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Council Meeting Recap – October 6, 2026

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On October 6, 2026, the City Council considered adoption of the Residential Rent Stabilization and Residential Rental Registry Programs, received the Access Advisory Committee’s annual report on its recent activities and achievements, and considered the introduction of short-term rental regulations ordinances.

Council adopted the Residential Rent Stabilization and Residential Rental Registry Programs Ordinance (Item 5) by a 4-3 vote, establishing rules for annual rent adjustments and outlining petition processes for tenants and landlords. The ordinance establishes a Rent Stabilization Board that will provide guidance on the new program and hear appeals on petitions. Moreover, the program establishes a rental registry that will include all rental properties in the City and support program administration and enforcement for rent-stabilized units.

Staff will now begin program implementation, which includes conducting a fee study, hiring of a program administrator, building the rental registry, and preparing informational materials and resources for both tenants and landlords, as outlined in the ordinance amending the Santa Barbara Municipal Code. The City will share updates as implementation moves forward and more information becomes available.

Council received the Access Advisory Committee Annual Report (Item 12) highlighting the Committee’s work to improve access for people with disabilities through its input on City projects, plans, and accessibility priorities. The presentation focused on several key areas, including the City’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan, accessible parking, pedestrian signals, public facilities, right-of-way barriers, the State Street Master Plan, and access to recreation and other community activities, including special events. The presentation also highlighted and recognized individuals and organizations for their contributions to improving accessibility in Santa Barbara. 

Ongoing priorities include advancing ADA Transition Plan efforts, advising on capital projects, and identifying ways to improve accessible parking and eliminate barriers. City staff also plans to enhance guidance for special events and provide training for departmental ADA liaisons. In addition, Parks and Recreation will develop guidance on the use of other power-driven mobility devices to improve access to public spaces for those who rely on them.

Council unanimously approved staff recommendations for the Short-Term Rental Program Ordinances (Item 13) for inland and coastal areas. The regulations establish where short-term rentals (STRs), including unhosted vacation rentals and homeshares, may operate and set licensing, operating, enforcement, and fee requirements. The action retains a two-night minimum stay, limits each person or entity to one STR license, and removes an additional insurance requirement from the ordinance.

Council directed staff to return with information on potential options for allowing multiple short-term rental units on a property, with particular interest in the West Beach area. This direction will allow the Council to consider additional models after the initial program is established and operating.

For the inland area, the amendments to the Title 30 Inland Zoning Ordinance are expected to become operative on January 11, 2027, when the City’s licensing system is scheduled to be available. Existing unpermitted STRs must be licensed by July 10, 2027, after an 180-day grace period. The amendments to the Title 28 Coastal Zoning Ordinance will move forward as a Local Coastal Plan amendment to the California Coastal Commission for review and certification, with that process expected to continue into 2027.

To review the full meeting agenda, key documents, and recordings, visit City Council Meetings.

The next City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026. 

Shape Your Community’s Future!

There are 70 vacancies on City Advisory Groups, offering community members an opportunity to share their ideas, expertise, and recommendations. For a detailed list of vacancies and an online application, visit our Boards and Commissions page. Application Deadline is Monday, October 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

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City Council meeting minutes are the official written records of actions, discussions, and votes that happen during a local government meeting and can be found in Archived Document Search.