After Negotiations, Supervisors Approve Revised Isla Vista Housing Project With More Parking
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Summary
Following mediation with neighborhood appellants and the developer, the Board approved a revised Mission Isla Vista Partners housing project that increases parking roughly 50% (to approximately 36 spaces) and won formal support from local neighbors; the board adopted staff recommendations and denied the appeal.
After months of hearings, mediation and neighborhood meetings, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 9 approved a revised Mission Isla Vista Partners housing development in Isla Vista, resolving a long-running appeal filed by local neighbors.
Appellants Peggy and John Soutar, who had urged denial of the Planning Commission approval over safety and parking concerns, and applicant representatives (the Lomolino family and developer Lonnie Roy) reached a negotiated alternative that county staff documented on the record. The revised project description accepted by the board includes approximately 36 vehicle parking spaces (about a 50% increase from the project originally agendized).
"We showed it to some of our neighbors, and they were fine with it," said Peggy Soutar after negotiations that included facilitated sessions with county counsel. Applicant Lonnie Roy told the board he had worked with neighbors on a courtyard design that pushed parking to the rear in a tandem configuration and said the parties were willing to finalize an approvable version of that plan.
Planning staff advised that the proposed revisions would be processed under state density-bonus law and existing discretionary rules; staff recommended denial of the appeal and approval of the revised project after verifying required findings and CEQA applicability. County counsel and both parties confirmed the revised project description on the record and the board acted to adopt staff recommendations.
The approval follows multiple procedural hurdles and reflects the board27s preference for negotiated, site-specific solutions when neighbors and applicants can produce a project that reduces community impacts. The revised plan will be subject to standard departmental checks and permit conditions before final construction approvals.
