Agenda Item C.1
CPMS DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEM
Meeting Date: March 3, 2026
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
SUBMITTED BY: Peter Imhof, Planning and Environmental Review Director SUBJECT: Planning and Environmental Review Department Priority Setting Workshop – Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Work Program
RECOMMENDATION:
Discuss work priorities and adopt the Annual Work Program for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for the Planning and Environmental Review Department.
BACKGROUND:
The Planning and Environmental Review (PER) Department Annual Work Program provides a regular, structured mechanism to allow the Council to review and discuss the Department’s work commitments and staffing resources, cons ider individual Councilmembers’ project ideas, and provide direction on Department work priorities for the next fiscal year. The draft Fiscal Year ( FY) 2026-27 Annual Work Program also summarizes work progress and accomplishments for the past fiscal year, FY 2025-26, and lays the groundwork for the Department's mid-cycle budget, which will be presented to Council during the upcoming mid-cycle budget workshops.
Where available budget and staffing are finite and the list of possible Department programs and work efforts are growing, a priority -setting process is useful to allow the City Council to establish policy priorities. A regular priority-setting process allows the PER Department to plan for and assign work within available resources in a structured way.
This system works better and is more efficient than attempting to shift resources ad hoc to new planning projects as Council members identify and introduce new ideas and work priorities during the year.
DISCUSSION:
Purpose
The purpose of this workshop item is to update the Council on existing work commitments and progress and to provide the Council an opportunity to discuss work priorities for the Planning and Environmental Review Department for the upcoming fiscal year. The Annual Work Program covers the work of the main divisions of the Department: the 1 Meeting Date: March 3, 2026
Advance Planning Division, Current Planning Division, Sustainability Program, Affordable Housing Implementation Program, and Administrative Division.
The Annual Work Program creates a regular mechanism for the Council to establish the Department’s work priorities. It is also an opportunity for Council to propose and consider ideas for new work projects.
Staffing and Budget Constraints
Setting of work priorities must of course occur within the constraints of budget and available staffing. Goleta is a small city with a limited staff and finite resources. Given the large number of competing possible work priorities, the PER Department must be judicious and not take on too much at any given time or spread itself too thin and instead pace its work carefully. Over time, much can be accomplished, if ava ilable staffing resources are concentrated and projects are tackled sequentially. At this point in time, the PER Department is fully staffed with all budgeted positions filled.
GOLETA STRATEGIC PLAN:
City-Wide Initiative: 8. Enhance the Efficiency and Transparency of City Operations Strategic Goal: 8.2 Maintain transparency in all aspects of City Government
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The Annual Work Program for FY 2026-27 is consistent with the current adopted budget with respect to existing positions and work commitments, including consultant resources.
It also lays the groundwork for the second year of the current budget cycle, assuming a continuation of existing staff resources.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Council can direct staff to revise the PER Department FY 202 6-27 Annual Work Program prior to adoption or choose not to adopt an Annual Work Program.
LEGAL REVIEW BY: Isaac Rosen, City Attorney
APPROVED BY: Robert Nisbet, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft FY 2026-27 PER Annual Work Program
2. Staff Presentation
2 ATTACHMENT 1
Draft FY 2026-27 PER Annual Work Program
3 1
FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 ANNUAL WORK PROGRAM
PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Draft
4 2
FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 ANNUAL WORK PROGRAM
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW DEPARTMENT
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................. 4 Introduction and Purpose ............................................................................................. 4 Department Staffing and Organizational Structure ...................................................... 4 Workload Considerations ............................................................................................. 7 ADVANCED PLANNING ................................................................................................. 7 Role of the Division ...................................................................................................... 7 Core Services .............................................................................................................. 7 Key Accomplishments and Milestones ........................................................................ 8 Fiscal Year 2026-27 Projects/Programs ....................................................................... 9 Long Range Projects/Program Contingent on Staff Capacity..................................... 10 CURRENT PLANNING ................................................................................................. 10 Role of the Division .................................................................................................... 10 Core Services ............................................................................................................ 11 Key Accomplishments and Milestones ...................................................................... 11 Fiscal Year 2026-27 Projects/Programs ..................................................................... 12 Long Range Projects/Program Contingent on Staff Capacity..................................... 12 SUSTAINABILITY ......................................................................................................... 12 Role of the Division .................................................................................................... 12 Core Services ............................................................................................................ 12 Key Accomplishments and Milestones ...................................................................... 13 Fiscal Year 2026-27 Projects/Programs ..................................................................... 14 Long Range Projects/Program Contingent on Staff Capacity..................................... 14 AFFORDABLE HOUSING ............................................................................................. 15 Role of the Division .................................................................................................... 15 Core Services ............................................................................................................ 16 Key Accomplishments and Milestones ...................................................................... 17 Fiscal Year 2026-27 Projects/Programs ..................................................................... 17 Long Range Projects/Program Contingent on Staff Capacity..................................... 17 ADMINISTRATION........................................................................................................ 18 5 3
Role of the Division .................................................................................................... 18 Core Services ............................................................................................................ 18
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introduction and Purpose
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 -27 Annual Work Program outlines the key projects, ongoing programs, and staffing resources for the Planning and Environmental Review Department, providing a comprehensive view of departmental priorities and capacity for the upcoming fiscal year.
This document serves two primary purposes:
To inform the City Council of current and proposed work efforts, enabling strategic input and prioritization.
To guide Department staff in aligning their work with the City’s Mission Statement, Core Values, and Strategic Plan.
Snapshot of FY 2026–27 Work Program:
Total FTEs: 19.5 (not including Building & Safety Division) Divisions: 6
Major Themes or Priorities for the Year:
o Housing Element implementation underway
o Balancing state -mandated work with local discretionary work items.
Tracking and implementing major new housing law changes. o Major projects, including housing projects on Housing Element sit es, moving through permit process. High levels of permit activity, including on a wide range of non-housing-related projects.
o Housing crisis continues to create affordability pressures in all housing types, including mobile homes.
o Launching “Climate Ready Goleta” to develop a Climate Action & Adaptation Plan, with the first phase focusing on the coast and sea level rise (SLR) through a CA Ocean Protection Council (OPC) grant. Continued progress on Sustainability initiatives, including Reach Code adoption and implementation, City facilities and community programs.
Department Staffing and Organizational Structure
The PER Department is once again now fully staffed. In the curr ent fiscal year, the retirement of a Supervising Planner in the Current Planning Division led to series of recruitments and internal promotions. As a result, the Department was able to fill the following vacant positions , all in the Current Planning Divis ion: Supervising Planner, Senior Planner, Planning Technician and a ½ -time Office Specialist supporting Code Compliance.
Staff capacity is a key factor in determining what work the Department can take on. Many projects are multi-year efforts and require ongoing resources. New projects can only be added once existing projects are completed or additional staffing is approved.
Generally, the Annual Work Program prioritizes the use of City staff. Consultants and 7 5
contractors are only engaged when internal capacity is fully committed, or when one-time or short -term projects exceed available capacity staff resources. The use of outside consultants is limited by budget constraints and the capacity of managers to oversee both staff and consultant work effectively.
When fully staffed the Department consists of 19.5 full-time equivalent positions (FTEs), not including the Building & Safety Division, which is staffed by Willdan under contract to the City, rather than by City emp loyees. Building & Safety includes the City Building Official, one Building Inspector, two Building Technicians and one Assistant Plan Checker, for a total of approximately five additional FTEs. The positions of the Department (not including Building & Safety) are further detailed below in Table 1. Figure 1 below shows the Department’s organizational structure.
Table 1: Department Current Staffing Levels
FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME POSITION TITLE Division FTE
Advance Planning Manager Advance Planning 1.0
Supervising Senior Planner Advance Planning 1.0
Senior Planner Advance Planning 1.0
Assistant Planner Advance Planning 1.0
Current Planning Manager Current Planning 1.0
Supervising Senior Planners Current Planning 2.0
Senior Planner Current Planning 1.0
Assistant-Associate Planners Current Planning 3.0
Planning Technician Current Planning 1.0
Code Compliance Officer Current Planning 2.0
Office Specialist Current Planning 0.5
Sustainability Manager Sustainability 1.0
Sustainability Management Analyst Sustainability 1.0
Senior Housing Analyst Affordable Housing 1.0
Department Director Administration 1.0
Management Assistant Administration 1.0
TOTAL FTEs 19.5
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Figure 1: Planning and Environmental Review Department Organizational Chart
Planning and
Enviironmental
Review Director
Current Planning
Manager
Supervising
Planner
Senior
Planner
Associate
Planner
Associate
Planner
Supervising
Planner
Associate
Planner
Associate
Planner
Planning
Technian
Code
Compliance
Officer
Code
Compliance
Officer
Office
Specialist
Advance
Planning
Manager
Supervising
Planner
Senior
Planner
Associate
Planner
Sustainability
Manager
Management
Analyst
Senior Housing
Analyst
Management
Assistant Building & Safety
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Workload Considerations
Statutory mandates compete with discretionary local policy priorities for t he Advance Planning Division ’s limited bandwidth. The Division continues to work on statutorily mandated 2023-2031 Housing Element program implementation and the Local Coastal Program, while also pursuing expansion of the City’s Sphere of Influence following the County Housing Element’s conversion of large areas of open space and agricultural land adjacent to City boundaries to housing. A long list of other work items trail.
Permit applications for multiple, large projects, including housing projects post -Housing Element adoption, continue to occupy the Current Planning Division along with numerous smaller permit applications. Code Compliance has made significant progress in resolving a number of difficult Code Enforcement cases.
The Sustainability Program has successfully achieved adoption and updates of electric vehicle (EV), building and energy Reach Codes in conjunction with the 2025 Building Code adoption and implemented the heat pump permit fee waiver program. Pursuit of renewable energy generation and storage at City facilities waits for completion of pending facility renovation and maintenance projects , alt hough staff is supporting General Services with installation , grants, and management of EV Chargers at the G oleta Train Depot. Implementation of the City’s single-use plastic ordinance and management of the City’s EV chargers is ongoing. Sustainability is pursuing SB 1 funding through an OPC SLR adaptation planning grant to support “Climate Ready Goleta.”
The Affordable Housing Implementation Program completed Density Bonus Procedures and a Tenant Protection Ordinance and co ntinues to manage the City’s local housing trust fund and affordable housing inventory, with focus on property transfers, tenant protection programs, and technical assistance to affordable housing projects , such as Heritage Ridge. Mobile home park assistance has also become a priority focus.
ADVANCED PLANNING
Role of the Division
Advance Planning is responsible for the development and maintenance of the City’s General Plan, Local Coastal Program, Housing Element, and zoning regulations. The Division oversees the City’s oil and gas planning, climate action planning, environmental programs, and geographic information systems/spatial data. Important to this division are regional planning efforts with other cities, agencies, neighborhoods, businesses, and civic groups.
Core Services
Table 2 outlines the Division’s core services, including routine responsibilities, ongoing programs, and essential work efforts performed on a day -to-day basis. This section is intended to capture the foundational activities that support the Department’s mission and contribute to citywide operations and goals.
Please note, this table is focused on planned, recurring work and does not include tasks 10 8
related to emergency response, unplanned events, or special projects.
Table 2: Core Services
Administrative
Interdepartmental coordination and support
Supervision
Budgeting
Grant writing and management
Contract management
Website management
Respond to public inquiries regarding General Plan, etc.
Required Services
Maintain General Plan and Title 17 Zoning Regulations to address new legal requirements Track planning legislation and State guidance documents General Plan Annual Progress Report (prior to April each year) Department of Finance and HCD Annual Housing Survey Forms Department of Finance Annual Boundary/Annexation Survey in June each year CIP - Annual General Plan Conformity Determination (prior to budget adoption) Coordinate and manage GIS to implement regulations, policies, and maps Intergovernmental relations and coordination with Coastal Commission, State Lands Commission, UCSB, LAFCO, County, City of Santa Barbara, Airport staff and Airport Commission, and special districts on projects/future growth and planning issues Comment on other agency documents and projects that affect the City SBCAG liaison
LAFCO liaison and annual Municipal Service Reviews
Energy/Oil and Gas Programs
Platform Holly and EOF decommissioning, coordination with State Lands Commission and other resource agencies. Coordinate EOF permitting and decommissioning with City staff, property owner, and the EOF Decommissioning Interagency Working Group.
Permit, oversee, and coordinate with State Lands Commission for the removal of remnant oil and gas beach hazards
General Plan Amendments
Initiate and process City-initiated GPA’s
Zoning Regulations and Ordinances
Coordinate Title 17 interpretations, track potential Title 17 revisions, and process amendments
Key Accomplishments and Milestones
Over the past year, the Advance Planning Division can point to several complete and near- complete initiatives as shown in Table 3 below.
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Table 3: Key Accomplishments and Milestones, FY 2025-26
PROJECT/PROGRAM ESTIMATED
COMPLETION
STRATEGIC
GOAL #
SUPPORTING
DEPT(S)
General Plan and Zoning
Amendments to Update Safety
Element, Open Space Element,
and Environmental Justice
policy and related zoning per
State Law
August 2025
2.4 Adoption of Title 17 Zoning
Round 6 Amendments for
Housing Element
Implementation, Minor
Revisions, and State Law
consistency
December 2025 2.4 N/A
Local Coastal Program
Development and Workshops
December 2025,
January/February
2026
2.4 Adoption of Title 17
Amendments for ADU (Urgency
and Regular Ordinances)
January 2026 2.4 N/A
Travel Model and Development
Impact Fee Support February 2026 5.4
2025 General Plan/Coastal
Land Use Plan and Housing
Element Progress Report and
submittal to State
March 2026 2.4 PW
LAFCO Sphere of Influence
Boundary Change application
submittal
March 2026 5.7 CMO
STVR Research and Ordinance
Amendments April 2026 4.7 Finance
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Projects/Programs
The Advance Planning Division initiatives for FY 2026-27 are listed in Table 4 below in priority order.
Table 4: FY 2026-27 Projects/Programs
PROJECT/PROGRAM ESTIMATED
COMPLETION
STRATEGIC
GOAL #
SUPPORTING
DEPT(S)
1. Local Coastal Program
Development and
Amendments
January 2027 5.7
PW, CAO
2. Implement Required
Housing Element
June 2027 2.4
NS
12 10
Programs / Initiate Mid-
Cycle Housing Review
3. LAFCO Sphere of
Influence Boundary
Change and General
Plan Amendments
December
2026
5.7 CMO, CAO
4. Draft and propose state
legislation on housing
element reporting
process
April 2027
2.4 CMO, CAO
5. Battery Storage
Comprehensive
Approach
April 2027
2.4 N/A
Long Range Projects/Program Contingent on Staff Capacity The Advance Planning Division’s potential long-range projects/programs are listed in Table 5 below.
Table 5: Long-Range Projects/Programs Contingent on Staff Capacity
PROJECT/PROGRAM ESTIMATED
COMPLETION
6. Visual Resource Policy Objective Standards TBD
7. Transportation Element Update, including GPA to address truck routes per AB 98/SB 415 by 1/1/30 TBD
8. Citywide Design Guidelines TBD
9. South Kellogg Industrial Area Evaluation (LU-IA-6) TBD
10. Revisit General Plan Amendment (GPA) Initiation Process TBD
11. Transfer of Development Rights Ordinance (General Plan LU-IA-5) TBD
12. S. La Patera Specific Plan TBD
13. Ekwill St. Extension Rezone TBD
14. Old Town Visioning Process TBD
CURRENT PLANNING
Role of the Division
The Current Planning Division has primary responsibility for the processing of permit applications, both ministerial and discretionary, for current development project proposals. It is tasked with carrying out these permit processes in an efficient, fair, consistent, and timely manner, supported by the best currently available technology.
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Core Services
Table 6 outlines the Division’s core services, including routine responsibilities, ongoing programs, and essential work efforts performed on a day -to-day basis. This section is intended to capture the foundational activities that support the Department’s mission and contribute citywide operations and goals.
Please note, this table is focused on planned, recurring work and does not include tasks related emergency response, unplanned events, or special projects.
Table 6: Core Services
Required Services/Administrative
Design Review Board Secretary
Historic Preservation Commission Secretary
Plan and permit scanning
Historic Resources evaluation
Magnet Permit Tracking System management
Supervision
Performance Evaluations
Budgeting
Development Services and Project Permitting
Project Permitting (Ministerial and Discretionary)
Code Compliance
Key Accomplishments and Milestones
Over the past year, the Current Planning Division can point to several complete and near- complete initiatives as shown in Table 7 below.
Table 7: Key Accomplishments and Milestones, FY 2025-26
PROJECT/PROGRAM ESTIMATED
COMPLETION
STRATEGIC
GOAL #
SUPPORTING
DEPT(S)
Processing of permit applications
for numerous development
projects. Highlights include
Shelby; Sandpiper Golf Course ;
Google Quantum Computing;
Anthem Church; Housing Element
housing sites
June 2026 2.4 N/A
Code Compliance implementation
and effective resolution of high -
profile Zoning Enforcement and
Compliance cases
June 2026 2.4 N/A
South Kellogg Industrial Area
Compliance Program 5.7
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Fiscal Year 2026-27 Projects/Programs
The Current Planning Division initiatives for FY 202 6-27 are listed in Table 8 below in priority order.
Table 8: FY 2026-27 Projects/Programs
PROJECT/PROGRAM ESTIMATED
COMPLETION
STRATEGIC
GOAL #
SUPPORTING
DEPT(S)
1. CDP Application Phelps
Rd. Parking Restrictions
March 2027
5.5 NS
2. Update CEQA
Guidelines June 2027 1.3 N/A
Long Range Projects/Program Contingent on Staff Capacity The Current Planning Division potential long-range projects/programs are listed in Table 9 below.
Table 9: Long-Range Projects/Programs Contingent on Staff Capacity
PROJECT/PROGRAM ESTIMATED
COMPLETION
3. Story Pole Guidelines/visual sim procedures per GP VH - IA-3 TBD
4. Update of CEQA Thresholds of Significance TBD
5. Development of a Permit Procedures Manual TBD
6. VMT Sketch Planning Tool Update (following PW traffic model update) TBD
SUSTAINABILITY
Role of the Division
The City’s Sustainability Program strives to create a healthy, resilient, and sustainable city by addressing a range of special projects and programs intended to further goals of sustainability, especially with respect to renewable energy and climate resiliency.
Core Services
Table 10 outlines the Division’s core services, including routine responsibilities, ongoing programs, and essential work efforts performed on a day -to-day basis. This section is intended to capture the foundational activities that support the Department’s mission and contribute citywide operations and goals.
Please note, this table is focused on planned, recurring work and does not include tasks related emergency response, unplanned events, or special projects.
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Table 10: Core Services
Supervision
Budgeting
City Council Energy/Green Issues Standing Committee liaison Grant writing and management
Contract management
RFPs for Sustainability Projects
Equitable outreach through public engagement channels
Leadership and p articipation in Santa Barbara County Regional Climate Collaborative , including Steering Committee, Reach Code Working Group, Clean Energy Subcommittee, and SLR Committee
Staff liaison to Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), Santa Barbara County Green Business Program (Steering Committee Member) , Southern California Regional Energy Network, Tri -County Regional Energy Network, Central Coast Sustainability Summit (Steering Committee Member) , CA Climate & Energy Collaborative , and various state regulatory agencies
Participation in CivicSpark Fellowship program with AmeriCorps and CA Volunteers Statewide and national program participation and membership, including Green Cities California (Steering Committee Member), Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition, Urban Sustainability Directors Network, Local Government Climate Alliance, & U.S. Green Building Council
Strategic Energy and 100% Renewable Electricity Plan Implementation Administration of APCD grants for EV Chargers for City facilities Administration of 3CE incentives & rebates
Provide updated information to the public on EV and EV Charger incentives and rebates Implementation of Plastic Pollution Reduction Ordinance and associated community outreach (Plastic Free Goleta)
Provide updated information to the public on building electrification rebates and incentives Provide outreach and education opportunities to the public through tabling events, workshops, and “lunch ‘n learns”
Manage City Hall Solar Array (performance, maintenance, etc.) Manage City Hall EV Charger Stations (troubleshooting, maintenance, performance, etc.)
Key Accomplishments and Milestones
Over the past year, the Sustainability Program can point to several complete and near - complete initiatives as shown in Table 11 below.
Table 11: Key Accomplishments and Milestones, FY 2025-26
PROJECT/PROGRAM ESTIMATED
COMPLETION
STRATEGIC
GOAL #
SUPPORTING
DEPT(S)
Adopt & Implement Energy
Performance Reach Code August 2025 1.1, 1.3 N/A
Update EV Reach Code for the
2025 Building Code Cycle
December
2025 1.1, 1.3 N/A
Existing Building Electrification:
Develop & Implement Heat Pump February 2026 1.1 Finance 16 14
Permit Fee Waiver Program
CA Ocean Protection Council
(OPC) SB1 grant application for
SLR Adaptation Planning
March 2026 1.1, 3.2 N/A
Update Energy Performance
Reach Code for the 2025 Building
Code Cycle
June 2026 1.1, 1.3 N/A
Identify & Pursue City’s EV
Charging Station Opportunities June 2026 1.1, 1.3 GS
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Projects/Programs
The Sustainability Program initiatives for FY 202 6-27 are listed in Table 12 below in priority order.
Table 12: FY 2026-27 Projects/Programs
PROJECT/PROGRAM ESTIMATED
COMPLETION
STRATEGIC
GOAL #
SUPPORTING
DEPT(S)
1. OPC Grant for SLR
Adaptation Planning,
Administration, Form
Climate Ready Goleta
stakeholders working
group; Develop
Community
Engagement Plan; hold
Public Workshops
October 2026;
December
2026; May
2027
1.1, 2.2, 3.2,
9.3 N/A
2. Develop SLR
Vulnerability
Assessment
June 2027 1.1, 2.2
N/A
3. Goleta Train Station EV
charging station
infrastructure project
construction and
management
November
2026 1.1, 5.1 GS
4. GHG Emissions
Inventory (2025 data,
community and
municipal)
June 2027 1.1 N/A
Long Range Projects/Program Contingent on Staff Capacity
The Sustainability Program potential long-range projects/programs are listed in Table 13 below.
17 15
Table 13: Long-Range Projects/Programs Contingent on Staff Capacity
PROJECT/PROGRAM ESTIMATED
COMPLETION
5. Develop SLR Adaptation Plan June 2028
6. Climate Ready Goleta Public Workshops and Coast Walk & Talk Event
November 2027
& February
2028
7. Evaluate Microgrid , Solar, & EV Charger Opportunities and Feasibility at City Facilities (Community Center, City Hall, Library)
TBD
8. Collaborate with Environmental Services on climate
change planning as part of Goleta’s Creeks and
Management Program
TBD
9. Conservation Element GPA to address wildlife
connectivity per AB 1889 TBD
10. Explore Green Building and Decarbonization Policies for Goleta including Buy Clean California Act (2017), Building Performance Standards, etc.
TBD
11. Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (including Climate Hazards Analysis) TBD
12. Safety Element GPA to address extreme heat per AB
2684 (2028) TBD
13. Tree Protection Ordinance TBD
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Role of the Division
The Affordable Housing Implementation Program provides a dedicated focus on meeting the City’s long-term responsibilities with respect to affordable housing. While the Advance Planning Division develops high-level housing policy and long-range plans such as how the City should accommodate its share of regional housing needs in the Housing Element, this Program implements the housing policy to create, maintain, and enforce the affordability of deed-restricted housing units in the City. It also ensures consis tent application of and compliance with affordable housing regulations and informs tenants and landlords of rights and protections.
In particular, important duties of the Program include (1) managing and monitoring the inventory of existing affordable housing units, including rental housing units, (2) overseeing the creation and sale or rental of new affordable units to assure fair and consistent application of City rules, (3) annually updating and publishing: housing in -lieu fee amounts, non -residential affordable housing development impact fee amounts, household income limits, maximum sale prices for new deed-restricted ownership units, and maximum rent amounts for new deed-restricted rental units, (4) managing the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund deposits and expenditures and preparing a Comprehensive Affordable Housing Finance Plan (CAHFP) to guide h ow funds will be 18 16
applied to create or preserve affordable housing, and (5) promoting tenant protections, including local, State, and federal fair housing regulations and rental housing mediation.
Core Services
Table 14 outlines the Division’s core services, including routine responsibilities, ongoing programs, and essential work efforts performed on a day -to-day basis. This section is intended to capture the foundational activities that support the Department’s mission and contribute citywide operations and goals.
Table 14: Core Services
Administrative
Interdepartmental coordination and support
Budgeting
Contract management
Website management
Regional housing communication and coordination
Respond to public inquiries regarding housing programs, fair housing, etc.
Required Services
Provide comments and conditions on pending development projects Review project calculations per City inclusionary policy and state density bonus law Maintain the affordable housing interest list
Maintain/update inventory of existing affordable housing units Administer the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for creation and preservation of affordable housing units
Implement housing-related required programs in the adopted Housing Element Conduct required reporting for Successor Agency to Former Redevelopment Agency
Housing Administration/Preservation
Ensure new affordable units meet City requirements via covenant/deed restriction Conduct compliance monitoring of affordable rental housing units Coordinate and ensure resolution of affordability covenant violations Manage consultant for compliance monitoring of affordable ownership housing units Manage contract for first-time homebuyer downpayment assistance loans Monitor/renegotiate existing housing covenants to preserve affordable housing Oversee income documentation, eligibility calculations, and public housing lotteries Review/approve purchases, sales, and refinances of new and existing affordable housing units
Mobile Home Park Preservation: enforce rent-control ordinance; implement Rancho Estates Mobile Home Park Development Agreement
Fair Housing & Tenant Protections
19 17
Provide information on fair housing and tenant rights under federal, State, and local regulations, including anti-discrimination laws
Rental housing mediation of landlord-tenant disputes via City of Santa Barbara contract services
Key Accomplishments and Milestones
Over the past year, the Affordable Housing Program can point to several complete and near-complete initiatives as shown in Table 15 below.
Table 15: Key Accomplishments and Milestones, FY 2025-26
PROJECT/PROGRAM ESTIMATED
COMPLETION
STRATEGIC
GOAL #
SUPPORTING
DEPT(S)
Tenant Protections Ordinance
Amendments
September
2025 4.7 N/A
University Mobilehome Park
Options Report
December
2025 4.7 N/A
Mobile Home Park Moratorium
and Urgency Ordinance March 2026 4.7 N/A
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Projects/Programs
The Affordable Housing Program initiatives for FY 2026-27 are listed in Table 16 below in priority order.
Table 16: FY 2026-27 Projects/Programs
PROJECT/PROGRAM ESTIMATED
COMPLETION
STRATEGIC
GOAL #
SUPPORTING
DEPT(S)
1. Update to Mobile Home
Rent Control Ordinance
November
2026 4.7 N/A
2. Local Housing
Preference Policy
Implementation
December
2026 4.7
N/A
3. Implement Required
Housing Element
Programs
June 2027 2.4 NS
4. Update the Inclusionary
Housing Ordinance June 2027 4.7 Finance
Long Range Projects/Program Contingent on Staff Capacity The Affordable Housing Program potential long -range projects /programs are listed in Table 17 below.
20 18
Table 17: Long-Range Projects/Programs Contingent on Staff Capacity
PROJECT/PROGRAM ESTIMATED
COMPLETION
5. Prepare a Comprehensive Affordable Housing Finance
Plan (CAHFP) TBD
6. Draft Covenant Templates (Agreement to Provide
Affordable Housing, Regulatory Agreement, Resale) TBD
7. Development of Informational Materials for City Housing Requirements TBD
8. Affordable Employee Housing Plan TBD
9. Revisions to Tenant Protection s Ordinance, such as
voluntary landlord lease buy -out, per diem relocation
assistance for less than 30 days displacement
TBD
ADMINISTRATION
Role of the Division
The PER Administration Division includes three existing positions (Department Director, Management Assistant and 1/2 -time Administrative Assistant, which carry Department - wide duties and responsibilities. The Division is chiefly tasked with depart mental management responsibilities and support functions, including overall Department direction and coordination, agenda management and calendaring, budgeting, and invoicing, personnel matters, departmental representation, and public outreach. As time allows and Departmental needs require, the Department Director, Management Assistant and/or Administrative Assistant may also take on special, department -wide projects or assist other Department divisions or the City Manager with special projects and assignments.
Core Services
Table 18 outlines the Division’s core services, including routine responsibilities, ongoing programs, and essential work efforts performed on a day -to-day basis. This section is intended to capture the foundational activities that support the Department’s mission and contribute citywide operations and goals.
Please note, this table is focused on planned, recurring work and does not include tasks related emergency response, unplanned events, or special projects.
Table 18: Core Services
Administrative and Required Services
Planning Commission Hearing Support Recording Clerk/Minutes/Commission support Historic Preservation Commission and Design Review Board Hearing Support Recording Clerk/ Minutes/Commission and Board support
Zoning Administrator
Interdepartmental and interdivision coordination
21 19
Department supervision and direction
Annual Work Program
Personnel and performance evaluations
Budgeting and invoicing
Agenda management and calendaring
Contract management
Departmental support functions, file management
Department representation to Council and other agencies Noticing of public hearings
Other public outreach
Response to public inquiries
Developer Accounts support
Special Projects (as assigned)
22 ATTACHMENT 2
Staff Presentation
23 FY 2026-27 Annual
Work Program
Planning and
Environmental
Review Department
City Council Meeting
March 3, 2026
Presentation by:
Peter Imhof, Director
24 Purpose
Update Council on existing work commitments and
progr
ess
Review staffing and workload by Division/Program
Propose and consider potential new work projects
Discuss and set Planning & Environmental Review
Department
work priorities for Fiscal Year 2026-27
March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 2
25 March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 3
26 Major Themes/Priorities FY 2026-27
March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 4
Tracking /
Implementing Major
New Housing
Legislation
Rebalancing
Workload Between
Divisions
High Permit Activity /
Major Projects (not
just Housing!)
Housing Crisis /
Affordability
Housing Element
Implementation
Balancing State-
mandated Work with
Local Discretionary
Work Items
Launching “Climate
Ready Goleta”
27 March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 5
ADVANCE PLANNING
28 FY 2025-26 Key Accomplishments and
Milestones
General Plan / Zoning
Amendments - Safety
Element, Open Space
Element, and
Environmental Justice
Title 17 Zoning Round
6 Amendments
Local Coastal
Program Development
and Workshops
LAFCO Sphere of
Influence Boundary
Change application
Title 17 ADU
Amendments
Housing Element
Implementation STVR Ordinance
March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 6
29 Advance Planning FY 2026-27 Projects
March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 7
1. Local Coastal Program Development and Amendments
2. Implement Required Housing Element Programs / Initiate Mid-Cycle Housing Review
3. LAFCO Sphere of Influence Boundary Change and General Plan Amendments
4. Draft and Propose State Legislation on Housing Element Reporting Process
5. Battery Storage Comprehensive Approach
30 Advance Planning Long-Range Projects
March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 8
6. Visual Resource Policy Objective Standards
7. Transportation Element Update, including GPA to address truck routes per AB 98/SB 415 by 1/1/30
8. Citywide Design Guidelines
9. South Kellogg Industrial Area Evaluation (LU-IA-6)
10. Revisit General Plan Amendment (GPA) Initiation Process
11. Transfer of Development Rights Ordinance (General Plan LU-IA-5)
12. S. La Patera Specific Plan
13. Ekwill St. Extension Rezone
14. Old Town Visioning Process
31 March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 9
CURRENT PLANNING
32 FY 2025-26 Key Accomplishments and
Milestones
Permit Processing
for numerous
Development
Projects
Code Compliance
Resolution of high-
profile Zoning
Enforcement Cases
South Kellogg
Industrial Area
Compliance
Program
March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 10
33 Current Planning FY 2026-27 Projects
March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 11
1. CDP Application for Phelps Rd. Parking Restrictions
2. Update CEQA Guidelines
34 Current Planning Long-Range Projects
3. Story Pole Guidelines/visual sim procedures per GP
VH-IA-3
4. Update of CEQA Thresholds of Significance
5. Development of a Permit Procedures Manual
6. VMT Sketch Planning Tool Update
March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 12
35 March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 13
SUSTAINABILITY
36 FY 2025-26 Key Accomplishments and
Milestones
Adopt & Implement
Energy Performance
Reach Code
Update EV Reach Code
for the 2025 Building
Code Cycle
Update Energy
Performance Reach
Code for the 2025
Building Code Cycle
Existing Building
Electrification: Develop
& Implement Heat
Pump Permit Fee
Waiver Program
Identify & Pursue City’s
EV Charging Station
Opportunities
March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 14
37 Sustainability FY 2026-27 Projects
March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 15
1. OPC Grant for SLR Adaptation Planning, form “Climate Ready Goleta” stakeholders working group
2. Develop Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment
3. Goleta Train Station EV charging station infrastructure project construction and management
4. GHG Emissions Inventory (2025 data, community and municipal) 38 Sustainability Long-Range Projects
March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 16
5. Develop Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan
6. Climate Ready Goleta Public Workshops / Coast Walk & Talk Event
7. Evaluate Microgrid, Solar, & EV Charger Opportunities and Feasibility at City Facilities
8. Collaborate with Environmental Services on Creeks and Management Program
9. Conservation Element GPA to address wildlife connectivity per AB 1889
10. Explore Green Building and Decarbonization Policies for Goleta, including Buy Clean California Act (2017), Building Performance Standards, etc.
11. Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (including Climate Hazards Analysis)
12. Safety Element GPA to address extreme heat per AB 2684 (2028)
13. Tree Protection Ordinance
39 March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 17
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
40 FY 2025-26 Key Accomplishments and
Milestones
Tenant Protections
Ordinance
Amendments
Mobile Home Park
Moratorium and
Urgency Ordinance
University Mobile
Home Park Options
Report
Review purchases,
sales, and refinances
of affordable
housing units
Heritage Ridge Loan
Agreement and
Covenants
March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 18
41 Affordable Housing FY 2026-27 Projects
March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 19
1. Update to Mobile Home Rent Control Ordinance
2. Local Housing Preference Policy Implementation
3. Implement Required Housing Element Programs
4. Update the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance
42 Affordable Housing Long-Range Projects
March 3, 2026 City Council Meeting 20
5. Comprehensive Affordable Housing Finance Plan
6. Prepare Covenant Templates (Agreement to Provide
Affordable Housing, Regulatory Agreement, Resale)
7. Development of Informational Materials for City Housing Requirements
8. Affordable Employee Housing Plan
9. Revisions to Tenant Protections Ordinance
43 21
Questions?
44