CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
CITY COUNCIL
Randy Rowse
Mayor
Kelly McAdoo
City Administrator
Eric Friedman
Mayor Pro Tempore
Kristen W. Sneddon
Ordinance Committee Chair
Sarah J. Knecht
City Attorney
Eric Friedman
Finance Committee Chair
Oscar Gutierrez
Meagan Harmon
Mike Jordan
Wendy Santamaria
City Hall
735 Anacapa Street
http://www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov
MAY 13, 2025, 2:00 PM
AGENDA
IN-PERSON PUBLIC COMMENT: At the beginning of each meeting of the City Council, Finance Committee, or Ordinance Committee, any member of the public may address the City Council concerning any item not on the Council's agenda. Any person wishing to make such address should first complete and deliver a "Request to Speak" form prior to the time that public comment is taken up by the City Council. Each speaker will be given a total of 3 minutes to address the Council. Pooling of time is not allowed during general public comment. The time allotted for general public comment at the beginning of the 2:00 p.m. session is 30 minutes.
Any member of the public who did not speak during the 2:00 p.m. session but who submitted a request to do so during the 2:00 p.m. 30 minute session may do so at the end of the meeting when the additional “Public Comment (If Necessary)” is announced. The City Council, upon majority vote, may decline to hear a speaker on the grounds that the subject matter is beyond their jurisdiction.
REMOTE PUBLIC COMMENT: Members of the public wishing to speak must “raise their hand” in the Zoom platform by selecting the virtual hand icon when their item is called. The keyboard shortcut for this is Alt+Y for Windows and Option+Y for Macs. City staff will activate the speaker’s microphone when the speaker’s name is called. The speaker will then need to unmute themselves. The keyboard shortcut for this is Alt+M for Windows or Command-Shift-A for Macs.
HOW TO REMOTELY OBSERVE AND/OR SPEAK LIVE AT A MEETING
• Web: https://santabarbaraca-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-tbNSuHPTmquCwDEP9hNaQ (Participation via Zoom)
• Telephone: Dial 1-669-900-6833, Enter Webinar ID: 894 0718 1596 (press *9 to raise/lower hand; press *6 to mute/unmute) • Online Streaming: Council meetings are streamed live at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CAP • TV: Each regular City Council meeting is broadcast live in English and Spanish on City TV Channel 18 and rebroadcast in English on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m., and in Spanish on Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
Each televised Council meeting is closed captioned for the hearing impaired. Check the City TV program guide at www.santabarbaraca.gov/citytv for rebroadcasts of Finance and Ordinance Committee meetings.
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comments may also be submitted via email to [email protected] prior to the beginning of the Council Meeting. All public comments submitted via email will be provided to City Council and will become part of the public record.
(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
ORDER OF BUSINESS: Regular meetings of the Finance Committee and the Ordinance Committee begin at 12:00 p.m. The regular City Council meeting begins at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
REPORTS: Copies of the reports relating to agenda items are available for review at http://www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CAP.In accordance with state law requirements, this agenda generally contains only a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting. Should you wish more detailed information regarding any particular agenda item, you are encouraged to obtain a copy of the Council Agenda Report (a "CAR") online at the City's website (http://www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CAP). Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are posted to the City’s website as soon as reasonably feasible.
CONSENT CALENDAR: The Consent Calendar is comprised of items that will not usually require discussion by the City Council. A Consent Calendar item is open for discussion by the City Council upon request of a Councilmember, City staff, or member of the public. Items on the Consent Calendar may be approved by a single motion. Should you wish to comment on an item listed on the Consent Agenda, after turning in your "Request to Speak" form, you should come forward to speak or raise your hand in Zoom at the time the Council considers the Consent Calendar.
LANGUAGE TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION: The City of Santa Barbara offers live Spanish translation and interpretation for City Council Meetings via the Wordly platform. Follow the directions below to access the service. • Go to: https://attend.wordly.ai/join/QQBV-6746
o Ensure the Session ID QQBV-6746 is displayed.
o Select “Spanish” and click on the “Attend” button.
o You can now read the captions on your device and/or listen to the translation of the City Council meeting. o Click the speaker button to hear a text-to-speech version of the translated dialogue. • If you have any questions or concerns, please contact City TV at 805-564-5311.
SPANISH INTERPRETATION: If you need interpretation of your communications to Council from Spanish into English, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 564-5309 or by email at [email protected]. If possible, notification of at least 48 hours will usually enable the City to make arrangements.
INTERPRETACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Si necesita una interpretación del español al inglés, para sus comunicaciones al Consejo, comuníquese con la Oficina del Secretario Municipal al 564-5309, o por correo electrónico a [email protected]. Si es posible, la notificación de al menos 48 horas generalmente permitirá a la Ciudad hacer los arreglos.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: If you need auxiliary aids or services or staff assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's Office at 564-5305 or by email at [email protected]. If possible, notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will usually enable the City to make reasonable arrangements. For those who need accessibility accommodation in using the “raise hand” function and/or registering to participate in the Zoom session, please contact the Clerk’s office by 5:00 p.m. the day before the meeting for assistance. Additionally, a speaker may email [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. the day before a meeting, stating which item they wish to speak on. Specialized services, such as sign language interpretation or documents in Braille, may require additional lead time to arrange. 05/13/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Final Agenda Page 1 MAY 13, 2025 AGENDA
ORDINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING - 12:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER (120.03)
1. Subject: Amending Chapter 22.70 of the Municipal Code Regarding Sign Regulations (120.03)
Recommendation: That Ordinance Committee consider proposed amendments to Chapter 22.70 of the Municipal Code regarding sign regulations and forward the ordinance amendments to the City Council for introduction and adoption. 05/13/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Final Agenda Page 2 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 2:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
BROWN ACT ITEMS
1. Subject: Request from Councilmember Eric Friedman to Allow His Remote Participation in the Meeting Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953 Due to Emergency Circumstances Caused by a Medical Emergency that Prevents the Councilmember from Attending in Person. (120.02)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
2. Subject: National Police Week and Peace Officers' Memorial Day (120.04)
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
CONSENT CALENDAR
3. Subject: Minutes (000.00)
Recommendation: That Council waive reading and approve the minutes for the regular meeting of April 29, 2025; and for the special meeting of April 29, 2025.
4. Subject: Amending the Santa Barbara Municipal Code ("SBMC") by Adding Section 17.12.200 Relating to Vessel Insurance Requirements; and Section
17.12.210 Relating to Process, Enforcement and Ability to Appeal [Ordinance Adoption] (570.03)
Recommendation: That Council adopt, by reading of title only, an Ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Amending the Santa Barbara Municipal Code (“SBMC”) by Adding Section 17.12.200 Relating to Vessel Insurance Requirements; and Section 17.12.210 Relating to Process, Enforcement and Ability to Appeal.
05/13/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Final Agenda Page 3
5. Subject: Revised Lease Agreement and Sublease Agreement for Office Space for the Sustainability & Resilience Department at 801 Garden Street [Ordinance Introduction; Agreement] (630.02)
Recommendation: That Council:
A. Introduce and subsequently adopt, by reading of title only, an Ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Authorizing the Sustainability and Resilience Director to Execute a First Amendment to Lease Agreement No. 28,226 with FBK Investments, for the Property Located at 801 Garden Street, Suites 200 and 201, Commencing Upon the Effective Date of the First Amendment, July 1, 2025; and
B. Authorize the Sustainability & Resilience Director to Execute a Sublease Agreement with Bright Market, LLC for a Portion of the Property Located at 801 Garden Street, Suite 201, Commencing Upon the Effective Date of the Sublease Agreement, July 1, 2025.
6. Subject: Set a Date for Public Hearing Regarding Architectural Board of Review's Approval for 418 N. Milpas St. and 915-923 E. Gutierrez St. (640.07) Recommendation: That Council:
A. Set the date of August 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. for hearing the appeal filed by Natasha Todorovic; and
B. Set the date of August 4, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. for a site visit to the property located at 418 N. Milpas St. and 915-923 E. Gutierrez St.
REPORT FROM THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
CITY COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE AND ATTORNEY REPORTS
SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE
7. Subject: Overview of City Programs that Build Community Capacity for Sustainable Actions (630.02)
Recommendation: That Council receive a presentation on the various sustainability-focused community programs offered by the City of Santa Barbara. 05/13/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Final Agenda Page 4
COUNCIL AND STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
COUNCILMEMBER COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT REPORTS AND ENGAGEMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENT (IF NECESSARY)
ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
ORDINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
MEETING AGENDA
DATE: May 13, 2025 Kristen W. Sneddon, Chair
TIME: 12:00 p.m. Oscar Gutierrez
PLACE: Council Chambers Mike Jordan
Office of the City Office of the City
Administrator Attorney
Kelly McAdoo Sarah Knecht
City Administrator, City Administrator’s Office City Attorney Nicole Grisanti
Supervisor, City Administrator’s Office
IN-PERSON PUBLIC COMMENT: Any person wishing to address the Ordinance Committee should first complete and deliver a "Request to Speak" form prior to the time that public comment is taken up by the Committee Member. Each speaker will be given a total of 3 minutes to address the Committee. The Ordinance Committee, upon majority vote, may decline to hear a speaker on the grounds that the subject matter is beyond their jurisdiction.
WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comments may also be submitted via email to [email protected] prior to the beginning of the Ordinance Committee Meeting. All public comments submitted via email will be provided to the Ordinance Committee and will become part of the public record.
HOW TO REMOTELY OBSERVE AND/OR SPEAK LIVE AT A MEETING:
WEB: https://santabarbaraca-gov.zoom.us/j/83099911799?pwd=N0fwX914FLbpUNNMPr2foEbiub5ovC.1 Passcode: 199458
TELEPHONE: Phone one-tap:
+16699006833,,83099911799# US (San Jose)
+16694449171,,83099911799# US
REPORTS: Copies of the reports relating to agenda items are available for review at http://www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CAP.In accordance with state law requirements, this agenda generally contains only a brief general description of each item of business to be transacted or discussed at the meeting. Should you wish more detailed information regarding any particular agenda item, you are encouraged to obtain a copy of the Council Agenda Report (a "CAR") online at the City's website (http://www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CAP). Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are posted to the City’s website as soon as reasonably feasible.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: If you need auxiliary aids or services or staff assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's Office at 564-5305 or by email at [email protected] if possible, notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will usually enable the City to make reasonable arrangements. For those who need accessibility accommodation in using the “raise hand” function and/or registering to participate in the Zoom session, please contact the Clerk’s office by 5:00 p.m. the day before the meeting for assistance. Additionally, a speaker may email [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. the day before a meeting, stating which item they wish to speak on. Specialized Services, such as sign language interpretation or documents in Braille, may require additional lead time to arrange.
Agenda Item No.
File Code No. 120.03
ITEM FOR CONSIDERATION
SUBJECT: Amending Chapter 22.70 of the Municipal Code Regarding Sign Regulations RECOMMENDATION: That Ordinance Committee consider proposed amendments to Chapter 22.70 of the Municipal Code regarding sign regulations and forward the ordinance amendments to the City Council for introduction and adoption.
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
ORDINANCE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
AGENDA DATE: May 13, 2025
TO: Ordinance Committee
FROM: City Attorney’s Office
SUBJECT: Amending Chapter 22.70 of the Municipal Code Regarding Sign Regulations
RECOMMENDATION:
That Ordinance Committee consider proposed amendments to Chapter 22.70 of the Municipal Code regarding sign regulations and forward the ordinance amendments to the City Council for introduction and adoption.
DISCUSSION:
The ordinance on city-wide sign regulations is codified under Chapter 22.70 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code (SBMC). Several decades have gone by since the Sign Ordinance has been significantly updated.
There have been several important court decisions over the past few years dealing with signs and the First Amendment’s protection over the freedom of speech that has impacted the City’s Sign Ordinance rendering portions of it unenforceable for certain violations.
The most significant of these decisions occurred in 2015 when the U.S. Supreme Court determined in Reed v. Town of Gilbert that local governments could not regulate signs based on the content or message that was being displayed. For a local ordinance to be considered content-neutral, regulations should be based on the “time, place, and manner” in the placement of a sign, rather than the message it conveys.
The level of judicial review regarding regulations differs based on whether a sign is within a “public forum,” or a “non-public forum.” A public forum is typically reserved for expressive conduct such as streets or sidewalks. If a regulation affecting signs is within a public forum, then a court will only uphold a regulation if it: 1) serves a compelling government interest; and 2) is narrowly tailored to serve that interest.
Agenda Item No. 1
File Code No. 120.03
Ordinance Committee Report
Amending Chapter 22.70 of the Municipal Code Regarding Sign Regulations May 13, 2025
A “non-public forum” is generally private property such as business or residence.
Regulations for non-public forums will only be upheld if it is: 1) reasonable; and 2) contentneutral.
With this background in mind, the amendments being proposed aim to revise the City’s sign regulations to be constitutionally sound and legally defensible, while still maintaining the community’s visual character.
The proposed amendments represent a focused approach to come into alignment with the content neutrality requirements in Gilbert, rather than a wholesale revision of the City’s regulations when it comes to aesthetic requirements contained in the Ordinance.
October 1, 2024, Ordinance Committee Meeting
The proposed Amendments to the Sign Ordinance were brought before the Ordinance Committee on October 1, 2024. The Ordinance Committee continued the item in order for City staff to conduct public outreach to consider establishing some allowance of temporary signs in the Public Right of Way (ROW). The Committee’s inquiry was based upon the original proposed amendments in October that eliminated the ability to place any private signs in the ROW and remove the current exception contained in the Ordinance that allows real estate open house signs to be placed in the ROW to the exclusion of all other types of signs.
To address this issue, a new subsection was drafted under SBMC 22.70.030 (B)(26), which starts on page 22 of the Ordinance. The proposed new section allows for temporary off-site signs to be placed in the ROW so long as they meet the following criteria: signs must be placed in the parkway area of the ROW in order to not obstruct the pedestrian path of travel; signs may only be placed during a 42 hour period on the weekends and then must be immediately removed; signs in the ROW cannot be higher than 42 inches above the ground and must not have an area greater than six square feet; signs must be free standing and not attached or locked to trees, signs, utility poles, or street furniture; signs must also not be placed in a manner that obstructs a sidewalk, curb ramp, or other pedestrian path of travel; and no signs (including sandwich board/A-frame signs) can be placed in the boundaries of the El Pueblo Viejo district due to the high pedestrian traffic and lack of parkway space. This new section also allows for the immediate removal by the City if the signs are placed in violation of the aforementioned criteria and to be stored by the City for 90 days from the date of removal to allow the owner to reclaim the sign.
February 21, 2025, Access Advisory Committee Meeting
Among the outreach conducted by City staff was a presentation to the Access Advisory Committee on the proposed amendments. The comments received by the Committee were extremely helpful in crafting the provision regarding placement in the ROWs described above. Committee member Nick Koonce proposed an amendment in response to ongoing enforcement issues related to the City's sign ordinance, specifically the Ordinance Committee Report
Amending Chapter 22.70 of the Municipal Code Regarding Sign Regulations May 13, 2025
widespread, unregulated use of sandwich board signs in the ROW, which are currently prohibited (except for real estate signs). The Committee noted that due to limited staffing, the City has been unable to monitor these violations, resulting in signs that obstruct pedestrian paths and ADA access.
Since a parkway area is defined as a portion of a street other than a roadway or sidewalk, the thought process for City staff and the Committee is that the placement of signs in this location would not interfere with pedestrian and ADA accessibility. For that reason, City staff recommends that such signs not be allowed in the El Pueblo Viejo district because of the lack of parkways and highly traveled pedestrian space. It is important to note that the existing Ordinance already prohibits the use of such signs in the area (as well as the entire City); therefore, there would be no changes from the original Ordinance as it pertains to the El Pueblo Viejo district area. The Committee commented that the expectation moving forward is that the cleanup of the Ordinance will provide the clarity needed to allow for increased enforcement of illegal signs placed in public spaces.
The addition of SBMC 22.70.030 (B)(26) balances the consideration of allowing free speech communication in the ROW, without impacting public safety.
Previous Amendments to Chapter 22.70
The following is a list summarizing the other proposed amendments to the Sign Ordinance that the Ordinance Committee supported through their comments at the October 1st meeting:
Section 22.70.010
This Section provides an overall summary of the legislative intent behind the City’s sign regulations. The proposed amendments reference the City’s intention to protect the constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech when it comes to sign regulations.
Section 22.70.020
This Section contains the definitions of various terms applicable to the Sign Ordinance.
Amendments were made to either add new definitions based on issues frequently encountered by staff or add clarifying language to existing definitions, and to provide a much needed definition for commercial and non-commercial speech. In addition, the definition of a portable sign has been updated to include A-frame or sandwich board signs.
Section 22.70.030
This Section provides for when a City permit is required to erect a sign, and those signs that are exempt from this requirement. Some of the major changes to this Section include the following:
Ordinance Committee Report
Amending Chapter 22.70 of the Municipal Code Regarding Sign Regulations May 13, 2025
Creating an exemption from a permit for any noncommercial on-site sign not exceeding six square feet total for each lot within residential zones and 24 square feet total for each lot in nonresidential zones so long as permission is given by the property owner or tenant. This residential exception: adheres to the Constitutional principle of being content-neutral; does not favor commercial speech over noncommercial speech; and balances out the temporary exception to political signs, while still adhering to the City’s aesthetic values by having certain size limitations. In addition, this provision also provides for the ability to continue to allow on-site temporary open house signs.
Removing all content-based exceptions such as large commercial grand opening signs.
Defining obscene material pursuant to State law under Section 311 of the California Penal Code.
Amending the Ordinance to make clear that the primary and general elections are considered separate elections for the purposes of the Ordinance when it comes to election signs, with each election restarting the clock for signs being able to be placed 90 days prior to the election and 10 days following election day.
22.70.050 Sign Permits
This Section concerns the process for obtaining a sign permit including the review and appeal process. Changes were made to this Section to ensure that any review performed is not content-based. In addition, language was placed in the Ordinance to ensure that the Sign Committee conducts their review in a content-neutral manner and that any review is limited to a sign’s physical attributes.
22.70.80 & 22.70.90 Nonconforming or illegal signs
These Sections deal with the amortization of nonconforming signs and the removal of illegal or unsafe signs. The deletions made in this Section were due to the Ordinance being outdated and thereby containing antiquated or defunct enforcement processes and law. The Fifth Amendment applies to signs when considering the removal or amortization of signs (private property cannot be taken without just compensation). However, the government may lawfully require the removal of illegal or unsafe signs without raising significant takings issues. Therefore, requiring the removal of a lawfully erected and wellmaintained sign that has simply become nonconforming because of regulation enacted after the sign was erected can give rise to a takings challenge. Hence, the Ordinance continues to provide such protection to amortized signs.
Ordinance Committee Report
Amending Chapter 22.70 of the Municipal Code Regarding Sign Regulations May 13, 2025
22.70.100 Enforcement
The major change to this Section requires the Sign Committee to be the administrative body to hear any appeals on fines. This is due to a recent 2024 California Court of Appeals case, Temple of 1001 Buddhas v. City of Fremont, in which the Court held that a City must allow for appeals to be heard by a board, agency, or other governing body instead of a single hearing officer.
ATTACHMENT: Draft Ordinance
PREPARED BY: John Doimas, Assistant City Attorney
SUBMITTED BY: Sarah J. Knecht, City Attorney
APPROVED BY: Kelly McAdoo, City Administrator
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
1 AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SANTA BARBARA AMENDING THE
MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING CHAPTER
22.70 PERTAINING TO SIGN REGULATIONS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 22.70 of Title 22 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
22.70.010 General Provisions.
A. TITLE. This Chapter shall be known and cited as the Sign Ordinance of the City of Santa Barbara.
B. PURPOSE AND INTENT. The City of Santa Barbara has a national and international reputation as a community of natural beauty, distinctive and historic architecture and historic tradition. Signs have a strong visual impact on the character and quality of the community. As a prominent part of the scenery, they attract or repel the viewing public, affect the safety of vehicular traffic, and their suitability or appropriateness helps to set the tone of the neighborhood. Since the City of Santa Barbara relies on its scenery and physical beauty to attract tourists and commerce, aesthetic considerations assume economic value. It is the intent of the City of Santa Barbara, through this chapter, to protect and enhance the City’s historic and residential character and its economic base through the provision of appropriate and aesthetic signing. In addition, it is the intent of the City to limit the size, type and location of signs in order to minimize their distracting effect on drivers and thereby improve traffic safety.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
2 In view of these facts, the City of Santa Barbara adopts the policy that the sign should serve primarily to identify an establishment, organization or enterprise and protect the constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech. As identification devices, signs must not subject the citizens of the City to excessive competition for their visual attention. As appropriate identification devices, signs must harmonize with the building, the neighborhood and other signs in the area.
C. COMPLIANCE WITH CHAPTER. It is unlawful for any person to construct, maintain, display or alter or cause to be constructed, maintained, displayed or altered, a sign within the City of Santa Barbara except in conformance with this Chapter. These requirements apply to proposed signs in addition to all applicable provisions of the California Outdoor Advertising Act (Business and Professions Code Sections 5200 et seq., and California Administrative Code Title 4, Sections 2240 et seq.).
22.70.020 Definitions.
As used in this Chapter, the following terms and phrases shall have the indicated meanings:
A. ABANDONED SIGN. Means a sign located on a parcel of land or on a structure either of which is vacant for a period of ninety (90) days or where the establishment to which the sign is attached has ceased operation and where it is clear that the sign has been forsaken or deserted.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
3 B. ACCESSORY SIGN. A separate unit displaying information related to the principal business conducted on the premises, which is not attached to or supported by any other sign, and not made a part thereof.
B.C. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE. Any window frame, recessed area, door, detail or other feature that is part of any building, or is a specific element of a recognized style of architecture.
C.D. AWNING SIGN. Any sign or graphic attached to, painted on or applied to an awning or awning canopy.
D.E. BACK-LIT SIGN. Any internally illuminated sign with opaque, reverse pan channel, halo-lit letters and elements with concealed light sources in which the light projects away from the viewer.
E.F. BALLOON. A lighter-than-air or inflated object no larger than 18 inches in any dimension.
F.G. BANNER. A bunting or other flexible sign characteristically supported at two or more points and hung on a building or otherwise suspended down or along its face, or across any public street of the City. The banner may or may not include copy or other graphic symbols.
G.H. BENCH SIGN. Any sign painted on or otherwise attached to a bench or other seat placed in an exterior area.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
4 H.I. BILLBOARD. A freestanding sign which exceeds the size limitations of a ground or wall sign. A billboard may be on-premises or off-premises. Static or revolving free-standing sign that identifies or communicates a commercial message related to an activity conducted, a service rendered, or a commodity sold at a location other than where the sign is located. This includes, but is not limited to, building graphics, supergraphics, building wraps, and wall drop signs containing off-site messages, and billboards painted or applied to building walls. The terms "billboard" and "off-premises sign" may be used interchangeably to mean the same thing.
IJ. CIVIC EVENT SIGN. A sign, other than a commercial sign, posted to advertise or provide direction to a civic event sponsored by a public agency, the City, a school, church, or a documented not-for-profit organization that is open to the public, and does not include the sale of goods or services. civic-fraternal organization or similar noncommercial organization.
JK. COMMERCIAL, OFFICE OR INDUSTRIAL CENTER COMPLEX. A group of contiguous businesses which employs a homogeneous design theme as a common perimeter treatment. Any non-residential grouping of structures or uses occupied by four or more tenants which are connected by architectural treatment, shared access roads, and/or a commonality of use.
KL. COMMERCIAL SIGN. A message on a sign, or portion of a sign, that promotes, informs, or proposes an economic transaction, primarily concerns the economic interests of the sign sponsor and/or audience, or is intended to further discuss
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
5 in the marketplace of goods and services. Any sign which is intended to attract attention to a commercial activity, business, commodity, service, entertainment or attraction sold or offered, and which is to be viewed from public streets or public parking areas.
M. COMMERCIAL SPEECH. Any message, the prevailing thrust of which is to propose a commercial transaction.
LN. DIGITAL DISPLAY. A sign that displays still images, scrolling images, or moving images, including video or animation, through a series of grid lights, including cathode ray, light emitting diode display, liquid crystal display, plasma screen, fiber optic, or other electronic media or technology, where the display can be changed through electronic means. The definition of digital display does not include time and temperature signs or electronic signs placed in the right-of-way that function as traffic control devices.
MO. EAVE. The projecting lower edges of a roof overhanging the wall of a building. That portion of the roofline extending beyond the building wall, a canopy attachment on the wall having the simulated appearance of an eave, or the lowest horizontal line on any roof.
NP. ELECTION SIGN. A non-commercial sign pertaining to an election for public office or to a ballot measure to be placed before the voters in a federal, state or local election.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
6 OQ. ERECT. To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, affix, fabricate (which shall also include painting of wall signs and window signs or other graphics), or project light in a manner that creates a projected light sign.
PR. FAÇADE. The front of a building or structure facing a street.
QS. FLAG. A piece of fabric of distinctive design (customarily rectangular or square) that is used as a symbol of a nation, state, city, agency, corporation or person, or as a signaling device, and is usually displayed hanging free from a staff or halyard to which it is attached by one edge.
RT. FRONTAGE. The width of any face of a building.
1. Dominant Building Frontage. The principal frontage of the building where its main entrance is located or which faces the street upon which its address is located.
2. Subordinate Building Frontage. Any frontage other than the dominant frontage.
SU. GROUND SIGN. Any sign advertising goods manufactured, produced or sold, or services rendered on the premises upon which the sign is placed, or identifying in any fashion the premises or any owner or occupant, A sign which is and which is supported by one or more uprights or braces on the ground, the overall total height of which does not exceed (i) six feet above grade measured at the edge of the public right-
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
7 of-way; or (ii) six feet above the base of the sign structure when the grade at the public right-of-way is at least three and one-half feet lower than the grade at the base of the sign, whichever is higher. In no case shall an artificial grade be established for the sole purpose of placing a sign at more than six feet above the grade at the edge of the public right-of-way.
TV. HANGING SIGN. A sign attached to and located below any eave, roof, canopy, awning, or wall bracket.
W. IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A sign which serves to identify the name, address and lawful use of the premises upon which the sign is located. This includes signs indicating the name of residents on residential uses.
X. INFORMATION SIGN. A sign that is limited to a message giving directions, instructions, menus, selections or address numerals.
UY. ILLUMINATED SIGN. A physical sign that is illuminated internally or from an exterior light source. An illuminated sign is distinguished from a projected light sign by the fact that a projected light sign uses light to create the sign rather than using light to illuminate a sign of physical material.
VZ. INFLATABLE SIGNS. A lighter-than-air or inflated object tethered or otherwise attached to the ground, structure or other object. This definition includes, but is not limited to, inflated representations of blimps, products, cartoon characters, animals and the like. Balloons are a distinct subset of inflatable signs.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
8 WAA. KIOSK. A small, freestanding structure permanently affixed to the ground, requiring a building permit, which may have one or more surfaces used to display temporary advertising signs.
XBB. LETTER HEIGHT. The height of a letter from its bottom to its top, including any shadow line.
YCC. LIGHTING STANDARD. A device for providing artificial light on the sign surface.
ZDD. LOGO SIGN WITH COURTESY PANELS. Pre-fabricated signs bearing a brand name, registered trademark or logo with space for the name of a local business or occupant or other items of information to be applied thereto or erected thereon.
AAEE. MARQUEE. A permanent roof structure attached to and entirely supported by a wall of a building, having no connection or relationship with the roof of the building to which it is attached.
BBFF. MARQUEE SIGN. Any sign attached to a marquee.
CCGG. MOBILE SIGN. A sign on a boat or on a vehicle, other than on a public transit vehicle designed to carry at least 19 passengers, advertising a good, service, or entity other than that for which the boat or vehicle is principally used.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
9 DDHH. MURAL. A painting or picture applied to and made part of a wall or window which may be pictorial or abstract, and is characteristically visually set off or separated from the background color or architectural environment.
EEII. NON-COMMERCIAL SIGN. A message or image on a sign that directs public attention to or advocates an idea or issue of public interest or concern that does not serve to advertise or promote any business, product, service, or entertainment. Any sign which is intended to convey a noncommercial message of social, political, educational, religious or charitable commentary.
JJ. NON-COMMERCIAL SPEECH. Any message which is not determined to be commercial speech as defined herein.
FFKK. OFF-PREMISES SIGN. A commercial sign not located on the premises of the business or entity indicated or advertised by said sign, or a commercial sign advertising a commodity, service or entertainment offered at a location other than the location of the sign.
GGLL. PARAPET. A low wall used to protect the edge of a roof from view, also called a parapet wall.
HHMM. PARAPET OR PERGOLA SIGN. Any sign or other graphic attached to a parapet, ramada, pergola, or other similar structure.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
10 IINN. PENNANT. A small triangular or rectangular flag or multiples thereof, individually supported or attached to each other by means of a string, rope, or other material, and meant to be stretched across or fastened to buildings, or between poles and/or structures.
JJOO. PERGOLA. A structure usually consisting of parallel colonnades supporting an open roof of girders and cross-rafters, also known as an arbor, trellis or ramada.
KKPP. POLE SIGN. Any sign, other than a ground sign, supported by one or more uprights or braces on the ground, the height of which is greater than a ground sign, and which is not part of any building or structure other than a structure erected solely for the purpose of supporting a sign.
LLQQ. PORTABLE SIGN. A sign or advertising device that rests on the ground and is not designed to be permanently attached to a building or permanently anchored to the ground. Portable sign types include A-frame or sandwich board signs, but do not include temporary banners, flags, streamers, balloons, and similar signs made of nonpermanent materials. Any sign, other than a mobile sign, designated or constructed in such a manner that it can be moved or relocated without involving any structural or support changes.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
11 MMRR. PROJECTED LIGHT SIGN. A projection of light onto a physical surface in a manner designed to communicate a message by creating a variable intensity of light on the physical surface in the form of letters, shapes, or symbols.
NNSS. PROJECTING SIGN. Any sign which projects from and is supported by a wall of a building with the display surface of the sign perpendicular to the building wall.
TT. PUBLIC PROPERTY. Land or asset owned by the City of Santa Barbara.
OUU. ROOF. The cover of any building, including the eaves and similar projections. False roofs on store fronts, coverings on or over oriels, bay windows, canopies and horizontally projecting surfaces other than marquees shall be considered roofs.
PPVV. ROOF SIGN. A sign erected upon or on any area that is defined as part of the roof of a building pursuant to this Chapter.. Any sign any part of which is on or over any portion of any roof or eave of a building or structure and any sign which extends above a parapet of a building or structure.
QWW. SIGN. Any form of visual communication including any physical object, projection of light, digital display, or open flame (with or without lettering, a symbol, logo) used to announce, declare, demonstrate, display, or otherwise present a message to or attract the attention of the public. A sign may include a commercial or noncommercial sign. A sign includes all parts, portions, units and materials used in
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
12 constructing the sign, together with the illumination, frame, background, structure, support and anchorage thereof. A mural is not a sign.
RRXX. TEMPORARY. Any sign that is to be maintained for a period of time not exceeding 30 consecutive days, including paper signs and other signs that are not permanently affixed to the ground or building. A period of time not exceeding 30 consecutive days, unless otherwise specified.
SSYY. VENDING MACHINE. A machine or other mechanical device or container that dispenses a product or service through a self-service method of payment, but not including an automatic bank teller machine incorporated within a wall or a façade of a building; a newsrack; a machine dispensing fuel, compressed air, or water at an automobile service station; or a public telephone.
TTZZ. WALL SIGN. Any sign affixed directly to or painted on or otherwise inscribed on an exterior wall or solid fence, the principal face of which is parallel to said wall or fence and which projects from that surface no more than 12 inches at all points.
UUAAA. WINDOW SIGN. A sign that is attached to, affixed to, leaning against, or otherwise placed within six feet of a window in a manner so as to present a message to or attract the attention of the public on adjoining streets, walkways, malls or parking lots available for public use.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
13 22.70.030 Sign Regulations.
A. PERMIT REQUIRED. It is unlawful for any person to erect, repair, alter, relocate or maintain any sign within the City, or to direct or authorize another person to do so, except pursuant to a sign permit obtained as provided in this Chapter, unless the sign is specifically exempted from permit requirements by the provisions of this Chapter.
No permit shall be required for repainting, cleaning, or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign unless the structure, design, color or character is altered.
B. EXEMPT SIGNS. The following signs shall be allowed without a sign permit and shall not be included in the determination of type, number, or area of signs allowed on a building or parcel:
1. A non-commercial on-site sign not exceeding six square feet total for each lot in residential zones and 24 square feet total for each lot in nonresidential zones.
Such a sign shall be erected only with the permission of the property owner or tenant and must comply with all requirements of a legally conforming sign pursuant to this Chapter.
2. Any official federal, state, or local government sign. and notice issued by any court, person, or officer in performance of a public duty, or any sign erected or placed on park or beach property owned or controlled by the City and which (i) pertains to an event not exceeding five days in duration and (ii) has been approved by the agency with authority over such property.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
14 2.3. Notices issued by any court, person or officer in performance of a public duty; notices posted by a utility or other quasi-public agency; or other signs required or authorized by law.
42. Any temporary sign warning of construction, excavation, or similar hazards so long as the hazard exists.
53. One temporary construction sign, provided the sign (i) does not exceed six square feet in the one-family and two-family residential zones (Chapters 28.15 and 28.18) or the single unit and two-unit residential zones (Chapter 30.20) and does not exceed 24 square feet in all other zones; (ii) is used only to indicate the name of the construction project and the names and locations (city or community and state name only) of the contractors, architects, engineers, landscape designers, project or leasing agent, and financing company; (iii) is displayed during construction only; (iv) does not exceed the height limitations of a ground sign; and (v) meets all other applicable restrictions of this Chapter.
6. Any temporary sign relating to Fiesta, Solstice, Juneteenth, or any official City holiday except banners, blinking lights, or signs and any related lighting that require a building, electrical, or other permit. Any such decorations or displays and any related lighting must be removed within 10 days following the event for which they were erected.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
15 57. A sign consisting of a display of no more than 12 balloons for any single business or residence, displayed at a height which is not above the roof ridge line of the main building or 15 feet, whichever is lower.
6. A noncommercial sign not exceeding six square feet total for each lot in residential zones and 24 square feet total for each lot in nonresidential zones. Such a sign shall be erected only with the permission of property owner or tenant. An election sign shall not be displayed for more than 90 days prior to the election or for more than 10 days following the election for which it is erected.
87. A temporary real estate sign which indicates that the property is for sale, rent, or lease. Only one such sign is allowed on each street frontage of the property.
A temporary real estate sign may be displayed only for such time as the lot or any portion of the lot is actively offered for sale, rent, or lease. Such a sign may be single-faced or double-faced and is limited to a maximum area on each face of four square feet or less on property in residential zones and 12 square feet or less on property in nonresidential zones. Signs allowed pursuant to this exemption shall not exceed the height limitations of a ground sign (six feet).
8. Any temporary sign located on a kiosk.
1199. Signs prohibiting trespassing and other incidental signs conveying noncommercial messages essential to the proper operation of the site such as “exit only” or similar messages. Any “No Trespassing” sign, prohibiting or restricting access to
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
16 property, provided it is (i) not more than one square foot in size; (ii) placed at each corner and each entrance to the property; and (iii) at intervals of not less than 50 feet or in compliance with the requirements of law.
10. One identification sign of no more than one square foot for a residence.
111. Any parking lot or other private traffic directional sign not to exceed two square feet in area having black letters on a white or building color background, and limited to guidance of pedestrian or vehicular traffic within the premises.
12. Any informational commercial signs within the premises of a place of business located at the opening in the façade of the business or at least 10 feet back from any window provided the sign (i) is in a nonresidential zone; (ii) has an aggregate area (when combined with all other similar signs on the parcel) of not more than one-and-onehalf square feet at each public entrance nor more than five square feet total; (iii) indicates address, hours and days of operation, whether a business is open or closed, credit information, and emergency address and telephone numbers. Lettering shall not exceed two inches in height except for street numbers. Neon or light-emitting diode (LED) signs with the text “open” may be erected under this exemption subject to the following conditions: (i) no more than one such sign may be erected per business; (ii) the letter height of any such sign shall not exceed six inches and the overall height of the sign shall not exceed 12 inches; and (iii) such signs are not allowed in El Pueblo Viejo, unless the
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
17 sign is located inside the building and at least 10 feet back from any window or other opening in the façade of the building.
13. Any street name and address stamped or painted on a sidewalk or curb.
14. Any civic event sign, except a banner. Such a sign shall be removed within 24 hours after the time of the event, shall not exceed 24 square feet in size and may be erected for a period not to exceed five days out of any 30-day period. Only one such sign shall be erected per lot.
15. Temporary open house signs. One on-site open house sign may be erected on each street frontage of the property that is for sale. Each face of an on-site open house sign shall have an area of three square feet or less, and the height of the onsite open house sign, including the supporting structure, shall not exceed four feet. Open house signs erected pursuant to this confors exemption shall contain only the address of the property where the open house is being held and the name of the real estate agent and/or real estate agency or party holding the open house. Open house signs may be single-faced or double-faced. Open house signs shall be erected and removed on the day the open house is held. Open house signs shall not be fastened or attached in any way to a building façade or architectural element.
a. On-Site Open House Signs. Pursuant to this exemption, one on-site open house sign may be erected on each street frontage of the property that is for
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
18 sale. Each face of an on-site open house sign shall have an area of three square feet or less, and the height of the on-site open house sign, including the supporting structure, shall not exceed four feet.
b. Off-Site Open House Signs. In addition to the on-site open house sign(s) allowed pursuant to this exemption, a maximum of five off-site open house signs may be erected. Each face of an off-site open house sign shall have an area of three square feet or less, and the height of the off-site open house sign, including the supporting structure, shall not exceed three feet. Off-site open house signs shall not be erected on private property without the permission of the property owner. In addition to complying with the requirements listed above applicable to off-site open house signs, offsite open house signs may be erected within the public right-of-way if such signs comply with all of the following standards:
(1) Signs shall not be erected in a manner which obstructs the pedestrian path of travel or which constitutes a hazard to pedestrians or vehicular traffic;
(2) Signs shall not be placed on vehicles;
(3) Signs shall not be placed in street medians; and
(4) Decorative attachments (i.e., balloons, streamers, etc.) shall not be attached to any sign.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
19 16. Any sign on a telephone booth or newsrack, provided the sign (i) identifies only the product contained therein or displays operating instructions, and (ii) the lettering does not exceed two inches in height.
17. Flags flown on a temporary basis for purposes of honoring national or civic holidays which do not exceed eight feet long in largest dimension. No more than two flags may be flown pursuant to this exemption on a single parcel. 178. The official flag of a government, governmental agency, public institution, religion, corporation, business, or other similar entity; and temporary displays of patriotic, religious, charitable, civic character. Only one flag pole with a maximum height of 25 feet and with a maximum dimension on the flag of eight feet and which is not attached to the building shall be exempt. No more than two flags may be flown pursuant to this exemption on a single parcel. Corporate or business flags displaying the emblem, name, logo, or other information of a business shall be included in the calculation of the maximum allowable sign area for the business.
19. Signs, except banners, announcing the opening of a new business which, in the aggregate, do not exceed 10 square feet in area or 25% of the window area, whichever is greater. Such signs shall be erected no more than 30 days prior to the scheduled opening of the business and shall be removed no later than 30 days after the opening of the business, but in no case shall such a sign be erected for more than 45 days within this period. The business owner or manager shall provide proof of opening date upon request.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
20 1820. Temporary window signs, except banners, not exceeding four square feet or 15% of the window area of each facade, whichever is greater. For windows which are more than 25 feet from the public right-of-way, such signs shall not exceed 25% of such window area. No temporary window signs on a building or parcel shall be displayed for more than 30 consecutive days nor more than a total of 60 days per calendar year. Signs erected pursuant to this exemption shall not be illuminated. Unless specifically exempt pursuant to this Subsection B, any illuminated sign erected within 10 feet of a window, door, or other opening in the façade of a building in a manner so as to present a message to or attract the attention of the public on adjoining streets, walkways, malls, or parking lots available for public use shall require a permit. 1921. Signs specifically required by federal, state, or City law, of the minimum size required.
202. Signs on the air operation side of the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport which are designed and oriented to provide information to aircraft. 213. A sign, such as a menu, which (i) shows prices of goods or services not on window display to the public; (ii) does not exceed 24 inches by 18 inches; (iii) has letters and numbers not exceeding three-quarters (3/4) of an inch in height; and (iv) is located on a wall or in a window.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
21 22. Signs on public transit vehicles designed to transport at least 19 passengers. No more than one sign may be displayed on each side of these vehicles, except as approved by the Sign Committee.
235. Temporary “Garage Sale” or other similar signs located only on the premises upon which the sale is occurring.
246. Digital displays on gasoline pumps, provided the digital displays conform to all of the following standards:
a. Each digital display shall not measure more than 26 inches on the diagonal;
b. Each digital display is integrated into the face of the gasoline pump and is not a stand-alone display;
c. No more than one digital display is erected on each face of a gasoline pump;
d. The luminance of each digital display shall not exceed 1500 nits;
e. Any audio associated with a digital display shall not exceed 65 dB, measured at the nearest property line, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and 55 dB, measured at the nearest property line, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.; and
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
22 f. No digital display shall be installed within 25 feet of any property zoned exclusively for residential use.
257. Digital displays on automated teller machines (ATMs), provided, (i) the digital display only displays the name of the financial institution that operates the ATM and the instructions for operating the ATM and (ii) the lettering does not exceed two inches in height.
26. Off-site signs. A temporary off-site sign may be placed within the public right-of-way only in compliance with all the following requirements:
a. Signs may be placed only in the parkway area, as defined under section 10.04.070 of this Code.
b. Sign may be placed only on weekends during the 42 hour period from 6:00 a.m. Saturday to Sunday 11:59 pm.
c. Signs shall not be placed in a manner that obstructs a sidewalk, curb ramp, or other pedestrian path of travel. d. Signs must not extend higher than 42 inches above the ground and must not have an area greater than six square feet. e. Signs must be free standing and not attached or locked to trees, signs, utility poles, or street furniture.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
23 f. Off-site signs are prohibited within the boundaries of the El Pueblo Viejo Landmark district due to the high pedestrian traffic and lack of parkway space.
g. The City may remove any signs placed in the in violation of any of the requirements of this section. Any signs removed by the City will be stored by the City. The owner of any removed sign may retrieve a removed sign within 90 days from the date of removal. After 90 days, the City may destroy or dispose of any unclaimed sign.
C. PROHIBITED SIGNS. In addition to any sign not conforming to the provisions of this Chapter, the following signs are prohibited:
1. The City has a compelling interest in ensuring traffic and public safety.
To directly advance that interest, this Ordinance prohibits any signs that include the following:
aA. Any sign which, by color, shape, working, or location, resembles or conflicts with any traffic control sign or device.
b.B Signs attached or placed adjacent to any utility pole, traffic sign post, traffic signal, historical marker, or any other official traffic control device.
Cc. Any sign, except as may be required by other code or ordinance, placed or maintained so as to interfere with free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
24 Dd. Signs that rotate, move, glare, flash, reflect.
eE. Signs that create a hazard by obstructing clear views of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
fF. Signs that impede normal pedestrian use of public sidewalks.
24. Signs erected on public or private property without the permission of the property owner.
3. Signs erected in the public right of way. Other than official government signs or hazard or prohibition signs required by law, or the exception allowed under section 22.70.030 (B)(26), no sign can be placed in or project into the public right-of-way.
This prohibition does not apply to other public agencies placement of signs in the course and scope of their professional duties such as the California Department of Transportation.
5. Signs visible from the public street or parking lot attached to or placed on merchandise or materials stored or displayed outdoors except for parking lot sales of less than four days in duration.
6. Signs that rotate, move, glare, flash, change, reflect, blink, or appear to do any of the foregoing, except time and temperature devices and digital displays otherwise exempted by this Chapter.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
25 7. Off-premises signs, including billboards, except off-site open house signs erected in compliance with the standards specified in paragraph B.15 of this Section and digital displays erected in compliance with the standards specified in paragraph B.26 of this Section.
4. Billboards or off premise signs.
58. Any sign that contains obscene matters, as defined in Section 311 of the Penal Code of the State of California or incites violence or promotes other illegal activity. displaying obscene, indecent, or immoral matter as defined under the California Penal Code.
69. Signs on awnings or canopies except on the valance.
10. Signs that create a hazard by obstructing clear views of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
711. Portable signs.
812. Mobile signs.
913. Any sign (generally known as a “snipe sign”) tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences, or the exterior of a building or other structure, where the information appearing thereon is not applicable to the present use of the premises upon which such sign is located. Whenever a sign is
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
26 found so placed, the same shall constitute prima facie evidence that the person benefited by the sign placed or authorized the placement of the sign. 104. Bench signs.
115. Banners, including any banner inside a building that is attached to, leaning against, or otherwise placed within 10 feet of a window, door, or other opening in the façade of the building in a manner so as to present a message to or attract the attention of the public on adjoining streets, walkways, malls or parking lots available for public use.
126. Roof signs and any other graphics which extend, wholly or in part, above the eave line of the structure to which it is attached. 137. Any parapet or pergola sign placed above or partially above the parapet or pergola.
1418. Logo signs with courtesy panels.
1519. Pennants.
1620. Signs which cover or interrupt architectural features.
21. Signs containing changeable copy, except theater marquee signs, business directories, church and museum signs, gas price signs and restaurant interior menu boards.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
27 1722. Historical markers placed on the structure, tree or other historical monument itself, except as approved by the Historic Landmarks Commission. 1823. Pole signs.
19.24. Exposed cabinet/raceways behind channel letters. 205. Inflatable signs, except for balloon displays exempted by this Chapter.
216. Unless otherwise exempted by this Chapter, digital displays, including any digital display inside a building that is attached to, leaning against, or otherwise placed within 10 feet of a window, door, or other opening in the façade of the building in a manner so as to present a message to or attract the attention of the public on adjoining streets, walkways, malls or parking lots available for public use.
D. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
1. No sign, other than a sign installed by a public agency, shall be allowed to be erected, installed, placed or maintained in or on any public property, including sidewalks and parkways., except off-site open house signs erected in compliance with the standards specified in paragraph B.15 of this Section.
2. Churches, schools, and other public or semi-public facilities may have one on-site sign not exceeding 18 square feet in any area, provided that, except for the
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
28 name of the premises, the lettering shall not exceed three inches in height, and such signs in residential zones shall not be internally illuminated.
23. Any sign which is supported by more than one means and therefore cannot be clearly defined as a ground, marquee, wall, roof, projecting or other sign shall be administratively assigned to the sign category most logically applicable and be subject to the corresponding standards.
34. Accessory signs will be considered only if they are designed in conjunction with or made an integral part of the signing existing on the subject building or project. Said signs shall not exceed 25% of the building’s total signage.
45. A temporary window sign in excess of four square feet, or 15% of the window area of each façade, whichever is greater, requires a permit, unless the sign is otherwise exempt from the permit requirements of this Chapter. For a window which is more than 25 feet from the public right-of-way, such a sign shall not exceed 25% of the window area. Such signs shall not be displayed for more than 30 consecutive days nor for more than a total of 60 days per calendar year. Unless specifically exempted in Subsection B of this Section, all illuminated signs erected within 10 feet of a window, door, or other opening in the façade of a building in a manner so as to present a message to or attract the attention of the public on adjoining streets, walkways, malls, or parking lots available for public use shall require a permit.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
29 56. Only one face of a double-faced sign with parallel opposing faces, and bearing identical copy or language translation, shall be used in computing the area of a sign. Signing and illumination shall be on two opposing faces only.
67. In order to calculate the size of a sign, the following provisions apply:
a. If the sign is enclosed by a box or outline, the area of the sign includes that portion of the sign comprised of said box or outline. b. If the sign consists of individual letters attached directly to the building or wall, the size is calculated by drawing a rectangle around each line of copy. c. If the sign is a ground sign, the base or support structure shall be included in calculating the height of the sign.
78. If a building consists of two or more above-ground stories, no sign shall be allowed more than five feet, six inches (5′6″) above the second floor line or in conformance with paragraph 11 below, where applicable.
89. Prior to issuance of a sign permit, a ground sign shall be approved by the traffic engineer to ensure that placement of the sign would not adversely affect traffic or pedestrian safety.
910. A non-temporary window sign shall be not larger than 25% of the window area of the façade on which it is displayed.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
30 101. A wall sign may be attached flat against or pinned away from the wall. A wall sign placed in the space between windows on the same story shall not exceed more than two-thirds (2/3) of the height of the window, or major architectural details related thereto. A wall sign placed between windows on adjacent stories shall not exceed two-thirds (2/3) the height of the space between said windows. 112. A projecting or hanging sign must clear the nearest sidewalk by a minimum of seven feet and may project no more than four feet into the public right-ofway. Such a sign for a business in the second story of a building is allowed only if the business has a separate street or public parking lot entrance and may be placed at the entrance only.
123. A device displaying time or temperature is permitted in all zones except residential zones and designated historic districts, subject to the provisions herein regulating various types of signs. Such devices are limited to one per block. Only a logo is allowed to appear on the same structure as such a device. 134. A kiosk is permitted in all nonresidential zones, subject to approval by the Sign Committee and (i) the Historic Landmarks Commission if within El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District or another landmark district, or (ii) the Architectural Board of Review in other parts of the City.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
31 145. A relocated sign shall be considered to be a new sign, unless the relocation is required by a public agency as a result of a public improvement, in which case approval shall be obtained only for the new location and base of the sign. 156. Except as otherwise stated in this Chapter, letter height shall be limited to a maximum of 12 inches, except where it can be found that said letter size is inconsistent with building size, architecture and setback from the public right-of-way. 167. A ground sign which exceeds six square feet in area shall not be located within 75 feet of any other ground sign.
178. All signs on parcels immediately adjacent to El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District are subject to El Pueblo Viejo regulations.
18. Gas pricing signs, as required by state law, which identify the brand, types, octane rating, etc., of gasoline for sale within the City. The Committee retains the ability to review any signage beyond state law on advertising and labeling requirements.
E. ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES. The Community Development Director or their designee may prepare administrative guidelines for implementation of this Chapter. The administrative guidelines may include additional terms and requirements for the submission of applications, and issuance of permits that are consistent with the provisions of this Chapter. The administrative guidelines and amendments thereto shall become effective upon approval by the City Administrator. All such administrative
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
32 guidelines must be in writing and made available on the Community Development Department’s City website.
22.70.040 Sign Standards.
A. GENERAL REQUIREMENT. All signs shall conform to the following standards.
1. Residential Uses. The following sign standards shall apply to any residential use in any zone in the City:
a. An apartment or condominium project identification sign identifying an apartment or condominium complex by name or address. One such sign shall be allowed for each complex, shall not exceed 10 square feet in size if less than 25 units, nor 25 square feet if larger than 25 units, and shall not be internally illuminated. b. The Sign Committee may authorize one ground sign or wall sign, not to exceed an area of 24 square feet, to identify a neighborhood or subdivision, other than an apartment or condominium project, at the entrance to such subdivision or neighborhood. Such sign shall not be internally illuminated. c. Any existing legal nonconforming use in a residential zone may have one-half (½) the number and size of signs as are allowed in commercial zones.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
33 2. Office Uses. The following sign standards shall apply to office uses in any zone:
a. The aggregate area for all signs identifying a building or complex shall not exceed one-half (½) square foot of sign area per linear foot of building frontage or 20 square feet, whichever is less.
b. Establishments within an office building or complex may collectively place a directory sign at each public entrance to said building listing establishments within.
c. An office complex which maintains a group identity shall submit to the Sign Committee a sign program for all signs proposed within the complex. Upon approval, the sign program shall apply to all tenants. This sign program shall be included as a provision in the lease for each individual tenant. Proof of said inclusion in the standard lease for the office complex shall be submitted to the Planning Division by the lessor.
3. Commercial, Office and Industrial Center Uses. The following sign standards shall apply to commercial and industrial uses, including hotels and motels in any zone:
a. The total area for all signs identifying a business shall not exceed the following:
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
34 (1) For a dominant building frontage up to 100 linear feet, one square foot of sign area per linear foot of building frontage, or 65 square feet, whichever is less.
(2) For a dominant building frontage with more than 100 linear feet, three-quarters (3/4) square foot of sign area per linear foot of dominant building frontage or 90 square feet, whichever is less.
(3) For a building occupied by more than one tenant, the dominant building frontage for each business is that portion of the building elevation adjacent to the business. For a business which is not on the ground floor, one-half (½) square foot of sign area per linear foot of dominant building frontage is permitted. b. For a commercial or industrial complex containing four or more occupants, the following sign standards apply:
(1) One sign per frontage to identify the commercial or industrial complex, allowing one square foot of sign area per linear foot of complex frontage or 75 square feet, whichever is less, on the dominant facade. (2) For each individual business with frontage on a public street or parking lot, one-half (½) square foot of sign area per linear foot or 25 square feet, whichever is less.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
35 (3) One directory sign not exceeding 10 square feet in size may be allowed at each public entrance.
(4) A commercial or industrial complex which maintains a group identity shall submit to the Sign Committee a sign program for all signs proposed within the complex. Upon approval, the sign program shall apply to all tenants. This sign program shall be included in the lease for each individual tenant. Proof of said inclusion shall be submitted to the Planning Division by the lessor.
B. EL PUEBLO VIEJO LANDMARK DISTRICT. Signs in El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District (EPV) shall contribute to the retention or restoration of the historical character of the area. In addition to the other standards and restrictions in this Chapter, signs in EPV shall comply with the following:
1. Colors shall be consistent with the Hispanic Spanish Colonial Revival/ Mediterranean styles specified in Chapter 30.57.
2. The typeface used on all signs in EPV shall be consistent with the Hispanic Spanish Colonial Revival/ Mediterranean styles specified in Chapter 30.57, except that where the business logo or trademark uses a particular typeface, it may be used.
3. Letter height shall be limited to a maximum height of 10 inches, except where it can be found that said letter size is inconsistent with building size, architecture, and setback from the public right-of-way.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
36 4. No internally illuminated signs, except back-lit signs, are allowed.
Traditional materials and methods are to be used as defined in Chapter 22.70 and described in Subsection B.5 below. Internally illuminated projecting cabinet signs are prohibited.
5. The choice of materials is left to the discretion of the applicant, subject to the approval of the Sign Committee; however, the following materials and/or methods are acceptable and desirable:
a. Sign face, supports, and standards made of resawn or rough sawn wood and/or wrought iron with painted or stained backgrounds and lettering. b. Sign face, supports, and standards made of smooth wood trimmed with moldings of historically based design and lettering. c. Signs painted directly on the face of the building.
d. Projecting signs.
e. Use of wood cutouts, wrought iron, or other metal silhouettes further identifying the business.
f. Glass.
g. Lighting standards and style typical of the building’s architecture and period.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
37 h. Flush or inset mounted signs of tile or stone.
6. The following materials and details are not acceptable:
a. Contemporary finish materials such as plastics, aluminum, and stainless steel.
b. Imitation wood or imitation marble.
c. Fluorescent paint.
d. Spot lights, neon tubing, and exposed electrical conduits on the exterior of any building or structure.
e. Neon tubing, light rope, or similar illuminated displays located within 10 feet of any window (except “open” signs as provided in Section 22.70.030.B.12 and “no vacancy” signs as provided in Subsection B.7 below).
7. For hotels and motels in the El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District (EPV), a single neon “No Vacancy” sign shall be allowed if the following conditions are met:
a. Only one double-faced neon “No Vacancy” sign per property or business.
b. Letter size to be three inches maximum height.
c. Tube size to be 12 mm. maximum diameter.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
38 d. Neon color to be clear red.
8. Landscaping.
a. Landscaping in EPV shall conform to the El Pueblo Viejo Guidelines’ list of preferred plants.
b. Low shrubs or dense ground cover is required to conceal nondecorative lighting fixtures. c. Irrigation plans shall be included where applicable.
22.70.050 Sign Permits.
A. APPLICATION. Any person desiring to construct, maintain or display a sign for which a permit is required shall submit an application to the Planning Division of the Community Development Department. The application shall be made upon forms provided by the Community Development Department and shall be accompanied by the following: materials identified on the application form.
1. Two copies of a plan showing:
a. The position of each sign and its relation to adjacent buildings or structures.
b. The proposed design, size, colors, and location on the premises of each sign including the type and intensity of any proposed lighting.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
39 2. A statement showing the sizes and dimensions of all signs existing on the premises at the time of making such application.
3. Such other information as the Director of the Community Development Department may require to show full compliance with this and all other ordinances of the City of Santa Barbara.
4. A written authorization to submit the sign permit application signed by the property owner or lessee.
1. The substitution of the message in a Sign previously permitted by the City may be made without any additional approval, permitting, registration, or other notice to the City. This provision prevents any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over non-commercial speech or favoring any noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message.
B. FEES. The sign permit application shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee established by the City Council by resolution. If installation of a sign is commenced before an application for a permit is made or before the plans are approved by the Sign Committee, the applicant shall be charged an additional field inspection fee equal to the permit fee.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
40 C. PROCESSING APPLICATIONS.
1. Community Development Department staff shall review the application and accept it as complete or reject it as incomplete within three working days from the date of filing.
2. No sign permit application will be accepted if:
a. The applicant has installed a sign in violation of the provisions of this Chapter and, at the time of the submission of the application, each illegal sign has not been legalized, removed or included in the application; or b. Any sign under the control of the applicant on the premises of the proposed sign was installed in violation of this Chapter and at the time of submission of the application, each illegal sign has not been legalized, removed or included in the application; or
c. The sign permit application is substantially the same as an application previously denied by staff or the Sign Committee or, on appeal, by the Historic Landmarks Commission, the Architectural Board of Review, or the City Council, unless:
(1) 12 months have elapsed from the date of the final
decision on the application; or
(2) New evidence or proof of changed conditions is
furnished in the new application.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
41 3. Assignment of Level of Review. Community Development staff will review each sign permit application and assign each complete application to one of two review categories: Conforming Review or Full Committee Review. Sign permit applications will be assigned to Conforming Review based on the criteria found in Subsection E of this Section. Sign permit applications that are not assigned to conforming review will be assigned to Full Committee Review including applications that involve multiple exception requests, a large number of signs, or a large volume of signage.
D. BUILDING AND ELECTRICAL PERMITS. After a sign has been approved by the Sign Committee, the applicant shall obtain all required building and electrical permits from the Building and Safety Division of the Community Development Department.
E. CONFORMING SIGN REVIEW.
1. Sign Conformance Determination. Applications which meet the following criteria shall be referred by Staff for Conforming Review:
a. Signs where the size, shape, color, placement, and any lighting of the sign are consistent with adopted guidelines;
b. Signs located within El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District that comply with the requirements of Section 22.70.040.B and would be compatible with the required architectural style described in Section 30.57.030;
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
42 c. Minor wording, name, color and/or face changes which do not affect the character or location of a sign;
d. Signs for a commercial or industrial complex where a previously approved sign program is in effect and the proposed sign conforms to the program; e. Thirty (30) day extension of temporary signage;. Extension of temporary signage for an additional thirty days requires Full Committee Review. No more than two thirty-day extensions can be granted by the Committee. f. Conceptually approved signs, if all Committee conditions are met; and
g. Awning signs.
2. Conforming Review. Conforming reviews are conducted by the Chair of the Sign Committee, the Vice-Chair of the Sign Committee, or a designated alternate.
If the conforming reviewer cannot approve an application, the conforming reviewer shall refer the application to Full Committee Review.
F. FULL COMMITTEE REVIEW. Full Committee Review is conducted by a quorum of the Sign Committee. The Sign Committee shall take action to approve, conditionally approve or deny an application within 21 days from the date of acceptance thereof. If no action is taken by the Sign Committee within said period or within any extension approved by the applicant, the application shall be deemed approved as
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
43 submitted, provided the proposed sign otherwise complies with the provisions of this Chapter. After initial review, the Committee may refer all or a portion of an application to Conforming Review, if the Committee deems it appropriate.
G. STANDARD OF REVIEW AND FINDINGS. Conforming Review and Full Committee Review are conducted using the review criteria provided in Subsection H below and making the findings required in Subsection I of this Section.
H. SIGN REVIEW CRITERIA.
1. In reviewing a sign permit application, the Sign Committee or the conforming reviewer shall apply the following criteria as the basis for action:
a. The sign shall be in proportion with and visually consistent with the architectural character of the building.
b. The sign shall not constitute needless repetition, redundancy or proliferation of signing.There is no proliferation of signage. bc. The location of the proposed sign and the design of its visual elements (lettering, colors, decorative motif, spacing and proportion) shall result in a sign which is legible under normal viewing conditions existing at the sign’s proposed location. cd. The sign shall not obscure from view or unduly detract from existing signing.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
44 de. If the proposed sign will be adjacent to, in or near a residential area, it shall be harmonious and compatible with the residential character of the area. ef. The size, shape, color and placement of the sign and any lighting shall be compatible to and harmonious with the building which it identifies and with the area in which it will be located.
fg. If the sign is to be located in El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District, the sign shall comply with the requirements of Section 22.70.040.B and shall be compatible with the required architectural style described in Section 30.57.030.
2. If a sign permit application satisfies the above criteria and complies with the other provisions of this Chapter, it shall be approved.
3. Sign Committee or the conforming reviewer shall conduct their review in a content-neutral manner and the purview of their review shall be limited to the criteria in this subsection. A non-commercial message of any type may be substituted, in whole or in part, for any duly permitted commercial message; and any non-commercial message may be substituted for any non-commercial message. Moreover, review is limited to a sign’s physical attributes. Only regulation such as size, height, dimension, placement and manner of construction is considered.
I. FINDINGS. If a sign permit application is denied, specific and detailed findings setting forth the reasons why the proposed sign violates the criteria set forth
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
45 above or other provisions of this Chapter shall be prepared in writing and mailed to the applicant or his or her agent and sign contractor within seven days.
J. APPEALS. The applicant or any interested person may appeal decisions concerning sign permit applications as follows:
1. Appeals to the Architectural Board of Review or the Historic Landmarks Commission. Any action of the Sign Committee or of the Division staff may be appealed by the applicant or any interested party to the Architectural Board of Review or, if the sign is in El Pueblo Viejo Landmark District or if the sign is proposed on a site that is a designated historic resource or potential historic resource, to the Historic Landmarks Commission. Said appeal shall be in writing, shall state reasons for the appeal and shall be filed with the staff of the Architectural Board of Review or the Historic Landmarks Commission within 10 days of the meeting at which the decision being appealed was rendered. A hearing shall be held by the Architectural Board of Review or the Historic Landmarks Commission, as appropriate, at the first available meeting of the Architectural Board of Review or the Historic Landmarks Commission following the filing of the appeal.
a. Notice of Appeal. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be sent to the applicant and appellant no later than five days prior to said hearing.
The Board or Commission may affirm, reverse or modify the decision of the Sign Committee or staff concerning the sign permit application. Said action shall take place within 28 days from the date of the filing of the appeal. Failure to act within said period
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
46 will result in the sign permit application being deemed approved to the extent that it complies with the provisions of this Chapter. Upon such an automatic approval, the Building and Safety Division shall issue the permit. No member of the Board or Commission who is also a member of the Sign Committee and who participated in the decision of the Sign.
b. Limits on New Evidence. The Architectural Board of Review or the Historic Landmarks Commission will decide the appeal in the exercise of its independent judgment based upon a review of the record of the proceedings before the Sign Committee. New evidence will not be considered unless the Architectural Board of Review or the Historic Landmarks Commission determines that relevant evidence exists that, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, could not have been produced or was improperly excluded at the hearing before the Sign Committee.
2. Appeal to the City Council. An appeal to the City Council from the decision of the Architectural Board of Review or the Historic Landmarks Commission shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Section 1.30.050 of this Code. a. Limit of New Evidence. The City Council will decide the appeal in the exercise of its independent judgment based upon the record of the proceedings of the Architectural Board of Review or the Historic Landmarks Commission. New evidence will not be considered unless the City Council determines that relevant evidence exists that, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, could not have been produced or was
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
47 improperly excluded at the hearing before the Architectural Board of Review or the Historic Landmarks Commission.
K. EXPIRATION OF PENDING APPLICATION. Signs must be installed within six months of the date of approval or the approval is void, unless the applicant has requested and received an extension not exceeding six months from the Community Development Director.
22.70.060 Revocation of Sign Permits.
A. GROUNDS. Any permit issued under this Chapter may be revoked by order of the City Council when it is shown by substantial evidence that:
1. The permit was issued without or in excess of the authority provided in this Chapter. Permittee shall be compensated for any and all costs incurred as a result of said revocation to the extent it occurs through no fault of the permittee.
2. The application for a permit contained any material misrepresentation of fact.
B. HEARING. Prior to revoking a sign permit, the City Council shall hold a hearing concerning said revocation. Written notice of said hearing shall be given to the permittee not less than 10 days prior to the date of said hearing. Following the hearing, if the City Council revokes the sign permit, it shall adopt findings setting forth the basis for its decision. The findings shall be mailed to the permittee.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
48 22.70.070 Exceptions.
A. APPLICATION. When a person desires to erect a sign which does not comply with the provisions of this Chapter, he or she shall file an application for an exception. An application for an exception shall be filed with a sign permit application, shall be accompanied by a fee established by the City Council by resolution, shall state the specific section or sections of this Chapter which the applicant desires to have waived, and shall state the grounds for the exception.
B. GROUNDS. Before an exception may be granted, the following shall be shown:
1. There are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the property involved, or to the intended use of the property, that do not apply generally to other properties in the vicinity.
2. The granting of the exception will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the properties or improvements in the vicinity.
3. The proposed sign is in conformance with the stated purpose and intent of the Sign Ordinance.
C. HEARING. A hearing on the exception application shall be held by the Sign Committee prior to considering the sign permit application. The time limits for the Sign
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
49 Committee’s action shall be the same as those set forth in Section 22.70.050.F of this Chapter.
D. APPEAL. The provisions for the appeal of the decision of the Sign Committee concerning an exception application shall be the same as those set forth in Section 22.70.050.J.
22.70.080 Non-Conforming Signs.
A. Every on-site sign that becomes nonconforming as a result of this Ordinance shall not be required to be removed, except as provided for in California Business & Professions Code Sections 5492, 5493, 5495 and 5497.
DEFINITION. Every sign legally in existence on the effective date of (1) the ordinance adopting this Chapter; or (2) any ordinance amending this Chapter, which violates or does not conform to the provisions of such ordinance or any such amendment, shall be a “nonconforming sign.”
B. GENERAL PROVISIONS. A nonconforming sign may not be:
1. Changed to another nonconforming sign.
2. Structurally altered so as to extend its useful life.
3. Expanded.
4. Relocated.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
50 C. REMOVAL.
1. A sign which does not conform to the provisions of this Chapter, but which legally existed and was maintained on January 1, 1976, and which did not conform to provisions of the Sign Ordinance in effect at that time shall be removed or made to conform within 180 days after written notice from the Community Development Department. Said 180-day period shall be extended in the following circumstances:
a. The owner of a nonconforming sign submits to the Community Development Department a declaration signed under penalty of perjury, on a form provided by the Community Development Department, stating that he or she intends to terminate the business identified by said sign within 12 months of the date of the notice from the Community Development Department.
b. The owner agrees in writing, on a form provided by the Community Development Department, to voluntarily remove said sign upon the expiration of the 12-month period described in paragraph (a) above or the date he or she terminates his or her business, whichever occurs first, and further agrees as consideration for this further extension of time to remove said sign(s) to waive any and all rights he or she may have to challenge the validity of the provisions of this Section.
2. A sign which becomes nonconforming upon the effective date of (i) the ordinance by which this Chapter is adopted, or (ii) an ordinance amending this Chapter shall be removed or made to conform within
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
51 60 days after written notice by the Community Development Department upon change of use of the premises.
3. Exceptions to the provisions of this Section shall be granted by the Sign Committee upon the application of any owner of an on-site sign who presents substantial evidence showing the following:
a. There are exceptional circumstances applicable to the property on which the nonconforming sign is located, including size, shape, topography, location, or surroundings which make it practically impossible to effectively identify the property to the public if strict application of all the provisions of this Chapter is required; or b. The original cost of the sign has not been fully amortized for tax purposes under Section 167 of the Internal Revenue Code by the sign’s original owner.
Such exception shall only be granted until completion of amortization pursuant to Section 167. Request for such extension shall be supported by legal documents, sworn statements, affidavits or other documents clearly establishing the need for additional time to amortize the original cost of the sign; or
c. The sign possesses unique features which make it a significant part of the historical heritage of the area in which it is located.
4. Denial of a request for an exception may be appealed pursuant to the provisions of Section 22.70.050.J.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
52 22.70.090 Non-Current Abandoned, Unsafe, or Illegal or Unsafe Signs.
A. ABANDONED NON-CURRENT SIGNS. Any abandoned signs , including its supporting structure, which no longer identifies the current occupant or which otherwise fails to serve its original purpose after a lapse of three months shall be deemed to be a public nuisance and shall be removed by the owner of the property on which it is located upon 310 days written notice by the Community Development Department.
B. UNSAFE SIGNS. All signs shall be properly maintained in a safe and legible condition at all times. Whenever any sign, by virtue of its physical nature and condition, that includes unpermitted electrical work associated with the installation of the sign, poses an immediate and serious threat to the public safety, the sign may be removed by City personnel, or repaired to the satisfaction of the City Any sign that, in the opinion of the City Building Official, is unsafe or insecure shall be deemed a public nuisance and shall be corrected or removed, together with any supporting structure, by the owner of the property on which the sign is located, within 10 days written notice by the Community Development Department.
C. ILLEGAL SIGNS. Any sign, including its supporting structure, which is installed or maintained on private property in violation of this Chapter shall be deemed to be a public nuisance and shall be removed by the owner of the property on which it is located upon 310 days written notice by the Community Development Department.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
53 D. FAILURE TO ABATE. In the event the property owner has not begun removal of the sign and its supporting structure within the time limits set forth in Subsections A, B, and C above, Community Development Department Staff shall cause to be filed for record with the County Recorder a Notice of Intention to Record a Notice of Order to Abate describing the real property, naming the property owner thereof, describing the violation and giving notice of a City Council hearing. Community Development Department Staff shall give written notice by personal delivery or mail to the property owner that the City intends to carry out the removal of the sign and supporting structure and have the cost of said removal be made a charge against the property owner and lien against the property, unless the sign is removed, repaired or reconstructed so as to eliminate the condition that is violative of this Chapter. Community Development Department Staff shall also advise the property owner that he or she has a right to a scheduled hearing before the City Council of the City of Santa Barbara for the purpose of final determination that the sign is non-current, illegal or unsafe as defined under this Section. Said hearing shall begin no later than 30 days after the date of the personal delivery or mailing of the notice and may be continued by the City Council.
E. FINDINGS. Upon completion of the hearing, the City Council shall find as to the fact that the sign is a non-current, illegal or unsafe sign and upon such fact being found shall determine that the sign shall be removed, repaired, or reconstructed by the property owner within a prescribed time or the City shall cause the sign and supporting structure to be removed. Said determination shall be made based upon the evidence presented and a report from the Community Development Director regarding the existing
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
54 condition of the sign, the estimated costs of repair, reconstruction and/or removal. If the City Council makes such a determination, written findings and an order shall be approved.
After said hearing, the City Clerk shall cause to be filed a Notice of Order to Abate with the County Recorder and shall give all parties who have a recorded interest in the property notice of such recordation by mail.
F. DUTIES OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR. The Public Works Director shall, after completion of the hearing and approval of the findings by the City Council that the sign is non-current, illegal or unsafe, and after the failure of property owner to remove, repair or reconstruct the sign within the prescribed time as set forth in the order, obtain the necessary services by contract or by using City forces to carry out the removal of the sign and its supporting structure as directed by the City Council. A record shall be kept of all costs incurred by the City including time spent for the preparation of plans and the supervision of the work to carry out the removal of the sign and supporting structure. Upon completion of said efforts, the Public Works Director shall file a report with the City Council as to the costs incurred. The property owner shall be provided a copy of said report, notice of a hearing before the City Council, and an opportunity to appear before the City Council to be heard regarding the reasonableness of the costs incurred by the City.
G. COSTS TO BE BORNE BY PROPERTY OWNER, PERSON BENEFITTED BY THE SIGN. Upon completion of the hearing before the City Council as to the reasonableness of the costs, the City Council shall determine the reasonable costs incurred by the City to remove the non-current, illegal or unsafe sign and in the case of
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
55 private property, the property owner shall be advised of said amount which shall be due and payable to the City. Upon request of the property owner, the City may agree to a mutually acceptable payment schedule. In the case of signs on public property, the costs of removal shall be borne by the person benefited by the sign.
H. LIEN. In the event the amount determined to be due and payable to the City is not paid within 30 days after the determination by the City Council or as otherwise agreed, said amount shall become a charge against the property involved. The City Administrator shall thereafter cause the amount of said charge to be recorded on the assessment roll as an assessment and lien against and upon the property. Any portion of said assessment remaining unpaid after the due date for payment thereof shall be subject to the penalties and proceedings then in effect for property taxes due within the City of Santa Barbara.
I. INTEREST CHARGES. The City shall be entitled to interest at the rate applicable for unpaid taxes on all costs incurred by the City as determined pursuant to Subsection F of this Section.
JD. SIGNS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY. Any sign, including its supporting structure, which is installed, placed or maintained on public property, other than a sign installed by, or with the permission of a public agency, is illegal and subject to immediate removal by the City. If the owner of the sign is ascertained the City will follow the post removal notice procedures contained in the Personal Property Storage under Section
9.96.050 B. The person benefited by the sign shall receive notice of the violation and
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
56 must remove the sign within the time stated in the notice. If the sign remains at the end of the stated period, the sign will be removed in accordance with the provisions of Section 22.70.090.E. Costs for such removal shall be borne by the person benefited by the sign.
22.70.095 Vending Machines Readily Visible From a Public Right-of-Way.
A. VENDING MACHINES WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY. No owner of real property shall install, operate, or maintain a vending machine which is located on or encroaches within or over a City public right-of-way, such as a City street, sidewalk, paseo, or alleyway except for those machines which encroach in the public right-of-way on the date of the enactment of this amendment to Chapter 22.70, provided that the owner or operator of such an encroaching vending machine obtains a vending machine license agreement pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 9.48 within one year of the adoption of this amendment and provided that such machine dispenses drinking water only.
B. VENDING MACHINES IN A CITY LANDMARK DISTRICT. No owner of real property located within a City Landmark District (as such districts are designated by Chapter 22.22 30.57) shall install, operate, or maintain a vending machine upon such real property under circumstances where the vending machine is readily visible from an area accessible to public.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
57 C. VENDING MACHINES - NONRESIDENTIAL USES.
1. Generally. No owner of real property located outside of a City Landmark District shall install, operate, or maintain a vending machine on such real property under circumstances where the machine is readily visible from an area accessible to the public unless and until the property owner or vending machine operator (or an authorized agent thereof) has obtained the permits required by this Section and has completed the design review and approval required by this Section, where applicable.
No business shall be allowed or permitted to have more than four vending machines at each business location.
2. Residential Properties. No owner of real property used exclusively for residential purposes shall install, operate, or maintain a vending machine upon such property.
D. REVIEW AND ISSUANCE OF VENDING MACHINE PERMITS.
1. Machine Locations with Not More Than Two Vending Machines. A vending machine which is visible from an area readily accessible to the public may be installed, operated, and maintained on real property zoned or being used for nonresidential purposes and located outside of a City Landmark District only under the following circumstances:
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
58 a. No More Than Two Machines. The real property upon which the machine will be located will have no more than two vending machines installed or operated upon the same location at any one time; and
b. Necessary Permits. The owner or operator of the vending machine has obtained a building permit from the City Building and Safety Division and a vending machine sign permit from the City Sign Committee in accordance with the procedures established for sign permits set forth herein; and c. Size and Machine Panel Design. The size, design, and the use of illumination for the vending machine is installed in full compliance with the City’s Outdoor Vending Machine Design Guideline requirements for unscreened vending machines.
d. Signage Illumination. A vending machine may not have signage which is internally illuminated.
2. Machine Locations with More Than Two Vending Machines. A vending machine which is readily visible from an area accessible to the public may be installed, operated, and maintained on nonresidential real property located outside of a City Landmark District where the real property will have more than two vending machines but less than five machines only under the following circumstances:
a. ABR Design Review. The owner or operator of the vending machine has obtained design and screening review and approval from the City
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
59 Architectural Board of Review and the machine is installed in full compliance with the City’s Outdoor Vending Machine Design Guidelines; and
b. Required Permits. The owner or operator of the vending machine has obtained both a building permit from the City Division of Building and Safety and a sign permit in accordance with the procedures established for sign permits set forth herein from the City Sign Committee for the machine; and c. Compliance with Conditions of Approval. The vending machine is installed and maintained in accordance with any conditions of approval issued by either the Sign Committee or the ABR in connection with the approved permits or design review. d. Automobile Service Station Locations. The real property is not being used as a gasoline service or automobile service station.
3. Vending Machines in a Shopping, Office, or Industrial Center. Vending machines located on real property being used as a Commercial, Office, or Industrial Complex (as defined in Section 22.70.020.I) may be permitted only pursuant to a Complex Vending Machine Program approved by the Sign Committee in a manner similar to the Sign Committee’s review and approval of Complex Sign Programs pursuant to Section 22.70.040.A.3.b and where such machines are designed and located in accordance with the City’s Outdoor Vending Machine Design Guidelines.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
60 E. OUTDOOR VENDING MACHINE DESIGN GUIDELINES.
1. Adoption of Machine Design and Locational Guidelines. Within 30 days of the adoption of the ordinance enacting this Section, the City Council shall approve Outdoor Vending Machine Design Guidelines which shall be approved pursuant to a resolution of the City Council.
2. Exceptions to Guideline Requirements. Upon the written request of an applicant for an outdoor vending machine permit, the Sign Committee, or, where applicable, the City’s Architectural Board of Review may grant appropriate exceptions to the Outdoor Vending Machine Design Guidelines provided that all of the following grounds for the exception are determined to be applicable:
a. There are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the real property involved which do not apply generally to other real properties in the vicinity.
b. The granting of the exception will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the properties or improvements in the vicinity. c. The proposed vending machine installation is in conformance with the stated purpose and general intent of the Outdoor Vending Machine Design Guidelines and this Chapter.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
61 d. A public benefit will be derived from the proposed outdoor vending machine location and a hardship otherwise exists due to the physical constraints of the site which make the strict application of City vending machine requirements impractical or not readily feasible.
F. COMPLIANCE ESTABLISHED BY VENDING MACHINE PERMIT STICKER.
Compliance with the requirements of this Section shall be conclusively established by the City’s issuance of an appropriate permit sticker which shall be posted or affixed to and maintained on the permitted vending machine by the operator thereof and which shall serve as conclusive proof of compliance with the requirements of this Section.
G. VENDING MACHINES INSTALLED PRIOR TO ADOPTION. Except with respect to the prohibition on internally illuminated signage contained in paragraph D.1.d of this Section, the requirements of this Section (including the Outdoor Vending Machine Design Guidelines) shall be applicable to any vending machines installed prior to the adoption of the ordinance enacting this Section upon the expiration of one year after the effective date of the ordinance. Permit applicants may be granted additional time for compliance with the requirements of this Chapter (not to exceed one year) by the Community Development Director upon a showing by the applicant of due diligence in seeking to obtain the permits and design review required by this Chapter.
H. APPEALS. A decision of the Sign Committee or a decision of the Architectural Board of Review made pursuant to this Section may be appealed in accordance with the applicable appeal procedures of Section 22.70.050.J.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
62 I. DEFINITION OF “READILY VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC.” For the purposes of this Section, the phrase “readily visible to the public” shall mean that a majority of the face panel of a vending machine can typically, reasonably, and usually be observed by an average person standing or traveling upon a City public right-of-way or visible from a parking or other area generally open for public use, including those vending machines which are located indoors but visible and less than four feet from a window. Where necessary whether a machine is “readily visible to the public” may be determined by the Community Development Director.
22.70.100 Sign Enforcement and Penalties.
A. ENFORCEMENT.
1. Every sign erected in the City shall be subject to inspection by the Community Development Director, or his or her deputy, to insure compliance with all provisions of the Sign Ordinance.
2. With respect to all signs existing on the effective date of this Chapter, and to all signs constructed, maintained, displayed, or altered after the effective date of this Chapter, it shall be the duty of the Community Development Director to enforce this Chapter.
3. It shall be the duty of the Community Development Director to enforce this Chapter for any signs installed contrary to the approved plans or to any conditions imposed by the Sign Committee.
ATTACHMENT
STAFF DRAFT SHOWING CHANGES
FROM CURRENT CODE 05/13/25
63 4. The Community Development Director or any of his or her deputies shall have the right to enter upon any premises upon which any sign has been erected to enforce compliance with the provisions of this Chapter and to cause the removal of any sign maintained in violation of this Chapter. Whenever a sign is installed, erected or maintained in violation of this Chapter, the same shall constitute prima facie evidence that the person benefited by the sign placed or authorized the placement of the sign and shall be held responsible therefore.
B. PENALTIES. Any person who violates the provisions of this Chapter shall be subject to the procedures and penalties described in Chapters 1.25 and 1.28 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code. Any administrative citation hearing for violations of this Chapter shall be heard by the Sign Committee.
Agenda Item No. 2
File Code No. 120.04
04/29/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 1 of 7
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 29, 2025
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 735 ANACAPA STREET
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Randy Rowse called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. (The Finance Committee and Ordinance Committee met at 12:00 p.m.)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Rowse.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Oscar Gutierrez, Meagan Harmon, Mike Jordan, Wendy Santamaria, Kristen W. Sneddon, Mayor Randy Rowse.
Councilmembers absent: Eric Friedman.
Staff present: City Administrator Kelly McAdoo, City Attorney Sarah J. Knecht, Deputy City Clerk Austin J. Taylor.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. Subject: Fair Housing Month (120.04)
Action: Mayor Rowse presented a proclamation to Andrea Bifano and Laura Dubbels.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
There were no changes to the agenda.
Agenda Item No. 3
File Code No. 000.00
04/29/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 2 of 7 CONSENT CALENDAR (Items Nos. 2, 3, 6, 7)
The title of the Ordinances and Resolutions related to the consent calendar were read.
Motion:
Councilmember Jordan/Harmon to approve the consent calendar as recommended.
Vote:
Unanimous roll call vote (Absent: Councilmember Friedman).
2. Subject: Adoption of an Ordinance Approving a Third Amendment to the Solar Photovoltaic Power Purchase Agreement with Action Energy to Add Rooftop Solar to 117 Harbor Way [Ordinance Adoption] (630.02) Recommendation: That Council adopt, by reading of title only, an Ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Approving and Authorizing the Sustainability and Resilience Director to Execute a Third Amendment to the Power Purchase Agreement with Action Energy to Add 117 Harbor Way to the Properties Subject to the Agreement.
Action: Approved the recommendation; Ordinance No. 6177; Agreement No. 26,365.3.
3. Subject: Proposed Assignment of Lease Agreement No. 24,741 – Shoreline Beach Café, Located at 801 Shoreline Drive [Ordinance Adoption; Agreement] (570.03)
Recommendation: That Council adopt, by reading of title only, an Ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Authorizing the Waterfront Director to Execute the Assignment of Lease Agreement No. 24,741 from Mr. Steven Marsh dba Beachrok, Inc. to Mr. Oliver Pihlar, dba Palacinka LLC, for the Shoreline Beach Café Located at 801 Shoreline Drive, Commencing Upon the Effective Date of the Enabling Ordinance.
Action: Approved the recommendation; Ordinance No. 6178; Agreement No. 24,741.A.
6. Subject: March 2025 Investment Report (260.02)
Recommendation: That Council accept the March 2025 Investment Report.
Action: Approved the recommendation (April 29, 2025, report from the Finance Director).
04/29/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 3 of 7
CONSENT PUBLIC HEARING
7. Subject: Designation of Proposed Development at 531 East Ortega Street (Providence School) as a Community Benefit Project (610.01) Recommendation: That Council designate the proposed project at 531 East Ortega Street as a Community Benefit Project pursuant to Santa Barbara Municipal Code Chapter 30.170 and allocate 883 square feet (net) of additional nonresidential floor area to the project from the Nonresidential Growth Management Program’s Community Priority Project Category.
Document:
- April 29, 2025, report from the Interim Community Development Director.
Public Hearing opened: 2:11 p.m.
Public Hearing closed: 2:12 p.m.
Speakers:
Staff: None.
Members of the Public: None.
Motion:
Councilmember Harmon/Gutierrez to approve the staff recommendation.
Vote:
Unanimous roll call vote (Absent: Councilmember Friedman).
REPORT FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Vice Chair Harmon reported that the Committee heard a report about the upcoming budget hearing.
REPORT FROM THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
Chair Sneddon reported that the Committee heard an ordinance to amend the Municipal Code relating to vessel insurance requirements in the harbor district and unanimously recommended that the ordinance be forwarded to Council.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the Public: Mark Wafford; Liana Martindale; Melissa Horton; Ana Arce; Lyiam Galo; M.J. LaFleur; Howard Green; Jacqueline Inda; Kari Weber. 04/29/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 4 of 7
PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
4. Subject: Amending Chapter 26.50 Regarding Tenant Protection [Ordinance Adoption] (660.01)
Recommendation: That Council adopt by reading of title only, an Ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Amending the Municipal Code by Amending Sections 26.50.040, 26.50.055, and 26.50.070 and the Addition of Section
26.50.090 Relating to Just Cause Evictions.
Documents:
- April 29, 2025, report from the City Attorney.
- Proposed Ordinance.
Speakers:
- Staff: None.
- Members of the public: Fleurette Janigian; Ana Arce; Dave Diaz; Angeliza Sanchez; Stanley Tzankov.
Motion:
Councilmember Santamaria/ Sneddon to adopt the recommendation as made by staff; Ordinance No. 6179.
Vote:
Unanimous roll call vote (Noes: Councilmember Jordan, Mayor Rowse;
Absent: Councilmember Friedman).
5. Subject: Master Environmental Assessment Guidelines Updates for Historic Resources, Archaeological Resources, and Tribal Cultural Resources [Resolution] (610.01)
Recommendation: That Council:
A. Repeal Resolution No. 02-025 of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Adopting the Master Environmental Assessment Guidelines for Archaeological Resources and Historic Structures and Sites (January 2002);
B. Adopt, by reading of title only, a Resolution of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Adopting the Master Environmental Assessment Guidelines for Historic Resources;
C. Adopt, by reading of title only, a Resolution of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Adopting the Master Environmental Assessment Guidelines for Archaeological Resources; and
04/29/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 5 of 7 D. Adopt, by reading of title only, a Resolution of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Adopting the Master Environmental Assessment Guidelines for Tribal Cultural Resources (April 2025).
Documents:
- April 29, 2025, report from the Interim Community Development Director.
- Proposed Resolutions.
Speakers:
- Staff: Project Planner Julia Pujo.
- Members of the public: Eleanor Fishburn.
Motion:
Councilmember Sneddon/Harmon to adopt the recommendation as made by staff; Resolution Nos. 25-044, 25-045, 25-046.
Vote:
Unanimous roll call vote (Absent: Councilmember Friedman).
COUNCILMEMBER COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
None.
CITY COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE AND ATTORNEY REPORTS
AIRPORT DEPARTMENT
8. Subject: Santa Barbara Airport Fixed Base Operator Redevelopment Update (560.01)
Recommendation: That Council:
A. Receive a report on the Fixed Base Operator redevelopment process at the Santa Barbara Airport, including an update on the Request for Proposals timeline, associated challenges, and efforts to ensure a competitive and flexible selection process; and
B. Provide feedback to staff on Council’s preference for weighting the scoring criteria contained in the Request for Proposals, desired community benefits, and other input as needed.
Documents:
- April 29, 2025, report from the Airport Director.
- PowerPoint presentation prepared and made by staff.
04/29/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 6 of 7 Speakers:
- Staff: Airport Director Chris Hastert.
- Members of the public: Troy Scott, Julie Broderick.
Discussion:
- Staff gave Council a presentation regarding the redevelopment process. - Councilmembers’ questions were answered.
- Council gave direction to Staff.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
9. Subject: Access to Legal Counsel Pilot Program Evaluation (610.01) Recommendation: That Council:
A. Receive an update on the Access to Legal Counsel Pilot Program; and B. Direct staff to either terminate the program as of July 31, 2025, or establish it as ongoing and authorize staff to solicit Requests for Proposals for a service provider to operate the program on an ongoing basis.
Documents:
- April 29, 2025, report from the Interim Community Development Director.
- PowerPoint presentation prepared and made by staff.
Speakers:
- Staff: Housing and Human Services Manager Laura Dubbels. - Legal Aid of Santa Barbara County: Executive Director Jennifer Smith. - Members of the public: Ana Arce, Stanley Tzankov.
Discussion:
- Staff gave Council a presentation regarding the Access to Legal Counsel Pilot Program.
- Councilmembers’ questions were answered.
- Council gave direction to Staff.
Motion:
Councilmembers Sneddon/Harmon to direct staff to continue status quo funding for another year while looking into other collaborative program options and developing a Request for Procurement through the Finance Committee.
Vote:
Unanimous roll call vote (Absent: Councilmember Friedman) 04/29/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 7 of 7
COUNCIL AND STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
COUNCILMEMBER ENGAGEMENTS
- Councilmember Gutierrez attended the following meetings or events: 1. Spoke on STESSA Panel; 2. Ribbon Cutting at Ilubia; 3. All Gauchos Reunion; 4. Dinner for Gaucho Alumni Weekend 5. Gauchofest; 6. Earth Day Festival; 7. High School Alumni Aundraiser 8. 100th Anniversary Earthquake at El Paseo; 9. Franklin School Cookout;
10. George Clinton Concert.
- Councilmember Santamaria attended the following meetings or events: 1. Parks & Recreation Commission; 2. Transportation and Circulation Committee; 3. Santa Barbara Foundation Person of the Year Luncheon; 4. Earth Day Festival; 5. Gaucho Reunion Weekend; 6. Cause Action Fund Leadership Awards and Fundraiser. - Councilmember Sneddon attended the following meetings or events: 1. Historic Landmark Commission Meeting; 2. Cachuma Operation and Management Board Meeting 3. Rotary Club Meeting; 4. Earth Day Festival.
- Mayor Rowse attended the following meetings or events: 1. Santa Barbara Foundation Person of the Year Luncheon; 2. Spanish Council General Meeting; 3.
Citizen’s Breakfast for 4th Graders at Laguna Blanca; 4. Santa Barbara Symphony; 5.
Highway 101 Ribbon Cutting; 6. Earth Day Festival; 7. 100th Anniversary Earthquake at El Paseo; 8. Hall of Fame Brunch.
PUBLIC COMMENT (IF NECESSARY)
No one wished to speak.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rowse adjourned the meeting at 4:48 p.m.
Approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Barbara on May 13, 2025.
SANTA BARBARA CITY COUNCIL SANTA BARBARA
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
_______________________________ ATTEST: ______________________________
RANDY ROWSE SARAH GORMAN
MAYOR CITY CLERK SERVICES MANAGER
04/29/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 1 of 2
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
APRIL 29, 2025
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 735 ANACAPA STREET
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Randy Rowse called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Rowse.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Oscar Gutierrez, Meagan Harmon, Mike Jordan, Wendy Santamaria, Kristen W. Sneddon, Mayor Randy Rowse.
Councilmembers absent: Eric Friedman.
Staff present: City Administrator Kelly McAdoo, City Attorney Sarah J. Knecht, Deputy City Clerk Austin J. Taylor.
RECESS
Mayor Rowse recessed to Closed Session at 11:01 a.m. and stated that no reportable action is anticipated.
04/29/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 2 of 2
CLOSED SESSION
1. Subject: Conference with City Attorney – Existing Litigation – Gov. Code §54956.9(d)(1) (160.03)
Recommendation: That Council hold a closed session to consider pending litigation pursuant to subsection (d)(1) of section 54956.9 of the Government Code and take appropriate action as needed.
The pending litigation is Joan Melendez Armontrout, v. City of Santa Barbara, SBSC Case No. 23CV01882.
Scheduling: Duration 30 mins; anytime
Report: None anticipated
Document:
- April 29, 2025 report from the City Attorney.
Time:
- 11:01 a.m. - 11:16 a.m.
No report made.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rowse adjourned the meeting at 11:17 a.m.
Approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Barbara on May 13, 2025.
SANTA BARBARA CITY COUNCIL SANTA BARBARA
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
_______________________________ ATTEST: ______________________________
RANDY ROWSE SARAH GORMAN
MAYOR CITY CLERK SERVICES MANAGER
1 ORDINANCE NO. _______
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA BARBARA AMENDING THE SANTA
BARBARA MUNICIPAL CODE (“SBMC”) BY ADDING
SECTION 17.12.200 RELATING TO VESSEL
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS; AND SECTION
17.12.210 RELATING TO PROCESS,
ENFORCEMENT AND ABILITY TO APPEAL
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 17.12 of Title 17 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
17.12.200 Vessel Insurance Required.
Commencing January 1, 2026, all vessels in the Santa Barbara Harbor District must remain currently insured to retain a slip permit or to moor or to anchor. Vessel insurance must, at a minimum, meet the following criteria:
1. Commercial & Recreational Vessels.
a. Provide General Liability vessel insurance coverage, with a minimum policy limit of $300,000. Insurance policies for vessels held in partnership, trust, or a corporation must list the individual names of each vessel partner.
Agenda Item No. 4
File Code No. 570.03
2 b. Vessel insurance policies shall name the City of Santa Barbara as Additional Insured, if available from the underwriter, unless mooring or anchoring for less than 90 days.
c. This Subsection does not apply in cases where a vessel requests to anchor or moor in cases of emergency as determined by the Waterfront Director or their designee, however, such vessel must depart after the emergency. d. Vessel Owners must provide to the Waterfront Director a Notice of Cancellation of their insurance coverage or removal of the City as additionally insured within five business days of such event.
2. Excluded Vessels.
This vessel insurance policy is not applicable to launched vessels, humanpowered watercraft, or skiffs less than 15 feet in length.
17.12.210 Process, Enforcement and Ability to Appeal.
A. Effective January 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, those required to have vessel insurance pursuant to Section 17.12.200, are required to present their insurance declaration page demonstrating minimum policy requirements to the Waterfront Director or their designee upon request.
B. Any vessel required to have vessel insurance will be given 60 calendar days to provide proof of compliance. Failure to do so will result in the following:
1. Termination of the slip or live aboard permit. Slip permittees may request a waiver of the termination from the Waterfront Director under Section 17.20.005 (J) of 3 the Municipal Code. The permittee must request an appeal with the Waterfront Director within ten calendar days the permit is terminated.
2. After a Notice of Termination is issued, if a permittee elects to appeal the termination, the vessel may be subject to impound per Santa Barbara Municipal Code Section 17.20.220 (A). An appeal under Chapter 1.30 does not stay any impound procedures.
3. Owners of transient vessels that do not obtain vessel insurance required under Section 17.12.200 may be denied permission to moor or anchor pursuant to Section 17.20.010.
4. Owners of transient vessels that do not obtain vessel insurance required under Section 17.12.200 that have been denied permission to moor or to anchor may be subject to impound per Santa Barbara Municipal Code Section 17.20.220 (A).
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
AGENDA DATE: May 13, 2025
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Sustainability & Resilience Department
SUBJECT: Revised Lease Agreement and Sublease Agreement for Office Space for the Sustainability & Resilience Department at 801 Garden Street [Ordinance Introduction; Agreement]
RECOMMENDATION: That Council:
A. Introduce and subsequently adopt, by reading of title only, an Ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Authorizing the Sustainability and Resilience Director to Execute a First Amendment to Lease Agreement No. 28,226 with FBK Investments, for the Property Located at 801 Garden Street, Suites 200 and 201, Commencing Upon the Effective Date of the First Amendment, July 1, 2025; and B. Authorize the Sustainability & Resilience Director to Execute a Sublease Agreement with Bright Market, LLC for a Portion of the Property Located at 801 Garden Street, Suite 201, Commencing Upon the Effective Date of the Sublease Agreement, July 1, 2025.
DISCUSSION:
In December 2022, the City entered into a Lease Agreement with FBK Investments for office space located at 801 Garden Street, Suite 200, in order to provide a centralized location for these workgroups who had been operating in four different office locations.
Originally, staff planned to use the space with 26 permanent staff. In staff’s Recommended Two-Year Financial Plan for FY2026 and FY2027, staff are proposing 38 full-time staff, with a number of hourly and interdepartmental staff also expected to be located on site. With this considerable expansion, and in addition to the increase in demand for conference rooms and publicly accessible classrooms for enhanced community engagement, staff have identified a need for additional office space.
Simultaneously, Bright Market, LLC (dba FastSpring), a neighboring tenant in the same 801 Garden Street building, is seeking to downsize, and new office space has become available.
Agenda Item No. 5
File Code No. 630.02
Council Agenda Report
Revised Lease Agreement and Sublease Agreement for Office Space for the Sustainability & Resilience Department at 801 Garden Street [Ordinance Introduction; Agreement] May 13, 2025
Staff were able to negotiate the expansion of the City’s existing lease, adding 5,289 square feet of office space at 801 Garden Street. The tentative amended Lease Agreement maintains many of the current terms of the current Lease Agreement, including the base rent, common area expenses, term expiration, and options to extend.
In addition, staff negotiated a bill credit to be realized in the first year of the amended Lease Agreement term. More financial details are included in the Budget/Financial section below. The amended Lease Agreement retains the termination date of January 15, 2033, and the two five-year options to renew.
In addition to adding the increase in square footage to the leased premises, the amended Lease Agreement corrects a clerical error in the current Lease Agreement related to the official address of the space. Furthermore, the amendment increases the number of parking spaces staff may utilize at the leased premises.
Staff have also negotiated a Sublease Agreement with Bright Market LLC, the current tenant of Suite 201, that would allow Bright Market LLC to occupy a portion of Suite 201 for an additional 18 months. The Sublease Agreement would generate rental income for the City during this period (provided for below).
BUDGET/FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Amended Lease Terms and Costs:
The proposed amended Lease Agreement retains the initial lease term of the current Lease Agreement, which is set to terminate on January 15, 2033, and retains the two additional five-year options to renew, with a final termination date of January 15, 2043.
The summary of the lease terms of the original and proposed revised lease are below:
Summary of Current and Proposed Lease Agreement at 801 Garden St.
Current Agreement Proposed Amended Agreement
Square Feet 4,316 sf 9,605 sf
Base rent: $2.64 per sq ft $2.64 per sq ft
Rent adjustment 4% annually 4% annually
NNN/CAM $0.95/sf, 4% annual increase
cap
$0.95/sf, 4% annual increase
cap
Term: Initial term expires 1/15/2033 Initial term expires 1/15/2033 Amended Lease Agreement Credit: Staff negotiated a bill credit with FBK Investments over the first year of the amended Lease Agreement to ease the increase in costs. The bill credit, to be realized in the first year of the amended Lease Agreement, is proposed to total $40,307.44.
Sublease Revenue: In addition to the above, the terms of the tentative Sublease Agreement with Bright Market LLC for 2,050 sq ft of space in Suite 201 will generate revenue of $135,630 over an 18-month period.
Council Agenda Report
Revised Lease Agreement and Sublease Agreement for Office Space for the Sustainability & Resilience Department at 801 Garden Street [Ordinance Introduction; Agreement] May 13, 2025
The costs of the current Lease Agreement and the amended Lease Agreement are outlined below.
Summary of Costs of Lease and Sublease Agreements in FY26 Current Agreement Proposed Agreements
Lease Cost of Space $194,212 $432,206
Bill Credit 0 (40,307)
Sublease Rent 0 (90,400)
Net Cost to City $194,212 $301,499
Appropriations:
The additional costs of the proposed amended Lease Agreement and the estimated revenue generated from the Sublease Agreement are included in staff’s Recommended Two-Year Financial Plan for FY2026 and FY2027. The lease costs are divided among the Creeks Operating Fund, the Solid Waste Fund, and the Santa Barbara Clean Energy Fund. If Council were to approve this portion of the Financial Plan as recommended, no further appropriations for fiscal year 2026 would be necessary.
Costs for fiscal year 2028 and beyond will be included in staff’s recommended budget proposals each year.
A copy of the amended Lease Agreement and the Sublease Agreement may be requested from the Sustainability and Resilience Department for public review by contacting Stephanie Lopez Lozano at [email protected].
ENVIRONEMNTAL REVIEW:
The proposed First Amendment to Lease Agreement No. 28,226 and proposed Sublease Agreement for 801 Garden St Suite 201 are exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (California Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq.), pursuant to the "common sense exemption” (14 Cal. Code Regs. Section 15061 (b)(3)), because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that these lease agreements may have a significant effect on the environment. This is because both proposed lease agreements continue the same uses from the current Lease Agreement for office use and parking with no physical change to the environment.
PREPARED BY: Diego Martin, Finance Analyst II
SUBMITTED BY: Alelia Parenteau, Sustainability & Resilience Director APPROVED BY: Kelly McAdoo, City Administrator
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA BARBARA AUTHORIZING THE SUSTAINABILITY
AND RESILIENCE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE A FIRST
AMENDMENT TO LEASE AGREEMENT NO. 28,226 WITH
FBK INVESTMENTS, FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
801 GARDEN STREET, SUITES 200 AND 201,
COMMENCING UPON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE
FIRST AMENDMENT, JULY 1, 2025.
The City Council of the City of Santa Barbara does ordain as follows:
Section 1. In accordance with the provisions of Section 521 of the Charter of the City of Santa Barbara, the Sustainability and Resilience Director is authorized to execute the First Amendment to Lease Agreement No. 28,226.01 with FBK Investments, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for the property located at 801 Garden Street, Suite 200 and Suite 201, commencing July 1, 2025.
Section 2. In accordance with the provisions of Section 521 of the Charter of the City of Santa Barbara, the Sustainability and Resilience Director is authorized to execute the Sublease Agreement for 801 Garden Street, Suite 201 with Bright Market LLC in a form approved by the City Attorney, for the property located at 801 Garden Street, Suite 201, commencing July 1, 2025.
CITY OF SANTA BARBARA
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
AGENDA DATE: May 13, 2025
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Library, Public Works, Sustainability & Resilience, and Waterfront Departments
SUBJECT: Overview of City Programs that Build Community Capacity for Sustainable Actions
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council receive a presentation on the various sustainability-focused community programs offered by the City of Santa Barbara.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Santa Barbara is committed to supporting a sustainable, healthy, and safe Santa Barbara. City Council has adopted a number of plans and goals relating to climate change and resource management, including the Together to Zero Climate Action Plan with a target of carbon neutrality by 2035, the Water Conservation Strategic Plan with its strategy for sustainably managing water resources, programs to enhance active transportation options that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as the Bicycle Masterplan, and many others.
Stemming from these plans and as part of Council’s ongoing commitment to reducing Santa Barbara’s impact on the climate and its natural resources, staff across the City organization have developed programs that empower the community to help meet the goals and priorities set forth by Council. Staff continually enhance and adapt the array of programs offered to meet the City’s sustainability goals and provide critical resources and education to the Santa Barbara community. The following departments will provide information and updates on these programs:
Library
Sustainably SBPL: Sustainable California Libraries grant o 23-24 Sustainably SBPL Programs
o Sustainably SBPL Partnerships
o Upcoming 24-25 Programs
Fix-It Fair
Climate Justice Film Series
Agenda Item No. 7
File Code No. 630.02
Council Agenda Report
Overview of City Programs that Build Community Capacity for Sustainable Actions May 13, 2025
Rooted Nutrition Jumpstart
Library of Things
Parks and Recreation
Arbor Day and Arbor Week
Wildfire Resiliency Outreach
Trail Volunteer Work
Community Garden Program
Parks Volunteer Program
Public Works
Water Resources Division
Water Conservation Program
Water Conservation Rebates
Landscaping & Irrigation Education
School Programs
Sustainability & Resilience
Clean Community Division
Textile Recycling Program
Neighborhood Cleanup Program
Reusable Coffee Cup Pilot Program
Community Yard Sale Program
Creeks Division
Sustainable Storm Water Rebate Program
Creek Tree Program
Community Volunteer and Stewardship Events
Creek Week
Urban Creek Trails
Creeks Certified Clean Water Business Program
Energy & Climate Division
Active Transportation – BCycle and Safe Routes to School Electric Vehicle Support – Public Charging Program and Rebates Building Electrification – H.E.A.P. Rebates and Education Program Tree Program
Community Engagement Division
Outreach and Education Program
Waterfront
Clean Marina Program
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program
Operation Clean Sweep (Harbor Cleanup)
5th of July Beach Cleanup
Council Agenda Report
Overview of City Programs that Build Community Capacity for Sustainable Actions May 13, 2025
Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE) Program $500 Vessel Turn-In Incentive Program
Beached Vessel Cleanups
Coordination with Heal the Ocean
Harbor Nautical Swap Meet
BUDGET/FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
This action does not have a budget or financial impact on the City.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
The programs offered by the City are focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions; increasing resilience; improving public health, water quality, and native habitats; conserving natural resources; reducing waste streams; and maintaining a clean community. Most of the programs included in this report directly relate to goals outlined in the 2024 Council-approved Climate Action Plan.
PREPARED BY: Paige Sundstrom, Librarian II
Madeline Wood, Water Conservation Analyst
Dakota Corey, Water Supply and Services Manager
Hillary Allen, Environmental Specialist
Daniela Rosales, Environmental Specialist II
Erin Markey, Creeks Manager
Kristian Hoffland, Administrative Analyst II
Samuel Furtner, Mobility Coordinator
Stephanie Holmes, Energy and Climate Specialist
Liz Smith, Community Engagement Supervisor
Niko Lopez, Administrative Assistant
Stephanie Lopez Lozano, Administrative Assistant
SUBMITTED BY: Alelia Parenteau, Sustainability and Resilience Director APPROVED BY: Kelly McAdoo, City Administrator