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Planning Commission backs single‑family streamlining package, finds project CEQA-exempt
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Summary
The commission recommended the single-family streamlining ordinance to City Council, approving updates to Single Family Design Board procedures and related municipal code changes; staff said the package would reduce projects subject to design review (estimated ~24% of alterations) and is categorically exempt under CEQA §15305.
The Santa Barbara Planning Commission on Jan. 8 recommended that City Council move forward with a single‑family streamlining project and found the proposal categorically exempt from CEQA under Guidelines §15305.
Acting design review supervisor Ted Hamilton Rolle summarized the project’s three objectives: reduce the number of single‑family projects subject to design review, streamline the public‑hearing process, and add flexibility for homeowners. Staff described several substantive changes: the substantial‑conformance threshold for floor‑area increases was reduced from 150 square feet to 50 square feet; objective standards will replace discretionary language for required visual aids; conversions of existing permitted floor area to a guest house will be allowed without a size limit while new guest houses will be capped at 650 square feet; staff added a definition for “public scenic views”; and story‑pole rules were clarified to require poles installed at least seven days prior to decision hearings and to remain until the hearing.
Hamilton Rolle told commissioners staff reanalyzed project data and now estimates the ordinance would exempt roughly 24% of alteration projects from design review. He said that translates to approximately 54 fewer projects entirely exempted from SFDB review and roughly 100 fewer SFDB agenda items per year when administrative and full‑board processes are combined.
Commissioner Barnwell asked how staff will handle the projects that previously would have been reviewed by the Single Family Design Board. Hamilton Rolle said the ordinance includes codified design standards, an internal checklist, and a training program for planners; a few staff assigned specifically to SFDB work will serve as in‑house experts and assist applicants.
Vice Chair DeLucio moved that the commission adopt the staff findings that the single‑family streamlining project is categorically exempt from CEQA and consistent with the general plan, and to include the findings in the motion. The motion was seconded and passed by unanimous roll call. Staff said the next steps include updating SFDB guidelines and preparing ordinance hearings for City Council in the spring.
