Santa Barbara Police Authority Letters
SBPD Authority Letters are now submitted online. Please submit your SBPD Authority Letter via this link:
Click Here to File an Authority Letter
With this direct link, your information is deposited directly into our system. You must submit one Authority Letter for each property address. If you have any questions about online entry, please contact our Records personnel at 805-897-2355 for assistance.
The SBPD Authority Letter is completed by the business/property owner, manager, or an authorized designee. The letter authorizes the SBPD to enter the location after the property is posted as CLOSED to enforce law violations and make any necessary arrests. These violations include, but are not limited to, illegal lodging, public intoxication, and prowling. If an arrest is made at the property, the individual who has signed the letter agrees to appear in court to assist in the prosecution of any arrest made pursuant to this letter. The Authority Letter is valid for twelve (12) months, as specified by the person who fills out the Authority Letter. It is the business/property owner’s responsibility to renew the Authority Letter after the twelve month time frame.
You are required to have a NO TRESPASSING sign posted in view on the property.
You are required to post a CLOSED sign when the property is closed.
Please post the Authority Letter in a window so that an officer sees it when addressing a problem. This expedites police assistance. Please black-out or cut off your personal information when posting the letter.