The City of Santa Barbara Planning Commission convened on January 8, 2026, addressing key planning and zoning matters. A significant portion of the meeting focused on initiating a local coastal program amendment to rezone a portion of the Santa Barbara Airport property to allow for additional parking facilities adjacent to the terminal, aiming to improve passenger convenience and reduce reliance on the economy lot shuttle service. The commission discussed the environmental review process, project design, and long-term planning, including a comprehensive local coastal program update expected in the near future. Additionally, the commission reviewed and recommended the single family streamlining project to the city council, which aims to reduce the number of single-family development projects requiring design review by approximately 24%, streamline the public hearing process, and introduce more flexibility for homeowners. The project includes amendments to municipal codes and design board guidelines and was determined to be exempt from further environmental review. The meeting concluded with administrative updates on committee appointments and liaison roles for 2026.

Planning Commission - January 8, 2026