Long Range Planning and Special Studies Program

• Develops and implements goals, policies, and action plans related to community issues such as housing, land use, growth management, resource conservation, open space, transportation, and circulation.
• Prepares studies to update City policies in response to changes in State law, resource availability, and community goals.
• Responsible for preparing and updating the state mandated General Plan.
• Monitors the amount and type of development to ensure compliance with City Charter goals and growth restrictions.
• Facilitates public participation and community involvement in planning issues.
• Participates in the development and review of regional studies prepared by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments.
• Supports City Council and City Administration in addressing regional governance and planning issues

Development / Environmental Review Program

• Reviews, analyzes, and makes recommendations on development and design proposals by private property owners and government agencies.
• Provides support to the City Council, Planning Commission, Architectural Board of Review, Historic Landmarks Commission, Sign Committee, and Modification Hearings.
• Administers environmental review process in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• Provides public information and permit services at the public counter

Design Review and Historic Preservation

• Provides staffing support to Council, Planning Commission, Architectural Board of Review, Historic Landmarks Commission, Single Family Design Board, and Sign Committee
• Reviews, analyzes, and makes design review recommendations on development proposals by private and public property owners
• Prepares public notices, agendas, minutes and performs preliminary plan check and environmental assessments  for projects subject to Architectural Board of Review, Historic Landmarks Commission and Single Family Design Board review
• Prepares guidelines, ordinance amendments, and other studies for quality design standard
• Administers the City's Historic Preservation Work Program involving review, analysis, completion of surveys and designation of historic resources
• Provides public information and permit services at the public counter Administers the City's Historic Preservation Work Program involving review, analysis, completion of surveys and designation of historic resources  

Zoning Ordinance Information and Enforcement Program

• Answers questions from property owners, applicants, and other members of the community about land use and zoning requirements.
• Reviews plans for proposed development for compliance with City zoning requirements.
• Prepares Zoning Information Reports for residential real estate transactions. Prepares Property Profiles for non-residential parcels.
• Investigates zoning complaints and enforces the codes for all zoning violations (including illegal dwelling units, land use violations, and sign violations).
• Prepares amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zone Map as necessary.