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Housing Incentive Program

On July 30, 2013, the City Council approved the Average Unit-size Density Incentive Program Ordinance. This Program incentivizes the creation of multi-unit housing and carries out a key implementation action of the City’s 2011 General Plan. The intent of the Program is to support the construction of smaller, more affordable residential units near transit and within easy walking and biking distance to commercial services and parks. Increased densities and development standard incentives are allowed in most multi-family and commercial zones of the City to promote additional housing. Rental, employer-sponsored, and limited equity housing cooperative units that provide housing opportunities to the City’s workforce are especially encouraged.

The Program has an initial duration of eight years or until 250 new units under the Program have been constructed in the High Density Residential or Priority Housing Overlay areas, whichever occurs first. Any application for new units that is deemed complete prior to the expiration of the Program may continue to be processed under the Program.

In 2017 the City Council directed staff to initiate certain ordinance amendments to Title 30 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code regarding the Program. The amendments will be completed in multiple parts, as shown here.

As of April 6, 2019, the following residential units are pending, or have been approved or constructed under the Program.

Residential units that are pending, or have been approved or constructed under the Program.
	Pending Units¹	Approved Units	Building Permit Issued Units	Completed Units²
Medium-High Density Area³	36	65	65	35
High Density/Priority Overlay	173	249	96	151

¹Includes all pending projects that have an application with the Planning Division. Some projects may not have been deemed complete.
²Projects that have received a Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
³Units located in the Medium-High Density Area are shown for informational purposes only.

Housing Incentive Program Projects as of May 6, 2019

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Click the double arrow on the upper left part of the map to view the legend.

Please click the links below to view the Program Cases by Month.

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Housing Incentive ProgramPlanning Central

Housing Incentive Program

Housing Incentive Program Projects as of May 6, 2019

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