Advancing the Plan will require a coordinated approach that leverages public-private partnerships, collaboration with local organizations (including the Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association, Chamber of Commerce, Friends of State Street, and cultural institutions), grant funding, and phased improvements. Short-term projects are intentionally flexible and adaptable, serving as real-world demonstrations of the Master Plan concept. While temporary in nature, these improvements are critical steps that inform and shape the ultimate built outcome and begin to transform the public space so that it can operate as the future design envisions.
These near-term actions are intended to function as an implementation bridge by introducing elements such as expanded pedestrian space, streetscape treatments, programming, and safety enhancements that align with the overall design framework. As funding, partnerships, and opportunities emerge, successful pilot projects can be refined, scaled, or transitioned into permanent improvements. Throughout this process, the Master Plan vision will serve as a consistent guide, ensuring each step reinforces State Street’s role as a vibrant, inclusive, and pedestrian-focused corridor.
Visual materials and concept diagrams developed through the Master Plan process will support implementation by clearly communicating how temporary interventions evolve into long-term improvements. These near-term efforts establish a phased approach that allows State Street to continuously improve while moving deliberately toward a cohesive and lasting transformation.
Appendix I – Page 2
A. Road Configuration: Changes to State Street between the 400 – 1200 blocks (Gutierrez to Victoria Streets) to align State Street configuration with the Master Plan concept.
Action Item Description Anticipated Cost Timeframe
Establish Travel Lanes Grind and slurry seal the
pavement and install
thermoplastic to delineate 10’
travel lanes in the center of the
roadway
$500,000 (all blocks) 3 months
Signage Roadway safety signage
indicating hours of operation
(when vehicles are and are not
allowed on the roadway)
$10,000 2 months
Delineators Delineators to act as a buffer
between the new pedestrian
zone and the travel lanes;
additional study required to
determine whether this is
necessary based on hours of
operation
TBD 6 months
Vehicle Protection Barriers Barriers to replace existing planters to establish road
closure at intersections
$500,000 6 months
Retractable Bollards Fully retractable bollards at
each intersection – 6
retractable bollards on each
side, totaling 12 bollards per
intersection
$25,000 per bollard (hard
cost)
$25,000 per bollard
(install)
Total = $600,000 per
intersection
1 year
Decking Sidewalk
Extensions
Limited installation of decking
sidewalk extensions to
$400,000 per block 6 months
Appendix I – Page 3
Action Item Description Anticipated Cost Timeframe
accommodate areas where
sidewalk could be expanded
for commercial activity, such
as dining
Expanded Sidewalk at
Intersections
Curb extensions at
intersections to reduce
pedestrian travel area
between streets and provide
additional sidewalk space
along intersection for
amenities such as bike parking
TBD 2+ years
Painted Pedestrian Zones Painted pedestrian zone
adjacent to the 20 ft path of
travel
$50,000 per block 3-6 months
Painted Crosswalks Delineate pedestrian area with
paint
$25,000 3-6 months
Painted Streetscape Delineate extended pedestrian
area outside the 20 ft right of
way with paint
$50,000 3-6 months
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zones Designate additional area for drop-offs and pick up on the
cross streets, and add
additional blue curb ADA
street parking on cross streets.
$5,000 3-6 months
B. Signage Improvements
Action Item Description Anticipated Cost Timeframe
Directional Signage Wayfinding signage at each
end of a block to direct visitors
$50,000 3-6 months
Appendix I – Page 4
to shops, restaurants, and
other destinations.
Creation of New Downtown
Map with Business Directory
Business directory that could
be linked as QR code
$10,000 3-6 months
Welcome Signage Welcome signage or
landscaping to signify a
gateway entry/exit, with
priority for the city center
blocks
TBD 1 year
C. Amenities
Action Item Description Anticipated Cost Timeframe
Moveable Planters Planters that can delineate
pedestrian space and be
easily moved if needed.
$100,000 6-9 months
Sidewalk Planters Reduce the size of the
sidewalk planters by filling in
with brick and low level
plantings, similar to the pilot
project on the 1200 block of
State Street
$150,000 6 months
Planter Bed Edge Protection Design and installation of the planter bed edge protection
for revamped sidewalk planter
beds that have low level
plantings in them
TBD 6 months
Replace Landscaping Replace all landscaping with
low-level native plants that
provide uniformity and color
$25,000 per block 3-6 months
Appendix I – Page 5
Action Item Description Anticipated Cost Timeframe
where appropriate. Pilot native
plant landscaping.
Overhead Shade Create artistic displays that
include overhead shade
elements.
$50,000 1 year
Flower Baskets Hang flower baskets on light
posts and seasonally change
flowers.
$25,000 3-6 months
Moveable Furnishings Tables and seating that can be
easily moved to other
locations on the street for
events or different activities
$50,000 1 year
Benches Install additional benches on
each block, where feasible,
utilizing surplus benches that
could be refurbished
$5,000 – $10,000 3-6 months
Play Elements Game tables, musical
sculptures, blocks or other
elements that can be played
with and are easily moveable
$25,000 6 months
Play Elements – Green
Space
Add small, landscaped area
that could act as mini play
space
TBD 12 months
Additional Lighting Add additional lighting on
every block, such as wrapping
trees with lighting, up lighting,
or additional string lighting
until more permanent
pedestrian-oriented lighting
can be installed
$50,000 6 months
Appendix I – Page 6
Action Item Description Anticipated Cost Timeframe
Lighting Change Hire a lighting designer to do
an overhaul of light elements
on one block on State Street
TBD 12 months
D. Additional Planning Projects and Studies
Action Item Description Anticipated Cost Timeframe
Advancing the State Street
Master Plan to Construction
Documents
State Street Conceptual
Design – Engineering and 30-
60% Design; Construction
documents
$500,000+ 1-2 years
Paseo Plan Create a comprehensive
paseo network plan, including
existing, proposed, and
projects to update public
paseos throughout downtown
$150,000 1 year
Feasibility Study for Housing
Units in City Parking Lots
Commission study to assess
opportunities for redeveloping
existing City-owned surface
parking lots into mixed-use
projects that integrate housing
units with retained parking
capacity. Study should
evaluate site constraints,
ownership considerations,
development feasibility, and
potential housing yield for
each lot, without significant
net loss of public parking.
TBD 1 year
Appendix J - Page 1
Appendix J
Related Plans and Policies
The City has many adopted plans, policies, and programs that directly relate to State Street and that must be considered when reimagining the design possibilities downtown.
General Plan
The city’s General Plan provides the blueprint for growth and development in Santa Barbara. The 1964 General
Plan suggested that a portion of State Street be
converted to a “pedestrian-oriented shopping street”
that “allows the pedestrian to wander at will.” The
current General Plan prioritizes multi-unit housing
development and encourages higher-density projects
Downtown. It also envisions a safe and integrated multimodal transportation system with enhanced pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
Climate Action Plan
The city’s Climate Action Plan is a roadmap to achieve
City Council’s aspirational carbon neutrality goal and
helps frame the sustainability and resilience objectives.
It aims to eliminate emissions from the building sector, promotes zero emission transportation options,
leverages natural systems to remove carbon from the
atmosphere, and seeks to reduce material and water
use.
Pedestrian Master Plan
The city’s Pedestrian Master Plan provides guidance on how to enhance the City’s pedestrian system, expand walkability and safety, and increase connections. It envisions enhancing the paseo network, maximizing opportunities for children to walk and bike to Appendix J - Page 2
school safely, safeguarding our community’s
health by promoting walking, and expanding
pedestrian facilities as more people live, work,
and visit downtown.
Bicycle Master Plan
Additional transportation direction is provided
in the city’s Bicycle Master Plan, which
includes a framework to improve bicycle safety
and infrastructure citywide. It designates State
Street as the “spine” of the bicycle network
and the primary connection between downtown and the waterfront for bicyclists.
El Pueblo Viejo Design
Guidelines
Relevant design guidance is
included in El Pueblo Viejo Design
Guidelines, which includes a toolkit
of appropriate design elements for El
Pueblo Viejo Historic District and will
serve as the standard of review when
the resultant projects from the State
Street Master Plan are reviewed by
the Historic Landmarks
Commission.
Vision Zero Strategy
The city’s Vision Zero strategy provides a mobility design lens through its aim to eliminate all fatalities and severe injuries in Santa Barbara by 2030 while enhancing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. Creating the State Street Promenade and limiting private vehicle use advances this strategy by significantly improving bicycle safety along a portion of State Street that previously had a concentration of vehicle versus pedestrian and bicycle collisions.
STATE ST Walking Parade Parameters – Draft 8-18-2025
City Parade Safety and Operations Policy
Guidelines for Parade Planning, Management, and Public Safety The City is committed to ensuring all parades are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. This policy outlines the essential considerations and operational requirements for parade organizers, participants, and attendees.
The goal is to foster a secure and accessible environment while minimizing disruption and promoting community engagement.
General Considerations for Parades
1. Parade Participant and Spectator Safety
2. Parade organizers must implement measures to protect spectators along the parade route, including barriers or personnel to deter entry onto the parade route wherever feasible.
3. Safety protocols must be communicated to all participants and volunteers prior to the event.
4. Traffic Control
5. The City requires both soft and hard vehicle closures at the top and bottom of each parade route, as well as for each block that intersects the route. Coordination with local law enforcement and traffic management teams is mandatory.
6. Advance notice of street closures will be provided to residents and businesses in affected areas.
7. Accessibility (Access and Sidewalk Clearance)
8. Accessible parking must be available in proximity to the parade route, with designated seating locations and clear, ADA-compliant pathways between the curb and permanent infrastructure.
9. Organizers are responsible for ensuring all parade activities are inclusive and accessible to individuals with disabilities.
10.Resource Availability (Equipment, Personnel, Clean-Up)
11. Organizers must account for the delivery, placement, oversight, and return of all primary traffic control barriers, secondary soft closure barriers, cones, and signage.
12. Sufficient personnel, either city staff or contracted workers, must be provided to staff and oversee the deployed barriers and maintain parade route integrity throughout the event.
13.Clean-up operations must begin promptly following the conclusion of the parade, restoring public spaces to their original condition.
All parade organizers are required to submit a detailed event plan to the City for approval at least 60 days before the scheduled parade date. The City reserves the right to modify or deny permits if safety, accessibility, or operational standards are not met.
For questions or to submit a parade application, please contact the City Events Office at [insert contact information].
APPENDIX K
Walking Parades on State St Draft 8-18-2025
City of Santa Barbara
Parade Policy and Operational Guidelines
Purpose
This policy establishes standards and operational parameters for parades within the City of Santa Barbara to ensure public safety, accessibility, efficient use of City resources, and consistency in event planning and permitting.
I. General Parade Siting Framework
The City may permit parades on the following corridors, subject to the characteristics of each route and the type of parade proposed:
• State Street
• Santa Barbara Street
• Milpas Street
• Cabrillo Boulevard
Selection of an appropriate route shall be based on:
• Street width and configuration
• Sidewalk capacity and spectator accommodation
• Availability of staging and disbanding areas
• Public safety access and emergency response
• Operational complexity and City resource requirements II. Corridor-Specific Parameters
State Street
Due to the current configuration of State Street—including constrained emergency access, narrow sidewalks, and the presence of permanent and semi-permanent infrastructure—parade activity is limited.
• Only walking parades are permitted.
• Permitted elements include music/marching bands and banners. • Horses, vehicles, and floats are not permitted.
• Parade route: southbound, staging at Sola/Victoria and disbanding at the 600 block. • Use of State Street requires significant City coordination and may necessitate temporary removal or modification of infrastructure.
Santa Barbara Street
• Walking parades are permitted and may include human-powered floats, music/marching bands, and banners.
• Vehicles and horses are not permitted.
• Parade route: northbound, staging at Ortega and disbanding at Victoria (except where otherwise approved).
• Active parade management is required to maintain flow and spacing.
Milpas Street
• Walking parades are permitted and may include vehicles and vehicle-drawn floats. • Horses are not permitted.
• Parade route: southbound from De la Guerra to Mason Street.
Cabrillo Boulevard
• Full-scale parades are permitted, including horses, vehicle-drawn floats, carriages, music/marching bands, and banners.
• Parade route: Castillo to Calle Cesar Chavez.
• Due to available space, this corridor is preferred for large-format parades.
Walking Parades on State St Draft 8-18-2025
III. State Street Walking Parade Standards
Walking parades on State Street may be permitted subject to the following operational requirements:
A. General Parameters
• Parade format is limited to pedestrian participants, including bands and banner carriers. • Route length (Sola to Cota) should be programmed to maintain a total duration of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
• The number of parade entrants shall be limited to ensure continuous movement and avoid gaps or congestion.
B. Prohibited Elements
• E-bikes are not permitted.
• Motorized vehicles and floats are not permitted.
C. Limited Use of Electric Carts
Electric carts may be permitted solely to support accessibility and mobility needs. • Maximum of one cart per block (up to seven carts total). • Speed shall not exceed 2–3 miles per hour.
• A minimum spacing of one-third block shall be maintained between carts and walking participants.
• Carts must travel in a straight, continuous path and avoid interaction with spectators.
IV. Operational Considerations
A. Public Safety
• Event organizers must demonstrate the ability to maintain separation between spectators and parade participants.
• Measures shall be implemented to discourage and prevent spectator encroachment into the parade route.
B. Traffic Control
• Plans must include both hard closures (physical barriers) and soft closures (cones, signage, staffed points).
• Closures are required at the beginning and end of the route and at all intersecting streets.
C. Accessibility
• Accessible parking must be provided in proximity to the route. • Designated accessible viewing areas shall be incorporated. • A continuous accessible path of travel must be maintained, including required sidewalk clearance adjacent to permanent infrastructure.
D. Resource Requirements
Event proposals must account for all required equipment and staffing, including:
• Delivery, placement, monitoring, and removal of barriers, cones, and signage • Staffing levels for traffic control and route management (City and/or contracted personnel)
• Provision and servicing of portable restrooms, dumpsters, and related infrastructure • Installation of storm drain protections
• Post-event cleanup, including use of commercial sweepers E. Interagency Coordination
• Coordination is required between City departments and external partners, including the Community Business Improvement District (CBID).
• Advance notification must be provided to affected businesses. • Coordination with service providers (e.g., waste management and sanitation vendors) is required for equipment placement, servicing, and removal.
City Recommendations for Parades in Santa Barbara – June 12, 2025 There are a range of considerations for the location and type of parades in Santa Barbara. There are four streets available for parades: State Street, Santa Barbara Street, Milpas Street and Cabrillo Boulevard. The type of parade dictates the appropriate location. Considerations include the street width and configuration, width of sidewalks and area to support spectator zones, areas available for staging and disbanding, return options, City resource requirements, and public safety access and response. The following outlines the recommendations related to the type of parades that could be supported on State Street, Santa Barbara Street, Milpas Street and Cabrillo Boulevard.
State Street
The current configuration of State Street makes public safety vehicle access difficult, use of State Street would require removal of planters, barriers and dining areas, City resources significant, sidewalks are narrow creating safety concerns and emergency response very difficult, and disbanding and rerouting is complicated.
Walking parades are feasible including music/marching bands and banners. Horses, vehicles and floats would not be allowed. The parade direction would be down the street with staging at Sola/Victoria, and disbanding at 600 block.
Santa Barbara Street
Due to the width of the street and access for public safety, walking parades are feasible with human/hand powered floats, music/marching bands, and banners. Vehicles and horses would not be allowed. The parade direction would be up Santa Barbara Street with staging at Ortega and disbanding at Victoria (this would not apply to the 2025 Solstice Parade which allows disbanding at Sola). Parade management required to ensure efficient flow of parade participants.
Milpas Street
Due to the width of the street and access for public safety, walking parades are feasible and could include vehicles and vehicle drawn floats, music/marching bands, and banners. Horses would not be allowed. The parade direction would be down Milpas from de la Guerra to Mason Street.
Cabrillo Blvd
Due to the width of the road, lack of in-street improvements, wide sidewalks and park spaces, walking parades are feasible including horses, vehicle drawn floats, horse drawn carriages, music/marching bands, and banners. The parade direction would be from Castillo to Calle Cesar Chavez. Parade management required to ensure efficient flow of parade participants