Santa Barbara Municipal Code Ch. 30.220 Design Review

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish procedures for the City's discretionary Design Review process. The City conducts Design Review for all proposed projects, except those that are exempt pursuant to this chapter or that qualify for and elect to use the Objective Design Review process under Section 30.220.050. These procedures apply to all Design Review applications, unless superseded by specific provisions of this Title or State law. When used in this Title, the term "Design Review" refers to discretionary Design Review, unless otherwise specified.

B. Design Review Bodies. The duties and responsibilities for the City's Design Review bodies are established in Chapter 30.200, Planning Authorities, and in the applicable sections of this chapter.

C. Application Requirements. Applications for Design Review must be submitted and processed in accordance with Chapter 30.205, Common Procedures, and the specific requirements of this chapter. In addition to other required materials, the application must include information or evidence supporting the applicable findings. This may include visual aids, environmental documentation, and written statements.

D. Mailed Notice and Hearing. Design Review projects require mailed notice and a hearing pursuant to Chapter 30.205, Common Procedures, as follows:

1. Hearing. A hearing is required for all applications where the Design Review body is a Review Authority, either as indicated in this chapter or by referral.

2. Mailed Notice. A mailed notice pursuant to Section 30.205.070, Public Notice, is required for the following projects:

a. New main buildings, including residential, nonresidential, or mixed-use buildings, but excluding accessory buildings.

b. A new upper story added to an existing one-story residential building.

c. Residential additions exceeding 800 square feet to the first story or 250 square feet to an existing upper story.

d. Grading exceeding 250 cubic yards.

e. Projects requiring a Development Plan as required under Chapter 30.170, Nonresidential Growth Management Program.

f. Proposals to designate a City Landmark or Structures of Merit.

g. Projects involving the demolition of a Historic Resource.

h. New, expanded, or replacement exterior lighting for the following uses: parking lots; vehicle sales, repair, or service stations; outdoor entertainment facilities; exterior sales areas; sports and recreation lighting; and automated teller machines (ATMs).

i. Projects requiring an exception for additional fence or hedge height to be approved by the Design Review body.

j. Projects requiring mailed notice under other provisions of this code.

E. Stages of Design Review. Design Review may occur in one or more stages, as specified in the applicable design guidelines adopted by City Council resolution. These stages may include, but are not limited to:

1. Concept Design Review. An optional, informal review to receive early feedback on general site planning, massing, and design direction as described in Section 30.205.040, Concept Review. No formal action is taken at this stage.

2. Project Design Review. A formal stage at which the overall design—including site layout, massing, scale, and architectural style—is evaluated. Approval at this stage constitutes "Project Design Approval" as described in Section 30.220.005F.1.

3. Final Design Review. A post-approval action that occurs after Project Design Approval. This stage focuses on detailed elements such as materials, colors, architectural features, landscaping and lighting.

The number and type of required stages may vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project. At the discretion of the Review Authority, stages may be combined or modified for efficiency, particularly for smaller-scale or less complex projects.

F. Decisions.

1. Project Design Approval. For purposes of the Permit Streamlining Act (Government Code Section 65950 et seq.), a decision by the Design Review body during a Project Design Review hearing constitutes the City's discretionary Design Review decision. Approval at this stage is referred to as "Project Design Approval." These decisions are appealable as provided in Section 30.205.150, Appeals.

2. Administrative Design Review. Limited-scope projects, as specified in the applicable design guidelines approved by resolution of the City Council, may be approved as a ministerial action by the Community Development Director without a hearing or review by a Design Review body consistent with Section 30.205.155, Review of Administrative Applications. Decisions of the Director are final and not appealable.

G. Timing of Building Permits.

1. Applicants may submit for building permits following Project Design Approval, however, they do so at their own risk. If changes are required during Final Design Review, the applicant may be required to revise the permit application to reflect those changes.

2. Final approval of all project details—including architectural details, materials, colors, and landscaping and irrigation—is required prior to the issuance of building permits.

3. A building permit must not be issued until after the expiration of any applicable appeal period following the date of Project Design Approval, or the date of decision by the final Appeal Body if an appeal is filed, consistent with Section 30.205.110, Effective and Approval Dates.

H. Appeals of Project Design Review. Decisions of the Design Review body may be appealed in accordance with Section 30.205.150, Appeals. This includes procedures for appeals of post-approval actions and Director determinations.

I. Environmental Review. Environmental review must be completed prior to the decision on Project Design Review. Decisions by the Design Review body on an application for Project Design Review are discretionary actions and are therefore subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)[1] and Chapter 22.10, Environmental Review.

[1]

Editor's Note: See Public Resources Code Sections 21000 through 21189.

J. Conditions of Approval. In approving a project, the Design Review body may impose reasonable conditions or restrictions deemed necessary to support the required findings for approval. Conditions may also be imposed to mitigate impacts identified through environmental review conducted in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

K. Authority of Municipal Code Over Design Guidelines. If there is any inconsistency or conflict between the Municipal Code and any adopted design guidelines, the Municipal Code controls.

(Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

A. Purpose. Pursuant to Section 814 of the Santa Barbara City Charter, the Architectural Board of Review (ABR) is established to protect and preserve the City's natural and historical character and to enhance its visual and aesthetic quality. The ABR ensures that nonresidential, multi-unit residential, two-unit residential, mixed-use, and certain public projects are compatible with their surroundings and contribute positively to the visual character of the City.

B. Applicability. Except as provided in subsection C, ABR review is required on the following types of development projects and properties:

1. Nonresidential, Multi-Unit Residential, Two-Unit Residential, or Mixed-Use Development. On lots developed with, or proposed to be developed with, nonresidential, multi-unit residential, two-unit residential, or mixed-use development, as follows:

a. Building Construction and Alterations. Any proposal to construct a new building, add to an existing building, or alter the exterior of an existing building, including changes to architectural features or materials.

b. Color Changes. Any change to the exterior color of a building, whether proposed alone or in combination with other alterations subject to ABR review.

c. Site Improvements and Alterations. Installation or alteration of site features, including parking lots, driveways, fences, walls, retaining walls, trash enclosures, mechanical equipment, lighting, or other improvements requiring a building permit.

d. Landscape Plans. Changes to previously approved landscape plans under Chapter 22.11, Maintenance of Approved Landscape Plans.

e. Grading. Any permit required for grading, including subdivision grading plans and grading on vacant lots.

f. Minor Zoning Exceptions or Waivers. Any request for a design or development standards waiver, Minor Zoning Exception, or similar allowance, whenever ABR is the Review Authority.

g. Other Work. Any other work subject to ABR review under this Title.

2. Public Property.

a. Any building, structure, or site improvement located on land owned or leased by the City, or extending over or upon any street or other public property.

b. Improvements to U.S. Highway 101 or appurtenant highway structures requiring a Coastal Development Permit within the Highway 101 Santa Barbara Coastal Parkway Special Design District, as described in Section 30.220.060A.

C. Exemptions. The following projects are exempt from ABR review under this section, unless otherwise required by this Title:

1. Single-Unit Zones. Projects located in single-unit residential zones are not subject to ABR review and may be subject to review by the Single Family Design Board or the Historic Landmarks Commission, as applicable.

2. Work Exempt from a Permit. Projects that do not require a building permit, grading permit, or any other City-issued permit or approval, such as Public Works permits, are exempt from ABR review, except for the specific project types listed in subsection B.

3. Interior Work. Interior alterations are exempt if they do not result in any change to the exterior of the building.

4. Temporary Installations. Temporary structures or uses that do not require a permit and do not result in permanent exterior changes.

D. Review Authority. The Architectural Board of Review must approve, conditionally approve, or deny all applications for Design Review as required by this section, except as specified below:

1. Historic Landmarks Commission. Projects otherwise subject to review by the ABR must be referred to the Historic Landmarks Commission if the project is subject to review under Section 30.220.020, Historic Landmarks Commission.

2. Community Development Director. The Community Development Director may act on limited-scope projects as specified in the applicable design guidelines adopted by City Council resolution.

E. Required Findings. The following findings must be made before granting Project Design Approval. These findings are in addition to any other findings required by this code and are limited to the scope permitted under Government Code Section 65589.5 (Housing Accountability Act):

1. Project Compatibility Findings.

a. Consistency with Design Guidelines. The design of the project is consistent with design guidelines applicable to the location of the project within the City.

b. Compatible with Architectural Character of City and Neighborhood. The design of the project is compatible with the desirable architectural qualities and characteristics which are distinctive of Santa Barbara and the surrounding neighborhood.

c. Appropriate Size, Mass, Bulk, Height, and Scale. The size, mass, bulk, height, and scale of the project are appropriate for its location and its neighborhood.

d. Sensitivity to Adjacent Landmarks and Historic Resources. The design of the project is appropriately sensitive to adjacent Federal, State, or City Landmarks or other nearby historic resources, including City Structures of Merit, sites, or natural features.

e. Public Views of the Ocean and Mountains. The design of the project responds appropriately to established scenic public vistas.

f. Use of Open Space and Landscape. The project includes an appropriate amount of open space and landscape.

(Ord. 6006, 2021; Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

A. Purpose. The Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) is established to implement the City Charter and the Historic Resources Element of the General Plan by protecting and preserving historic resources through design review and historic preservation oversight. The recognition and preservation of structures, sites, and natural features having historic, architectural, archaeological, or cultural significance is in the interest of the health, economic prosperity, and general welfare of the community. This chapter implements the City Charter and Historic Resources Element of the General Plan by protecting and preserving historic resources and implements the powers and duties of the Historic Landmarks Commission. The specific purposes of this section are the following:

1. To safeguard the City's heritage by protecting historic resources representing significant elements of its history;

2. To protect and enhance the City's visual character by encouraging and regulating architectural styles within Landmark and Historic Districts, that reflect the City's unique and established architectural, cultural and landscape traditions;

3. To foster public appreciation of, and civic pride in, the beauty of the City and the accomplishments of its cultural past;

4. To strengthen the economy and vitality of the City by protecting and enhancing the City's attractions to residents and visitors;

5. To promote the private and public use of Landmarks, Structures of Merit, and Historic Districts for the education, prosperity, and general welfare of the people;

6. To stabilize and improve property values within the City;

7. To undertake the identification, inventory, and consideration of structures, sites, and features that may merit designation as a historic resource;

8. To promote high standards in architectural and landscape design and the construction of aesthetically pleasing structures;

9. To promote neighborhood compatibility; and

10. To ensure that the review process is fair and consistent both in policy and implementation, and to allow all who are involved to participate in the process.

B. Applicability. Except as provided in subsection C, Exemptions, HLC review is required for any exterior alteration, relocation, or demolition—including demolition by neglect—of a structure, site, or feature developed with, containing, or located within any of the following:

1. El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District (LD) Overlay Zone. All properties, contributing and non-contributing, within El Pueblo Viejo LD Overlay Zone as described in Chapter 30.57.

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

3. Historic District (HD) Overlay Zones. All properties, contributing and non-contributing, within a HD Overlay Zone as described in Chapter 30.57.

4. Public Property. City-owned or leased properties, if the site or structure is a designated historic resource or located within a Landmark or Historic District. All other City-owned properties are subject to review by the ABR, as provided in Section 30.220.010.

5. Highway 101 Santa Barbara Coastal Parkway Special Design District. Any natural feature, site or area owned or leased by a public entity within the Highway 101 Santa Barbara Coastal Parkway Special Design District as defined by Section 30.220.060A, which requires a Coastal Development Permit and which is designated as a Landmark, Structure of Merit, or which is located within any Landmark or Historic District.

6. Minor Zoning Exceptions and Waivers. Any request for a design or development standards waiver, Minor Zoning Exception, or similar allowance, whenever HLC is the Review Authority.

7. Other Work. Any other work subject to HLC review under this Title.

C. Exemptions. The following projects are exempt from HLC review under this section, unless otherwise required by this Title:

1. Airport Property. Due to the size and operational demands of the Santa Barbara Airport, the Commission's review authority is limited to designated historic resources located on the Airport Property. Review is not required for other structures or features on the property.

2. Other Public Entities. Any structure, natural feature, site, or area owned or leased by a public entity other than the City of Santa Barbara is exempt, except for properties within the Highway 101 Santa Barbara Coastal Parkway Special Design District.

3. City Council Public Interest Determination. Any project for which the City Council determines that exemption from Commission review is in the public interest.

4. Interior Work. Interior alterations are exempt if they do not result in any change to the exterior of the building.

D. Review Authority. The HLC must approve, conditionally approve, or deny all applications for Design Review as required by this section, except as specified below.

1. City Architectural Historian. The City's Architectural Historian, as defined in Section 30.300.080 "H," under Qualified Professional Staff in Historic Preservation, must review ordinary maintenance to historic resources in a historic district overlay zone and properties listed on the Local Register of Historical Resources (as defined in Section 30.300.080 "H"). Ordinary maintenance done to a Historic Resource may be approved through the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness as a ministerial action by the City's Architectural Historian without review by the Historic Landmarks Commission.

a. Referrals to Historic Landmarks Commission. The City's Architectural Historian may refer any proposed ordinary maintenance to the Historic Landmarks Commission if the work has the potential to adversely affect the integrity of the historic resource because it does not meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards.

b. Administrative Review. The issuance of the Certificate of Appropriateness by the City's Architectural Historian is a ministerial action and does not require a noticed hearing and is otherwise final and not appealable.

2. Community Development Director. The Community Development Director may act on limited-scope projects as specified in the applicable design guidelines approved by resolution of the City Council.

E. Required Findings. The following findings shall be made prior to granting Project Design Approval. These findings are in addition to any other findings required by this Code and are limited to the scope permitted under Government Code Section 65589.5 (Housing Accountability Act):

1. Project Compatibility Findings.

a. Consistency with Design Guidelines. The design of the project is consistent with design guidelines applicable to the location of the project within the City;

b. Compatible with Architectural Character of City and Neighborhood. The design of the project is compatible with the desirable architectural qualities and characteristics which are distinctive of Santa Barbara and of the particular neighborhood surrounding the project;

c. Appropriate Size, Mass, Bulk, Height, and Scale. The size, mass, bulk, height, and scale of the project is appropriate for its location and its neighborhood;

d. Sensitivity to Adjacent Landmarks and Historic Resources. The design of the project is appropriately sensitive to adjacent Federal, State, or City Landmarks or other nearby historic resources, including City structures of merit, sites, or natural features;

e. Public Views of the Ocean and Mountains. The design of the project responds appropriately to established scenic public vistas; or

f. Use of Open Space and Landscape. The project includes an appropriate amount of open space and landscape.

2. Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Exception Findings. Any project that exceeds 100% of the Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) must be consistent with the findings identified in Section 30.20.030A of this Title.

3. Historic Resources. The alteration of any historic resource must be consistent with the findings identified in Section 30.157.110, Required Findings for Alterations, Maintenance, Relocation, and Demolition of Historic Resources and with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, as applicable.

(Ord. 6006, 2021; Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6203, 12/16/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

Design Review is as required by Chapter 22.70, Sign Regulations.

(Ord. 6006, 2021; Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

A. Purpose. The Single Family Design Board (SFDB) is established to protect and preserve the City's natural and historical character and to enhance its visual and aesthetic quality. The Board ensures that single-unit residential development is compatible in scale and design with the surrounding neighborhood and that public visual resources are protected through the design review process.

B. Applicability. Except as provided in subsection C, SFDB review is required for the following types of development projects and properties:

1. Single-Unit Residential Development. On lots located in single-unit zones, or on any lot developed with or proposed to be developed with a single-unit residence in any zone, as follows:

a. Building Construction and Alterations. Any proposal to construct a new building, add to an existing building, or alter the exterior of an existing building, including changes to architectural features or materials.

b. Landscape Plans. Changes to previously approved landscape plans under Chapter 22.11, Maintenance of Approved Landscape Plans.

c. Grading. Any permit required for grading, including subdivision grading plans and grading on vacant lots.

d. Minor Zoning Exceptions or Waivers. Any request for a design or development standards waiver, Minor Zoning Exception, or similar allowance, whenever SFDB is the Review Authority.

e. Other Work. Any other work subject to SFDB review under this Title.

2. Projects During Active Applications. When a building permit or planning application requiring SFDB review is active or approved, and the associated permit has not received final inspection or a certificate of occupancy, any new construction, addition, or exterior alteration proposed on the same lot is also subject to SFDB review.

3. Public Property. Projects located on public property within single-unit residential zones are subject to SFDB review if they are associated with a development project that would otherwise require SFDB review under this section. All other projects on public property may be subject to review by the Architectural Board of Review or the Historic Landmarks Commission, as applicable.

C. Exemptions. The following projects are exempt from SFDB review under this section, unless otherwise required by this Title or when proposed as part of a larger development project that requires SFDB review:

1. Minor Additions. Additions to existing buildings are exempt if all of the following apply:

a. No portion of the project is two or more stories in height or exceeds 17 feet in building height;

b. The total net floor area of all existing and proposed buildings on the lot is 4,000 square feet or less;

c. The lot is outside the Hillside Design District, or if within the District, has an average slope of less than 20%;

d. The project does not include a request for a Minor Zoning Exception, waiver, or other discretionary approval requiring design review.

2. Accessory Buildings. One-story accessory buildings that do not exceed 17 feet in height are exempt if they meet the following criteria:

a. If located within the Hillside Design District, the building has a floor area of 650 square feet or less;

b. If located outside the Hillside Design District, the building has a floor area of 1,950 square feet or less; and

c. The building is consistent with Section 30.140.202, Accessory Buildings.

3. Architecturally Consistent Alterations. Exterior alterations to existing buildings that do not increase floor area are exempt only if all of the following conditions are met, and the project does not include any work described in other exemptions under this subsection:

a. All exterior materials, architectural features, roof pitch (within ±5 degrees), roof design, window and door dimensions (within ±2 inches), and finish colors match the existing structure; or

b. All new exterior elements conform to the original building design as documented in City permit records; or

c. If the architectural style is changed, all new exterior elements conform to the specifications for that style as defined in the applicable design guidelines.

4. Site Features and Equipment. Installation or alteration of site features, such as fences, walls, driveways, lighting, mechanical equipment, or trash enclosures, is exempt if the work does not require a Minor Zoning Exception or other discretionary approval and complies with all applicable development standards.

5. Grading and Landscaping. Grading or landscaping projects are exempt if:

a. Grading outside the building footprint does not exceed 50 cubic yards on lots within the Hillside Design District, or 250 cubic yards on lots outside the Hillside Design District, as calculated under Section 30.15.055, Grading; and

b. The average slope of the lot or area being graded is less than 20; and

c. The project does not require a Vegetation Removal Permit under Chapter 22.10 or propose alterations to an approved landscape plan subject to Chapter 22.11.

6. Balconies and Upper Story Decks. Construction of balconies or upper story decks is exempt, provided that:

a. The structure does not exceed 16 feet in width and 10 feet in depth; and

b. The project complies with all applicable standards in Section 30.140.025, Balconies and Upper Story Decks.

7. Windows and Doors. Installation, alteration, removal, relocation, or resizing of windows or doors are exempt, provided that:

a. The work does not alter a Special Design Window, or any character-defining feature, as described in the applicable design guidelines; and

b. The work complies with the privacy standards for upper-story openings in Section 30.140.145, Privacy Standards for Upper-Story Openings.

8. Reroofing. Reroofing of any structure is exempt, unless the project involves:

a. Removal of a two-piece terra cotta clay tile roof (Mission "C-tile"); or

b. Installation of new "S-tile" roofing, unless required to match the existing roof.

9. Replacement in Kind. Replacement in kind, as defined in Chapter 30.300.180 "R," involving the replacement of a structure, or portion of a structure, that is identical to the original.

10. Color Changes. Changes to the exterior color of residential buildings are exempt, unless combined with other alterations subject to SFDB review.

11. Work Exempt from a Permit. Projects that do not require a building permit, grading permit, or any other City-issued permit or approval, such as Public Works permits, are exempt from SFDB review, except for the specific project types listed in subsection B.

12. Interior Work. Interior alterations are exempt if they do not result in any change to the exterior of the building.

13. Temporary Installations. Temporary structures or uses that do not require a permit and do not result in permanent exterior changes are exempt from SFDB review.

D. Review Authority. The Single Family Design Board must approve, conditionally approve, or deny all applications for Design Review as required by this section, except as specified below.

1. Historic Landmarks Commission. Projects otherwise subject to review by the SFDB must be referred to the Historic Landmarks Commission if the project is subject to review under Section 30.220.020.

2. Community Development Director. The Community Development Director may act on limited-scope projects as specified in the applicable design guidelines adopted by City Council resolution.

E. Required Findings. The following findings must be made before granting Project Design Approval. These findings are in addition to any other findings required by this Title and are limited to the scope permitted under Government Code Section 65589.5 (Housing Accountability Act):

1. Neighborhood Compatibility Findings.

a. Compatibility and Character. The project is compatible with the site and neighborhood in its size, bulk, and scale; and contributes to the scenic character of the City.

b. Quality Architecture and Materials. The buildings and structures are designed with quality architectural details and enhance the appearance of the neighborhood.

c. Good Neighbor Guidelines. The project complies with the Good Neighbor Guidelines regarding privacy, landscaping, noise and lighting.

d. Trees. The proposed project does not remove or significantly impact mature trees and complies with the Tree Protection and Preservation Standards in the applicable design guidelines.

e. Public Views. The development, including proposed structures and grading, preserves significant public scenic views of and from the hillside.

2. Hillside Finding. The following findings must be made on any project on a lot within the Hillside Design District (Section 30.220.060B), with an average slope of 20% or more:

a. Hillside and Ridgeline Design Compatibility. The development, including structure scale, form, materials, and colors, blends with the natural appearance of the ridgeline or hillside and does not significantly alter the natural topography of the site.

3. Grading and Vegetation Removal Findings. The following findings must be made on any project that requires design review for grading, or a Vegetation Removal Permit under Chapter 22.10:

a. Natural Topography Protection. The grading is appropriate to the site, is designed to avoid visible scarring, and does not significantly alter the natural topography or appearance of any ridgeline or hillside.

b. Vegetation Removal. The proposed vegetation removal will not cause a substantial loss of southern oak woodland habitat and will comply with all applicable provisions of Chapter 22.10, Vegetation Removal.

4. Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Exception Findings. Any project that exceeds 100% of the Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) must be consistent with the findings in Section 30.20.030A of this Title.

(Ord. 6006, 2021; Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

A. Purpose. Objective Design Review is intended to provide a more efficient, predictable, and equitable design review process in order to streamline approval of applicable housing projects consistent with State housing laws.

B. Applicability. Projects submitted in compliance with Title 25, Objective Design and Development Standards (ODDS), must use the Objective Design Review process.

1. Applicants opting out of using the Objective Design Review process must use the City's discretionary Design Review process as described in Section 30.220.005 of this chapter.

C. Review Authority. The Review Authority for Objective Design Review projects is the Architectural Board of Review, unless such authority is granted to the Historic Landmarks Commission per Section 30.220.020.

D. Procedures. Applications for Objective Design Review shall be applied for and acted upon in compliance with Chapter 30.205, Common Procedures, and the procedures located within adopted board and commission guidelines, except as follows:

1. Streamlined Meeting Procedures. Project Design Review and Final Design Review actions are combined into a one-step procedure. Final construction details, finishes, materials, final landscape plans, and storm water management plans are required for a complete application.

2. Limits to Design Review. The Review Authority can review the design of an Objective Design Review project and call for an applicant to make objective design-related modifications to achieve consistency with Title 25, but cannot exercise subjective judgment to reject, deny, or modify the project without making the specific written findings described in section 30.205.050E.2.a, Denial of an Objective Housing Development Project; or Section 30.145.050, Denial of Affordable Housing or Emergency Shelters, as applicable.

3. Findings. An Objective Housing Development Project shall be approved when all the following findings are made:

a. The project, as conditioned, complies with all objective design and development standards.

b. The project will not result in a specific adverse impact to public health or safety that cannot be mitigated without rendering the project infeasible.

4. Appeals. A final action by the Review Authority on an Objective Design Review project may only be appealed by the applicant to the City Council in accordance with Chapter 1.30 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code. In addition to the procedures specified in Chapter 1.30 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code, public notice shall be provided in the same manner required for the action that was the subject of the appeal. In deciding such an appeal, the City Council shall determine whether the project complies with the criteria required for streamlined housing projects, as well as any adopted objective design standards.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

The following areas are identified as City Special Design Districts subject to Design Review:

A. Highway 101 Santa Barbara Coastal Parkway Special Design District. All real property within the State owned or leased right-of-way of Highway 101 and all City owned or leased right-of-way which intersects Highway 101 within the Coastal (CZ) Overlay Zone as shown on the "Highway 101 Santa Barbara Coastal Parkway Special Design District" map, incorporated into this code, is subject to applicable provisions.

B. Hillside Design District. All properties within the Hillside Design District, as shown on the "Hillside Design District" map incorporated into this code, are subject to applicable provisions.

(Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)