Utility-Scale Solar Amendments

The Utility-Scale Solar Amendments project, identified as case 24ORD-00028, is a regulatory initiative by the County of Santa Barbara to expand and streamline the development of solar energy facilities. The project focuses on removing a 600-acre utility-scale solar overlay restriction in the Cuyama Valley and allowing such projects via Conditional Use Permits across various zoning designations, including agricultural, industrial, and public utility zones. Additionally, the project introduces a new community-scale solar category for smaller facilities and updates several key regulatory frameworks, including the County Comprehensive Plan, the Coastal Land Use Plan, and the Land Use and Development Code, to ensure compliance with state requirements and the California Environmental Quality Act. The project is supported by a Programmatic Environmental Impact Report that analyzes potential effects on air quality, biological resources, and cultural sites, with specific oversight from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Implementation includes strict adherence to hazardous waste packaging and labeling laws, as well as rigorous inspection standards for biological protections and floodplain management. Performance timelines for associated construction are scheduled from January 2026 through October 2028, with specific logistical constraints on daily vendor truck trips for the delivery of panels, steel, and electrical components to manage local transportation impacts.