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Architectural Board reviews plan to convert 214 & 220 Anacapa into eateries, asks for more study
Summary
The Santa Barbara Architectural Board of Review heard a concept presentation to convert two former auto‑sales warehouses at 214 and 220 Anacapa Street into restaurants with outdoor seating and shared restrooms. The board continued the item to staff with requests for revised landscape, lighting, bike‑parking and stormwater details.
The Architectural Board of Review on June 8 heard a concept review for a proposal to convert 214 and 220 Anacapa Street from auto sales uses into multiple food and beverage spaces with outdoor seating.
Joe Androlitis of Androlitis Mix and Architects presented the plans, saying the site would include a taco restaurant, a coffee shop with takeout counter and a shared 348‑square‑foot restroom building to serve indoor and outdoor patrons. "It's mainly a restaurant with a takeout counter," Androlitis said, adding that proposed outdoor seating would be framed by trellis structures and a fireplace feature to create an ambience in the former asphalt lot.
Aaron Stolberg, the case planner for the project, noted the site requires a coastal development permit and staff hearing officer approval and reminded the board that comments at concept review would inform that later hearing.
Board members asked about landscaping in the parkway, the trellis’s proximity to the property line and potential fire‑safety constraints, the placement and amount of bike parking, exterior lighting and how stormwater rules would affect any proposed repaving. Androlitis said much of the existing asphalt would be retained to limit stormwater triggers and that the team planned to study additional interior bike parking locations and a landscape plan to improve visibility and neighbor relations.
Several board members praised the design and suggested refinements. Concerns centered on: ensuring the trellis and outdoor dining meet fire and code requirements; adding a more detailed landscape plan (including shade trees and plant species that are durable and low‑maintenance); and refining lighting and material palettes to ensure coherence across the site.
A board member moved to continue the item to staff for further review; the motion was seconded and the board voted to continue the item with the request that the applicant return with a landscape plan showing plant types and sizes, a lighting plan, clarification on trellis and fire clearance, and a refined approach to bike parking and trash enclosure access. The motion passed.
Next steps: The applicant will revise materials and the staff hearing officer will consider the board’s comments during the required coastal development permit review.
