Code Compliance

Complaints/Requests for investigation can be made online using one of the two submittal forms. A hard copy form is also available that can be printed and either mailed in or returned in person. if assistance is needed in filling out either the online submittal forms or the hardcopy form, you may contact us by phone.

NOTE: Beginning in October 12, 2023, complaints/requests for investigation will begin a transition away from phone messages and the seamless document forms currently used, to the SB Connect mobile app available free from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Yes, anonymous complaints are accepted. Anonymous complaints will be assigned a lower priority than those with an identified reporting party. However, health and safety issues receive the highest priority designation whether or not submitted anonymously. Reporting party information is kept confidential during our investigation of the alleged violation, and also when the case is closed. In rare instances, the City may be required to release that information under court order. Direct email correspondence may become publicly available under a California Public Records Act request.

Your concerns are important to us. When requests for code compliance inspection are received, they are prioritized based on both date and nature of the situation, then assigned to code compliance officers as workload allows. Once assigned, the officer will conduct an investigation to determine if a violation exists. Health and safety issues receive the highest priority designation.

Code enforcement officers do not contact the reporting party once the case has been assigned, unless additional information is needed to investigate a potential violation.

If an inspection reveals code violations, the assigned code compliance officer will determine the appropriate remedy according to the Santa Barbara Municipal Code. This may include a Notice of Violation, Administrative Citation, or a referral to the City Attorney's Office for criminal or civil action. Code compliance officers have the discretion to grant time extensions and work collaboratively with the responsible parties to abate violations.

Notices of Violation are not appealable. Once issued, a citation may be appealed.

Short-term vacation rentals are unlawful in Santa Barbara, including the coastal zone, unless they are permitted by the City and they are located within zoning districts that allow for hotels or motels. The City will enforce against all illegal short term rentals in non-coastal areas. Enforcement of illegal short term vacation rentals in the coastal zone will occur in response to the City receiving nuisance complaints.

As of August 1, 2023, newly submitted requests for investigation/complaints are investigated by the City Attorney's Office.  Requests for investigation/Complaints for short-term rentals received prior to August 1, 2023 will continue under the enforcement of the Community Development Department, Code Compliance section.

No. Code Compliance is complaint driven. However, if a violation posing an immediate safety hazard is observed, the process to remedy the violation will be initiated.