City Launches an Update to the Open Space Element

The City has begun updating the Open Space Element and would like to invite you to participate in the process. The Open Space Element, one of the required components of the City’s General Plan, is the blueprint for preserving and enhancing open space and park areas. Since its original adoption 50 years ago, only minor updates have been made. The Open Space Element update will include a modernized inventory and maps and opportunities to preserve and enhance an integrated network of open space to benefit habitat, recreation, natural resources, historic and tribal resources, water management, and aesthetics.

Moreover, Senate Bill 1425, passed in 2022, requires every City to update their Open Space Element, which includes special requirements to integrate social, economic, and racial equity into the Element correlated with environmental justice policies, including climate resilience and other co-benefits of open space, such as safety.

To learn more and to sign up for news, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/open-space-update or contact Rosie Dyste, Project Planner at (805) 564-5470 x4599 or RDyste@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.