Draft Creek Buffer Ordinance Open House

Feedback on the Draft Ordinance will be accepted until March 10.

The City of Santa Barbara has released a Draft Creek Buffer Ordinance and invites the public to an Open House to learn more and provide feedback. City staff will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the proposed measures in detail.

Creek buffers are natural areas between creeks and development, essential for reducing public safety risks related to erosion and flooding while enhancing water quality and creek habitats. Establishing creek buffers or setbacks is required by the City’s General Plan, Coastal Land Use Plan, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Currently, requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis, often resulting in prolonged application reviews, costly analyses, and inconsistent outcomes.

“Creek buffers play a critical role in reducing the impacts of flooding in our community and protecting the natural beauty and function of our creeks,” said Resilience Program Supervisor Melissa Hetrick. “The goal of the Creek Buffer Ordinance is to provide clear, objective standards that can be consistently applied throughout the city and take the guesswork out of permitting.”

Draft Creek Buffer Ordinance Open House
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Santa Barbara Public Library Faulkner Gallery (40 E. Anapamu Street)
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Comments on the Draft Ordinance may be submitted by Monday, March 10 via email to CreekBuffers@SantaBarbaraCA.gov. There will also be opportunities for community members to provide feedback at upcoming public meetings.

For more information and to sign up for notifications, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CreekBuffers.