Title 28 (Zoning–Coastal) of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code.
D. 
Density. The total number of units per lot must not exceed the maximum allowed by the General Plan or Coastal Land Use Plan land use designation for the site, expressed as a range of dwelling units per acre (du/ac). The maximum number of units identified for each building type is dependent on the design site being large enough to accommodate all the zone's standards (e.g., setbacks, parking, open yard, etc.).
1. 
Minimum Unit Quantities. The ODDS requires a minimum of two residential units per project.
(a) 
Projects of three or more residential units must exceed, by at least one unit, the maximum base residential density for the base zone (Section 30.20.030 (Development Standards), Section 30.25.030 (Development Standards), and Section 30.30.030 (Development Standards)) and comply with the maximum average unit size per Section 30.150.075 (Process to Establish Density Tier).
2. 
Density Bonus. ODDS projects may exceed General Plan maximum density by using State or City density bonus in compliance with Chapter 30.145 (Affordable Housing and Density Bonus Incentives) or Section 28.87.400 (Density Bonus and Development Incentives).
E. 
Inclusionary Units. All ODDS projects must comply with the inclusionary unit requirements.
1. 
If residential units in a rental housing project are developed using ODDS, the project shall comply with Section 30.150.110 (Inclusionary Requirements for Rental Housing Projects).
2. 
If residential units in an ownership housing project are developed using ODDS, the project shall comply with Section 30.150.080 (Inclusionary Housing Requirements for Ownership Housing Projects).
F. 
Prohibition Against Hotel Conversion. Residential units approved, permitted, or constructed under ODDS shall not be converted to a hotel or other similar use as delineated in Section 30.295.040.P (Commercial Use Classifications).
G. 
Nonresidential Growth Management. Nonresidential floor area is subject to the requirements of Chapter 30.170 (Nonresidential Growth Management Program).
H. 
Building Form and Placement. Standards for building height and setbacks are further limited in compliance with the following standards, as applicable, including, but not limited to:
1. 
The requirements of Section 30.140.170 (Solar Access Height Limitations).
2. 
The requirements of Section 25.04.170 (Adjacency and Height Standards).
3. 
The requirements of Section 30.30.030 (Development Standards) for nonresidential portions of mixed-use buildings adjacent to residential zones.
4. 
The requirements of the Coastal Zone Special Treatment Area in Section 28.22.030 (Land Uses Permitted).
5. 
The requirements of Section 30.150.090 (Additional Development Incentives) for market rate ownership projects within the Upper State Street Area (USS) Overlay Zone (Chapter 30.85).
I. 
Encroachments. Encroachments are not allowed within the right-of-way unless approved by a separate encroachment permit in compliance with Chapter 22.21 (Encroachments into Public Roads, Streets, Alleys and Rights-of-Way as Public Nuisance).
1. 
Encroachments are not allowed across a design site line.
2. 
Frontages are allowed to encroach into the primary front and secondary front setbacks by a maximum of 10 feet in the Neighborhood Medium (NM), Neighborhood Large (NL), and Mixed-Use Corridor (MUC) zones.
3. 
For all other encroachments, see Section 30.140.090 (Encroachments into Setbacks and Open Yards).
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
A. 
Intent. A design site is a portion of land within a parcel, delineated from other design sites or parcels, to accommodate no more than one building type. The main purpose of a design site is to allow a parcel large enough to contain more than one building type to contain multiple building types while not requiring the legal subdivision of the parcel into additional parcels. Design sites provide flexibility for larger sites to develop with multiple buildings to align with existing development patterns, engage the public realm, and maximize the number of residential units.
B. 
Development Standards. One parcel can delineate a single or multiple design sites as long as maximum density per the General Plan is not exceeded for the entire parcel and design site minimum width and depth standards per Subsection B (Building Types and Design Site Size) of the Zone can be met. The following standards apply to all design sites. Also see Section 25.02.040C for single design sites and Section 25.02.040D for multiple design sites.
1. 
Design site depth shall be measured at the midpoint of the front design site line. Design site width shall be measured by a line connecting two points on opposite interior design site lines that will result in a line parallel to the front design site line.
2. 
Determining the Primary and Secondary Front. For the purpose of designating setbacks, Façade Zone, and frontage, design sites must have a designated front as follows:
(a) 
Design Site Abutting Only One Right-of-Way. Design sites must have a primary front. The primary front is the portion of the design site that fronts onto the adjacent right-of-way. Design sites facing a right-of-way shall be parallel to the right-of-way and contiguous with the right-of-way line.
(b) 
Design Site Abutting Two or More Rights-of-Way. Design sites must have a primary and secondary front. The primary front is the narrowest portion of the parcel and the secondary front is the widest portion of the parcel that fronts onto either right-of-way. If the portions of the design site fronting onto either right-of-way are equal, the primary front is where the building frontage will be placed.
(c) 
Design Site Not Abutting a Right-of-Way. Design sites must have a primary front. The primary front is the portion of the design site that fronts onto a pedestrian pathway, courtyard, or Community Open Space (see Section 25.03.160 (Large Site Standards)) where the building frontage will be placed.
3. 
A design site shall have only one main building type per Chapter 25.02 (Zones), Subsection B (Building Types and Design Site Size) of the Zone, except for building types identified in Section 25.04.030 (General Requirements).
4. 
Design sites with sloped topography shall be developed in compliance with Section 25.03.110 (Sloped Parcels).
5. 
Where public improvements are required in compliance with Section 22.44.070 (Public Improvement Standards), design sites shall not include the area of the public improvements.
C. 
Single Design Site Development Standards. The following standards apply to a project with a single design site that covers the entire project area.
1. 
The existing lot lines are the design site lines. All portions of the parcel are included within the boundary of the design site.
D. 
Multiple Design Sites Development Standards. The following standards apply to a project with multiple design sites that cover the entire project area.
1. 
Multiple design sites are not required to be legally subdivided into individual lots. Subdividing requires a minimum lot size and street frontage for newly created lots that must be in compliance with Title 28 (Zoning—Coastal) or Title 30 (Zoning—Inland), and the standards for subdividing in Title 27 (Subdivisions).
2. 
Development standards apply to each individual design site, with the exception of the following, which are applied to the entire parcel:
(a) 
Solar access in compliance with Section 30.140.170 (Solar Access Height Limitations);
(b) 
Number of units per General Plan maximum density; and
(c) 
Public improvements.
3. 
Location and Orientation. See Figure 25.02.040.1 (Applying Design Sites on Existing Right-of-Way Network) for an example of a project site with multiple design sites abutting three rights-of-way. The size, location, and orientation of new design site lines shall meet the following standards:
(a) 
Each design site shall have a width and depth consistent with the minimum design site sizes in compliance with Chapter 25.02 (Zones), Subsection B (Building Types and Design Site Size) of the Zone, unless approved as an exception due to site conditions per Chapter 25.07 (Exceptions).
(b) 
There should be no remainder; all portions of the parcel must be included within the boundary of the design sites.
(c) 
Design site lines must be straight, unless there is a conflict with the natural environment, in which case the lines shall follow the course of the natural environment, such as top of creek bank.
(d) 
Interior design site lines abutting the right-of-way shall be at right angles perpendicular to the right-of-way on straight streets, or radial to the right-of-way on curved streets.
Figure 25.02.040.1: Applying Design Sites on Existing Right-of-Way Network
A.
Identify Zone.
1.
See Zone Map.
2.
See Section 25.02.040 (Design Sites) and Subsection B (Building Types and Design Site Size) of the Zone.
B.
Apply Design Sites.
1.
Each design site is required to front onto the adjacent right-of-way. Where public improvements apply, design sites shall not include the right-of-way.
2.
Select only one building type for each design site from the allowed building types for the zone and apply the required dimensional standards. (See Subsection B (Building Types and Design Site Size) of the Zone).
C.
Place Buildings.
1.
Place each main building on its design site in compliance with the required setbacks and other standards of the zone.
2.
Each building is required to front onto the adjacent right-of-way.
3.
Select and apply frontage types to each building (see Subsection F (Frontages) of the Zone).
Key
Project Site
Main Building
Vehicle Access and Parking
Landscape
Design Site Line
Example Zone
Pedestrian Pathways
4. 
Parking, driveways, and pedestrian pathways may be shared with adjacent design sites within the same parcel, in compliance with City of Santa Barbara Access and Parking Design Standards.
5. 
Development projects on parcels of two or more acres are subject to Section 25.03.160 (Large Site Standards).
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
A. 
Intent. The Façade Zone is the area between the minimum and maximum front setbacks lines along the primary front, or primary and secondary front for a corner design site. Façade Zones place the building and frontages close to the public realm to reinforce pedestrian-oriented development along the right-of-way.
B. 
Development Standards. Subsection D (Building Placement) of the Zone identifies how much of the building façade is required to be placed along the primary and secondary front.
1. 
The Façade Zone standards apply to new main buildings and their frontages along the primary front or secondary front of a design site.
2. 
Façades are allowed to be in any configuration if in compliance with the Façade Zone requirements in Chapter 25.02 (Zones), Subsection D (Building Placement) of the Zone, façade composition requirements in Section 25.04.160 (Massing and Façade Composition), selected frontage in Chapter 25.05 (Frontages), and the selected architectural style in Chapter 25.06 (Architectural Design).
3. 
Only the front most buildings on a design site are subject to the Façade Zone. For building types that allow more than one building on a design site, see Chapter 25.04 (Building Types), Subsection D (Pedestrian Access) of the Building Type for fronting requirements.
4. 
The length of the building required to be in the Façade Zone is expressed as a minimum and maximum percentage in Chapter 25.02 (Zones), Subsection D (Building Placement) of the Zone. The same method for the primary front applies to the secondary front, using the front and interior building setbacks. See Figure 25.02.050.1 (Determining the Required Amount Subject to the Façade Zone).
(a) 
Identify the width of the design site and apply required interior building setbacks.
(b) 
Subtract the horizontal length between each interior setback from the total width of the design site. The result is the net buildable width of the design site.
(c) 
Multiply the required minimum and maximum percentages in the zone standards by the net buildable width of the design site. The result is the minimum and maximum length, in feet, of building façade and frontage type that is required within or abutting the Façade Zone. Where no maximum is expressed, the façade may be up to 100% in the Façade Zone. See Figure 25.02.050.2 (Applying the Required Amount to the Façade Zone).
Figure 25.02.050.1: Determining the Required Amount Subject to the Façade Zone
A
Design Site Width
50'
B
Interior Setback
- 6'
B
Interior Setback
- 6'
Net Buildable Width
= 38'
Net Buildable Width
38'
x Zone Standard (e.g., 50%)
x 50%
Façade Required In or Abutting the Façade Zone
= 19'
Figure 25.02.050.2: Applying the Required Amount to the Façade Zone
Primary Front
Secondary Front
Façade Zone
55% min.1
45% min.1
Buildable Area for Building and Frontage Type
A
B
Note:
1
See Subsection D (Building Placement) of the Zone.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
A. 
Intent. The intended physical character of the Neighborhood Medium Zone is to promote a walkable neighborhood comprised of low- to moderate-intensity housing choices. This zone serves as a transition between lower density, single-unit neighborhoods and higher density, multi-unit and commercial areas.
This zone is characterized by detached buildings with small footprints and space between buildings. It allows buildings up to 30 feet in height and two and one-half stories, with porches, dooryards, and stoops.
B. 
Building Types and Design Site Size.
Design Site
Allowed Building Types
Width
A
Depth
B
Standards
House-Scale
Duplex Side-by-Side
50' min.
100' min.
§ 25.04.050
Duplex Stacked
50' min.
100' min.
§ 25.04.060
Cottage Court
90' min.
120' min.
§ 25.04.070
Medium Multiplex
50' min.
110' min.
§ 25.04.080
Duplex Court
50' min.
110' min.
§ 25.04.090
Each design site shall have only one main building type.
C. 
Building Form.
Height
Main Building
Max. Stories
See standards in Chapter 25.04 (Building Types)
Overall
30' max.
C
Ground Floor Finish Level
D
Residential
6" min.1
Nonresidential
6" max.
Ground Floor Ceiling
E
Residential
9' min.
Nonresidential
12' min.
Frontage
See Subsection F (Frontages)
F
Design Site Coverage
Max. Building Footprint
See standards in Chapter 25.04 (Building Types)
Depth, Ground-Floor Space
G
Cottage Court
12' min.2
All Building Types
25' min.2
Notes:
1
Common entries may be set at grade in compliance with local and Federal accessibility standards.
2
For occupiable space only.
D. 
Building Placement.
Setback
Primary Front (Façade Zone)
15' min.; 20' max.
H
Secondary Front (Façade Zone)
15' min.; 20' max.
I
Front Stepback (portion of structures more than 15' in height)
+ 5' min.
Interior
6' min.
J
Building Façade
Façade Zone Defined By Main Building/Frontage Type
Primary Front
Secondary Front
Total length of façade required within or abutting Façade Zone
55% min.
45% min.
Façade Design
All building façades shall be designed in compliance with Chapter 25.06 (Architectural Design).
E. 
Parking.
Automobile Spaces Required
See Chapter 30.175 (Parking Regulations) for required spaces.
In the Coastal Zone, see Chapter 28.90 (Automobile Parking Requirements) for required spaces.
Bicycle Spaces Required
1 long-term space per residential unit3
For nonresidential uses, see Chapter 30.175 (Parking Regulations) or Chapter 28.90 (Automobile Parking Requirements) in the Coastal Zone for required spaces.
Setback
Primary Front
45' min.
K
Secondary Front
L
Non-street facing
15' min.
Street-facing
20' min.
Interior
M
Uncovered
5' min.
< 4 Covered Stalls
3' min.
5+ Covered Stalls
6' min.
See Section 25.03.100 (Parking Techniques) for general requirements.
See Chapter 25.04 (Building Types), Subsection E (Vehicle Access and Parking) of the Building Type for allowed parking techniques.
Note:
3
For projects of 3 or more units.
F. 
Frontages.
Allowed Frontage Types
Standards
House-Scale
Porch Projecting
§ 25.05.040
Porch Recessed
§ 25.05.050
Dooryard
§ 25.05.060
Stoop
§ 25.05.070
G. 
Open Yard. See Section 25.03.040 (Open Yards) for dimensions and additional standards.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
A. 
Intent. The intended physical character of the Neighborhood Large Zone is to promote a walkable neighborhood of moderate-intensity housing choices. This Zone serves as a transition between medium-density areas and the commercial center.
This Zone is characterized by detached buildings with small to medium footprints and space between buildings. It allows buildings up to 45 feet in height and three stories, which is further refined by the building types, with porches, terraces, and shopfronts.
B. 
Building Types and Design Site Size.
Design Site
Allowed Building Types
Width
A
Depth
B
Standards
House-Scale
Duplex Side-by-Side
50' min.
100' min.
§ 25.04.050
Duplex Stacked
50' min.
100' min.
§ 25.04.060
Cottage Court
90' min.
120' min.
§ 25.04.070
Medium Multiplex
50' min.
110' min.
§ 25.04.080
Duplex Court
50' min.
110' min.
§ 25.04.090
Side Court
50' min.
100' min.
§ 25.04.100
Medium Courtyard
70' min.
150' min.
§ 25.04.110
Each design site shall have only one main building type.
C. 
Building Form.
Height
Main Building
Max. Stories
See standards in Chapter 25.04 (Building Types)
Overall
45' max.
C
Ground Floor Finish Level
D
Residential
6" min.1
Nonresidential
6" max.
Ground Floor Ceiling
E
Residential
9' min.
Nonresidential
12' min.
Frontage
See Subsection F (Frontages)
F
Design Site Coverage
Max. Building Footprint
See standards in Chapter 25.04 (Building Types)
Depth, Ground-Floor Space
G
Cottage Court
12' min.2
All Building Types
25' min.2
Notes:
1
Common entries may be set at grade in compliance with local and Federal accessibility standards.
2
For occupiable space only.
D. 
Building Placement.
Setback
Primary Front (Façade Zone)
10' min.; 15' max.
H
Secondary Front (Façade Zone)
10' min.; 15' max.
I
Interior
6' min.
J
Front Stepback (portions of structures more than 30' in height)
+5' min.
Interior Stepback (portions of structures more than 30' in height)
+4' min.
Building Façade
Façade Zone Defined By Main Building/Frontage Type
Primary Front
Secondary Front
Total length of façade required within or abutting façade zone
60% min.
50% min.
Façade Design
All building façades shall be designed in compliance with Chapter 25.06 (Architectural Design).
E. 
Parking.
Automobile Spaces Required
See Section 30.150.090F (Additional Development Incentives) for required spaces and additional standards.
In the Coastal Zone, see Chapter 28.90 (Automobile Parking Requirements) for required spaces and additional standards.
Bicycle Spaces Required
1 long-term space per residential unit3
For nonresidential uses, see Chapter 30.175 (Parking Regulations) or Chapter 28.90 (Automobile Parking Requirements) in the Coastal Zone for required spaces.
Setback
Primary Front
35' min.
K
Secondary Front
L
Non-Street Facing
10' min. if > 75' from Primary Front
25' min. if < 75' from Primary Front
Street-Facing
20' min.
Interior
M
Uncovered
5' min.
< 4 Covered Stalls
3' min.
5+ Covered Stalls
6' min.
See Section 25.03.100 (Parking Techniques) for general requirements.
See Chapter 25.04 (Building Types), Subsection E (Vehicle Access and Parking) of the Building Type for allowed parking techniques.
Note:
3
For projects of 3 or more units.
F. 
Frontages.
Allowed Frontage Types
Standards
House-Scale
Porch Projecting
§ 25.05.040
Porch Recessed
§ 25.05.050
Dooryard
§ 25.05.060
Stoop
§ 25.05.070
Block-Scale
Shopfront
§ 25.05.100
Terrace
§ 25.05.110
G. 
Open Yard. See Section 25.03.040 (Open Yards) for dimensions and additional standards.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
A. 
Intent. The intended physical character of the Mixed-Use Corridor Zone is to promote a walkable neighborhood of moderate- to high-intensity housing choices. This Zone serves as a neighborhood-serving commercial corridor that supports high-density residential units connected with transit.
This Zone is characterized by detached, medium- to large-footprint buildings with space between buildings. It allows up to 45 feet height and four stories with shopfronts, forecourts, and courtyards.
B. 
Building Types and Design Site Size.
Design Site
Allowed Building Types
Width
A
Depth
B
Standards
House-Scale
Duplex Side-by-Side
50' min.
100' min.
§ 25.04.050
Duplex Stacked
50' min.
100' min.
§ 25.04.060
Cottage Court
90' min.
120' min.
§ 25.04.070
Medium Multiplex
50' min.
110' min.
§ 25.04.080
Duplex Court
50' min.
110' min.
§ 25.04.090
Side Court
50' min.
100' min.
§ 25.04.100
Medium Courtyard
70' min.
150' min.
§ 25.04.110
Block-Scale
Large Multiplex
75' min.
110' min.
§ 25.04.120
Large Courtyard
75' min.
120' min.
§ 25.04.130
Each design site shall have only one main building type.
C. 
Building Form.
Height
Main Building
Max. Stories
See standards in Chapter 25.04 (Building Types)
Overall
45' max.
C
Ground Floor Finish Level
D
Residential
6" min.1
Nonresidential
6" max.
Ground Floor Ceiling
E
Residential
9' min.
Nonresidential
14' min.
Frontage
See Subsection F (Frontages)
F
Design Site Coverage
Max. Building Footprint
See standards in Chapter 25.04 (Building Types)
Depth, Ground-Floor Space
G
Cottage Court
12' min.2
All Building Types
25' min.2
Notes:
1
Common entries may be set at grade in compliance with local and Federal accessibility standards.
2
For occupiable space only.
D. 
Building Placement.
Setback
Primary Front (Façade Zone)
10' min.; 15' max.
H
Secondary Front (Façade Zone)
10' min.; 15' max.
I
Interior
0' min.3
J
Building Façade
Façade Zone Defined By Main Building/Frontage Type
Primary Front
Secondary Front
Total length of façade required within or abutting façade zone
70% min.
60% min.
Façade Design
All building façades shall be designed in compliance with Chapter 25.06 (Architectural Design).
Note:
3
A 6' interior building setback is required when adjacent to a residential base zone.
E. 
Parking.
Automobile Spaces Required
See Section 30.150.090F (Additional Development Incentives) for required spaces and additional standards.
In the Coastal Zone, see Chapter 28.90 (Automobile Parking Requirements) for required spaces and additional standards.
Bicycle Spaces Required
1 long-term space per residential unit4
For nonresidential uses, see Chapter 30.175 (Parking Regulations) or Chapter 28.90 (Automobile Parking Requirements) in the Coastal Zone for required spaces.
Setback
Primary Front
35' min.
K
Secondary Front
L
Non-Street Facing
10' min. if > 75' from Primary Front
25' min. if < 75' from Primary Front
Street-Facing
20' min.
Interior
M
Uncovered
5' min.
< 4 Covered Stalls
3' min.
5+ Covered Stalls
6' min.
See Section 25.03.100 (Parking Techniques) for general requirements.
See Chapter 25.04 (Building Types), Subsection E (Vehicle Access and Parking) of the Building Type for allowed parking techniques.
Note:
4
For projects of 3 or more units.
F. 
Frontages.
Allowed Frontage Types
Standards
House-Scale
Porch Projecting
§ 25.05.040
Porch Recessed
§ 25.05.050
Dooryard
§ 25.05.060
Stoop
§ 25.05.070
Block-Scale
Forecourt
§ 25.05.080
Maker Shopfront
§ 25.05.090
Shopfront
§ 25.05.100
Terrace
§ 25.05.110
G. 
Open Yard. See Section 25.03.040 (Open Yards) for dimensions and additional standards.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
A. 
Intent. The intended physical character of the Downtown Edge Zone is to promote a walkable neighborhood of high-intensity housing choices. This Zone serves as a transition to Downtown with residential and nonresidential uses able to coexist in the same structure.
This Zone is characterized by both detached and attached buildings with medium- to large footprints that are typically built up to the property line. It allows buildings up to 48 feet in height and four stories, with shopfronts, courtyards, and arcades.
B. 
Building Types and Design Site Size.
Design Site
Allowed Building Types
Width
A
Depth
B
Standards
House-Scale
Duplex Side-by-Side
50' min.
100' min.
§ 25.04.050
Duplex Stacked
50' min.
100' min.
§ 25.04.060
Cottage Court
90' min.
120' min.
§ 25.04.070
Medium Multiplex
50' min.
110' min.
§ 25.04.080
Duplex Court
50' min.
110' min.
§ 25.04.090
Side Court
50' min.
100' min.
§ 25.04.100
Medium Courtyard
70' min.
150' min.
§ 25.04.110
Block-Scale
Large Multiplex
75' min.
110' min.
§ 25.04.120
Large Courtyard
75' min.
120' min.
§ 25.04.130
Each design site shall have only one main building type.
C. 
Building Form.
Height
Main Building
Max. Stories
See standards in Chapter 25.04 (Building Types)
Overall
48' max.
C
Ground Floor Finish Level
D
Residential
6" min.1
Nonresidential
6" max.
Ground Floor Ceiling
E
Residential
9' min.
Nonresidential
14' min.
Frontage
See Subsection F (Frontages)
F
Design Site Coverage
Max. Building Footprint
See standards in Chapter 25.04 (Building Types)
Depth, Ground-Floor Space
G
Cottage Court
12' min.2
All Building Types
25' min.2
Notes:
1
Common entries may be set at grade in compliance with local and Federal accessibility standards.
2
For occupiable space only.
D. 
Building Placement.
Setback
Primary Front (Façade Zone)
0' min.; 10' max.
H
Secondary Front (Façade Zone)
0' min.; 10' max.
I
Interior
0' min.3
J
Building Façade
Façade Zone Defined By Main Building/Frontage Type
Primary Front
Secondary Front
Total length of façade required within or abutting Façade Zone
75% min.; 90% max.
70% min.
Façade Design
All building façades shall be designed in compliance with Chapter 25.06 (Architectural Design).
Note:
3
A 6' interior building setback is required when adjacent to a residential base zone.
E. 
Parking.
Automobile Spaces Required
See Section 30.150.090F (Additional Development Incentives) for required spaces and additional standards.
In the Coastal Zone, see Chapter 28.90 (Automobile Parking Requirements) for required spaces and additional standards.
Bicycle Spaces Required
1 long-term space per residential unit.4
For nonresidential uses, see Chapter 30.175 (Parking Regulations) or Chapter 28.90 (Automobile Parking Requirements) in the Coastal Zone for required spaces.
Setback
Primary Front
35' min.
K
Secondary Front
L
Non-Street Facing
5' min. if > 75' from Primary Front
35' min. if < 75' from Primary Front
Street-Facing
20' min.
Interior
Uncovered
5' min.
< 4 Covered Stalls
0' min.
5+ Covered Stalls
0' min.
See Section 25.03.100 (Parking Techniques) for general requirements.
See Chapter 25.04 (Buildings Types), Subsection E (Vehicle Access and Parking) of the Building Type for allowed parking techniques.
Note:
4
For projects of 3 or more units.
F. 
Frontages.
Allowed Frontage Types
Standards
House-Scale
Porch Projecting
§ 25.05.040
Porch Recessed
§ 25.05.050
Dooryard
§ 25.05.060
Stoop
§ 25.05.070
Block-Scale
Forecourt
§ 25.05.080
Maker Shopfront
§ 25.05.090
Shopfront
§ 25.05.100
Terrace
§ 25.05.110
Gateway
§ 25.05.120
Arcade
§ 25.05.130
G. 
Open Yard. See Section 25.03.040 (Open Yards) for dimensions and additional standards.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)
A. 
Intent. The intended physical character of the Downtown Core Zone is to promote a walkable neighborhood of high-intensity housing choice with priority for housing that enhances and supports the core Central Business District. This Zone offers a mix of residential units and requires ground-floor nonresidential uses along State Street to serve the entire City.
This Zone is comprised of buildings with footprints that cover most of the site, creating a consistent street frontage. Smaller buildings are allowed on smaller lots. It is characterized by attached buildings with medium- to large building footprints typically built to the property line. It allows buildings up to 48 feet in height and four stories, with shopfronts, arcades, and gateways.
B. 
Building Types and Design Site Size.
Design Site
Allowed Building Types
Width
A
Depth
B
Standards
Duplex Side-by-Side
50' min.
100' min.
§ 25.04.050
Duplex Stacked
50' min.
100' min.
§ 25.04.060
Cottage Court
90' min.
120' min.
§ 25.04.070
Medium Multiplex
50' min.
110' min.
§ 25.04.080
Duplex Court
50' min.
110' min.
§ 25.04.090
Side Court
50' min.
100' min.
§ 25.04.100
Medium Courtyard
70' min.
150' min.
§ 25.04.110
Block-Scale
Large Multiplex
75' min.
110' min.
§ 25.04.120
Large Courtyard
75' min.
120' min.
§ 25.04.130
Downtown Building
25' min.
100' min.
§ 25.04.140
Each design site shall have only one main building type.
C. 
Building Form.
Height
Main Building
Max. Stories
See standards in Chapter 25.04 (Building Types)
Overall
48' max.
C
Ground Floor Finish Level
D
Residential
6" min.1
Nonresidential
6" max.
Ground Floor Ceiling
E
Residential
9' min.
Nonresidential
14' min.
Frontage
See Subsection F (Frontages)
F
Design Site Coverage
Max. Building Footprint
See standards in Chapter 25.04 (Building Types)
Depth, Ground-Floor Space
G
Cottage Court
12' min.2
All Building Types
25' min.2
Notes:
1
Common entries may be set at grade in compliance with local and Federal accessibility standards.
2
For occupiable space only. Projects on lots fronting State Street between Montecito Street and Sola Street are required to provide ground floor nonresidential uses.
D. 
Building Placement.
Setback
Primary Front (Façade Zone)
0' min.; 10' max.
H
Secondary Front (Façade Zone)
0' min.; 10' max.
I
Interior
0' min.3
J
Building Façade
Façade Zone Defined By Main Building/Frontage Type
Primary Front
Secondary Front
Total length of façade required within or abutting Façade Zone
80% min.; 90% max.
80% min.
Façade Design
All building façades shall be designed in compliance with Chapter 25.06 (Architectural Design)
Note:
3
A 6' interior building setback is required when adjacent to a residential base zone.
E. 
Parking.
Automobile Spaces Required.
See Section 30.150.090.F (Additional Development Incentives) for required spaces and additional standards.
In the Coastal Zone, see Chapter 28.90 (Automobile Parking Requirements) for required spaces and additional standards.
Bicycle Spaces Required
1 long-term space per residential unit4
For nonresidential uses, see Chapter 30.175 (Parking Regulations) or Chapter 28.90 (Automobile Parking Requirements) in the Coastal Zone for required spaces.
Setback
Primary Front
35' min.
K
Secondary Front
L
Non-Street Facing
5' min. if > 75' from Primary Front
35' min. if < 75' from Primary Front
Street-Facing
20' min.
Interior
M
Uncovered
5' min.
< 4 Covered Stalls
0' min.
5+ Covered Stalls
0' min.
See Section 25.03.100 (Parking Techniques) for general requirements.
See Chapter 25.04 (Building Types), Subsection E (Vehicle Access and Parking) of the Building Type for allowed parking techniques.
Note:
4
For projects of 3 or more units.
F. 
Frontages.
Allowed Frontage Types
Standards
House-Scale
Porch Projecting
§ 25.05.040
Porch Recessed
§ 25.05.050
Dooryard
§ 25.05.060
Stoop
§ 25.05.070
Block-Scale
Forecourt
§ 25.05.080
Maker Shopfront
§ 25.05.090
Shopfront
§ 25.05.100
Terrace
§ 25.05.110
Gateway
§ 25.05.120
Arcade
§ 25.05.130
G. 
Open Yard. See Section 25.03.040 (Open Yards) for dimensions and additional standards.
(Ord. 6170, 2/25/2025)