Santa Barbara County California RV zoning
Temporary RV occupancy is conditional. Permit required. Contact planning to confirm.
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Temporary RV occupancy
Conditional
Permit required
Yes
Annual mobilehome/camp car use permit (Chapter 11) and/or zoning permit for temporary trailer dwelling (Chapter 35) • Fee: $25.00
Max duration
365 days
After a declared disaster
Trailer dwelling after destruction of dwelling allowed by Land Use Permit in certain zones (per Section 35.42.260.G.9).
How we know
These rules are compiled from desk research of public ordinances. We never invent fees, permit names, or duration limits. Phone verification with planning staff is pending.
Sources
Chapter 11, Section 11-5; Chapter 35, Section 35.42.260
Planning office
Santa Barbara County RV zoning checker
Look up temporary RV occupancy rules by ZIP or county. Answers are research facts — not quotes, approvals, or nightly prices.
Santa Barbara County, CAFIPS 06083
Researched from ordinances
Not yet phone-verified
- Temporary RV occupancy
- Conditional
- Permit
- Yes — Annual mobilehome/camp car use permit (Chapter 11) and/or zoning permit for temporary trailer dwelling (Chapter 35)
- Max duration
- 365 days
- Post-disaster exception
- Trailer dwelling after destruction of dwelling allowed by Land Use Permit in certain zones (per Section 35.42.260.G.9).
Section: Chapter 11, Section 11-5; Chapter 35, Section 35.42.260. Ordinance source
Facts reflect county zoning research only. We never invent prices, approvals, or nightly rates.
Summary
Temporary RV occupancy on private property in Santa Barbara County, California is conditional. A permit is required (Annual mobilehome/camp car use permit (Chapter 11) and/or zoning permit for temporary trailer dwelling (Chapter 35)).Maximum duration: 365 days. Post-disaster exception: Trailer dwelling after destruction of dwelling allowed by Land Use Permit in certain zones (per Section 35.42.260.G.9).. Compiled on October 12, 2026 from desk research, not yet phone-verified.
What this means for you
Home damaged or living on your lot during repairs
Temporary RV occupancy may be allowed under specific conditions. Contact Santa Barbara County planning to confirm whether your repair situation qualifies. Hookup requirements: RVs/mobilehomes must comply with Mobile Home Parks Act and county regulations. Coastal zones may require removal/storage before final occupancy. Guest houses limited to 120 days per 12-month period..
After a declared disaster
Trailer dwelling after destruction of dwelling allowed by Land Use Permit in certain zones (per Section 35.42.260.G.9).
Guest or short-term stay
Rules vary by situation. Contact planning to confirm whether guest RV parking is allowed on your property and for how long.
Delivered RV vs RV park pad
These rules apply to temporary RV occupancy on private property, not RV parks or campgrounds. If you need a delivered RV for your lot, see providers. For RV park pads or campground stays, see RV temporary housing.
Call the county: what to ask
Copy this script
Hi, I am calling to confirm temporary RV occupancy rules for a property in Santa Barbara County. Can you tell me: (1) Is temporary RV occupancy allowed on private property? (2) Do I need a permit? (3) What is the maximum duration? (4) Are there exceptions after a declared disaster? Thank you.
Planning phone: 805-568-2000
Who decides RV zoning rules?
In Santa Barbara County, county planning sets temporary RV occupancy rules. TempHome Finder verifies these rules by phone with planning staff or through ordinance research. We are not a local operator and we do not offer nightly RV rentals or booking services. We are the network that checks the rules and connects homeowners with providers.
Next steps
- Contact Santa Barbara County planning to confirm current rules and any district-specific restrictions.
- Ask about permit applications, hookup requirements, and HOA restrictions if applicable.
- Review ALE insurance housing if your loss is covered by homeowners insurance.
- If you need a delivered RV or park pad, see providers or contact us.
- For state-level RV zoning information, see California county RV zoning.
Questions people ask
Can I live in an RV on my property in Santa Barbara County, California?+
Temporary RV occupancy is conditional. A permit is required (Annual mobilehome/camp car use permit (Chapter 11) and/or zoning permit for temporary trailer dwelling (Chapter 35)). Contact Santa Barbara County planning to confirm current rules before relying on this information.
Can I park an RV on my lot during home repairs in Santa Barbara County?+
Conditional. Check with planning for specific requirements. You will need a permit. Maximum duration: 365 days. Always confirm with planning before moving an RV onto your property.
Does Santa Barbara County require a permit for temporary RV occupancy?+
Yes. The permit is called a Annual mobilehome/camp car use permit (Chapter 11) and/or zoning permit for temporary trailer dwelling (Chapter 35). Permit fee: $25.00. Contact planning for the application process.
How long can I live in an RV on my property in Santa Barbara County?+
Maximum duration: 365 days. After a declared disaster: Trailer dwelling after destruction of dwelling allowed by Land Use Permit in certain zones (per Section 35.42.260.G.9).. Always verify current rules with Santa Barbara County planning before proceeding.
How fresh is this data?+
Compiled from desk research of public ordinances on October 12, 2026. Phone verification with planning staff is pending. We never invent fees, permit names, or duration limits.
What does verified vs compiled mean?+
Verified means our placement team confirmed these facts with planning staff by phone or email, or through ordinance research with a verified source. Researched means desk research from ordinances, not yet confirmed by phone with the county. We track verification dates and re-check counties regularly.
Not sure which housing type fits?
Tell us your situation. We route you to education, a provider match, or LongTerm RV when an RV path makes sense.