Planning commission urges stronger connectivity, smaller building massing and more affordable units in La Cumbre Plaza concept review

The Santa Barbara Planning Commission on April 3 reviewed a concept proposal to redevelop the southern portion of La Cumbre Plaza at 3845 State Street, a pre‑application for a 443‑unit rental project. Patsy Price, contract planner for the City of Santa Barbara, told the commission that the proposal includes 10% moderate‑income units and a proposed multi‑use path along Arroyo Burro Creek.

Why it matters: the site is in the Upper State Street planning area and in the city’s Average Unit Size Density (AUD) program and is identified in the housing element as a priority redevelopment location. The commission’s comments will guide staff and the applicant as the proposal moves toward a formal application, environmental review and a tentative map for a lot split that would go to the staff hearing officer.

The proposal and key elements

• Project scope and affordability: The applicant described the project as “a 443 unit residential rental project,” with 10% of those units proposed as moderate‑income (44 units) and an in‑lieu payment for the fractional unit. The site was described as roughly 9.45 acres and includes the former Sears building footprint and surrounding surface parking.

• Densities and regulatory setting: Staff noted the site sits partly in the city’s priority housing overlay where AUD rules allow densities up to 63 units per acre and partly in a band within 250 feet of Highway 101 where the allowed density is lower (up to 27 units per acre). Price emphasized that the pre‑application review is intended to test design and general plan consistency before a formal submittal.

• Layout and amenities: The applicant’s team presented a three‑building “wrap” arrangement with parking structures along the freeway edge, three internal courtyards, a central commons with pool and terraces, a roughly 10,000‑square‑foot leasing/amenity building, a proposed 12‑foot multi‑use path along Arroyo Burro Creek (and a 10‑foot multi‑use path along Calle Real), and indoor/outdoor resident amenities. The applicant said the southern and northern portions of the project would likely be built in two phases.

Commission and advisory‑board feedback

Commissioners and staff…