 | Average Unit-Size Density Incentive Program |
| In April 2012, the City Council initiated Zoning Ordinance amendments to implement the Average Unit-Size Density (AUD) Incentive Program. The AUD Program will replace the existing Variable Density Program and will allow increased residential densities to encourage smaller, more affordable units in selected areas of the City. The ordinance amendment process is currently underway and is estimated to be completed by July 2013. |
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| Climate Action Plan |
| The Draft City Climate Action Plan identifies strategies for reducing carbon dioxide and other "greenhouse gas" emissions in Santa Barbara that contribute to climate change. Strategies are identified in the areas of energy, travel and land use, vegetation, waste management, and water conservation. Strategies to plan for adaptation to climate change effects such as future sea level rise are also identified. The City council adopted the Climate Action Plan on September 18, 2012. |
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| General Plan Implementation |
| Following Council adoption of the General Plan update in December 2011, a number of key implementation efforts have been initiated, including: the renewal of the Growth Management Program (limiting non-residential growth), the update of Zoning map (for consistency with the newly adopted General Plan map), the Average Unit-Size Incentive program (to encourage smaller, more affordable units and buildings), the Climate Action Plan, the Historic Resources Element, and the Safety Element. |
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| Safety Element Update |
| The City has received grant funding and begun work to update the 1979 Safety Element of the City General Plan. This State-mandated element identifies information and policies about physical hazards pertaining to earthquakes, geology and soils, flooding, wildfire, hazardous materials, and facility accident risks. Following completion of technical studies and preparation of a Draft Safety Element, a public and agency review and comment period and Planning Commission public hearing will be held, targeted for mid-year 2013, followed by City Council consideration for adoption. |
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| Zoning and General Plan Map Amendments |
| In December 2011 the City Council adopted a new General Plan and an associated map. State law requires consistency between the General Plan map land use designations, boundaries and residential densities and the Zoning map of the City. |
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