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For Information on Electronic Submittals, go to Planning Central
The Planning Division is responsible for four programs:
Long Range Planning & Special Studies
- 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
- 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, Staff Hearing Officer, Architectural Board of Review, Historic Landmarks Commission and Single Family Design Board
- 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 & Historic Preservation
- Provides staffing support to City 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 cursory plan review 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
Zoning Ordinance Information & Enforcement
- 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 Property Profiles for non-residential parcels
- Investigates zoning complaints and enforces the codes for all land use and sign violations
- Prepares amendments to the Zoning Ordinance (Title 28 Coastal and Title 30 Inland) and Zoning Map
- Provides staffing support to the Staff Hearing Officer