Architectural Board of Review approves final design for 401–409 East Haley Street mixed‑use project; two members dissent

The Santa Barbara Architectural Board of Review granted final approval on Oct. 13 for a three‑story mixed‑use development at 401–409 East Haley Street that would create 26 residential units and about 5,011 square feet of ground‑floor commercial space.

Board members voted that the current set of construction documents and design details substantially conform to the project design approval (PDA) the board granted on June 26, 2023, a finding required for final approval. The motion passed with Chair Anderson, Board member Black, Board member Noon and Board member Sovereign voting yes; Vice Chair Whelan, Board member Anderson and Board member 6 recorded no votes. The board announced a 10‑day appeal period following the decision.

The decision matters because the board's final approval clears the applicant to proceed toward building permits with the design elements the board reviewed, including new materials, canopy and roof details, stormwater measures and landscape screening. Community members did not provide public comment on the item during the meeting.

The ap…