Santa Barbara County is proposing significant modifications to its planning permit process, aiming to make approvals faster, simpler, and less costly for both residents and businesses. These changes are designed to maintain protection for public safety, the environment, and the character of local communities. The County Planning Commission is scheduled to hold an additional hearing on Wednesday, October 28, at 9 a.m., to further consider these Phase 3 zoning amendments.
The proposed updates are part of a broader county effort to modernize its zoning rules and enhance the predictability of the permitting process. This applies to a wide range of projects, from minor home additions to businesses moving into existing commercial structures. Planning permits ensure a project adheres to zoning regulations such regarding location, size, and design, while building permits address construction and safety standards.
If approved, the proposed Phase 3 changes would introduce several key efficiencies:
First, planning permits would no longer be required for small, common projects. This includes structures such as sheds and pergolas, heating and air conditioning equipment, and most swimming pools. Certain changes in the use of existing commercial buildings would also fall under this exemption. A building permit, however, would still be mandatory for these projects.
Second, the design review process would be simplified. Smaller new homes, home additions, remodels, and various commercial projects would experience either reduced design review or no review at all. Larger or more prominent developments would continue to undergo a comprehensive review.
Third, approval timelines would be accelerated. Most single-family homes and some commercial projects would benefit from fewer procedural steps, reduced notification requirements, and fewer opportunities for appeal, where permitted by the new rules.
These proposals build upon previous efforts to streamline county processes. Phase One, which was approved in 2025, updated and modernized the county’s lighting and sign regulations to improve clarity and consistency, and it eliminated an outdated shopping center zone district.
Phase Two, approved in January 2026, introduced further amendments. It enabled faster approvals for projects with lower impact, such as time extensions, small modifications, minor conditional use permits, and minor development plans, by shifting these to streamlined staff-level reviews. It also limited appeals for minor projects where decision-making discretion is minimal. This phase standardized notification requirements and permit expiration dates for better understanding and application of rules. Additionally, it cleaned up the zoning code by removing outdated provisions, reducing redundancy, and providing clearer explanations of how regulations apply. Commercial zones were modernized to facilitate more mixed-use development, and standards in multifamily zones, including height, setbacks, and open space, were adjusted to better support planned housing densities.
In addition to these zoning amendments, the county has expanded its on-demand building permit program. This program allows homeowners to obtain immediate online permits for projects like water heater replacements, electrical panel upgrades, roof replacements, solar installations, and upgrades to gas, water, and sewer lines. Since its launch, over 3,500 permits have been issued through this program, with required inspections continuing to ensure safety. The county recently highlighted this service in a video titled “Your County, Your Services – On-Demand Permits.”
The public is encouraged to attend and provide comments at the upcoming hearing, which will be held at the Planning Commission Hearing Room, located at 123 E. Anapamu St. in Santa Barbara. If the Planning Commission recommends approval, the Board of Supervisors is anticipated to consider the amendments in December 2026.
