Santa Barbara County is making changes aimed to improve development permit processes for developers.
The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a series of changes to its planning and zoning system last month that will allow more flexibility for housing projects and streamline the county’s permit process.
The revisions will set new standards for projects based on the kind of zone they are in. Under the new code, some areas will allow more housing units per acre, and others will allow for taller buildings.
For example, mixed-use buildings in commercial zones can now build up to 20 housing units per acre. Buildings that meet this standard can have a height of 45 feet if they are more than 50 feet from a low-density residential zone.
Residential zone developments that are eligible to build 20 units of housing per acre can have a maximum height of 45 feet, according to the new standards.
The board also set minimums for open green space for multi-family developments such as apartments and condominiums. Under the new standard, development projects with fewer than 20 units per acre must have 300 square feet of open space per unit. Units with more than 20 units per acre must have 150 square feet per unit.
The space must also be at least 50 feet by 50 feet and cannot be split up by walkways.
In addition to height and density changes, the supervisors approved changes to the ordinance that they hope will streamline the permitting process by creating a clear path for applicants.
“Today’s action is a practical step toward making our permitting system work better,” Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson said. “It’s not a cure-all, but it moves us in the right direction. We’ll keep working to fix outdated rules and make the process more predictable for families and local businesses.”
The zoning administrator can now waive public meetings if no one asks for a public hearing.
The board also changed what happens to appeals of the zoning administrator decisions; rather than going to the Planning Commission, they’ll be heard by the Board of Supervisors. Previously, appeals went to the Planning Commission and that decision could be appealed to the supervisors.
This is the second phase of the county’s revisions to its ordinance. The first phase included amendments to the outdoor lighting and sign standards and the shopping center zone district, and was finished last year.
Planning & Development Director Lisa Plowman said county staff will brief the Board of Supervisors on the next phase of permit and ministerial revisions in March or April.