Single Family Streamlining Project

In response to community feedback, State law, and direction from City Council, the Single Family Streamlining Project streamlines and simplifies the process for approving single-family residential projects while maintaining Santa Barbara’s tradition of quality architecture and a desirable residential environment. This project proposes amendments to the Single Family Design Board (SFDB) ordinance and design guidelines, along with Zoning Ordinance updates to provide more flexibility for homeowners to improve their properties. This project is in response to years of policy analysis and the 2020 Novak Report, which recommended significant changes to the City's SFDB program. The project's goals include reducing the number of project types subject to SFDB review, expanding administrative approvals of minor projects, and simplifying the application process. 

Draft Ordinance and Guidelines Amendments Available for Review

November 19, 2025 Update

December 4, 2025 Planning Commission Hearing Documents
Staff Report - 11-25-2025 Update
Exhibit A - Proposed Title 30 and Title 25 Ordinance Amendments
Exhibit B - Proposed Title 22 Ordinance Amendments
Exhibit C - Table of Proposed Ordinance Amendments
Exhibit D - Project Background and Summary of Public Outreach
Exhibit E - SFDB Applicant Survey Responses Report
Exhibit F - Proposed SFDB Guidelines
Exhibit G - Summary of Changes to SFDB Guidelines
Exhibit H - Summary of SFDB Project Data Analysis
Exhibit I - Planning Commission Minutes - 3-21-2024
Exhibit J - Current and Proposed SFDB Findings
Exhibit K - General Plan Policy Consistency Analysis

Archive Documents

June 17, 2025 City Council Briefing Session Staff Report & Attachments
Council Agenda Report
Attachment 1 - SFDB Design Review Triggers
Attachment 2 - Data Analysis Summary
Attachment 3 - Public Outreach Summary
Attachment 4 - Zoning & Guideline Amendments Summary

March 21, 2024 Planning Commission Staff Report