Council reviews electric vehicle charging requirements for Milpit Street housing project

In the heart of Santa Barbara's city hall, a pressing conversation unfolded about the future of housing and sustainability in the community. Council members gathered to address concerns raised by residents regarding the Milpit Street housing project, which proposes 90 new units but only includes two electric vehicle charging stations among its 70 parking spaces. This sparked a vital discussion about the city’s sustainability goals and the requirements for electric vehicle infrastructure in new developments.

Mayor Pro Tem Friedman clarified that there are indeed building code requirements for electric vehicle charging stations, which are determined by the percentage of parking provided. However, the adequacy of two charging stations for 70 parking spaces was questioned, leaving some uncertainty about whether this meets the necessary standards. The council acknowledged that these details would be further examined during the building permit process.

The conversation then shifted to the broader implications of housing production in Santa Barbara. The council discussed the recent preliminary application for the Sears project, which, despite its potential to add approximately 450 units, was not included in the current housing report due to its late submission. Similarly, the Comer Macy's project could contribute nearly 700 units, but both projects are still in the early stages and do not count towards the city’s housing goals.

With a target of 8,000 new housing units in the current cycle, the council recognized the challenges ahead. Even with the potential addition of these larger projects, the city would still struggle to meet its ambitious housing targets. Mayor Pro Tem Friedman noted that the two discussed projects combined would only account for about 12% of the total required units, highlighting the urgent need for more comprehensive solutions to address the housing crisis.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that Santa Barbara faces a critical juncture in balancing growth with sustainability. The discussions underscored the importance of integrating electric vehicle infrastructure into new developments, as well as the necessity for a more robust approach to meet the city's housing demands. The council's commitment to these issues will be pivotal in shaping the future of Santa Barbara, ensuring it remains a vibrant and sustainable community for all its residents.