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City begins update to Open Space Element to address equity, climate resilience and 'rewilding' requirements
Summary
Community Development staff opened a multi‑month effort to update Santa Barbara’s Open Space element to comply with recently enacted state requirements on equitable access, climate resilience and the preservation and expansion of natural areas; staff plan outreach and a draft later this year.
Rosie Deisty, project planner in the Community Development Department, told the Parks and Recreation Commission on March 26 that the city has formally initiated an update to its Open Space element to respond to new state guidance and requirements. The update is intended to inventory existing open space, identify gaps in access and set goals for conservation, recreation and climate resilience.
Why it matters: Senate legislation effective in 2023 requires cities and counties to reassess open‑space planning with emphasis on equitable access, climate resilience, co‑benefits and opportunities described in the statute as “rewilding” — efforts to preserve, enhance and expand networks of natural areas. The state also requires inventories that classify open space into categories such as preservation of natural resources, managed production, outdoor recreation, public health and safety, military uses, and tribal resources.
Scope and timeline Deisty said the existing Open Space element dates to the 1970s and was amended slightly in 2011; the update will revise the city’s parcel‑based open‑space inventory, include areas owned outside city boundaries (for example Rattlesnake Canyon and Cold Springs Canyon), and add access mapping (including bike lanes and other means of reaching open spaces). An internal city team including Parks and Recreation, Sustainability and Resilience, Creeks and Airport staff has begun data collection.
Public outreach and next steps Staff plan community outreach (including an Earth Day presence) and tribal consultation; the city will draft new goals and proposed policies and expects a public draft later in the summer with adoption efforts to follow. Staff said the state’s target date for compliance is January 1, 2026, and the city will aim to complete the update before that date if possible.
Ending: Commissioners encouraged staff to return with draft goals so the commission can review measurable objectives and key performance indicators as the update advances.
