Architectural Board of Review - October 26, 2026

The City of Santa Barbara Architectural Board of Review met on October 26, 2026. No procurement activity, contract awards, or purchasing decisions were identified; the meeting focused on design review of development projects. The board voted to send 105 Harbor Way to a full-board hearing at the next available meeting rather than ratify its consent approval, citing concerns about changes to the design. It ratified project design approval for 715 Thomas Avenue. The board also granted project design approval for a warehouse and research-and-development building at 2 North Calle Cesar Chavez, with direction to study additional planting and transformer screening, taller palms, exterior lighting, and rooftop landscaping. One board member voted against approval.

For 419 West Pueblo Street, a proposed childcare-center addition, the board found the requested zoning modifications acceptable and voted to continue the item indefinitely for Planning Commission review. For the Trader Joe’s rooftop mechanical-equipment project at 3025 De La Vina Street, the board provided pre-application comments only. Members criticized the equipment’s location, height, visual impact, and screening; a straw vote unanimously opposed keeping it in its current location and encouraged the applicant to study relocation and alternative designs. No final action was taken on that item.