Planning Commission - October 1, 2026

The City of Santa Barbara Planning Commission hearing on October 1, 2026, unanimously approved a coastal development permit, development plan, and transfer of existing development rights for a proposed warehouse and research-and-development building at North Kai Caesar Chavez/Limu. The project would replace an existing parking lot with approximately 32,716 square feet of non-residential floor area; approximately 27,036 square feet of development rights would be transferred from other eligible sites. The commission also confirmed the project’s infill environmental exemption. Approval conditions include preserving and protecting two existing trees during construction, providing three new street trees at 36-inch box size, and clarifying permitted uses and operational standards; staff indicated that a data center is not an allowed use under the approval. No contract award, vendor selection, bid, or procurement expenditure was identified.

Other discussion included a public comment proposing community-led alternatives for housing development, a suggestion for a future workshop on transfers of existing development rights, and a request to discuss the city-owned assets program for affordable housing. Staff said that work is underway in the City Administrator’s Office, with a pause related to staff transitions. The commission also approved two sets of meeting minutes. No spending or procurement action was taken.