Webinar: Single Family Streamlining Zoning Code Amendments

This City of Santa Barbara webinar held on May 20, 2026, focused on recently adopted zoning code amendments aimed at streamlining the planning entitlement process for single-family residential development. The presentation detailed changes to the Single Family Design Board (SFDB) review triggers, exemptions, and design standards that reduce the number of projects requiring design review, thereby simplifying and accelerating permit approvals. Key amendments include expanded administrative approvals for minor projects, elimination of the covered parking requirement for single-family homes, and new allowances for guest houses and yard buildings. The ordinance, effective May 28, 2026, also reduces required public hearings from two to one and introduces ministerial permit pathways to avoid design review for qualifying projects. The webinar included a Q&A session addressing implementation details, parking regulations, and alignment with state laws on accessory dwelling units (ADUs). No specific contract awards or procurement actions were discussed, but the policy changes are expected to impact future residential development permitting and construction activities in the city.