Santa Barbara County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Barbara County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Phase I Oil and Gas Drilling Prohibition
The county approved a ban on drilling new onshore oil and gas wells and re-entering abandoned wells as part of its climate action plan, sparking intense debate between environmental advocates and industry representatives.
Utility-Scale Solar and Battery Storage Ordinance
The county adopted a new regulatory framework to allow utility-scale solar and battery storage facilities, establishing a 16,000-acre cap and streamlining permits for agricultural solar and standalone battery systems to meet clean energy goals.
Zoning Ordinance Ministerial Streamlining
The county is looking at ways to cut red tape by making routine permits for homes and businesses ministerial, meaning faster approvals without public hearings or appeal periods. This could significantly lower building costs and shorten delays, though some community members worry about losing oversight on neighborhood compatibility.
Land Use Prohibition of Detention Facilities
Supervisors explored directing the planning department to develop zoning and land-use tools to prevent the siting or expansion of immigration detention facilities in unincorporated areas.
Richards Ranch Tax Exchange and Annexation
The county rejected the City of Santa Maria's proposed tax exchange for the 43.7-acre Richards Ranch development, citing a projected $212,000 annual structural deficit and loss of regional fee revenues. Developers and housing advocates warned that delays stall much-needed workforce housing, while the county defended its fiscal stability.
Adoption of County Environmental Justice Element
The county adopted a new Environmental Justice Element to comply with state law and address health risks, pollution exposure, and service access in designated low-income and environmentally burdened communities.
2025 General Ordinance Amendment Package
The board updated zoning rules, repealed an old Montecito growth management rule to comply with state housing law, and added exemptions for art and garden tours.
Housing Element Rezones and Coastal Certification
The board accepted Coastal Commission conditional certification for housing element rezones, sparking concerns from residents regarding traffic, emergency evacuation exits, and infrastructure capacity in areas like Carpinteria.