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.