Single‑family design board denies Seacliff soil‑remediation plan without prejudice after members say they cannot make public‑health finding

The Santa Barbara Single Family Design Board on Oct. 20 denied without prejudice a proposal to remediate contaminated soil at 3139 Seacliff after members said they could not make a required neighborhood preservation finding that addresses public health, safety and welfare. The project received technical approvals from Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services (EHS) and the Air Pollution Control District (APCD), but public commenters and several board members said the board could not responsibly make the health‑and‑safety finding without additional expert input.

Applicants proposed excavation and off‑site disposal of approximately 2,225 cubic yards of contaminated soil at depths ranging from about 12 to 36 inches, with on‑site balancing of about 1,350 cubic yards of cut and 1,350 cubic yards of fill. The plan calls for removal and replacement of trees: staff materials listed removal of 17 front‑setback trees and 38 interior trees (55 total) with a proposed 1:1 replacement program (about 55 new trees). The project includes a construction staging area, a stabilized construction entrance and…