Santa Barbara Municipal Code Ch. 30.200 Planning Authorities

The purpose of this chapter is to identify the bodies, officials, and administrators with designated responsibilities under various chapters of this Title. Subsequent chapters of Division IV provide detailed information on procedures, applications, permits and approvals, and enforcement. When carrying out their assigned duties and responsibilities, all bodies, administrators, and officials shall apply the provisions of this Title as minimum requirements adopted to implement the policies and achieve the objectives of the General Plan.

(Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

The City Council is established and organized pursuant to Article V of the City Charter. The powers and duties of the City Council under this Title include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Initiate and act on amendments to the text and maps of the General Plan, Local Coastal Program, and Zoning Ordinance pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 30.235, General Plan and Zoning Amendments, and Chapter 30.240, Local Coastal Program Amendments.

B. Act on Specific Plans and amendments to Specific Plans pursuant to Chapter 30.265, Specific Plans.

C. Initiate and consent to Annexations.

D. Act on Development Agreements pursuant to Chapter 30.225, Development Agreements.

E. Act on proposals to revoke permits, as assigned, pursuant to Section 30.205.140, Revocation of Permits and Approvals.

F. Act on Variance requests from Street Widening Setback Lines pursuant to Section 30.140.190D, Setback Encroachments.

G. Act on appeals from decisions of the Planning Commission, Architectural Board of Review, and Historic Landmarks Commission, pursuant to Section 30.205.150, Appeals.

H. Act on requests to designate a nonresidential construction project as a Community Benefit Project pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 30.170, Nonresidential Growth Management Program.

(Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

The Planning Commission is established and organized pursuant to City Charter, Article VIII, Section 806, and the requirements of the Government Code. The powers and duties of the Planning Commission under this Title include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. All actions provided by this Title to be performed by the Planning Commission in connection with applications for, or amendments to, the following: Coastal Development Permits, as assigned; Conditional Use Permits; Development Plans, as assigned; Modifications, as assigned; Transfer of Existing Development Rights Permits, as assigned; Variances; Condominium and Hotel Conversion Permits, as assigned; Mobile Home Park Conversions; applications in the P-R Zone, as assigned; Tentative Subdivision Maps and Condominiums, as assigned pursuant to Title 27 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code; and Planned Residence Developments.

B. Initiate and make recommendations to the City Council for amendments to the text and maps of the General Plan, Local Coastal Program, and Zoning Ordinance pursuant to Chapter 30.235, General Plan and Zoning Amendments, and Chapter 30.240, Local Coastal Program Amendments.

C. Initiate and make recommendations to the City Council on proposed, or amendments to, Specific Plans pursuant to Chapter 30.265, Specific Plans.

D. Make recommendations to the City Council on proposed, or amendments to, Development Agreements pursuant to Chapter 30.225, Development Agreements.

E. Initiate and make recommendations to the City Council on Annexations.

F. Act on proposals to revoke permits, as assigned, pursuant to Section 30.205.140, Revocation of Permits and Approvals.

G. Review Community Benefit Projects or Community Benefit Housing Projects exceeding the maximum building height pursuant to section 30.140.100B, Community Benefit Project or Community Benefit Housing Project.

H. Suspend any decision of the Staff Hearing Officer and hold a public hearing to review the Staff Hearing Officer decision pursuant to Section 30.205.150A.2.c, Planning Commission Suspensions, or act upon a referral from the Staff Hearing Officer pursuant to Section 30.205.050E.1.a, Referral to a Higher Review Authority.

I. Act on appeals from decisions of the Community Development Director, Staff Hearing Officer, or Single Family Design Board, pursuant to Section 30.205.150, Appeals.

J. Such other functions as may be delegated to it by the City Council.

(Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

The Staff Hearing Officer is a City staff member appointed by the Community Development Director with the following powers and duties. However, if a project includes any application that requires review by the Planning Commission, all applications related to the project shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission.

A. All actions provided by this Title to be performed by the Staff Hearing Officer in connection with applications for, or amendments to, the following: Modifications, as assigned; Performance Standard Permits; Storefront Collective Dispensary Permits; Development Plans, as assigned; Tentative Subdivision Maps and Condominiums, as assigned pursuant to Title 27 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code; and Coastal Development Permits, as assigned.

B. Act on time extensions of approved Tentative Maps pursuant to Santa Barbara Municipal Code Chapter 27.07, Tentative Maps.

C. Act on proposals to revoke permits, as assigned, pursuant to Section 30.205.140, Revocation of Permits and Approvals.

D. Such other functions as may be delegated by the Director.

(Ord. 5908, 2019; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

The following powers and duties of the Community Development Director (the "Director") under this Title include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Maintain and administer this Title.

B. Request interpretations of this Title from the City Attorney and disseminate to members of the public and to other City Departments.

C. Prepare and effect rules and procedures necessary or convenient for the conduct of the Director's business. As determined by the City Attorney, these rules and procedures shall be approved by a resolution of the City Council following review and recommendation of the Planning Commission.

D. Issue administrative regulations for the submission and review of applications subject to the requirements of this Title and the Government Code.

E. Review permit applications for conformance with this Title, and issue a Zoning Clearance when the proposed use, activity or structure conforms to all applicable development and use standards.

F. Review applications for discretionary permits and approvals under this Title for conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the City's environmental review requirements, and all other applicable submission requirements and time limits.

G. All actions provided by this Title to be performed by the Director in connection with applications for, or amendments to Transfer of Existing Development Rights Permits, as assigned.

H. Determine level of coastal review pursuant to Chapter 30.50, Coastal (CZ) Overlay Zone, and document Coastal Exclusions and Coastal Exemptions, as appropriate.

I. Consider and determine the location of "Top of Bank" pursuant to Section 30.140.050, Development Along Mission Creek.

J. Process and make recommendations to the City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review bodies and Staff Hearing Officer, as appropriate, on all applications, amendments, appeals and other matters upon which they have the authority and the duty to act under this Title.

K. Act on applications for time extensions of approved permits, as assigned, pursuant to Section 30.205.120, Expiration of Permits.

L. Initiate revocation procedures on violations of permit terms and conditions pursuant to Section 30.205.140, Revocation of Permits and Approvals.

M. Make Substantial Conformance Determinations pursuant to Section 30.205.130, Changes to Approved Plans.

N. Delegate administrative functions, as deemed appropriate, to members of the Planning Division.

O. Appoint a Staff Hearing Officer pursuant to Section 30.200.040, Staff Hearing Officer.

P. Act on applications for Minor Zoning Exceptions, as assigned, pursuant to Chapter 30.245, Minor Zoning Exceptions.

Q. Act on Administrative Applications, including but not limited to administrative Design Review, pursuant to Section 30.205.155, Administrative Applications.

R. Act on Emergency Permits, pursuant to Section 30.185.175, Emergency Permits.

S. Other duties and powers as may be assigned by the City Council, City Administrator, or established by legislation.

(Ord. 5908, 2019; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

The following powers and duties of the Public Works Director under this Title include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Act on applications for Minor Zoning Exceptions to visibility requirements pursuant to Section 30.140.230, Visibility at Driveways and Intersections.

B. Provide consultation and make determinations on parking requirements pursuant to Chapter 30.175, Parking Regulations.

C. Other duties and powers related to travel, parking, and circulation as identified in other sections of this Title.

(Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

A. Establishment. The Architectural Board of Review is established and organized pursuant to City Charter, Article VIII, Section 814.

B. Membership. The Architectural Board of Review should consist of seven members appointed by the City Council, as follows:

1. Licensed Architects. At least two members must be licensed architects.

2. Qualified Professionals. At least three members must have professional experience in related fields, including, but not limited to, landscape architecture, building design, structural engineering, or industrial design.

3. Residency Requirements. Up to three members may reside outside the City of Santa Barbara, provided they are qualified electors of Santa Barbara County at the time of appointment and remain so during their term.

All members serve at the pleasure of the City Council.

C. Conduct of Meetings. The Architectural Board of Review must follow procedural rules adopted by resolution of the City Council. The Board must elect a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members.

D. Quorum. Four members constitute a quorum, one of whom must be a licensed architect.

E. Powers and Duties. The powers and duties of the Architectural Board of Review under this code include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Project Review Authority. Review and approve, disapprove, or approve with conditions all development projects subject to Architectural Board of Review jurisdiction, as specified by ordinance, except those under the jurisdiction of the Historic Landmarks Commission or the Single Family Design Board.

2. Other Duties. Perform other functions or duties as prescribed by ordinance.

F. Appeals. Decisions of the Architectural Board of Review may be appealed to the City Council pursuant to Section 30.205.150, Appeals.

(Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

A. Establishment. The Historic Landmarks Commission is established and organized pursuant to City Charter, Article VIII, Section 817.

B. Membership. The Historic Landmarks Commission should consist of nine members appointed by the City Council, as follows:

1. Licensed Architects. At least two members must be licensed architects.

2. Architectural Historian. At least one member must be a professional architectural historian.

3. Licensed Landscape Architect. At least one member must be a licensed landscape architect.

4. Public at Large. At least one member must represent the public at large and may not meet the qualifications listed in subsections B.1 through B.3.

5. Residency Requirements. Up to four members may reside outside the City of Santa Barbara. These members are not required to be qualified electors of the City.

All members must have demonstrated knowledge of the history and architecture of the City of Santa Barbara. All members serve at the pleasure of the City Council.

C. Conduct of Meetings. The Commission must follow procedural rules adopted by resolution of the City Council. The Commission must elect a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members.

D. Quorum. Five members constitute a quorum.

E. Powers and Duties. The powers and duties of the Historic Landmarks Commission under this Code include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Landmark Recommendations. Recommend to the City Council that certain structures, natural features, sites, or areas having historic, architectural, archaeological, cultural, or aesthetic significance be designated as a Landmark.

2. Structures of Merit. Designate certain structures or objects having historic, architectural, archaeological, cultural, or aesthetic significance as Structures of Merit.

3. Project Review. Review and approve, disapprove, or approve with conditions all development projects subject to Historic Landmarks Commission jurisdiction, as specified by ordinance, including, but not limited to:

a. The El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District (LD) Overlay Zone, including all contributing and non-contributing properties, as defined in Section 30.57.030;

b. A historic resource, as defined in Section 30.300.080 "H," Historic Resources Related Definitions;

c. A Historic District (HD) Overlay Zone, including all contributing and non-contributing properties.

4. Other Duties. Perform other functions or duties as prescribed by ordinance.

F. Appeals. Decisions of the Historic Landmarks Commission may be appealed to the City Council pursuant to Section 30.205.150, Appeals.

G. Exemptions. This section does not apply to any structure, natural feature, site, or area owned or leased by a public entity, except for those owned or leased by the City of Santa Barbara, unless the City Council determines that review is unnecessary.

(Ord. 6006, 2021; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

A. Establishment. The Single Family Design Board is established and organized pursuant to the Santa Barbara Municipal Code to review the design of single-unit residential development projects, as specified by ordinance.

B. Membership. The Single Family Design Board should consist of five members appointed by the City Council, as follows:

1. Licensed Architect. At least one member must be a licensed architect.

2. Qualified Professionals. At least one member must have professional qualifications in architecture or landscape architecture, including, but not limited to, building design, structural engineering, industrial design, urban planning, or landscape contracting.

3. Public at Large. Up to three members may be members of the public at large who reside in the City of Santa Barbara and do not possess professional qualifications in fields related to architecture or design.

All professionally qualified members must reside within Santa Barbara County. All members serve at the pleasure of the City Council.

C. Conduct of Meetings. The Board must follow procedural rules adopted by resolution of the City Council. The Board must elect a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members. The Community Development Director must act as Secretary and record Board actions and render written reports as required by this Title.

D. Quorum. Three members constitutes a quorum.

E. Powers and Duties. The powers and duties of the Single Family Design Board under this code include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Project Review Authority. Review and approve, disapprove, or approve with conditions all development projects subject to Single Family Design Board review, as specified by ordinance, except those under the jurisdiction of the Historic Landmarks Commission.

2. Additional Duties. Perform other functions or duties as prescribed by ordinance.

F. Appeals. Decisions of the Single Family Design Board may be appealed to the Planning Commission pursuant to Section 30.205.150, Appeals.

(Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)