Housing Plan Program EIR

The City of Santa Barbara is implementing a Housing Plan consisting of 32 programs designed to meet state housing requirements and the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation of 8,001 new housing units by 2031. This comprehensive initiative includes the adoption of an Adaptive Reuse Ordinance, the creation of a planning framework for the La Cumbre Plaza Planning Area, the establishment of Objective Design and Development Standards, and updates to the Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance and Average Unit-Size Density Incentive Program. To ensure legal and environmental compliance, the project involves amendments to the Municipal Code, General Plan, and Local Coastal Program, as well as a Climate Action Plan update aiming for carbon neutrality by 2035. The project is supported by a Program Environmental Impact Report, developed by the City's Community Development Department with assistance from Rincon Consultants, which analyzes potential impacts on air quality, biological and cultural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation. This regulatory framework assumes a conservative scenario where up to 8,001 units could be permitted and constructed by 2035. The process included a public review period from January to March 2026 and coordination with trustee agencies such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Administrative oversight is led by Environmental Analyst Julia Pujo, and the project is identified under project number PLN2022-00108.