Link to Downtown Business Improvement Districts (BID)
The PBIA is the assessment mechanism that allows the City of Santa Barbara (City) to provide affordable parking rates to customers, visitors and clients of the Downtown area. The Downtown Parking budget is funded primarily by hourly parking revenues, and to a lesser extent, by PBIA assessments and permit sales. The PBIA revenues are directed solely towards hourly employee salaries and utility costs. These funds partially finance the operation and maintenance of the parking lots.
If your business is located within the PBIA 53-square block area of lower State St., it is subject to a quarterly assessment. The amount to be paid is based on the type of business and parking related criteria. You will receive a separate invoice quarterly for this assessment.
PBIA Quarters
*If paid on or after delinquent date, a 10% penalty will be applied for each month past due, up to a maximum 50% of the amount.
For questions, please contact:
Business License Office
(805) 564-5346
BCraig@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
The Downtown and Old Town BID assessments are collected by the City and remitted to the Downtown Organization to provide marketing and promotional services to businesses. The Downtown Organization is dedicated to the promotion and enhancement of the economic and cultural vitality of downtown Santa Barbara for the benefit of its members, City residents, and visitors. Pursuant to Santa Barbara Municipal Code, Chapters 4.39 and 5.04, all businesses in the Districts are subject to this annual assessment.
Detailed information on assessment revenue, expenditures, and services provided to businesses is available in the Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Assessment Report.
Questions about the assessments may be directed to
Robin Elander
Executive Director
Downtown Santa Barbara
805-962-2098 x 801 (office)
SantaBarbaraCA.gov/DowntownBID
Downtown Business Improvement District (BID)
Category | Charge |
Professionals | Equal to 15% of business tax paid. Minimum of $50.00 |
All Others | Equal to 100% of business license. |
For questions, please contact:
Business License Office
(805) 564-5346
BCraig@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
Old Town Business Improvement District (BID)
Category | Charge |
Businesses located on State Street | Equal to 100% of business license. Minimum of $100.00 |
Businesses not located on State Street | Equal to 75% of business license. Minimum of $100.00 |
Automobile Sales and Service Businesses | Businesses in Classification “B” of Section 5.04.390 shall pay a maximum charge of $600.00 per year |
Other Businesses: Wholesale, Professional, and Real Estate business as shown in Category 5.04.400 | $100.00 |
For questions, please contact:
Business License Office
(805) 564-5346
BCraig@SantaBarbaraCA.gov