Staff Hearing Officer - July 22, 2026

The City of Santa Barbara Staff Hearing Officer meeting on July 22, 2026, primarily addressed coastal development permits for accessory dwelling units and a change of use request for a property at 234 Cooper Road. The hearing officer approved multiple coastal development permits for accessory dwelling units in non-appealable coastal zone jurisdictions, with no public opposition. A significant procurement-related discussion involved the approval of a change of use from a manufacturing facility to a veterinary clinic in an M1 industrial zone. The project included a parking modification request supported by a parking demand study indicating that the 17 provided parking spaces would meet the clinic's needs. The hearing officer approved the project with amended conditions requiring re-evaluation if the clinic expands beyond six exam rooms or adds emergency services. No contract awards, RFPs, or vendor selections were discussed, and no budget or capital improvement projects were mentioned.