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Santa Barbara council adopts ordinance to simplify single‑family housing approvals
Summary
The City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance to streamline single‑family housing reviews by expanding administrative approvals, raising size thresholds for ministerial approvals, consolidating certain public‑hearing steps and adjusting parking and guesthouse rules. The ordinance is set to take effect May 28, 2026.
The Santa Barbara City Council on April 14 unanimously approved a comprehensive set of amendments intended to simplify the review and approval process for single‑family housing projects.
City planning staff told the council the package raises administrative approval thresholds (proposed from 500 to 800 square feet for certain additions), reduces the number of discretionary design hearings in many cases, consolidates review steps so the design‑approval phase becomes the principal public‑hearing milestone, and clarifies criteria for appeal eligibility. Staff said the ordinance would "enter into force" on May 28, 2026 and allow permit applicants filing…
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