Planning commission recommends update to zoning code and temporary use rules

Santa Barbara County Planning Commission members voted unanimously Dec. 3 to recommend adoption of a package of ordinance amendments to the Land Use and Development Code and Coastal Zoning Ordinance.

Staff presented the "2025 ordinance amendment package," which included minor clarifications to the Ag Enterprise Ordinance, a proposed exemption (with standards) in the coastal zone for art, garden and architecture tours (limited frequency, duration and attendance), updates to implement recent state changes to density-bonus law, corrections to definitions and editorial fixes, and several technical changes to zoning definitions and lot rules.

Karina Martin and Alex Tuttle of Long Range Planning summarized the measures and explained that the package is intended to keep code consistent, remove typographical errors and align local rules with state law. The package would, for example, allow certain temporary community events in the coastal zone up to four times per year for up to three days and up to 300 attendees per day under specified conditions.

After brief clarifying questions from commissioners about definitions for tent cabins and yurts and whether 12-volt power provisions were intended to allow modest electrical service for low-intensity accommodations, the commission approved the staff recommendations and voted 5-0 to adopt the findings and forward the ordinances to the Board of Supervisors.

The changes now move to the Board of Supervisors for final consideration and adoption.