Public Counter Notices Re: COVID-19Community Development

City staff have been working to install safety barriers and establish procedures to allow the safe reopening for counter services on an appointment only bases. The Community Development and Public Works Departments public counters at 630 Garden Street are now open to the public by Appointment only. The Departments are committed to continuing to provide public services during this time and services will be modified to limit in-person interaction and ensure social distancing.

Consultation by telephone or email is also available during regular business hours at the phone numbers and email addresses listed below. Our goal is to provide responses to voicemails and email inquiries within one business day.

Start here to Schedule an Appointment

Empezar Aquí Para Programar Una Cita

Regular Business Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Thursday and alternate Fridays, Calendar of Closed Fridays

Si necesita asistencia y prefiere hablar con alguien en español, por favor llame la línea de investigaciones al (805) 897-2676. Deje su nombre, número de teléfono, y un mensaje corto. También puede mandar un mensaje por correo electrónico a PlanningCounter@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.

Accela Citizen Access (ACA) Master Building Permit Services Guide

Beginning April 7, 2020, we will be accepting permit applications and supporting plans and documents online via our City website. The Online Building Permit Services Guide web page will link you all of the other guides and information that you need to conduct your building permit related business online with the City. To submit or resubmit Planning Applications, go to Planning Central for information on Electronic Submittals.  City Planning, Fire and Public Works services are also implementing more web-based services. Please see their City web sites for more information.

Drop-Off/Pick Up Services at the South Entrance of Building (adjacent to the David Gebhard Public Meeting Room)

Community Development and Public Works staff are currently processing all plans and permits. A new drop-off/pick-up area has been created at the south entrance to the building at 630 Garden Street (adjacent to the David Gebhard Public Meeting Room).  After submitting your application online, you may drop off documents with appropriate forms, only if requested by staff.  A staff person will confirm receipt electronically within three business days and provide information about next steps.

Staff comments on materials such as plans or permit applications will be provided electronically. Please make sure that all application materials are clearly labeled and that your contact information is clearly marked so that we may contact you if we have follow-up questions regarding your submittals. Master applications, cover sheets, and payment forms are available at the drop-off location, with instructions to assist in the drop-off of plans and payments.

PAYMENT INFORMATION: For new applications, staff will follow up electronically with an invoice and appropriate fee amount in order to avoid payment errors. For questions about fees for existing projects or permits, please contact the appropriate Division counter for guidance using the counter phone number or email listed above. The City accepts payment by check and credit card (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover). Fees may be mailed, faxed, or dropped off at 630 Garden Street for processing.

As of April 7, 2020, we can now accept Building, Planning and Public Works Permit Application payments online through our Accela Citizen Access.  For more information on How to Pay Invoiced Fees, click here.

If you wish to submit payment via fax or by mail, the following submittal sheet must be included with your permit application payment:  

• Fee Payment Form

Handouts and Submittal Information

In order to effectively process your application, please carefully review the appropriate submittal handouts prior to dropping off your plans, and ensure you have submitted all required materials. Staff are available by telephone or email if you have any questions about submittal information. 

• Planning and Zoning Handouts and Submittal Information
• Building and Safety Handouts and Submittal Information
• Public Works Handouts and Submittal information
• View public records (Planning and Street files)
• Online Case Status Lookup

This is an evolving situation, and we appreciate your awareness and understanding. We will continue to monitor the situation and take the lead from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department to adjust our procedures accordingly.