Single Family Streamlining Project
City Council to Review Ordinance and Guidelines Amendments on April 14, 2026
April 1, 2026 Update
Read the draft ordinance amendments and updated SFDB Guidelines here:
Project Overview
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.
Archive Documents
March 17, 2026 Ordinance Committee Hearing
Minutes
January 8, 2026 Planning Commission Recommendation Hearing Documents
1-8-26 PC Staff Report - Single Family Streamlining
December 4, 2025 Planning Commission Discussion Staff Report & Attachments
12-4-25 PC Staff Report and Attachments - Single Family Streamlining
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