Master Environmental Assessment Guidelines Update

The update to the MEA Guidelines for Archaeological Resources ensures the continued protection of important and unique archaeological resources provides clarity to agencies, applicants, tribal communities, archaeological consultants, and other stakeholders who are part of the cultural resources review process.

This project is funded by the Certified Local Government grant program from the California Office of Historic Preservation.

🌟 What’s New in the Guidelines?

The updated MEA Guidelines include:

• Updated narrative of the City’s prehistory and history
• Updated Archaeological Resources Sensitivity Maps that more accurately identify areas with known, predicted, or potential archaeological sensitivity
• Process improvements for that comply with current local and state regulations,
• Enhanced coordination with tribal representatives regarding the treatment of resources that are both archaeological and tribal cultural resources.

Draft Available Here: MEA Guidelines for Archaeological Resources

Your Input Matters

Share your feedback and submit comments by February 11th, 2025 via:

• Email: Julia Pujo, Environmental Analyst JPujo@SantaBarbaraCA.gov;
• Mail: Julia Pujo, Community Development Dept., PO Box 1990, Santa Barbara, CA 93102
• Phone: (805) 564-5470 x4467

The drafts will be reviewed by the Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission at a public hearing on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 1:30 PM, in the David Gebhard Meeting Room, 630 Garden Street. Public feedback is encouraged.

In 2019, our city proudly became a certified partner in the Federal Preservation Program under Section 101(c) of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)—a testament to our commitment to protecting and celebrating our historic treasures.

Now, we’re taking the next step forward! This updated version of the MEA Guidelines for Historical Resources aligns with national preservation standards and reflects important changes to the Historical Resources Sections of the City Zoning Ordinance, adopted by City Council in 2021.

🌟 What’s New in the Guidelines?

• Clear definitions of when reports are required by qualified consultants or the City’s Architectural Historian.
• Streamlined and clarified environmental review processes for historical resources.
• Standardized formats for evaluations, ensuring greater consistency and quality in reports by professionals and City staff.

These updates not only improve transparency and efficiency but also strengthen our ability to preserve the city’s unique historic character for generations to come.

Your Input Matters

Dive into the updated guidelines and let us know what you think. Your voice is essential in shaping the future of our preservation efforts.

How to Get Involved

• Read the Updated Guidelines: MEA Guidelines for Historical Resources
• Join the Conversation: Share your feedback at our upcoming Historic Landmarks Commission public meeting on February 12, 2025 or submit comments by February 11, 2025.

Together, let’s continue to protect and celebrate the stories and structures that make our city extraordinary.

Discover the past. Shape the future. Get involved today!  

A separate initiative is underway to develop new MEA Guidelines for Tribal Cultural Resources, anticipated in Spring 2025.

Developed in collaboration with local Chumash leaders, these guidelines will provide a respectful, comprehensive approach to identifying, protecting, and honoring tribal cultural resources, and acknowledge that tribal cultural resources are an irreplaceable aspect of heritage, identity, and community well-being for Indigenous peoples.

Prioritizing Santa Barbara’s Chumash Heritage

The Barbareño Chumash historically inhabited the Santa Barbara and Channel Island region, whose presence in the region dates back thousands of years with numerous Chumash village sites located along the coastline and in inland areas, Colonial impacts disrupted their traditional way of life, particularly through the Spanish missions and later developments. Protection and management of tribal cultural resources involves understanding the history, values, and ongoing concerns of Chumash tribes, and collaboration between the Chumash community, local government, and other stakeholders in the development process.