
Design Standards
To encourage more housing in Santa Barbara and respond to changes in State Law, the City is proposing new Objective Design and Development Standards (ODDS) for projects of two or more units. Please view the Fact Sheet under the "Documents" heading and the Project Overview video below to learn why objective design standards are being proposed, what makes a standard objective, where will this program apply, and how to join the conversation.
NEW* Community Architectural Styles Survey
Which architectural styles are appropriate for the City’s multi-unit housing neighborhoods? Beginning today through December 31, 2023, let us know where you think the City should allow Craftsman, Mediterranean, or Contemporary styles for new projects using the ODDS. Click on the "Community Survey" button below to provide input on a map or survey (your choice) that will help shape the design for future multi-unit residential development. The map and survey focuses on where in the City the three architectural styles listed above should apply. Please view the Fact Sheet under the "Documents" heading to learn more about the Architectural Styles Map.
Provide Input on the Draft Objective Design and Development Standards
The Public Review Draft, Draft ODDS Zone Map, and Draft ODDS Architectural Styles Map were released on June 26, 2023. On July 6, 2023, the Planning Commission received an overview of the June 2023 Public Review Draft. Please send your thoughts on the Public Review Draft and Zone Map to SBDS@SantaBarbaraCA.gov by December 31, 2023. Staff will consider your input and return to the Planning Commission in spring 2024 for a recommendation to City Council.
The Draft Zones Map is described in further detail below. The Draft Architectural Styles Map shows areas of the City that would be limited to Mediterranean, Craftsman, or Contemporary architectural style groups.