Architectural Board of Review (ABR) Guidelines Adopted November 4th, 2003. The ABR comments on development projects to protect and preserve the natural charm and beauty of Santa Barbara and to continue a tradition of pleasing distinctive architecture in the City. The intent of the ABR Guidelines is to ensure high design standards are maintained in development and construction. The ABR Guidelines are also intended to assist in public understanding of ABR goals and policies and their implementation.
The updated guidelines reorganize and expand upon the 1995 ABR Guidelines. The updated ABR Guidelines are broken into three parts: Part 1: Architectural Design, Part 2: Landscape Design and Part 3: Meeting Procedures. Please note that many new helpful landscape guidelines are provided in Part 2 and some meeting procedures have been revised in Part 3 to increase application review efficiency.
Please call Heather Baker, AICP, at 564-5470 with any questions regarding the updated ABR Guidelines.
ABR Guidelines - Full Document
The Municipal Airport is a major gateway to the Santa Barbara area; it should provide a notable, favorable and long-lasting impression on its visitors and users. In order to realize this something special, something "Santa Barbara," a strong, unifying theme needs to be established for the entire Airport property, including guidelines for urban design developed as part of the Airport Industrial Area Specific Plan. The theme should recognize the existing architecture in the surrounding unincorporated commercial areas. These guidelines are presented in two parts. The first section is the General Project Guidelines, which contains policies and parameters affecting the entire Airport. The second section outlines specific criteria for development in the individual design areas established at the Airport. Two distinct design areas have been identified based on locations, existing uses and existing development. The first area includes the Airline Terminal and the area surrounding it. The second area includes the rest of the Airport property. In addition, the second area has been divided into 4 sub-areas for purposes of creating unified color schemes for these areas. All of these areas are shown on the attached map. Finally, these guidelines are intended to aid developers, designers and planners in making architectural decisions in conformance with the policies of the City of Santa Barbara and the Municipal Airport. In addition, they will provide the base upon which cohesive and creative solutions can be built.
Airport Design Guidelines
Single Family Residence Design Guidelines:
Single Family Residence Design Guidelines
For more information about the recent update to these guidelines, please visit the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance/ Single Family Design Guidelines Update page of our website (under Major Planning Efforts).
The Single Family Design Board was established by ordinance on June 8, 2007 as a result of the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance (NPO)/SFDB update process begun in 2004. The SFDB is composed of seven members, two of whom must be licensed architects, one a landscape architect, three other professionals in related fields such as design, engineering or landscape contracting, and one member must be from the public at large. A quorum consists of four members, two of whom shall be either a licensed architect or licensed landscape architect. According to the City of Santa Barbara General Plan, “Santa Barbara has, as its primary goal, the provision of a particularly desirable living environment.” Single-family homes have long contributed to the character of many neighborhoods in the city. The SFDB is charged with the responsibility to ensure homes are completed with high-quality designs that are compatible with the surrounding neighborhood, preserve the City’s visual resources and promote long-term sustainability contribute to a desirable living environment. Further details about the goals of the SFDB in relationship to infill within neighborhoods, Hillside neighborhoods, neighborhood compatibility, and sustainability. see the “Introduction” section of the Single Family Residential Design Guidelines.
Single Family Design Board (SFDB) Guidelines
Chapala Street Design Guidelines
The City of Santa Barbara Redevelopment Agency initiated the Chapala Street Design Guidelines in May 2003 to ensure that public improvements that occur as a result of Private Sector development of the Chapala Street corridor consisted of a unified theme that met the needs of current downtown residents and businesses. The Chapala Street Design Guidelines influence that area of Chapala Street south of Carrillo Street and north of Hwy 101.
Introduction
Hardscape
Street Amenities
Landscape
Intersections and Midblock Drawings
Block Studies These guidelines are intended to assist the public in the Historic Landmarks Commissions review process by clarifying the design criteria and procedures for El Pueblo Viejo District. These guidelines will be the basis for decisions of the Historic Landmarks Commission. They are intended for use by architects, designers, property owners, tenants, residents, government agencies, and the general public, to help comply with City of Santa Barbara Charter, and Municipal Code Chapter 22.22, the historic structures ordinance.
Procedures for Historic Landmarks Commission meetings are set forth in a separate document, approved by the Commission and City Council, entitled "Historic Landmarks Commission Rules and Procedures."
EPV Guidelines (New!- Updated and Adopted May 12, 2009)
EPV Suggested Plants List
EPV Photo Gallery Haley-Milpas Design Guidelines
The purpose of this manual is to assist the people in the Haley-Milpas area in improving the appearance of their property. Whether the project is merely repainting a building, adding another room or story, or starting from scratch, this manual contains suggestions, helpful hints, and sources of additional information. It is not the final answer, but the first step in achieving the desired results.
Haley-Milpas Design Guidelines (45 MB PDF file)
Harbor Master Plan Design Guidelines
The purpose of the Harbor Master Plan Design Guidelines is to implement policies and design themes for the Harbor Master Plan Area. In addition, these Guidelines are intended to recognize, preserve, and promote the vitality of the Harbor Commercial and Stearns Wharf areas.
These Guidelines, in conjunction with other relevant guidelines and ordinances, provide direction to applicants, designers, City Staff, the Architectural Board of Review, other approval agencies, and the public as a whole, and serve as a guide for decision makers to make findings during the review process. They are not meant to discourage unique and inventive design solutions. Although failure to meet the Guidelines can form a basis for denial of a project, non-compliance with the Guidelines shall not be grounds to invalidate any action taken by an approving agency, nor shall such non-compliance constitute a cause of action against the City, or its officers, employees, or agents concerning any matter.
Harbor Master Plan Design Guidelines
HLC Rules and Procedures The City Charter grants the Historic Landmarks Commission the power and duty to review all plans for exterior alteration, demolition, relocation, moving or construction of or on (1) any structures or real property within El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District, (2) any structures or real property within any designated Landmark District, (3) any additional property authorized by action of the City Council, (4) a designated landmark. One of the principal duties of the Commission is to review projects within El Pueblo Viejo district, which now encompasses the original historic core of the City, the areas around the Mission, the oceanfront, and the scenic entrances to the City. The Historic Landmarks Commission also has the power to recommend to the City Council that certain structures, natural features, sites or areas having historic, architectural, archaeological, cultural or aesthetic significance be designated as a Landmark. The Commission may also designate Structures of Merit. It may also perform other duties or functions prescribed by ordinance.
HLC Rules and Procedures Document
Outdoor Vending Machine Design Guidelines
These guidelines are intended to maintain the aesthetic and historic nature of commercial districts or neighborhoods by requiring appropriate design standards for the siting, signage and appearance of outdoor vending machines. These guidelines will require that all outdoor vending machines to be installed to minimize visual impacts. Outdoor vending machines shall be, carefully placed, screened or their appearance minimized to maintain the aesthetic quality of the surrounding area and comply with applicable provisions of the Sign Ordinance. Toward this end, the City’s Design Review Boards will consider location, materials, colors, details, signage, lighting and landscaping when reviewing a proposed outdoor vending machine installation.
Outdoor Vending Machine Design Guidelines PDF
Santa Barbara Colors: "A Guide to Painting Buildings" PLEASE NOTE: This document is provided for general concept information only. The color samples in this file are distorted due to the inherent effects of electronic scanning of colors. Please visit 630 Garden Street to see the colors as they appear in the original hardcopy version of this book.
Santa Barbara Colors: "A Guide to Painting Buildings"
Lower Riviera Special Design District Guidelines
The Lower Riviera Special Design District was created as part of the Demolition Review Ordinance Amendments in October 2004. Over the past few months, City Staff and volunteers from the Bungalow Haven Neighborhood Association have worked on creating draft guidelines which are intended to guide development within the Lower Riviera Special Design District in order to ensure its continuing compatibility to the proposed Bungalow Haven Historic District, which lies within its core. The guidelines, once adopted, will serve to assist property owners, architects, contractors, and commissions and design review boards to design projects that will be appropriate, compatible, and beneficial to the Special Design District, and to assist the City in reviewing applications for new projects and alterations to structures within, and in close proximity to, the proposed Historic District.
Lower Riviera Special Design District Guidelines
Table of Contents | | Santa Barbara possesses a rich architectural heritage and a uniquely beautiful scenic environment. At night, lighting is an integral component of this built and natural environment. It is important that illumination is intelligently planned to complement this environment, is subtle and avoids over lighting and provides a cohesive appearance for the city and its neighborhoods. Safety and security for persons and property are also of paramount concern, and it is necessary to recognize the importance of quality of light versus quantity.
The goal of this guideline is to promote a high standard of quality for lighting in commercial and residential areas of Santa Barbara, and to assist Design Review Boards, Planning staff, architects, lighting designers, and applicants with an understanding of the concepts behind good lighting design and a means to achieve that goal by establishing parameters to enable reviewers to determine that the intent of the guidelines has been met. Outdoor Lighting & Streetlight Design Guidelines Outdoor Lighting & Streetlight Design Guidelines (new!)
Summary of Changes
A sign is the most prevalent mass communication medium and has a strong impact on the environment. Signs transmit messages beyond the boundaries of the sites on which they are located. Thus, they become the concern of all persons who inhabit or use an area.
The City of Santa Barbara recognizes that a sign is an integral part of the cityscape and, as such, can detract from or enhance the City’s image and character. The City first adopted a sign ordinance in 1922. In 1960, the City began reviewing certain types of signs. Purview has expanded by stages through Ordinance amendments in 1977, 1981 and 1995. Now all signs - permanent or temporary - are subject to review by the City's Sign Committee.
Sign Review Guidelines
Solar Design Guidelines and Recognition Programs
2009 Awards: Photos in PowerPoint, City Council Presentation October 20, 2009 2:00 PM. 2008 Awards: Photos in PowerPoint City Council Presentation on August 12, 2008.
View Santa Barbara News-Press Video of 2008 Awards
2007 Awards Archive: Photos in PowerPoint, Award Winners list in Staff Report Adopted December 5th, 2006. The City of Santa Barbara supports the use of solar energy as environmentally superior alternative to the use of fossil fuels. The Guidelines and Recognition Programs were prepared as part of the City's participation in the Federal Million Solar Roofs Program (which has a goal of solar panels to be installed on one million US roofs by 2010). The documents are focused on education, voluntary use and a recognition program. City Council will publicly recognize Solar Energy System and Passive Solar Design projects consistent with these guidelines at a Council hearing each June. “Solar Recognition Award” certificates suitable for framing and attractive sun-shaped small wall plaques will be presented to award winners.
Solar Award Application Solar Energy System Guidelines and Recognition Program This document specifies how to achieve a solar energy system that is high performing as well as aesthetically well integrated with its surrounding location, and therefore eligible for a recognition award.
Solar Energy System Guidelines and Recognition Program Passive Solar Design Guidelines and Recognition Program The best way to reduce energy consumption is through conservation. Recognizing this, the “Passive Solar Design Guidelines and Recognition Program" document was adopted along with the Solar Energy System Guidelines and Award program. The Passive Solar guidelines encourage building siting, orientation, materials, construction techniques and landscaping to reduce long-term energy needs for new developments.
Passive Solar Design Guidelines and Recognition Program
State Street Landscaping Guidelines
The goal of the State Street Landscaping Guidelines is to bring a sense of order and vision to future changes proposed for the State Street Plaza and to simplify the design review process for applicants. The Guidelines encompass a range of issues related to both the aesthetic nature of the street and the practical needs of property owners, merchants, residents of Santa Barbara and visitors. The overriding consideration of the Guidelines is to ensure that the continuing evolution of Santa Barbara’s most important and aesthetically rich street respects the established themes of the Plaza while responding to the changing needs of Santa Barbara’s citizens, businesses and visitors.
State Street Landscaping Guidelines (New!)
Storm Water Management Program
This document serves as the City of Santa Barbara’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Phase II Storm Water Management Program prepared in response to State Water Resources Control Board Water Quality Order 2003-0005-DWQ for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II General Permit No. CAS000004 (State General Permit). The overall objective of the City’s Storm Water Management Program is to comply with the NPDES Phase II regulations and State General Permit, and to meet water quality standards contained in the Statewide Water Quality Control Plan, the California Toxics Rule, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board Basin Plan.
Storm Water Management Program
Storm Water BMP Guidance Manual
The City’s SWMP was approved by the Water Quality Control Board and became effective on January 1, 2009. Preparation of the SWMP is required by the Federal Clean Water Act. Its purpose is to implement and enforce a program to reduce the discharge of pollutants carried by water runoff. The SWMP was prepared and is implemented city-wide. The Creeks Division has provided overall coordination and administration of the SWMP since preparation of the program began in 2003.
Storm Water BMP Guidance Manual
Upper State Street Guidelines
These Guidelines were adopted in 1992 and updated in 2009. These design guidelines encourage designs which will be compatible with their surroundings, facilitate connectivity, manage traffic, and enhance Santa Barbara's distinctive built environment. The Upper State Street Area is a special and distinct area of the City where commercial corridor development patterns have developed adjacent to unique neighborhoods. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide additional direction for how property owners, both public and private, can make improvements to their properties to collectively improve the visual character and circulation of the Upper State Street Area.
2009 Upper State Street Design Guidelines (New)
2007 Upper State Street Study (18 MB PDF file)
The urban grid area of Santa Barbara is known for its historic character, pedestrian-friendly qualities, and exemplary architecture. It is a distinctly urban environment, softened by vistas of the mountains, ocean, and the attention to detail that is evident in both the built environment and landscaped open spaces.
Most new development in the grid will be either infill development of vacant properties or the redevelopment of existing buildings. Due to the close proximity of buildings to one another and the established urban fabric of the grid, it is important that new development be compatible with and compliment the character of the grid, enhance existing natural features, and incorporate appropriate landscaped open spaces.
Urban Design Guidelines
Visual Art in Public Places
The City of Santa Barbara is committed to supporting and promoting the arts as an essential component of the quality of life in our community. To this end, the City Council established the Arts Advisory Committee by resolution in 1985. The Visual Art in Public Places Committee (VAPP), a subcommittee of the Arts Advisory Committee, was established as part of this resolution. All art installations on publicly owned land and, whether permanent or temporary, must go through the review process described herein. All public art projects proposed within the City of Santa Barbara must be reviewed and approved by VAPP. VAPP’s purpose is to make recommendations to the Arts Advisory Committee, which in turn advises the City Council, concerning the acquisition, placement and presentation of high quality visual art on public property throughout the City of Santa Barbara.
Visual Art in Public Places Guidelines
Water Wise Lawn Alternative Landscaping ExamplesThis book provides color photo examples of water-wise lawn alternatives appropriate in Santa Barbara.
Water Wise Lawn Alternatives
Waterfront Area Aesthetic Criteria for Development Assessment
The Locating New Development Section of the Local Coastal Plan (LCP) provides for protecting, maintaining and enhancing the visual qualities of the City’s Waterfront Area by establishing criteria to evaluate the appropriate intensity of potential development. These criteria are based on the visual resources which presently exist: openness; lack of congestion; naturalness; and rhythm. Policy 12.2 requires that the impact of new development be evaluated with respect to those resources. The policy further requires that the City develop objective criteria to assist decision makers in assessing the impacts of new development.
Waterfront Area Aesthetic Criteria for Development
The intent of these guidelines is to maintain the aesthetic and historic nature of commercial district or neighborhoods with appropriate siting of cellular antennas and towers. The purpose is also to require all wireless communication facilities to minimize visual impacts by providing for installations that are designed carefully, screened with landscaping or camouflaged to maintain the aesthetic quality of the surrounding area.
Interim Wireless Communication Facilities/Antennas Design Guidelines |