# Montecito Planning Commission - 10/07/26

The Montecito Planning Commission held a legislative hearing on October 7, 2026, on County zoning ordinance amendments (Cases 26-ORD-14 and 26-ORD-15) intended to streamline permitting, primarily for residential and limited commercial development. Staff outlined proposed expansions to planning-permit exemptions, changes to use definitions and permit levels, design-review exemptions, and simpler or nonappealable permit pathways. For Montecito, discussion focused on the proposed design-review exemption for certain single-story homes up to 2,500 square feet, limited residential additions, and revised permit thresholds and review authority in the CN and CV commercial zones. Staff also proposed finding the amendments exempt from CEQA under the cited state guidelines.

Commissioners and public speakers raised concerns about reduced notice, appeals, and architectural oversight; impacts to neighborhood character and historic resources; cumulative effects; and how special districts, particularly the Montecito Sanitary District, would be notified and consulted about infrastructure conflicts. Staff said coordination with other agencies would continue. The Commission took no final action or recommendation on the substantive amendments. It unanimously continued the hearing to a special meeting on October 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., for further discussion and recommendations. No procurement or contracting activity was identified.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Policy
**Published:** October 07, 2026

### Sources
- [Montecito Planning Commission - 10/07/26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfJgQDHdlUY) - County of Santa Barbara — CSBTV20