AUD Multi-unit Housing Program BackgroundPlanning Central

Average Unit-size Density Incentive Multi-unit Housing Program Background

On July 30, 2013, the City Council approved the Program Ordinance. This Program facilitates the creation of multi-unit housing and carries out a key implementation action of the City’s 2011 General Plan. The intent of the Program is to support the construction of smaller, more affordable residential units near transit and within easy walking and biking distance to commercial services and parks. Increased densities and development standard incentives are allowed in most multi-family and commercial zones of the City to promote additional housing. Rental, employer-sponsored, and limited equity housing cooperative units that provide housing opportunities to the City’s workforce are especially encouraged.

The Program has an initial duration of eight years or until 250 new units under the Program have been constructed in the High Density Residential or Priority Housing Overlay areas, whichever occurs first. Any application for new units that is deemed complete prior to the expiration of the Program may continue to be processed under the  Program.

In 2017 the City Council directed staff to initiate certain ordinance amendments to Title 30 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code regarding the Program. In 2019 the Program was evaluated and based on, staff recommendations,  public input, and Planning Commission recommendations amendments to the program are being processed. A list of the amendments can be found here.

As of Feb 4, 2020, the following residential units are pending, or have been approved or constructed under the  Program.

¹Includes all pending projects that have an application with the Planning Division. Some projects may not have been deemed complete.
²Projects that have received a Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
³Units located in the Medium-High Density Area are shown for informational purposes only.

Multi-unit Housing Program Projects as of November 7, 2019

Click the double arrow on the upper left part of the map to view the legend.

Please click the links below to view the Program Cases by Month.

Program Cases - February 4 2019 - *NEW*

Related documents to view:

AUD Program Ordinance
AUD Program Map
AUD Program Calculator
AUD Program Common Questions

Other Information:

AUD Program Ordinance Amendments

Guidelines:

Design Guidelines for Projects

Design Review:

Supplemental Submittal Materials to assist in the presentation of proposed project