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Planning commission delays Laurel Springs home approvals after wildfire, CEQA disputes
Summary
After hours of testimony about wildfire risk, evacuation routes and CEQA compliance, the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission continued two appeals of Laurel Springs Retreat single-family projects in Painted Cave to Jan. 28 and asked staff to draft findings for denial.
The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission on Dec. 3 continued appeals of two proposed single-family homes in the Painted Cave community, citing unresolved wildfire-safety questions and new information the commission said warrants further environmental review.
The applications by Laurel Springs Retreat LLC would build two houses on adjacent lots in Painted Cave. Planning staff recommended denying the appeals and approving the projects under CEQA Guidelines section 15183, saying the parcels are zoned for single-family dwellings and the Eastern Goleta Valley community-plan EIR covers project impacts. Staff planner Veronica King said the design includes a 3,185-square-foot home with a 463-square-foot garage, habitat restoration exceeding the 2:1 replacement ratio and fire-resistant materials.
But neighbors and experts disputed the staff's…
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