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HLC staff outlines how to report code violations; commission requests city-attorney briefing on builder's‑remedy projects and welcomes new archaeological consul
Summary
Staff demonstrated the SB Connect portal for reporting building and zoning violations and reminded commissioners about recusal rules; the commission also asked the City Attorney’s Office for a briefing on builder’s‑remedy processes and welcomed new archaeological consultant Dr. Glenn Russell.
At the start of its special meeting Friday the Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission received staff briefings on reporting building and zoning violations, requested training about the HLC’s role in builder’s‑remedy cases, and was introduced to a new archaeological consultant.
City staff demonstrated the SB Connect online reporting tool and the SB Connect mobile app for reporting alleged building or zoning code violations, including how to submit anonymously. Staff reminded commissioners that if they report a violation on a property that later appears before the Historic Landmarks Commission they would need to follow conflict-of-interest and recusal rules. The staff demonstration included step-by-step instructions for filing a request and uploading photos; staff said enforcement cases that become formal investigations are logged in the city’s case-management system.
Commissioners requested a training session with the City Attorney’s Office to clarify the HLC’s scope and responsibilities in light of recent correspondence raising questions about builder’s‑remedy projects and SB 330/ SB 35–type processes. The commission’s request asked staff to schedule a briefing before any builder’s‑remedy or similar projects come before the HLC.
Staff also introduced Dr. Glenn Russell, the city’s new archaeological consultant. Russell, a registered professional archaeologist and former County of Santa Barbara planning director, described his academic and regulatory experience, said he has reviewed preliminary materials for the commission and offered support for archaeological reviews.
The commission heard additional announcements: staff noted upcoming EQ25 centenary events marking the 1925 earthquake and several subcommittee scheduling items, and commissioners proposed creating an occasional HLC recognition for notable contemporary projects (staff said they would consider the idea and follow up).
Why it matters: The SB Connect process affects how residents and commissioners report potential violations, and the requested city-attorney briefing aims to clarify what review authority the HLC has for controversial housing‑law situations such as builder’s‑remedy projects.
