Santa Barbara County Recreation Master Plan and Related Amendments to Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinances

Santa Barbara County is advancing a long-term Recreation Master Plan aimed at addressing countywide recreation needs over the next 10 to 20 years by identifying gaps and proposing targeted improvements in parks and trails across five regions. The plan includes comprehensive strategies for funding, programming, and development to enhance public access to recreational spaces. Central to the initiative is the Recreation Benefit Project Program, which enables private developers to contribute to the public recreation system through financial or in-kind support, with incentives offered for eligible projects that align with the plan’s objectives. To facilitate implementation, the project involves amendments to the County’s General Plan and updates to the Land Use and Development Code, the Montecito Land Use and Development Code, and the Coastal Zoning Ordinance. Additionally, targeted rezoning of public park properties will correct zoning map inaccuracies and ensure regulatory alignment with the master plan’s goals, strengthening the legal and operational foundation for future park acquisition, expansion, and maintenance.