Transforming the
Former Ellwood
Onshore Facility
J. Ritterbeck, Agent
True North Land Use Consulting
On behalf of
Michael Johnson, Owner
Bell Canyon Recreation, LLC
Request for General Plan
Amendment Initiation (GPA-I)
September 1, 2026
Site Location & Existing Conditions
Sandpiper Golf Course
Ritz-Bacara Resort
Pacific Ocean
A coastal site surrounded by a luxury hotel & golf course, open space, and public access.
A long legacy is closing. A new Chapter begins.
From Industrial Site to Community Asset
OSAR/PRD
Designation
Pipeline
Rupture
State Assumes
Operations
BCR Acquires
Property
Hydrocarbon
-
Free Status
Ownership
Approval
State Cleanup
Completed
Lower
-
impact coastal recreation for everyone.
The Vision
• Spectrum of Lodging: Multi-generational
• Glamping: “glamorous camping”
• Public Focal Point: Beach-themed uses
• Expanded Beach Access: Public parking
• High-end Implementation: Compatible
with surrounding luxury uses
Good for the Community. Good for the Coast. Good for Goleta.
Community Benefits
Jobs
Economic
Impact
Housing
Relief
Environmental
Benefits
Fiscal
Responsibility
Public
Access
Create jobs in
tourism, hospitality
and recreation
Visitors spend
locally, generating
sales tax and TOT
Provides dedicated
visitor lodging,
reducing STR
pressure
Increases public
enjoyment of the
Gaviota Coast
Turns an idle
industrial site
into revenue
Respects ESHA,
improves stormwater
management and
removes remnant
O&G facility
The site is clean, safe, and ready for its next chapter.
Environmental Progress
Equipment cleaned & air-gapped
Site certified hydrocarbon-free by APCD
Nearly two years being H2S-free
CEQA review and permitting ahead
Our vision aligns with the City’s policies and the Coastal Act.
Policy Consistency
General Plan (LU 9 & LU 10)
Promotes coastal recreation and transition of
former oil and gas sites to public-serving uses.
Coastal Act Policies
Encourage lower-cost visitor-serving facilities
and increased public access to the shoreline.
Visitor-Serving Objectives
Supports coastal-dependent and visitor-serving
uses near the coast.
Tonight’s request is only the GPA
-
I and provide comment.
What is Being Requested
Council Initiates
GPA
Plan Development
& Planning
Review
CEQA
Environmental
Review
Public
Hearings
PC & CC
Coastal
Commission
Decision*
From a liability to a lasting asset.
Why This is the Better Alternative
Current OSAR Designation Visitor-Serving Redevelopment
• Multi-generational recreation
• New destination in Goleta
• Jobs and tourism
• Public coastal access
• Tax revenue for Goleta
• Environmental protections
• Abandoned in-place
• Industrial O&G remnants
• No public use
• No public access
• Generates no public value
• Allows high-impact commercial uses