Planning Commission - County of Santa Barbara - 08/12/26

The County of Santa Barbara Planning Commission held a meeting on August 12, 2026, primarily to consider the approval of a change of owner, operator, and guarantor for the Santa Maria Asphalt Refinery Development Plan permit. The commission reviewed a detailed staff report and heard presentations from the applicant, CAP Resolution Partners LLC, who acquired the refinery through bankruptcy and invested over $12 million in restoration efforts. Key procurement-related discussions included the applicant's financial guarantees, compliance with permit conditions, safety audits, and plans for facility upgrades. The commission also discussed environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions and local economic benefits such as job creation and reduced trucking miles. After public comments and deliberations, the commission unanimously approved the permit transfer and adopted the conditions of approval, emphasizing the project's importance to the local economy and environmental benefits. The meeting also included scheduling updates for future hearings and informational reports but no other procurement actions.