City · California
ADU rules in Santa Barbara
3 sources
These are the primary sources for accessory dwelling unit regulations in Santa Barbara: the city's own zoning code, planning department pages, and permit guides. Start here before talking to anyone: the rules below are what your permit reviewer will apply.
ADU regulations
- santabarbaraca.govOfficial sourceVerified July 2026https://santabarbaraca.gov/services/construction-land-development/project-guidance/accessory-dwelling-unit-project-guidance
- santabarbaraca.govOfficial sourceVerified July 2026Accessory Dwelling Unit Guide (PDF)https://santabarbaraca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Services/Planning%20Handouts%20-%20updated/Accessory%20Dwelling%20Unit%20Guide.pdf
- santabarbaraca.govOfficial sourceLive July 2026Ordinance No. 5974 Title 30 (Inland) for ADUs and Junior… (PDF)https://santabarbaraca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Services/Accessory%20Dwelling%20Units/%E2%80%A2%20Ordinance%20No.%205974%20Title%2030%20%28Inland%29%20for%20ADUs%20and%20Junior%20ADUs.pdf
California statewide law also applies
California sets baseline ADU rights at the state level. Where local rules are stricter than state law allows, state law usually wins, so both are worth reading.
See California statewide rulesSpotted something outdated?
Zoning codes change. If a link is dead or Santa Barbara has updated its ordinance, report it and we'll verify against the official source.
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