By El Latino Newsroom
redaccion@latinocc.com
In a unanimous vote last Tuesday, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approved a broad package of ordinance amendments aimed at simplifying and accelerating the planning and zoning permit process for homeowners, businesses, and developers countywide.
The changes, known as the Ordinance Streamlining and Housing Accommodation Amendments, mark the second phase of a three-part initiative designed to overhaul the county’s often-criticized permitting system.
Officials say the reforms will improve efficiency, reduce review times, and deliver a more predictable and customer-friendly experience, without sacrificing community standards or environmental protections.
A Step Toward a More Efficient System
“Today’s action is a practical step toward making our permitting system work better,” said Board Chair Bob Nelson during the Jan. 27 meeting.
“It’s not a cure-all, but it moves us in the right direction.”
Under the new rules, which take effect Feb. 26 in inland areas and upon Coastal Commission approval in coastal zones, lower-impact projects like minor modifications and small developments will be eligible for streamlined, staff-level approvals.
This could significantly cut down wait times and reduce costs for applicants.
Key Changes in the Ordinance Amendments
The newly adopted reforms introduce standardized procedures for public notifications and permit expiration timelines, making the rules clearer and more consistent for applicants.
They also limit discretionary decision-making and reduce the scope for appeals in minor projects, streamlining approvals where the margin for interpretation is minimal.
In addition, outdated and redundant sections of the zoning code have been eliminated, with clearer language added to improve understanding and application.
The changes also modernize zoning standards to better accommodate mixed-use developments and multifamily housing, aligning local regulations with broader housing goals across the county.
“Our goal is simple: we want people to spend less time navigating bureaucracy and more time building the projects that improve their lives. These reforms represent years of careful work to identify where we can be more efficient without compromising safety or quality,” said Lisa Plowman, Director of Planning and Development.
Supporting Housing and Economic Growth
The changes also align with the county’s housing goals outlined in the recently adopted Housing Element.
Zoning modifications in commercial and multifamily areas aim to facilitate higher-density residential construction and mixed-use developments, supporting the region’s ongoing efforts to combat California’s housing crisis.
The ordinance overhaul builds on previous efforts. Phase One, adopted last year, modernized the county’s lighting and signage codes.
Phase Three, expected later this year, will target further zoning adjustments—particularly for homeowners and small businesses—to expand use of objective design standards and reduce discretionary reviews.
Officials highlighted the success of the county’s on-demand permit program as proof that permitting modernization works.
Since its launch, the initiative has delivered more than 3,500 instant permits online for projects such as solar panel installations, re-roofing, and utility upgrades—allowing property owners to move forward without weeks of delays.
As the county prepares for the final phase of reforms, officials say the long-term vision is clear: a faster, simpler, and more accessible permitting system that fosters community development and economic growth.
A full breakdown of the adopted ordinance amendments is available at the county’s official website under File #25-01069.
