Special Joint Meeting of City Council & Planning Commission - August 17, 2026

The City of Santa Barbara held a special joint meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission on August 17, 2026, to discuss the "Pathways to Yes" initiative and the initiation of a zoning ordinance amendment to create a Better Buildings pilot program. The meeting focused on streamlining the land development process to make housing development more feasible, predictable, and aligned with the city's climate and sustainability goals. Public comments and council deliberations emphasized the need for the pilot program to offer developers a simpler, faster pathway than the state density bonus law, while ensuring that affordable housing, especially for moderate and very low-income residents, remains a priority. Staff presented the draft point-based incentive system for the pilot, which includes benefits such as additional density, reduced parking requirements, and ecological features like stormwater management and energy efficiency. Concerns were raised about balancing incentives for climate goals with affordable housing production, potential stacking with state density bonus incentives, and the geographic focus limited to the central business district. The council and commission members expressed support for moving forward with the ordinance amendment process, with further stakeholder engagement, economic feasibility analysis, and coordination with state agencies planned. The meeting concluded with suggestions for future joint topics, including development of city-owned properties and potential hotel moratoriums.