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 Zoning Information Reports for residential real estate transactions. 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 and Zoning Map as necessary
• Provides staffing support to the Staff Hearing Officer