Master Environmental Assessment Guidelines Update

An Archaeological Resources Working Group will be formed of volunteer professionals in the field of archaeology and anthropology who meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards. The Archaeological Resources Working Group will review and provide input throughout the MEA Guidelines update process.

The City will conduct outreach to local tribal representatives, identified by the Native American Heritage Commission, to establish a Tribal Cultural Resources Working Group. The Tribal Cultural Resources Working Group will work with the City throughout the MEA update process, including development of tribal consultation protocols.

Revising and updating the MEA Guidelines will provide clarity to the agencies, applicants, tribal communities, archaeological consultants, and other stakeholders who are part of the cultural resources review process.

Prioritizing Santa Barbara’s Native American Identity

The City of Santa Barbara has a rich pre-history dating back over 10,000 years where numerous Barbareño Chumash villages settled within the area and contained one of the largest indigenous populations in California. The Chumash culture and social organizations significantly influenced the Spanish and Mexican settlements that followed and are an integral part of California history and prehistory.

The MEA Guidelines will provide direction about the treatment of tribal cultural resources, and ensure important tribal resources are protected from future development. The project is a priority for the City to ensure that Santa Barbara’s tribal cultural resources are protected, as they tell the story of the Native Chumash culture that is critical to ensure it is retained rather than erased.

Funding Support

This project is funded by the Certified Local Government grant program from the California Office of Historic Preservation. The development of the City of Santa Barbara's MEA Guidelines update will be undertaken in a manner consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards in Archeology.

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: Available here.
• 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!