Santa Barbara City Council
October 21, 2025

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
OCTOBER 21, 2025, 2:00 PM
AGENDA
735 ANACAPA STREET, SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA; AND
HOTEL NEW OTANI TOKYO, 4-1 KIOICHO, CHIYODA CITY, TOKYO 102-8578 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. 10/21/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Final Agenda Page 1 OCTOBER 21, 2025 AGENDA
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING - 12:00 P.M. IN THE DAVID GEBHARD PUBLIC MEETING ROOM, 630 GARDEN STREET (120.03)

1. Subject: General Fund Multi-Year Forecast Update for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, Discussion and Direction (120.03)
Recommendation: That Finance Committee:

A. Receive a report from staff regarding an update to the General Fund multiyear financial forecast; and B. Provide direction to staff regarding revenue generating and expenditure control options to balance the General Fund budget in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and forecast for FY2027.

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING - 12:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER (120.03)

1. Subject: 2025 California Building and Fire Codes Adoption (120.03) Recommendation: That Ordinance Committee review and recommend for approval to the City Council an Ordinance Amending Santa Barbara Municipal Code Chapters 22.04, and 8.04, Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Building Standards Codes and the 2025 Fire Code, Parts 1–12, Certain Appendices of each of those Codes, Adopting Local Amendments to those Codes, and Repealing Ordinances 6093 and 6094.
10/21/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Final Agenda Page 2 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 2:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

CEREMONIAL ITEMS

1. Subject: Arts & Humanities Month (120.04)

CHANGES TO THE AGENDA

CONSENT CALENDAR

2. Subject: Minutes (000.00)
Recommendation: That Council waive reading and approve the minutes for the regular and special meetings of October 7, 2025.

3. Subject: Adoption of Ordinance for Water Metering for Adaptive Reuse Projects [Ordinance Adoption] (610.04)
Recommendation: That Council adopt, by reading of title only, an Ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Amending Section 14.08.150 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code Relating to Water Meters for Adaptive Reuse Projects.

4. Subject: Municipal Code Amendments to Incentivize Adaptive Reuse Projects [Ordinance Adoption] (610.04)
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 by Adding Section 30.185.045 Pertaining to Regulations for Adaptive Reuse Projects.

5. Subject: Proposed Amendment to Santa Barbara Municipal Code 17.36.010 to Allow Pay-by-Plate in Waterfront Parking Lots [Ordinance Introduction] (570.03)
Recommendation: That Council introduce and subsequently 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 Amending Section 17.36.010 to Allow Pay-by-Plate in Waterfront Parking Lots.
10/21/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Final Agenda Page 3

6. Subject: Appropriation of Downtown Parking Capital Improvement Funds and Best Interest Waiver for a Purchase Order for 916-920 State Street Utility and Maintenance Upgrades Project [Resolution] (550.1)
Recommendation: That Council:

A. Adopt, by reading of title only, a Resolution of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Amending Resolution No. 25-066, Adoption of the Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, to Reallocate Available Expenditure Appropriations in the Downtown Parking Capital Improvement Program Funds for the 916- 920 State Street Utility and Maintenance Upgrades Project; and B. Approve a Best Interest Waiver under Santa Barbara Municipal Code

4.52.070, subdivision L, authorizing the General Services Manager to issue a Purchase Order in the amount of $140,770 to Consolidated Contracting to implement utility and maintenance upgrades for the Project.

7. Subject: Ownership and Bonding of the Beckstead Oil Well No. 1 at 740 Dolores Drive [Resolution] (530.01)
Recommendation: That Council:

A. Adopt, by reading of title only, a Resolution of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Accepting Ownership of the Abandoned Beckstead Oil Well No. 1 Located at City Property at 740 Dolores Drive, Santa Barbara (APN 035-033-031) in Accordance with the Standards of the California Geologic Energy Management Division, Authorizing the Water Resources Director to Execute Related Documents that may be Required, all Subject to Review and Approval as to form by the City Attorney, and Consenting to the Recordation of the Related Deed in the Official Records, County of Santa Barbara; and
B. Approve the establishment of and authorize the Water Resources Director to execute a financial assurance bond in the amount of $25,000, required by the California Geologic Energy Management Division to cover future plugging, abandonment, and site remediation costs.

8. Subject: Fiscal Year 2026 Interim Financial Statements for the Two Months Ended August 31, 2025 (250.02)
Recommendation: That Council accept the Fiscal Year 2026 Interim Financial Statements for the two months ended August 31, 2025.
10/21/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Final Agenda Page 4

9. Subject: Contract for Cruise Ship Passenger Shuttle Service with Santa Barbara Airbus [Agreement] (570.03)
Recommendation: That Council authorize the Waterfront Director to execute a Professional Service Agreement with Santa Barbara Airbus, Inc. for cruise ship passenger shuttle services in an amount not to exceed $250,000.

10. Subject: Proposed Assignment of Lease Agreement No. 26,288 for Fuel Dock Facility located at the Santa Barbara Harbor City Pier, for Santa Barbara Fuel Dock, Inc. [Agreement] (570.03)
Recommendation: That City Council approve and authorize the Waterfront Director to execute the Consent to Assignment authorizing the assignment of City of Santa Barbara Lease Agreement No. 26,288 for the Santa Barbara Fuel Dock facility to the proposed buyers of Santa Barbara Fuel Dock, Inc.

11. Subject: Proposed Assignment of Lease Agreement No. 26,842 for Office Space Located at 125 Harbor Way Suite #12; for Santa Barbara Fuel Dock Inc. [Agreement] (570.03)
Recommendation: That City Council approve and authorize the Waterfront Director to execute the Consent to Lease Assignment authorizing the assignment of City of Santa Barbara Lease Agreement No. 26,842 for Office Space, Located at 125 Harbor Way Suite #12 to the proposed buyers of Santa Barbara Fuel Dock, Inc.

12. Subject: Lease Amendment with Santa Barbara Fuel Dock, Inc. for Office Space Located at 125 Harbor Way Suite #12 [Ordinance Introduction; Agreement] (570.03)
Recommendation: That Council introduce and subsequently adopt, by reading of title only, an Ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Approving and Authorizing the Waterfront Director to Execute the First Amendment of Lease Agreement No. 26,842, for Santa Barbara Fuel Dock, Inc., Commencing Upon the Effective Date of the Enabling Ordinance.

13. Subject: Second Contract Amendment for Environmental Services for the Santa Barbara Police Station Project [Agreement] (700.08) Recommendation: That Council authorize the Public Works Director to execute the Second Contract Amendment with Rincon Consultants, Inc. for additional environmental services for the Santa Barbara Police Station Project, Contract No. 22500070, in the amount of $258,398, and to authorize $25,840 for potential extra services that may result from necessary changes in the scope of work, for a total expenditure authority of $622,760.
10/21/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Final Agenda Page 5

REPORT FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE

REPORT FROM THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE

GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT

PULLED CONSENT ITEMS

CITY COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE AND ATTORNEY REPORTS

MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS

14. Subject: Interviews for City Advisory Groups (140.05) Recommendation: That Council hold interviews of applicants to various City Advisory Groups.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR

15. Subject: First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement for the Completion of the State Street Master Plan and Appropriation of Measure B Funds for a Stormwater Capture Project on the 700-900 Blocks of State Street [Resolution; Agreement] (170.01)
Recommendation: That Council:

A. Authorize the City Administrator to execute the First Amendment to Santa Barbara City Agreement No. 22500182 with Elizabeth Moule & Stefanos Polyzoides, Architects and Urbanists to: increase the total contract amount by $343,250 for a new amount of $417,450; extend the term for one additional year; correct a clerical error; and add additional services to the original scope of services to provide consulting services that support the City of Santa Barbara in completing the State Street Master Plan; and B. Adopt, by reading of title only, a Resolution of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Amending Resolution No. 25-066, Adopting the Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, to Appropriate Funds for an Alternative Storm Water Compliance Project.

COUNCIL AND STAFF COMMUNICATIONS

COUNCILMEMBER COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT REPORTS & ENGAGEMENTS

PUBLIC COMMENT (IF NECESSARY)

ADJOURNMENT

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

MEETING AGENDA
DATE: October 21, 2025 Eric Friedman, Chair
TIME: 12:00 PM Meagan Harmon, Vice Chair
PLACE: David Gebhard Public Meeting Room Wendy Santamaria 630 Garden Street
Kelly McAdoo Keith DeMartini
City Administrator Finance Director
Members of the public may participate in person or via Zoom. Zoom instructions are below.  Web: (Participation via Zoom) Register in advance for this webinar:
https://santabarbaraca-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VZDWIMX2SeW196X-Motf5g Webinar ID: 862 6486 9386
Passcode: 595557
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
 Telephone: Dial 1-669-900-6833, Enter Webinar ID: 862 6486 9386 (press *9 to raise/lower hand; press *6 to mute/unmute) 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.

For those who need accessibility accommodation in using the “raise hand” function and/or registering to participate in the Zoom session, please contact the Finance Department 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 the item on which they wish to speak.

File Code No. 120.03
ITEM FOR CONSIDERATION:

Subject: General Fund Multi-Year Forecast Update for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, Discussion and Direction
Recommendation: That Finance Committee:

A. Receive a report from staff regarding an update to the General Fund multi-year financial forecast; and;
B. Provide direction to staff regarding revenue generating and expenditure control options to balance the General Fund budget in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and forecast for FY2027.

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA

FINANCE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
AGENDA DATE: October 21, 2025
TO: Finance Committee
FROM: Finance Department
SUBJECT: General Fund Multi-Year Forecast Update for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, Discussion and Direction
RECOMMENDATION: That Finance Committee:

A. Receive a report from staff regarding an update to the General Fund multi-year financial forecast; and
B. Provide direction to staff regarding revenue generating and expenditure control options to balance the General Fund budget in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and forecast for FY2027.

DISCUSSION:

On July 31, 2025, the City Council gave direction to staff to provide an update to the Finance Committee regarding the General Fund multi-year financial forecast and, more specifically, discuss options to replenish the $500,000 expenditure appropriation that the City Council authorized to support immigration services.

General Fund Multi-Year Financial Forecast Update
The adopted General Fund budget for FY2026 includes total revenues of $243.0 Million and total expenditures of $244.5 Million resulting in a $1.6 Million operating deficit requiring the use of reserves. The City Council’s reserve policy requires that 25% annual operating expenditures be held in reserves, so an additional reserve target of $4.4 Million is needed to meet the target. Therefore, the adjusted General Fund deficit is $6.0 Million.

General Fund revenues recovered strongly following the economic impacts directly related to COVID; however, sales tax and transient occupancy tax revenue growth have leveled off. Staff predicts growth in these revenues at a lesser rate in FY2026 and beyond.

General Fund expenditures continue to increase annually with most expenses coming from staff and associated benefits and pension costs, as well as higher inflation and capital expenditures.

Agenda Item No. 1
File Code No. 120.03
Finance Committee Agenda Report
General Fund Multi-Year Forecast Update for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, Discussion and Direction
October 21, 2025

The table below summarizes the General Fund revenues and expenditures from FY2023 through FY2027, and the projected deficits in the adopted budget for FY2026 and FY2027.
$ MILLIONS FY2023
ACTUAL
FY2024
ACTUAL
FY2025

PROJECTION
FY2026
BUDGET
FY2027
BUDGET
Revenues $194.8 $204.6 $214.7 $242.9 $250.3
Expenditures $193.4 $212.3 $221.6 $244.5 $256.2
Recommended Budget
Surplus / (Use of Reserves) $1.4 ($7.7) ($6.8) ($1.6) ($5.9) Reserves to Meet
25% Policy Target $3.5 $3.5 $3.2 $4.4 $2.8
Revised Budget Surplus /
(Use of Reserves) ($2.1) ($11.2) ($10.1) ($6.0) ($8.7)
With a projected budget deficit in FY2026 that increases in FY2027, staff and the City Council will need to identify additional, ongoing funding to support existing operations to balance the General Fund budget in future years. Continuing to control expenditures will also need to be considered.

Fiscal Sustainability Revenue Generating and Expenditure Control Options On June 14, 2022, the Finance Committee received a presentation from staff regarding the Fiscal Sustainability Initiative. Staff presented an overview of a number of budgetary and financial challenges that the City has faced in recent years including challenges that were addressed with budget balancing strategies and challenges that are anticipated to continue into future fiscal years.

To address these long-term fiscal challenges, staff initiated a Fiscal Sustainability Initiative to develop recommendations and solutions to ensure the City continues to meet the needs of the Santa Barbara community now and for many years to come. The objectives of the initiative were to identify and assess options that will increase revenues, create efficiencies, eliminate redundancies, and make continual process improvements that may ultimately reduce costs. This effort resulted in multiple revenue enhancements, including the adoption of a revenue and cost recovery policy, realigning fees for services provided, additional tax audit and compliance programs, and ultimately the passage of the Measure I sales tax measure to support essential services that the City provides to the Santa Barbara community.

The revenue working group, as part of this larger effort, citywide effort, developed a framework to evaluate various revenue generating options based on criteria, including Finance Committee Agenda Report
General Fund Multi-Year Forecast Update for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, Discussion and Direction
October 21, 2025

amount of revenue, legal requirements, longevity of revenue, volatility, approval process and staff resources to implement and administer. The output of this analysis showed that a sales, real property transfer, and transient occupancy taxes rose to the top of the most revenue projected to be generated with the least burdensome based on those criteria.

The operational efficiency working group, as part of the larger effort, analyzed options for delivering services in a more efficient and cost-effective way, including creating a Section 115 trust to invest funds to reduce the City’s pension liabilities and costs in future budget years, Information Technology (IT) and procurement process improvements.

Staff built upon the many recommendations developed and implemented during the Fiscal Sustainability and Vision 2030 initiatives.

Tiers of Staff Recommendations to Address the Budget Deficit Over the last month, staff has worked to develop a comprehensive set of revenue generating and expenditure reduction/control options for the Finance Committee to consider. More than 200 individual ideas were generated and evaluated to determine potential service delivery impacts and revenue generating and cost savings ranges, among others. Staff also categories the ideas into the following tiers:
 Tier 1 – Can be implemented fairly quickly
 Tier 2 – May take more time, but still worth exploring and implementing  Tier 3 – Do not recommend at this time but to be considered in the future Staff is seeking the Committee’s direction regarding these options so they can be proposed to the City Council as part of the first quarter (Q1) FY2026 financial update which is scheduled for the regular City Council meeting on December 2, 2025.

BUDGET/FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

The adopted General Fund budget for FY2026 and FY2027 calls for the use of reserves of $1.6 Million and $5.9 Million, respectively, to balance the budget. The General Fund has previously and is projected to continue to have structural operating deficits as ongoing revenue growth is not adequate to fund the ongoing expenditure growth of existing operations.

Since FY2026 began on July 1, 2025, the City has been negotiating with many collective bargaining units, including the Police Officers Association (POA), Fire Association (FA), Police Managers Association (PMA) and Fire Managers Association (FMA), all of which are entirely funded by the General Fund. The salary increase assumptions built into the FY2026 and FY2027 budget were 5% and 4%, respectively. The cost of all recent public safety agreements exceeds the assumptions in the FY2026 and FY2027 budget, which will result in increased deficits. In preparation for the Q1 FY2026 report, staff will incorporate these additional costs into the FY2026 projection.

Finance Committee Agenda Report
General Fund Multi-Year Forecast Update for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, Discussion and Direction
October 21, 2025

Without any additional revenue or expenditure reductions in the General Fund, the FY2026 and FY2027 deficits will be larger thus requiring additional reserves to be used to balance the budget. If no budget changes are made, all General Fund contingency reserves will be depleted by the end of FY2026, and all General Fund disaster reserves will be depleted by the middle of FY2029.

ATTACHMENTS: 1. Staff Budget Recommendations

2. Measure C funded projects
PREPARED BY: Natalija Glusac, Budget Manager
SUBMITTED BY: Keith DeMartini, Finance Director
APPROVED BY: Kelly McAdoo, City Administrator
ATTACHMENT 1
FY2026 FY2027
Sidewalk Dining on 500 Block of State Street $120,000 $120,000 Pursue Opportunities for commercial development on Airport property that can generate Sales Tax Revenue
Fee study to adjust cost recovery to meet salary negotiations ($52,000) ($42,900) Adjust fees to improve cost recovery $275,000 $275,000
Move environmental review to a deposit-based fee to better recapture cost of increasingly complex CEQA requirements
Increase Waterfront Slip Fees to market rate
Convert 90-minute parking to paid parking
Convert City Hall parking lot to paid parking outside of normal business hours
$51,684 $51,684
Increase Parking Fee Penalty in Self-Pay lots $250,000
Eliminate Fee Waiver option for Room rentals $5,000 $5,000 Library Rooms and Galleries $10,000 $25,000
Library lobby for Kiosk space $12,000 $24,000
Formalize Waterfront event space rentals (Stearns Warf, breakwater, parking lots, etc.)
Promote West Beach Event Space for community events, concerts, etc.

Install RV campsites in Waterfront lots
Seek reimbursement for public safety costs related to special events (Parades, Free Speech, Summer Solstice, Fiesta, Film Festival, etc.) $365,000 $365,000
Encampment cleanup by Police, Fire, etc. to be reimbursed by Clean Communities program (Sustainability & Resilience)
$50,000 $50,000
Event support by Police, Parks & Recreation, etc. to be reimbursed by Waterfront (Harbor & Seafood, 4th of July, Cruise Ships, etc.) Increase Engineering Service Charges to achieve 100% cost recovery $835,000 $875,000 Targeted Fundraising (e.g. invitation to donate to the Library with holds, pickups, etc.)
$1,000 $5,000
Offer test proctoring service at the Library for $30/exam $500 up to $2,000 annuallly Increased merchandise sales (pending Library reorg positions) $5,000 $30,000 Expand submission for cost recovery (ICAP/ICRP) certification Citywide, allowing expanded allowable grants
Hold RFP for different SB90 consultants who may have ideas on how to generate additional money/reimbursement on state mandates/claims $100,000
Increase Parking Citation Revenue by over-hiring (3) Parking Enforcement Officers through underfilling (2) Police Officer positions $500,000 $500,000
Increase effective Cannabis Tax Rate to voter approved maximum of 20% $1,500,000 $2,000,000 Redirect Creeks Measure B Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenue to stormwater infrastructure and other projects
$1,500,000 $2,000,000
Redirect portion of Land Development Fees for time spent on Fire Review Fund a Citywide Green Infrastructure Plan, including Master Drainage Study
$1,000,000 $2,000,000
Fund Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) components of City Projects
$250,000 $500,000
Fund Beach Grooming/Trash Removal Program (Measure B and Solid Waste)
$100,000 $380,000
Partially fund Urban Forestry, especially beyond standard repair/replacement schedule for stormwater trees
$100,000 $200,000
Fund a portion of Parks & Recreation positions representing the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Committee
$20,000 $20,000
Fund one FTE for the Library on the Go and Library of Things programs $98,000 $98,000 Fund portion of Parks & Recreation planning position as related to fire resilience and watershed restoration
Fund portion of Building Inspection Group for Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) inspections
$72,000-$145,000 $72,000-$145,000
Consider moving warehouse operations to Water and Wastewater facilities
Fund one position dedicated to Water Resources (currently funded by General Fund)
$52,921 $109,600
Increase salary allocation of administrative staff from Parks & Recreation by .2
$51,539 $51,539
Integrate three City janitorial staff into Airport’s Custodial team when appropriate or through attrition
$1,000,000 to $3,000,000 annually
$250,000 - $500,000 annually
$50,000 - $ 250,000 annually
$250,000 - $500,000 annually

ESTIMATED EFFECT
Fees

CATEGORY RECOMMENDATION

REVENUE/COST

REDUCTION
Buisiness Development Opportunities
Parking
Rentals
Reimbursement
Other
Sustainability & Resilience up to
$600,000
Water Resources
Golf
Airport
TIER Revenue Generation Reallocation TIER 1 RECOMMENDATIONS FY2026 FY2027

ESTIMATED EFFECT

CATEGORY RECOMMENDATION

REVENUE/COST

REDUCTION
TIER
Implement Just-in-time inventory model at Warehouse, streamline parts available for Water Resource Operations
Use online businesses rather than Central Stores (Amazon, Costco, Office Depot, etc.)
Consider bulk purchasing for certain items
Create a blanket purchase order for procurement of Type 3 wildland engines for Fire, allowing for purchase of demonstration vehicles and other opportunities
Take advantage of building electrification incentives, reducing financial outlay while still meeting City policy and Council goals $100,000 $100,000
Take advantage of electric vehicle payment assistance, reducing financial outlay for new vehicle purchases while still meeting City policy and Council goals
$100,000 $100,000
Change replacement on Administrative vehicles from 8 to 10 years for low mileage, good condition vehicles
Delay replacement of small vehicles
Eliminate vehicles with low use, reduce carpool size in light of ride share program sunsetting
$350,000
Contract out maintenance services for all administrative and small vehicles
Curtail use of take-home vehicles in the Fire Department (except for Operations Chiefs)
$20,000 $20,000
Purchase fleet of e-bikes that can be easily checked out via the Fleetster App to further minimize need for carpool vehicles
Reduce number of pay stations and/or expand replacement cycle $50,000 $50,000 Automate Harbor main lot completely $175,000
Offer a voluntary 4-day (32 hour/week) work week (80% time, 80% pay, 100% benefits)
Implement a 4/10 (40 hour/week) schedule, with counters open 4 days a week and closed on Fridays
Selective hiring freeze for General Fund, non-public safety positions Hold Police Services Coordinator position vacant for 6 months $57,000 Internship program
Reduce cost for Employee Appreciation activities (biennial picnic and alternating gifts)
Reduce cost for quarterly Manager & Supervisor meeting
Move Attorney staff to City Hall to reduce rental expenditure, create hoteling space for City Council Members
Centralize IT positions and services to IT (move to IT fund) $80,000 Make dedicated IT Analyst currently dedicated to Community Development position available to whole city, thus spreading that position’s cost across other funds
$66,400
Consider transfer of mail services position to Facilities Fund 43,930 $90,921 Reduce hourly staffing where feasible
Ambassador schedules: One shift per day, 2 shifts City Hall Ambassador schedules: One shift per day, no shifts City Hall Eliminate vacant positions through attrition or transfer positions to other programs not funded by the General Fund
$7,500-$134,500 $7,500-$274,500
Retain alternate company for Codification process
Reduce number of landline telephones
Dissolve Sign Committee (refer to Architectural Board of Review or Historical Landmarks Commission)
Hire consultant to assist in expediting Workers’ Compensation Claims Practice change
Account for Mutual Aid (Fire Expenditure and Revenue) as a separate project, not in General Fund
Increase dollar threshold from $12,000 to $50,000 for Accounts Payable staff reviewing invoices
$8,600 $17,200
Centralization of Code Enforcement from all departments to a single department
Library proposed reorganization to eliminate vacant senior leadership positions, reclassify existing administration and marketing roles and expand front-line support staff
$216,686 $6,509
Relocate Purchasing staff to City Hall
Review Waterfront Overtime Pay allotment, excluding Harbor Patrol Laguna Channel capacity improvements (as part of a restoration project) $300,00/year after lease ends 07/31/2031
Net zero change
Reduction in backfill for injured staff
Potential savings of $100,000+ over retail cost on each vehicle
Reduction of lead time to obtain vehicle
Review
Infrastructure
Reorganization
Employee related
Other
Purchasing/Supplies
Fleet/travel
Parking Cost Savings/Expenditure Reduction Efficiency TIER 1 RECOMMENDATIONS FY2026 FY2027
Explore economic development opportunity initiatives
Promote Cruise Ship program to allow 20 ship visits per year per Council direction. Get business assurances from Council.

Contract Grant Writer to assist with targeting Prop 4 funds for all City projects/Departments $100,000 $150,000
Add additional temporary dock slips at Waterfront in calm water spaces $50,000 $50,000
Flat fee for utilities metering at Waterfront, eliminating the need to manually check meters while giving slip permittees the option to pay a utility fee $60,000
Charge for non-emergency tows by Harbor Patrol (currently provided at no cost)
Increase outdoor dining rates to pre-Thomas Fire $115,000 $115,000 Increase outdoor dining rates to market $50,000 $75,000 Increase Marborg Franchise Fee
Commercial Fishing Dues/Fees or Commercial Fishing Infrastructure Fund, share in $30M commercial fishing industry. Money to be used for Commercial Fishing Infrastructure.

Increase hourly parking rates
Revisit all private uses of public right-of-way for rental revenue. At minimum, these uses should at least cover administrative costs (i.e. outdoor dining permits)
Seek reimbursement from School District for Crossing Guard Salaries and Benefits
Expand permitted short-term vacation rentals to generate additional Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
Charge Utility User Tax (UUT) on gross consumption of electricity as opposed to Net for solar customers $250,000
Eliminate UUT reimbursement to Land Development Engineering and increase fees to achieve cost recovery $302,875
Increase Tourism Business Improvement Districts (TBID) rate/assessment to offset annual grant to Visit Santa Barbara
Increase Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) from 12% to 16% for shortterm rentals ONLY $50,000 $50,000 Real property tax rate increase
$890,000 $5,800,000
Update the Real Property Transfer Tax to a tiered (“progressive”) rate system
Implement Animal Control Administrative Citation/License Enforcement Redevelop West Beach with additional visitor serving, recreation, and ocean dependent uses. Revenue generating opportunities such as restaurant, retail, rentals, event space, etc.

Acquire lease and redevelop Harbor Restaurant into multi-use public space with public market, restaurants, fish market, live music, etc.

Increase charges for franchise agreements related to use of the public right of way for private utilities (i.e. SCE, Gas, Communications) Charge internal service fees to Enterprise funds for Emergency Manager, Division Chief, Training Chief and Training Captain
Develop on-street Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network to support transition to EVs and provide revenue to the City
Charge internal service fees to Enterprise Funds for services provided by Fire Department
Allocate a portion of Community Action Team (CAT) Salary and Benefits to cover time assisting with cleanup efforts $160,000 $175,000 Transition oversight (in collaboration with Parks & Recreation) of parkways and median maintenance to Creeks $380,000 $380,000 Take on Transportation Planning Team from Public Works
Revisit allocation of Outreach Staff from Public Works to Water Resources $32,850 $32,850
Formal transition of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) custodial positions with contracted (airport vacancies will create opportunities for vacancies with shift of custodial staff to Airport)
Willing to consider temporary assignment of staff member to upcoming management opening with full reimbursement from Airport Reimbursement TIER 2 RECOMMENDATIONS Revenue Generation Sustainability & Resilience up to
$600,000
Water Resources
Airport Reallocation

RECOMMENDATION ESTIMATED EFFECT TIER REVENUE/COST

REDUCTION

CATEGORY
Business Development Opportunities
Parking
Other
Fees
Rentals
Tax Related
FY2026 FY2027

RECOMMENDATION ESTIMATED EFFECT TIER REVENUE/COST

REDUCTION

CATEGORY
Explore alternative approaches to fleet management (replacement schedule, incentives for longevity, minimizing fleet, etc.) Review potential for leasing standard vehicles (not public safety or specialized equipment), especially for low use vehicles $100,000 $120,000
Contract out services where feasible (janitorial, fleet maintenance, street sweeping, park maintenance, wildland fire fuel mitigation) Explore capping vacation cash out benefits
Explore leave bank policy to cash out when an employee transfers from one department (fund) to another
Move the 630 Garden Street lobby to self-service for plan viewing and cashiering
Change employment type of future Fire Inspectors to non-safety positions
Transition downtown core/parking structure area waste collection to Marborg contract
Transition parks waste collection to Marborg contract through attrition or reallocation of positions to other functions
Eliminate vacant positions through attrition or transfer positions to other programs not funded by the General Fund up to $184,312 up to $279,312 Library Holiday Closure: 10/22/2025 – 12/26/2025 $12,500 Extended Library Holiday Closure: 12/22/2025 – 01/02/2026 $29,940 Close the business office in City Hall for in-person services and implement a “by appointment only” system
Insurance program review to consider changing coverage on certain properties
Shared services with neighboring jurisdictions (dispatch, animal control) Modernize business tax ordinance. Minimal additional revenue, but will reduce contract costs of administering the program
$300,000
Centralize Parking Management from all departments to a single department
Centralize Police Department IT to IT Department
Centralize Communications from all departments to a single department
Centralize Project Management from all departments into a single department
Centralize Facility Maintenance from all departments into a single department
Share/pool administrative staff across departments (and with Enterprise Funds)
Explore Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between departments, working allocations software to reduce staff time spend on rate calculations Use contracted custodial services provided by Facilities, expand contracted services where feasible for park restrooms $260,000 Increase document access on City website/platform to reduce need for public records requests
Provide public access to an AI engine to respond to questions, minimizing calls and public records requests
Administrative building permit review for internal projects Expand building permit accountability/compliance (perhaps changing model to at-risk approach)
Review existing custodial contract to see if it could be more efficiently performed
Create workgroup to consider ways to reduce cost of Minimum Staffing Overtime in Fire
Enhanced Infrastructure Finance Districts – storm drains and priority transportation corridors (e.g. Milpas Street)
Implement additional water quality projects and allow Public Works to bank them for future Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) compliance Efficiency TIER 2 RECOMMENDATIONS
Practice Change
Review
Infrastructure
Employee related
Other Cost Savings/Expenditure Reduction
Reorganization
Fleet/travel
FY2026 FY2027
Increase TOT from 12% to 14% $2,000,000 $6,500,000
Utility User Tax (UUT) rate increase $1,000,000 $4,500,000 Vacancy tax
Assess City Assets for possible sale
Phase Out Mills Act Program
Unpaid sabbaticals with job security guarantees
Early Retirement $50,000 $100,000
Change vacant Assistant to City Administrator to new
Management Fello w position (pay similar to Analyst I or II) RECOMMENDATION ESTIMATED EFFECT Not recommended at this time Cost Savings/Ex penditure Reduction Employee related Tax Related
Other

TIER REVENUE/COST

REDUCTION
CATEGORY Revenue Generation
FY2026 Adopted Budget FY2027 Adopted Budget
Department  Project Description General Fund Measure C General Fund Measure C Information
Technology
Radio Infrastructure $1,000,000 $1,000,000
CIS Payment Plan (Finance) $20,000
GASB 87 & 96 Software (Finance) $40,000
$60,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000
Fire
Fire Department Portable Radio
Replacement
$800,000 $800,000
Emergency Response Equipment
Replacement
$370,000 $370,000
Minor Renewal - Fire Station 6 $200,000
Regional Dispatch $800,000 $800,000
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
(SCBA) Replacement
$750,000 $750,000
$2,920,000 $2,720,000
Library
Eastside Library Construction -
Garage
$200,000 $400,000
Central Library Fire Protection $250,000
Library Equipment Replacement $56,252 $58,502
$506,252 $458,502
General Fund & Measure C Capital Budget (by
Department) for Fiscal Year 2026 & 2027
ATTACHMENT 2
Parks & Recreation
Carrillo Gym Renovation $300,000 $100,000
Dwight Murphy Field Renovation $604,623 $604,623
Franceschi Park Renovation $250,000
Los Banos Pool Repair & Expansion $500,000 $1,500,000
Minor Renewal - Casa Las Palmas $100,000
Ortega Park Revitalization Project $350,000
Park Field Renewal & Irrigation
System Renovation
$250,000
Park Infrastructure Safety Program $50,000 $50,000
Park Restroom Renovation Program $150,000 $150,000
Parks & Recreation Equipment
Replacement
$250,000 $250,000
Parks & Recreation Master Plan $500,000 $250,000
Playground Replacement Program $200,000
Plaza Vera Cruz Renovation $150,000 $150,000
Trails and Walkways $50,000 $50,000
Urban Forest Management Plan
Implementation
$550,000 $300,000
West Beach Splash Playground $300,000
Westside Neighborhood Center
Rehabilitation
$150,000
$4,104,623 $4,004,623
Police
Police Equipment Replacement $687,000 $687,000
New Police Station $13,957,927 $12,757927
$14,644,927 $13,444,927
Public Works
ADA - Transition Plan Implementation $250,000 $250,000
ADA - Walkways and Building
Pathways
$100,000 $100,000
Walkways and Building Pathways $100,000 $100,000
Facilities
Facilities Renewal, HVAC
Maintenance & Replacement
$100,000 $100,000
New Autoshop Lifts $200,000
Streets
Bridges: Islay Street Bridge
Replacement at Mission Creek
$150,000
Bridges: Upper De La Vina Street
Bridge Replacement
$50,000
Corridor Improv: Cliff Drive Urban
HWY to Complete Street Project
$2,460,000 $2,460,000
Corridor Improv: Mission Canyon $50,000
Corridor Improv: Milpas St Crosswalk
Safety & Sidewalk Widening
$750,000 $750,000
Corridor Improv: De La Guerra Plaza
Revitalization Project
$250,000
Corridor Improv: Westside & Lower
West Active Transportation Plan
$1,029,000 $1,029,000
Maintenance: Pavement Maintenance
(Annual)
$6,000,000 $7,000,000
Maintenance: Sidewalks (Annual) $100,000 $100,000
Pedestrian Enhancement: Crosswalk
Improvements
$41,000 $234,000
Pedestrian Enhancement: On-Street
Disabled Parking Spaces
$50,000 $50,000
Streetlights: Citywide Street Light
Improvements Maint. & Repair
$100,000 $100,000
Traffic Signal Maintenance: Traffic
Signal Maintenance Program
$150,000
$450,000 $11,080,000 $450,000 $12,223,000
Sustainability &
Resilience
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
(Charger stations, zero emission
policy)
$150,000 $150,000
$150,000 $150,000
City Administrator
Homelessness Response $214,000
State Street Master Plan $500,000 $500,000
$714,000 $500,000
00000 Total $510,000 $35,119,802 $450,000 $34,501,052

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

MEETING AGENDA
DATE: October 21, 2025 Kristen W. Sneddon, Chair
TIME: 12:00 p.m. Oscar Gutierrez
PLACE: Council Chambers; and Mike Jordan
Hotel New Otani Tokyo, 4-1 Kioicho,
Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-8578
Office of the City Office of the City
Administrator Attorney
Kelly McAdoo Sarah Knecht
City Administrator 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.

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File Code No. 120.03

ITEM FOR CONSIDERATION
SUBJECT: 2025 California Building and Fire Codes Adoption RECOMMENDATION: That Ordinance Committee review and recommend for approval to the City Council an Ordinance Amending Santa Barbara Municipal Code Chapters 22.04, and 8.04, Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Building Standards Codes and the 2025 Fire Code, Parts 1–12, Certain Appendices of each of those Codes, Adopting Local Amendments to those Codes, and Repealing Ordinances 6093 and 6094.

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA

ORDINANCE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
AGENDA DATE: October 21, 2025
TO: Ordinance Committee
FROM: Community Development Department, Fire Department SUBJECT: 2025 California Building and Fire Codes Adoption RECOMMENDATION:

That Ordinance Committee review and recommend for approval to the City Council an Ordinance Amending Santa Barbara Municipal Code Chapters 22.04, and 8.04, Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Building Standards Codes and the 2025 Fire Code, Parts 1–12, Certain Appendices of each of those Codes, Adopting Local Amendments to those Codes, and Repealing Ordinances 6093 and 6094.

DISCUSSION:

The State of California adopts Building Standards Codes for uniform use throughout the State, a process that is facilitated by the State Building Standards Commission. Over the course of each adoption cycle, the State Building Standards Commission receives input from all state agencies, local enforcement officials, industry professionals, and the general public relative to the statewide implementation of the following codes:
 2024 International Building Code and 2024 Residential Code published by the International Code Council;
 2024 National Electrical Code published by the National Fire Protection Association;
 2024 Plumbing Code and 2024 Mechanical Code published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials;
 2024 International Fire Code and 2024 Wildland Urban Interface Code published by the International Code Council;
 2024 editions of the Administrative Code, Existing Building Code, Energy Code, Historical Building Code, Green Building Code, and Referenced Standards published by the California Building Standards Commission; and  2024 International Property Maintenance Code as published by the International Code Council.

Agenda Item No. 1
File Code No. 120.03
Ordinance Committee Agenda Report
2025 California Building and Fire Codes Adoption
October 21, 2025

After considering input received from all state agencies, local enforcement officials, industry professionals, and the general public, these codes are then amended by the Building Standards Commission and adopted by the State under Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, Parts 1–12. Part 9 is the California Fire Code. This year, the State Building Standards Commission completed amendments to the codes and published them on July 1, 2025. Local jurisdictions have 180 days to further amend them before they become law on January 1, 2026.

Attached to this report is a summary of the City’s Building Code adoption history (Attachment 1). In 1954, the City stopped drafting building standards at the local level, and instead started adopting and amending regional, state, national, and international building standards. The draft Ordinance attached to this report represents the most recent cycle of building and fire codes standards proposed for amendment and adoption.

As in the past, local amendments to the code are kept to a minimum and are designed to address situations based on specific local conditions and needs. The Building and Safety Division proposes adopting these codes in conjunction with the City Fire Department. This coordinated approach with jointly adopted sections allows for a smoother and more userfriendly process that can be followed by the community.

Areas that affect the Building and Safety Division and the Fire Department include minor edits to the Building and Fire Board of Appeals procedures, Fire Protection Systems, and High Fire Hazard Area construction requirements. The adopted codes continue to incorporate administrative, climatic, geologic, and topographic amendments that promote safe, sustainable, and accessible development in the City of Santa Barbara.

In order to maintain compliance with the State Building Standards Codes and other state and local property-related regulations, the City also adopts regulations that enable the enforcement of these laws. Accordingly, the attached Ordinance recommends rcontinued adoption of the 2024 Property Maintenance Code published by the International Code Council.

This code cycle, the Building and Safety Division is proposing the following new amendments from the 2022 code adoption:
 Attached Summary of Amendments (Attachment 2) encapsulates recommended amendments to these codes and standards.

This code cycle, the Fire Department is proposing the following new amendments from the 2022 code adoption:
 Attached Summary of Amendments (Attachment 4) encapsulates recommended amendments to these codes and standards.

Ordinance Committee Agenda Report
2025 California Building and Fire Codes Adoption
October 21, 2025

Staff recommends that the Ordinance Committee forward the attached Ordinances to the City Council for introduction and approval. If the Ordinance Committee does so, the Ordinances will be presented to the City Council for introduction on November 18, 2025, and for hearing and approval on December 2, 2025. When approved by City Council, the Ordinances will go into effect in no less than 30 days after and no earlier than January 2, 2026.

BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACT:

This action does not have a budget/financial impact on the City.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:

It has been determined that the proposed Ordinance is categorically exempt under the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15308. Section 15308 consists of actions taken by regulatory agencies, as authorized by state or local ordinance, to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment.

ATTACHMENTS: 1. City’s Building Code Adoption History

2. Summary of Building Code Amendments

3. Ordinance Adopting the 2025 California Construction Codes

4. Summary of Fire Code Amendments

5. Ordinance Adopting the 2025 Fire and Wildland-Urban
Interface Code

6. Building Hazard Categories Memo
PREPARED BY: Tina Dye, Chief Building Official
Ryan DiGuilio, Fire Battalion Chief-Fire Marshal
SUBMITTED BY: Allison DeBusk, Community Development Director APPROVED BY: Kelly McAdoo, City Administrator
ATTACHMENT 1
CITY’S BUILIDNG CODE ADOPTION HISTORY
(YEAR 1900 ONWARD)
Ordinance No. 355, adopted 11/9/1900:

An Ordinance Establishing a Fire District and Determining the Character of Buildings that May Be Erected Therein and the Nature of Materials to be Used in the Construction, Alteration and Repair of Such Buildings.

Ordinance No. 1234, adopted 4/23/1925:

An Ordinance Regulating and Classifying Building Within the City.

Ordinance No. 1264, adopted 8/27/1925:

An Ordinance Establishing Fire Districts and Regulating the Buildings Therein.

Ordinance No. 1278, adopted 12/17/1925
Adopted Building Code to Regulate the Construction, Erection, Enlargement, etc. of Buildings or Structures in the City.

Ordinance No. 1323, adopted 1/13/1927:

Regulated types of construction, maintenance, use and occupancy of buildings in the fire districts of the City.

Ordinance No. 2077, adopted 4/18/1946:

Regulates Erection, Construction, Enlargement, etc. of Buildings Ordinance No. 2429, adopted 2/4/1954:

This was first instance of adoption by reference of the Uniform Building Code (1952 Edition)
Ordinance No. 2530, adopted 3/1/1956:

Adopted 1955 Edition.

Ordinance No. 2860, adopted 2/6/1962:

Adopted 1961 Edition.

Ordinance No. 3043, adopted 4/27/1965:

Adopted 1964 Edition.

Ordinance No. 3349, adopted 1/14/1969
Adopted 1967 Edition.

Ordinance No. 3827, adopted 3/30/1976:

Adopted 1973 Edition.

Ordinance No. 3905, adopted 5/24/1977:

Adopted 1976 Edition.

Ordinance No. 4064, adopted 7/15/1980:

Adopted 1979 Edition.

City of Santa Barbara Building Code Adoption History
Ordinance No. 4221, adopted 9/6/1983:

Adopted 1982 Edition
Ordinance No. 4604, adopted 12/12/1989:

Adopted 1988 Edition.

Ordinance No. 4770, adopted 6/2/1992:

Adopted 1991 Edition.

Ordinance No. 4931, adopted 12/12/1995:

Adopted 1994 Edition.

Ordinance No. 5104, adopted 5/11/1999:

Adopted 1998 Edition of California Building Code
Ordinance No. 5256, adopted 10/1/2002:

Adopted 2001 Edition of California Building Code
Ordinance No. 5365, adopted 6/28/2005:

Adopted 2004 Edition of California Building Code
Ordinance No. 5440, adopted 11/4/2007:

Adopted 2007 Edition of California Building Code
Ordinance No. 5536, adopted 11/9/2010:

Adopted 2010 Edition of California Building Code
Ordinance No. 5639, adopted 10/29/2013:

Adopted 2013 Edition of California Building Code
Ordinance No. 5919, adopted 11/12/2019:

Adopted 2019 Edition of California Building Code
Ordinance No. 6093 adopted on 11/16/2022
Adopted 2022 Edition of California Building Code
ATTACHMENT 2
Santa Barbara City Building & Safety Division
2025 California Building Standards Codes Adoption
Summary of Amendments
October 21, 2025
Effective January 2, 2026
# Code & Section Subject Concept Types:

Existing or
New
Findings:

Administrative,
Climatic,
Geologic,
Topographic
1 Building Code
Section 105.1.3
& 105.1.4
Residential
Code Section
R105.1.1 &
Permits Required Requires permits for paving and striping of parking lots and driveways.

Describes the authorizations needed for
demolition permits.

Existing Admin
2 Building Code
Section 105.2
Residential
Code Section
R105.2
WUI Code
Section 105.3
Exemptions from
Permits
Removes requirement for a permit
relating to drainage at walls that are
exempt from a permit.

Adds the requirement for a permit for
non-retaining walls over 4’ of masonry
or concrete construction.

Changes the height requirement for
walls requiring a building permit from

3.5’ to 5’ feet to align with zoning code
change (excludes retaining and nonretain block walls)
Existing
Modified
Geologic,
Topographic
3 Building Code
Section 105.4.1
Permit Issuance Requires a licensed contractor for work on other than single homes, duplexes
and accessory structures thereto.

Existing Admin
4 Building Code
Section 105.5,
Residential
Code Section
R105.5,
Plumbing Code
Section 104.4.3,
Mechanical
Code Section
104.4.3
WUI Code
Section 105.8
Permit Expiration Defines the means by which the City
determines that a permit has expired.

Existing Admin
5 Building Code
Section 107.1.1
Licensed Architect
Required
Requires that a licensed architect be
responsible for complex permit
applications.

Existing Admin

City of Santa Barbara 2022 Building Codes Adoption Amendments Summary 6 Building Code
Section 107.2.9
Certified Access
Specialist (CASp)
Approval
Allows property owners that utilize a
CASp to receive expedited access
compliance plan review.

Existing Admin

City of Santa Barbara 2022 Building Codes Adoption Amendments Summary 7 Building Code
Section 109,
Residential
Code Section
R108, Plumbing
Code Section
104.5,
Mechanical
Code Section
104.5
WUI Code
Section 108
Fees All fees assessed shall be adopted by
City Council Resolution.

Existing Admin
8 Building Code
Section 113
Residential
Code Section
R112, Plumbing
Code Section
107, Mechanical
Code Section
107, Property
Maintenance
Code Section
106.1
WUI Code
Section 112
Board of Appeals Combines the current City code
amendments and procedures. Modified
to improve consistency of decisions and
include administrative procedures.

Modifies number of Board Members to
form a Quorum from 5 to 4.

Existing Admin
9 WUI Code
Section 101
through 101.3.1
and 501.1
through 501.1.1
Scope, Purpose,
Policy, &
Application
Makes “additions and remodels”
subject to in high-fire building design
when in a high-fire area. Allows City
Chief Building Official discretion in
allowing exemptions.

Establishes City of Santa Barbara
Wildland Fire Plan as adopted
Existing
Modified
Climatic
Topographic
10 R337.5.4
WUI Code
Section 504.2
Roof Gutters Requires high-fire area roof gutter to be
non-combustible
Existing Climatic
Topographic
11 WUI Code
Section 504.8
Exterior Glazing Makes special glazing requirements for skylights subject to the high-fire area
Existing Climatic
Topographic

12. Building Code
Section 117
Post-Damage
Assessment
Combines the City Code amendments
and procedures
Existing Admin
13 Building Code
Section
902.2.22.1
through
902.2.22.9 all,
Residential
Code Section
R309.1 through
309.2.5
Automatic Fire
Sprinkler System
Same amendment as prior cycle.

Specifies September 11, 2009 as the
beginning date for determining the
improvement thresholds.

Adds Higher Hazard Occupancy Table
Existing
Modified to
clarify
percentage
of floor area
calculation
and add
Table
Climatic
Topographic
14 Building Code
Section
907.2.30
Mixed Use
Occupancy Fire
Alarms
Requires fire alarms to be installed in
all converted or new mixed occupancy
buildings.

Existing Climatic
Topographic

City of Santa Barbara 2022 Building Codes Adoption Amendments Summary 15 Building Code
Section 1208.5
Efficiency
Dwelling Units
Inserts an exception to the minimum
dwelling size for Affordable and Lower
Income dwellings.

Existing Admin
16 Building Code
Section
T1505.1.1 &
1505.1.2
Residential
Code Section
R902.1
Minimum Roof
Covering Rating
Changes the minimum fire resistance
for all roofs from Class C to Class B.

Existing Climatic
Topographic
17 Building Code
Section
1505.1.2 WUI
Section 504, all
Residential
WUI Code
Section 504, all
Roofing in
Wildland-Urban
Interface Fire
Area
Requires a minimum of Class A noncombustible roof in these high-fire risk areas.

Existing
Modified
Climatic
Topographic
18 Building Code
Section
1507.4.1
Residential
Code Section
R905.10.1
(Roof) Deck
Requirements
Clarifies that metal panel roofing cannot
be placed over wood shingles or
shakes.

Existing Climatic
Topographic
19 Building Code
Section
1705.13.2
Structural Wood
(Special
Inspections)
Allows for an exchange of reduced
calculated load carrying values when
continuous special inspection of nailing
is not made.

Existing Geologic
20 Building Code
Appendix G
Flood Resistant
Construction
Consolidates the City, State and
Federal regulations for development
within a flood zone.

Existing Climatic
Topographical
21 Building Code
Appendix J
Grading
Regulations
Establishes the City’s grading
regulations.

Existing Geological
Topographical
22 Residential
Code Section
R309.1 through
R309.2.5
Automatic Fire
Sprinkler
Requirements
Revises the thresholds for installation of
automatic fire sprinkler systems in
townhomes and one-and-two family
dwellings.

Existing Climatic
Topographical
23 WUI Code
Chapter 5, all
Wildland-Urban
Interface
Requirements
Prescribes specific fire-safe methods
for high-fire risk areas
Existing Climatic
Topographical
24 Residential
Code Section
R341 & R342
Encroachments
Safeguards
Requires residential projects to meet
the standard Public Way Encroachment
and Safeguards During Construction
requirements of the Building Code
Existing Admin
25 Residential
Code Section
R401.4
Soils Reports Clearly establishes the situations when
a soils report will be required
Existing Geological
Topographical
26 Residential
Code Section
R401.5
Grading Consolidates grading regulations in
Appendix J of the Building Code
Existing Geological
Topographical

City of Santa Barbara 2022 Building Codes Adoption Amendments Summary 27 Residential
Code Section
R403.1.2
Continuous
Footings
Requires continuous footings under
braced walls that carry lateral loads
Existing Geological
Topographical
28 Residential
Code Section
R403.1.5
(Footing) Slope Clarifies the design criteria for footings on slopes
Existing Geological
Topographical
29 Residential
Code Section
R404.2
Wood Foundation
Walls
Prohibits wood foundation walls in high
risk seismic design areas
Existing Geological
Topographical
30 Residential
Code Section
R902.1 through
902.1.2 &
R905.10.1
WUI Code
Chapter 5, all
Roof and Deck
Materials
Prescribes minimum high-fire area roof
and deck construction standards
Existing Climatic
Topographical
31 Residential
Code Appendix
AX
Private Swimming
Pools
Consolidates pool regulations in
Section 3109 of the Building Code
Existing Admin
32 Plumbing Code
Section 301.7.1
Local Health
Authority
Established the Santa Barbara County
Environmental Health Department as
the local health authority
Existing Admin
422.1 Single User Toilet
Facilities
Adds Single -User Toilet Facilities AllGender design and signage requirements
Existing Admin
33 Plumbing Code
Section 423
Fountains Requires a recirculation system Existing Climatic 34 Plumbing Code
Section 424
Car Wash
Facilities
Requires special water conservation
measures
Existing Climatic
35 Plumbing Code
Section 603.1
Cross-Connection
Control
Coordinates potable water crossconnection control regulations with State Title 17 drinking water supply
regulations
Existing Admin
36 Plumbing Code
Section 608.2
Excessive Water
Pressure
Reduces the risk of building damage
caused by excessive water pressure in
the public water distribution system
Existing Topographical
37 Plumbing Code
Section 710.14
Sewage Pump
Signaling Device
Requires an audible alarm if system
fails
Existing Topographical
87 Plumbing Code
Section 710.15
Back Water Valve Requires the installation of a sewer
backwater valve to protect from
damage caused by sewage backwater.

Modified to include common
compliance exceptions
Existing Topographical
39 Plumbing Code
Section 713.2
Private Sewage
Disposal System
Requires septic system abandonment
and connection to the public sewer
once the public sewer is available for
connection.

Existing Topographical

City of Santa Barbara 2022 Building Codes Adoption Amendments Summary 40 Electrical Code
Section 90.4.1
Administration Consolidates all of the administrative
processes and regulations for the
Electrical Code within the Building
Code.

Existing Admin
41 Green Building
Code Sections

4.304.2 &

5.304.7
Fountains Sets existing fountain surface areas at
a maximum of 25 square feet
Existing Climatic
42 Property
Maintenance
Code Section
101.1
Title Establishes the “Property Maintenance
Code of the City of Santa Barbara”
Existing Admin
43 Property
Maintenance
Code Section
101.2
State Housing
Law Coordination
Allows for the State Housing Law to
supersede the City’s Property
Maintenance Code when discrepancies
arise.

Existing Admin

City of Santa Barbara 2022 Building Codes Adoption Amendments Summary 44 Property
Maintenance
Code Section
103.1
(Authority)
General
Establishes the Chief Building Official
as the Code Official
Existing Admin
45 Property
Maintenance
Code Section
109.1 through
109.9
(Unsafe Buildings)
General
Placarding
Requires that unsafe and unfit
properties are placarded with “Unsafe”
and/or “Limited Entry” placards when
warranted
Existing Admin
46 Property
Maintenance
Code Section
111.3
Record Requires that official records be
retained
Existing Admin
47 Property
Maintenance
Code Section
111.9
Restoration or
Abatement
Exception for certain historic structures. Existing Admin 48 Property
Maintenance
Code Section
302.4
Weeds Sets maximum weed height at 12” Existing Admin
49 Property
Maintenance
Code Section
304.14
Insect Screens Sets maximum screen mesh at 12
mesh per inch
Existing Admin
50 Property
Maintenance
Code Section
602.2
(Heating)
Residential
Occupancies
Coordinates the minimum heating
system operating temperature with the
State Housing Law minimum
Existing Climatic
51 Property
Maintenance
Code Section
602.3 & 602.4
(Heating)
Heat Supply
Occupiable Work
Spaces
Deletes these requirements for
minimum heating system performance
Existing Climatic
52 WUI Code
Section 202
Definitions Adds definitions for spark arrester,
tracer, tracer charge, and WildlandUrbane Interface Area New Topographic
ATTACHMENT 3
ORDINANCE NO.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA BARBARA AMENDING CHAPTER 22.04 OF THE

MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE
20225 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE,
VOLUMES 1 AND 2; THE 20225 EDITION OF THE
CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE; THE 2025 EDITION OF
THE CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE;
THE 2022 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL
CODE; THE 20252 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA
MECHANICAL CODE; THE 20252 EDITION OF THE
CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE; THE 20252 EDITION OF
THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE; THE 20252 EDITION
OF THE CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE; THE
2025-2 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING
BUILDINGS CODE; THE 20252 EDITION OF THE
CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE; THE
2022 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA REFERENCED
STANDARDS CODE; AND THE 20241 INTERNATIONAL
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE; ADOPTING LOCAL
REVISIONS TO THOSE CODES; AND REPEALING
ORDINANCE NUMBER 60935919.

WHEREAS, uniform international construction codes are developed, updated, and published regularly; and
WHEREAS, these codes are adopted by the State of California and by local communities with amendments specifically pertinent to their local conditions; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Barbara relies on local ground and surface water for its local water supplies, and drought conditions are common within Santa Barbara and the surrounding areas; and
WHEREAS, local topography and climate present unique flooding, fire hazard, and fire abatement conditions; and
WHEREAS, local geological conditions such as very problematic soils and intense earthquake faults present unique geophysical hazards; and WHEREAS, the majority of the buildings in the City of Santa Barbara pre-date the Americans with Disabilities Act; many of the parcels of land supporting these older buildings are fully developed; and because of the topography of these parcels, determining accessibility compliance can be very complex; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Barbara has the authority to establish appropriate administrative building permit process amendments for the purposes of enforcing the State Building Standards Codes; and
1 2
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Barbara finds that such local geological, topographic, climatic, and existing building conditions warrant certain amendments to the model uniform codes related to construction;

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Section 22.04.010 of Chapter 22.04 of Title 22 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is adopted to read as follows:

22.4.10 Adoption of California Codes by Reference.

Subject to the amendments specified in Sections 22.04.020 through 22.04.0870, the following Codes, certain appendix chapters, and the standards and secondary codes referenced therein are adopted, and shall be known as the City of Santa Barbara Building Codes.

A.

B. The “California Building Code Volumes 1 and 2” (20252 Edition), as published by the
California Building Standards Commission, including Appendix Chapters G and J.

B. The “California Residential Code” (20252 Edition), as published by the California Building Standards Commission, including Appendix Chapter V.

C. The “California Wildland-Urban Interface Code” as published by the California Building Standards Commission.

D. The “California Electrical Code” (20252 Edition), as published by the California Building Standards Commission.

E. The “California Mechanical Code” (20252 Edition), as published by the California Building Standards Commission.

F. The “California Plumbing Code” (20252 Edition), as published by the California Building Standards Commission including Appendix Chapters I (Installation Standards) and K.

G. The “California Energy Code” (20252 Edition), as published by the California Building Standards Commission.

H. The “California Historical Building Code” (20252 Edition), as published by the California Building Standards Commission.

I. The “California Existing Building Code” (20252 Edition), as published by the California Building Standards Commission.

J. The “California Green Building Standards Code” (20252 Edition), as published by the California Building Standards Commission.

K. The California Referenced Standards Code” (20252 Edition), as published by the California Building Standards Commission.

L. The “International Property Maintenance Code” (20241 Edition), as published by the International Code Council, including Appendix A.

SECTION 2. Section 22.04.020 of Chapter 22.04 of Title 22 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is adopted to read as follows:
3 22.4.20 Amendments to the California Building Code.

The California Building Code, as adopted by reference pursuant to this Chapter, is amended as set forth in this Section 22.04.020.

A.Sections 105.1.1 and 105.1.2 are added to read as follows:

Sections 105.1.3 and 105.1.4 are added to read as follows:
105.1.3 Paving and Striping. Building permits shall be required for all paving, repaving (including slurry coating), striping, re-striping, signage, and re-signage of parking spaces in parking lots and structures. Accessible parking spaces, access aisles, and signage shall be provided that meets currently adopted codes. 105.1.4 Demolition Permits. Building permits shall be required to demolish any building, portion of a building, or structure within the City of Santa Barbara and shall be subject to the following conditions:

1. The applicant shall ensure all utility connections have been removed by the appropriate utility providers, except such utility services that are approved for use in connection with the work of the demolition. The applicant shall provide verification from the utility providers that utility service has been disconnected.

2. The applicant shall obtain clearance from the Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District for all commercial demolition, renovations and alterations.

3. All resulting building debris, trash, junk, vegetation, dead organic matter, rodent harborage, or combustible material that constitutes a threat to life, health, or property, or is detrimental to the public welfare or which may reduce adjacent property value shall be removed from the site within thirty (30) days after the demolition of the structure.

4. All demolition debris must be managed and handled in accordance with the City’s Environmental Services Division regulations and guidelines.

A. Section 105.2 “Work Exempt From Permit” is amended to read as follows:

Section 105.2 Work Exempt From Permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following (Note - For work involving detached one- and two-family dwellings or townhouses or buildings accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings or townhouses, see Section 105 of the California Residential Code as amended by the City of Santa Barbara in this Ordinance):

Building:

1. One-story detached residential accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, portable and fixed playground equipment, bicycle or skateboard ramps and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11 m2) and the height does not exceed ten (10) feet at the highest point; and further provided the structure does not encroach into required setbacks or required open yards, 4 does not obstruct required parking, and is not served by any utilities. The combined square footage of exempt accessory structures may not exceed 200 square feet on any single parcel.

2. Residential fences and walls not exceeding five (5) feet in height, as measured in a vertical line from the lowest point of contact with the ground directly adjacent to both sides of the fence to the highest point of the fence along said vertical line, provided that such fences and walls are constructed in compliance with the City’s Fence and Hedge Ordinance .Residential fences and walls not over 3-1/2 feet high, as measured from the lowest adjacent grade within 3 ½ feet of the fence.

3. Oil derricks.

4. Residential retaining walls, and non-retaining walls, including masonry and concrete walls, which are not over not exceeding four (4) feet in height as measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, are exempt from a building permit unless the wall: (a) supportsing a surcharge, or (b) impoundsing flammable liquids, or (c) is installed on a slope of twenty percent ( 20%) or greater.

5. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.

6. Uncovered residential platforms, decks, porches, walks, and similar structures not more than exceeding ten (10) inches in height above adjacent grade, that are not located over any basement or story below, not part of an accessible route, and not part of the means of egress from a normally occupied space.

7. Interior painting, papering, and similar finish work.

8. Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery.

9. Ground mounted radio, television and other masts or antenna or dishshaped communication reception or transmitting structures less than 3 feet in diameter, which do not extend more than 15 feet above grade and are not served by electrical circuits regulated under the National Electrical Code NEC). Light- weight roof-mounted radio, television, and other masts or antenna or dish shaped communication reception or transmitting structures less than 2 feet in diameter, which do not extend more than 15 feet above the roof, are not served by electrical circuits regulated under the NEC, and which are not subject to a telecommunications permit pursuant to Santa Barbara Municipal Code §30.185.410.B.design review by the Architectural Board of Review, Historic Landmarks Commission, or Single Family Design Board.

10. Freestanding or movable cases, counters, and interior partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height, and not containing or requiring connections to electrical power or plumbing systems.

11. Permit applications submitted for other miscellaneous and minor work may be exempted by the Chief Building Official from permits, fees and inspections.

Electrical:

Repairs and maintenance. Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

Radio and television transmitting stations. The provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical equipment used for radio and televisions transmissions, but do apply to equipment and wiring for power supply and installations of towers and 5 antennas.
6 Temporary testing systems. A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.

Gas:

Gas:

1. Portable heating appliance.

2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

Mechanical:

1. Portable heating appliance.

2. Portable ventilation equipment.

3. Portable cooling unit.

4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.

5. Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.

6. Portable evaporative cooler.

7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (5 kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.

Plumbing:

1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with the new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.

2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

B. Section 105.4.1 added to read as follows:
105.4.1 Issuance. All work authorized by building permit for other than R-3 or U occupancies shall be issued to an appropriate contractor licensed in accordance with the provisions of California State Law.

C. Section 105.5 “Expiration” is amended to read as follows:
105.5 Expiration. Unless extended by the Building Official, every permit issued shall become invalid, without notice being given to the permit holder when the following occurs:

1. The work on the site, authorized by such permit, is not commenced within 180 days of the permit issuance date, or
7 2. During any period of more than 180 days after permit issuance, the work on site does not receive full City Inspection approval for any one of the inspections found in Section 110.3.1-110.3.12.

Prior to the permit expiration above, when requested in writing, the Building Official may grant administrative permit extensions for circumstances, out of the permit holder’s control, that caused the construction to stop. However, no permit shall be active for more than 6 years.

D. Section 107.1.1 “Licensed Architect Required” is added to read as follows:
107.1.1 Licensed Architect Required. All permit applications and construction documents for multi-family residential buildings of greater than 2 units and non-residential projects with construction valuations greater than 20% of the current building value shall be reviewed for consistency and compliance and submitted with the seal and signature of a State licensed architect unless specifically allowed to do otherwise by the Building Official.

E. Section 107.2.9 “Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Approval” is added to read as follows:
107.2.9 Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Approval. Building permit applications and the associated construction drawings that include a CASp certification per State Civil Code Section 55.53 and include the following statement, signed by a State licensed CASp, will receive an expedited plan review of Chapters 11A and 11B by the City:
“I, (CASp Full Name) , have inspected the property and provided the property owner with a report in accordance with California Civil Code Sections 55.51-55.545. I have reviewed:
 The prior 3-years of “adjusted construction cost”, as defined in this code, for this parcel, and
 These construction plans and documents for the project submitted under City permit (PERMIT #) for compliance with the State Title 24, Part 2, Volume 1, Chapters 11A and/or 11B
I find these plans and documents to be, to the best of my knowledge, in compliance the applicable State access compliance standards.

Signature:

CASp #: ”
Date:

F. Section 109 “Fees” is replaced as follows:
109. Fees. All fees shall be adopted either by:

1. City Council via Ordinance or Resolution, or

2. Provided for by the State of California
8 G. Section 113 “Board of appeals” is amended to read as follows:
113. Board of Appeals. In order to provide technical Code advice to the City’s building official and fire code official, and to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the fire code official or building official relative to the application and interpretations of the technical codes, there shall be and is hereby created a Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals. This Board consists of members who are qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction and building service equipment and who are not employees of the jurisdiction. The Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals shall be appointed by the City Council and shall hold office for a 4-year term. The Board is not empowered to waive requirements of the State Title 24 codes. The Board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the fire code official or building official. 113.1.1 Alternatives. The Board may consider any alternate provided that it finds that the proposed design, material, method, or work offered is, for the purpose intended. The Board shall have no authority to waive the requirements of the applicable Code. 113.1.2 Appointments. The City Council shall appoint 7 qualified individuals, provided that at least 3 members are physically handicapped disabled when hearing items that involve Chapters 11A or 11B of the California Building or Fire Code. 113.1.3 Quorum. For other than appeals and ratifications relative to Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code, it shall take a quorum of members to hear an appeal and majority vote of the Board convened to sustain an appeal. Appeals and ratifications relative to the enforcement of Chapter 11A or 11B, at least 2 of the Board members in a quorum hearing the item must be physically disabled.
113.1.4 Chairperson. The chairperson shall be selected annually by the convened Board. The chairperson shall maintain order and conduct the meeting in accordance with the California Brown Act.
113.1.5 Meetings. The Board shall meet when needed to hear an appeal or when needed to transact business of the Board. Either the building official or the fire code official or their designee shall act as Secretary of the Board.
113.1.6 Board Decisions. The decision of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals shall be final on all matters of appeals and shall become an order to the Appellant, Chief Building Official or Fire Code Official as may be appropriate. 113.1.7 Procedural Rules. Appeal hearings shall be conducted substantially in accordance with the following format:

1. Any person may appeal a decision of the building official or fire code official by filing a written appeal with the building official or fire code official within 10-days of the issuance of the written decision. The notice of appeal shall state the grounds for the appeal.
9 2. No notice of appeal shall be accepted unless the notice is accompanied by the fee specified by resolution of the City Council.

3. Unless agreed to otherwise by the appellant and the building official or fire code official, all appeals shall be heard not less than 10-days and not more than 60- days from the date on which the building official or fire code official receives the written appeal.

4. The filing of a timely appeal with the building official or fire code official shall place a stay on further enforcement of the specific matter appealed, except for instances of immediate danger to life or property.

5. The Chairperson shall call the meeting to order.

6. The Chairperson shall note the Board members present for the minutes.

7. The Chairperson shall recognize the building official or fire code official for presentation of the appeal. The building official or the fire code official shall read his or her recommendation to the Board.

8. The Chairperson shall recognize the Appellant for presentation of rebuttals.

9. All witnesses must be called by either the Appellant or the building official or the fire code official and may be questioned as permitted by the Chair of this Board. The Board has full discretion in allowing witnesses as well as setting equal time limits for presentation by City staff and the Appellant.

10. The Board may entertain comments from the public.

11. The Board may affirm, deny, or amend the decision of the building official or the fire code official.

12. The Board shall issue its decisions in writing and shall include a statement of the decision appealed, the decision of the Board and the findings made by the Board in reaching their decision.

13. The Chairperson shall adjourn the meeting at the end of business.

14. The Secretary shall prepare minutes for the record and shall serve as custodian of case records and said minutes.

I. Section 117 is added to read as follows:
117.1 Post-Damage Assessment. After a disaster, residential buildings subject to this Code shall be assessed for damage and placarded in accordance with Chapter 22.09 of this Code.

J. Section 701A.1 has been removed in its entirety and replaced with THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE as amended by Municipal Code 1 0
Section 22.4.80.
“Scope” is amended to read as follows:
701A.1 Scope. This chapter applies to building materials, systems and/or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings, remodels or additions to existing buildings located within a Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area as defined in Section 702A.

JK. Section 701A.3 “Application” is amended to read as follows:
701A.3 Application. New buildings, remodeled buildings or additions to existing buildings in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface Area designated by the enforcing agency constructed after the application date shall comply with this chapter.

Exception: Accessory and/or Group U occupancy buildings may be exempted from all or portions of this chapter upon approval of the Fire Code Official and/or Chief Building Official.

L. Section 705A.4 “Roof Gutters” is amended to read as follows:
705A.4 Roof Gutters. Roof gutters shall be provided with the means to prevent the accumulation of leaves and debris in the gutter. All roof gutters and downspouts shall be constructed of non-combustible materials.

M. Section 708A.2 “Exterior Glazing” is amended to read as follows:
708A.2 Exterior Glazing. The following exterior glazing materials and/or assemblies shall comply with this section:

1. Exterior windows and/or skylights.

2. Exterior glazed doors.

3. Glazed openings within exterior doors.

4. Glazed openings within exterior garage doors.

5. Exterior structural glass veneer.

6. Glazing frames made of vinyl materials shall have welded corners, metal reinforcement in the interlock area, and be certified to the most current edition of ANSI/AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2 structural requirements.

J. Section 903.2.22 “Local Requirements” is added to read as follows:
903.2.22 Local Requirements. Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed throughout buildings and structures as specified in Section 903.2 or as specified in Section 903.2.22, whichever is more protective. 10 903.2.22.1 New Buildings, Generally. The construction of a new building containing any of the following occupancies: A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R, S or U.

Exceptions: A new building containing a Group U occupancy that is constructed in the City’s designated High Fire Hazard Area is not required to provide a sprinkler system as long as the building does not exceed 500 square feet of floor area. A new building containing a U occupancy that is constructed outside the City’s designated High Fire Hazard Area is not required to provide a sprinkler system as long as the building does not exceed 5000 square feet of floor area.
903.2.22.2 New Buildings in the High Fire Hazard Area. The construction of any new building within the City’s designated High Fire Hazard Area.

Exception: A new building containing a Group U occupancy that is constructed in the City’s designated High Fire Hazard Area is not required to provide a sprinkler system as long as the building does not exceed 500 square feet of floor area. 903.2.22.3 Additions to Buildings Other than Single Family Residences. The addition of floor area to an existing building that contains any occupancy other than Group R, Division 3.

Exception: For buildings that have had no additions since September 11, 2009, a single addition of not more than 250 square feet, provided the addition does not change the use to a more hazardous occupancy, shall not trigger the requirement to install an automatic fire sprinkler system. However, the square footage of the single addition allowed under this exception will be included in the cumulative total of modifications and alterations for purposes of Section 903.2.20.4.
903.2.22.4 Remodels of Buildings Other than Single Family Residences.

The remodel or alteration of the interior of an existing building that contains any occupancy other than Group R, Division 3, where the floor area of the portion of the building that is modified or altered exceeds 50% of the existing floor area of the building. For purposes of this section, all modifications or alterations to an existing building that occur after September 11, 2009 shall be counted in the aggregate toward the 50% threshold measured against the floor area of the building. It shall be the responsibility of the building owner to install the sprinkler system throughout the building when the threshold has been exceeded. Calculations of aggregate floor areas are as follows:
(a) Aggregate alterations or modifications involving the demolition, reconstruction and/or replacement of 50% or more of the existing exterior walls of the building or structure; or (b) Aggregate alterations or modifications that change or rearrange the existing planned configuration of walls or full height partitions and involves 50% or more of the enclosed floor area of the building or structure; or
(c) Aggregate alterations or modifications involving the demolition, reconstruction and/or replacement of 5075% or more of ceilings and walls coverings exposing 10 framingstructural members of the building.

Exception: Nothing in this section shall prevent the building owner from negotiating a written agreement with the tenant or tenants for allocating the cost of the sprinkler system in any proportion.
903.2.22.5 Change of Occupancy to a Higher Hazard Classification. Any change of occupancy in an existing building where the occupancy changes to a higher hazard classification. Higher hazard classification shall be defined per amended Table 1011.5 of the 2025 Existing Building Code and written policy.

TABLE 1011.5 MEANS OF EGRESS HAZARD CATEGORIES

RELATIVE HAZARD OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS
1 (Highest Hazard) H
2 I-2, I-3, I-4
3 A, E, I-1, R-1, R-2, R-4
4 M, B, F-1, R-3, S-1
5 (Lowest Hazard) F-2, S-2, U
13 Exception: For purposes of sprinklers only, the higher hazard classification will not be deemed to include low hazard assembly occupancies of 75 occupants or fewer 903.2.22.6 Computation of Square Footage. For the purposes of this Section 903.2.220, the floor area of buildings shall be computed in accordance with the definition of “Floor area, Gross” provided in Section 1002.1202 of the California Building Code.
903.2.22.7 Existing use. Any existing building not classified as Group R, Division 3, in existence at the time of the effective date of this code may have their use continued if such use was legal at the time. Additions to existing buildings shall require an automatic fire sprinkler system installed throughout, including areas not previously protected.

Exception: For buildings that have had no additions since September 11, 2009, a single addition of not more than 250 square feet, provided the addition does not change the use to a more hazardous occupancy, shall not trigger the requirement to install an automatic fire sprinkler system. However, the square footage of the single addition will be included in the cumulative total of modifications and alterations for purposes of Section 903.2.22.40.4.
903.2.22.8 Exceptions and Modifications. Where hardship or substantial difficulty make strict compliance with a sprinkler section impractical, the fire code official is authorized to grant exceptions or modifications on an individual basis, pursuant to California Fire Code Section 104.98.

K. Section 907.2.30 is added to read as follows:
907.2.30 Mixed- Use Occupancies. Where residential occupancies are combined with commercial occupancies, a fire alarm system shall be installed which notifies all occupants in the event of a fire. The system shall include automatic smoke detection throughout the commercial and common areas. In addition, a notification system shall be installed in a manner and location approved by the fire code official that indicates the presence of residential dwelling units in accordance with Municipal Code Section

8.04.030 B.

N. Section 12087.5-4 “Efficiency Dwelling Units” is amended to read as follows:
12087.54 Efficiency Dwelling Units. Unless modified by local ordinance pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17958.1, efficiency dwelling units shall comply with the following:

1. The unit’s habitable space shall comply with Sections 1208.1 through 1208.4. shall have a living room of not less than 220 square feet (20.4 m2) of floor area. An additional 100 square feet (9.3 m2) of floor area shall be provided for each occupant 14 of such unit in excess of two.

Exception:

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 1 above, for projects constructed or operated by a nonprofit or governmental agency offering housing at an Affordable Housing Cost to Lower Income Households (as those terms are defined in sections 50052.5 and 50079.5 of the California Health and Safety Code), the City may permit efficiency dwelling units for occupancy by no more than two persons who qualify as either very low or low income households where the units have a minimum useable floor area, (excluding floor area in the kitchen, bathroom and closet), of not less than 150 square feet. In all other respects, such efficiency dwelling units shall conform to the minimum standards specified in this code.

1. The unit shall be provided with a separate closet.

2. For other than Accessible, adaptable dwelling units, Tthe unit shall be provided with a kitchen sink, cooking appliance and refrigeration facilities, each having a clear working space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in front. Light and ventilation conforming to this code shall be provided.

3. The unit shall be provided with a separate bathroom containing a water closet, lavatory and bathtub or shower.

O. Table 1505.1 is amended to read as follows:

TABLE 1505.1

MINIMUM ROOF COVERING CLASSIFICATION

FOR TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

IA IB IIA IIB IIIA IIIB IV VA VB

B B B B B B B B B
P. Section 1505.1.1 “Roofing Requirements in a Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area” is amended to read as follows:
1505.1.1 Roofing Requirements in a Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area. Roof coverings on all buildings shall be class A noncombustible in accordance with adopted CBC Standards or otherwise as may be approved by the Chief Building Official.

Treated or untreated wood shakes or shingles shall not be permitted, except on existing structures which are constructed with shake or shingle roofs where less than 20% of the existing roof is being replaced within a two 2) year period, provided such replacement roofing is fire retardant treated wood shakes or shingles. “Green” or “Vegetated” roofs shall not be used in the Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area.
15 Q. Section 1505.1.23 “Roof coverings within all other areas” is amended to read as follows:
1505.1.23 Roof coverings within in all other areas. The roof covering or roofing assembly of any new building or the re-roofing of any existing building, regardless of type or occupancy classification, shall be no less than Class B, except that Group H, Division 1 and Group I occupancies shall be Class A. Treated or untreated wood shakes or shingles shall not be permitted, except on existing structures which are constructed with shake or shingle roofs where less than 20 % of the existing roof is being replaced within a two 2 year period, provided such replacement roofing is fire retardant treated wood shakes or shingles.

Exception: In the High Fire Hazard District, roof coverings shall be in accordance with 1501.1.1 and Chapter 5 of the California Wildland Interface Code as amended by the City of Santa Barbara municipal code Section 22.04.80 . Chapter 7A as amended.

R.

S. Section 1505.1.4 “Roofing Requirements in a Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area” is amended to read as follows:
16 T.

U. 1505.1.4 Roofing Requirements in a Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area.

Roof coverings on all buildings shall be class A noncombustible in accordance with adopted CBC Standards or otherwise as may be approved by the Chief Building Official.

V.

W. Treated or untreated wood shakes or shingles shall not be permitted, except on existing structures which are constructed with shake or shingle roofs where less than 20% of the existing roof is being replaced within a two 2) year period, provided such replacement roofing is fire retardant treated wood shakes or shingles.

X.

Y. “Green” or “Vegetated” roofs shall not be used in the Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area.

Z.

AA. Section 1507.4.1 “Deck Requirements” is amended to read as follows:
1507.4.1 Deck Requirements. Metal roof panel roof coverings shall be applied to a solid or closely fitted deck, except where the roof covering is specifically designed to be applied to spaced supports. Metal roof panel coverings shall not be installed over combustible shingles or shakes.

BB. Section 1705.12.2 “Structural wood” subsection “Exceptions” is amended to read as follows:
1705.13.22.1 Structural wWood. Exceptions:

1. Special Inspections are not required for wood shear walls, shear panels and diaphragms, including nailing, bolting, anchoring and other fastening to other elements of the seismic force-resisting system, where the fastener spacing of the sheathing is more than 4 inches (102 mm) on center (o.c.).

2. Special Inspection is not required if the building is designed in accordance with AWC SDPWS-2008 (NDS) Table 4.3A (Note: PLF values must be divided in half per

4.3.3) assuming that the allowable shear values reflected are reduced by 25%.

CC. Appendix G Section G101 “Flood Resistant Construction” is amended to read as follows:

G101.1 Flood Resistant Construction
G101. General. Construction and development within a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Special Flood Hazard Area depicted on a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map shall be completed in accordance with the City’s Municipal Code, Chapter 22.24 and FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program standards for construction and development within Special Flood Hazard Areas.

DD.Appendix G Sections G102-G1101 are deleted without replacement. 17 EE. Appendix J “Grading” is amended to read as follows:

J101. GRADING GENERAL
J101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter apply to grading, excavation and earthwork construction, including fills and embankments, and the control of grading site runoff, including erosion sediments and construction-related pollutants. The purpose of this appendix is to safeguard life, limb, property and the public welfare by regulating grading on private property. Where technical conflict occur between this chapter and geotechnical report filed by a licensed civil engineer, the Building Official may allow the geotechnical report to govern.

J101.2 General Hazards. Whenever the Building Official determines that any existing excavation or embankment or fill on private property has become a hazard to life and limb, or endangers property, or adversely affects the safety, use or stability of a public way or drainage channel, the owner of the property upon which the excavation or fill is located, or other person or agent in control of said property, upon receipt of notice in writing from the Building Official, shall within the period specified therein repair or eliminate such excavation or embankment to eliminate the hazard and to be in conformance with the requirements of this code.

J101.3 Safety Precautions. If at any stage of the work the Building Official determines by inspection that further grading as authorized is likely to endanger any public or private property or result in the deposition of debris on any public way or interfere with any existing drainage course, the Building Official may order the work stopped by notice in writing served on any persons engaged in doing or causing such work to be done, and any such person shall forthwith stop such work. The Building Official may authorize the work to proceed if the Building Official finds adequate safety precautions can be taken or corrective measures incorporated in the work to avoid likelihood of such danger, deposition or interference.

If the grading work, as done, has created or resulted in a hazardous condition, the Building Official shall give written notice requiring correction thereof as specified in California Building Code - Section 114 “Violations” or California Residential Code - Section R113 “Violations”. The Building Official may cause the violator to be prosecuted and issue an Administrative Citation without first having to issue a Notice of Violation.

J101.4 Protection of Utilities. The owner of any property on which grading has been performed, and which requires a grading permit under Section J103, shall be responsible for the prevention of damage to any public utilities or services.

J101.5 Protection of Adjacent Property. The owner of any property on which grading, has been performed and which requires a grading permit under Section J103 is responsible for the prevention of damage to adjacent property and no person shall excavate on land sufficiently close to the property line to endanger any adjoining public street, sidewalk, alley, or other public or private property without supporting and protecting such property from settling, cracking or other damage which might result. Special precautions approved by the Building Official shall be made to prevent imported or exported materials from being deposited on the adjacent public way and/or drainage 18 courses.

J101.6 Storm Water Control Measures. The owner of any property on which grading, has been performed shall put into effect and maintain all precautionary measures necessary to protect adjacent water courses and public or private property from damage by erosion, flooding, and deposition of mud, debris, and construction-related pollutants originating from the site during grading and related construction activities as required in Chapter 22.85 and/or any special conditions imposed on a project as a result of the issuance of a discretionary permit by the City.

J101.7 Maintenance of Protective Devices. The owner of any property on which grading has been performed pursuant to a permit issued under the provisions of this code, or any other person or agent in control of such property, shall maintain in good condition and repair all drainage structures and other protective devices when they are shown on the grading plans filed with the application for grading permit and approved as a condition precedent to the issuance of such permit.

J101.8 Conditions of Approval. In granting any permit under this code, the Building Official may include such conditions as may be reasonably necessary to prevent creation of a nuisance or hazard to public or private property. Such conditions may include, but shall not be limited to:

1. Improvement of any existing grading to comply with the standards of this code.

2. Requirements for fencing of excavations or fills which may otherwise be hazardous.

3. Storm water pollution prevention control measures beyond those required by Section J101.6 of this Appendix J.

SECTION J102 DEFINITIONS
J102.1 Definitions. For the purposes of this appendix chapter, the terms, phrases and words listed in this section and their derivatives shall have the indicated meanings.

APPROVAL shall mean that the proposed work or completed work conforms to this chapter to the satisfaction of the Building Official.

AS–GRADED is the extent of surface conditions on completion of the approved grading project.

BEDROCK is in–place solid rock that is the relatively solid, undisturbed rock in place either at the ground surface or beneath superficial deposits of alluvium, colluvium and/or soil.

BENCH is a relatively level step excavated into earth material on which fill is to be placed.
19 BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP) is a storm water pollution mitigation measure which is required to be employed in order to comply with the requirements of the NPDES permit issued to the City of Santa Barbara by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board.

BORROW is earth material acquired from an off–site location for use in grading on a site.

CIVIL ENGINEER is a professional engineer registered in the state to practice in the field of civil works.

CIVIL ENGINEERING is the application of the knowledge of the forces of nature, principles of mechanics and the properties of materials to the evaluation, design and construction of civil works.

COMPACTION the densification of a fill by mechanical means.

CUT See Excavation.

DESILTING BASINS are physical structures, constructed to allow the removal of sediments from surface water runoff.

DESIGN ENGINEER shall mean the civil engineer responsible for the preparation of the grading plans for the site grading work.

DOWN DRAIN a device for collecting water from a swale or ditch located on or above a slope, and safely delivering it to an approved drainage facility EARTH MATERIAL is any rock, natural soil or fill or any combination thereof.

ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST is a geologist experienced and knowledgeable in engineering geology. Shall mean a person holding a valid certificate of registration as a geologist in the specialty of engineering geology issued by the State of California under the applicable provisions of the Geologist and Geophysicist Act of the Business and Professions Code.

ENGINEERING GEOLOGY is the application of geologic knowledge and principles in the investigation and evaluation of naturally occurring rock and soil for use in the design of civil works.

EROSION is the wearing away of the ground surface as a result of the movement of wind, water or ice.

EROSION/SEDIMENTATION CONTROL PLAN (ESC) is a site drawing with details, notes, and related documents that identify the measures taken by the permittee to (1) control construction-related erosion and prevent construction-related sediment and pollutants from being carried offsite by storm water, and (2) prevent construction-related non-storm water discharges from entering the storm drain system that complies with the latest version of the Building & Safety Division’s ESC Policy. 20 EXCAVATION is the removal of earth material by artificial means, also referred to as a cut.

FIELD ENGINEER shall mean the civil engineer responsible for performing the functions as set forth in Section J105.4.

FILL is the deposition of earth materials by artificial means.

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER See “soils engineer.”
GEOTECHNICAL HAZARD is an adverse condition due to landslide, settlement, and/or slippage. These hazards include loose debris, slope wash, and the potential for mud flows from natural or graded slopes.

GRADE is the vertical location of the ground surface.

GRADE, EXISTING is the grade prior to grading.

GRADE, FINISHED is the final grade of the site that conforms to the approved plan.

GRADE, ROUGH is the stage at which the grade approximately conforms to the approved plan.

GRADING is an excavation or fill or combination thereof.

KEY is a compacted fill placed in a trench excavated in earth material beneath the toe of a slope.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT shall mean a person who holds a certificate to practice landscape architecture in the State of California under the applicable landscape architecture provisions of Division 3, Chapter 3.5 of the Business and Professions Code.

LINE shall refer to horizontal location of the ground surface.

NATURAL GRADE is the vertical location of the ground surface prior to any excavation or fill.

PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM is a septic tank with effluent discharging into a subsurface disposal field, into one or more seepage pits or into a combination of subsurface disposal field and seepage pit or of such other facilities as may be permitted.

PROJECT CONSULTANTS shall mean professional consultants required by this code which may consist of the design engineer, field engineer, soils engineer, engineering geologist, and architect as applicable to this chapter.

PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION is the inspection required by this code to be performed by the civil engineer, soils engineer or engineering geologist. Such inspections include those performed by persons supervised by such engineers or geologists and shall 21 be sufficient to form an opinion relating to the conduct of the work.

SITE is any lot or parcel of land or contiguous combination thereof, under the same ownership, where grading is performed or permitted.

SLOPE is an inclined ground surface the inclination of which is expressed as a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical distance.

SOIL is naturally occurring superficial deposits overlying bedrock.

SOILS ENGINEER (GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER) is an engineer experienced and knowledgeable in the practice of soils (geotechnical) engineering.

SOILS ENGINEERING (GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING) is the application of the principals of soil mechanics in the investigation, evaluation and design of civil works involving the use of earth materials and the inspection or testing of construction thereof.

STORM DRAIN SYSTEM is a conveyance or system of conveyances, including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, pipes, ditches and manmade channels, designed or used for collecting, dissipating, or conveying storm water.

SURFACE DRAINAGE shall refer to flows over the ground surface.

SOIL TESTING AGENCY is an agency regularly engaged in the testing of soils and rock under the direction of a civil engineer experienced in soil testing.

TERRACE a relatively level step constructed in the face of a graded slope for drainage and maintenance purposes.

SECTION J103 PERMITS REQUIRED
J103.1 Permits required. Except as exempted in Section J103.2, no grading shall be performed without first having obtained a permit therefore from the Building Official. A grading permit does not include the construction of retaining walls or other structures. A separate permit shall be obtained for each site and may cover both excavations and fills. Any Engineered Grading as described in Section J104 shall be performed by a contractor licensed by the State of California to perform the work described herein. Regular grading less than 5,000 cubic yards may require a licensed contractor if the Building Official determines that special conditions or hazards exist.

J103.2 Exemptions. A grading permit shall not be required for the following:

1. When approved by the Building Official, grading in an isolated, self-contained area, provided there is no danger to the public, and that such grading will not adversely affect adjoining properties.

2. Excavation for the construction of a structure permitted under this code. 22 3. Cemetery graves.

4. Excavations for wells, or trenches for utilities.

5. Exploratory excavations performed under the direction of a Soils Engineer or Engineering Geologist. This shall not exempt grading of access roads or pads created for exploratory excavations. Exploratory excavations must be restored to existing conditions, unless approved by the Building Official.

6. An excavation that is not within a known landslide area and is less than 50 cubic yards (38.3 m3) and complies with one of the following conditions:
a) Is less than 2 feet (610 mm) in depth, or
b) Does not create a cut slope greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) measured vertically upward from the cut surface to the surface of the natural grade and is not steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50% slope).

7. A fill not intended to support a structure and that is not within a known landslide area and which does not obstruct a drainage course and complies with one of the following conditions:
a) is less than 1 foot (305 mm) in depth and is placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than 5 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical in (20% slope), b) is less than 3 feet (914 mm) in depth at its deepest point measured vertically upward from natural grade to the surface of the fill, and does not exceed 50 cubic yards and creates a fill slope no steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50% slope), or
c) is less than 5 feet (1524 mm) in depth at its deepest point measured vertically upward from natural grade to the surface of the fill, and does not exceed 20 cubic yards and creates a fill slope no steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical (50% slope). 20 8. Exemption from the permit requirements of this appendix shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

J103.3 Unpermitted Grading. A person shall not own, use, occupy or maintain any site containing unpermitted grading. For the purposes of this Code, unpermitted grading shall be defined as any grading that was performed, at any point in time, without the required permit(s) having first been obtained from the Building Official, pursuant to Section 103.1.

J103.4 Availability of Permit at Site. No person shall perform any grading for which a permit is required under this chapter unless a copy of the grading permit and approved grading plans is in the possession of a responsible person and available at the site.

J103.5 Grading Plan Review, Inspection and Permit Fees. Fees shall be assessed in accordance with the provisions set forth in the City of Santa Barbara’s most currently adopted fee schedule.

J103.6 Grading Security. The Building Official may require a security in such form and amounts as may be deemed necessary to ensure that the work, if not completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, will be corrected to eliminate hazardous conditions. If required, a permit shall not be issued for grading unless the owner posts with the Building Official a security in one of the following forms:

1. A bond furnished by a corporate surety authorized to do business in this state.

2. A cash bond.

3. Savings and loan certificates or shares deposited and assigned to the City of Santa Barbara.
21 4. An instrument of credit from a financial institution subject to regulation by the State or Federal government and pledging that the funds necessary to carry out the grading are on deposit and guaranteed for payment, or a letter of credit issued by such a financial institution.

5. Where unusual conditions or special hazards exist, the Building Official may require security for grading involving less than 1,000 cubic yards (764.6 m3). Security required by this Section may include incidental off-site grading on property contiguous with the site to be developed, provided written consent of the owner of such contiguous property is filed with the Building Official.

6. The Building Official may waive the requirements for a security for:
a) Grading being done by or for a governmental agency.
b) Grading necessary to remove a geotechnical hazard, where such work is covered by an agreement and security posted pursuant to the provisions of the City’s "Subdivision Ordinance”.
c) Minor grading on a site, not exceeding a slope of 3 horizontal to 1 vertical, provided such grading as determined by the Building Official will not affect drainage from or to adjacent properties.
d) Filling of holes or depressions, provided such grading will not affect the drainage from or to adjacent properties, or affect a rare, threatened or endangered species or its habitat, or other sensitive habitat.

J103.6.1 Amount of Security. The amount of security shall be based on the number of cubic yards of material in either excavation or fill, whichever is greater, plus the cost of all drainage or other protective devices or work necessary to eliminate geotechnical hazards.

That portion of the security valuation based on the volume of material in either excavation or fill shall be computed as follows:

1. 100,000 cubic yards or less - 50 percent of the estimated cost of grading work.

2. Over 100,000 cubic yards - 50 percent of the cost of the first 100,000 cubic yards plus 25 percent of the estimated cost of that portion in excess of 100,000 cubic yards.

3. When the rough grading has been completed in conformance with the requirements of this code, the Building Official may at his or her discretion consent to a proportionate reduction of the security to an amount estimated to be adequate to ensure completion of the grading work, site development or planting remaining to be performed. The costs referred to in this section shall be as estimated by the Building Official.

J103.6.2 Conditions. All security shall include the conditions that the principal shall:

1. Comply with all of the provisions of this code, applicable laws, and ordinances;

2. Comply with all of the terms and conditions of the grading permit; and 22 3. Complete all of the work authorized by the permit.

J103.6.3 Term of Security. The term of each security shall begin upon the filing thereof with the Building Official and the security shall remain in effect until the work authorized by the grading permit is completed and approved by the Building Official.

J103.6.4 Default Procedures. In the event the owner or the owner's agent shall fail to complete the work or fail to comply with all terms and conditions of the grading permit, it shall be deemed a default has occurred. The Building Official shall give notice thereof to the principal and security or financial institution on the grading permit security, or to the owner in the case of a cash deposit or assignment, and may order the work required to complete the grading in conformance with the requirements of this code be performed. The surety or financial institution executing the security shall continue to be firmly bound under an obligation up to the full amount of the security, for the payment of all necessary costs and expenses that may be incurred by the Building Official in causing any and all such required work to be done. In the case of a cash deposit or assignment, the unused portion of such deposit or funds assigned shall be returned or reassigned to the person making said deposit or assignment.

J103.6.5 Right of Entry. The Building Official or the authorized representative of the surety company or financial institution shall have access to the premises described in the permit for the purpose of inspecting the work.

In the event of default in the performance of any term or condition of the permit, the surety or financial institution or the Building Official, or any person employed or engaged in the behalf of any of these parties, shall have the right to go upon the premises to perform the required work.

The owner or any other person who interferes with or obstructs the ingress to or egress from any such premises, of any authorized representative of the surety or financial institution or of the City of Santa Barbara engaged in the correction or completion of the work for which a grading permit has been issued, after a default has occurred in the performance of the terms or conditions thereof, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

SECTION J104 PERMIT APPLICATION AND SUBMITTALS
J104.1 Submittal requirements. In addition to the provisions of Sections J106 and J107, the applicant shall state the estimated quantities of excavation and fill.

J104.2 Site plan requirements. In addition to the provisions of Section J106, a grading plan shall show the existing grade and finished grade in contour intervals of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work and show in detail that it complies with the requirements of this code. The plans shall show the existing grade on adjoining properties in sufficient detail to identify how grade changes will conform to the requirements of this code.

J104.2.1 Grading Designation. Grading in excess of 5,000 cubic yards or for the support of a structure shall be performed in accordance with the approved grading plan prepared by 23 a civil engineer, and shall be designated as “engineered grading.” Grading involving less than 5,000 cubic yards (3825 m3) shall be designated “regular grading” unless the permittee chooses to have the grading performed as engineered grading, or the Building Official determines that special conditions or unusual hazards exist, in which case grading shall conform to the requirements for engineered grading.

J104.2.2 Regular Grading Requirements. In addition to the provisions of Section J106 and Section J104.2, an application for a regular grading permit shall be accompanied by three sets of plans in sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work. The plans and specifications shall be prepared and signed by an individual licensed by the state to prepare such plans or specifications.

Plans shall be drawn to scale and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that they will conform to the provisions of this code and all relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. Each sheet of each set of plans shall give location of the work, the name and address of the owner, and the person by whom they were prepared.

The plans shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following information:

1. A vicinity map showing the proposed site.

2. Property limits and accurate contours of existing ground and details of terrain and area drainage.

3. Limiting dimensions, elevations or finish contours to be achieved by the grading, and proposed drainage channels and related construction.

4. Location of any buildings or structures on the property where the work is to be performed and the location of any buildings or structures on land of adjacent owners that are within 100 feet of the property in any direction.

5. Erosion/Sedimentation, all relevant storm water pollution prevention measures, and dust control provisions are required to be shown on the grading plan in accordance with the requirements of Sections J110, J111 & 112 of this appendix.

J104.2.3 Engineered Grading Requirements. In addition to the provisions of Sections J104.2 and J106, an application for an engineered grading permit shall be accompanied by specifications and supporting data consisting of a soils engineering report and engineering geology report. The plans and specifications shall be prepared and signed by an individual licensed by the state to prepare such plans or specifications when required by the Building Official.

Specifications shall contain information covering construction and material requirements. 24 Plans shall be drawn to scale and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that they will conform to the provisions of this code and all relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. Each plan drawing shall give location of the work, the name and address of the owner, and the person by whom they were prepared.

In addition to the plans required for Regular Grading Permits, the plans for Engineered Grading Permits shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following information:

6. Detailed plans of all surface and subsurface drainage devices, walls, cribbing, dams and other protective devices to be constructed with, or as a part of, the proposed work, together with a map showing the drainage area and the estimated runoff of the area served by any drains.

7. Recommendations included in the soils engineering report and the engineering geology report shall be incorporated in the grading plans or specifications. When approved by the Building Official, specific recommendations contained in the soils engineering report and the engineering geology report, which are applicable to grading, may be included by reference.

8. The dates of the soils engineering and engineering geology reports together with the names, addresses and phone numbers of the firms or individuals who prepared the reports.

9. A statement of the quantities of material to be excavated and/or filled and the amount of such material to be imported to, or exported from the site.

10. A statement of the estimated starting and completion dates for work covered by the permit.

11. A statement signed by the owner acknowledging that a field engineer, soils engineer and engineering geologist, when appropriate, will be employed to perform the services required by this code, whenever approval of the plans and issuance of the permit are to be based on the condition that such professional persons be so employed.

12. Erosion/Sedimentation, Storm water, and dust control provisions are required to be shown on the grading plan in accordance with the requirement of sections J110, J111 & J112 of this appendix.

13. A drainage plan for that portion of a lot or parcel to be utilized as a building site (building pad), including elevations of floors with respect to finish site grade and locations of proposed stoops, slabs and fences that may affect drainage.

14. Location and type of any proposed private sewage disposal system. 25 15. Location of existing utilities and drainage facilities and recorded easements. (public and private).

16. Location of all flood zones as designated and defined in Title 44, Code of Federal Regulations.

J104.3 Soils Engineering Report. The soils engineering report required by Section J104.2.2 shall include data regarding the nature, distribution and strength of existing soils, conclusions and recommendations for grading procedures and design criteria for corrective measures, including buttress fills, when necessary, and opinion on adequacy for the intended use of sites to be developed by the proposed grading as affected by soils engineering factors, including the stability of slopes. All reports shall conform with the requirements of this Code and shall be subject to review by the Building Official. Supplemental reports and data may be required as the Building Official may deem necessary. Recommendations included in the reports and approved by the Building Official shall be incorporated in the grading plan or specifications.

J104.4 Engineering Geology Report. The engineering geology report required by Section J104.2.2 shall include an adequate description of the geology of the site, conclusions and recommendations regarding the effect of geologic conditions on the proposed development, and opinion on the adequacy for the intended use of sites to be developed by the proposed grading, as affected by geologic factors. The engineering geology report shall include a geologic map and cross sections utilizing the most recent grading plan as a base.

All reports shall conform with the requirements of this Code and shall be subject to review by the Building Official. Supplemental reports and data may be required as the Building Official may deem necessary. Recommendations included in the reports and approved by the Building Official shall be incorporated in the grading plan or specifications.

Exception: A soils engineering or engineering geology report is not required where the Building Official determines that the nature of the work applied for is such that a report is not necessary.

J104.5 Liquefaction study. A geotechnical investigation may be required when the proposed work is a “Project” as defined in California Public Resources Code section 2693, and is located in an area designated as a “Seismic Hazard Zone” as defined in Title 14, Section 3722 of California Code of Regulations on Seismic Hazard Zone Maps issued by the State Geologist under Public Resources Code section 2696.

Exception: A liquefaction study is not required where the Building Official determines from established local data that the liquefaction potential is low.

SECTION J105 INSPECTION
J105.1 General. Grading inspections shall be governed by Section J105 of this Appendix J as indicated herein and by the Santa Barbara Municipal Code 22.85 (Erosion and Sedimentation Control Standards for Construction) and 22.87 (Storm Water Management).

Grading operations for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Building Official, City Creeks Division and/or the City Engineer depending upon the hazards that the 26 grading presents. Private professional inspection of grading operations shall be provided by a licensed Civil Engineer, Soils Engineer and/or the Engineering Geologist retained to provide such services in accordance with this Section for engineered grading and as required by the Building Official.

All field inspections of grading that are recommended by the Project Engineer or required by the Building Official shall be specifically called out on the cover sheet of the plans where the other special inspections are noted.

J105.2 Special and Supplemental inspections. The special inspection requirements of Section 1705.64 shall apply to work performed under a grading permit where required by the Building Official. In addition to the called inspections specified in Section J105, the Building Official may make such other inspections as may be deemed necessary to determine that the work is being performed in conformance with the requirements of this code. Investigations and reports by an approved soil testing agency, Soils Engineer and/or Engineering Geologist, and Field Engineer may be required. Inspection reports shall be provided when requested by the Building Official.

Inspection of drainage devices by the Field Engineer in accordance with this section may be required when the Building Official determines the drainage devices are necessary for the protection of the structures in accordance with this code.

J105.3 Field Engineer Inspections. When required, the field engineer shall provide professional inspection within such engineer’s area of technical specialty, oversee and coordinate all field surveys, set grade stakes, and provide site inspections during grading operations to ensure the site is graded in accordance with the approved grading plan and the appropriate requirements of this code. During site grading, and at the completion of both rough grading and final grading, the field engineer shall submit statements and reports required by Sections J105.11 and J105.12. If revised grading plans are required during the course of the work, they shall be prepared by a Civil Engineer and submitted to the Building Official for review and approval by the Building Official.

J105.4 Soils Engineer Inspections. When required, the Soils Engineer shall provide professional inspection within such engineer’s area of technical specialty, which shall include observation during grading and testing for required compaction. The Soils Engineer shall provide sufficient observation during the preparation of the natural ground and placement and compaction of the fill to verify that such work is being performed in accordance with the conditions of the approved plan and the appropriate requirements of this chapter. Revised recommendations relating to conditions differing from the approved soils engineering and engineering geology reports shall be submitted to the permittee, the Building Official and the Field Engineer.

J105.5 Engineering Geologist Inspection. When required, the Engineering Geologist shall provide professional inspection within such engineer’s area of technical 27 specialty, which shall include professional inspection of the bedrock excavation to determine if conditions encountered are in conformance with the approved report. Revised recommendations relating to conditions differing from the approved engineering geology report shall be submitted to the soils engineer.

J105.6 Permittee. The permittee shall be responsible for the work to be performed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and in conformance with the provisions of this code. The permittee shall engage project consultants, if required, to provide professional inspections on a timely basis. The permittee shall act as a coordinator between the project consultants, the contractor and the Building Official. In the event of changed conditions, the permittee shall be responsible for informing the Building Official of such change and shall provide revised plans for approval.

J105.7 Building Official Inspections. The Building Official shall be called to inspect the project site at the stages of work shown below. Failure to obtain City inspection approval before covering the work may result in any or all of the following: Issuance of an administrative citations without first having to issue a notice of violation, re-inspection fees, and/or excavation/uncovering of the uninspected work.

1. Pregrade. Before any construction or grading activities occur at the site; the permittee shall schedule a pre-grade inspection with the Building Official. The permittee is responsible for coordinating that all project consultants are present at the pre-grade inspection. All pre-grading storm water pollution prevention and erosion/sedimentation measures must be in place and ready for inspection.

2. Initial. When the site has been cleared of vegetation and unapproved fill and it has been scarified, benched or otherwise prepared for fill. No fill shall have been placed prior to this inspection. All storm water pollution prevention and erosion/sedimentation measures shall be updated and installed.

3. Rough. When approximate final elevations have been established; drainage terraces, swales and other drainage devices necessary for the protection of the building sites from flooding are installed; berms installed at the top of the slopes; and the statements required by Section J105.12 have been received.

4. Interim. The permit applicant shall request inspections from the City prior to covering elements of the permanent (post-construction) storm water pollution prevention system(s).

5. Final. When grading has been completed; all drainage devices necessary to drain the building pad and project site are installed; slope planting established, irrigation systems installed; and the as-graded plans and required statements and reports have been submitted and stamped approved by the Building Official.

J105.8 Notification of Noncompliance. If, in the course of fulfilling their respective duties under this chapter, the Field Engineer, the Soils Engineer or the Engineering Geologist 28 finds that the work is not being done in conformance with this chapter or the approved grading plans, the discrepancies and corrective measures which should be taken shall be reported immediately in writing to the permittee and to the Building Official.

J105.9 Transfer of Responsibility. If the Field Engineer, the Soils Engineer, or the Engineering Geologist of record is changed during grading, the work shall be stopped until the replacement has agreed in writing to accept their responsibility within the area of technical competence for approval upon completion of the work. It shall be the duty of the permittee to notify the Building Official in writing of such change prior to the recommencement of such grading.

J105.10 Non-inspected grading. No person shall own, use, occupy or maintain any noninspected grading. For the purposes of this code, non-inspected grading shall be defined as any grading for which a grading permit was first obtained, pursuant to Section J103, supra, but which has progressed beyond any point requiring inspection and approval by the Building Official without such inspection and approval having been obtained.

J105.11 Routine Field Inspections and Reports. Unless waived by the Building Official, routine inspection reports shall be provided by the Field Engineer for all engineered grading projects. The Field Engineer shall file these reports, with the Building Official as follows:

1. Bi-weekly during all times when grading of 400 cubic yards or more per week is active on the site;

2. Monthly, at all other times; and

3. At any time when requested in writing by the Building Official.

Such reports shall certify to the Building Official that the Field Engineer has inspected the grading site and related activities and has found them in compliance with the approved grading plans, the building code, grading permit conditions, storm water pollution prevention measures, and other applicable ordinances and requirements.

J105.12 Completion of work. Upon completion of the rough grading work and at the final completion of the work, the following reports and drawings and supplements thereto are required to be delivered to the Building Official before final inspection approval:

1. An as–built grading plan prepared by the Field Engineer retained to provide such services in accordance with Section J105.3 showing all plan revisions as approved by the Building Official. This shall include original ground surface elevations, as–graded ground surface elevations, lot drainage patterns, and the locations and elevations of surface drainage facilities, all installed components of post-construction storm water pollution prevention systems, and the outlets of subsurface drains. Post-construction storm water pollution prevention system components can also be certified by the project Qualified Storm Water Developer (QSD) and forwarded to the City by the Field Engineer. As– constructed locations, elevations and details of subsurface drains shall be shown as 29 reported by the soils engineer.

2. The Field Engineer shall state in a report to the Building Official, that to the best of their knowledge, the grading work was done in accordance with the final, City approved, grading plan.

3. A report shall be prepared by the Soils Engineer, retained to provide such services in accordance with Section J105.4. That report shall include:
a. Locations and elevations of field density tests
b. Summaries of field and laboratory tests
c. Other substantiating data
d. Comments on any changes made during grading and their effect on the recommendations made in the approved soils engineering investigation report
e. A statement that, to the best of their knowledge, the work within their area of responsibilities is in accordance with the approved soils engineering report and applicable provisions of this chapter. The report shall contain a finding regarding the safety of the completed grading and any proposed structures subject to a known landslide, settlement, or slippage hazard.

4. A report shall be prepared by the Engineering Geologist, retained to provide such services in accordance with Section J105.5. That report shall include:
a. A final description of the geology of the site
b. Any new information disclosed during the grading and the effect of same on recommendations incorporated in the approved grading plan and their anticipated effect on any post-construction storm water pollution prevention system(s).
c. A statement that, to the best of their knowledge, the grading work is in accordance with the approved engineering geologist report, applicable provisions of this chapter, and any City approved as–built plans and specifications.

J105.13 Notification of completion. The permittee shall notify the Building Official when the grading operation is ready for final inspection. Final approval shall not be given until all work, including installation of all drainage facilities and their protective devices, and all erosion–control measures have been completed in accordance with the final approved grading plan, and the required reports have been submitted and approved.

SECTION J106 EXCAVATIONS
J106.1 General. Unless otherwise recommended in the approved soils engineering or engineering geology report, cuts shall conform to the provisions of this section.

In the absence of an approved soils engineering or engineering geology report, these provisions may be waived, as approved by the Building Official, for minor cuts not 30 intended to support structures nor subject to a surcharge.

J106.2 Maximum slope. The slope of cut surfaces shall be no steeper than is safe for the intended use and shall be no steeper than 2 units horizontal in 1 unit vertical (50% slope) unless the permittee furnishes a soils engineering or an engineering geology report, or both, stating that the site has been investigated and giving an opinion that a cut at a steeper slope will be stable and not create a hazard to public or private property in conformance with the requirements of Section J111. The Building Official may require the excavation to be made with a cut face flatter in slope than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical if the Building Official finds it necessary for stability and safety.

J106.3 Slope Surface Protection. All slopes must be stabilized against surface erosion. Stabilization may be accomplished through the application of erosion control blankets, soil stabilizers or other means as approved by the Building Official.

J106.4 Drainage. Drainage, including drainage terraces and overflow protection, shall be provided as required by Section J109.

SECTION J107 FILLS
J107.1 General. Unless otherwise recommended in the approved soils engineering report, fills shall conform to the provisions of this section. In the absence of an approved soils engineering report and if approved by the Building Official, these provisions may be waived for minor fills not intended to support structures.

J107.2 Preparation of Ground. Fill slopes shall not be constructed on natural slopes steeper than 2 units horizontal in 1 unit vertical (50% slope). The ground surface shall be prepared to receive fill by removing vegetation, non-complying fill, topsoil and other unsuitable materials scarifying to provide a bond with the new fill and, where slopes are steeper than 5 units horizontal in 1 unit vertical (20% slope) and the height is greater than 5 feet, benching into sound bedrock or other competent material shall be provided as a minimum in accordance with Figure J107.2 or as determined by the soils engineer. The bench under the toe of a fill on a slope steeper than 5 units horizontal in 1 unit vertical (20% slope) shall be at least 10 feet wide. The area beyond the toe of fill shall be sloped for sheet overflow or a paved drain shall be provided. When fill is to be placed over a cut, the bench under the toe of fill shall be at least 10 feet wide but the cut shall be made before placing the fill and acceptance by the Soils Engineer or Engineering Geologist or both as a suitable foundation for fill.
31 FIGURE J107.2 BENCHING DETAILS
J107.3 Subdrains. Except where recommended by the Soils Engineer or Engineering Geologist as not being necessary, subdrains shall be provided under all fills placed in natural drainage courses and in other locations where seepage is evident. Such sub- drainage systems shall be of a material and design approved by the Soils Engineer and acceptable to the Building Official, City Engineer and/or City Creeks Division Manager according to the relevant hazards present. The permittee shall provide continuous inspection during the process of subdrain installation to conform with approved plans and Engineering Geologist’s and Soils Engineer’s recommendation. Such inspection shall be done by the soil testing agency. The location of the subdrains shall be shown on a plan by the Soils Engineer. Excavations for the subdrains shall be inspected by the Engineering Geologist when such subdrains are included in the recommendations of the Engineering Geologist
J107.4 Fill Material. Detrimental amounts of organic material shall not be permitted in fills.

Unless approved by the Building Official, no rock or similar irreducible material with a maximum dimension greater than 12 inches shall be buried or placed in fills.

EXCEPTION: The Building Official may permit placement of larger rock when the soils engineer properly devises a method of placement, and continuously inspects its placement 32 and approves the fill stability. The following conditions shall also apply:

1. Prior to issuance of the grading permit, potential rock disposal areas shall be delineated on the grading plan.

2. Rock sizes greater than 12 inches in maximum dimension shall be 10 feet or more below grade, measured vertically.

3. Rocks shall be placed so as to assure filling of all voids with well–graded soil.

4. The reports submitted by the soils engineer shall acknowledge the placement of the oversized material and whether the work was performed in accordance with the engineer's recommendations and the approved plans.

5. The location of oversized rock dispersal areas shall be shown on the as- built plan.

J107.5 Compaction. All fills shall be compacted to a minimum of 90 percent of maximum density. Fills shall be compacted throughout their full extent to a minimum relative compaction of 90 percent of maximum dry density within 40 feet below finished grade and 93 percent of maximum dry density deeper than 40 feet below finished grade, unless a lower relative compaction (not less than 90 percent of maximum dry density) is justified by the soils engineer.

The relative compaction shall be determined by A.S.T.M. soil compaction test D1557 where applicable. Where not applicable, a test acceptable to the Building Official shall be used, unless the owner furnishes a soils engineering report conforming with the requirements of Section J104.3, stating that the site has been investigated and giving an opinion that a fill at a steeper slope will be stable and not create a hazard to public or private property. Substantiating calculations and supporting data may be required where the Building Official determines that such information is necessary to verify the stability and safety of the proposed slope. The Building Official may require the fill slope be constructed with a face flatter in slope than two horizontal to one vertical if the Building Official finds it necessary for stability and safety.

Field density shall be determined by the Sand Cone Method unless another method is specifically required by the Civil Engineer of record or the City official responsible for public safety.

Fill slopes steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical shall be constructed by the placement of soil a sufficient distance beyond the proposed finish slope to allow compaction equipment to operate at the outer surface limits of the final slope surface. The excess fill shall be removed prior to completion or rough grading. Other construction procedures may be utilized when it is first shown to the satisfaction of the Building Official that the angle of slope, construction method and other factors will accomplish the intent of this Section.

J107.4 Maximum Slope. The slope of fill surfaces shall be no steeper than is safe for the intended use. Fill slopes shall be no steeper than 2 units horizontal in 1 unit vertical (50% slope).

J107.5 Slopes to Receive Fill. Where fill is to be placed above the top of an existing slope steeper than 3 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical, the toe of the fill shall be set back from the top 33 edge of the slope a minimum distance of 6 feet measured horizontally or such other distance as may be specifically recommended by a Soil Engineer or Engineering Geologist and approved by the Building Official.

J107.6 Inspection of Fill. For engineered grading, the Soils Engineer shall provide sufficient inspections during the preparation of the natural ground and the placement and compaction of the fill to be satisfied that the work is being performed in accordance with the conditions of plan approval and the appropriate requirements of this chapter. In addition to the above, the Soils Engineer shall be present during the entire fill placement and compaction of fills that will exceed a vertical height or depth of 30 feet (9144 mm) or result in a slope surface steeper than 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical.

J107.6 Testing of Fills. Sufficient tests of the fill soils shall be made to determine the density thereof and to verify compliance of the soil properties with the design requirements, including soil types and shear strengths in accordance with the standards established by the Civil Engineer of record and approved by the Building Official.

SECTION J108 SETBACKS
J108.1 General. Cut and fill slopes shall be set back from the property lines in accordance with this section. Setback dimensions shall be horizontal distances measured perpendicular to the property line and shall be as shown in Figure J108.1, unless substantiating data is submitted justifying reduced setbacks.

J108.2 Top of slope. The setback at the top of a cut slope shall not be less than that shown in Figure J108.1, or than is required to accommodate any required interceptor drains, whichever is greater.
34 FIGURE J108.1

DRAINAGE DIMENSIONS
35 J108.3 Toe of Fill Slope. The toe of fill slope shall be made not nearer to the site boundary line than one half the height of the slope with a minimum of 2 feet (610 mm) and a maximum of 20 feet (6096 mm). Where required to protect adjacent properties at the toe of a slope from adverse effects of the grading, additional protection, approved by the Building Official, shall be included. Such protection may include but shall not be limited to:

1. Setbacks greater than those required by Figure J108.1.

2. Provisions for retaining walls or similar construction.

3. Erosion protection of the fill slopes.

4. Provision for the control of surface waters.

J108.4 Alternate Setbacks. The Building Official may approve alternate setbacks. The Building Official may require an investigation and recommendation by a qualified Civil Engineer or Geologist to demonstrate that the intent of this section has been satisfied.

SECTION J109 DRAINAGE AND TERRACING
J109.1 General. Unless otherwise recommended by a registered design professional, and approved by the Building Official, drainage facilities and terracing shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of this Section and Santa Barbara Municipal Code 22.87 (Storm Water Management).

Exception: Drainage facilities and terracing only need not be provided where the ground slope is not steeper than 3 horizontal to 1 vertical (33 percent). Compliance with Santa Barbara Municipal Code 22.87 remains applicable.

J109.2 Drainage Terraces. Drainage terraces and their drainage systems shall be designed by a licensed Civil Engineer and approved by the Building Official. Suitable access shall be provided to permit proper cleaning and maintenance. Downdrains and drainage outlets shall be of approved materials and of adequate capacity to convey the intercepted waters to the point of disposal as defined in Section J109.5.

J109.3 Interceptor drains and overflow protection. Berms, interceptor drains or other devices shall be provided at the top of cut or fill slopes to prevent surface waters from overflowing onto and damaging the face of a slope. Discharge from the drain shall not create a nuisance condition.

J109.4 Drainage across property lines. Surface drainage across property lines shall not exceed that which existed prior to grading. Excess or concentrated drainage shall be contained on site or directed to an approved drainage facility. Erosion of the ground in the area of discharge shall be prevented by installation of non-erosive down drains or other devices. 36 J109.5 Disposal. All drainage facilities shall be designed in accordance with J109.5 and Chapters 22.85 and 22.87 of this Code. Erosion of ground in the area of discharge shall be prevented by installation of non-erosive down drains or other devices. De-silting basins, filter barriers or other methods, as approved by the Building Official and/or the Public Works Director, shall be utilized to remove sediments from surface waters before such waters are allowed to enter streets, storm drains or natural watercourses. If the drainage device discharges onto natural ground, riprap or a similar energy dissipater may be required.

Building pads shall have a drainage gradient of 2 percent toward approved drainage facilities, a public street or drainage structure approved to receive storm waters unless waived by the Building Official. A lesser slope may be approved by the Building Official for sites graded in relatively flat terrain, or where special drainage provisions are made, when the building official finds such modification will not result in unfavorable drainage conditions. 37 SECTION J110 SLOPE PLANTING AND EROSION CONTROL
J110.1 General. Under no circumstances will the observable erosion of one parcel be allowed to enter the boundaries of another parcel or public way. The faces of cut and fill slopes shall be prepared and maintained to control erosion. This control shall consist of effective planting, erosion control blankets, soil stabilizers or other means as approved by the Building Official.

Exception: Erosion control measures need not be provided on cut slopes not subject to erosion due to the erosion-resistant character of the materials as determined by the project Geologist and approved by the Building Official.

SECTION J111 NATIONAL POLLUTION DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) COMPLIANCE
J111.1 General. All grading plans and permits shall comply with the provisions of this section for NPDES compliance including the owner of any property on which grading has been performed and which requires a grading permit under Section J103.

J111.2 Erosion/Sedimentation Control Plan (ESCP). No grading permit shall be issued unless the plans for such work include an Erosion/Sedimentation Control Plan, that conforms to the Erosion/Sedimentation Control Policy of the City of Santa Barbara’s Building & Safety Division, with details of best management practices, including desilting basins or other temporary drainage or control measures, or both, as may be necessary to control construction-related pollutants which originate from the site as a result of construction related activities. Sites which have been graded and which requires a grading permit under Section J103 are subject to penalties and fines per Section J111.4 All best management practices shall be installed before grading begins. As grading progresses, all best management practices shall be updated as necessary to prevent erosion and control constructed related pollutants from discharging from the site. All best management practices shall be maintained in good working order to the satisfaction of the Building Official unless final grading approval has been granted by the Building Official and all permanent drainage and erosion control systems, if required, are in place.

J111.4 Erosion/Sedimentation Control Plan, Effect of Noncompliance. Should the owner fail to install the best management practices required by Section J111.2, it shall be deemed that a default has occurred under the conditions of the grading permit security. There upon, the Building Official may enter the property for the purpose of installing, by City forces or by other means, the drainage, erosion control and other devices shown on the approved plans, or if there are no approved plans, as the Building Official may deem necessary to protect adjoining property from the effects of erosion, flooding, or the deposition of mud, debris or constructed related pollutants, or the Building Official may cause the owner to be prosecuted as a violator of this Code or may take both actions. The Building Official shall have the authority to issue administrative penalties pursuant to as Santa Barbara Municipal Code 1.25 upon determining that the site is non-compliant. Payment of penalty shall not relieve any persons from fully complying with the requirements of this Code in the execution 38 of the work.

If the best management practices for storm water pollution prevention are not installed as prescribed in Section J111.2 and approved by the Building Official, the following penalties shall be imposed:

Grading Permit Volume Penalty:
1--10,000 cubic yards (1--7645.5 m3) = $500.00 per day per violation 10,001--100,000 cubic yards (7646.3--76455 m3) = $750.00 per day per violation More than 100,000 cubic yards (76455 m3) = $1,000.00 per day per violation NOTE: See Section J108 for inspection request requirements.

SECTION J112 DUST CONTROL
Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District's dust control measures identified as “Construction Impact Mitigation: PM10 Mitigation Measures” in SBCAPCD's “Scope and Content of Air Quality Sections in Environmental Documents” shall be adhered to during all ground disturbing activities.

SECTION J113 REFERENCED STANDARDS
These regulations establish minimum standards and are not intended to prevent the use of alternate materials, methods or means of conforming to such standards, provided such alternate has been approved.

The Building Official shall approve such an alternate provided he or she finds that the alternate is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this Code in quality, strength, effectiveness, durability and safety.

The Building Official shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claims regarding the alternate.

The standards listed below are recognized standards. Compliance with these standards is mandatory unless specifically exempted by the Building Official.

1. Testing.
39 a) ASTM D 1557, Laboratory Characteristics Compaction of Soil Using Modified Effort
b) ASTM D 1556, Density and Unit Weight of Soils In Place by the Sand Cone Method
c) ASTM D 2167, Density and Unit Weight of Soils In Place by the Rubber-- Balloon Method
d) ASTM D 2937, Density of Soils in Place by the Drive--Cylinder Method e) ASTM D 2922, Density of Soil and Soil Aggregate In Place by Nuclear Methods
f) ASTM D 3017, Water Content of Soil and Rock in Place by Nuclear Methods SECTION 3. Section 22.04.025 of Chapter 22.04 of Title 22 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is adopted to read as follows:

22.4.25 Amendments to California Residential Code
The 20252 California Residential Code, as adopted by reference pursuant to this Chapter, is amended as set forth in this Section 22.04.025.

A. Section 105.1.1 is are added to read as follows:

R105.1.1 Demolition Permits. Building permits shall be required to demolish any building, portion of a building, or structure within the City of Santa Barbara and shall be subject to the following conditions:

1. The applicant shall ensure all utility connections have been removed by the appropriate utility providers, except such utility services that are approved for use in connection with the work of the demolition. The applicant shall provide verification from the utility providers that utility service has been disconnected.

2. The applicant shall obtain clearance from the Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District for all commercial demolition, renovations and alterations.

3. All resulting building debris, trash, junk, vegetation, dead organic matter, rodent harborage, or combustible material that constitutes a threat to life, health, or property, or is detrimental to the public welfare or which may reduce adjacent property value shall be removed from the site within thirty (30) days after the demolition of the structure.

4. All demolition debris must be managed and handled in accordance with the City’s Environmental Services Division regulations and guidelines.

B. Section R105.2 is amended to read as follows:
40 Section R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Permits shall not be required for the following. Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. (Note - For work, other than work involving, or accessory to, detached one- and two-family dwellings or townhouses, see Section 105.2 of the 20252 California Building Code as amended):

Building:

1. Other than storm shelters, Oone-story detached residential accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, portable and fixed playground equipment, bicycle or skateboard ramps and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and the height does not exceed 10 feet at the highest point; and further provided the structure does not encroach into required setbacks or required open yards, does not obstruct required parking, and is not served by any utilities. The combined square footage of exempt accessory structures may not exceed 200 square feet on any single parcel.

2. Residential fences and walls not exceeding five (5) feet in height, as measured in a vertical line from the lowest point of contact with the ground directly adjacent to both sides of the fence to the highest point of the fence along said vertical line, provided that such fences and walls are constructed in compliance with the City’s Fence and Hedge Ordinance (SBMC §30.140.110).Residential fences and walls not over 3 ½ feet high, as measured from the lowest adjacent grade of the fence or wall.

3. Residential retaining walls, and non-retaining walls, including masonry and concrete walls, not exceeding which are not over 4 feet in height as measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, are exempt form a permit unless the wall (a) and that such wall will not supports a surcharge, or (b) impounds flammable liquids, or (c)and is not locatedinstalled on a slope of twenty percent (20%) or greater. than 20%. 41 4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.

5. New, replaced or altered uncovered residential platforms, decks, porches, walks, patios, flatwork (other than parking areas and driveways) that exceedingare not more than 10 inches in height above adjacent grade that are, and not located over any basement or story below, and not part of the means of egress from a normally occupied interior space.

6. Interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, counter tops and similar finish work.

7. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24” deep.

8. Ground mounted radio, television and other masts or antenna or dish shaped communication reception or transmitting structures less than 3 feet in diameter, which do not extend more than 15 feet above grade and are not served by electrical circuits regulated under the National Electrical Code NEC). Light- weight roof-mounted radio, television, and other masts or antenna or dish shaped communication reception or transmitting structures less than 2 feet in diameter, which do not extend more than 15 feet above the roof, are not served by electrical circuits regulated under the NEC, and which are not subject to design review by the Architectural Board of Review, Historic Landmarks Commission, or Single Family Design Board.

Electrical:
therefore.

1. 1.Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting.

2. Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles but not the outlets

3. Replacement of branch circuit over current devices of the required capacity in the same location.

4. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus, or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.

5. Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

Gas:

1. Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliance.

2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

3. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Mechanical:

1. Portable heating appliance.

2. Portable ventilation equipment.

3. Portable cooling unit.
42 4. Steam, hot- or chilled-water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.

5. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

6. Portable evaporative cooler.

7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less.

Plumbing:

1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with the new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.

2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

C. Section R105.5 “Expiration” is amended to read as follows:

R105.5 Expiration. Unless extended by the Building Official, every permit issued shall become invalid without notice provided when the following occurs:

1. The work on the site, authorized by such permit, is not commenced within 180 days of the permit issuance date, or

2. During any period of more than 180 days after permit issuance, the work on site does not receive a City Inspection approval for any one of the inspections found in Section 109.10.3
Prior to the permit expiration above, when requested in writing, the Building Official may grant administrative permit extensions for circumstances out of the permit holder’s control that caused the construction to stop. However, no permit will be active for more than 6 years.

D. Section R112 “Board of Appeals” is deleted and replaced with the following:

R112.1 General. Appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the Building Official shall be addressed in accordance with the provisions of Section 113 of the 2 0 2 5 2 California Building Code as amended by the City of Santa Barbara in Section

22.04.020 of this Code.

E. Section R115 “Post-Damage Assessment” is added to read as follows:

F.R115 Post-Damage Assessment. After a disaster, residential buildings subject to this Code shall be assessed for damage and placarded in accordance with Chapter 22.09 of this Code.

B. Section R304.4 “Efficiency Dwelling Units” is added to read as follows:
43 R304.4 Efficiency Dwelling Units. Unless modified by local ordinance pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17958.1, efficiency dwelling units shall comply with the following:

1. The unit shall have a living room of not less than 220 square feet (20.4 m2) of floor area. An additional 100 square feet (9.3 m2) of floor area shall be provided for each occupant of such unit in excess of two.

Exception:

F
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 1 above, for projects constructed or operated by a nonprofit or governmental agency offering housing at an Affordable Housing Cost to Lower Income Households (as those terms are defined in sections 50052.5 and 50079.5 of the California Health and Safety Code), the City may permit efficiency dwelling units for occupancy by no more than two persons who qualify as either very low or low income households where the units have a minimum useable floor area, (excluding floor area in the kitchen, bathroom and closet), of not less than 150 square feet. In all other respects, such efficiency dwelling units shall conform to the minimum standards specified in this code.

2. The unit shall be provided with a separate closet.

3. The unit shall be provided with a kitchen sink, cooking appliance and refrigeration facilities, each having a clear working space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in front. Light and ventilation conforming to this code shall be provided.

4. The unit shall be provided with a separate bathroom containing a water closet, lavatory and bathtub or shower.
. Section R30913.1 “Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems” is amended to read as follows:

R30913.1 Townhouse and one- and two-family dwelling automatic fire sprinkler systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in new townhouses and one- and two- family dwellings.

R30913.1.1 Design and installation. Automatic residential fire sprinkler systems for townhouses and one- and two- family dwellings shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section R30913.3 or NFPA 13D.

G. Section R30913.2 “One- and two- family dwellings automatic fire sprinkler systems” is amended to read as follows:

I. R309.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic sprinkler systems.

An automatic sprinkler shall be installed in all one- and two-family dwellings. 44 R309.2.1 Design and Installation. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in accordance with Section R309 or NFPA13D.

R30913.2.2 City of Santa Barbara Local Requirements. Approved sprinkler systems shall be provided throughout a building in connection with the projects or changes of occupancy listed in this Section R309.1 through 309.2.513.2.12 or as specified elsewhere in this Section R30913, whichever is more protective.

R309.2.313.2.1 Additions to or Remodels of Townhouse or One- and Twofamily residences Single Family Residences, Duplexes and Townhouses.

Sprinklers are required for the addition of floor area to, or the modification or alteration of the interior of, an existing building that contains a Group R, Division 3 occupancy and townhouses, where the floor area of the portion of the building that is added, modified, or altered exceeds 75% of the existing floor area of the building. For purposes of this section, all modifications or alterations to an existing building that occur after September 11, 2009 shall be counted in the aggregate toward the 75% threshold measured against the floor area of the building.
(a) Aggregate alterations or modifications involving the demolition, reconstruction and/or replacement of 75% or more of the existing exterior walls of the building or structure; or (b) Aggregate alterations or modifications change or rearrange the existing planned configuration of walls or full height partitions and involves 75% or more of the existing enclosed floor area of the building or structure; or
(c) Aggregate alterations or modifications involving the demolition, reconstruction and/or replacement of 75% or more ceiling and walls covering exposing framingstructural members of the building.

R30913.2.42 Computation of Square Footage. For the purposes of this Section R30913, the floor area of buildings shall be computed in accordance with the definition of “Floor area, Gross” provided in Section 202 of the 20252 California Building Code.

R30913.2.53 existing use. Except as provided in this Section R30913, any building in existence at the time of the effective date of the ordinance adopting this section may continue with such use if such use was legal at the time.

H. Section R337 has been removed in its entirety and replaced with THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE as amended by Municipal Code Section 22.4.80.

I.

J. Section R337.1.1 “Scope” is amended to read as follows:

K. R337.1.1 Scope. This chapter applies to building materials, systems and/or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings, remodels or additions to 45 existing buildings located within a Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area as defined in Section R337.2 and R337.1.3.1 Item #3.

L. Section R337.1.3 “Application” is amended to read as follows:

M.

N.R337.1.3. Application. New buildings, remodeled buildings or additions to existing buildings in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface Area designated by the enforcing agency constructed after the application date shall comply with this chapter.

O.

P. Exception: Accessory and/or Group U occupancy buildings may be exempted from all or portions of this chapter upon approval of the Fire code official and/or Chief Building Official.

Q.

R.Section R337.5 “Roofing” is amended to read as follows:

S. R337.5 Roofing
T.

U.R337.5.1 General. Roofs shall comply with the most restrictive requirements of Sections R337 and R902. Roofs shall have a roofing assembly installed in accordance with its listing and manufacturers installation instructions.

V. R337.5.2 Roof Coverings. Roof coverings on new buildings shall be class A noncombustible in accordance with adopted CRC Standards or otherwise as may be approved by the Chief Building Official. Roof coverings shall be class A or noncombustible fire retardant materials on existing buildings and additions or repairs to existing buildings.

Treated or untreated wood shakes or shingles shall not be permitted, except on existing structures which are constructed with shake or shingle roofs where less than 20% of the existing roof is being replaced within a two (2) year period, provided such replacement roofing is fire retardant treated wood shakes or shingles. Green” or “Vegetated” roofs shall not be used in the Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area.

W.

X. R337.5.3 Roof Valleys. Where valley flashing is installed, the flashing shall be not less than 0.019-inch (0.48 mm) No. 26 gage galvanized sheet corrosion-resistant metal installed over not less than one layer of minimum 72 pound (32.4 kg) mineral-surfaced non-perforated cap sheet complying with ASTM D 3909, at least 36-inch wide (914 mm) running the full length of the valley.

Y.

Z. R337.5.4 Roof Gutters. Roof gutters shall be provided with an approved means to prevent the accumulation of leaves and debris in the gutter. All roof gutters and downspouts shall be constructed of non-combustible materials.

AA.

BB. R337.5.5 Drip Edge Flashing. When drip edge flashing is used at the free edges of roofing materials, it shall be non-combustible.

CC.

DD. Section R337.6.2 “Requirements” is amended to read as follows:

EE.

FF. R337.6.2 Requirements. Ventilation openings for enclosed attics, enclosed eave soffit spaces, enclosed rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied directly to the underside of roof rafters, and underfloor ventilation openings shall be fully covered with metal wire mesh, vents, other materials, or other devices that meet the following requirements:

GG.
46 HH. The dimensions of the openings therein shall be a minimum of 1/16th inch (1.6 mm) and shall not exceed 1/8th inch (3.2mm).

II. The materials used shall be noncombustible.

JJ.

KK. Exception to item #2: Vents located under the roof covering, along the ridge of roofs, with the exposed surface of the vent covered by noncombustible wire mesh, may be of combustible materials.

LL.

MM. The materials used shall be corrosion resistant.

NN. Individual ventilation openings shall not exceed 144 square inches.

OO. Turbine attic vents shall be equipped to allow one-way direction rotation only and shall not free spin in both directions.

PP. Ventilation openings protected with vent openings that resist the intrusion of flame and embers, and which are listed by the State Fire code official, are exempt from complying with this sub-section.

QQ.

RR. Section R337.8.2 “Exterior glazing” is amended to read as follows:

SS.

TT. R337.8.2 Exterior glazing. The following exterior glazing materials and/or assemblies shall comply with this section:

UU. Exterior windows and/or skylights.

VV. Exterior glazed doors.

WW. Glazed openings within exterior doors.

XX. Glazed openings within exterior garage doors.

YY. Exterior structural glass veneer.

ZZ. follows:

R341. Encroachments into the Public Right of Way. Encroachments into the public right of way shall comply with the standards of Chapter 32 of the California Building Code.

R342. Safeguards During Construction. Provisions for pedestrian safety during construction and the protection of adjacent public and private properties shall be governed by the requirements of Chapter 33 of the California Building Code.

J. Section R401.4 “Soils tests” is amended to read as follows:

R401.4. Soils Reports/Geotech Investigations. A Soils Report or Geotechnical Investigation shall be required as outlined in Section 1803 of the 20252 California Building Code.

Exceptions:

1. Single-story additions with less than a 500 sq. ft. “footprint” and that are less than 50% of the existing structure they are attached to.

2. Second story additions to an existing slab on grade structure that does not require new footings.

3. Detached “U” Occupancy Category buildings.

K. Section 401.5 “Grading” is added to read as follows:
47 R401.5 Grading. All grading, excavations and earthwork, including work required and/or related to structures regulated by this code, shall comply with Appendix J “Grading” of the 20252 California Building Code as amended.
.

L.lSection R403.1.2 “Continuous footing in seismic design categories D0, D1 and D2” is amended to read as follows:

R403.1.2 Continuous footing in seismic design categories D0, D1 and D2. The braced wall panels at exterior walls of buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2 shall be supported by continuous footings. All required interior braced wall 48 panels in buildings shall be supported by continuous footings regardless of the spacing of the brace wall lines.

MO. Section R403.1.5 “Slope” is amended to read as follows:

R403.1.5 Slope. The top surface of footings shall be level. The bottom surface of footings shall not have a slope exceeding one unit vertical in ten units horizontal (10- percent slope). Footings shall be stepped where it is necessary to change the elevation of the top surface of the footings or where the slope of the bottom surface of the footings will exceed one unit vertical in ten units horizontal (10-percent slope).

For structures located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2, and E, stepped footings shall be reinforced with four ½-inch diameter (12.7 mm) deformed reinforcing bars. Two bars shall be placed at the top of the footing and two bars shall be placed at the bottom of the footing.

N. Section R404.2 “Wood foundation walls” is amended to read as follows:

R404.2 Wood foundation walls. Wood foundation walls shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of Sections R404.2.1 through R404.2.6 and with the details shown in Figures 403.l(2) and R403.1(3). Wood foundation walls shall not be used for structures located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, D2, and E.

O. Sections R902.1–R902.1.3 of the “Roofing covering materials” section are amended to read as follows:

R902.1 Roofing Assemblies.covering materials. Roofs shall be covered with materials as set forth in Sections R904 and R905. A minimum Class A or B roof shall be installed in areas designated by this section. Classes A and B roofing required by this section to be listed shall be tested in accordance with UL 790 or ASTM E 108.

R902.1.1 Roof Coverings within Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zones or in Wildland-Urbane Interface (WUI) area. The roofing and re-roofing requirements of structures within Very-High Fire Hazard Severity Zones shall be the same as is required for roofing and reroofing requirements within a Wildland-Urbane Interface area Urban Interface Fire Area, as defined in Sections 202 ,R337.2 and required by and 101.3.1., and Chapter 5 of the California Wildland-Urbane Interface Code as amended in Municipal Code Section 22.4.80.R337.1.3.1 Items #2 and #3.

R902.1.2 “Roof coverings within state-responsibility areas” is deleted in its entirety without replacement.

R902.1.23 Roof coverings in all other areas other than Fire Hazard Severity Zones or a Wildland-Urbane Interface (WUI) area. The roof covering or roofing assembly of any new building or the re-roofing of any existing building shall be no less than Class
B. Treated or untreated wood shakes or shingles shall not be permitted, except on existing structures which are constructed with shake or shingle roofs where less than 20% of the 49 existing roof is being replaced within a two-year period, provided such replacement roofing is fire retardant treated wood shakes or shingles. 50 Exception: In the High Fire Hazard District, roof coverings shall be in accordance with Section R337 as amended.

P. Section R905.10.1 “Deck Requirements” is amended to read as follows:

R905.10.1 SheathingDeck Requirements. Metal roof panel roof coverings shall be applied to a solid or closely fitted deck, except where the roof covering is specifically designed to be applied to spaced supports. Metal roof panel coverings shall not be installed over combustible shingles or shakes.

Q. Appendix AX - is amended to read as follows:

AV100 Private Swimming Pools. Private swimming pools shall be constructed in accordance with the 20252 California Building Code, Section 3109.

SECTION 4. Section 22.04.030 of Chapter 22.04 of Title 22 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is adopted to read as follows:

22.04.030 Amendments to California Plumbing Code.

The 20252 California Plumbing Code, as adopted by reference pursuant to this Chapter, is amended as set forth in this Section 22.04.030.

A. Section 104.4.3 “Expired Permits” is amended to read as follows:
104.4.3 Expired Permits. Permits shall expire in accordance with Section 105.5 of the 2022 California Building Code as amended by the City of Santa Barbara in Section

22.04.020.

B. Section 104.5 “Fees” is amended to read as follows:
104.5 Fees. Fee payments, fee schedules, work commencing prior to permit issuance, related fees and refunds shall be in accordance with 20252 California Building Code Section 109.

C. Section 107 “Board of appeals” is amended to read as follows:
107 Board of Appeals. Appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the Building Official shall be addressed in accordance with the provisions of Section 113 of the 20252 California Building Code as amended by the City of Santa Barbara in Section 22.04.020.

D. Section 301.76.1 “County as Local Health Authority” is added to read as follows:
51 301.67.1 County as Local Health Authority. Pursuant to the application of section 301.6, the Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Department is the Local Health Authority.

E. Local Modifications to Section 422.2. 1 “Single Use Toilet Facilities” of the California Plumbing Code
(1.) 422.2.1 Single-user Toilet Facilities Identification. Family or assisted use toilet facilities shall be identified with signage indicating use by either sex. All single-user toilet facilities in any business establishment, place of public accommodation, or state or local government agency shall be identified as all-gender toilet facilities by signage that complies with Section 11B-703.7.2.6 of the California Building Code and designated for use by no more than one occupant at a time or for family or assisted use. For the purposes of Section 422.2.1, “single-user toilet facility” means a toilet facility with one water closet and no more than one urinal with a locking mechanism controlled by the user.
(2.) Separate facilities shall not be required where rooms have fixtures designed for use by all genders and the water closets are installed in privacy compartments with a locking mechanism controlled by the user. When installed, urinals shall be located in a enclosed privacy compartment or an enclosed separate private area with a locking mechanism controlled by the user.
(3.) The substitution of a water closet for each urinal shall be permitted provided the total number of fixtures installed complies with Table 422.1 of the California Plumbing Code.

This subsection shall not allow for a reduction in the total number of plumbing fixtures that are required by Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations nor a reduction in the number of toilet facilities accessible to persons with disabilities that are otherwise required under either Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations or the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq.).

F. Section 423 “Fountains” is added to read as follows:
423 Fountains. All fountains and other decorative bodies of water of any depth shall be equipped with a recirculation system, an approved Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly (RP) and shall be designed to operate without a continuous supply of water.

G. Section 424 “Vehicle Wash Facilities” is added to read as follows:
424 Vehicle Wash Facilities.

All vehicle wash facilities using conveyors, touchless and/or rollover in-bay technology shall reuse a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of water from previous vehicle rinses in subsequent washes.

Vehicle wash facilities using reverse osmosis to produce water rinse with a lower mineral content, shall incorporate the unused concentrate in subsequent vehicle washes.
52 All hoses pipes and faucets designed for the manual application of water to vehicles at vehicle wash facilities shall be equipped with a positive shut-off valve designed to interrupt the flow of water in the absence of operator applied pressure.

1. Section 603.1 “General” is amended to read as follows:

H. 603.1 General. Cross-connection control shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and Sections 7583 through 7630 “Drinking Water Supplies” of Title 17 of the California Administrative Code, and where there is a conflict between the requirements, the higher level of protection shall apply.

No person shall install any water-operated equipment or mechanism, or use any water-treating chemical or substance, if it is found that such equipment, mechanism, chemical, or substance causes pollution or contamination of the domestic water supply.

Such equipment or mechanism shall be permitted only when equipped with an approved backflow prevention device or assembly.

I1. Section 608.2 “Excessive Water Pressure” is amended to read as follows:

I. 608.2 Excessive Water Pressure. Regardless of the pressure at the main, all occupancies served by the City of Santa Barbara Water Resource Division shall be equipped with an approved pressure regulator preceded by a strainer (unless a strainer is built into the device). Any irrigation system or other secondary piping that bypasses said regulator shall be equipped with its own approved pressure regulator and strainer, installed upstream of any piping, backflow device, valve, solenoid or outlet. Such regulator(s) shall control the pressure to all water outlets in the building unless otherwise approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Each such regulator and strainer shall be accessibly located above ground or in a vault equipped with a properly sized and sloped bore-sighted drain to daylight, shall be protected from freezing, and shall have the strainer readily accessible for cleaning without removing the regulator or strainer body or disconnecting the supply piping. Pipe size determinations shall be based on 80 percent of the reduced pressure when using Table 610.4. An approved expansion tank shall be installed in the cold water distribution piping downstream of each such regulator to prevent excessive pressure from developing due to thermal expansion and to maintain the pressure setting of the regulator. The expansion tank shall be properly sized and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and listing. Systems designed by registered engineers shall be permitted to use approved pressure relief valves in lieu of expansion tanks provided such relief valves have a maximum pressure relief setting of one hundred (100) pounds per square inch (689 kPa) or less.

J. Sections 710.14 “Sewage Pump Signaling Device” and 710.15 “Approved Type Backwater Valve” are added to read as follows:
710.14 Sewage Pump Signaling Device. Specially designed sewage disposal systems which depend upon a sewage lift pump or ejector for their operation shall be provided with an approved audible signaling device to warn building occupants in the event of pump failure.
53 710.15. Approved Type Backwater Valve. When the valuation of an addition, alteration, or repair to a building exceeds $1,000.00 or when additions, alterations, or repairs are made to the plumbing system or fixtures and a permit is required, an approved backwater valve shall be installed in accordance with Section 710.0 of this Code.

Exception: The following work is allowed without the installation of a Backwater Valve:

1. Repairs to the exterior surface of a building.

2. The installation of solar photo voltaic energy systems

3. The installation of electrical vehicle charging systems

4. Domestic water heater equipment replacements

5. Residential electrical panel board replacement/upgrades

6. Other work as deemed exempt in writing by the Chief Building Official K. Section 713.2 “Connection to Public Sewage System” is amended to read as follows:
713.2 Connection to Public Sewage System. When no public sewer intended to serve any lot or premises is available in any thoroughfare or right of way abutting such lot or premises, drainage piping from any building or works shall be connected to an approved private sewage disposal system.

Approved private systems may be used until a public system is available. Upon written notice by the Chief Building Official to the record owner of title, such private systems shall be abandoned in accordance with the provisions of Section 722.0 of this code and permits to connect to the public system must be secured.

SECTION 5. Section 22.04.040 of Chapter 22.04 of Title 22 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is adopted to read as follows:

22.04.040Amendments to the California Mechanical Code.

The 20252 California Mechanical Code, as adopted by reference pursuant to this Chapter, is amended as set forth in this Section 22.04.040.

A. Section 104.5 “Fees” is amended to read as follows:
104.5 Permit fees. Fee payments, fee schedules, work commencing prior to permit issuance, related fees and refunds shall be in accordance with 20252 CBC Section 109.

B. Section 104.4.3 “Expired Permits” is hereby is amended to read as follows:
104.4.3 Expired Permits. Permits shall expire in accordance with Section 105.5 of the 20252 California Building Code as amended by the City of Santa Barbara in Section

22.04.020
C. Section 107 “Board of Appeals” is hereby amended to read as follows:
54 107 Board of Appeals. Appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be addressed in accordance with the provisions of Section 113 of the 20252 California Building Code as amended by the City of Santa Barbara in Section 22.04.020.

SECTION 6. Section 22.04.050 of Chapter 22.04 of Title 22 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is adopted to read as follows:

22.04.050Amendments to the California Electrical Code.

The 20252 California Electrical Code, as adopted by reference pursuant to this Chapter, is amended as set forth in this Section 22.04.050.

Article 90.4.1 added to read as follows:

90.4.1 Administration. This code shall be administered in accordance with Chapter 1 of the 20225 California Building Code as amended by the City of Santa Barbara in Section 22.04.020.

SECTION 7. Section 22.04.060 of Chapter 22.04 of Title 22 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is adopted to read as follows:

22.04.060 Amendments to the 20252 California Green Building Standards Code The 20252 California Green Building Standards Code, as adopted by reference pursuant to this Chapter, is amended as set forth in this Section 22.04.060.

A. Section 4.304.2 “Fountains” is added to read as follows:

4.304.2 Fountains. All residential fountains and other decorative bodies of water of any depth directly plumbed by potable water, on a single parcel of land, shall not exceed a total water surface area of twenty five square feet.

B. Section 5.304.7 “Fountains” is added to read as follows:

5.304.7 Fountains. All non-residential fountains and other decorative bodies of water of any depth directly plumbed by potable water, on a single parcel of land, total water surface area shall not exceed twenty five square feet.

SECTION 8. Section 22.04.070 of Chapter 22.04 of Title 22 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is adopted to read as follows:

22.04.070Amendments to the 20241 International Property Maintenance Code 55 The 20241 International Property Maintenance Code, as adopted by reference pursuant to this Chapter, is amended as set forth in this Section 22.04.070.

A. Section 101.1 “Title” is amended to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Property Maintenance Code of the City of Santa Barbara, hereinafter referred to as “this code”.

B. Section 101.2 is amended to add the following exception:

Exception: Where this Code conflicts with the State Housing Law beginning in State Health and Safety Code Section 17910, the requirements of the State Housing Law shall govern.

C. Section 103.1 is amended to read as follows:
103.1 General. The City Building and Safety Division unit is hereby appointed to enforce this code. The City’s Chief Building Official will serve as the Code Official.

D. Sections 103.2 -103.3 are deleted without replacement.

E. Section 1067 “Means of Appeal” is amended to read as follows:
1067 Means of Appeal. Appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the Code Official shall be addressed in accordance with the provisions of Section 113 of the 20252 California Building Code as amended by the City of Santa Barbara in Section 22.04.020.

FE. Section 106.18 “Board of Appeals” is ammendedmended to read as follows:
106.18 Board of Appeals. The Board of Appeals shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 113 of the 20252 California Building Code as amended by the City of Santa Barbara in Section 22.04.020.

GF. Section 110.4 “Failure to Comply” is amended to read as follows:
10810.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed by the Code Official to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, may be assessed a citation as outlined in Santa Barbara Municipal Code Section 1.25.

GH. Section 10911.1 “Unsafe Conditions” is amended to read as follows:
56 10911.1 Unsafe Conditions. When a structure or equipment is found by the Code Official to be unsafe, unfit for human occupancy, or unlawful, such structure or equipment shall be placarded pursuant to section 109.711.7 of this code.

HI. Section 109.311.3 “Record” is amended to read as follows:
1 0 9 . 3 11.3 Record. Official records associated with a violation that is subject to the application of this code shall be retained by the City.

JI. Section 10911.7 “Placarding” is amended to read as follows:
109.11.7 Placarding. Pursuant to conditions found in sections 109.1.111.1.1, 111.1.2, 111.1.3, and 111.8 through 109.1.5 of this code, the Code Official shall post on the subject premises, structure or equipment a placard stating either “Unsafe” or “Limited Entry”. Such placard shall include the penalty for violating the conditions of the placard and reference to the appeals process of section 113 of 20252 California Building Code as amended by the City of Santa Barbara in Section 22.04.020 of this Code.

JK. Section 10911.9 “Restoration or Abatement” is amended to add the following exception:

Exception: Similar to the State Public Resources Code 5028:
(a) No structure that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, on the California Register of Historic Places, or on any local public register of historic places, and that has been damaged due to a disaster, including, but not limited to, an earthquake, fire, or flood, may be demolished, destroyed, or significantly altered, except for restoration to preserve or enhance its historical values, unless the structure presents an imminent threat to the public of bodily harm or of damage to adjacent property. (b) The City’s Building & Fire Code Board of Appeals and the City’s Historic Landmarks Commission, shall hold a joint meeting, to determine whether a structure meeting the requirements set forth in subdivision (a) shall be demolished, destroyed, or significantly altered. That determination shall be based upon the extent of damage to the structure, the total cost of rehabilitating or reconstructing the structure, the structure’s historical significance, and any other factor deemed to be relevant. In making that determination, the recommendation of a City certified historic preservation expert shall be considered. A determination should be issued no later than 30 days after the meeting. 57 L. Section 302.4 “Weeds” is amended to read as follows:
302.4 Weeds. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 12”. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens.

Upon failure of the owner or agent having charge of a property to cut and destroy weeds after service of a notice of violation, any duly authorized employee of the jurisdiction or contractor hired by the jurisdiction shall be authorized to enter upon the property in violation and cut and destroy the weeds growing thereon, and the costs of such removal shall be paid by the owner or agent responsible for the property.

LM. Section 304.14 “Insect Screens” is amended to read as follows:
304.14 Insect screens. Regardless of the season of the year, every door, window and other outside opening required for ventilation of habitable rooms, food preparation areas, food service areas or any areas where products to be included or utilized in food for human consumption are processed, manufactured, packaged or stored shall be supplied with approved tightly fittings screens of minimum 12 mesh per inch (16 mesh per 25mm), and every screen door used for insect control shall have a self-closing device in good working condition.

Exception: Screens shall not be required where other approved means, such as air curtains or insect repellant fans, are employed.

MN. Section 602.2 “Residential Occupancies” is amended to read as follows:
602.2 Residential Occupancies. Regardless of the season of the year, dwellings shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68ºF (20ºC) in all habitable rooms. Cooking appliances shall not be used, nor shall 58 portable unvented fuel-burning space heaters be used, as a means to provide required heating.

JO. Section 602.3 “Heat Supply” is deleted without replacement.

KP. Section 602.4 “Occupiable Work Spaces” is deleted without replacement.

SECTION 8. Section 22.04.080 of Chapter 22.04 of Title 22 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is adopted to read as follows:

22.04.080 Amendments to the 2025 California Wildland-Urbane Interface Code, The 2025 California Wildland-Urbane Interface Code as adopted by reference pursuant to this Chapter, is amended as set forth in this Section 22.04.080.

A.Section 101. “Scope” is amended to read as follows:
101.2 Scope. This code applies to building materials, systems and/or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings, remodels or additions to existing buildings located within a Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area as defined in Section 202 of this code and contains requirements to mitigate conditions where a wildfire burning in vegetative fuels may readily transmit fire to buildings and threaten to destroy life, overwhelm fire suppression capabilities, or result in large property losses shall comply with this chapter. In addition, this section is intended to prevent the occurrence of fires and to provide adequate fire-protection facilities to control the spread of fire which might be caused by recreational, residential, commercial, industrial or other activities conducted in Wildland Urban Interface Areas (WUI). The WUI is defined by the City of Santa Barbara Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), formerly the Wildland Fire Plan, and includes, but is not limited to, areas defined by the State of California as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). Future revisions and updates to the City CWPP shall be incorporated into this Code by reference as best practices, whether or not adopted as mandatory code sections.

B Section 101.3 “Purpose” is amended to read as follows:
101.3 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to increase the ability of a building to resist the intrusion of flame or burning embers being projected by a vegetation fire and contributes to a systematic reduction in conflagration losses through the use of performance and prescriptive requirements. In addition, the purpose of this code is to prevent the occurrence of fires and to provide adequate fire- protection facilities to control the spread of fire which might be caused by recreational, residential, commercial, industrial or other activities conducted in the Wildland Urban Interface 59 Area.

C. Section 101.3.1 “Application” is amended to read as follows:

Section 101.3.1 Application. New buildings, remodeled buildings, or additions to existing buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Area designated by the enforcement agency constructed after the application date shall comply with the provisions of this code.

Exception: Accessory and/or Group U occupancy buildings may be exempted from all or portions of this section upon approval of the Fire Code Official and/or Chief Building Official.

E. Section 101.4 “Policy” is amended to read as follows:

Section 101.4 Policy. The policy direction for the City of Santa Barbara Wildland Urban Interface Area is established by the City of Santa Barbara Wildland Fire Plan, approved by City Council in January of 2004 and formally recognized as the CWPP in 2011.

F. Section 105.3 “Work exempt from a permit” is amended to read as follows:

Section 105.3 Work exempt from a permit. Permit exemptions shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 105.2 of the California Building Code as amended by the City of Santa Barbara in Section 22.04.020 and 105.2 of the California Residential Code as amended by the City of Santa Barbara in Section 22.04.025.

G. Section 105.8 “Expiration” is amended to read as follows:

Section 105.8. Expiration shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 105.5 of the California Building Code as amended by the City of Santa Barbara in Section 22.04.020.

H. Section 108 “Fees” is amended as follows:

Section 108 Permit fees. Fee payments, fee schedules, work commencing prior to permit issuance, related fees and refunds shall be in accordance with 2025 CBC Section 109.

I. Section 112 Means of Appeals is amended to read as follows:

Section 112. Appeals. Appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the Authority Having Jurisdiction shall be addressed in accordance with the provisions of Section 113 of the 2025 California Building Code as amended by the City of Santa 60 Barbara in Section 22.04.020.

J. Section 202 “Definitions” is amended to read as follows:

Section 202 "Definitions" is amended to add and amend definitions:

Spark Arrester is defined as a device constructed of non-flammable materials specifically for removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles over 0.0232 inches in size from the exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine operated by hydrocarbons.

Tracer is any bullet or projectile incorporating a feature which marks or traces the flight of said bullet or projectile by flame, smoke or other means which result in fire or heat.

Tracer Charge is any bullet or projectile incorporating a feature designed to create a visible or audible effect by means which result in fire or heat and shall include any incendiary bullets and projectiles.

Wildland-Urban Interface Area is a geographical area identified by the state as a "Fire Hazard Severity Zone" in accordance with the Public Resources Code Sections 4201 through 4204 and Government Code Sections 51175 through 51189, or other areas designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires.

The CWPP outlines the Wildland Urban Interface Area within the City of Santa Barbara's local jurisdiction. For purposes of this code, Wildland Urban Interface Area and High Fire Hazard Area are interchangeable. Future updates and revisions to the City High Fire Hazard Area maps shall be incorporated by reference.

K Section 501.1 “Scope” is amended to read as follows:
501.1 Scope. This chapter applies to building materials, systems and/or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings, remodels or additions to existing buildings located within a Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area as defined in Section 202 of this code.

L. Section 501.1.1 “Application” is amended to read as follows:

Section 501.1.1 Application. New buildings, remodeled buildings or additions to existing buildings in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface Area designated by the enforcing agency constructed after the application date shall comply with this chapter.

Exception: Accessory and/or Group U occupancy buildings may be exempted from all or portions of this chapter upon approval of the Fire Code Official and/or Chief Building Official.

M. Section 503.1 General is amended to read as follows:
61 Section 503.1 General. Buildings and structures hereafter constructed, modified or relocated into or within wildland urban interface areas shall meet the construction requirements in accordance with chapter 5. Materials required to be ignition resistant building materials shall comply with the requirements of section 503.2.

N. Section 503.2.3 “Fire-retardant-treated roof coverings” is amended to read as follows:

Section 503.2 Fire-retardant-treated wood roof coverings. Roof coverings shall be in accordance with Section 1505.1.1 of the California Building Code as amended by the City of Santa Barbara in municipal code section 22.04.20.

O. Section 504.2 “Roof assembly” is amended to read as folllowsfollows:

Section 504.2 Roofs shall comply with the most restrictive requirements of Sections 504.2 and 1505.1.1 of the California Building Code as amended by the City of Santa Barbara in municipal code Section 22.04.020. Roofs shall have a roofing assembly installed in accordance with its listing and manufacturers installation instructions.

P. Section 504.8 “Exterior Glazing” is amended to read as follows:

Section 504.8 The following exterior glazing materials and/or assemblies shall comply with this section:

1. Exterior windows and/or skylights.

2. Exterior glazed doors.

3. openings within exterior doors.

4. Glazed openings within exterior garage doors.

5. Exterior structural glass veneer.

6. Glazing frames made of vinyl materials shall have welded corners, metal reinforcement in the interlock area, and be certified to the most current edition of ANSI/AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2 structural requirements.

SECTION 9. Section 22.04.080 of Chapter 22.04 of Title 22 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is deleted without replacement.

SECTION 910. Whenever in this Ordinance or in any of the codes adopted by reference hereby, another code or publication of standards or of rules or regulations is referred to, such reference shall incorporate and adopt by reference such other codes, standards or rules or regulations as part of this ordinance. A copy of said primary and secondary codes are on file and shall be maintained for public inspection by the Chief Building Official as provided in Title 5, Division 1, Part 1, Chapter 1 of the California 62 Government Code while this Ordinance is in force.

SECTION 11. 0. Ordinance Number 60935919 is repealed upon the effective date of this ordinance.

SECTION 112. The provisions of this ordinance shall take effect at 12:01 a.m. on January 21, 20263.
1 ATTACHMENT 4
Santa Barbara City Fire Department
2024 International Fire Code / 2025 California Fire Code Adoption/2025 Wildland Urban Interface Code Summary of Amendments
October 21, 2025
MC = Municipal Code, CFC = International or California Fire Codes # Chapter/Section Title Concept Type(new,
existing

CFC / MC
deleted or
revised)
Findings

1. Chapter 1
Division II / Sec
103 & 103.1
Fire Prevention
Bureau
Updates International Code language referring
to “Prevention Department”; replaces with
“Fire Prevention Bureau”.

Existing,
updated

CFC / MC
Na, Administrative
2 Chapter 1,
Division II / Sec.
103.3.1
Fire Prevention
Bureau Personnel
and Police
Part of the organization of the Fire Prevention
Bureau, carried over from the existing code,
citing authority of fire code officials.

Existing,

CFC / MC
Na, Administrative
3 Chapter 1 Div II
Sec.
104.11
Fire Investigations Existing language from the 2022 California Fire Code, with minor word changes for clarity,
citing authority to investigate.

Existing,

CFC / MC
Na, Administrative
4 Chapter 1/
Division II
Sec.111
Means of Appeals Base code appeal sections, deleted to allow for local appeals sections as amended, below.

Deleted Na, Administrative
5 Chapter 1/
Division II. Sec
112.4
Violation
Penalties
Completes the IFC section 110 by describing
violations of the code as a misdemeanor,
consistent with current language. Minor
section number change.

Existing,

CFC / MC
Na, Administrative
6 Chapter 1/
Division II Sec.
115.1 through
115.1.7
Building and Fire
Code Board of
Appeals
Adopts local provisions for a joint Building and
Fire Code Board of appeals. Companion
section to California Building Code. Note: This
code language is identical to adoption
language in California Building Code sections
113 but renumbered as 111 in the Fire Code
due to existing unrelated sections in the Fire
Existing,
Modified

CFC / MC,
Na, Administrative
2 Code. Board of Appeals language changes
are intended to streamline the process and
further define the board as a seven qualified
members who are not employees of the City of
Santa Barbara and who serve four year terms.

New language also specifies that in matters
involving CBC Chapters 11A and 11B that at
least three members of the board be
physically disabled.

On October 8 2019, Ordinance Committee
directed staff to prepare additional appeals
language that allowed a final appeal to City
Council.

On October 22, 2019 staff returned with the
draft and Ordinance Committee voted to
include it for review by Council with the rest of
the ordinance. The duplicate language
appears as §115.1.6 in the Fire Code and
113.1.1 in the Building Code adopting
ordinances.

Modifies number of Board Members to form a
Quorum from 5 to 4
7 Chapter 3 /
307.1.1
Prohibited Open
Burning
Maintains a previously deleted section
authorizing the Fire Code Official to prohibit
open burning when atmospheric or local
conditions make such fire hazardous when
smoke emissions become offensive or
objectionable.

NA NA, Chapter 3 Not building
standards and not adopted by
the State of California. All of
Chapter 3 contains important
Fire Code Maintenance
sections concerning ordinary
ignition hazards.
8 Chapter 3 /
Section 308.1.4
Open Flame
cooking devices
Deleted and new sections added below as in
the 2019 adoption, making the International
Code carryover sections more practical.

Existing,
MC
NA, Chapter 3 Not building
standards and not adopted by
the State of California.
8 Chapter 3 /
Section
308.1.4.1
Open Flame
cooking Devices
Existing section in the local code, again
amending the CFC. IFC 308.1.4, which
prohibited charcoal barbeques on most
apartment patio’s and decks within 10 feet of
any combustible element, a section that is
unenforceable. Not adopted by the state.

MC /
Existing
NA, Chapter 3 Not building
standards and not adopted by
the State of California.
9 Chapter 3 /
Section
308.1.4.1
Liquefiedpetroleum gas Amends the section to allow standard sized (5 gallon) propane barbeques on apartment
decks / balconies.

MC /
Existing
NA, Chapter 3 Not building
standards and not adopted by
the State of California.
3 fueled cooking
devices.
10 Chapter 3/
Section 317.1.1
Rooftop Gardens
and Landscaped
Roofs
Maintains the Fire Department standard
prohibiting vegetated roofs in the High Fire
Hazard areas in Chapter 3. This section was
added when it was found that vegetated roofs,
also known as “Green Roofs” while generally
desirable, were not appropriate for High Fire
Hazard Areas. Vegetation that is actually
attached to the structure in this way is a
transmission hazard if not scrupulously
maintained and may tend to add fuel to an
oncoming wildfire. The section has no effect
on green roofs in other parts of the city.

Existing NA, Chapter 3 Not building
standards and not adopted by
the State of California.
11 Chapter 4 Emergency
Planning and
Preparedness
As in 2019, this chapter not adopted either
locally or at the state level. Chapter 4 conflicts
with or duplicates state regulations (Title 19) in
several sections; has additional requirements
in conflict with or not desirable under local
conditions.

Deleted NA, Chapter 4 Not building
standards and not adopted by
the State of California or by this
jurisdiction.
12 Chapter 5 /
Section 503.1
through 503.4
Fire Apparatus
Access Roads
Amends the access sections to meet existing
local requirements of 20 feet in width for
commercial and 16 feet in width for residential
to within 150 feet of exterior walls. Minor
changes to the exceptions allowed for the 150
foot requirement, adding language to #1 that
maintains current local standards for grade,
cross slope turning radius and dead ends.

Existing,

CFC / MC,
minor
revisions
This section is reasonably
necessary to accommodate fire
apparatus in both the existing
environment and new
construction, in conformance
with Climatic finding A and
Topographical findings A, B and
C.
13 Chapter 5 /
503.5, 503.1.1
and 503.5.2
Secured Gates
and barricades
Maintains one section amended in 2016 one
added to the access roadways, dealing with
the closure of certain roadways due to fire
danger. Minor revisions to the “tampering” with
locked gates section and the new section
prohibits parking vehicles in a manner that
blocks closed gates. Sec. 503.5.2 contains
State mandated language pertaining to fences
and gates at schools.

Existing
MC
This section is reasonably
necessary to accommodate fire
apparatus in both the existing
environment and new
construction, in conformance
with Climatic finding A and
Topographical findings A, B and
C.
14 Chapter 5 /
Section 505.1.1
Premise
Identification,
Mixed use
occupancy
Refers to local municipal code section

8.04.030 regarding mixed use occupancy
signs to clarify that they are required in both
existing and new construction. The purpose is
Existing
MC
This section is reasonably
necessary due to the potential
for increased response times
outlined in Geological conditions
4 to decrease response time by notifying first
responders of the presence of residential units
in an otherwise commercial looking structure.

A and B, potential response
issues outlined in Topographical
Conditions A and B, and the
need to quickly identify and
render aid to trapped or injured
victims in residential
occupancies that are not
immediately apparent.
15 Chapter 5 /
Section 505.3
Directory Maintains the existing requirement for a
project directory when required by the fire
code official. Minor wording changes.

Existing
MC
This section is reasonably
necessary due to the potential
for increased response times
outlined in Geological conditions
A and B, potential response
issue outlined in Topographical
conditions outlined in
Topographical Conditions A and
B, and the need to quickly
identify and render aid to
trapped or injured victims in
residential occupancies that are
not immediately apparent.
16 Chapter 5 /
Section
507.through
507.5.6
Required Water
Supply
The basic fire flow requirements of Chapter 5
were adopted by the state, along with
Appendix B of the International; Code. The
state then leaves local jurisdictions to either
use Appendix B or any “approved method”
without further definition. These sections
outline the locally approved method and are a
readoption of our existing fire-flow
requirements for new construction. The
original IFC / CFC section 507 et. al is
therefore deleted and replaced with these
corresponding sections to detail the locally
approved methods.

Existing
MC
This section is reasonably
necessary due to the potential
for water supply challenges
based on Climatic Conditions A,
B and C, and Geological
conditions A and B.
17 Chapter 9 /
Section
903.2.22
through
903.2.22.9
Automatic Fire
Sprinkler Systems
The California Fire Code provisions in Chapter
9 are less stringent than our existing
requirements. Changes in Chapter 9 are
similar to changes we made in 2007 when we
amended to code with local sprinkler
Existing/Mo
dified MC,

CFC, CBC
& Cal.

Residential
Code
This section is reasonably
necessary to ensure that
incipient fires are initially
controlled where possible
throughout the city on the event
that seismic activity overwhelms
5 requirements, both commercial and later,
residential.

Adds Higher Hazard Occupancy
Classification Table
existing suppression resources
or impacts response times.

Experience has shown that
sprinkler systems have the
capacity to control or extinguish
fires at an early stage, often
eliminating the threat. This can
be critical where later utility
disruptions further delay first
responders. This section
therefore applies to Climatic
Conditions B C and D and
Geological Conditions A and B.
18 Chapter 9 /
Section
907.2.27
Exceptions and
Modifications
Based on stakeholder input at meetings
following Ordinance Committee in 2019;
allows the fire code official to grant exceptions
and modifications where hardship or
substantial difficulty make strict compliance
with a sprinkler section impractical.

Existing This section allows the fire code
official to modify previous
sections based on findings and
as such is not subject to the
findings themselves.
19 Chapter 9 /
Section
907.2.30
Fire Alarm
Detection
Systems
This section maintains a minor revision of our
existing requirement for an automatic
detection fire alarm in mixed use occupancies.

We first authored this section in response to
the proliferation of residential units above
commercial occupancies throughout the city.

The concept is to alert the residents in the
event of a fire condition in the business
occupancies below, especially at night when
the business is closed.

Existing,

MC, CFC
This section is reasonably
necessary due to the potential
for increased response times
outlined in Geological conditions
A and B, potential response
issue outlined in Topographical
conditions outlined in
Topographical Conditions A and
B, and the need to quickly
identify and render aid to
trapped or injured victims in
residential occupancies that are
not immediately apparent.
22 Chapter 49 /
Sections 4901
through
4909.1.1
Section 101.2
through 101.4
of the 2025
WUI Code
Requirements for
Wildland Interface
Areas
These sections were adopted in 2007 as
Chapter 47, which was later changed to
Chapter 49. Local sections have been
renumbered to match and supplement the
state’s adopted version of the code and are
unchanged from 2013. California has
adopted the 2025 edition of the California
Wildland Urban Interface Code which
Existing
and minor
language
changes
MC
Section 101,Administration are
reasonably necessary to
respond to the wildland urban
interface threat in the city and
surrounding areas, based on
Climatic Conditions A, B D, and
C and Topographic conditions
A, B and C.
6 incorporates and replaces Chapter 49 of the
2022 California Fire Code
Also added is a reference to the adoption of
the 2004 Wildland Fire Plan as the City of
Santa Barbara Community Wildfire Protection
Plan (CWPP) in 2011 and updated in 2021
Additional language under 602 requires the
Fire Department to maintain lists of both
acceptable and prohibited plans for the WUI,
as referred by the CWPP. This allows for the
addition of plant species in future additions
without editing either the CWPP or the
ordinance.
23 Chapter 49/
Section
4906.1.2
Section 603.1.1
of the 2025
WUI Code
Flammable
Vegetation
Clarifies language about landscape plants
installed without a permit and cause for
removal in the HFH areas.
existing Section 603,Vegatation Plan
are reasonably necessary to
respond to the wildland urban
interface threat in the city and
surrounding areas, based on
Climatic Conditions A, B D, and
C and Topographic conditions
A, B and C.
24 Chapter 49
Section 4907
through
Section 604,
604.6-604.13
Defensible Space
Requirements
Addresses the maintenance of existing vines
and climbing plants attached to structures in
the HFH areas.
existing Section 604,The Defensible
Space are reasonably
necessary to respond to the
wildland urban interface threat
in the city and surrounding
areas, based on Climatic
Conditions A, B D, and C and
Topographic conditions A, B
and C.
25 Chapter 56 /
5601.2
Explosives and
Blasting Agents
Maintains local amendments to Chapter 56
Maintains Santa Barbara’s prohibition of all
fireworks. Limits storage by Zone, excludes
most of the city. Storage is limited to the
industrial zone near the airport, by permit only.

Existing
MC
Chapter 56 Explosives and
fireworks amendments are
reasonably necessary to
minimize a conflagration that
has the potential to overwhelm
resources, in conformance with
Climatic Conditions A through
D, Topographical Conditions A
7 through C and Geological
Conditions A and B.
26 5601.3 and
5601.4
Fireworks,
Prohibition
State law allows for “safe and sane” fireworks.

Maintains the current prohibition on all
fireworks within the city limits, including safe
and sane. Provides for confiscation.

Existing
MC
Chapter 56 Explosives and
fireworks amendments are
reasonably necessary to
minimize a conflagration that
has the potential to overwhelm
resources, in conformance with
Climatic Conditions A through
D, Topographical Conditions A
through C and Geological
Conditions A and B.
27 Municipal Code
Section

8.04.030
A and B
Fire Prevention
Development
Standards
A) Fire Zone 2 allows for on-site water and
other requirements in areas where there is no
municipal water supply. B) Requires the mixed
use occupancy sign, which identifies the
presence of dwelling units for first responders
when a new building combines residential and
commercial occupancies. No Changes.

Existing
MC
The amendments to Municipal
Code sections 8.04.030
pertaining to on site water are
reasonably necessary to ensure
an adequate supply of
firefighting water in Wildland
areas pursuant to Climatic
conditions A, B, C and D; The
mixed use occupancy sign
standard to ensure that first
responders have adequate
signage to locate potential
victims pursuant to our
amendment to CFC 505.1.1
(above) and in response to the
potential for increased response
times outlined in Geological
conditions A and B; potential
response issues outlined in
Topographical Conditions A and
B, and the need to quickly
identify and render aid to
trapped or injured victims in
residential occupancies that are
not immediately apparent.

ATTACHMENT 5
ORDINANCE NO. ____

AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA
BARBARA AMENDING CHAPTER 8.04 OF THE MUNICIPAL
CODE AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 20241 EDITION

OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE, INCLUDING
APPENDIX CHAPTER 4 AND APPENDICES B, BB, C, CC, AND
H OF THAT CODE, THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA
WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE, AND THE 20252

CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO
BOTH CODES.

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Findings.

Climatic Conditions
A. The City of Santa Barbara is located in a semi-arid Mediterranean type climate. It annually experiences extended periods of high temperatures with little or no precipitation. Hot, dry winds, ("Sundowners") which may reach speeds of 60 m.p.h. or greater, are also common to the area. These climatic conditions cause extreme drying of vegetation and common building materials. In addition, the high winds generated often cause road obstructions such as fallen trees. Frequent periods of drought and low humidity add to the fire danger. This predisposes the area to large destructive fires. In addition to directly damaging or destroying buildings, these fires also disrupt utility services throughout the area. The City of Santa Barbara and adjacent front country have a history of such fires, including the 1990 Painted Cave Fire and the 1977 Sycamore Canyon Fire. In 2007, the City was impacted by the back country Zaca Fire and by the Gap fire in 2008. The Tea Fire destroyed over 150 homes within the City in November of 2008 and the Jesusita Fire destroyed homes and property in much of the Santa Barbara front country in May of 2009. In 2017, the Thomas Fire burned into the eastern part of the City which was followed by the catastrophic 1/9 Debris Flow in 2018, which affected Montecito and the Coast Village Road area of Santa Barbara, causing millions of dollars in damage and taking twenty-three lives.

B. The climate alternates between extended periods of drought and brief flooding conditions. Flood conditions may affect the Fire Department's ability to respond to a fire or emergency condition. When heavy rainfall follows a significant wildfire in the foothills, as in the Thomas Fire, the potential for flash floods, slides and debris flows is great. Such events may disrupt access, egress and utility services to buildings and facilities within the City.

C. Water demand in this area challenges the quantity supplied by natural precipitation and, although the population continues to grow, the already-taxed water supply does not. The estimated population of California in 2006 was more than 36 million ATTACHMENT 5
people. The state is projected to increase in population by nearly 10 million by the year 2030, with 50 percent of that growth centered in Southern California. Due to storage capacities and consumption, and a limited amount of rainfall, future water allocation may not be fully dependable in many areas of the state. The City's core area continues to become more concentrated, with new multi-storied mixed-use structures whose occupants, along with the structures themselves, could be vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to lack of available water. This necessitates the need for additional and on-site fire protection features.

D. These dry climatic conditions and winds contribute to the rapid spread of even small fires originating in high-density housing or vegetation. These fires spread very quickly and create a need for increased levels of fire protection. The added protection of fire sprinkler systems and other fire protection features will supplement normal fire department response by providing immediate protection for the building occupants and by containing and controlling the fire spread to the area of origin. Fire sprinkler systems also reduce the use of water for firefighting by extinguishing fires at an early stage.

Climatic conditions also necessitate the implementation of additional measures to control the threat of overgrown vegetation in the wildland urban interface areas, commonly referred to as the high fire hazard areas of the City.

Topographical Conditions:

A. Natural slopes of 15 percent or greater generally occur throughout the foothills of Santa Barbara, especially in the High Fire Hazard areas such as the Foothill and Extreme Foothill zones. With much of the populated lower elevation areas already built upon, future residential growth is and will continue to occur on steeper slopes and in areas with greater constraints in terrain such as the Foothill and Extreme Foothill zones. Geographic and landuse constraints throughout the city have resulted in greater density along with a large number of mixed use projects, combining residential with commercial occupancies.

B. Traffic and circulation congestion is an ongoing problem throughout the region.

Traffic flow in and through Santa Barbara is limited by the transverse Santa Ynez Mountains, which provide limited passage to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The narrow corridor that Highway 101 occupies is subject to traffic delays under normal conditions and emergency events can render the highway impassable. This has the double effect of preventing traffic from leaving the City and potentially preventing emergency workers, who often live out of town, from entering. This condition existed for several days during the La Conchita slide in 2005 and it disrupted the return of City workers who live in the Ventura area.

At various times in the City's history, Highway 101 has also been closed north of the City due to mudslides, fires and flooding. The most recent and most disastrous example of this effect was the closure of both Highway 101 & 192, as well as numerous surface streets, during the 1/9 Debris Flow in 2018.

In addition, roads inthefoothills are narrow, often steep and vulnerable toemergency conditions. Some of the older roadways are below current access standards and pose challenges to responding emergency vehicles, especially fire engines. These challenges are exacerbated in the event of an evacuation, particularly in the Foothill and Extreme Foothill zones.

C. These topographical conditions combine to create a situation which places fire department response time to fire occurrences at risk, and makes it necessary to provide automatic on-site fire-extinguishing systems and other protection measures to protect occupants and property.

ATTACHMENT 5
Geological Conditions:

The City of Santa Barbara region is a densely populated area that has buildings constructed over and near a vast and complex network of faults that are believed to be capable of producing future earthquakes similar or greater in size than the 1994 Northridge and the 1971 Sylmar earthquakes. Known faults in the city include the Lavigia, North Channel Slope, Mesa and Mission Ridge-More Ranch faults. Additional faults near the city would also be capable of disruption of services, including fire protection. The Southern California Earthquake Center predicts that there is an 80-90% probability of a magnitude 7.0 earthquake somewhere in Southern California before the year 2024. Regional planning for reoccurrence of earthquakes is recommended by the State of California, Department of Conservation.

A. Previous earthquakes have been accompanied by disruption of traffic flow and fires. A severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any rescue or fire suppression activities because it is likely to create obstacles similar to those indicated under the high wind section above. With the probability of strong aftershocks there exists a need to provide increased protection for anyone on upper floors of buildings. The October 17, 1989, Loma Prieta earthquake resulted in one major fire in the Marina District (San Francisco). When combined with the 34 other fires locally and over 500 responses, the department was taxed to its fullest capabilities. The Marina fire was difficult to contain because mains supplying water to the district burst during the earthquake. In addition to gas mains, individual gas and electric service connections to residences may provide both fuel and ignition sources during a seismic event. This situation creates the need for both additional fire protection and automatic on-site fire protection for building occupants.

B. Road circulation features located throughout Santa Barbara also make amendments reasonably necessary. There are major roadways, highways and flood control channels that create barriers and slow response times. Hills, particularly in the Foothill and Extreme Foothill zones, slopes, street and storm drain design accompanied by occasional heavy rainfall, cause roadway flooding and landslides and at times may make an emergency access route impassable, as they did in the 1/9 Debris Flow. Much of the City's foothill area, including Mountain Drive and Sycamore Canyon, are located in areas subject to geologic activity, as witnessed by the recent long term closure of Sycamore Canyon Road due to the slide potential.

The climatic, topographical, and geological conditions described above make it prudent to rely upon automatic fire sprinkler systems and other fire protection measures to mitigate extended fire department response times. Automatic sprinklers, mixed use notification signs, fire alarms and other measures specified in this Ordinance are intended to lessen life safety hazards and keep fires manageable with potentially reduced fire flow (water) requirements for a given structure. Additional fire protection is also justified to match the current resources of firefighting equipment and personnel within the Santa Barbara City Fire Department. As California is subjected to the ongoing effects of climate change, local changes to climatic, topographic and geological conditions will likely pose a greater threat to disruption of services and loss of life and property.
4 ATTACHMENT 5
SECTION 2. Section 8.04.010 of Chapter 8.04 of Title 8 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:

8.04.010 Adoption of International Code by Reference.

Subject to the amendments specified in Section 8.04.020 of this Code, The International Fire Code, as published by the International Code Council (20241 Edition), including Appendix Chapter 4 and Appendices B, BB, C, CC and H; The 20252 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9 of the California Code of Regulations); and all standards and secondary codes referenced in said codes are adopted by reference and shall beknown as the City of Santa Barbara Fire Code.

Subject to the amendments specified in Section 8.04.040 of this Code, the International Wildland–Urban Interface Code (2024 Edition), as published by the International Code Council, together with the 2025 California Wildland–Urban Interface Code (Title 24, Part 7, California Code of Regulations), and all standards and secondary codes referenced therein, are hereby adopted by reference and shall be known and cited as the City of Santa Barbara Wildland–Urban Interface Code.

Subject to the amendments specified in Section 8.04.040 of this Code, The International Wildland-Urbane Interface Code, as published by the International Code Council (2024 Edition), The 2025 California Wildland Interface Code (Title 24, Part 7 of the California Code of Regulations), and all standards ad secondary code referenced in said code are adopted by reference and shall be known as the City of Santa Barbara Wildland-Urbane Interface Code.

Said codes and any standards and secondary codes adopted by reference and the amendments therein, are on file and available for public inspection in the office of the City Clerk.

SECTION 3. Section 8.04.020 of Chapter 8.04 of Title 8 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:

8.04.020 Amendments to International Fire Code.

In response to local climatic, geological and topographical conditions, The 20241 International Fire Code and the 20252 California Fire Code, as adopted by reference by in Section 8.04.010, are amended as follows:

A. Section 103 is hereby renamed: Fire Prevention Bureau and is amended as follows:
[A] 103.1 General. The Fire Prevention Bureau is established in the jurisdiction under the fire code official. The function of the division shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
[A]103.3.1 Fire prevention bureau personnel and police. The fire code official and members of the fire prevention bureau shall have the powers of a police officer in performing their duties under this code. When requested to do so by the fire chief, the chief of police is authorized to assign such available police officers as necessary to assist the fire department in enforcing the provisions of this code.

B. Section 104.11 "Fire investigations" is amended to read as follows:
5 ATTACHMENT 5
[A] 104.11 Fire investigations. The fire code official is authorized to investigate promptly the cause, origin and circumstances ofevery fire, explosion or other hazardous condition occurring in the jurisdiction. In addition, the fire code official is authorized to investigate the cause, origin and circumstances of unauthorized releases of hazardous materials in the jurisdiction. If it appears to fire code official that such incidents are of suspicious origin, the fire code official is authorized to take immediate charge of all physical evidence relating to the cause of the fire, explosion, hazardous condition, or release and is authorized to pursue the investigation to its conclusion. [A]104.11.1 Assistance from other agencies. Police and other enforcement agencies are authorized to assist in the investigation of fires when requested to do soby the fire code official.

C. Section 111 "Board of Appeals" is deleted in its entirety without replacement.

D. Section [A] 112.4 "Violation penalties" is amended to read as follows:
[A] Section 1132.4 Violation penalties. Persons who violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Penalties shall be as prescribed by state law and local ordinance. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

E. Chapter 1, Division II of the International Fire Code is amended by adding Section 115 "Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals" to read as follows:
1125.1 Board of Appeals.

The provisions governing the City of Santa Barbara Fire and Building Code Board of Appeals are incorporated into this section by reference, as set forth in Section 22.04.020.H of this CodeIn order to provide technical Code advice to the City's Building Official and fire code official, and to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the fire code official or Building Official relative to the application and interpretations of the technical codes, there shall be and is hereby created a Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals. This Board consists of 7 members who are qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction and building service equipment and who are not employees of the jurisdiction. The Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals shall be appointed by the City Council and shall hold office on 4-year terms. The Board is not empowered to waive requirements of the State Title 24 Codes. The Board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the fire code official or Building Official. 1125.1.1 Alternatives. The Board may consider any alternate provided that it finds that the proposed design, material, method, or work offered is, for the purpose intended. The Board shall have no authority to waive the requirements of the applicable Code. 1125.1.2 Appointments. The City Council shall appoint qualified individuals to an eligibility list. Appeals shall be scheduled before 7 members, provided that at least 3 members are physically handicapped when hearing items involving Chapter 11 of the California Building and Fire Code.
1125.1.3 Quorum. For other than appeals and ratifications relative to Chapter 11, it shall take a quorum of 4 5 members to hear an appeal and majority vote of the Board convened to sustain an appeal. Appeals and ratifications relative to the enforcement of Chapter 11, at least 2 of the Board members hearing the item must be physically disabled. (Ref: State Health 6 ATTACHMENT 5
& Safety Code, Section 19957.5)
1125.1.4 Chairperson. The chairperson shall be selected annually by the convened Board. The chairperson shall maintain order and conduct the meeting in accordance with the California Brown Act.
1125.1.5 Meetings. The Board shall meet when needed to hear an appeal or when needed to transact business of the Board. Either the Building Official or the fire code official or their designee shall act as Secretary of the Board.
1125.1.6 Board Decisions. The decision of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals shall be final on all matters of appeals and shall become an order to the Appellant, Chief Building Official or fire code official as may be appropriate. 1125.1.7 Procedural Rules. Appeal hearings shall be conducted substantially in accordance with the following format:

1. Any person may appeal a decision of the Building Official or fire code official by filing a written appeal with the Building Official or fire code official within 10-days of the issuance of the written decision. The notice of appeal shall state the grounds for the appeal.

2. No notice of appeal shall be accepted unless the notice is accompanied by the fee specified by resolution of the City Council.

3. Unless agreed to otherwise by the appellant and the Building Official or fire code official, all appeals shall be heard not less than 10-days and not more than 60-days from the date on which the Building Official or fire code official receives the written appeal.

4. The filing of a timely appeal with the Building Official or fire code official shall place a stay on further enforcement of the specific matter appealed, except for instances of immediate danger to life or property.

5. The Chairperson shall call the meeting to order.

6. The Chairperson shall note the Board members present for the minutes.

7. The Chairperson shall recognize the Building Official or fire code official for presentation of the appeal. The Building Official or the fire code official shall read his/her recommendation to the Board.

8. The Chairperson shall recognize the Appellant for presentation of rebuttals.

9. All witnesses must be called by either the Appellant or the Building Official or the fire code official and may be questioned as permitted by the Chair of this Board.

10. The Board may entertain comments from the public.

11. The Board may affirm, deny, or amend the decision of the Building Official or the fire code official.

12. The Board shall issue its decisions in writing and shall include a statement of the decision appealed, the decision of the Board and the findings made by 7 ATTACHMENT 5
the Board in reaching their decision.

13. The Chairperson shall adjourn the meeting at the end of business.

14. The Secretary shall prepare minutes for the record and shall serve as custodian of case records and said minutes.

F. Chapter 3 of the International Fire Code is amended as follows:
307.1.1 Prohibited open burning. Opening burning that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke emissions or when atmospheric or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited.

1. Section 308.1.4 is deleted without replacement.

2. Section 308.1.4.1 is amended to read as follows:
8 ATTACHMENT 5
Section 308.1.4.1 Liquefied-petroleum gas fueled cooking devices. LP gas burners having an LP gas container with a water capacity greater than 25 pounds (5 Gallon) shall not be located on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction.

Exception: One and two-family dwellings.
317.1 Rooftop Gardens and Landscaped Roofs. Rooftop gardens and landscaped roofs, also known as vegetated roofs, are prohibited in the High Fire Hazard areas.

G. Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code is deleted in its entirety without replacement.

H. Section 503 "Fire Apparatus Access Roads" is deleted in its entirety and readopted to read as follows:
503.1 Where Required. Fire Department access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections 503.1.1and 503.1.3 503.1.1 Buildings and Facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus toads shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet of (45,720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility.

Exception: The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45,720 mm) where:

1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.

2. Fire apparatus Roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an approved alternate means of fire protection is provided. 503.1.2 Additional Access. The fire code official is authorized to require more than one fire apparatus access road based on the potential for impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of the terrain, climatic conditions or other factors that could limit access.
503.1.3 High Piled Storage. Fire department vehicle access to buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 32. 503.2 Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1 through 503.2.8.
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6 and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches. If a fire apparatus access road serves three or fewer single-family residential units, the required width may be reduced to not less than 16 feet (4879 mm) upon the approval of the fire code official.
503.2.2 Authority. The fire code official is authorized to require an increase in the minimum access widths where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations. 503.2.3 Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be surfaced so as to provide all- weather driving capabilities. Such fire apparatus access roads shall be capable of supporting 60,000 pounds and shall be constructed of approved materials.

ATTACHMENT 5
503.2.4 Turning radius. The turning radius of roadways shall be no less than 70 feet in diameter measured from outer edge to outer edge. 503.2.5 Dead ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 300 feet in length shall be provided with approved provisions for the turning around of fire apparatus. 503.2.6 Bridges and elevated surfaces. Where a bridge or an elevated surface is part of a fire apparatus access road, the bridge shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with AASHTO HB-17. Bridges and elevated surfaces shall be designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus. Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges when required by the fire code official. Where elevated surfaces designed for emergency vehicle use are adjacent to surfaces which are not designed for such use, approved barriers, approved signs or both shall be installed and maintained when required by the fire code official.
503.2.7 Grade. The gradient for a fire apparatus access road shall not exceed a 16 % grade.
503.2.7.1 Cross-slope. The cross-slope gradient shall not exceed 6%. 503.2.8 Angle of Approach and Departure. The angles of approach and departure for fire apparatus access roads shall be within the limits established by the fire code official based on the fire department's apparatus.
503.3 Marking. Where required by the fire code official, approved signs or other approved notices or markings that include the words NO PARKING - FIRE LANE shall be provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof. The means by which fire lanes are designated shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility.
503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including parking of vehicles. The minimum required widths and clearances established in Section 503.2.1 shall be maintained at all times. 503.5 Required gates or barricades. The fire code official is authorized to require the installation and maintenance of gates and other approved barricades across fire apparatus access roads, trails or other access ways, not including public streets, alleys or highways.

Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200.
503.5.1 Secured gates and barricades. When required, gates and barricades shall be secured in an approved manner. Roads, trails and other access ways that have been closed and obstructed in the manner prescribed by Section 503.5 shall not be trespassed on or used unless authorized by the owner and the fire code official. 503.5.1.1 Vehicle obstruction. Entrances to roads, trails, or other access ways that have been closed with gates and barriers in accordance with Section 503.5 shall not be obstructed by parked vehicles, except for public officers acting within their scope of duty. 503.5.1.2 Closure of access ways. Locks, gates, doors, barricades, chains, enclosures, signs, tags, or seals which have been installed by the fire department or by its order or under its control shall not be removed, unlocked, destroyed, tampered with or otherwise molested in any manner except when authorized by the fire code official or by public officers acting within their scope of duty.
503.5.2 Fences and Gates. School grounds may be fenced and gates therein may be equipped with locks, provided that safe dispersal areas based on 3 square feet 8 9
ATTACHMENT 5
(0.28m2) per occupant are located between the school and the fence. Such required safe dispersal areas shall not be located less than 50 feet (15240 mm) from school buildings.

Every public and private school shall conform to Section 32020 of the Education Code.

I. Section 505 "Premises Identification" is amended to add Sections 505.1.1 and 505.3 to read as follows:
505.1.1 Mixed Use Occupancy Identification. Mixed use occupancy notifications signs shall be provided according to Municipal Code 8.04.030 (B). 505.3 Directory. For complexes and large buildings, an approved directory or premise map may be required at a location determined by the fire code official.

J. Section 507 "Fire Protection Water Supplies" is deleted in its entirety and readopted to read as follows:
507.1 Required Water Supply. An approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow for fire protection shall be provided to all premises upon which facilities, buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. Prior to development of a project, the fire code official may require the flow testing of fire hydrants adjacent to the proposed development in order to determine adequacy of fire flow.
507.2 Type of Water Supply. A water supply shall consist of reservoirs, pressure tanks, elevated tanks, water mains or other fixed systems capable of providing the required flow.
507.2.1 Private fire service mains. Private fire service mains and appurtenance shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 24.
507.2.2 Water tanks. Water tanks for private fire protection shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 22.
507.3 Fire Flow. Fire Flow requirements for buildings or portions of buildings and facilities shall be determined by an approved method or Appendix B. For the purposes of this section, an "approved water supply" shall mean the following:

1. Residential Requirement. All residential buildings containing ten (10) or less dwelling units shall be served by a fire flow of 750 gpm at a residual pressure of 20 psi when flowing. Fire-flow requirements may be modified downward by the fire code official for isolated buildings or the installation of approved fire protection devices, but in no case shall the fire flow be less than 500 gpm at a residual pressure of 20 psi. Residential buildings containing eleven (11) or more dwelling units shall be served by fire flows in compliance with the commercial requirements below.

2. Commercial Requirement. A fire flow of 1,250 gpm at a residual pressure of 20 psi when flowing will be required.
507.4 Water Supply Test. The fire code official shall be notified prior to the water supply test. Water supply tests shall be witnessed by the fire code official or approved documentation of the test shall be provided to the prior to final approval of the water supply system.
507.5 Fire hydrant systems. Fire hydrant systems shall comply with Sections 507.1 through 507.5.6 or Appendix C of the International Fire Code. 507.5.1 Where Required, Commercial. Acommercial hydrant toSantaBarbara City standards must be located within 300 feet of all portions of a facility or building as measure by an approved route around the exterior ofthe facility or building. Where a portion of the facility or building is hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdictionis more than 300 feet from a hydrant on a fire apparatus road, as measured by an approved 10 ATTACHMENT 5
route around the exterior of the facility or building, the fire code official may require on-site hydrants or another approved mitigation method.
507.5.1.1 Where Required, Residential. For Group R-3, Group U and Group R-2 occupancies containing ten (10) or less dwelling units, a residential hydrant to Santa Barbara City standards must be located within 500 feet of all portions of a facility or building as measure by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building. Where a portion of the facility or building is hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction is more than 500 feet from a hydrant on a fire apparatus road, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, the fire code official may require on-site hydrants or another approved mitigation method.
507.5.2 Inspection, Testing and maintenance. Fire hydrant systems shallbe subject to such periodic tests as required by the fire code official. Fire hydrant systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be repaired where defective.

Additions, repairs, alterations and servicing shall be in accordance with approved standards. 507.5.3 Private fire service mains and water tanks. Private fire service mains and water tanks shall be periodically inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with Title 19 California Code of Regulations Chapter 5.
507.5.4 Obstruction. Posts, fences, vehicles, growth, trash, storage and other materials or objects shall not be placed or kept near fire hydrants, fire department inlet connections or fire protection system control valves in a manner that would prevent such equipment or fire hydrants from being immediately discernible. The fire department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to fire protection equipment or fire hydrants.
507.5.5 Clear space around hydrants. A 3-foot (914 mm) clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of fire hydrants except as otherwise required or approved.
507.5.6 Physical protection. Where fire hydrants are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, guard posts or other approved means shall comply with Section 312.

K. Section 903.2 "Where required" is amended to add Section 903.2.22 to read as follows:
903.2.22 Local Requirements. Approved automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed throughout buildings and structures as specified elsewhere in this Section 903.2 or as specified in this Section 903.2.22, whichever is more protective. 903.2.22.1 New Buildings, Generally. The construction of a new building containing any of the following occupancies: A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R, Sor U.

Exceptions: A new building containing a Group U occupancy that is constructed in the City's designated High Fire Hazard Area is not required to provide a sprinkler system as long as the building does not exceed 500 square feet of floor area. A new building containing a U occupancy that is constructed outside the City's designated High Fire Hazard Area is not required to provide a sprinkler system as long as the building does not exceed 5000 square feet of floor area.
903.2.22.2 New Buildings in the High Fire Hazard Area. The construction of any new building within the City's designated High Fire Hazard Area.

Exception: A new building containing a Group U occupancy that is constructed in the City's designated High Fire Hazard Area is not required to provide a sprinkler system as long as the building does not exceed 500 square feet of floor area. 11 ATTACHMENT 5
903.2.22.3 Additions to Buildings Other than Single Family Residences. The addition of floor area to an existing building that contains any occupancy other than Group R, Division 3.

Exception: For buildings that have had no additions since September 11, 2009, a single addition of not more than 250 square feet, provided the addition does not change the use to a more hazardous occupancy, shall not trigger the requirement to install an automatic fire sprinkler system. However, the square footage of the single addition allowed under this exception will be included in the cumulative total of modifications and alterations for purposes of Section 903.2.22.4.

903.2.22.4 Remodels of Buildings Other than Single Family Residences. The remodel or alteration of the interior of an existing building that contains any occupancy other than Group R, Division 3, where the floor area of the portion of the building that is modified or altered exceeds 50% of the existing floor area of the building. For purposes of this section, all modifications or alterations to an existing building that occur after September 11, 2009 shall be counted in the aggregate toward the 50% threshold measured against the floor area of the building. It shall be the responsibility of the building owner to install the sprinkler system throughout the building when the threshold has been exceeded. Calculations of aggregate floor areas are as follows:
(a) Aggregate alterations or modifications involving the demolition, reconstruction and/or replacement of 50% or more of the existing exterior walls of the building or structure; or (b) Aggregate alterations or modifications that change or rearrange the original plannedexisting configuration of walls or full height partitions and involves 50% or more of the existing enclosed floor area of the building or structure; or
(c) Aggregate alterations or modifications involving the demolition, reconstruction and/or replacement of 50% or more of ceilings and wall coverings exposing structuralframing members of the building
Exception: Nothing in this section shall prevent the building owner from negotiating a written agreement with the tenant or tenants for allocating the cost of the sprinkler system in any proportion.

903.2.22.5 Change of Occupancy to a Higher Hazard
Classification. Any change of occupancy in an existing building where the occupancy changes to a higher hazard classification. Higher hazard classification shall be defined per amended Table 1011.5 of the 2025 Existing Building Code and written policy.

TABLE 1011.5 MEANS OF EGRESS HAZARD CATEGORIES

RELATIVE HAZARD OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS
1 (Highest Hazard) H
2 I-2, I-3, I-4
3 A, E, I-1, R-1, R-2, R-4
4 M, B, F-1, R-3, S-1
5 (Lowest Hazard) F-2, S-2, U
11 ATTACHMENT 5
according to Municipal Code 8.040.0 (C).Exception: For purposes of sprinklers only, the higher hazard classification will not be deemed to include low hazard assembly occupancies of 75 occupants or fewer.

903.2.22.6 Computation of Square Footage. For the purposes of this Section 903.2.2019, the floor area of buildings shall be computed in accordance with the definition of "Floor area, Gross" provided in Section 1002.11202 of the California Building Code. 903.2.22.7 Existing use. Any existing building not classified as Group R, Division 3, in existence at the time of the effective date of this code may have their use continued if such use was legal at the time. Additions to existing buildings shall require an automatic fire sprinkler system installed throughout, including areas not previously protected.

Exception: For buildings that have had no additions since September 11, 2009, a single addition of not more than 250 square feet, provided the addition does not change the use to a more hazardous occupancy, shall not trigger the requirement to install an automatic fire sprinkler system. However, the square footage of the single addition will be included in the cumulative total of modifications and alterations for purposes of Section 903.2.22.40.4.
903.2.22.8 Exceptions and Modifications. Where hardship or substantial difficulty make strict compliance with a sprinkler section impractical, the fire code official is authorized to grant exceptions or modifications on an individual basis, pursuant to Section 104.8. 903.2.22.9 Remodels and additions of Single Family Residences. The remodel or alteration of the interior of an existing single family dwelling, where the floor area of the portion of the building that is modified or altered exceeds 75% of the existing floor area of the building.

For purposes of this section, all modifications or alterations to an existing building that occur after September 11, 2009 shall be counted in the aggregate toward the 75% threshold measured against the floor area of the building. Calculations of aggregate floor areas are as follows:
(a) Aggregate alterations or modifications involving the demolition, reconstruction and/or replacement of 75% or more of the existing exterior walls of the building or structure; or (b) Aggregate alterations or modifications that change or rearrange the original plannedexisting configuration of walls or full height partitions and involves 75% or more of the existing enclosed floor area of the building or structure; or
(c) Aggregate alterations or modifications involving the demolition, reconstruction and/or replacement of 75% or more ceilings and walls covering exposing structuralframing members of the building
L. Section 907 "Fire Alarm and Detection Systems" is amended to add Section 907.2.30 to read as follows:
907.2.30 Mixed Use Occupancies. Where residential occupancies are combined with commercial occupancies, a fire alarm system shall be installed which notifies all occupants in the event of a fire. The system shall include automatic smoke detection 14 ATTACHMENT 5
throughout the commercial and common areas. In addition, a notification system shall be installed in a manner and location approved by the fire code official that indicates the presence of residential dwelling units in accordance with Municipal Code Section 8.04.030 B.

Chapter 4901 has been removed in entirety and replaced with the 2025 Wildland-Urbane Interface Code as amended in Municipal Code Section 8.04.040 LM. Section 5601 "General" is amended to add Sections 5601.2, 5601.3, and 5601.4 to read as follows:

Section 5601.2 Explosives and Blasting Agents. Storage of explosives and blasting agents is restricted to the A-I (Airport Industrial) zone.

Section 5601.1.3 Fireworks. The manufacturing, possession, storage, sale, use and handling of fireworks are prohibited in the City of Santa Barbara.

Exceptions:

1. Storage and Handling of Fireworks as allowed in Section 5604.

2. Manufacture, testing and assembly of fireworks as allowed in Section 5605 and Health and Safety Code Division 11.

3. The use of Fireworks for Fireworks displays, pyrotechnics before a proximate audience and pyrotechnic special effects in motion pictures, television, theatrical or group entertainment productions as allowed in Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6 Fireworks reprinted in Section 5608 and Health and Safety Code Division 11.

Section 5601.7 Seizure: The fire code official is authorized to remove or caused to be removed or disposed of in an approved manner, at the expense of the owner, explosives, explosive materials or fireworks offered or exposed for sale, stored, possessed or used in violation of this ordinance and Chapter 56.

SECTION 4. Section 8.04.030 of Chapter 8.04 of Title 8 the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is adopted to read as follows:

8.04.030 Fire Prevention Development Standards
A Fire Zone 2. Buildings or portions of buildings constructed within the boundaries of Fire Zone 2, as designated by the fire code official and shown on a map on file with the City Clerk and the Community Development Department, shall provide a ten thousand (10,000) gallon water tank to be used for fire protection purposes only, designed, installed and maintained in a manner approved by the fire code official, incorporating each of the following additional features in its construction:

1. All fire department access complies with the requirements of Section 503 of the International Fire Code (2024 Edition) as amended by this Chapter; and

2. All plantings used for landscaping within one hundred-fifty feet (150') of any structure must be fire resistant; and

3. All native brush, shrubs and grasses are kept cleared to within one hundred-fifty feet (150') of any structure; and

4. Residential fire sprinklers are installed in any building used for sleeping or cooking according to National Fire Protection Association Residential Standards.

B. Mixed Use Occupancy Notification System. Signs shall be installed in a manner and in locations approved by the fire code official indicating the presence of residential 15 ATTACHMENT 5
dwelling units in buildings of mixed-use occupancy. Required signs shall be clearly visible from the front of the building and conform to the following criteria:

1. All signs shall begin with the letter R followed by a hyphen.

2. R - shall be followed by cardinal numbers denoting the floors containing dwelling units. Example: R-2 denotes dwelling units on the 2nd floor; R-2-3 denotes dwelling units on the 2nd and 3rd floors.

3. Letters shall have a minimum of 4" high with a 1/2" wide stroke.

4. Letters shall contrast to their background.

5. Letters on glass shall be in reflective tape.

6. In the event that dwelling units are added or removed from floors, the required sign shall be updated prior to the occupancy of the altered floor space.

7. SECTION 4. Section 8.04.040 of Chapter 8.04 of Title 8 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:

8.04.040 Amendments to International Wildland-Urbane Interface Code.

In response to local climatic, geological and topographical conditions, The 2024 International Wildland-Urbane Interface Code and the 2025 California Wildland-Urbane Interface Code, as adopted by reference by in Section 8.04.010, are amended as follows:

M Section 4901 "General" is amended to read as follows:has been removed in its entirety and replaced with THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE.

A. Section 4901.1101.2 Scope. The mitigation of conditions where a wildfire burning in vegetative fuels may readily transmit fire to buildings and threaten to destroy life, overwhelm fire suppression capabilities, or result in large property losses shall comply with this chapter. In addition, this section is intended to prevent the occurrence of fires and to provide adequate fire-protection facilities to control the spread of fire which might be caused by recreational, residential, commercial, industrial or other activities conducted in Wildland Urban Interface Areas (WUI). The WUI is defined by the City of Santa Barbara Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), formerly the Wildland Fire Plan, and includes, but is not limited to, areas defined by the State of California as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). Future revisions and updates to the City CWPP shall be incorporated into this Code by reference as best practices, whether or not adopted as mandatory code sections.

Section 4901.2101.3 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to increase the ability of a building to resist the intrusion of flame or burning embers being projected by a vegetation fire and contributes to a systematic reduction in conflagration losses through the use of performance and prescriptive requirements.

In addition, the purpose of this code is to prevent the occurrence of fires and to provide adequate fire- protection facilities to control the spread of fire which might be caused by recreational, residential, commercial, industrial or other activities conducted in the Wildland Urban Interface Area.

Section 4901.3101.4 Policy. The policy direction for the City of Santa Barbara Wildland Urban Interface Area is established by the City of Santa Barbara Wildland Fire Plan, approved by City Council in January of 2004 and formally recognized as the CWPP in 16 ATTACHMENT 5
2011.

B. N.Section 4902 202 "Definitions" is amended to add the definitions of "Spark Arrester'', "Tracer'', and "Tracer Charge" and to amend the definition of "Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area" to read as follows:

Spark Arrester is defined as a device constructed of non-flammable materials specifically for removing and retaining carbon and other flammable particles over 0.0232 inches in size from the exhaust flow of an internal combustion engine operated by hydrocarbons.

Tracer is any bullet or projectile incorporating a feature which marks or traces the flight of said bullet or projectile by flame, smoke or other means which result in fire or heat.

Tracer Charge is any bullet or projectile incorporating a feature designed to create a visible or audible effect by means which result in fire or heat and shall include any incendiary bullets and projectiles.

Wildland-Urban Interface Area is a geographical area identified by the state as a "Fire Hazard Severity Zone" in accordance with the Public Resources Code Sections 4201 through 4204 and Government Code Sections 51175 through 51189, or other areas designated by the enforcing agency to be at a significant risk from wildfires. The CWPP outlines the Wildland Urban Interface Area within the City of Santa Barbara's local jurisdiction. For purposes of this code, Wildland Urban Interface Area and High Fire Hazard
C. Section 302 “Wildland Urban Interface Designations” is amended to add Section 302.14904.1.1 to read as follows:
302.1 Local Land Classification. Lands in the local jurisdiction are classified by the Fire Code Official in accordance with the City of Santa Barbara as Coastal, Coastal Interior, Foothill, Foothill Extreme, High Fire Hazard Areas..

Area are interchangeable. Future updates and revisions to the City High Fire Hazard Area maps shall be incorporated by reference.

D0. Section. Section 6024903 "Plans" is amended to read as follows:
4903.1602.1 General. When required by the fire code official, a fire protection plan shall be prepared for parcels within the High Fire Hazard Area.
4903.2602.2 Content. The plan shall be based on site specific wildfire hazard and risk assessment that includes considerations of location, topography, aspect, flammable vegetation, climatic conditions and fire history. The plan shall address water supply, access, building construction and fire-resistance factors, fire protection systems and equipment, evacuation, defensible space and vegetation management. The plan shall also address any off site factors listed above that affect the project area. 4903.3602.2.1 Cost. The cost of fire protection plan preparation and review shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
4903.4602.2.2 Plan retention. The fire protection plan shall be retained by the fire code official.

Section 4904 "Fire Hazard Severity Zones"302 “Wildland Urban Interface Designations” is amended to add Section
4904.1.1 to read as follows:
4904.1.1302.1 Local Land Classification. Lands in the local jurisdiction are classified by the Fire Code Official in accordance with the City of Santa Barbara. 17 ATTACHMENT 5
E.Section 4906 "Hazardous Vegetation and Fuel Management"603 “Vegetation Plan” is amended to add Section 4906.1.1603.1 to read as follows:
4906.1.1603.1 General. The City of Santa Barbara CWPP identifies vegetation management areas that pose an increased threat to the community during a wildland fire. Within these areas the fire code official has the authority to work with property owners to reduce the amount of flammable vegetation outside the defensible space areas. These areas include both City and Private lands. Standards for vegetation management are specified in the City CWPP. 4906.1.2603.1.1 Flammable Vegetation. Vegetation installed without an approved landscape plan shall be removed if in the opinion of the fire code official, it is capable of being ignited and endangering property
4906.3603.3 New Development. New developments in the High Fire Hazard Area must submit Landscape Plans for review by the fire code official. Landscaping shall meet the High Fire Hazard Area Defensible Space Requirements outlined in the City of Santa Barbara CWPP. All landscape plant species must be fire resistant as described in the CWPP High Fire Hazard Area Landscape Requirements.

F.Section 4907 604 "Defensible Space" is amended by adding the following:
4907.1.1604.1 General. Persons owning, leasing, controlling, operating or maintaining buildings or structures in, upon or adjoining hazardous fire areas, and persons owning, leasing or controlling land adjacent to such buildings or structures, shall follow defensible space requirements outlined in 4907.1604.3 through 4907.11.604.5 For purposes of this section, defensible space requirements shall apply to persons owning, leasing or controlling land with hazardous vegetation that is within the required defensible space of structures on adjacent properties.
4907.3604.6 Distance Requirements: Maintain an effective firebreak by removing and clearing away flammable vegetation and combustible growth from areas within 30 to 150 feet of such buildings or structures as outlined in the following zones;

1. Coastal Interior 3050 to 5050 70 feet brush clearance from structures

2. Coastal Interior 505030 to 7070 50 feet brush clearance from structures

3. Foothill 100 feet brush clearance from structures

4. Extreme Foothill 150 feet brush clearance from structures Exceptions:

1. Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or similar plants used as ground covers do not have to be removed, provided they do not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from the native growth to any structure.

2. Grass and other vegetation located more than 30 feet from buildings or structures and less than 18 inches in height above the ground need not be removed where necessary to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
4907.4604.7 Chimney Clearance. Remove portions of trees which extend within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the outlet of a chimney.
4907.5604.8 Overhanging Trees. Maintain trees adjacent to or overhanging a building free of deadwood.
4907.6604.9 Vines and Climbing Ornamental Plants: Existing vines and climbing plants attached to structures must be maintained in a well-watered condition, free of excessive dead material and trimmed to minimize fire propagation. 4907.7604.10 Roof Debris. Maintain the roof and gutters of a structure free of leaves, 18 ATTACHMENT 5
needles or other dead vegetation.
4907.8604.11 Additional Clearance Requirements. Within any High Fire Hazard Area additional brush clearance may be required on slopes greater than 30%. Slopes ranging between 30 and 40 % slope may require 200 feet clearance. Slopes ranging from 41 to 60% may require 250 to 300 foot clearance.
4907.9604.12 High Fire Hazard Area Fire Safe Landscaping. All parcels in the High Fire Hazard Area must meet defensible space requirements as outline in 4907.1.

Defensible space requirements can be met though fire safe landscaping in accordance with The City of Santa Barbara CWPP High Fire Hazard Area Defensible Space and Landscape Requirements.
4907.10604.13 Vegetation Road Clearance. The owner, occupant or other person in control of any real property (vacant or developed) in, upon, or adjoining hazardous fire areas, and the owner, occupant or other person in control of real property adjacent to such property shall:

1. Maintain an area cleared of flammable vegetation and other combustible growth for a distance of 10 feet on each side of portions of highways and private streets which are improved, designed or ordinarily used forvehicular traffic.

Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or cultivated ground cover such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants used as ground covers, provided they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire.

2. Maintain an area cleared of all overhanging vegetation for a vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches within the full portion of highways andprivate streets which are improved, roadway and one foot (1 foot) on each side from the edge of the drivable roadway.
4907.11604.14 Unusual Circumstances. If the fire code official determines that difficult terrain, danger or erosion or other unusual circumstances make strict compliance with the clearance of vegetation provisions of Sections 4907 604 undesirable or impractical, enforcement thereof may be suspended and approved alternative measures shall be provided.

G. Section 4908 613 "Trespassing On Posted Property" is added to Chapter 649 to read as follows:
4911.1613.1 General. When the fire code official determines that a specific area within the High Fire Hazard Area presents an exceptional and continuing fire danger because of the density of natural growth, difficulty of terrain, proximity to structures or accessibility to the public, such areas shall be closed until changed conditions warrant termination of closure.

Such areas shall be posted as hereinafter provides.
4911.2.613.2 Signs. Approved signs prohibiting entry by unauthorized persons and referring to Section 4908.1 shall be placed on every closed area pursuant to this section. 4911.3613.3 Trespassing. Entering and remaining within areas closed and posted is prohibited.

Exception: Owners and occupiers of private or public property within closed and posted areas, their guests or invitees, and local, state and federal public officers and their authorized agents acting in the course of duty.
4911.4613.4 Tampering With Fire Department Locks, Barricades And Signs Locks, barricades, seals, cables, signs and markers installed within the High Fire Hazard Area, by or under the control of the fire code official, shall not be tampered with, mutilated, destroyed or removed. Gates, doors, barriers and locks installed by or under the control of the fire code official shall not be unlocked.
19 ATTACHMENT 5
H. Section 4912 614 "Ignition Sources" is added to Chapter 649 to read as follows:
4912.1614.1 General. Control of ignition sources in the High Fire Hazard Area shall be in accordance with 614.24912.1 through 614.13.4912.13.
4912.2614.2 Smoking. Lighting, igniting or otherwise setting fire to or smoking as defined in Title 9 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code in public places in the High Fire Hazard Are is prohibited.
4912.3614.3 Spark Arresters. Chimneys used in conjunction with fireplaces, barbeques or heating appliances in which solid or liquid fuels is used, upon buildings, structures or premises located within 200 feet of the High Fire Hazard Area, shall be provided with a spark arrestor constructed with heavy wire mesh or other non-combustible material with openings not to exceed 1/4 inch.
4912.4614.4 Suppression Equipment for Gasoline-Fueled Internal Combustion Engines-Off Road Vehicles. No person shall use or operate any internal combustion engine which operates on hydrocarbon fuels on any forest, brush, or grass covered land without providing, and maintaining in good working order, a spark arrester attached to the exhaust system, except for motorcycles, vehicles equipped with a muffler as defined by the California Vehicle Code, such as motor trucks, truck tractors, buses, and passenger vehicles are not subject to the provisions of this section. Spark arresters affixed to the exhaust of engines shall not be placed or mounted in such a manner as to allow flames or heat from the exhaust system to ignite any flammable material.
4912.5614.5 Suppression Equipment For Gasoline-Fueled Internal Combustion Engines-Tools. No person shall use or operate any portable saw, auger, drill, tamper or other portable tool powered by a gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine on or near any forest, brush, grass covered land, within 25 feet from any flammable material without providing at the immediate location a round point shovel or a 2A 10 BC fire extinguisher.

The above tools shall at no time be farther than 25 feet, with unrestricted access, from the operator to the point of operation.
614.64912.6 Tracer Bullets, Tracer Charges, Rockets And Model Aircraft.

Tracer bullets and tracer charges shall not be possessed, fired or caused to be fired into or across wildland urban interface areas. Rockets, model airplanes, gliders and balloons powered with an engine, propellant or other feature liable to start or cause fire shall not be fired or projected into or across the wildland urban interface area. 4912.7614.7 Apiaries. Lighted and smoldering material shall not be used in connection
with smoking bees in or upon the High Fire Hazard Area except by permit from the fire code official.
4912.8614.8 Open Flame Devices. Welding torches, tar pots, decorative torches and other devices, machines or processes liable to start or cause fire shall not be operated or used in or upon the High Fire Hazard Area except by permit from the fire code official.

Exception: Use within habited premises or designated campsites which are a minimum of 30 feet from grass, grain, brush or forested areas.
4912.9614.9 Outdoor Fires. Outdoor fires shall not be built, ignited or maintained in or upon, the High Fire Hazard Area, except by permit from the fire code official. Permits shall incorporate such terms and conditions which will reasonably safeguard public safety and property. Outdoor fires shall not be built, ignited or maintained in or upon the High Fire Hazard Area under the following conditions:
20 ATTACHMENT 5
a. When high winds are blowing;
b. When a person age 17 or over is not present at all times to watch and tend fire;or
c. When the fire code official declares a Red Flag Warning. 4912.10614.10 Outdoor Fireplaces and Barbeques. Permanent barbeques,
portable barbeques, outdoor fireplaces or grills shall not be used for the disposal of rubbish, trash, or combustible waste material. Permanent barbeques outdoor fireplaces, portable barbeques and grills shall be a minimum of 30 feet from grass, grain, brush or forested areas, maintained in good repair and in a safe condition at all times. Openings in such appliances shall be provided with an approved spark arrester, screen, or door.

Exception: When approved, unprotected openings in barbeques and grills necessary for proper functioning.
4912.11614.11 Dumping. Garbage, cans, bottles, papers, ashes, refuse, trash, rubbish
or combustible waste material shall not be placed, deposited or dumped in or upon the High Fire Hazard Area or in, upon or along trails, roadways or highways in the High Fire Hazard Area.

Exception: Approved public and private dumping areas.
4912.12614.12 Disposal Of Ashes. Ashes and coals shall not be placed, deposited or dumped in or upon the High Fire Hazard Area.

Exception: (1) In the hearth of an established fire pit, camp stove or fireplace, (2) In a noncombustible container with a tight fitting lid, which is kept or maintained in a safe location not less than 10 feet from combustible vegetation or structures, (3) Where such ashes or coals are buried and covered with 1 foot of mineral earth not less than 25 feet from combustible vegetation or structures.
4912.13614.13 Use Of Fire Roads And Firebreaks. Motorcycles, motor scooters and motor vehicles shall not be driven or parked upon, and trespassing is prohibited upon, fire
17 ATTACHMENT 5
roads or firebreaks beyond the point where travel is restricted by a cable, gate or sign, without the permission of the property owners. Vehicles shall not be parked in a manner which obstructs the entrance to a fire road or firebreak.

Exception: Public officers acting within their scope of duty.

Section 5601 "General" is amended to add Sections 5601.2, 5601.3, and 5601.4 to read as follows:

Section 5601.2 Explosives and Blasting Agents. Storage of explosives and blasting agents is restricted to the A-I (Airport Industrial) zone.

Section 5601.1.3 Fireworks. The manufacturing, possession, storage, sale, use and handling of fireworks are prohibited in the City of Santa Barbara.

Exceptions:

Storage and Handling of Fireworks as allowed in Section 5604.

Manufacture, testing and assembly of fireworks as allowed in Section 5605 and Health and Safety Code Division 11.

The use of Fireworks for Fireworks displays, pyrotechnics before a proximate audience and pyrotechnic special effects in motion pictures, television, theatrical or group entertainment productions as allowed in Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6 Fireworks reprinted in Section 5608 and Health and Safety Code Division 11.

Section 5601.7 Seizure: The fire code official is authorized to remove or caused to be removed or disposed of in an approved manner, at the expense of the owner, explosives, explosive materials or fireworks offered or exposed for sale, stored, possessed or used in violation of this ordinance and Chapter

56. SECTION 4. Section 8.04.030 of Chapter 8.04 of Title 8 the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is adopted to read as follows:

8.04.030 Fire Prevention Development Standards
A Fire Zone 2. Buildings or portions of buildings constructed within the boundaries of Fire Zone 2, as designated by the fire code official and shown on a map on file with the City Clerk and the Community Development Department, shall provide a ten thousand (10,000) gallon water tank to be used for fire protection purposes only, designed, installed and maintained in a manner approved by the fire code official, incorporating each of the following additional features in its construction:

All fire department access complies with the requirements of Section 503 of the International Fire Code (2021 Edition) as amended by this Chapter; and All plantings used for landscaping within one hundred-fifty feet (150') of any structure must be fire resistant; and
All native brush, shrubs and grasses are kept cleared to within one hundredfifty feet (150') of any structure; and Residential fire sprinklers are installed in any building used for sleeping or cooking according to National Fire Protection Association Residential Standards.
18 ATTACHMENT 5
Mixed Use Occupancy Notification System. Signs shall be installed in a manner and in locations approved by the fire code official indicating the presence of residential dwelling units in buildings of mixed-use occupancy.

Required signs shall be clearly visible from the front of the building and conform to the following criteria:

All signs shall begin with the letter R followed by a hyphen.

R - shall be followed by cardinal numbers denoting the floors containing dwelling units.

Example: R-2 denotes dwelling units on the 2nd floor; R-2-3 denotes dwelling units on the 2nd and 3rd floors.

Letters shall have a minimum of 4" high with a 1/2" wide stroke.

Letters shall contrast to their background.

Letters on glass shall be in reflective tape.

In the event that dwelling units are added or removed from floors, the required sign shall be updated prior to the occupancy of the altered floor space.

ATTACHMENT 6
DATE:

TO:

CC:

FROM:

SUBJECT:

City of Santa Barbara
Fire Department
Memorandum
09/23/2025
Christina Dye, Chief Building Official
Jose Barajas Plan Check Supervisor
Ryan DiGuilio, Fire Marshal
Building Hazard Categories and Fire Sprinklers
This memo is to clarify the Fire Department position on “Change of Occupancy to a Higher Hazard Classification” for purposes of California Fire Code Adopting Ordinance XXXX. The intent of the section 903.2.22.5 (below) is to require fire sprinklers when a building undergoes a change in use to a higher hazard classification:
“903.2.22.5 Change of Occupancy to a Higher Hazard Classification. Any change of occupancy in an existing building where the occupancy changes to a higher hazard classification”
The problem has been that the California Building Code does not publish a simplified chart of relative hazard occupancies for plan reviewers to refer to when attempting to make the determination on sprinklers. Such a chart does exist in the 2024 International Existing Building Code, under Table 1011.5, which bases hazard classification on means of egress. Although not adopted as part of the City Municipal Code, the Fire Department intends to use a slightly modified version of Table 1011.5 as a nationally recognized standard, and apply that table for purposes of sprinkler requirements regarding change of use. The one modification made to the published table is that we have moved the “M” classification to the level 4 category. The reason for this move is that a large number of “B” and “M” occupancies interchange over time with no apparent elevation of the hazard. This adjusted chart is therefore intended for interpretation of CFC 903.2.22.5 only.

TABLE 1011.5 MEANS OF EGRESS HAZARD CATEGORIES

RELATIVE HAZARD OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS
1 (Highest Hazard) H
2 I-2, I-3, I-4
3 A, E, I-1, R-1, R-2, R-4
4 M, B, F-1, R-3, S-1
5 (Lowest Hazard) F-2, S-2, U
Agenda Item No. 1
File Code No. 120.04
10/07/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 1 of 3

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

SPECIAL MEETING
OCTOBER 7, 2025
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 735 ANACAPA STREET

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Randy Rowse called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Rowse.

ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Eric Friedman, Meagan Harmon, Mike Jordan, Wendy Santamaria, Kristen W. Sneddon, Mayor Randy Rowse.

Councilmembers absent: Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez.

Staff present: City Administrator Kelly McAdoo, City Attorney Sarah J. Knecht, Deputy City Clerk Caitlin Colyer.

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 City of Santa Barbara v. Cynthia Dee Howard, et al. SBSC Case No. 22CV02058.

Scheduling: Duration: 20 mins; anytime
Report: None anticipated
Document:
- October 7, 2025, report from the City Attorney.

Agenda Item No. 2
File Code No. 000.00
10/07/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 2 of 3 Time:
- 10:33 a.m. – 10:44 a.m.

Report:
- No report made.

2. Subject: Conference with City Attorney – Anticipated Litigation – Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(3) (160.03)
Recommendation: That Council hold a closed session to consider significant exposure to litigation (one potential case) pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(3) and take appropriate action as needed.

The anticipated litigation is based upon significant exposure arising out of correspondence dated September 4, 2025, a copy is on file with the City Clerk’s office.

Scheduling: Duration: 1 hour; anytime
Report: None anticipated
Document:
- October 7, 2025, report from the City Attorney.

Time:
- 10:45 a.m. – 11:54 a.m.

Report:
- No report made.

City Administrator McAdoo was excused from the meeting at 11:54 a.m.

3. Subject: Public Employee Compensation Negotiations - Gov. Code §54957.6 (170.01)
Recommendation: That Council hold a closed session pursuant to Government Code § 54957.6, to continue negotiations regarding compensation and benefits for the City Administrator and provide direction to the City’s designated labor negotiators. Any final action or approval of an amended City Administrator employment agreement will occur in open session at a future City Council meeting, consistent with the requirements of state law.

Scheduling: Duration: 30 minutes; anytime
Report: None anticipated
Document:
- October 7, 2025, report from the City Attorney.
10/07/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 3 of 3 Time:
- 11:55 a.m. – 12:02 p.m.

Report:
- No report made.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
None.

ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rowse adjourned the meeting at 12:03 p.m.

Approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Barbara on October 21, 2025.

SANTA BARBARA CITY COUNCIL SANTA BARBARA

CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
_______________________________ ATTEST: ______________________________

RANDY ROWSE SARAH GORMAN

MAYOR CITY CLERK SERVICES MANAGER
10/07/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 1 of 6

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 7, 2025
735 ANACAPA STREET, SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA; AND
HIGHLAND RESORT AND SPA, PRIMROSE ROOM, 2ND FLOOR, 5
CHOME-6-1 SHINNISHIHARA, FUJIYOSHIDA, YAMANSHI 403-0017, JAPAN

CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Randy Rowse called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. and announced that the meeting is being held via teleconference as Councilmember Gutierrez is participating remotely from the address noticed on the agenda. (The Ordinance Committee met at 12:00 p.m. The Finance Committee, which ordinarily meets at 12:00 p.m., did not meet this day).

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Rowse.

ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Eric Friedman, Oscar Gutierrez (remote), Meagan Harmon, Mike Jordan, Wendy Santamaria (2:03 p.m.), Kristen W. Sneddon, Mayor Randy Rowse.

Councilmembers absent: None.

Staff present: City Administrator Kelly McAdoo, City Attorney Sarah J. Knecht, Deputy City Clerk Caitlin Colyer

CEREMONIAL ITEMS

1. Subject: Employee Recognition – Service Award Pins (120.04) Recommendation: That Council authorize the City Administrator to express the City’s appreciation to employees who are eligible to receive service award pins for their years of service through October 31, 2025.

Action: City Administrator Kelly McAdoo expressed her gratitude towards all City employees that were recognized on this day.
10/07/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 2 of 6

2. Subject: Fire Prevention Week (120.04)
Action: Mayor Randy Rowse presented the proclamation to Fire Chief Chris Mailes, Fire Marshal Ryan DiGuilio, Fire Public Education Coordinator Lilianna Encinas, and Kathy Wright.

3. Subject: Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 (120.04)
Action: Mayor Randy Rowse presented the proclamation to Carlos Jarquin of Oaxacreations Monos de Calenda.

CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
There were no changes to the agenda.

CONSENT CALENDAR (Item Nos. 4-12)
The titles of the Ordinances and Resolutions were read.

Motion:

Councilmembers Friedman/Santamaria to approve the consent calendar as recommended.

Vote:

Unanimous roll call vote.

4. Subject: Minutes (000.00)
Recommendation: That Council waive reading and approve the minutes for the special and regular meetings of September 23, 2025.

Action: Approved the recommendation.

5. Subject: Proposed Lease Agreement for 920 State Street with Estrella Emporium LLC, dba Game Seeker [Ordinance Adoption, Agreement] (330.04) Recommendation: That Council adopt, by reading of title only, an Ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Approving and Authorizing the Deputy City Administrator to Execute a Five-Year Lease Agreement with One, Five-Year Option with Estrella Emporium LLC, Doing Business As Game Seeker of Santa Barbara, for the 1,320 Square Foot Retail Space at 920 State Street Commencing Upon the Effective Date of the Enabling Ordinance.

Action: Approved the recommendation; Ordinance No. 6192; Agreement No. 28,790 (October 7, 2025, report from the City Administrator). 10/07/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 3 of 6

6. Subject: Amending Municipal Code Title 10, Section 10.44.152 - Regulation of Parking Upon Municipally Owned and/or Operated Parking Lots [Ordinance Introduction] (550.01)
Recommendation: That Council introduce and subsequently adopt, by reading of title only, an Ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Amending Section 10.44.152 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code Regarding Regulation of Parking Upon Municipally Owned and/or Operated Parking Lots.

Action: Approved the recommendation; (October 7, 2025, report from the City Administrator).

7. Subject: Adoption of Resolution Amending the City’s Records Retention Policy and Procedures to Include the Sustainability & Resilience Department’s Records Retention Schedule [Resolution] (160.06) Recommendation: That Council adopt, by reading of title only, a Resolution of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Amending the City of Santa Barbara Records Management Policies and Procedures Manual to Include the Sustainability & Resilience Department’s Records Retention Schedule.

Action: Approved the recommendation; Resolution No. 25-112 (October 7, 2025, report from the Sustainability and Resilience Director; Proposed Resolution).

8. Subject: Authorization to Amend the Legal Services Agreement with Richards Watson & Gershon (COSB v. Giordani) [Resolution; Agreement] (540.01)
Recommendation: That Council:

A. Authorize the City Attorney to execute a fourth amendment to the legal services agreement with Richards Watson & Gershon, a professional corporation, relating to litigation to enforce City waterline easements by increasing the agreement not to exceed amount by $25,000 (from $430,000 to $455,000), to be paid from funds appropriated from the Water Resources Department; and
B. Adopt, by reading of title only, a Resolution of the Council of the City of Santa Barbara Amending Resolution No. 25-066, Adopting the Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, to Appropriate Funds for the Small Tunnel Air Binding Project.

Action: Approved the recommendation; Resolution No. 25-113; Agreement No. 28,437.4 (October 7, 2025, report from the City Attorney; Proposed Resolution) 10/07/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 4 of 6

9. Subject: Fiscal Year 2026 Interim Financial Statements for the One Month Ended July 31, 2025 (250.02)
Recommendation: That Council accept the Fiscal Year 2026 Interim Financial Statements for the one month ended July 31, 2025.

Action: Approved the recommendation; (October 7, 2025, report from the Finance Director).

10. Subject: Fourth Contract Amendment with RRM Design Group for Final Design and Construction Documents for the Dwight Murphy Field Renewal Project [Agreement] (630.02)
Recommendation: That Council authorize the Public Works Director to execute a fourth contract amendment with RRM Design Group in the amount of $87,000 for soils testing and playground safety audits during construction of the Dwight Murphy Field Renewal Project for a new not-to-exceed dollar amount of $1,339,441 for all services.

Action: Approved the recommendation; Agreement No. 28,009.4 (October 7, 2025, report from the Public Works Director).

11. Subject: Replacement Subordination Agreement and Loan Amendment for Housing Authority Project Located at 3055 De La Vina Street [Agreement] (660.04)
Recommendation: That Council authorize the City Administrator to execute a Subordination Agreement with Banc of California with respect to a senior loan in a not-to-exceed amount of $18,000,000 to the Housing Authority for construction of the affordable housing project at 3055 De La Vina Street and an amendment to Loan Agreement to substitute the Banc of California loan as the senior indebtedness under City Loan Agreement No. 28,471, as approved as to form by the City Attorney.

Action: Approved the recommendation; Agreement No. 28,795 (October 7, 2025, report from the City Administrator).
10/07/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 5 of 6

12. Subject: Approval of Mills Act Historic Property Tax Reduction Contracts (610.05)
Recommendation: That Council:

A. Grant exceptions to the Mills Act contract threshold for assessed property valuation, pursuant to Santa Barbara Municipal Code §30.157.145.C.4.m., for the following historic properties:

1. 20 East Los Olivos Street (APN 025-242-004);

2. 18 Calle Alamo (APN 053-332-001);

3. 234 Canon Drive (APN 053-171-006);
B. Grant renewals of the Mills Act contracts for the following historic properties:

1. 212 West Valerio Street (APN 027-091-012);

2. 2012 Anacapa Street (APN 025-321-012); and
C. Authorize the Community Development Director to execute the three new Mills Act historic property contracts and to renew the two existing contracts.

Action: Approved the recommendation; (October 7, 2025, report from the Community Development Director).

REPORT FROM THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
Ordinance Committee Chair Sneddon reported that the Committee voted to forward to Council a proposal to amend the Santa Barbara Municipal Code to allow pay by plate parking in Waterfront parking lots.

GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the Public: Jenna Berg; M.J.

PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
None.

CITY COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE AND ATTORNEY REPORTS

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

13. Subject: Access Advisory Committee - Annual Report (640.03) Recommendation: That Council receive an update on the recent activities and achievements of the Access Advisory Committee.
10/07/2025 Santa Barbara City Council Minutes Page 6 of 6 Documents:
- October 7, 2025, report from the Public Works Director. - PowerPoint Presentation prepared and made by staff.

Speakers:
- Staff: Public Works Director Brian D’Amour
- Members of the Public: M.J.; Adelaide and Marvel; Barry Remis; Karen Luckett.

Discussion:
- Discussion topics included history of the Access Advisory Committee, ADA compliance, the ADA Transition Plan, AAC ceremonial recognitions of Rick Boller of the Santa Barbara Bowl, Sklar, Adelaid and Marvel, Chris Bennedict aka “DJ Chris” with Gary Atkins and Rochelle Baiocchi, and Karen Luckett of AAC, capital projects, goals, and priorities.

Councilmember Harmon exited the meeting at 3:21 p.m.

COUNCIL AND STAFF COMMUNICATIONS

COUNCILMEMBER COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT REPORTS & ENGAGEMENTS -Councilmember Sneddon attended the following meetings or events: 1. Sister Cities Dinner; 2. First Thursday at the Trust for Historic Preservation; 3. MAPS Show; 4. Santa Barbara High 150 Years; 5. Open House for The Space.

PUBLIC COMMENT (IF NECESSARY)
No one wished to speak.

ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rowse adjourned the meeting at 3:22 p.m.

Approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Barbara on October 21, 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 SECTION 14.08.150 OF

THE SANTA BARBARA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO

WATER METERS FOR ADAPTIVE REUSE PROJECTS

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Section 14.08.150 of Chapter 14.08 of Title 14 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:

14.08.150 New Dwelling Units - Metering Requirements.

A. GENERAL RULE. Every new dwelling unit shall be served by a separate meter, unless submetered service has been authorized or required pursuant to Section

14.08.140(B), or except as provided in Subsection D, E, F, or G of this Section. As used in this Section, dwelling unit has the same meaning as in Titles 28 and 30 of this Code and includes newly constructed units and units resulting from a conversion or subdivision of all or a portion of an existing structure.

B. PROJECTS OF FOUR OR FEWER UNITS. For projects adding four or fewer new dwelling units, common area uses on the lots or parcels within the project including, but not limited to, irrigation, water features (pools, spas, fountains), and shared laundry facilities, may be served by the meter or meters measuring the water supplied to the dwelling units or may be served by a separate meter or meters. For purposes of this Subsection, if a project demolishes an existing dwelling unit and constructs a new dwelling unit in its place, the resulting unit shall be considered a new dwelling unit.

C. PROJECTS OF FIVE OR MORE UNITS. For projects adding five or more dwelling units, a meter measuring only the water supplied to the interior of a dwelling unit shall measure only the water used within the dwelling unit and any adjacent outside area exclusively for occupants of the dwelling unit. All other uses on the lots or parcels within the project, including, but not limited to, irrigation, water features (pools, spas, fountains), and shared laundry facilities, shall be served by one or more meters separate from the meters measuring the water supplied to the dwelling units. For purposes of this Subsection, if a project demolishes an existing dwelling unit and constructs a new dwelling unit in its place, the resulting unit shall be considered a new dwelling unit.

D. LOW INCOME HOUSING PROJECTS. One water meter may serve six residential dwelling units or submetering may be authorized for developments in which Agenda Item No. 3
File Code No. 610.04
2 100% of the units, except a manager’s unit, are rental units that are affordable to very low or low income households if the following conditions are met:

1. A covenant is recorded in the Official Records of the County of Santa Barbara against the title which states: (a) all of the residential units on the real property shall be rented to very low or low income households, (b) the maximum rent and the maximum household income of tenants shall be determined as set forth in the Affordable Housing Policies and Procedures Manual of the City of Santa Barbara, which is adopted by City Council resolution from time to time, and (c) the maximum rent shall be controlled through recorded documents to assure continued affordability for a term that is consistent with the City's Affordable Housing Policies and Procedures Manual. The City shall be a party to the covenant; and

2. A covenant is recorded in the Official Records of the County of Santa Barbara against the title which states that the development has received a reduction in the number of water meters required because it is a project with 100% affordable units.

In the event that the real property, or any portion thereof, is not or cannot be used solely for very low or low income rental housing, either: (a) the structure(s) shall be redesigned and possibly reconstructed and the number of residential units shall be reduced so that there is compliance with the City's water metering requirements then in effect; or (b) the owner shall provide additional water meters as needed in order to comply with the City's water metering requirements then in effect and owner pay any applicable installation and/or capacity-based fees or costs associated with the additional water meters. The City shall be a party to the covenant.

E. ONE HUNDERD PERCENT AFFORDABLE ADAPTIVE REUSE
PROJECTS. The requirement for separate metering or submetering of individual residential units may be waived for residential units that qualify as an Adaptive Reuse Project pursuant to Section 30.185.045 of this Code, as may be amended from time to time, if all the following requirements are met:

1. All of the resulting residential units, except a manager’s unit, are to be rented to very low or low income households at the maximum rent and with a maximum household income of tenants be determined as set forth in the Affordable Housing Policies and Procedures Manual of the City of Santa Barbara, as adopted by City Council resolution from time to time.

2. Non-residential uses within the building are metered separately from the residential units.

3. A covenant as specified in Subsection D is recorded for the project.

F. ADAPTIVE REUSE PROJECTS. Submetering of individual units may be authorized for residential units that qualify as an Adaptive Reuse Project pursuant to 3 Section 30.185.045 of this Code, as may be amended from time to time, so long as nonresidential uses within the building are metered separately from the residential units.

G. ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS. An accessory dwelling unit described in California Government Code Section 66323(a)(1) may be served by the meter serving the lot, unless the accessory dwelling unit is constructed concurrently with a new singlefamily dwelling. All other accessory dwelling units shall be separately metered as provided in Subsection A; provided, however, that the accessory unit may be served by a submeter if the meter for the property has sufficient capacity to serve both the primary and accessory dwelling units. The capacity charge for a separately metered accessory dwelling unit shall be in an amount established by City Council resolution consistent with Government Code Section 66324 (e).

H. ULTRA-HIGH WATER USE EFFICIENCY RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS. The Director may approve or require submetered service for a residential project having ultrahigh water use efficiency verified by an independent rating institution approved by the Director, provided that a single meter may not serve more than six dwelling units. The Director may adopt an administrative policy for implementation of this subdivision, including standards for ultra-high water use efficiency, determination of meter size, and approval of independent rating institutions.
1 ORDINANCE NO.____

AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

SANTA BARBARA AMENDING THE SANTA BARBARA
MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SECTION 30.185.045

PERTAINING TO REGULATIONS FOR ADAPTIVE REUSE

PROJECTS

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA BARBARA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 30.185 of Title 30 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code is amended by adding Section 30.185.045 which reads as follows:

30.185.045 Adaptive Reuse Projects.

Adaptive reuse projects shall be located, developed, and operated in compliance with the following standards:

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to encourage and facilitate the conversion of existing nonresidential buildings throughout the City into new residential uses, to revitalize the downtown, maintain historic structures, and reduce construction waste.

B. Definitions. The following words or phrases as used in this Section shall have the following meanings:

1. Adaptive Reuse Project. A change of use of all or any portion of an existing building envelope from nonresidential use to one or more new residential units.

2. Existing Building Envelope. The building volume within the fully enclosed exterior walls, foundations, roof, windows, and doors of a building that existed with a final inspection/certificate of occupancy issued at least 5 years prior to the date of application submittal for an adaptive reuse project.

C. Where Allowed. Adaptive reuse projects are allowed in all zones that allow multi-unit residential use, subject to the development standards in this section.

D. Conversion Types. Adaptive reuse projects may only convert:

Agenda Item No. 4
File Code No. 610.04
2 1. Nonresidential land uses to a residential use.

2. Nonresidential land uses to either mixed use or live-work, consistent with the land uses allowed by the zone.

3. The following uses are prohibited in an adaptive reuse project:
a. New Hotel or Similar Use
b. New or Conversion of Industrial Uses

4. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, any existing floor area may convert to an adaptive reuse project if allowed by State law; however, adaptive reuse projects utilizing State regulations are not eligible for the incentives in this section unless they meet all the requirements of this section.

E. Existing Buildings. An adaptive reuse project shall be located within the existing building envelope, with no additions proposed outside the building volume, except as follows:

1. Maximum 600 square feet or 10% of the existing building floor area, whichever is greater, of additional floor area is allowed outside the existing building envelope to provide residential amenities that serve all units on-site (such as a laundry room, bicycle storage room, or recreation room).

2. Additions necessary for egress, circulation, accessibility, or other improvements to comply with the Building Code, are allowed outside the existing building envelope, up to the minimum size required by the Building Code.

3. Residential additions may be constructed within the existing building envelope, such as mezzanines and lofts.

F. Demolition. An adaptive reuse project shall not demolish or substantially redevelop the existing building as defined in Section 30.140.200, Substantial Redevelopment.

G. Average Unit Size. All the residential units in an adaptive reuse project must meet the standards in Section 30.140.150, Residential Unit, and shall not exceed the following average unit size:

1. Rental Units: 1,200 square feet

2. Ownership Units: 2,000 square feet
Exception: The Community Development Director may approve larger unit sizes with a determination that the unit sizes are necessary to accommodate the existing building size or shape; the location of building elements such as vertical circulation, 3 exterior windows, access doors; or to facilitate the legalization of preexisting unauthorized residential units.

H. Required Ground Floor Nonresidential Space on State Street. For adaptive reuse projects located on State Street, from Montecito Street to Sola Street, nonresidential uses (excluding parking, storage or other non-occupiable space) are required on the ground floor for the full width of the ground floor fronting onto State Street.

The required nonresidential space must be a minimum of 35 feet deep, measured perpendicular to the façade of the building, and may include common residential entries or lobbies but no portion of a residential unit.

I. Development Incentives. Adaptive reuse projects are entitled to the following incentives:

1. Density. The addition of residential units shall not be counted toward the maximum residential density limits applicable for the lot.

2. Open Yard. Any minimum open yard areas required for residential uses shall not apply.

3. Setbacks. Existing building setbacks shall remain, and any setback requirements related to the conversion of existing buildings to residential use shall not apply. Additions to the existing building envelope to accommodate new floor area as specified in Subsection E, may continue nonconforming setbacks.

4. Parking. An adaptive reuse project is not required to provide additional automobile parking spaces, if all the following conditions are met:
a. Bicycle parking in accordance with Chapter 30.175, Parking Regulations, is provided.
b. Parking spaces shall be maintained, or may be reduced or increased, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 30.175, Parking Regulations; except that when calculating the minimum number of parking spaces for residential units, the required number shall not exceed one space per unit. c. Any requirement to provide electric vehicle supply equipment or parking spaces that are accessible to persons with disabilities is met.

J. Review Process.

1. Building Permits. Adaptive reuse projects must comply with applicable state and local building codes and require approval of a building permit.

Alternative building standards shall be considered pursuant to the California Existing Building Code and the California Historic Building Code, as applicable. 4 2. Discretionary Review. Adaptive reuse projects shall be exempt from all City discretionary review with the following exceptions:
a. If the project is in the coastal zone, an application for a Coastal Development Permit shall be submitted as required by Chapter 30.210, Coastal Permits. b. If the project includes a subdivision, an application shall be submitted as required by Title 27, Subdivisions. The incentives identified in Subsection

30.185.045.I, Development Incentives, shall apply to condominium development, notwithstanding Section 27.13.060, Physical Standards for Condominiums. c. If the project includes allowed additions, or exterior alterations, it will be processed according to the discretionary review procedures (e.g., design review, development plan) applicable to multi-unit residential or mixed-use development in the same zone except as follows:
(1) Adaptive reuse projects are exempt from any
mandatory pre-application or concept review.
(2) Minor design alterations, as specified in the applicable Design Guidelines, may be approved as a ministerial action by the Community Development Director without review by the Design Review body.

3. Inclusionary Housing. An adaptive reuse project shall include inclusionary housing consistent with either Chapter 30.160, Inclusionary Housing, or Section 30.150.110, Inclusionary Requirements for Rental Housing Projects, except:
a. Adaptive reuse projects located within the Central Business District, as delineated in Figure 30.175.050.B., with fewer than 40 rental units are exempt from the inclusionary housing requirements in Section 30.150.110, Inclusionary Requirements for Rental Housing Projects.

Existing residential units retained on-site shall be counted towards the total unit quantity in the adaptive reuse project when calculating inclusionary housing requirements.

4. Historic Resources. Adaptive reuse projects for Designated Historic Resources must comply with Chapter 30.157, Historic Resources.

5. Contaminated Fill. If an adaptive reuse project is proposed in the “Area of Potential Contaminated Fill,” as identified on a map on file with the Community Development Department – Planning Division, and there is ground disturbance or foundation repair proposed as part of the project, it shall not be approved unless the applicable agency makes a determination pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 25296.10 of the Health and Safety Code, that the site is suitable for residential use. 5 SECTION 2. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any persons or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application and, to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.

SECTION 3. California Environmental Quality Act. This action is exempt from further environmental review pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) [General Rule]. The proposed adaptive reuse ordinance establishes a regulatory framework that facilitates the conversion of existing structures to residential or mixed-use development and does not directly approve or authorize any specific construction nor does it grant entitlements or directly result in any physical changes to the environment.

CITY OF SANTA BARBARA

COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
AGENDA DATE: October 21, 2025
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Waterfront Department
SUBJECT: Proposed Amendment to Santa Barbara Municipal Code 17.36.010 to Allow Pay-by-Plate in Waterfront Parking Lots [Ordinance Introduction] RECOMMENDATION:

That Council introduce and subsequently 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 Amending Section 17.36.010 to Allow Pay-by-Plate in Waterfront Parking Lots.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The Waterfront Department proposes an Amendment to Santa Barbara Municipal Code

17.36.010 to transition from a Pay-and-Display System to a Pay-by-Plate System in Waterfront Parking Lots. The transition is designed to streamline enforcement operations, improve revenue controls, and align with current parking industry practices. The proposed amendment will enable enforcement staff, also referred to as Parking Monitors, to verify parking paid status via License Plate Reader (LPR) technology to improve accuracy, efficiency, and coverage. The proposed plan includes privacy and data governance measures to ensure privacy compliance.

DISCUSSION:

The Waterfront Department operates eight parking lots encompassing approximately 2,580 parking stalls. Two of the parking lots, Stearns Wharf and Harbor Main, are staffed and use revenue control/point of sale systems that operate with ticket dispensers, entry and exit gate arms, and License Plate Reader hardware; technology the Waterfront Department acquired and implemented in 2014. The other six Waterfront Parking Lots operate a Pay-and-Display Parking System, requiring drivers to purchase a time-limited parking session at a nearby pay station and display the receipt on their vehicle’s dashboard. Enforcement relies on manual on-foot verification of displayed receipts.

Agenda Item No. 5
File Code No. 570.03
Council Agenda Report
Proposed Amendment to Santa Barbara Municipal Code 17.36.010 to Allow Pay-by-Plate in Waterfront Parking Lots [Ordinance Introduction]
October 21, 2025