Master Environmental Assessment Guidelines Update

The updated  MEA Guidelines for Archaeological Resources were adopted by the Santa Barbara City Council on April 29, 2025. 

The public review period and Historic Landmarks Commission hearing on the draft MEA Guidelines occurred in early 2025. Public input was invaluable in shaping the final version adopted by City Council. 

🌟 What’s New in the Guidelines?

The 2025 MEA Guidelines for Archaeological Resources include:

• An expanded and updated narrative of the City’s prehistory and history. 

• Revised Archaeological Resources Sensitivity Maps that more accurately identify areas with known, predicted, or potential archaeological sensitivity. 

• Process improvements to ensure compliance with current local and state regulations. 

• Enhanced coordination with tribal representatives regarding the treatment of resources that are both archaeological and tribal cultural resources. 

Questions or Need More Information? 

• 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 updated MEA Guidelines for Historical Resources were adopted by the Santa Barbara City Council on April 29, 2025.

The public review period and Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) hearing on the draft guidelines occurred in early 2025. Community input was essential in shaping the final version adopted by City Council.

These updates align with current CEQA regulations, local ordinances, and national preservation standards -- ensuring consistent, effective evaluation and strengthened protection of Santa Barbara’s historic resources. They also provide greater clarity for agencies, applicants, preservation professionals, and other stakeholders involved in the review process.

🌟 What’s New in the Guidelines?

The 2025 MEA Guidelines for Historic Resources include:

• Clearer guidance on the City’s historic resource review process
• Updated definitions and distinctions between Phase I and Phase II Historic Resource Reports
• New criteria to differentiate between major and minor project evaluations
• Standardized formatting and required content for historic resource evaluations
• Clarified mitigation measures for projects not exempt under CEQA
• Updated consultant qualifications for those preparing historic resource reports

Questions or Need More Information?

• Email: Nicole Hernandez, Architectural Historian NHernandez@SantaBarbaraCA.gov;
• Mail: Nicole Hernandez, Community Development Dept., PO Box 1990, Santa Barbara, CA 93102
• Phone: (805) 564-5536

Funding Support

The preparation of the Master Environmental Assessment (MEA) Guidelines for Historic Resources was financed in part with Federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, through the California Office of Historic Preservation’s Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant Program. However, the contents and opinions expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of the Interior or the California Office of Historic Preservation, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation by either agency.

This program receives Federal financial assistance for the identification and protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, or sexual orientation in its Federally-assisted programs.

If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility receiving Federal assistance, please contact:
Director, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs
National Park Service
1849 C Street NW, Room 2505
Washington, DC 20240
Email: EEO@NPS.gov | Phone: (202) 354-1852

The MEA Guidelines for Tribal Cultural Resources were adopted by the Santa Barbara City Council on April 29, 2025.

These new guidelines were developed in close collaboration with local Chumash leaders and reflect a respectful and comprehensive approach to identifying, protecting, and honoring tribal cultural resources. Recognizing that these resources are a vital part of heritage, identity, and community well-being for Indigenous peoples, the guidelines promote meaningful consultation and long-term stewardship.

Honoring Chumash Heritage in Santa Barbara

The Barbareño Chumash are the original stewards of the Santa Barbara and Channel Islands region, with a presence dating back thousands of years. Numerous historic village sites exist throughout the coastal and inland areas. While colonial impacts—including the Spanish Mission system—deeply disrupted traditional lifeways, the Chumash community continues to maintain a deep connection to the land and its resources.

Protecting tribal cultural resources today involves understanding this history and working collaboratively with the Chumash community. These guidelines aim to support that process by fostering partnership between tribal representatives, the City, applicants, and other stakeholders during development review.

🌟 What’s New in the Guidelines?

The 2025 MEA Guidelines for Tribal Cultural Resources include:

• A framework for early and ongoing tribal consultation
• Guidance for identifying tribal cultural resources in collaboration with Chumash representatives
• Consideration of cultural landscapes, place-based significance, and tribal values
• Procedures for respectful treatment, protection, and monitoring of tribal resources during development
• Integration with CEQA and SB 18/AB 52 consultation requirements

Questions or Need More Information?

• 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