Agenda — Santa Maria City Council, May 5, 2026 (part 3 of 10)

RESOLUTION NO.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA

APPROVING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

WITH THE COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA FOR TRANSIT STOP

IMPROVEMENTS IN ORCUTT AND TANGLEWOOD
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria (City) operates Santa Maria Regional Transit, providing critical fixed-route transit services to the unincorporated communities of Orcutt and Tanglewood; and
WHEREAS, the County of Santa Barbara (County) desires to improve transit passenger amenities, including benches and shelters, at several SMRT stop locations within County right-of-way; and
WHEREAS, the County has committed $100,230 in Transit Development Act funds to support these improvements; and
WHEREAS, the County is not a transit operator and is therefore ineligible to utilize the California Association for Coordinated Transportation (CalACT)/Morongo Basin Transit Authority (MBTA) joint procurement contract for transit furniture; and WHEREAS, the City, as a qualifying transit operator and member of CalACT, can leverage the pre-vetted pricing and specifications of the MBTA/CalACT contract with Tolar Manufacturing Company, Inc. to efficiently procure the necessary furniture; and WHEREAS, the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines a partnership where the County will perform ADA-compliant concrete work and the City will procure and install thirteen benches and five shelters.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, as follows:

SECTION 1. The City Council hereby approves the Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Santa Barbara for the Orcutt and Tanglewood Transit Stop Furniture Improvements.

SECTION 2. Authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute the MOU.

SECTION 3. Authorize the Transit Division to procure the required transit furniture from Tolar Manufacturing Company, Inc., utilizing the MBTA/CalACT procurement agreement, in an amount not to exceed the funded $100,230; and Attachment A

Page 2 of 2 ends

SECTION 4. The Chief Deputy City Clerk is hereby authorized to make minor changes herein to address clerical errors, so long as substantial conformance of the intent of this document is maintained. In doing so, the Chief Deputy City Clerk shall consult with the City Manager and City Attorney concerning any changes deemed necessary.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, held this 5
th day of May 2026.

ATTEST:

Date:

Quote Expires: 90 Days
Sales Contact:

Phone:

Email:

Project:

Item: Qty: Unit Price: Ext. Price:
11 $ 15,873.00 15,873.00 $
21 $ 840.00 840.00 $
$ 16,713.00
2 $ 713.00
$ 417.83
CA State Sales Tax 7.75% 1,295.26 $
$ 19,139.08
Pricing Notes:

Standard Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions are attached to and incorporated by reference into the Proposal for products or services (“Proposal”) provided by Tolar Manufacturing Company, Inc. (“we”, “our” or “us”).

4. Freight cost is an ESTIMATE ONLY. Freight is invoiced at actual cost, without mark up, at time of shipment, unless specified above.

Print Name:

Date:

PO No:

6. Processing fee of 3% of total charge amount is additional and charged on all credit card payments.

5. Client provides unloading at destination, including forklift and labor as necessary.

1. In a case of discrepancy between the unit price and the extension that unit price, the unit price shall govern.

2. If requested, structural engineering calculations from CA licensed engineer are provided at no additional cost.

3. Products are shipped knock down & unassembled in bulk packaging for unloading and installation by others. Hardware boxed by unit. Installation instructions are provided.

CalACT/MBTA Procurement Fee (2.5%)
Total:

APPROVED FOR PURCHASE:

Signature: CalACT/MBTA FIRM Freight:
258 Mariah Circle
Corona, CA 92879
(951) 808-0081
www.tolarmfg.com
[email protected]
Customer:

Eve Sanford
County of Santa Barbara PW

MBTA/CALACT
Procurement 21-01 -
10/25 Pricing Santa
Maria shelter
Lead Time:

Sub-Total:

CalACT/MBTA Freight Zone
24266PM1
951-547-8209
4/3/2026
24 Weeks
[email protected]
From receipt of signed written order, and all
required approvals.

Terms: Terms subject to change. Final terms to be
determined based on credit history & bonding.

Net 30 Days From Invoice
Patrick Merrick
Description:
12' Signature Sunset Non-Advertising Transit Shelter (47778-00) featuring:

Signature series extrusion, aluminum roof panels secured with gasketed pressure ribs, perforated aluminum fascia , SMART branding plaque, four support post with multi-channel extrusion, spun escutcheon shoe covers, Tolar USC RMS80F (3390010 15902-XXX) UL listed dusk to dawn solar powered LED illumination under the shelter roof, 8' perforated metal bench, no back, three seat delineators, (12104-111), 20 gallon pole mount trash receptacle with hinged and covered lid (1578-01), durable baked powder coat finish color selected RAL 9007 Grey Aluminum, zinc anchors and all installation hardware - Base $ 16,121 Delete walls (-$1,083 )and replace with aluminum tube fascia ($ 345.00 and logo plate with logo $ 330.00 logo roof panels with clear poly overlay $ 350 x 2)-unpriced optionsDELETE trash recpeticle (1578-01) $540.00 8' perforated metal bench, no back, three seat delineators, (12104-111), powder coat finish, zinc anchors

Page 1 of 2 ends

Attachment B
Quote No:

Date:

Quote Expires: 90 Days
Sales Contact:

Phone:

Email:

Project:

Item: Qty: Unit Price: Ext. Price:
258 Mariah Circle
Corona, CA 92879
(951) 808-0081
www.tolarmfg.com
[email protected]
Customer:

Eve Sanford
County of Santa Barbara PW

MBTA/CALACT
Procurement 21-01 -
10/25 Pricing Santa
Maria shelter
Lead Time:
24266PM1
951-547-8209
4/3/2026
24 Weeks
[email protected]
From receipt of signed written order, and all
required approvals.

Terms: Terms subject to change. Final terms to be
determined based on credit history & bonding.

Net 30 Days From Invoice
Patrick Merrick
Description:

15. Amendment: No amendments to these Terms and Conditions can be made unless submitted in writing to us and signed and accepted by our President or his designee.

11. Returns: Due to the custom nature of our products, we cannot accept returns and we cannot permit cancellations once work has commenced.

12. Manufacturer’s Warranty: Our manufacturer’s warranty is set forth in a separate document.

13. Limitation of Liability: WE ARE NOT LIABLE TO BUYER OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY

DAMAGES OF ANY KIND ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO OUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE PROPOSAL, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, LOSS OR USE, LOSS OF REVENUE OR COST OF CAPITAL. EXCEPT FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH DUE TO OUR MISCONDUCT, BUYER AGREES THAT THE TOTAL DAMAGES THAT CAN BE AWARDED

IN ANY CLAIM BY BUYER RELATING TO OUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE PROPOSAL (WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL PAID BY BUYER TO US UNDER THE PROPOSAL. BUYER AGREES THAT THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY PROVISIONS SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT EVEN IF IT IS FOUND THAT BUYER’S EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

14. Governing Law, Jurisdiction and Venue: The Proposal shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California without reference to the choice of law principles thereof. Each party irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of the Courts of the State of California and the United States District Court for the Central District of California.

9. Delayed Shipment: If buyer delays shipment, we may invoice for products when ready for shipment and, at our option, we may charge reasonable daily storage fees.

2. Vendor Status: Tolar Manufacturing Company, Inc. is a vendor supplier of manufactured products; is not a subcontractor or contractor; and is not subject to retainage or liquidated damages for any reason.

3. Payment Terms: Payment terms for services rendered or products manufactured by us shall be determined by us based on our determination of the credit worthiness of buyer and may require a deposit at time of order. Products are invoiced as shipped.

4. Late Payment Penalty: Buyer agrees to pay a charge equal to the lesser of (i) the highest rate allowable by law or (ii) 1.5% per month (18% per annum) on the unpaid balance with respect to any late payments. In addition, buyer will pay all our costs and expenses, including actual attorney’s fees, incurred in connection with enforcing the Proposal and/or collecting any past due payments. In the event buyer fails to make any payment when due, we have the right of setoff, the right to terminate the Proposal and/or to suspend further deliveries to buyer and the right to recover damages in addition to any other remedies available to us as a matter of law. Buyer has no right to setoff.

10. International Freight: We require the services of freight forwarder for all international shipments. Buyer may select the freight forwarder, subject to our approval. All fees, taxes and additional charges, in addition to the actual freight costs, are the responsibility of buyer.

5. Cancellation: If an order is cancelled by buyer after receipt of order authorization, and cancellation fee of 10% of order value may be assessed to the buyer, in addition to an the cost of materials purchased for the order, which may be invoiced to the buyer at time of cancellation.

1. Drawings and Specifications: All drawings and specifications submitted to our clients or potential clients are proprietary in nature and remain our property. They may be viewed, printed and distributed, without alteration, as reference for sales or for the process of specifying products for use. Detailed shop and erection drawings are provided to allow for field installation or repair. Sealed and stamped engineering calculations and drawings from an engineer licensed in the state of installation, if required, can be made available for an additional charge. Customers that provide their own drawing packages will retain ownership and be covered under a separate agreement.

6. Delivery, Title and Receipt: Unless otherwise provided in the proposal, all shelters are prefabricated and shipped knock-down and in bulk format (not packaged individually) for ease of handling and fast on-site installation. Neither buyer nor consignee shall have the right to direct or re-consign the goods to any other destination without our consent. All sales of products are F.O.B. our plant. Risk of loss of the products shall transfer to buyer upon delivery of the products to the common carrier.

7. Delivery Charges: Unless otherwise provided in the Proposal, buyer shall bear all the costs of transportation, including without limitation loading, unloading, storage, and freight charge. All delivery quotes allow for an approximate 2-hour unload window for a full truck. If this window is exceeded, additional charges may apply. All price quotes given for delivery are based on estimates obtained at the time the quote was requested. Actual freight charges may vary.

8. Delivery Dates: Any delivery date(s) or period of delivery provided for in the Proposal is approximate and does not guarantee a particular date(s) or period of delivery. Estimated lead times are provided in the quote. Under no circumstances will we be liable for delay in delivery occasioned in whole or in part, by fire, flood, explosion, casualty, riot, strike, embargo, transportation delay, breakdown, accident, act of God or the public enemy, government authority, by our inability to secure materials, fuel, supply power or shipping space or any other circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Page 2 of 2 ends

Attachment B

FRONT VIEW
SCALE 1/2"=1'-0"

SIDE VIEW
SCALE 1/2"=1'-0"

TOP VIEW
SCALE 1/2"=1'-0"

SECTION A-A
SCALE 1/2"=1'-0"

DETAIL A
SCALE 2"=1'-0"

DETAIL B
SCALE 2"=1'-0"
11 22
33 44
55 66
77 88
A A
B B
C C
D D

DESCRIPTIONCUSTOMER/VENDOR
MATL.

SCALESIZE
DATE DRAWN BY:

DWG NO.

TOLAR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC
258 Mariah Circle, Corona CA. 92879
REV
12NASIGPERFFASCIA

SANTA MARIA, CA
D
VARIES
47778-00 A
AS NOTED 3/7/2023 RFarr
T:\Inventor\Shelters\Non-Ad Custom Dome\47778-00.idw

THE DESIGN AND DRAWINGS REMAIN THE
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF TOLAR MFG.

AND ARE PROTECTED BY LAW. THEY MAY

NOT BE ALTERED, REPRODUCED OR USED

FOR FABRICATION WITHOUT EXPRESSED
WRITTEN CONSENT FROM TOLAR MFG.

ALL DOCUMENTS TO BE RETURNED TO
TOLAR MFG.. AT COMPLETION OF WORK.

CONTRACTOR TO SITE VERIFY ALL DETAILS

AND DIMENSIONS AND REPORT ANY AND
ALL DISCREPANCIES TO TOLAR MFG..

BEFORE COMMENCING WITH THAT RELATED
PORTION OF THE WORK.

DURABILITY WITH DISTINCTION
TOLAR ®
PAGE:
1 OF 2
AA
A
B
GENERAL NOTES:1. ALL STRUCTURAL STEEL, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, SHALL BE ASTM A-36, MINIMUM YIELD STRENGTH 36,000 PSI.

2. ALL STRUCTURAL ALUMINUM MEMBERS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, SHALL BE OF ALLOY 6063-T5 OR GREATER.

3. ALL HOLES TO BE DRILLED OR PUNCHED. 4. STEEL WELDING SHALL CONFORM TO AMERICAN WELDING SOCIETY STANDARD D1. 1-10. ELECTRODES SHALL CONFORM TO AWS 5.1, CLASS E70S-5.

5. ALUMINUM WELDING SHALL CONFORM TO AMERICAN WELDING SOCIETY STANDARD D1. 2-08. ELECTRODES SHALL CONFORM TO AWS/SFA 5.10 CLASS ER4043.

6. ALL WELDING TO BE DONE AT TOLAR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. FACILITY.

7. ALL CORPORATE PROCEDURES, INCLUDING FABRICATION, MUST BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH TOLAR MANUFACTURING CO. INC'S QUALITY CONTROL MANUAL

8. THE CONCRETE PAD SIZES SHOWN ARE STANDARD MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STRUCTURE AND ARE FOR REFERENCE ONLY. THE PAD MAY NEED TO BE REINFORCED OR ENLARGED DEPENDING ON LOCAL CODES AND LOADING CONDITIONS AND DOES NOT INCLUDE ADA CLEAR PATH REQUIREMENTS. 0'-0"
1'-6"
6"
3" MINIMUM EMBEDMENT
(SEE NOTE 8.)
6" MINIMUM FROM EDGE

OF CONCRETE TO EDGE
OF SHOE FLANGE TYP. ALL

DIRECTIONS
1'-10 5/8"
6'-0" MINIMUM CONCRETE SLAB
(SEE NOTE 8.)
11'-6"
13'-3 1/2" MINIMUM CONCRETE SLAB
(SEE NOTE 8.)
2'-6"
4'-0"
11'-8"
5'-7 7/8"
REAR FASCIA,1/8" THICK PERFORATED ALUMINUM SHEET
ROOF PANELS,1/8" CLEAR POLYCARBONATE OVER1/8" THICK ALUMINUM SHEET RMS80F SOLAR SYSTEM
20 GAL POLE MOUNT TRASH CAN 8' PERFORATED BENCH W/ (3) SEAT DELINEATORS 6'-8 7/16"
5"
5" 9 1/2" X 1/2" THICK ALUMINUM PLATE
ANCHORS,HILTI KWIK BOLT TZ2Ø1/2 X 4-1/2 STN. STL.INSTALLED PER ESR-4266

REAR DECAL PLAQUE
6'-7 5/8"
8'-2 7/8"
8'-5 1/2"
8'-10 11/16"
USC/AXCENTIA 13"

E-PAPER DISPLAY
Attachment C
1 1
22 33
44 55
66 77
88 A AB BC C
D D

DESCRIPTIONCUSTOMER/VENDOR
MATL.

SCALESIZE
DATE DRAWN BY:

DWG NO.

TOLAR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC
258 Mariah Circle, Corona CA. 92879
REV
D
3/7/2023 RFarr
T:\Inventor\Shelters\Non-Ad Custom Dome\47778-00.idw

THE DESIGN AND DRAWINGS REMAIN THE
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF TOLAR MFG.

AND ARE PROTECTED BY LAW. THEY MAY

NOT BE ALTERED, REPRODUCED OR USED

FOR FABRICATION WITHOUT EXPRESSED
WRITTEN CONSENT FROM TOLAR MFG.

ALL DOCUMENTS TO BE RETURNED TO
TOLAR MFG.. AT COMPLETION OF WORK.

CONTRACTOR TO SITE VERIFY ALL DETAILS

AND DIMENSIONS AND REPORT ANY AND
ALL DISCREPANCIES TO TOLAR MFG..

BEFORE COMMENCING WITH THAT RELATED
PORTION OF THE WORK.

DURABILITY WITH DISTINCTION
TOLAR ®
PAGE:
2 OF 3
GENERAL NOTES:1. ALL STRUCTURAL STEEL, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, SHALL BE ASTM A-36, MINIMUM YIELD STRENGTH 36,000 PSI.

2. ALL STRUCTURAL ALUMINUM MEMBERS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, SHALL BE OF ALLOY 6063-T5 OR GREATER.

3. ALL HOLES TO BE DRILLED OR PUNCHED. 4. STEEL WELDING SHALL CONFORM TO AMERICAN WELDING SOCIETY STANDARD D1. 1-10. ELECTRODES SHALL CONFORM TO AWS 5.1, CLASS E70S-5.

5. ALUMINUM WELDING SHALL CONFORM TO AMERICAN WELDING SOCIETY STANDARD D1. 2-08. ELECTRODES SHALL CONFORM TO AWS/SFA 5.10 CLASS ER4043.

6. ALL WELDING TO BE DONE AT TOLAR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. FACILITY.7. ALL CORPORATE PROCEDURES, INCLUDING FABRICATION, MUST BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH TOLAR MANUFACTURING CO. INC'S QUALITY CONTROL MANUAL

Attachment C

EXHIBIT C
Indemnification and Insurance Requirements
(For Construction Contracts)

INDEMNIFICATION
CONTRACTOR agrees to indemnify, defend (with counsel reasonably approved by COUNTY) and hold harmless COUNTY and its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers from and against any and all claims, actions, losses, damages, judgments and/or liabilities arising out of this Agreement from any cause whatsoever, including the acts, errors or omissions of any person or entity and for any costs or expenses (including but not limited to attorneys’ fees) incurred by COUNTY on account of any claim except where such indemnification is caused by the active negligence, sole negligence, or willful misconduct of the COUNTY.

NOTIFICATION OF ACCIDENTS AND SURVIVAL OF INDEMNIFICATION PROVISIONS CONTRACTOR shall notify COUNTY immediately in the event of any accident or injury arising out of or in connection with this Agreement. The indemnification provisions in this Agreement shall survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement.

INSURANCE
CONTRACTOR shall procure and maintain for the duration of this Agreement insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work hereunder and the results of that work by the CONTRACTOR, its agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors.

A. Minimum Scope and Limit of Insurance
Coverage shall be at least as broad as:

1. Commercial General Liability (CGL): Insurance Services Office (ISO) Form CG 00 01 covering CGL on an “occurrence” basis, including products-completed operations, personal & advertising injury, with limits no less than $2,000,000 per occurrence and $4,000,000 in the aggregate.

2. Automobile Liability: Insurance Services Office Form CA 0001 covering Code 1 (any auto), with limits no less than $2,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

3. Workers’ Compensation: Insurance as required by the State of California, with Statutory Limits, and Employer’s Liability Insurance with limit of no less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease.

4. Contractor’s Pollution Legal Liability and/or Asbestos Legal Liability: (if project involves environmental hazards) with limits no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence or claim, and $2,000,000 policy aggregate.

If the CONTRACTOR maintains higher limits than the minimums shown above, the COUNTY requires and shall be entitled to coverage for the higher limits maintained by the CONTRACTOR. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the COUNTY.

Attachment D
Indemnification and Insurance Requirements (For Construction Contracts) 2022 03 02 B. Other Insurance Provisions
The insurance policies are to contain, or be endorsed to contain, the following provisions:

1. Additional Insured – COUNTY, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds on the CGL policy with respect to liability arising out of work or operations performed by or on behalf of the CONTRACTOR including materials, parts, or equipment furnished in connection with such work or operations. General liability coverage can be provided in the form of an endorsement to the CONTRACTOR’S insurance at least as broad as ISO Form CG 20 10 11 85 or both CG 20 10, CG 20 26, CG 20 33, or CG 20 38; and CG 20 37 forms if later revisions used).

2. Primary Coverage – For any claims related to this Agreement, the CONTRACTOR’S insurance coverage shall be primary insurance coverage at least as broad as ISO CG 20 01 04 13 as respects the COUNTY, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the COUNTY, its officers, officials, employees, agents or volunteers shall be excess of the CONTRACTOR’S insurance and shall not contribute with it.

3. Notice of Cancellation – Each insurance policy required above shall provide that coverage shall not be canceled, except with notice to the COUNTY.

4. Waiver of Subrogation Rights – CONTRACTOR hereby agrees to waive rights of subrogation which any insurer of CONTRACTOR may acquire from CONTRACTOR by virtue of the payment of any loss. CONTRACTOR agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to effect this waiver of subrogation.

The Workers’ Compensation policy shall be endorsed with a waiver of subrogation in favor of the COUNTY for all work performed by the CONTRACTOR, its employees, agents and subcontractors. This provision applies regardless of whether or not the COUNTY has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer.

5. Deductibles and Self-Insured Retention – Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the COUNTY. At the option of the COUNTY, either: the CONTRACTOR shall cause the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retentions as respects the COUNTY, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers; or the CONTRACTOR shall provide a financial guarantee satisfactory to the COUNTY guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses.

6. Acceptability of Insurers – Unless otherwise approved by Risk Management, insurance shall be written by insurers authorized to do business in the State of California and with a minimum A.M. Best’s Insurance Guide rating of “A- VII”.

7. Verification of Coverage – CONTRACTOR shall furnish the COUNTY with proof of insurance, original certificates and amendatory endorsements as required by this Agreement. The proof of insurance, certificates and endorsements are to be received and approved by the COUNTY before work commences. However, failure to obtain the required documents prior to the work beginning shall not waive the CONTRACTOR’S obligation to provide them. The CONTRACTOR shall furnish evidence of renewal of coverage throughout the term of the Agreement. The COUNTY reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required Attachment D
Indemnification and Insurance Requirements (For Construction Contracts) 2022 03 02 insurance policies, including endorsements required by these specifications, at any time.

8. Failure to Procure Coverage – In the event that any policy of insurance required under this Agreement does not comply with the requirements, is not procured, or is canceled and not replaced, COUNTY has the right but not the obligation or duty to terminate the Agreement. Maintenance of required insurance coverage is a material element of the Agreement and failure to maintain or renew such coverage or to provide evidence of renewal may be treated by COUNTY as a material breach of contract.

9. Subcontractors – CONTRACTOR shall require and verify that all subcontractors maintain insurance meeting all the requirements stated herein, and CONTRACTOR shall ensure that COUNTY is an additional insured on insurance required from subcontractors. For CGL coverage subcontractors shall provide coverage with a format least as broad as CG 20 38 04 13.

10. Claims Made Policies – If any of the required policies provide coverage on a claimsmade basis:
i. The Retroactive Date must be shown and must be before the date of the contract or the beginning of contract work.
ii. Insurance must be maintained and evidence of insurance must be provided for at least five (5) years after completion of contract work. iii. If coverage is canceled or non-renewed, and not replaced with another claims-made policy form with a Retroactive Date prior to the contract effective date, the CONTRACTOR must purchase “extended reporting” coverage for a minimum of five (5) years after completion of contract work.

11. Special Risks or Circumstances – COUNTY reserves the right to modify these requirements, including limits, based on the nature of the risk, prior experience, insurer, coverage, or other circumstances.

Any change requiring additional types of insurance coverage or higher coverage limits must be made by amendment to this Agreement. CONTRACTOR agrees to execute any such amendment within thirty (30) days of receipt.

Any failure, actual or alleged, on the part of COUNTY to monitor or enforce compliance with any of the insurance and indemnification requirements will not be deemed as a waiver of any rights on the part of COUNTY.

Attachment D
Route Stop Location Direction Proposed Improvement
5 Santa Maria Way /
College
NB Shelter
5 Santa Maria Way /
Del Cielo Mobile
Home Park
NB Boarding pad
5 Santa Maria Way /
Holly Oak Lane
SB Bench and Boarding pad
5 Winter / Hillview WB Concrete pad
5 Lakeview / Orcutt
Rd
EB Shelter
5 Lakeview @
Lakeview Ct
EB Bench and bench footings
5 Lakeview / Hillview EB Bench and bench footings
6 Bradley / Larch NB Bench
6 Bradley / Country
Hill
SB Shelter
6 Bradley / Village SB Bench and bench footings
6 Bradley / Basque SB Concrete pad
6 Rice Ranch Road /
Domino
WB New pad and new bench
(relocated east)
6 Rice Ranch Road /
Princeton
WB Boarding Pad
6 Blosser / Terrazzo NB Bench
6 Blosser / Old Mill NB Bench and bench footings
6 Foster / Michelle EB Bench and bench footings
8 Sandalwood Dr. /
Black Rd.

EB Shelter
8 Tanglewood Dr. /
Black Rd.

WB Boarding pad
12X Orcutt Rd / Clark
Ave
SB Bench and footings
12X Rice Ranch Rd. /
Morning Glory
EB Bench and footings
12X Rice Ranch Rd. /
Sage Crest Dr.

EB Boarding pad
12X Rice Ranch Rd. at
Bradley
EB Boarding pad
12X Bradley / Village NB Bench and footings
12X Bradley / Parkland NB Shelter
12X Foster / Silver Leaf
Dr.

WB Bench
12X Foster / Dartmouth WB Boarding pad
30 Orcutt Rd / Foster NB Boarding pad and Bench
SB County Selected Bus Amenity Installation Inventory
Attachment E
Attachment F

ORCUTT AND TANGLEWOOD

TRANSIT STOP FURNITURE IMPROVEMENTS

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Effective Date: April 30, 2026
This Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) is hereby entered into between the County of Santa Barbara, hereinafter referred to as (“the County”) and the City of Santa Maria (“Santa Maria”), a municipal corporation, collectively referred to as the (“Parties”).

1. Purpose and Intent:

The purpose of this MOU is to define the roles, responsibilities, and commitments for the transfer of Transit Development Act- Local Transportation Funds (TDA-LTF) from the County to Santa Maria and associated site improvements to transit stops within the unincorporated community of Orcutt and Tanglewood. The TDA-LTF funds provided to Santa Maria will enable the purchase and installation of new public benches and shelters.

The improvements addressed in this MOU include:
• Modifications to existing landscaping
• Installation of concrete boarding pads and bench footings • Installation of bus furniture (i.e., benches, shelters) • All improvements will occur within existing County right-of-way including on sidewalks and in parkways, medians and planting strips adjacent to County roadways. These improvements are intended for public use by riders of the Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) which is operated by Santa Maria.

2. Background:

The County receives TDA-LTF from the State of California to support public transit planning, facilities, and operations. TDA-LTF was established by the passage of the 1971 Transportation Development Act which is a program housed under California’s general statewide sales tax.

The County does not operate transit service directly. SMRT currently operates four fixedroutes which serve the Orcutt and Tanglewood communities - routes 5, 6, 11, and 12X.

Bus stops function as the designated point of contact between passengers and transit services. They provide a designated boarding and alighting location for riders. At a minimum, bus stops feature signs to alert riders and bus drivers. Where feasible, a bus stop should feature a hardscape boarding pad on site. This boarding pad provides both Attachment F
stability and access space for pedestrians, wheelchair users and mobility aid users. Bus stops may also benefit from the presence of user amenities such as seating and shelters which help offer riders more comfort and better protection from weather.

3. Scope of Work
The Parties agree to collaborate on implementing improvements to selected SMRT Bus Stops within the unincorporated communities of Orcutt and Tanglewood. Improvement types will vary by location based on available right-of-way and existing site conditions which were determined through a comprehensive site inventory and review process.

The scope tasks covered by this MOU include:
• Site preparation, including landscaping modifications • Construction of ADA-compliant concrete boarding pads
• Procurement and installation of benches and shelters
For a complete inventory of site locations, proposed furniture installations and associated site modifications (including hardscape and landscaping), refer to Exhibit A: Installation Site Inventory.

4. Funding and Cost Allocation:

The County shall transfer $100,230.00 to Santa Maria for the purposes described in this MOU. This funding shall be used for eligible project costs, including procurement of transit furniture, installation hardware, r and associated installation costs. For additional details, refer to Exhibit B: Furniture Quotes and Exhibit C: Furniture Specifications.

5. Project Budget:

The following tables details the project budget, furniture costs, and total amount of furnishings to be purchased. This budget reflects only Santa Maria-incurred costs and does not include the County’s hardscape and landscaping improvements.

Transit Furnishings Budget
Item Unit Cost Total Units Subtotal
8' Bench $840.00 13 $10,920.00
Shelter including Bench $15,873.00 5 $79,365.00
Total $90,285.00
Attachment F

6. Roles, Responsibilities, and Project Schedule:

As described in this MOU, both Parties are entering a partnership to improve several bus stops within Orcutt and Tanglewood by providing new benches, shelters, and concrete pads that will improve the waiting and riding experience for SMRT’s ridership. The table below details the tasks, responsible agency and the timeline agreed to by both parties:

Task Task Scope Responsible Agency Completion
Deadline
1 Transfer TDA-LTF funds to the City of
Santa Maria County of Santa Barbara June 30, 2026
2 Procure transit benches and shelters Santa Maria December 31, 2026 3 Perform landscaping modifications
within County right-of-way
County of Santa Barbara December 31, 2026
4 Construct concrete pads and bench
footings County of Santa Barbara October 31, 2026
5 Install benches and shelters Santa Maria December 31, 2027 6 Maintain and replace bus stop
furniture
Santa Maria Ongoing

7. Installation Design Standards:

All furniture must be installed in accordance with Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Standards, Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidance (PROWAG), and County Engineering Design Standards. These standards provide guidance to ensure proper clearance and accessibility for pedestrians and transit users, including individuals with disabilities.

The core principles of these design standards are:

Pedestrian Access Route: Furnishings must ensure that a minimum of 48 inches of continuous clearance is provided for pedestrian access. Street furniture cannot encroach into this required clear width.

Transit Stop Clear Space: A clear and unobstructed space at a minimum of 96 inches x 60 inches area shall be provided as boarding and alighting area. This designated boarding and alighting area shall be oriented parallel to the street and adjacent to the curb.

Attachment F
Reach and Maneuvering Clearances: Benches, shelters, and amenities must allow for wheelchair positioning and turning space. This includes providing a clear floor space of 30 inches by 48 inches to allow a forward or parallel approach to usable transit stop elements such as seating and information displays. A turning space of 60 inches in diameter, minimum, or a T-shaped turning space shall be provided to allow wheelchair users in order to change direction. Amenity-type features should be installed within accessible reach ranges, typically between 15 to 48 inches above the floor.

Surface and Grade: Transit stops should provide firm, stable, slip-resistant surfaces. The slope of the sidewalk providing the path of travel should follow the same slope as the street next to it. If the path of travel’s slope exceeds a 5% grade, it is than considered a ramp and requires additional features including landings and handrails.

8. Installation and Issue Remediation Process:

Santa Maria shall apply for a no-cost Encroachment Permit through the County Construction and Encroachment Permit Office prior to the installation of furniture. This permit application will include an inventory of all site locations, furniture specifications and types of furniture to be installed at each site as well as any additional changes to the County right-of-way.

Additionally, Santa Maria will submit Dig Alerts to the Underground Service Alert of Southern California at least 2 business days, with 14 business days preferred, prior to installation of any hardscape or furnishings.

After installation of benches and shelters is complete, each site will be inspected by the County to ensure compliance with ADA, PROWAG and County Engineering Design Standards.

If furniture installation does not comply with these design standards, the County reserves the right to direct furnishings to be removed or relocated to comply with the guidelines cited in this MOU. Santa Maria agrees to remedy improperly installed furniture within 60 days of being notified by the County.

9. Long-term Maintenance Responsibilities:

Following installation, Santa Maria shall be responsible for the ongoing maintenance, cleaning and repair of the new transit stop benches, shelters, and associated furnishings.

Maintenance responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to:
• Removal of graffiti
• Routine cleaning and debris removal
Attachment F
• Repair or replacement of damaged components
• Replacement of missing or vandalized parts
• Upkeep and replacement of transit signage
The County shall retain responsibility for underlying right-of-way elements, including sidewalks, concrete pads, and landscaped areas, unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

Should transit service to a furnished stop be cancelled or should the stop be relocated to a new location, Santa Maria shall notify the County within 30 days of the service change.

Santa Maria will assume responsibility of relocating transit furniture from the inactive stop to the newly designated stop location or to another transit stop location of their choosing within the County’s transit service area.

10. Failure to Perform:

If either of the Parties fails to perform its obligations under this MOU with respect to a specific task, location, or scope element, such failure shall not be deemed a breach or default by the other Party, provided that the other Party has made good faith efforts to fulfill its own obligations.

The Parties shall coordinate in good faith to address any nonperformance, and a Party’s obligations shall be excused only to the extent performance is directly dependent on the other Party’s actions.

11.Contractor Insurance Requirements:

Santa Maria shall require contractors performing work within county right-of-way meet and comply with the County’s established minimum indemnity and insurance requirements specified in Attachment D. Santa Maria shall provide the County with copies of the Certificates on Insurance, including the endorsement(s) naming County as additionally insured.

12.Indemnification:

Each Party shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the other Party, including its governing body, officers, employees, and agents, from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising out of or related to the acts or omissions of that Party, its employees, contractors, or agents in connection with this Agreement.

Attachment F
This obligation does not apply to the extent that a claim is caused by the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the Party seeking indemnification.

13. Amendments or modifications:

In the event of a dispute or the need for modification, this MOU may be amended only by a written agreement signed by authorized representatives of both Parties.

Exhibits
Exhibit A: Installation Site Inventory
Exhibit B: Furniture Quotes
Exhibit C: Furniture Specifications
Exhibit D: County of Santa Barbara Contractor Insurance Requirements IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this MOU to be executed and delivered as of the last date of the Parties’ signature.

City of Santa Maria County of Santa Barbara
By: ________________________________ By: _________________________________ Brett Fulgoni Mark Friedlander
Public Works Director Mobility Manager
Attachment F
Exhibit A: SMRT Site Installation Inventory
Route 5 - Stop Location Proposed Installation
Santa Maria Way / College NB Shelter
Santa Maria Way / Del Cielo Mobile Home
Park
NB Boarding pad
Santa Maria Way / Holly Oak Lane SB Bench and Boarding pad Winter / Hillview WB Concrete pad
Lakeview / Orcutt Rd EB Shelter
Lakeview @ Lakeview Ct EB Bench and bench footings
Lakeview / Hillview EB Bench and bench footings
Route 6 - Stop Location Proposed Installation
Bradley / Larch NB Bench
Bradley / Country Hill SB Shelter
Bradley / Village SB Bench and bench footings
Bradley/ Basque SB Concrete pad
Rice Ranch Road / Domino WB new pad, new bench, moved east Rice Ranch Road / Princeton WB Boarding Pad
Blosser / Terrazzo NB Bench
Blosser / Old Mill NB Bench and bench footings
Foster / Michelle EB Bench and bench footings
Route 8 - Stop Location Proposed Installation
Sandalwood Dr. / Black Rd. EB Shelter
Tanglewood Dr. / Black Rd. WB Boarding pad
Route 12X - Stop Location Proposed Installation
Orcutt Rd / Clark Ave SB Bench and footings
Rice Ranch Rd. / Morning Glory EB Bench and footings
Rice Ranch Rd. / Sage Crest Dr. EB Boarding pad
Rice Ranch Rd. at Bradley EB Boarding pad
Bradley / Village NB Bench and footings
Bradley / Parkland NB Shelter
Foster / Silver Leaf Dr. WB Bench
Foster / Dartmouth WB Boarding pad
Route 30 - Stop Location Proposed Installation
Orcutt Rd / Foster NB Boarding pad and Bench
Quote No:

Date:

Quote Expires: 90 Days
Sales Contact:

Phone:

Email:

Project:

Item: Qty: Unit Price: Ext. Price:
11 $ 15,873.00 15,873.00 $
21 $ 840.00 840.00 $
$ 16,713.00
2 $ 713.00
$ 417.83
CA State Sales Tax 7.75% 1,295.26 $
$ 19,139.08
Pricing Notes:

4. Freight cost is an ESTIMATE ONLY. Freight is invoiced at actual cost, without mark up, at time of shipment, unless specified above.

Print Name:

Date:

PO No:

6. Processing fee of 3% of total charge amount is additional and charged on all credit card payments.

5. Client provides unloading at destination, including forklift and labor as necessary.

1. In a case of discrepancy between the unit price and the extension that unit price, the unit price shall govern.

2. If requested, structural engineering calculations from CA licensed engineer are provided at no additional cost.

3. Products are shipped knock down & unassembled in bulk packaging for unloading and installation by others. Hardware boxed by unit. Installation instructions are provided.

CalACT/MBTA Procurement Fee (2.5%)
Total:

APPROVED FOR PURCHASE:

Signature: CalACT/MBTA FIRM Freight:
258 Mariah Circle
Corona, CA 92879
(951) 808-0081
www.tolarmfg.com
[email protected]
Customer:

Eve Sanford
County of Santa Barbara PW

MBTA/CALACT
Procurement 21-01 -
10/25 Pricing Santa
Maria shelter
Lead Time:

Sub-Total:

CalACT/MBTA Freight Zone
24266PM1
951-547-8209
4/3/2026
24 Weeks
[email protected]
From receipt of signed written order, and all
required approvals.

Terms: Terms subject to change. Final terms to be
determined based on credit history & bonding.

Net 30 Days From Invoice
Patrick Merrick
Description:
12' Signature Sunset Non-Advertising Transit Shelter (47778-00) featuring:

Page 1 of 2 ends

EXHIBIT B
Quote No:

Date:

Quote Expires: 90 Days
Sales Contact:

Phone:

Email:

Project:

Item: Qty: Unit Price: Ext. Price:
258 Mariah Circle
Corona, CA 92879
(951) 808-0081
www.tolarmfg.com
[email protected]
Customer:

Eve Sanford
County of Santa Barbara PW

Terms: Terms subject to change. Final terms to be
determined based on credit history & bonding.

Net 30 Days From Invoice
Patrick Merrick
Description:

15. Amendment: No amendments to these Terms and Conditions can be made unless submitted in writing to us and signed and accepted by our President or his designee.

11. Returns: Due to the custom nature of our products, we cannot accept returns and we cannot permit cancellations once work has commenced.

12. Manufacturer’s Warranty: Our manufacturer’s warranty is set forth in a separate document.

13. Limitation of Liability: WE ARE NOT LIABLE TO BUYER OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY

9. Delayed Shipment: If buyer delays shipment, we may invoice for products when ready for shipment and, at our option, we may charge reasonable daily storage fees.

Page 2 of 2 ends

FRONT VIEW
SCALE 1/2"=1'-0"

SIDE VIEW
SCALE 1/2"=1'-0"

TOP VIEW
SCALE 1/2"=1'-0"

SECTION A-A
SCALE 1/2"=1'-0"

DETAIL A
SCALE 2"=1'-0"

DETAIL B
SCALE 2"=1'-0"
11 22
33 44
55 66
77 88
A A
B B
C C
D D

DESCRIPTIONCUSTOMER/VENDOR
MATL.

SCALESIZE
DATE DRAWN BY:

DWG NO.

TOLAR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC
258 Mariah Circle, Corona CA. 92879
REV
12NASIGPERFFASCIA

SANTA MARIA, CA
D
VARIES
47778-00 A
AS NOTED 3/7/2023 RFarr
T:\Inventor\Shelters\Non-Ad Custom Dome\47778-00.idw

THE DESIGN AND DRAWINGS REMAIN THE
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF TOLAR MFG.

AND ARE PROTECTED BY LAW. THEY MAY

NOT BE ALTERED, REPRODUCED OR USED

FOR FABRICATION WITHOUT EXPRESSED
WRITTEN CONSENT FROM TOLAR MFG.

ALL DOCUMENTS TO BE RETURNED TO
TOLAR MFG.. AT COMPLETION OF WORK.

CONTRACTOR TO SITE VERIFY ALL DETAILS

AND DIMENSIONS AND REPORT ANY AND
ALL DISCREPANCIES TO TOLAR MFG..

BEFORE COMMENCING WITH THAT RELATED
PORTION OF THE WORK.

DURABILITY WITH DISTINCTION
TOLAR ®
PAGE:
1 OF 2
AA
A
B
GENERAL NOTES:1. ALL STRUCTURAL STEEL, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, SHALL BE ASTM A-36, MINIMUM YIELD STRENGTH 36,000 PSI.

2. ALL STRUCTURAL ALUMINUM MEMBERS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, SHALL BE OF ALLOY 6063-T5 OR GREATER.

3. ALL HOLES TO BE DRILLED OR PUNCHED. 4. STEEL WELDING SHALL CONFORM TO AMERICAN WELDING SOCIETY STANDARD D1. 1-10. ELECTRODES SHALL CONFORM TO AWS 5.1, CLASS E70S-5.

5. ALUMINUM WELDING SHALL CONFORM TO AMERICAN WELDING SOCIETY STANDARD D1. 2-08. ELECTRODES SHALL CONFORM TO AWS/SFA 5.10 CLASS ER4043.

6. ALL WELDING TO BE DONE AT TOLAR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. FACILITY.

7. ALL CORPORATE PROCEDURES, INCLUDING FABRICATION, MUST BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH TOLAR MANUFACTURING CO. INC'S QUALITY CONTROL MANUAL

OF CONCRETE TO EDGE
OF SHOE FLANGE TYP. ALL

REAR DECAL PLAQUE
6'-7 5/8"
8'-2 7/8"
8'-5 1/2"
8'-10 11/16"
USC/AXCENTIA 13"

E-PAPER DISPLAY

EXHIBIT C
1 1
22 33
44 55
66 77
88 A AB BC C
D D

DESCRIPTIONCUSTOMER/VENDOR
MATL.

SCALESIZE
DATE DRAWN BY:

DWG NO.

TOLAR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC
258 Mariah Circle, Corona CA. 92879
REV
D
3/7/2023 RFarr
T:\Inventor\Shelters\Non-Ad Custom Dome\47778-00.idw

THE DESIGN AND DRAWINGS REMAIN THE
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OF TOLAR MFG.

AND ARE PROTECTED BY LAW. THEY MAY

NOT BE ALTERED, REPRODUCED OR USED

FOR FABRICATION WITHOUT EXPRESSED
WRITTEN CONSENT FROM TOLAR MFG.

ALL DOCUMENTS TO BE RETURNED TO
TOLAR MFG.. AT COMPLETION OF WORK.

CONTRACTOR TO SITE VERIFY ALL DETAILS

AND DIMENSIONS AND REPORT ANY AND
ALL DISCREPANCIES TO TOLAR MFG..

BEFORE COMMENCING WITH THAT RELATED
PORTION OF THE WORK.

DURABILITY WITH DISTINCTION
TOLAR ®
PAGE:
2 OF 3
GENERAL NOTES:1. ALL STRUCTURAL STEEL, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, SHALL BE ASTM A-36, MINIMUM YIELD STRENGTH 36,000 PSI.

2. ALL STRUCTURAL ALUMINUM MEMBERS, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, SHALL BE OF ALLOY 6063-T5 OR GREATER.

3. ALL HOLES TO BE DRILLED OR PUNCHED. 4. STEEL WELDING SHALL CONFORM TO AMERICAN WELDING SOCIETY STANDARD D1. 1-10. ELECTRODES SHALL CONFORM TO AWS 5.1, CLASS E70S-5.

5. ALUMINUM WELDING SHALL CONFORM TO AMERICAN WELDING SOCIETY STANDARD D1. 2-08. ELECTRODES SHALL CONFORM TO AWS/SFA 5.10 CLASS ER4043.

EXHIBIT C
Indemnification and Insurance Requirements
(For Construction Contracts)

A. Minimum Scope and Limit of Insurance
Coverage shall be at least as broad as:

2. Automobile Liability: Insurance Services Office Form CA 0001 covering Code 1 (any auto), with limits no less than $2,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

EXHIBIT D
Indemnification and Insurance Requirements (For Construction Contracts) 2022 03 02 B. Other Insurance Provisions
The insurance policies are to contain, or be endorsed to contain, the following provisions:

3. Notice of Cancellation – Each insurance policy required above shall provide that coverage shall not be canceled, except with notice to the COUNTY.

7. Verification of Coverage – CONTRACTOR shall furnish the COUNTY with proof of insurance, original certificates and amendatory endorsements as required by this Agreement. The proof of insurance, certificates and endorsements are to be received and approved by the COUNTY before work commences. However, failure to obtain the required documents prior to the work beginning shall not waive the CONTRACTOR’S obligation to provide them. The CONTRACTOR shall furnish evidence of renewal of coverage throughout the term of the Agreement. The COUNTY reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required Indemnification and Insurance Requirements (For Construction Contracts) 2022 03 02 insurance policies, including endorsements required by these specifications, at any time.

COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brett Fulgoni, Director of Public Works
DATE: May 5, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing and Appropriating Additional Funding for the Pine Street Sewer Upgrades Project, Formal Bid No. 2025-05
Description:

The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution authorizing the appropriation of additional funding in the amount of $293,218.98 for the Pine Street Sewer Upgrades Project, Bid No. 2025-05.

Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.

RECOMMENDATION:

1. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the appropriation of additional funding in the amount of $293,218.98 for the Pine Street Sewer Upgrades Project, Bid No. 2025- 05; and

2. Approve the additional funding for Fiscal Year 2025-26 in the Wastewater Enterprise Fund (SC7445|CC0260|FD640); and

3. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and any future amendments or change orders, provided such amendments are within the scope of the project and consistent with the adopted project budget.

BACKGROUND:

On October 21, 2025, the City Council awarded the Pine Street Sewer Upgrades Project, Bid No. 2025-05, to J.F. Will Inc. for $783,720.47, for the construction of a new 460-footlong, 12-inch diameter gravity sewer in Pine Street between Boone Street and Jones Street. Following construction, the larger sewer main will increase capacity and help to prevent backups and overflows.

DISCUSSION:

Most of the underground construction for the Pine Street Sewer Upgrades Project has been completed, and the remaining work (paving, manholes, etc.) is expected to be finished within the 120-day contract period. However, additional funding is necessary to complete the project. The need for these funds is associated with previously authorized 2 change orders, increased service costs, and corrections to the original project budget, as further detailed below.

Additional Funding Request No. 1 – Estimated Change Orders Unforeseen utilities encountered during construction and discrepancies in the installed quantities deviating from the project plans have required multiple change orders to complete the work to-date. A summary of approved and estimated change orders follows:

No. Description Amount
1 Water Main Re-Route $82,070.64
2 Railroad Right of Entry Permit $18,206.64
3 New Manhole No. 5 $61,860.20
4 Manhole Backfill $8,500.00
5 Asphalt Concrete Overrun $50,000.00
6 Irrigation Line Exposure $20,000.00
Change Orders Total: $240,637.48
Additional Funding Request No. 2 – Services Overruns
The project is projected to exceed the budget for materials testing, inspection services, and staff time, estimated at $150,000. This is attributed to higher costs for the services and increased Public Works staff time required to manage the project.

Additional Funding Request No. 3 – Additional Contingency An additional $75,000 is requested in project contingency to address remaining unforeseen site conditions and potential cost impacts associated with final construction activities, ensuring the project can be completed without delay.

Additional Funding Request No. 4 – Short Pay Adjustment Resolution 2025‑X authorized a total of $956,138.97 for the project, including a new funding appropriation of $556,138.97. During reconciliation of project expenditures in April 2026, staff determined that this amount was short by $62,697.64 needed to fully fund the project at the time of award. Staff recommends including this “true‑ up” adjustment as part of the additional funding request.

Description Amount Notes
JF Will Contract Award $783,720.47 (a)
Contingency (20%) 156,744.09 (b)
Inspection, Testing, Staff Time (10%) 78,372.05 (c)
Approved Project Budget $1,018,836.61 10/21/2025
Available Budget FY 25/26 400,000.00
Additional Budget Appropriation 556,138.97
Authorized Project Funding $956,138.97 10/21/2025
3 Description Amount Notes
Additional Funding Request No. 1 240,637.48 Est. Change Orders Additional Funding Request No. 2 150,000.00 Services Overruns Additional Funding Request No. 3 75,000.00 Additional Contingency Additional Funding Request No. 4 62,697.64 Short Pay Adjustment Less Contingency & I/T/ST Funding (b+c) (235,116.14)
Additional Funding Required $293,218.98 5/5/2026
Original Appropriation 956,138.97 Awarded 10/21/2025
Additional Appropriation 293,218.98 Requested 5/5/2026
Revised Project Budget $1,249,357.95 SC7445|CC0260|FD640 Alternative(s)
The City Council may choose not to authorize and approve the requested appropriation, in whole or in part. This is not recommended as it would limit the City’s ability to fund the project and could delay timely completion of the project.

Fiscal Considerations
Staff is requesting an additional appropriation of $293,218.98 to the Wastewater Fund (SC7445|CC0260|FD640). The requested increase will bring the total available project budget to $1,249,357.95. The requested appropriation will be fully funded through existing sewer rates and there is sufficient fund balance available to cover the cost. No General Fund resources are required, and the action remains consistent with the long-term financial planning for the Sewer Fund.

Impact on the Community
The community will benefit from the installation of the new gravity sewer in Pine Street between Boone Street and Jones Street, which will increase system capacity and reduce the potential for sewer backups and overflows.

ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
Attachment A

Page 1 of 2 ends

RESOLUTION NO.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA

AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING
IN THE AMOUNT OF $293,218.98 FOR THE PINE STREET
SEWER UPGRADES PROJECT, FORMAL BID NO. 2025-05
WHEREAS, on October 21, 2025, the City Council awarded the Pine Street Sewer Upgrades Project, Formal Bid No. 2025-05, to J.F. Will Inc. in the amount of $783,720.47 for construction of a new 460-foot-long, 12-inch diameter gravity sewer in Pine Street between Boone Street and Jones Street; and
WHEREAS, during construction, unforeseen utilities, quantity discrepancies, increased service costs, and necessary corrections to the original project budget have resulted in additional project costs; and
WHEREAS, staff has identified the need for additional funding in the amount of $293,218.98 to complete the project, including change orders, service overruns, additional contingency, and a short pay adjustment; and WHEREAS, the previously approved amount of $1,018,836.61 in addition to the requested additional funding of $293,218.98 will bring the total available project funding to $1,312,055.59; and
WHEREAS, the additional funding will be appropriated from the Wastewater Enterprise Fund (SC7445|CC0260|FD640) and will be fully funded through sewer rates; and
WHEREAS, the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) State Guidelines, and pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, as follows:

SECTION 1. The City Council hereby authorizes and appropriates additional funding in the amount of $293,218.98 for the Pine Street Sewer Upgrades Project, Formal Bid No. 2025-05, for Fiscal Year 2025-26 in the Wastewater Enterprise Fund (SC7445|CC0260|FD640); and
SECTION 2. Authorize City Manager, or designee, to further execute the Agreement and any future amendments or change orders necessary provided such amendments are within the scope of the project and consistent with the adopted project budget; and
Attachment A

Page 2 of 2 ends

SECTION 3. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute necessary project amendments to the agreement not to exceed the contingency amount; and SECTION 4. The Chief Deputy City Clerk is hereby authorized to make minor changes herein to address clerical errors, so long as substantial conformance of the intent of this document is maintained. In doing so, the Chief Deputy City Clerk shall consult with the City Manager and City Attorney concerning any changes deemed necessary.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, held this 5
th day of May 2026.

ATTEST:

COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brett Fulgoni, Director of Public Works
DATE: May 5, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving Submittal of an Application for the Santa Maria Regional Transit’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 Low Carbon Transit Operations Grant For $342,718
Description:

The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution authorizing the submittal of the Transit Program’s recommended Fiscal Year 2025-26 Low Carbon Transit Operations Program grant application in the amount of $342,718. This represents the second of three planned funding rounds dedicated to supporting the operational costs of Santa Maria Regional Transit Routes 40 and 41 providing service to the City of Guadalupe.

RECOMMENDATION:

1. Adopt a Resolution approving the submittal of an application for the Santa Maria Regional Transits Low Carbon Transportation Operations Program grant with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments for Fiscal Year 2025-26 to fund transit service for Routes 40 and 41 and execute the Certifications and Assurances and authorized agent forms; and

2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all required documents.

BACKGROUND:

The Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) was created by the State of California to provide operating and capital assistance for transit agencies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and improve mobility. Approved LCTOP projects include the support of new or expanded bus or rail services, expand intermodal transit facilities, and may include equipment acquisition, fueling, maintenance and other costs to operate those services or facilities, as long as the project supports reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

For service areas that include disadvantaged communities (DAC), such as the City of Guadalupe, at least 50 percent of the total funds received shall be expended on projects that will benefit DAC.
2 DISCUSSION:

In 2025, the City of Santa Maria and the City of Guadalupe moved forward with the consolidation of the Guadalupe Flyer into Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT). To ensure a sustainable transition, staff is utilizing a multi-year funding strategy. LCTOP guidelines allow the same project to be funded for up to three years using LCTOP funds.

This application is for the second of three rounds of LCTOP funds intended to support the fiscal requirements of the consolidation.

The project specifically funds SMRT Routes 40 and 41, which provide critical connectivity between Santa Maria and Guadalupe. Because the City of Guadalupe is the only recognized DAC in northern Santa Barbara County, this project receives funding priority under LCTOP guidelines, which require at least 50% of funds to benefit DAC areas. The total allocation for this cycle is $342,718, comprised of both 99313 (population-based) and 99314 (farebox-based) LCTOP funds.

Alternative(s)
Council may choose to reject the grant application, however, is not recommended as LCTOP funds particularly prioritize DAC communities such as Guadalupe before any other project. Secondly, without LCTOP funds, the City would see itself compelled to fund this service with limited CA TDA and TDA 5307 funds.

Fiscal Considerations
There are no impacts to the City’s General Fund for this project. The Transit Enterprise Fund’s operational costs are sustained solely by transit-specific sources, including the $342,718 in LCTOP funds requested here. This request represents the second of three possible planned funding rounds designed to support SMRT operations of Routes 40 and

41. By utilizing a three-round phased approach, the Transit Division can bridge the operational costs of the Guadalupe consolidation without depleting other traditional transit funds, such as TDA or Section 5307. This strategic use of LCTOP funds ensures that the new service is fully funded through the transitional period while maintaining a fiscally constrained operating budget.

Impact on the Community
The award of these funds will have a significant positive impact by ensuring the continued reliability of enhanced transit service between Santa Maria and Guadalupe. Routes 40 and 41 are vital lifelines for transit-dependent populations, providing direct connectivity to employment, healthcare, and education. Because the City of Guadalupe is a recognized DAC, this project fulfills the State’s priority funding requirements, ensuring that high-need populations receive the benefit of modern, low-carbon transit. This project ultimately improves community mobility while contributing to a reduction in local greenhouse gas emissions

ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. LCTOP FY 25-26 Allocation Request
Attachment A

Page 1 of 2 ends

RESOLUTION NO.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA

APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR

THE SANTA MARIA REGIONAL TRANSITS LOW CARBON TRANSPORTATION

OPERATIONS PROGRAM GRANT WITH THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025–26, TO FUND TRANSIT SERVICE FOR ROUTES 40 AND 41, AND TO EXECUTE ALL REQUIRED

CERTIFICATIONS, ASSURANCES, AND AUTHORIZED AGENT FORMS
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria is an eligible project sponsor and may receive state funding from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) for transit projects; and
WHEREAS, the statutes related to state-funded transit projects require a local or regional implementing agency to abide by various regulations; and WHEREAS, Senate Bill 862 (2014) named the California Department of Transportation as the administrative agency for the LCTOP; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria wishes to implement the LCTOP project(s) listed above to support transit service to the City of Guadalupe, a recognized Disadvantaged Community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria wishes to delegate authorization to execute these documents and any amendments thereto to the City Manager, or designee.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, as follows:

SECTION 1. The City Manager, or designee, be authorized to execute all required documents of the LCTOP program and any amendments thereto with the California Department of Transportation; and
SECTION 2. The fund recipient agrees to comply with all conditions and requirements set forth in the Certification and Assurances and the Authorized Agent documents and applicable statutes, regulations, and guidelines for all LCTOP funded transit projects; and
Attachment A

Page 2 of 2 ends

SECTION 3. the City of Santa Maria that it hereby authorizes the submittal of the following project nomination(s) and allocation request(s) to the Department for FY 2025- 26 LCTOP funds:

1. Project Name: SMRT Routes 40 and 41 Guadalupe Service (Round 2 of 3).

2. Amount: Authorizes the submittal of the project nomination and allocation request to the Department in FY 2025-26 LCTOP funds for the amount of $342,718.

3. Appropriation: The Director of Finance or designee is hereby authorized to appropriate LCTOP funds and identify expenditure accounts within the current budget.

4. Administrative Adjustments: The City Manager, or designee, is hereby authorized to make administrative changes herein to address clerical errors, so long as substantial conformance of the intent of this document is maintained.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, held this 5
th day of May 2026.

ATTEST:

Chief Deputy City Clerk
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________
City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
_______________________________
Department Director
_______________________________
City Manager
Yes Yes
35 19
24 Years
Months
Our prior year of LCTOP funding only covered until 6/30/2026, we would request a start date of 7/1/2026 as to not have a lapse in funding for this route.

LCTOP FY 2025-2026 Allocation Request Cycle A
Funding Information
Project Life: For capital projects, state the project useful life in years. For operation projects, state the number of months a service will be funded.

Capital:

Operations: 12
Request LONP: Your agency has selected a start date prior to estimated Award Date of October 1 2026, please provide an explaination of your need to start your project before the Award Date. $342,718
Rollover Projects: Please provide the total number of years your agency plans to accumulate funds and how many years remaining, include this year.

Rollover Project: No
Total Years of Rollover:

Remaining Years of Rollover:

Funding: 99313: $332,355 99314: $10,363 Total:

Sub-Type: Provision of a new expanded/enhanced transit service Start date (anticipated) : 7/1/2026 End date (anticipated): 06/30/2027 Project Summary
Name: No more
than 2 lines
Guadelupe Routes
Description
(Short): No
more than 375
characters.

SMRT has consolidated the Guadelupe service, previously provided by SMOOTH. SMRT has two routes, 40 and 41. These routes provide service to Guadelupe and connect Santa Maria and Guadelupe.

Type: Operations
Phone #: (805)925-0951 x 2480 Congressional*:

E-mail [email protected] *if you have additional Districts, please provide a separate attachment Name: Gamaliel Anguiano Assembly*:

Title: Deputy Director Senate*:

E-mail: [email protected] E-mail:

Authorized Agent Legislative District Numbers
Title: Transit Grant Manager Title:

Phone #: (805)925-0951 x 2401 Phone #:

Santa Barbara County
https://www.cityofsantamaria.org/
Santa Barbara County of Associated Governments (SBCAG)
05 Lead Agency Name: City of Santa Maria
Address:

City, State, Zip Code:

LCTOP FY 2025-2026 Allocation Request Cycle A
FY 2025-2026 LCTOP: Cycle A
Lead Agency Information
Is your Cycle A and Cycle B project the same? Yes
Allocation Request Prepared by Contact (if different than "Prepared by") Name: Kailey Pringle Name:

Caltrans District:

Does your agency have an approved Title VI Plan? Approved Date: 05/21/24 Title VI Attached:

County:

Agency Website:

Regional Planning Agency:
110 S Pine St, Suite 226
Santa Maria
Division of Local Assistance
Low Carbon Transit Operations Program Page 1 of 10
Sheet Name: Allocation_Request
Rev. 1-2026
Attachment B
SMRT has consolidated the City of Guadelupe's service, which up until July 1, 2025, was provided by their contractor, SMOOTH. For this project we will provide service to and within Guadelupe for the 2026/27 fiscal year, from July 1 2026 to June 30, 2027. We estimate 9060 hours of revenue service and estimate a total cost of $579,749.40 Detailed Funding Information: This section should be completed to detail any CAP funds included in the “Prior” column, include the Project ID, amount of funds transferred, and CAP approval date(if available).

LCTOP FY 2025-2026 Allocation Request Cycle A
Funding Plan
Total FY 24-25 LCTOP Funding $342,718
Fully Funded Project: Provide a description of all the funds that will be used to complete this project and how LCTOP funds will not supplant other funding sources. Include the project ID and awarded funding amount from prior rollover years.

Contact Phone #: 99314
Contact E-mails:

Contributing Sponsor: Amount: PUC Funds Type:

Contact Person: 99313
Contact Phone #: 99314
Contact E-mails:

Contributing Sponsor: Amount: PUC Funds Type:

Contact Person: 99313
Contact E-mails:

PUC Funds Type:

Contact Person: 99313
Contact Phone #: 99314
Contributing Sponsor: Amount:

Contact Phone #: (805)961-8915 99314
Contact E-mails: [email protected]
Contributing Sponsor: Santa Barbara County Association of Govts Amount: PUC Funds Type:

Contact Person: Maya Kulkarni $332,355 99313
Contact E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Kailey Pringle 99313
Contact Phone #: (805)925-0951 x 2401 $10,363 99314
$0 $342,718
Lead Agency: City of Santa Maria Amount: PUC Funds Type:

Total: $0 $342,718 $0 $0 $0
$0 $342,718
Other Funds: $0
Total CCI: $0 $342,718 $0 $0 $0
$0
Other GGRF: $0
LCTOP Interest:
$10,363
Total LCTOP: $0 $342,718 $0 $0 $0 $0 $342,718
PUC 99314: $10,363
Total
PUC 99313: $332,355 $332,355
Allocation Yr Prior FY 25-26 (A) FY 25-26 (B) FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 Division of Local Assistance
Low Carbon Transit Operations Program Page 2 of 10
Sheet Name: Allocation_Request
Rev. 1-2026
Attachment B
LCTOP FY 2025-2026 Allocation Request Cycle A
Funding Plan
Funding Source:
$0
TOTAL $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Operations/Other
$0
Equipment Purchase $0
CON
$0
R/W $0
PS&E
Total
PA&ED $0
Funding Source:

Component Prior FY 25-26 (A) FY 25-26 (B) FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 $0
TOTAL $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Operations/Other
$0
Equipment Purchase $0
CON
$0
R/W $0
PS&E
Total
PA&ED $0
Funding Source:

Component Prior FY 25-26 (A) FY 25-26 (B) FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 $0
TOTAL $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Operations/Other
$0
Equipment Purchase $0
CON
$0
R/W $0
PS&E
FY 28-29 Total
PA&ED $0
$0 $342,718
Funding Source:

Component Prior FY 25-26 (A) FY 25-26 (B) FY 26-27 FY 27-28 TOTAL $0 $342,718 $0 $0 $0
$0
Operations/Other $342,718 $342,718
Equipment Purchase
$0
CON $0
R/W
$0
PS&E $0
PA&ED
Funding Source: Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) Component Prior FY 25-26 (A) FY 25-26 (B) FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 Total $0 $342,718
TOTAL $0 $342,718 $0 $0 $0 $0 $342,718
Operations/Other $0 $342,718 $0 $0 $0
$0 $0
Veh/Equip Purchase $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
CON $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
$0 $0
R/W $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
PS&E $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
FY 28-29 Total
PA&ED $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Component Prior FY 25-26 (A) FY 25-26 (B) FY 26-27 FY 27-28 Total Project Funding
Division of Local Assistance
Low Carbon Transit Operations Program Page 3 of 10
Sheet Name: Allocation_Request
Rev. 1-2026
Attachment B
LCTOP FY 2025-2026 Allocation Request Cycle A
Project Information
1) Project Description - Provide a comprehensive project description. For operations projects, include: #of trips, span, frequency improvements, days of operation and marketing component (if applicable). For capital projects, include:
product specifications and identify all LCTOP funded components. No more than 14 lines. $0
TOTAL $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Operations/Other
$0
Equipment Purchase $0
CON
$0
R/W $0
PS&E
Total
PA&ED $0
Funding Source:

Component Prior FY 25-26 (A) FY 25-26 (B) FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 $0
TOTAL $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Operations/Other
$0
Veh/Equip Purchase $0
CON
$0
R/W $0
PS&E
Total
PA&ED $0
Funding Source:

Component Prior FY 25-26 (A) FY 25-26 (B) FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 $0
TOTAL $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Operations/Other
$0
Equipment Purchase $0
CON
$0
R/W $0
PS&E
Total
PA&ED $0
Funding Source:

Component Prior FY 25-26 (A) FY 25-26 (B) FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 $0
TOTAL $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Operations/Other
$0
Equipment Purchase $0
CON
$0
R/W $0
PS&E
FY 28-29 Total
PA&ED $0
Component Prior FY 25-26 (A) FY 25-26 (B) FY 26-27 FY 27-28 Division of Local Assistance
Low Carbon Transit Operations Program Page 4 of 10
Sheet Name: Allocation_Request
Rev. 1-2026
Attachment B
3) Project Costs - Provide an itemized breakdown of project components and describe how the cost estimations were developed. Please include marketing and bus wraps cost in this section. Total costs must correspond to the Funding Information section above. No more than 14 lines.

We have estimated 9060 hours for one year of operating route 40 and 41. This is based off the current level of service provided, and accounts for holidays and weekend service during this period. The hourly rate we used in our calculations is $63.99 per hour, based on our operational contract. With 9060 revenue hours, we estimate a total cost of $579,749.40. The difference between the total cost and the amount of LCTOP funds will be made up with our TDA funds.

LCTOP FY 2025-2026 Allocation Request Cycle A
Agency Information
4) Agency Fare - Describe your agency's fare structure including any discounts or special fares and how the project will affect that structure, if at all. No more than 16 Lines.

On July 1st 2025, SMRT began operating a route to and within Guadelupe. Between the two routes we anticipate providing 9,060 Revenue Hours between those two routes. The route connecting Guadelupe and Santa Maria will be called the route 40. This route will run from 6am to 7pm, Monday through Saturday, with thirteen trips. Sunday service will be 8am to 6pm. Notably this route connects the Amtrak station in Guadelupe with the transit center in Satna Maria. The route within Guadelupe is the route 41 and will run from 6:30am to 7:30 pm Monday through Saturday, making twenty-six loops per day. Sunday service will be 8:30am to 6:30pm. 2) Project Planning - Provide a detailed explanation of the project planning process and how it was designed to avoid substantial burden on any low- income, disadvantaged, and vulnerable populations. Include any public outreach, events, workshops or community input. No more than 14 lines.

Prior to our July 1st, 2025, launch, we conducted four community meetings, two in Santa Maria and two in Guadalupe. Our goal with these public meetings was to receive feedback from both communities regarding SMRT taking over this service, and to address any public concerns. After the launch of service, we have continued to monitor routes 40 and 41 closely to look for any adjustments and consider how those will affect riders. Additionally, we held our Unmet Transit Needs meeting in December and included routes 40 and 41 in our presentation to the public. We welcome any comments and discussion regarding the Guadelupe routes.

Division of Local Assistance
Low Carbon Transit Operations Program Page 5 of 10
Sheet Name: Allocation_Request
Rev. 1-2026
Attachment B
Greenhouse Gas Reductions - Describe qualitatively how this project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 5) Agency Service - Describe the transit service provided and how the project plays into the overall operations. .

No more than 2450 characters.

The City of Santa Maria is located along US-101 and Highway 1 in the central coast of California and in the northwest corner of Santa Barbara County. With a population of over 100,000, it is now the county's largest city. SMRT operates local and regional fixed route service and complementary paratransit. Local fixed-route and ADA service area includes the City of Santa Maria, Orcutt, and Tanglewood, this comprises of twelve total local routes. Our regional routes include service to New Cuyama, Lompoc, Vandenberg Space Force Base, Los Alamos, Buellton, Solvang, Santa Ynez, the Chumash Reservation, and San Luis Obispo. SMRT also have a pilot Microtransit service, Monday through Friday 8:30 pm to 10:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 pm to 8:30pm. 6) AB 680 Workforce Standards to Support Job Quality -As part of your FY 25-26 LCTOP Allocation Request Packet please include an electronic copy of your agency's most recently approved procurement manuals.

LCTOP FY 2025-2026 Allocation Request Cycle A
Project GHG Benefits
Yes Did you submit your approved procurement manual as part of your FY 25-26 LCTOP Allocation Request Packet?
SMRT Regular Single Ride $1.50, SMRT Student Single Ride with ID $1.25, Senior (60+) Single Ride $.75, Persons with Disability Single Ride $.75, Medicare Card Holders Single Ride $.75, Children under 8 years with fare paying adult on SMRT(Maximum 3 children) free. SMRT 31-Day pass $31, SMRT 31-Day Student $31, SMRT Senior/Disabled 31-Day Pass $15, Store Value Pass $10, Store Value Pass $20. Regional Routes Regular Single Ride $2.00, Regional Student Single Ride $2.00, Regional Senior (60+)/Medicare Card Holder/Persons with Diabilities $1.00, Regional 31-Day Regular $31.00, Regional 31-Day Seniors/Disabled/Medicare Holder $15. This project will have no effect on the fare structure.

Division of Local Assistance
Low Carbon Transit Operations Program Page 6 of 10
Sheet Name: Allocation_Request
Rev. 1-2026
Attachment B
Value Explanation
Travel Cost Savings Benefits
FY 25-26 LCTOP Project GHG Emission
Reductions (MTCO2e) 29.56
This number is calculated based on the values from
above and the QM-Tool tab.

LCTOP FY 2025-2026 Allocation Request Cycle A
Project Benefits
Total Project VMTs Reduced 70,274This number is calculated based on the values above.

Total Project GHG Emission Reductions
(MTCO2e) 29.56
This number is calculated based on the values from
above and the QM-Tool tab.

Project Useful Life 1This is calculated based on the values above.

Total Project Ridership Increased 56,000This is calculated based on the values above.

Adjustment (A) - Adjustment factor to
account for Choice Riders.Use defaults
values listed on

0.705
Using the default values listed for commuter bus.

Trip Length (L) - Length (miles) of average
auto trip reduced or average passenger
trip length. You may use defaults values
list ed on

1.78 Using the length for the 40 and 41.

Project Yr. 1 Ridership Increase - Estimated
annual ridership contributed by the new
service or capital improvement in Yr1.
56,000
SMRT anticipates route 40 and 41 generating rougly
56,000 rides. This is based off the current levels of
ridership, assuming trends continue.

Project Yr. F Ridership Increase - Estimated
annual ridership contributed by the new
service or capital improvement in YrF.
56,000
SMRT anticipates route 40 and 41 generating rougly
56,000 rides. This is based off the current levels of
ridership, assuming trends continue.

Year 1 (Yr1) - First year of service, or year
that capital improvements will be
completed.
2026
Second year of route 40 and 41, operated by SMRT
Year F (YrF) - Final year that the service is
funded or the final year of useful life for
capital improvements.
2027
The end year of the funding for the Route 40 and 41
This project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by removing Guadalupe Flyer and Guadalupe Local transit riders from cars and convert them into the use of the Santa Maria Regional Transit, which will be served part time, by electric buses.

Greenhouse Gas Reductions - Please provide quantitative information requested below and explanations supporting the data provided.

Value Explanation
Division of Local Assistance
Low Carbon Transit Operations Program Page 7 of 10
Sheet Name: Allocation_Request
Rev. 1-2026
Attachment B
x x
x
2) With regard to public events held by the project proponent to discuss this project proposal with the community, what was the approximate total attendance at those events? 10 3) With regard to other opportunities provided by the project proponent for community members to comment or provide input on the project, beyond those included in question 2, what is the approximate total number of people who provided commentary or input on the project through these opportunities?
0 4) Which of the following took place as part of the events & other opportunities identified? (Check all that apply):

Co-Benefits - Describe benefits selected above and other benefits not listed.

By consolidating the Guadalupe Flyer and the local Guadalupe Fixed Route into the Santa Maria Regional Transit it will improve efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and better serve the needs of the region. Some key advantages include centralized management of routes, fares, and technology. In addition, seamless travel experience for riders between two communities. Additionally, the route 40 will connect to the Amtrak station.

LCTOP FY 2025-2026 Allocation Request Cycle A
Community Engagement Co-Benefit
To estimate the community engagement co-benefit, users will respond to the five questions below. Based on the responses to the questions, the level of community engagement will be evaluated as low, medium, or high. 1) Is the project being proposed for LCTOP funding, a neighborhood-scale, city/regionalscale, or rural-scale project? City/Regional Improved Public Health College Grades K-12
Reduced Operating/Maintenance Costs Promotes Active Transportation Increase System Reliability Promotes Integration w/ other modes Avoided Toll Cost ($/Roundtrip/Rider)
(Average avoided toll cost associated with
project)
$0.00 Project will not provide service
Co-Benefits - Check all additional Benefits/Outcomes.

Improved Safety Coordination with Educational Institution Transit Facility Parking Cost
($/Roundtrip/Rider) (Average cost to park
to use transit associated with project)
$0.00 Project will not provide service
Avoided Parking Cost ($/Roundtrip/Rider)
(Average avoided parking cost associated
with project)
$0.00 Project will not provide service
Baseline Average One-Way Fare Cost
($/One-Way Trip/Rider) (Average fare per
boarding, prior to project implementation)
$1.50 Fare for regular single ride
New Average One-Way Fare Cost
($/One-Way Trip/Rider) (Average fare per
boarding resulting from project
implementation)
$1.50 *Project will not have an effect on fare
Division of Local Assistance
Low Carbon Transit Operations Program Page 8 of 10
Sheet Name: Allocation_Request
Rev. 1-2026
Attachment B
x
x
x
x
x
Is the project located outside of a disadvantaged community, but within 1/2 mile of a disadvantage community and within a low-income census tract? No
Step 2 - Identify a Need: Review the options and select one that explains how the community or household need for the priority population identified in Step 1 was determined.

Does your Agency's Service Area have a Disadvantaged Community? (as defined by SB 535) Yes Is the project located within the boundaries of a Disadvantaged Community census tract? Yes Is the project located within the boundaries of a Low-Income community census tract? Yes e. The project proponents, or those acting on their behalf, prepared and followed a community engagement plan that meets the minimum criteria originally established by the Transformative Climate Communities Program Priority Population Community Engagement: Identify the specific assessment for the Community Engagement Co-benefit (High, Medium, Low): Low
LCTOP FY 2025-2026 Allocation Request Cycle A
Priority Populations Benefits
Step 1 - Identify the Priority Population: Determine if the project is at least partially located within a Priority Population census track or will benefit Priority Population households. h. Developed project features or project alternatives collaboratively with the community by a communitybased organization, community-driven steering committee, or similar entity designed, planned, and implemented the project in whole or in significant part.

5. Considering all input opportunities, which of the following statements are true (check all that apply):
a.The participants comprised a broadly representative sample of the population potentially benefiting from, or affected by, the project.
b. Project proponents identified key community leaders and organizations and engaged them directly. c. The events and input opportunities were hosted at varied and accessible times and locations throughout the area potentially affected by the project and included both in person and online forms of engagement.

Events and written materials were offered in languages other than English. d. The participation process was conducted or assisted by a professional facilitator or public participation expert.
b.Solicited and recorded written or spoken input from the community about specific aspects of the project or potential project alternatives before decisions on those aspects and alternatives were finalized. c.

Incorporated proposals or ideas from the community into project alternatives or components. d.

Reported back to the community on how the input in 4(b) and 4(c) was incorporated. e. Developed project features or project alternatives collaboratively with the community by having one or more workshops or other meetings in which the community developed a project alternative or specific component to address unmet community needs, which was subsequently included in the project’s application for funding or final design.
f. Developed project features or project alternatives collaboratively with the community by formal cooperation with a community-based organization (i.e., via a memorandum of understanding, community benefits agreement, steering committee, labor agreement, etc.) to acquire or distribute funding, identify project alternatives or project components, or otherwise enhance community engagement in project design, planning and implementation.
g. Developed project features or project alternatives collaboratively with the community by delegation of authority to choose between project alternatives or components to the community through a steering committee, organized voting process, representative community-based organization, or other means. a.Informed the community about various aspects of the project, including the process by which major decisions about the project would be made.

Division of Local Assistance
Low Carbon Transit Operations Program Page 9 of 10
Sheet Name: Allocation_Request
Rev. 1-2026
Attachment B
Agency can meet the DAC requirement by meeting any of the SB 1119 Project Criteria:

Is the project a transit fare subsidies or network and fare integration technology improvements, including, but not limited to, discounted or free student transit passes No
Is the project a purchase of zero-emission transit buses and/or purchase and installation of supporting infrastructure?
No
Is the project a new or expanded transit service that connects with transit service serving a disadvantaged communities?
Yes
Amount of FY 25-26 funds to benefit Low-Income Community:

Amount of FY 25-26 fund to benefit Low-Income Households and Residents within 1/2 mile of a DAC:

Total Amount of FY 25-26 LCTOP funds to benefit Priority Population (Total should not exceed total FY 25-26 LCTOP project funding): $342,718 The project will provide many benefits to the priority populations including improved efficiency through shared resources (fleet, staff, funding), better data collection for service planning, and a more seamless travel experience for riders going between two communities. Santa Maria Regional Transit will address the transportation needs of typical under-served, under-privileged, and financially vulnerable citizens of the local community which is made up of senior citizens , the developmentally disabled, and the economically disadvantaged.

Step 3 - Provide a Benefit:Review the options below and select one that demonstrates how the project directly benefits the priority population identified in Step 1 and addresses the need identified in Step 2.

Priority Population Benefit: Select the benefit
your project provides to the community or
household.

D. Project improves mobility between key destinations and communities.

Please provide the amount of FY 25-26 LCTOP funds estimated to benefit Priority Populations.

Amount of FY 25-26 funds to benefit a Disadvantage Community (If you have a DAC, at least 50% must benefit a DAC) : $342,718 Priority Populations Community Needs Description: Describe the community or household need and how it was identified. If option “B. Local Documentation” was chosen, briefly describe the documentation. If option “C. Data Tools” was chosen, include the name of the tool in the description.

A. Direct Engagement: Engage local residents and community groups in meetings, workshops, or other opportunities as part of the planning process to identify community or household needs, and document how the engagement informed the design and/or selection of projects to address those needs.

Division of Local Assistance
Low Carbon Transit Operations Program Page 10 of 10
Sheet Name: Allocation_Request
Rev. 1-2026
Attachment B

COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dennis Smitherman, Interim Director of Recreation and Parks DATE: May 5, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with J.D. Humann, Inc. for Landscape Maintenance Services
Description:

The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution to approve a $240,000 amendment to the existing Professional Services Agreement for Landscape Maintenance Services.

RECOMMENDATION:

1. Adopt a Resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with J.D. Humann, Inc. for Citywide Landscape Maintenance Services (RP-2025-01); and

2. Approve an additional $240,000 for Citywide landscaping needs; and

3. Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement.

BACKGROUND:

The City of Santa Maria maintains landscaped areas within various districts and special benefit zones through a Landscape Maintenance Services Agreement with J.D. Humann, Inc. The contract provides routine landscape maintenance, as well as additional services to address special projects and emerging needs throughout the fiscal year.

The original contract amount was based on anticipated routine services and a defined scope of special projects. However, during the fiscal year, additional maintenance and rehabilitation needs have arisen, including special projects directed by the City Council and other time-sensitive improvements. These efforts required the use of existing contract funds, which has reduced the available capacity to complete previously planned work.

Additionally, landscape maintenance work associated with Transit Division facilities, including the Transit Center, Trail Center Trail, and Bus Yard, has further utilized available contract funding.

As a result, staff is requesting an amendment to increase the contract amount to complete deferred projects and to ensure sufficient funding is available to address ongoing maintenance needs and unforeseen conditions throughout the remainder of the fiscal year.
2 DISCUSSION:

The City of Santa Maria entered into a Landscape Maintenance Services Agreement with J.D. Humann, Inc. in the amount of $1,083,148.29, with authorization for additional services up to $350,000. This funding was established based on the original bid for routine landscape maintenance services, as well as identified special projects within designated districts and special benefit zones.

Since the contract was executed, additional landscape maintenance needs have been identified, including work performed by Public Works in support of the Transit Division at facilities such as the Transit Center, Trail Center Trail, and Bus Yard. These efforts have utilized available contract capacity and contributed to the need for additional funding.

The proposed amendment includes an increase of $120,000 to allow staff to complete previously identified landscape maintenance projects that were deferred due to higherpriority work, and to restore capacity within the contract for the remainder of the fiscal year. In addition, the amendment includes an additional $120,000 designated for anticipated future landscape maintenance needs associated with Transit Division facilities and operations.

The amendment also provides contingency funding to address unanticipated maintenance needs as they arise. These may include irrigation system repairs, plant replacement, storm-related damage, and landscape impacts associated with high-traffic areas, including locations where vehicles may encroach into landscaped areas or improperly navigate features such as roundabouts. The contingency further allows the City to respond efficiently to Council-directed improvements or similar maintenance needs without delay.

Fiscal Considerations
Funds are available within the Landscape Maintenance District budget and Measure A – Gas Tax to cover $120,000 of the contract amendment. An additional $120,000 is allocated for Transit-related landscape maintenance and will be funded through the Transit Division budget.

Impact on the Community
Approval of this amendment will support the continued maintenance and enhancement of landscaped areas throughout the City, contributing to a clean, safe, and visually appealing environment for residents, businesses, and visitors. Well-maintained landscaping in public spaces and along transportation corridors improves community aesthetics, supports public safety by maintaining clear sightlines, and enhances the overall quality of life.
3 The additional funding will also allow the City to address maintenance needs at key facilities, including transit-related sites, ensuring these areas remain accessible, functional, and welcoming to the public. Furthermore, the inclusion of contingency funding enables the City to respond promptly to unforeseen conditions, minimizing service disruptions and maintaining consistent landscape standards across the community.

ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. Amendment No.1 to Agreement
C. RFP – RP-2025-01
Attachment A
RESOLUTION NO.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
APPPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH J.D. HUMANN, INC.

FOR CITYWIDE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES (RP-2025-01) WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria entered into a Landscape Maintenance Services Agreement with J.D. Humann, Inc. in the amount of $1,083,148.29, with authorization for additional services up to $350,000 for routine and special project landscape maintenance within designated districts and special benefit zones; and WHEREAS, the contract amount was established based on anticipated routine maintenance services and a defined scope of special projects; and WHEREAS, during the fiscal year, additional maintenance, rehabilitation, and special projects, including City Council-directed improvements and time-sensitive work, have arisen, requiring the use of existing contract funds; and WHEREAS, landscape maintenance services performed in support of Transit Division facilities, including the Transit Center, Trail Center Trail, and Bus Yard, have further utilized available contract capacity; and
WHEREAS, the use of existing funds for these purposes has reduced the remaining capacity needed to complete previously identified landscape maintenance projects; and
WHEREAS, an amendment in the amount of $240,000 is necessary, $120,000 to complete deferred projects and provide contingency for ongoing maintenance needs, and $120,000 to support anticipated landscape maintenance services associated with Transit Division facilities; and
WHEREAS, the amendment will ensure the City can continue to maintain landscaped areas, respond to unanticipated conditions such as irrigation repairs, plant replacement, storm-related damage, and traffic-related impacts, and implement special projects in a timely and efficient manner.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria California, as follows:

SECTION 1. Approve the additional $240,000 to complete necessary work during the remainder of the fiscal year.

Page 2 of 2 ends

SECTION 2. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with J.D. Hummann, Inc. Contract No. RP-2025-01, and the not-to-exceed amount of $350,000 is increased by the additional $240,000 to $590,000.

SECTION 3. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to take all necessary steps to complete these proceedings.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, held this 5
th day of May 2026.

ATTEST:

Chief Deputy City Clerk
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________
City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
_______________________________
Department Director
_______________________________
City Manager
Attachment B
Atty. Rev. 2022
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
This Amendment No. 1 to Agreement for Professional Services between J.D. Humann Landscaping, Inc., a California Corporation (“Contractor”) and the City of Santa Maria, a California Municipal Corporation and charter city (“City”), in Santa Maria, California, based on the following recitals:

1. J.D. Humann submitted a proposal (RP-2025-01) that the City deemed acceptable and has extensive knowledge and is qualified to provide the services needed and is willing to provide those services on mutually agreeable terms; and

2. The parties entered into an Agreement for Professional Services on July 1, 2025; and

3. J.D. Humann was authorized to provide Extra Services of up to $350,000.00 per year under Exhibit “C” of the agreement. Staff directed J.D. Humann to perform approved landscape renovations throughout the City Landscape Maintenance Districts. This work has been performed and accepted by City staff; and

4. Unplanned for renovation work to renovate the median island of Miller Street between Santa Maria Way and Highway 135 was requested after City Council votes to designate this area James “Jim” Glines Way and the total Extra Services budget had been utilized for Fiscal Year 2025-2026; and

5. Additional Extra Services authorized in Exhibit C are necessary during the remainder of Fiscal Year 2025-2026; and

6. Appropriate funds are available from the Landscape Districts and Measure A – Gas Tax accounts. No further work will be done for the current fiscal cycle un the Extra Services provision; and

7. The not-to-exceed amount for Extra Services needs to be raised by $240,000 to complete necessary work during the remainder of the fiscal year.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

1. The not-to-exceed amount of $350,000 for Exhibit C Extra Work Services for Contract RP2025-01 is increased by the additional $240,000 to $590,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

2. The City Manager or their designee is authorized to execute this agreement.

3. All other terms of the Agreement remain unchanged.

Attachment B
Atty. Rev. 2022
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this agreement is executed by the parties on the date first written above.

CONTRACTOR CITY OF SANTA MARIA
J.D. Humann Landscaping, Inc. Recreation and Parks Department Attn: John Humann Attn: Dennis Smitherman
201 W. Broadway, Suite 122 615 S. McClelland
Santa Maria, CA 93457 Santa Maria, CA 93454
___________________ ____________________
By: By:

APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________
City Attorney
______________________
Risk Manager

CITY OF SANTA MARIA

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CITYWIDE

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES
(RP-2025-01)
Date Issued: April 22, 2025
Due Date: May 16, 2025 at 1:30 pm
Proposals received after the time and date stated above shall be returned unopened to the sender.

Attachment C
RP-2025-01 Page 2 of 170

TABLE OF CONTENTS
i. COVER
ii. TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Description
B. City Contact
C. Eligibility
D. Calendar of Events
E. Definitions
F. Terms of Contract
G. Guidelines
H. Contractor Obligations
I. Examination of Contract Documents
J. Contract Assignment and Use of Sub-Contractors
II. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
A. Cover Letter
B. Company Profile
C. Qualifications
D. Fee/Site Sheets
E. Staffing Sheets
F. Invoice Instructions Acknowledgement Sheet
G. Licenses/Certifications
H. References
I. Signature Page
J. Additional Work
K. Bid Submittal Checklist
III. SCOPE OF WORK
A. Working Knowledge
B. Site Conditions
C. Scheduling
D. Staffing
E. Reporting
F. Invoicing
G. Warranty
H. Pesticides
I. Herbicides
J. Trees
K. Shrubs and Vines
L. Groundcovers
M. Lawns
N. Weed Abatement
O. Irrigation Systems
P. Drainage
Q. Disease, Pests, Rodent Control
R. Weed Control
S. Debris Removal
RP-2025-01 Page 3 of 170
T. Paved medians and pathways
U. Additional
IV. SAMPLE AGREEMENT FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES V. BID EVALUATION
A. Evaluation Methodology
B. Evaluation Criteria
C. Bid Award
VI. ATTACHMENTS
RP-2025-01 Page 4 of 170
I. INTRODUCTION
The City of Santa Maria invites Requests for Proposals (RFP) for landscape maintenance services in accordance with the specifications, conditions, and proposal instructions set forth in this RFP from qualified landscape contractors for the maintenance of the City’s four Landscape Maintenance Districts, 22 Special Benefit Zones, and other City landscaped areas.

Landscape maintenance preserves and sustains the quality of the landscape. Landscapes are generally designed with a given style, formal or informal. Proper maintenance maintains the intended design concept.

This RFP does not commit the City to pay any costs incurred by the bidder in the submission of a bid or in making any necessary studies for the preparation thereof.

A. Description
The Landscape Maintenance contract is an outcome-based contract where the City has established specific landscape standards and frequency schedules as deliverables of the contract. The Contractor is responsible to develop a base bid necessary to maintain the expected outcome standards. The bid is to be presented as what the total cost would be for each site for a 12-month period on a month-to-month basis, or in public space on a per occurrence basis. The City will inspect the work of the Contractor against the stated standards to determine compliance and payment.

The work to be performed under the contract consists of the furnishing of all labor, insurance, materials and equipment needed to perform Landscape Maintenance Services in City-wide public spaces, street medians and rights-of-way, as further described in Scope of Services.

Included in this RFP are maps of the City’s four landscape maintenance districts and special benefit zones (See Attachments A-D). These attachments detail the locations and square footage of the areas to be maintained with columns to quote the “cost per sq. ft.” and “total cost” for landscape maintenance services. Upon execution of an agreement, the successful respondent(s) will be provided originals of these maps.

B. City Contact
No oral representation or interpretations will be made to any Contractor as to the meaning of the contract documents. Requests for interpretation shall be made in writing and delivered to the Recreation and Parks Department by May 9, 2025. Interpretation, where necessary, will be made by the City in the form of an addendum to the Contract documents and when issued, will be sent as promptly as is practical to all parties to whom the proposal documents have been issued. All such addenda shall become part of the contract documents. All questions regarding this RFP are to be submitted in writing via U.S. Mail or email to:

City of Santa Maria
Recreation and Parks Department
Attn: Neville Smeda, Business Manager
615 South McClelland Street
Santa Maria, CA 93454
Email Address: [email protected]
RP-2025-01 Page 5 of 170
All contacts during the proposal process shall be through the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. Attempts by the Respondent to contact other department representatives may result in disqualification of the Respondent from the proposal process.

C. Eligibility
The Contractor(s) shall operate and maintain a working office serving the City’s account, and where City representatives can meet with contract staff as needed to coordinate with the Contractor or review documents related to the contract, within 30 miles of the City of Santa Maria City Hall building.

D. Calendar of Events
The tentative schedule of key milestones related to the City of Santa Maria Landscape Maintenance Services is as follows:

EVENT DATE
RFP Issued April 22, 2025
Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference May 7, 2025
Written Questions Due May 9, 2025
Addendum Issued (if required) May 12, 2025
Proposal Due May 16, 2025
Evaluation Period May 19-23, 2025
Interview(s) May 28, 2025
Award Date June 17, 2025
Contract Start Date July 1, 2025
Evaluation, award and start dates are approximate. It is the responsibility of each respondent to be familiar with all of the specifications, terms and conditions, and site conditions. The Contractor agrees and acknowledges all RFP specifications, terms and conditions and affirms the ability to perform by submission of a proposal. By the submission of a proposal, the Contractor certifies that if awarded a contract it will make no claim against the City based upon ignorance of conditions or misunderstanding of the specifications. The mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held at 615 S. McClelland Street, Santa Maria, California, 93454 at 9:00 AM.

E. Definitions
Agreement: Standard form of agreement contained in RFP.

Authorized Representative: Person designated by the City as having the authority and responsibility for administering the Project.

Business Days Monday through Friday
City: City of Santa Maria, State of California
Contract Documents: An agreement, together with the terms and content of the RFP.

Contractor: Successful Respondent of the RFP to whom the contract is awarded.

RP-2025-01 Page 6 of 170
Legally Approved Herbicide: Herbicide substance approved by California Department of Pesticide Regulation, P.O. Box 4015, Sacramento, California 95812-4015.

Telephone: 916-445-3838.

Licensed Pest Control Licensed by the California Department Applicator: of Pesticide Regulation. Address: P.O. Box 4015, Sacramento, California 95812-4015. Telephone: 916-445-3838.

Maintenance Specifications: Specifications, maintenance schedule and checklist set forth in this RFP.

Project: Statement of Work described in the RFP.

Respondent: Party or parties who submit a proposal in response to the RFP.

RFP: Request for Proposals for the project.

Site: Physical location of the Project and includes each and every area listed and described in Attachments A - D of the RFP.

Work: Provision of management, tools, supplies, equipment and labor necessary to undertake the Project.

F. Terms of Contract
It is the intent of the City to contract for landscape maintenance services presented herein for a term of three (3) years, with possible extension for up to three (3) one-year (1) terms subject to the satisfactory negotiation of terms and successful annual performance of the Contractor. This shall include a price acceptable to the City and the successful Contractor(s) and the annual availability of an appropriation. The performance of the Contractor(s) will be evaluated at the end of each year.

Upon conclusion of the RFP process, an agreement, similar to included ‘Sample Agreement’, shall be executed and awarded for landscape maintenance services. The terms and conditions of the agreement are subject to change.

G. Guidelines
The City of Santa Maria reserves the right to:
• Reject any and all bids
• Waive any irregularities in any bid
• Sit and act as sole judge of the merit and qualifications of services offered • Award an agreement to multiple contractors based on the bids that are most advantageous to the City in price, quality, and suitability of services outlined in this RFP • Remove sections of the RFP from contract as conditions warrant H. Contractor Obligations
Contractor(s) is required to inspect the site of work in order to satisfy themselves, by personal examination or by such other means as they may prefer, of the location of the proposed work and as to the actual conditions of and at each site. If, during the course of their examination, a Contractor finds facts or conditions which appear to conflict with the letter or spirit of the contract documents, or with any other data furnished in the RFP, it may apply to the City for additional information and explanation before submitting a proposal.

RP-2025-01 Page 7 of 170
I. Examination of Contract Documents
Each Contractor shall thoroughly examine and be familiar with legal and procedural documents, general conditions, specifications and any addenda. Submission of a proposal shall constitute acknowledgment, upon which the City of Santa Maria may rely that the Contractor has thoroughly examined and is familiar with the contract documents. Failure or neglect of Contractor to receive or examine any of the contract documents shall in no way relieve them of any obligation with respect to their proposal or to the contract. No claim for additional compensation which is based upon a lack of knowledge of any contract documents will be allowed.

J. Contract Assignment and Use of Sub-Contractors
The Contractor shall not assign, transfer, convey, or otherwise dispose of the contract or its right, title or interest, or its power to execute such a contract to any individual or business entity of any kind without the previous written consent of the City of Santa Maria. The Contractor shall not employ the services of and sub-contractor in the performance of the contract without the prior consent from the City’s contract coordinator.

II. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
Proposals shall be in written form and must include, as a minimum, the information requested by the City. Additional pages may be attached to the Proposal, as supplemental, but not as replacement pages.

All proposals shall give all information requested therein and shall be signed by Contractor or an authorized representative, with their address and contact information. The Contractor must prepare and submit all required documents. Unauthorized conditions, omissions, limitations or provisos attached to a proposal will render the proposal non-responsive and may cause its rejection.

Each proposal shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope, labeled and delivered to City of Santa Maria, Recreation and Parks Department, Attention: Neville Smeda, Business Manager, 615 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, California, 93454, by May 16, 2025 by 1:30 pm. Proposal forms received after the deadline date will not be accepted. Postmarks will not be accepted. Telephone, electronic or facsimile bids will not be accepted. Please do not submit bids in three ring binders. The City of Santa Maria reserves the right to reject any or all proposals; to make any awards or any rejections in what it alone considers to be in the best interest of the City of Santa Maria and waive any informalities or irregularities in the proposals.

Additionally, the City may, for any reason, decide not to award an Agreement as a result of this RFP.

Proposals must include, at a minimum, the following information:

A. Cover Letter
A one-page cover letter and introduction including a statement of Contractor’s approach for providing landscape maintenance services to the City of Santa Maria. The letter must provide the company name and address of the respondent and the name, address, and telephone number of the person(s) to be used for contact, and who will be authorized to make representations for the respondent. Whether the respondent is an individual, partner, or corporation shall be also stated.

B. Company Profile
Bids shall include a profile of the company, including a brief description of the company’s main office location, years in business, background on the owner’s experience and education related to landscape maintenance services, other municipalities where services are performed and other related information that is pertinent to this RFP. Detail any involvement, past or current, relative to litigation or other disputes, if any, concerning your performance with any clients to whom your company has provided services.

RP-2025-01 Page 8 of 170
C. Qualifications
Bids shall include a statement demonstrating that the minimum qualifications listed in this RFP have been met in order to have their bid considered. Minimum qualifications include, but are not limited to:

Within the last five (5) years, Contractor(s) must have at least three (3) years of continuous experience in the ownership and direct management of a landscape maintenance business similar to that which is proposed. Ownership is defined as a minimum ownership of 25% and active involvement in the day-today management of the business.

For field supervisor of crews doing the contract work must identify the head pesticide technician and the head irrigation technician. Include industry licenses, certifications or other credentials of expertise as they will be used as part of the judging qualifications. Include the resume and credentials of: the person who will be the Principal Manager of the City’s contract, and the on-site superintendent.

D. Fee/Site Sheets
Bids shall include a fee sheet for each landscape maintenance district and special benefit zone. All fees shall be quoted on the Fee/Site Sheets. All fees quoted shall be firm and fixed for 45 days after bid filing date.

E. Staffing Sheets
Bids shall include a staffing sheet listing both field and clerical personnel that will be assigned to service each landscape maintenance district. Include a description of full-time and part-time employees and their qualifications, including certifications (see attachment F), and how each landscape maintenance district and special benefit zone will be staffed. Describe account/clerical employees, their qualifications and skills. Describe how your firm utilizes these skills to perform the scope of services as outlined in this request for proposal. Include in the bid submittal the appropriate documentation you require from your employees that verifies their legal right to work in the United States.

F. Quality Control Plan
On a separate attachment labeled “Quality Control Plan,” include as part of the staffing plan, an outline how you will staff the contract and implement quality control procedures including but not limited to inspection and modification of procedures, furnish any equipment necessary for implementation, and a matrix for ensuring the scope of work is completed to APPA (Association of Physical Plan Administrators) Level 3 quality standards. Include an organizational chart to include the contract/service manager, safety officer, billing point of contact, and any other additional information necessary to execute the Quality Control Plan. Contractor is required to provide all safety equipment and MSDS sheets for the above scope of work.

The Contractor shall maintain the most recent and updated version of the contract, contract documents, and records pertaining to the City’s account at their location (within 30 miles of the City of Santa Maria City Hall) and make them available to the City upon request. The Contract/Principal Manager directly responsible for the contract shall be available at the Contractor’s working office for any in-person meetings or coordination efforts with the City representative.

G. Invoice Instructions Acknowledgement Sheet
All bids shall include a signed Invoice Instruction Acknowledgement sheet agreeing that Contractor(s) understands the invoicing instructions of the RFP and will be able to meet the needs without exceptions.

If exceptions are required, the bidder must list in detail. (Attachment E).

H. Licenses/Certifications
All bids shall include a copy of a State of California C-27 Landscape Contractor License, a copy of the Pesticide Applicator’s License, a copy of a current City of Santa Maria Business License, and a RP-2025-01 Page 9 of 170
Certificate of Liability Insurance.

I. References
All bids shall include a list of at least three (3) references of governmental and/or commercial accounts that your firm has contracted within the last three years for landscape maintenance services. For each reference include a company name, mailing address, contact person, contact person’s title, telephone number and e-mail address. (Attachment F)
J. Signature Page
The signature page is considered an integral part of the bid and shall be signed by an individual(s) who is/are authorized to contractually bind offer(s). The signature(s) must indicate the title or position the individual(s) holds in the firm. An unsigned bid will be rejected.

K. Additional Work
The City has the authority to direct additional work including work for vandalism repair, City initiated improvement, and the addition of new sites. Additional work outside the Scope of Services will require written approval from the City prior to commencement of work. Cost for additional work completed by the Contractor prior to receiving written approval from the City shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

Additional work will follow the price schedule (Attachment C) L. Bid Submittal Checklist
The Bid Submittal Checklist (Attachment G) governs the order in which the bid shall be submitted. All responses shall be complete and easy to understand, and items submitted shall be noted (example:

Item “A”) in order of the checklist.

Please take the time to carefully read the RFP package and understand the process. The format, organization, and content are all important in conducting an accurate and complete evaluation of the bid.

III. SCOPE OF WORK
A. Working Knowledge
The Contractor(s) shall have a demonstrable working knowledge of the maintenance of turf areas, mowing, plant identification, pruning, irrigation systems and repair, drainage systems, debris removal, post and pre-emergent and fertilizer application, traffic delineation, and other related work.

B. Site Conditions
The successful Contractor(s) shall be required to inspect entire sites and be familiar with the requirements and growth habits of all existing plant materials in each site.

C. Scheduling
Maintenance services shall be provided Monday through Saturday, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Work on City of Santa Maria holidays may only be performed with the permission of the City’s Authorized Representative. Contract obligations must be met regardless of holidays, but the Contractor is not obligated to staff the City contract on City holidays.

D. Staffing
It shall be demonstrated in the bid submittal, that the successful Contractor(s) has sufficient, qualified and experienced staff to adequately perform all landscape maintenance as outlined in the proposal submission section. This is a vital scope of service in this RFP.

RP-2025-01 Page 10 of 170
E. Reporting
The Contractor’s projected schedule shall be submitted to the City’s Authorized Representative monthly, indicating all the work to be performed within the contracted area such as litter pick-up, mowing, edging, irrigation inspections, pesticide and herbicide applications, disease and pest control and pruning.

Schedules are required for each of the four master Landscape Districts and each Special Benefit Zone.

F. Invoicing
Invoices shall be submitted to the attention of the City’s Authorized Representative. Separate invoices shall be submitted for each landscape maintenance district site and special benefit zone (22 total).

Without exception, no invoice will be accepted if “payment due” is for a combined landscape maintenance district and special benefit zone.

Invoices shall include a description of the areas worked for the billing period by amount of square footage completed, and have attached all invoices for irrigation repair/replacement materials in any and all landscape maintenance districts and special benefit zones. The markup for irrigation materials shall be limited to the cost of the materials plus a maximum of 15%. Please note under “Irrigation Systems” on page 9, the information about irrigation system lateral lines 1” or less in size and lateral lines 1 ¼” or larger in size.

Invoices shall include “Attention To” the name and title of the City’s Authorized Representative, the City’s billing address, the invoice number, the Purchase Order number, the actual date the invoice is sent to the City as the “billing date,” and the period of billing (example: billing period from July 1, 2025 to July 31, 2025). Invoices shall also include the Contractor’s name, their Contract/Principal Manager’s name, office/mailing address, and office telephone number. Include page number of number at the top right corner of each invoice sheet. Include itemization of work by description, unit of measurement, quantity, total amount previously billed, amount remaining on contract, and total amount billed for the current invoice/billing period.

Payment is due by the City net 30 days from the acceptance of an invoice, which is typically one week after the first working day of the month following the service month.

Bidder shall indicate, by signature, on the Invoice Instructions Acknowledgement Sheet (Attachment E) the ability to invoice for services as outlined in the RFP or note any exceptions.

G. Warranty
All supervision, labor, materials, and equipment necessary for the complete maintenance of all landscaped areas shall be furnished by the successful bidder(s). Equipment shall be safe, proper, efficient, and suited to and for the job. All cutting blades shall be kept properly sharpened and all equipment must have all required safety devices in place and be fully operational.

All plant material shall be maintained in a healthy and vigorous condition. Plant material shall be allowed to grow and develop natural growth habits without being clipped into balled or boxed forms. Please note that there may be some exceptions to this requirement.

Irrigation and drainage systems shall be maintained in good working order and general sites kept clean and free of litter, debris, and graffiti. This includes all drainage swales, inlets and outlets.

Trees, shrubs, ground covers, lawn, perennials, annuals, or irrigation components damaged by successful bidder(s)’s or successful bidder(s)’s employees’ actions or lack of actions shall be restored or replaced at the Contractor(s) cost.

RP-2025-01 Page 11 of 170
The City’s Authorized Representative shall be notified of any dead or dying plant material including vines, shrubs, groundcover, and trees.

The responsibility for replacing dead or dying plant material that was previously well-established with appropriate plant size (5 gallon plants/24” box trees) shall be the responsibility of the Contractor(s).

Delineation shall be set up at all work sites per Caltrans specifications as outlined in the Work Area Traffic Control Handbook. The Contractor(s) shall notify the City’s Authorized Representative no less than ten business days prior to starting work on Highway 166 and/or 135. There is an annual cost for this permit that must be obtained by the Contractor(s). A blanket encroachment permit with standard roadway delineation details will be obtained from Public Works at no fee. Median work will be scheduled with the City’s Authorized Representative no less than ten business days prior to starting work.

H. Pesticides
Whenever possible, integrated pest management (IPM) should be used with the intent of minimizing the use of pesticides. All pesticides MUST be registered in the State of California and conform to all requirements of the California Food and Agriculture Code. The successful bidder(s) must be properly licensed and registered to perform pest control work. Personal protection equipment shall be used at all times when applying pesticides. All pesticides must be approved by the City’s Authorized Representative prior to use.

I. Herbicides
The least toxic products shall be considered for application in the City’s landscape districts and special benefit zones. All herbicides MUST be registered in the State of California and conform to all requirements of the California Food and Agriculture Code. All herbicides must be approved by the City’s Authorized Representative prior to use.

J. Trees
All tree maintenance/trimming shall be provided by the City of Santa Maria unless otherwise directed by the City’s Authorized Representative.

No string trimmers or mowers are allowed closer than two feet from the trunk of trees. Herbicides, hand pulling and mulching are to be used to suppress weeds and grass as needed within the two foot radius.

K. Shrubs and Vines
General pruning shall be done in the winter. Minor pruning may be done at any time. Plants shall be pruned to conform to their natural growth characteristics whenever possible. Shrubs may overhang sidewalks and curbs between prunings up to six inches, providing they don’t impede right of ways and ADA compliance. Hedge shears are only to be used to shape portions of plants along walkways, curbs and roadways. Hand clippers are to be used for other shrub shaping and dead heading.

Shrubs shall be pruned to conform to the design concept of the landscape and allowed to exhibit their natural growth habits unless otherwise directed by the City’s Authorized Representative. Shrubs shall not be clipped into balled, boxed or mushroom forms. No walkways or channels are to be cut into dense foliage areas. To prevent leggedness (sparse lower branches), shrubs shall be maintained with the lower foliage wider than upper foliage. Shrubs shall not be topped at the same height as adjacent walls and fences. Shrubs should be pruned back to prevent them hanging over walls and fences into private property. Shrubs should be pruned back when they are conflicting with the desired growth of adjacent trees. Strapped foliage plants should only have dead flower heads and foliage removed, never cut back healthy foliage. Shrubs shall be topped as needed to 36 inches in the 50 foot site view RP-2025-01 Page 12 of 170
triangles at all roadway intersections, this is the only exception to the natural growth habit dictate.

Cutting back of 50% or more of a shrub should only be done with approval of the City’s Authorized Representative.

Vines shall be pruned to control growth and direction, kept “in-bounds”. Vines shall be trimmed to within two concrete blocks of the top of walls and not allowed to grow over walls, doors, gates, or other structural facilities unless otherwise noted and approved by the City’s Authorized Representative. Ground vines shall not be allowed to cover the crowns of shrubs or grow up tree trunks.

L. Ground Covers
Ground covers shall be edged up to four times a year, maximum growth will be six inches over adjacent concrete and maximum prune back will be two inches behind the edge of concrete. Ground cover edging is to be accomplished with a slope or roll back cut, never a blunt wall cut at the edges of hard surfaces.

M. Lawns
Mowing shall be performed biweekly, in season, at two inches in the Spring and adjusted to two and one-half inches by late Summer and early Fall. Mowers shall be equipped with mulching blades.

All lawn edges shall be edged every three weeks throughout the year. Obstacles within the lawn areas shall be edged to maintain a grass-free clear space of two inches in width. Herbicides are not to be used as an edging tool. Lawn sprinkler heads shall only be edged to allow for proper distribution of water. All leaf and lawn material must be picked up and removed from the work site. Leaf and lawn material shall never be left in the street.

Aerate lawns four times each year and aerate one time each year in lieu of mowing as turf growth rate allows. Abandoned turf is to be mowed and edged as needed to keep a neat appearance.

N. Weed Abatement
Weedy basins, drainages, and six foot trail shoulders are to be mowed twice a year and have debris cleaned up per section S below.

O. Irrigation Systems
Total irrigation wellness is a part of this contract with the exception of the irrigation controllers. Testing of the irrigation controllers is part of the wellness plan, but programing and repair are outside the contract scope. This contract expects proactive testing and repair of the irrigation system and the City will hold the Contractor responsible for damage and expense to the landscape caused by unrepaired irrigation issues. Twice a year irrigation checks will be performed with Special Districts staff in attendance to judge the effectiveness of the irrigation maintenance. (Attachment D)

1. Irrigation System Lateral Lines – 1” or less in size:

The Contractor shall be responsible for all repairs and maintenance on all irrigation system lateral lines 1” or less in size. All costs for repairs on irrigation system lateral lines, 1” or less in size, shall be included in this bid (Fee/Site Sheets - Attachments A-D). This includes all pop up heads, bubblers, nozzles, lids, swing joints, fittings and pipes. All replacement heads or parts must be the same manufacturer and type as approved by the City’s Authorized Representative.

RP-2025-01 Page 13 of 170

2. Irrigation System Lateral Lines – Over 1¼” or larger in size:

Repairs and maintenance on irrigation system lateral lines, over 1¼” in size, shall be invoiced at the cost of material plus 15% (material invoice must accompany all billing invoices). This includes valves, rotor heads, fittings, pipes and wiring. All replacement heads or parts must be the same manufacturer and type as approved by the City’s Authorized Representative.

Responsibility shall include, but not be limited to, all required repairs and maintenance due to vandalism, accidents, and force majeure. Bills will only be honored for work approved in writing with the Special Districts Coordinator.

P. Drainage Systems
To avoid ponding, flooding, and excessive saturation of soils and plant roots, drainage systems shall be routinely checked for blockage.

Surface drainage swales and/or gutters shall be kept free of leaves, debris, and sediment accumulation.

Q. Disease, Pest, Rodent Control
All chemicals must be applied under the strict supervision of a California Department of Pesticide Regulation licensed and qualified pest control applicator, per the manufacturers’ recommended label application procedures, and the laws regulating pesticide application. Whenever possible, integrated pest management and the least toxic materials shall be used.

Plants and lawns shall be maintained in a healthy condition such that the plants and lawns are able to withstand minor disease and insect damage without control measures. Routine applications of pesticides shall not be permitted, as this practice destroys natural, predator-prey relationships in the environment. When unusually high infections or infestations occur, an accurate identification of the disease or insect shall be made and the control product selected with care, prior to application.

Insecticidal soaps shall be utilized wherever possible.

All rodents such as gophers, mice, ground squirrels and rabbits shall be trapped or controlled with bait, bait stations, or any other approved method.

The City’s Authorized Representative shall be immediately advised of disease, pest, and rodent problems and any conditions, which may be detrimental to the condition of the landscape or fixtures therein.

R. Weed Control
Herbicides may be used to control and inhibit weed growth but must be selected with extreme care.

Herbicides must be applied in strict accordance with manufacturers’ label application procedures. A list of the name, quantities, and location of all herbicides applied shall be provided to the City’s Authorized Representative.

Shrub and ground cover areas shall be maintained free of weeds and grasses. Herbicides may be used to control weed growth. Careful consideration shall be given to the choice of materials used as certain herbicides can cause damage to turf grass and some ground covers.

Weed infestation in lawn areas shall be discouraged by proper maintenance, including but not limited to proper mowing and watering. Fertilization is handled by the City.

RP-2025-01 Page 14 of 170
Weed control in turf areas is to be done up to two times a year with prior consultation with the City’s Authorized Representative.

Weeds shall not be allowed to grow in paved areas such as driveways, curbs, walks, and paths.

Weeds can be removed manually, or herbicides may be used for control. The use of weed oil, diesel fuel, or other staining or damaging materials is not allowed.

S. Debris Removal
Litter and trash including, but not limited to leaves, rubbish, papers, bottles, cans, and other debris, shall be removed from all areas of the site one time per week on Monday or Tuesday. This shall include emptying of all trash cans and waste cans at Doggie bag stations. Doggie bags shall be replaced as needed in the appropriate containers. The bags shall be supplied by the City’s Authorized Representative.

All graffiti shall be removed from play equipment, irrigation controllers, and doggy bag dispensers.

Specification for removal of graffiti shall be provided by the City’s Authorized Representative. Graffiti other than on play equipment, along with shopping carts, shall be immediately reported via phone to (805) 925-0951, extension 2667.

All refuse from maintenance operations shall be disposed of properly. All leaf and lawn material must be picked up and removed from the work site. Leaf and lawn material shall never be blown into the street.

T. Paved medians and pathways
Medians that are paved with concrete, asphalt, gravel or DG are to be kept clear of weeds and debris as needed.

U. Additional
Upon execution of the contract, the Contractor shall identify an Authorized Representative(s) with authority to administer the scope of services on the Contractor’s behalf, as outlined in an executed agreement as a result of this RFP. The Contractor’s Authorized Representative shall be available, by phone, to the City’s Authorized Representative Monday through Saturday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

A 24-hour emergency phone number and the names of two (2) contact individuals shall be provided to the City’s Authorized Representative. In the event of an emergency, the City’s Authorized Representative must be able to contact at least one of these individuals seven days per week, 24 hours per day.

The Contractor shall provide staffing to perform landscape maintenance services in the event of unforeseen changes, special events, or emergencies. This will be considered an alteration of routine services, not an addition of new services or scope.

A valid and current State of California C-27 Landscape Contractor License shall be required to perform these services. Appropriate licenses and/or certifications for any and all maintenance performed in all City landscape maintenance districts or special benefit zones shall be required by all bidders. The contractor(s) shall have a City business license on file. Upon request, the successful bidder(s) shall furnish to the City’s Authorized Representative any and all licenses and certificates required to perform the scope of services outlined in the executed agreement.

RP-2025-01 Page 15 of 170
IV. SAMPLE AGREEMENT FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES

AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
(Citywide Landscape maintenance Services)
(RP-2025-01)

THIS AGREEMENT is made on _XXXXXXX_, 2025, by and between, XXXXXXX and the City of Santa Maria, a California Municipal Corporation and charter City (“City”), in the Santa Maria, California, based on the following recitals:

1. The City is involved in the maintenance of certain public right-of-way areas in connection with the Landscape Maintenance Districts, Special Benefit Zones, retention basins, plazas and parks throughout the City of Santa Maria; and

2. The City requires a duly qualified landscape contractor with experience in providing professional landscape maintenance services throughout the City of Santa Maria; and

3. XXXXXXX is a firm having the necessary experience and qualifications to provide the landscape maintenance; and

4. The City has for the provisions and services of landscape maintenance; and

5. On April 22, 2025, the City issued a Notice Inviting Sealed Request for Proposals for provision and service of landscape maintenance (RP-2025-01); and

6. XXXXXXXX has submitted a Proposal that the City has deemed acceptable and has extensive knowledge and is qualified to provide the needed services, and is willing to provide those services on mutually agreeable terms; and NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

1. Recitals True. The above recitals are true.

2. General.

2.01 Term and Termination. The term of this contract is three years, beginning on the date first written above. This contract may be extended by mutual consent of the parties for up to three consecutive one-year periods. This contract may be terminated for breach of its terms and conditions, or because of discovery of any act which violates local, state or federal law. Termination is effective 14 days after deposit of notice, as specified in this Agreement.

2.02 Services to be Performed. RP-2025-01 is hereby attached as Exhibit “A”.

XXXXXXX Proposal, dated __XXXXXXX, 2025 and consisting of a price quote, references and an insurance certification, is attached hereto as Exhibit “B”.

XXXXXXX shall determine the method, details and means of providing service and delivery of landscape maintenance in the Landscape Maintenance Districts, Special Benefit Zones, and other City landscaped areas. More specifically, XXXXXXX agrees to perform the specific services set forth in Exhibits “A”, “B”, “C” and “D”.

Attachments “A” through “J” are attached hereto and incorporated herein. In its sole discretion, City may reduce or increase the scope of work upon 30 days written RP-2025-01 Page 16 of 170
notice to Contractor. Price shall be reduced or increased in proportion to the reduced or increased scope of work on a time and materials or unit basis and shall be documented in a change order to this Agreement.

2.03 City’s Duties. City’s duties under this Agreement are to cooperate with XXXXXXX in the performance of the Agreement and timely payment of invoices.

2.04 Payment and Liquidated Damages. City shall pay XXXXXXX for the services provided under this Agreement in accordance with the prices quoted in Exhibit “B”.

Payment terms under this Agreement are listed in Exhibit “C”. Repairs to correct irrigation problems shall be performed within 24 hours of being notified either in writing or verbally of an irrigation problem. Special Requests for Weed Abatement, Trash Removal, Trimming, Mowing, and any other service contemplated in this agreement shall be performed within the timeline allocated to the Contractor by the City’s Authorized Representative. If repairs are not made within the time period specified by the City’s Authorized Representative, the City’s Authorized Representative may, i) self- perform all or part of the work to resolve the issue and any restoration resulting from delays with City of Santa Maria Employees, and/or ii) outsource the repair, service, and restoration, etc. to another Licensed Contractor, and deduct the amount paid for labor and materials, plus penalties, and a 15% Administrative Expense from the monthly billing.

2.05 Insurance. XXXXXXX shall provide insurance as set forth in Exhibit “D”.

3. Contractor’s Obligations.

3.01 Minimum Amount of Service. XXXXXXX shall devote sufficient time to perform services under this Agreement efficiently and effectively. XXXXXXX may represent, perform services for, and be employed by additional individuals or entities at XXXXXXX sole discretion, as long as the performance of these extra-contractual services does not interfere or present a conflict with City’s business.

3.02 Schedules. XXXXXXX shall provide a work schedule specifically outlining the days of the week specific tasks listed in the scope of services will be performed. For example: litter pick-up, mowing, pruning, general maintenance, irrigation check, etc.

This schedule must be approved by the City’s Authorized Representative. All work performed shall be completed on the days indicated on the approved work schedule and can be changed only with the approval of the City’s Authorized Representative.

3.03 Tools and Equipment. Except as otherwise stated in this Agreement, XXXXXXX will supply all tools and equipment necessary to perform this Agreement.

All XXXXXXX vehicles shall be easily identified by the public with a magnetic sign attached to each vehicle with the name of the company, phone number and a statement to the effect that the crew is under contract with the City of Santa Maria Landscape Maintenance Districts.

3.04 Status. XXXXXXX (including its employees) is an independent contractor. No employer/employee relationship exists between XXXXXXX and the City. XXXXXXX assigned personnel shall not be entitled to any benefits payable to employees of the City. The City is not required to make any deductions or withholdings from the compensation payable to XXXXXXX under this agreement.

RP-2025-01 Page 17 of 170

3.05 License. XXXXXXX must have a State of California C-27 Landscape Contractor License.

3.06 Indemnification. To the fullest extent allowed by law, XXXXXXX shall indemnify, defend (with independent counsel approved by the City) and hold harmless the City, and its directors, officers, and employees from and against all liabilities (including without limitation all claims, losses, damages, penalties, fines, and judgments, associated investigation and administrative costs of alternative dispute resolution) regardless of nature or type that arises out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, reckless, or willful misconduct of XXXXXXX or the acts or omissions of an employee, agent or subcontractor of XXXXXXX. The provisions of this paragraph survive completion of the services or the termination of this contract.

The provisions of this Section are not limited by the provisions of the Section relating to insurance.

4. Miscellaneous

4.01. Notices. All communication relating to the day-to-day activities of this Agreement shall be exchanged between a designated representative of the CITY and a representative of CONTRACTOR, listed below. All notices shall be addressed as follows unless a written change is filed with the City:

To City: To Contractor:

Attn. Alex Posada Attn. XXXXXXX
615 S. McClelland XXXXXXX
Santa Maria, CA 93454 XXXXXXX
If the designated Representative or address of either party changes during the term of this Agreement, a written notice shall be given to the other party prior to the effective date of change. Any written notices required under this Agreement shall be effective five (5) days after deposit into United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the designated Representative, or upon confirmation of receipt of delivery if another notification process is used.

4.02. Compliance With Laws, etc. Contractor shall comply with all laws, including but not limited to the rules and policies of the City, in performing this Agreement.

4.03. Integration. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter. All modifications, amendments, or waivers of the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by the appropriate representatives of the parties.

4.04. Interpretation. This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

4.05. Jurisdiction. Jurisdiction and venue of all disputes over the terms of this Agreement shall be in the County of Northern Santa Barbara, State of California.

4.06. Warranty of Authority. Each person signing this Agreement on behalf of a party warrants that he or she has authority to do so.

RP-2025-01 Page 18 of 170

4.07. No Waiver. Failure to enforce with respect to a default shall not be construed as a waiver.

4.08. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable. If any part of this Agreement is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect unless amended or modified by mutual written consent of the parties.

4.09. Submittals. In addition to any other submittals required by this Agreement, Contractor shall submit copies of its current business license and current certificate of workers compensation coverage to the City before beginning work on this project.

4.10 Prevailing Wage. Prevailing Wage. If applicable, Contractor and all subcontractors are required to pay the State prevailing wage rates with certified payroll Pursuant to CA Labor Code Section 1771 et seq., http:www.dir.ca.gov/PWD/index.htm The Director's determination is on file and open to inspection at www.dir.ca.gov and is referred to and made a part hereof; the wage rates therein ascertained, determined and specified are referred to and made a part hereof as though fully set forth herein. Obtain the project D.I.R. number from the Recreation and Parks Special District Supervisor.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed by the parties on the date first written above.

CONTRACTOR

XXXXXXX
By: ___________________________
President
By: ___________________________
Vice-President/Secretary
CITY
CITY OF SANTA MARIA, a political subdivision of
the State of California
By:

Alex Posada
Director of Recreation and Parks
ATTEST:

By: _____________________________
Donna G. Schwartz
Chief Deputy City Clerk
RP-2025-01 Page 19 of 170
EXHIBIT “A”

SCOPE OF WORK
Description
The landscape maintenance preserves and sustains the quality of the landscape. Landscapes are generally designed with a given style, formal or informal. Proper maintenance maintains the intended design concept.

Work Included
XXXXXXX must have a working knowledge of the maintenance of turf areas, mowing requirements and operations, plant identification and pruning requirements, irrigation systems and repair, drainage systems and debris removal, post and pre-emergent application, fertilizer application, and other related work. XXXXXXX shall keep City representative informed of areas needing any renovation including replenishing bark, dead or dying plant material or missing plant material.

Severability of Tasks
The City reserves the right of severability; any clause or task within these specifications may be deleted at the discretion of the Recreation and Parks Department. Adjustments to the contract costs will be made accordingly.

Quality Assurance
XXXXXXX and/or employees must be properly licensed and registered to perform pest control work described below.

Site Conditions
Existing Conditions. XXXXXXX shall inspect the entire site and be familiar with the requirements and growth habits of all existing plant material. INITIAL
Environmental Conditions. XXXXXXX shall immediately advise the Recreation and Parks Department of disease or pest problems and any other conditions, which may be detrimental to the condition of the landscape or fixtures therein. INITIAL Scheduling
Maintenance services shall be provided on a weekly basis, Monday through Saturday, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. XXXXXXX shall provide to the City’s Authorized Representative for approval, a work schedule specifically outlining on which days of the week specific tasks of the Agreement will be performed, for example: litter pick-up, mowing, pruning, general maintenance, irrigation check, etc. All work performed within the Agreement area shall be completed on the days indicated and can only be changed with the acknowledgement and approval of the Recreation and Parks Department representative.

XXXXXXX shall submit a monthly report that indicates all the work that was performed within the contracted area, such as litter pick-up, mowing and edging, irrigation inspections, pesticide and herbicide applications, disease and pest control (as referenced in this Attachment A), to the City’s Authorized Representative
Warranty
XXXXXXX shall furnish all supervision, labor, materials, and equipment necessary for the complete maintenance of all landscaped areas.

RP-2025-01 Page 20 of 170
Plant materials shall be maintained in a healthy and vigorous condition and allowed to grow and develop natural growth habits without being clipped into balled or boxed forms.

Irrigation and drainage systems shall be kept in good working order, and the general site kept clean, and free of litter, debris, or graffiti. This includes all drainage swales, inlets and outlets.

XXXXXXX shall restore or replace any trees, shrubs, ground covers, lawn, perennials, annuals, or irrigation components damaged by XXXXXXX action or lack of action. This includes lack of water or over-watering. Please note that these conditions should be noted when irrigation checks are performed.

XXXXXXX is obligated to notify the City’s Authorized Representative of any dead or dying plant material including vines, shrubs, groundcover or trees. XXXXXXX shall be responsible for replacing any dead or dying plant material that was previously well-established with appropriate plant size (5 gallon plants/24” box trees).

XXXXXXX shall not be responsible for the following, unless specifically agreed upon:

Replacement of plant material damaged or destroyed by storms, or other causes beyond XXXXXXX control.

Equipment
XXXXXXX shall provide and maintain all equipment necessary to properly complete the maintenance work. Equipment shall be safe, proper, efficient, and suited to and for, the job. All cutting blades shall be kept properly sharpened. All equipment must have all required safety devices in place and fully operational.

PRODUCTS
Pesticides
Whenever possible, integrated pest management (IPM) should be used with the intent of minimizing the use of pesticides. All pesticides MUST be registered in the State of California and conform to all requirements of the California Food and Agriculture Code.

Herbicides
Least toxic products shall be considered. All herbicides MUST be registered in the State of California and conform to all requirements of the California Food and Agriculture Code.

EXECUTION
Trees
All tree maintenance/trimming shall be provided by the City of Santa Maria. No string trimmers or mowers are to be allowed closer than two feet from the trunk of trees. Herbicides, hand pulling and mulching are to be used to suppress weeds and grass as needed within the two foot radius.

Shrubs and Vines
Pruning
The general objectives for pruning of shrubs and vines are to maintain growth within space limitations, to maintain a natural appearance, to eliminate diseased or damaged growth, and to select and develop permanent branches.

RP-2025-01 Page 21 of 170
General pruning may be done at any time but major pruning should be done no more than once a year.

Shrubs shall be pruned to conform to the design concept of the landscape.

Individual shrubs shall not be clipped into balled or boxed forms but allowed to exhibit their natural growth habits. Plants shall be pruned to conform to their natural growth characteristics whenever possible, except with the 50 foot site view triangles at road intersections where a 36 in height must be maintained.

Vines shall be pruned to control growth and direction, and shall be kept “in-bounds” and not allowed to grow over walls, doors, gates, or other structural facilities. Vines shall be trimmed to within two blocks of the top of walls. Ground vines shall not be allowed to cover the crowns of shrubs or grow up tree trunks.

To prevent leggedness (sparse lower branches), shrubs shall be maintained with the lower foliage wider than upper foliage.

Ground Covers
Edging
Ground covers shall be edged up to four times a year, maximum growth will be 6 inches over adjacent concrete and maximum prune back will be to the edge of concrete.

Lawns
Mowing
Lawns shall be mowed weekly in season, to provide a neat appearance. Abandoned lawn shall be kept trimmed and edged as needed with out a specific schedule.

As a general rule, warm season grasses are mowed shorter than cool season grasses. Begin mowing at two and one-half inches in the spring, and adjust to three inches by late summer and early fall. Avoid scalping during the growing season.

Edging/Weed-eating
All lawn edges shall be edged every two weeks throughout the year.

Obstacles within the lawn areas shall be edged to maintain a grass-free clear space of two inches in width.

Lawn sprinkler heads shall only be edged to allow for proper distribution of water.

Aerate lawns four times and dethatch one time each year in lieu of mowing as turf growth rate allows.

Irrigation Systems
General
The frequency and duration of irrigation shall be determined and monitored by the City’s Authorized Representative. It is XXXXXXX responsibility to inform the City’s Authorized Representative of any dry areas or wet areas in a timely fashion.

All irrigation controllers shall be programmed to run between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. by the City’s Authorized Representative.

RP-2025-01 Page 22 of 170
XXXXXXX shall perform inspections and notify the City’s Authorized Representative of any irrigation problems.

System Maintenance
All replacement heads or parts shall be of the same manufacturer, type, and application rates as approved by the Recreation and Parks Department.

XXXXXXX shall be required to make repairs to correct irrigation problems within 24 hours of being notified of an irrigation problem. If repairs are not made within the specified time period, the City’s Authorized Representative shall outsource the repair and deduct the amount paid for labor and materials, plus penalties, from XXXXXXXXXX monthly billing.

XXXXXXX shall be responsible to make repairs on all irrigation system lateral lines one inch or less in size. Any additional repairs larger than just stated shall be at the agreed upon irrigation rate which includes the cost of material plus 15%. A copy of the material invoice must accompany all billing invoices. This includes vandalism, accidents and acts of God.

The irrigation system shall be flushed as needed if the irrigation checks demonstrate that a problem exists. The flushing shall be coordinated with the City’s Authorized Representative. Irrigation checks must be noted on the monthly inspection sheets that are turned in to the Recreation and Parks Department. Random quality checks will be done throughout the year per Attachment (D).

Drainage Systems
Drainage systems must be routinely checked for blockage which could cause ponding, flooding, and excessive saturation of the soil and plant root zones.

Surface drainage swales and/or gutters shall be kept free of leaves, debris, and sediment accumulations.

Disease and Pest Control
All chemicals MUST be applied under the strict supervision of a California Department of Pesticide Regulation licensed and qualified pest control applicator, per the manufacturers’ recommended label application procedures, and the laws regulating pesticide application. Integrated pest management (IPM) shall be used whenever possible and least toxic materials used.

Plants and lawns shall be maintained in healthy condition such that they are able to withstand minor disease and insect damage without controls. Routine applications of pesticides are not permitted, as this practice destroys natural, predator-prey relationships in the environment.

In general, incidence of serious disease and insect problems shall be minimized by proper fertilization and irrigation practices. Where unusually high infections or infestations occur, an accurate identification of the disease or insect shall be made and the control product selected with care, prior to application.

Insecticidal soaps shall be utilized wherever possible.

Rodents such as gophers, mice, ground squirrels and rabbits shall be trapped or controlled with approved baits.

XXXXXXX shall use PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) at all times when applying pesticides.

RP-2025-01 Page 23 of 170
Weed Control
Use of Herbicides – Herbicides may be used to control and inhibit weed growth, but must be selected with extreme care. Pre-emergent, contact, and translocation herbicides are available. Some herbicides can cause damage to plant material. Herbicides must be applied in strict accordance with manufacturers’ label application procedures. The name, quantities and location of all herbicides applied, shall be given to the City’s Authorized Representative.

Shrub and Ground Cover Areas – Shrub and ground cover areas shall be maintained free of weeds and grasses. Herbicides may be used to control weed growth. Careful consideration shall be given to the choice of materials used, since certain herbicides can cause damage to turf grass and some ground covers.

Lawns
Weed infestations shall be discouraged by proper maintenance, including but not limited to proper mowing, proper watering, and proper fertilization.

Any and all deficient practices shall be corrected.

Before selecting and applying herbicides to lawns, the type of weed shall be carefully identified.

Herbicides shall be used as little as possible. Only when necessary shall herbicides be used as a means of swinging the weed-grass competition in favor of the turf grass.

Other Weed Control – Weeds shall not be allowed to grow in paved areas such as driveways, curbs, walks, and paths. Weeds can be removed manually, or herbicides may be used for control. The use of weed oil, diesel fuel, or other staining or damaging materials is not allowed. Dead weeds shall be removed from all pavements.

XXXXXXX shall use PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) at all times when applying herbicides.

Debris Removal
Litter and trash including but not limited to leaves, rubbish, papers, bottles, cans, and other debris shall be removed from all areas of the site one time per week on Monday or Tuesday. This shall include emptying of all trash cans and waste cans at doggie bag stations.

Doggie bags shall be replaced in their appropriate containers. The bags shall be supplied by the City’s Authorized Representative.

XXXXXXX shall remove all unapproved signage, such as “For Sale”, “For Rent” and “Garage Sale” signs, etc. when observed within all public easement areas. Do not remove any political signage.

Graffiti removal from play equipment. Specification for removal shall be provided by the City’s Authorized Representative. Graffiti other than on play equipment along with shopping carts shall be immediately reported via phone to (805) 925-0951, extension 2667.

Homeless encampments shall be immediately reported to the City’s Authorized Representative.

All refuse from the maintenance operation shall be disposed of properly.

Additional
RP-2025-01 Page 24 of 170
XXXXXXX shall provide to the City’s Authorized Representative the name and phone number of the individual responsible for this Agreement between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

All work that is considered to be an extra and/or addition to the original Agreement including the replacement of any dead or dying plant material must be clearly described in writing and approved by the City’s Authorized Representative, prior to performing the work in order to receive payment. At no time shall XXXXXXX engage in any work that is considered beyond the scope of the original Agreement without written approval. All additional work shall include the cost of materials, hourly rate, time required to perform the repair and total, charges will follow rates provided on attachment (B).

XXXXXXX shall provide a 24-hour emergency phone number and name of two (2) contact individuals.

These individuals shall be able to be reached in the event of an emergency between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Should the phone number or contact persons change during the course of the Agreement, those changes must be provided to the City’s Authorized Representative.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS:

Name:

Phone Number:

Name:

Phone Number:

RP-2025-01 Page 25 of 170
EXHIBIT “B”
Contractors Documents

1. Contractor’s Price Quote

2. Contractor’s proofs of insurance
RP-2025-01 Page 26 of 170
EXHIBIT “C”

PAYMENT TERMS
XXXXXXX fees and compensation: amount, how, and when payable. XXXXXXX agrees that for all work and services, including supplies and equipment, pertaining to the Landscape Maintenance Services and required to be furnished by XXXXXXX to the City, that City agrees to pay to XXXXXXX, and XXXXXXX agrees to accept and receive as payment in full the fees as set forth below for each District area as follows:

Such payments shall not exceed monthly amounts listed above per each month and shall be paid per month.

Monthly Progress Billing. XXXXXXX shall furnish City with an itemized monthly progress billing for all services rendered. Such progress payments shall be due and payable by the City to XXXXXXX within thirty (30) days after presentation of the approved invoices, expect one week for approval.

Separate billing sheets shall be submitted for each individual Landscape Maintenance District and Special Benefit Zone. Do not combine any special Benefit Zone even if they are within the same Landscape Maintenance District. Payment of any individual billing sheet may be delayed until completion of any unmet scheduling commitments.

XXXXXXX agrees to pay penalties automatically deducted from monthly billing as detailed in Section 2.04
XXXXXXX has the right to dispute penalties imposed by the Special District Supervisor or his/her representative, by written response to the notification of said penalties within five (5) working days from the date of notification.

RP-2025-01 Page 27 of 170
EXHIBIT “D”

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
XXXXXXX shall procure and maintain for the duration of the contract insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work hereunder by XXXXXXX, his/her agents, representatives, or employees. If XXXXXXX maintains broader coverage and/or higher limits than the minimums shown above, the City requires and shall be entitled to the broader coverage and/or higher limits maintained by the Consultant.

Minimum Scope of Insurance
Coverage shall be at least as broad as:

1. Insurance Services Office Commercial General Liability coverage (occurrence Form CG 0001), including products and completed operations, property damage, bodily injury and personal &advertising injury.

2. Insurance Services Office Business Auto Coverage Form Number CA 00 01 covering any (Code 1), or if Consultant has no owned autos, covering hired (Code 8) and non-owned autos (Code 9).

3. Workers’ Compensation insurance as required by the State of California and Employer’s Liability Insurance.

4. Errors and Omissions liability insurance appropriate to the Consultant's profession. Architects' and engineers' coverage is to be endorsed to include contractual liability.

Minimum Limits of Insurance
XXXXXXX shall maintain limits no less than:

1. General Liability: $2,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage. If Commercial General Liability Insurance or other form with a general aggregate limit is used, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this project/location (ISO CG 25 03 or 25 04) or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit.

2. Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

3. Worker’s Compensation: Statutory limits.

4. Employer’s Liability: $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease.

5. Errors and Omissions Liability-$1,000,000 per occurrence or claim, $2,000,000 aggregate Self-insured Retentions
RP-2025-01 Page 28 of 170
Self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the City. The City may require the XXXXXXX to purchase coverage with a lower retention or provide proof of ability to pay losses and related investigations, claim administration and defense expenses within the retention.

Other Insurance Provisions
The commercial general liability and automobile liability policies are to contain, or be endorsed to contain, the following provisions:

1. The City, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds on the CGL policy with respect to liability arising out of work or operations performed by or on behalf of XXXXXXX including materials, parts or equipment furnished in connection with such work or operations. General liability coverage can be provided in the form or an endorsement to XXXXXXX insurance (at least as broad as ISO Form CG 20 10 11 85 or both CG 20 10, CG 20 26, CG 20 33, or CG 20 38 and CG 20 37 forms if later revisions are used).

2. For any claims related to this project, XXXXXXX insurance coverage shall be primary insurance coverage at least as broad as ISO CG 20 01 04 13 as respects the City, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officers, officials, employees or volunteers shall be excess of the Consultant's insurance and shall not contribute with it.

3. Each insurance policy required by this clause shall be endorsed to state that coverage shall not be canceled or reduced, except with notice stating the title of this contract to the City. All notices provided pursuant to this Agreement shall be given to the City representative listed for notice in this agreement and shall specify the title of this Agreement. Notice may be given by overnight mail, facsimile with confirmation of receipt, or certified mail with returnreceipt requested.

4. XXXXXXX hereby grants to City a waiver of any right to subrogation which any insurer of said XXXXXXX may acquire against the City by virtue of the payment of any loss under such insurance. XXXXXX agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether or not the City has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer.

5. If any of the required policies provide claims-made coverage:
a. The Retroactive Date must be shown, and must be before the date of the contract or the beginning of contract work.
b. Insurance must be maintained and evidence of insurance must be provided for at least five (5) years after completion of the contract of work.
c. If coverage is canceled or non-renewed, and not replaced with another claims-made policy form with a Retroactive Date prior to the contract effective date, XXXXXXX must purchase “extended reporting” coverage for a minimum of five (5) years after completion of work.

Acceptability of Insurers
Insurance is to be placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best's rating of no less than A:VII, unless otherwise acceptable to the City.

RP-2025-01 Page 29 of 170
Verification of Coverage
XXXXXXX shall furnish the City with original certificates and amendatory endorsements of the applicable policy language effecting coverage required by this clause. All certificates and endorsements are to be received and approved by the City before work commences. However, failure to obtain the required documents prior to the work beginning shall not waive XXXXXXX obligation to provide them. The City reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements effecting the coverage required by these specifications at any time.

Special Risks or Circumstances
The city reserves the right to modify these requirements, including limits, based on the nature of the risk, prior experience, insurer, coverage, or other special circumstances.

RP-2025-01 Page 30 of 170
V. BID EVALUATIONS
A. Evaluation Methodology
A Review Committee, selected by City staff, shall use a point formula to evaluate each bid. Each member of the Review Committee will first score each bid by the criteria described in the Evaluation Criteria of this section. The Review Committee will then convene to review and discuss the evaluations and to combine the individual scores to arrive at a composite score for each bid. At the City’s discretion, the top candidates may be invited to an interview to discuss their proposals with the Review Committee.

B. Evaluation Criteria
The Review Committee shall evaluate and rate the bids received on the following criteria:

Overall cost associated with the contract 30 points
Landscape maintenance knowledge and experience 25 points Reference checks 15 points
Staffing levels to perform the scope of services 20 points Compliance with the bid instructions 10 points
C. Bid Award
The bid award will be given to the bidder deemed most responsive, responsible, and experienced; and that displays the experience and qualifications best corresponding with the City’s interests; and possesses the means to fully and faithfully execute the terms herein.

The above factors will be determined by the bidder’s response to the RFP. The Review Committee will make a recommendation of the award to the Director of Recreation and Parks. The Director of Recreation and Parks shall make the award. The City shall be the sole judge of whether a bidder meets these requirements.

RP-2025-01 Page 31 of 170

SAMPLE - FEE/SITE SHEET
COST
PER SQ.

FT.

TOTAL
SQ.

FT.

ANNUAL
COST
1 Ocean View Lane – easement frontage 1500-1700 Ocean
View Lane
$0.12 7,518 $902.16
2 Pierce Street Medians $0.12 27,251 $3,270.12
3 Sandy Hill Road Easement $0.12 15,824 $1,898.88
TOTAL 50,593 $6,071.16
RP-2025-01 Page 32 of 170

ATTACHMENT A - FEE/SITE SHEET

NORTHWEST LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT COST
PER
SQ. FT.

TOTAL
SQ. FT. ANNUAL
COST
1 Hidden Pines – easement frontage 400-600 Hidden Pines Way 21,011 2 Oak Valley – Taylor frontage (does not include school); Rancho Verde, Via Establo to Blosser, North Railroad at the 1900 block between Rancho Verde and Taylor
97,275
3 Blosser Medians – 100 North Blosser Road and 1100 West Main Street
2,392
4 Villas de la Sara – West Morrison and Oakley Avenue 6,340 5 Riverside Estates – frontage on Preisker Lane and Hidden Pines Way
8,412
6 Parkside – frontage on Preisker, parking lot, and playground 9,912 7 Parkside Basin— grassy basin at Portland Drive and Preisker 20,776 8 100 West Main Street – median 1,944
9 Railroad Median-Paved median 600
10 Cook Street Annex & Fire Station 1 9,945
11 Bradley Channel Multi-Purpose Trail – from Railroad to Preisker Park-all paved
14,000
12 Sanchez School – area from black rod iron fence to 3 feet east of the sidewalk on Depot
12,120
13 Blosser/Donovan Median – on Blosser south -paved median 1,610 14 Southeast corner of Depot and Morrison 1,500
15 Downtown medians – Broadway Medians from Fesler Street going south to the front of the Library; East and West Cook Street Medians; South Pine Street from Main Street to Cook Street; East Main Street Medians; 100 North McClelland Median; South Miller Medians from Main Street to Cook Street
21,022
16 TCW - mall perimeter, some interior, and Ruffoni parking lot including Heritage Walk
88,352
17 TCW- Interior planters 30,500
18 Fire Station #3 - Preisker Lane 38,504
19 Machado Plaza 21,336
20 Preisker Parking Lot 28,000
TOTAL NORTHWEST 435,551

NORTHWEST SPECIAL BENEFIT ZONES (SBZ) COST
PER
SQ. FT.

TOTAL
SQ. FT. ANNUAL
COST
a. Cherry Blossom SBZ – frontages on Railroad and Hidden Pines including the medians and the pedestrian access on Railroad 51,900
TOTAL CHERRY BLOSSOM 51,900
b. North Preisker Ranch SBZ – frontages on Atlantic, Blosser (both sides), Canal (both sides), Railroad (up to wall), Boxcar and Caboose, path on Eagleton, both roundabouts and all entry medians.
243,867
TOTAL NORTH PREISKER RANCH 243,867
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NORTHWEST TOTAL COST
731,318
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ATTACHMENT B - FEE/SITE SHEET

NORTHEAST LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT COST
PER SQ.

FT.

TOTAL
SQ. FT.

ANNUAL COST
1 Emerald Park – Shrubs on College near Donovan 8,893
2 Emerald Basin – Grassy basin on College near Donovan 11,547 3 Donovan Medians 9,504
4 Riverside Terrace – 1800 block of Bayview Drive, open space on Seaward and around Basin on Kathryn
134,777
5 Riverside Basin – Grassy basin on Kathryn 24,686
6 Shields/Cochiolo – 1600 block Suey Road - frontage on Suey and Donovan, frontage on Antone and Floyd Court
61,476
7 Suey Basin – Grassy basin on Suey near Antone 14,774
8 Sierra Vista – frontage on Panther and Centennial, basin at the corner of Panther and Centennial and the breezeway off
Mammoth
40,000
9 Rowland Estates – Shrubs and playground. 12,332
10 Rowland Basin – includes weedy basin 4,656
11 Canyon Homes – 1400 East Donovan Road entrance 3,764 12 Olive Garden – 1200 South Bradley median 2,900
13 Hancock College – 800 South Bradley median 3,064
14 Bradley Easement – south of Main Street to Jones Street 14,718 15 Transit Center 70,993
16 Hancock Terrace Bike Path-Miller to College 30,000
17 800 E Jones median-Paved island 462
18 Pepper Tree Medians – north of Donovan Road on Broadway 3,456 19 Stowell Road Easement – east of Miller Street 13,492 20 Alvin Overpass 59,513
21 North Bradley Ivy – Fesler Junior High easement area 15,493 22 Donovan/Miller Median 10,310
23 Via Rubio – Jewel Street only 4,836
24 Donovan Overpass 67,751
25 Pepperwood Median 1,819
26 East Main Street & 101-weedy shoulders 7,301
27 Bradley at Elks 22,310
28 Downtown medians – Broadway Medians from Fesler Street going south to the front of the Library; East and West Cook Street Medians; South Pine Street from Main Street to Cook Street; East Main Street Medians; 100 North McClelland
Median; South Miller Medians from Main Street to Cook Street 21,022
29 TCE - mall perimeter includes bus turnout, theater, Macy's parking lot and pocket park at Main & Broadway
186,393
30 TCE-Sears parking lot 35,290
31 Fire Station # 5 32,997
TOTAL NORTHEAST 915,811
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NORTHEAST SPECIAL BENEFIT ZONES (SBZ) COST
PER
SQ. FT.

TOTAL
SQ. FT. ANNUAL
COST
a. Donovan Estates SBZ – includes frontage, tot lot and emptying trash cans
25,586
Donovan Estates Basin -- includes grassy basin 11,652
DONOVAN ESTATES TOTAL 37,238
b. Rivergate Roemer SBZ – includes all of River Oaks North, College Estates, and Princess Estates easements and medians (Seaward, Paden, Carlotti, Borges, the Bradley Channel and the walled area behind the homes on Mariah)
163,936
RIVERGATE ROEMER TOTAL 163,936
c. Suey/Donovan Median SBZ – on Donovan between Suey and Suey Crossing
33,725
DONOVAN/SUEY MEDIAN TOTAL 33,725
d. La Ventana SBZ – includes frontage on Main Street both sides of Panther, both sides of Panther Drive to Willingham, Dressler and shrub portion of basin
106,042
La Ventana Basin – includes weedy basin 45,112
LA VENTANA TOTAL 151,154
NORTHEAST TOTAL COST 1,301,864
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ATTACHMENT C - FEE/SITE SHEET

SOUTHWEST LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT COST
PER SQ.

FT.

TOTAL SQ. FT.

ANNUAL
COST
1 Terrace Park – 500 to 600 West Carmen Lane. This includes the frontage on Carmen, both sides of Depot and the slope at the end of Depot but not the area that extends behind the homes it is the responsibility of the HOA.
14,401
2 Fire Station II – 400 West Carmen Lane frontage and interior, including easement on South Thornburg Street & slope
7,631
3 West Betteravia Median – 100 block West Betteravia Road 1,200 4 Country Club Village III – frontage on West McCoy Lane, entry medians, La Costa Basin/Marilyn Stanley Park, La Costa
Breezeway – across from the basin/park site - breezeway off Castlerock leading to Hagerman bike trail
135,986
5 Foxenwoods Country Club Estates – 800 to 1100 West McCoy Lane
47,401
6 Santa Barbara Research Median – median on South Blosser Road
2,392
7 Skyway Drive Medians – all medians on Skyway Drive 104,031 8 Battles Bike Path – west of Broadway 14,000
9 Santa Maria Police Department 10,750
10 SMAT Station 32,715
11 Blending Station – Fairway and Skyway Drive 1,940
12 Paseo del Sol – frontages on South Westgate, South A, Carmen and West Via Rosa, and medians on Betteravia
56,103
13 Paseo del Sol Basin—at Carmen and A Street (empty trash cans)
45,572
14 Hagerman Bike Path - west of Hagerman Complex – paved path 68,800 15 Westridge – frontages and median on Carmen and
basin/playground
44,613
16 Westridge Basin—along Via Rosa 37,240
17 Skyway and Foster Road Bike Path-paved path 106,984
18 Medians on Betteravia east and west of Blosser 9,968 19 Blosser/Stowell Medians-Paved medians 5,104
20 South Broadway Medians – south of Stowell to Betteravia 34,387 21 Parkland Cottages - McCoy frontage 10,943
22 Union Valley Parkway 265,000
23 Union Valley open space 40,075
24 Foxenwoods Estates 30,000
25 VTC Frontage 11,076
26 Dal Porto 3,006
TOTAL SOUTHWEST 1,141,318
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SOUTHWEST SPECIAL BENEFIT ZONES (SBZ)
COST
PER SQ.

FT.

TOTAL SQ. FT. ANNUAL
COST
a. Westgate Ranch SBZ – frontages along Battles, A Street, Westgate, Carmen, Sonya and Blosser, medians on Carmen and the roundabout by the school and both multi-purpose trails and parkways along Park & in front of building.
367,536
WESTGATE RANCH TOTAL 367,536
b. Coyway SBZ – on the corner of W. McCoy and Professional Parkway
21,726
Coyway Basin -- Grassy basin at W. McCoy and Professional Parkway
13,349
COYWAY BASIN TOTAL 35,075
c. Cherrywood SBZ – Frontages on Carmen, Depot, Sonya and Thornburg, pathway on Flora and the pocket park on Thornburg 22,151
TOTAL CHERRYWOOD 22,151
d. Acquistapace SBZ –limits are frontages of Blosser, Sonya, Carmen and Western both sides of pathway, Biscayne and
Pergola; Blosser median and frontage of Carmen open space 129,217

Sonya Basin – Grassy basin along Sonya 268,935
Acquistapace Park- Park bordered by Western, Sonya, the basin and school
63,314
ACQUISTAPACE TOTAL 461,466
e. Rose Garden Village SBZ (Estates at Pacific Crest) 310,157 Centennial Gardens-Corner of Battles & Depot 64,874
ROSE GARDEN VILLAGE TOTAL 375,031
f. Village at Westgate Ranch SBZ –frontages of La Brea, Sonya, Marsala, Westgate, and Battles to A Street
345,107
Battles linear basin bottom –weedy ditch from Blosser to county flood control basin
92,529
Blosser Median- Blosser from La Brea to Battles 15,079
VILLAGE AT WESTGATE RANCH TOTAL 452,715
g. C-4 Development ( Basin at McCoy ) 32,609
C-4 DEVELOPMENT TOTAL 32,609
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h. Betteravia Plaza—Carmen, Betteravia, and Blosser 222,048 BETTERAVIA PLAZA TOTAL 222,048
SOUTHWEST TOTAL COST 3,109,949
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ATTACHMENT D - FEE/SITE SHEET

SOUTHEAST LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT COST
PER SQ.

FT.

TOTAL
SQ. FT. ANNUAL
COST
1 Miller Medians – all medians south of Stowell Road 48,441 2 Lincoln Oaks – 1400 to 1500 South Miller on west side going south on Miller Street
98,885
3 Arbor Ridge – 1500 South Miller on west side going south on Miller Street to Battles Road
13,649
4 Newlove Frontage – South Miller east and west side from Battles to Newlove Lane and behind fence.
41,040
5 Las Palmas – 1800 South Miller on west side going south on Miller Street from south of Newlove to corner of Inger Street 10,821
6 Driftwood Gardens – 1400 and 1500 South Miller easements and vines on Battles.
21,576
7 Driftwood Gardens Basin—at Enos and Miller 72,071
8 Driftwood Meadows – 1800 and 1900 South Miller
easements from Inger to Daniels on east side of Miller Street and basin on Inger.
26,664
9 Driftwood Meadows Basin—at Inger and Miller 53,800
10 Celebration—1900 South Miller easements from Inger to Daniels on west side of Miller Street
1460
11 First Christian Church – 1500 South College median by cemetery
6,731
12 Toys R Us & Edwards – 1400 to 1500 South Bradley
medians
7,650
13 East Betteravia Medians – east of Broadway to Miller Street and east of Miller Street to end of Government Buildings, does not include Crossroads.
13,989
14 Food 4 Less/Lucky Medians – 2400 block South Broadway 7,000 15 Casa Bonita – 2200 South Miller easements and Centerpoint easements (vines on walls)
9,217
16 Harvest Ranch – San Ysidro and Miller Street frontages, medians on Capistrano and bike path off La Purisima.
12,490
17 Harvest Ranch Basin—at San Ysidro and Miller Streets 6,009 18 Toby Villas Basin—2500 South Miller 48,889
19 Toby Ranch – 2300 South Miller easement and East McCoy to end of street
59,454
20 Los Cabos (Rancho San Ysidro) – 2500 South Miller
easements, vines located on San Ysidro from Miller Street going east bound to end of road and on San Ysidro.
13,304
21 Los Cabos Basin—at McCoy and Miller 68,013
22 Knightbridge – 2500 South Miller easement, west-side of Miller Street
25,096
23 Santa Maria Way and South Miller Medians – intersection medians
10,252
24 Rolling Hills – 3100 Santa Maria Way easements and
medians, small and large basins on Dauphin Street No
mowing/edging
37,914
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25 Rolling Hills Basins-Two basins along Santa Maria Way 11,436 26 Sunrise Hills – easements on both north and south sides of Sunrise Drive east of Maramonte Park, medians on South
College Street south of Sunrise Drive to McCloud Street and easement on both east and west sides of South College
Street from Sunrise Drive to McCloud Street
137,203
27 Battles Bike Path 115,554
28 New Love Extension 4520
29 Arborwalk – frontage on Miller north of McCoy Lane 23,356 30 Mission Creek median – Santa Maria Way south of Sunrise Drive
2,030
31 Betteravia Business Plaza – Daniel Street and Betteravia past the commercial
7,581
32 Oak Creek Condos – frontage on Miller 8,063
33 South Broadway Medians – south of Stowell to Betteravia 34,387 34 South College median north of Santa Maria Way—Paved
median
3,762
35 Centennial Square—Parkways on Plaza & Miller 7,687
36 Skyview Estates—SM Way frontage, basin & pocket park 41,100 37 Skylight Homes—SM Way frontage & basin 10,969
TOTAL SOUTHEAST 1,133,499

SOUTHEAST SPECIAL BENEFIT ZONES (SBZ) TOTAL
SQ. FT.
a. CROSSROADS COMMERCIAL SBZ – Medians on East
Betteravia (east of government buildings) and medians
College and Bradley, roundabouts on College and Bradley, portion of Bradley Channel, Parcel 27 and Hwy 101 and
Betteravia Road off-ramps-South
COST
PER SQ.

FT.
115,180
ANNUAL
COST
Crossroads Basin -- Grassy basin at College and
Southside
366,187
Parcel 27 Basin -- Weedy basin bottom 46,154
Crossroads Bike Path 43,141
Crossroads @ 101 95,105
CROSSROADS COMMERCIAL TOTAL 665,767
b. CROSSROADS RESIDENTIAL SBZ – includes Cottages I
and II, Vintage Homes, and portion of Bradley Channel.
94,117
CROSSROADS RESIDENTIAL TOTAL 94,117
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c. BRADLEY SQUARE SBZ – Roundabout at McCoy and
College, roundabout at Bradley and McCoy, frontages along McCoy Lane all the way to proposed on-ramp, Crossroads
Lane, Bradley Road, College to Sunrise, San Ysidro, Lewis Road, College medians, Fire Station 4, park frontage along Hawkins, Leahy and Forbes, Leo Trujillo area and entire MPT adjacent to 101.
350,028
BRADLEY SQUARE TOTAL 350,028
d. ENOS RANCH SBZ – The north side of Betteravia Rd, both sides of Bradley and Meehan to Shepard. The east side of Shepard and of College down to the basin. Coast Hills parcel and HWY 101 and Betteravia Road off-ramps-North
148,452
Enos Ranch Basin –Grassy Basin along S. College Rd. 26,000 Enos @ 101 95,105
Home Motors Frontage –Battles bike path by car dealer 7,324 ENOS RANCH TOTAL 276,881
SOUTHEAST TOTAL COST 2,520,292
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NORTHWEST STAFFING SHEET
Bidder’s Name:

Name, years of experience and Certifications of crew Foreman_____________________ Number of full-time employees …………………………………………………
Number of part-time employees ………………………………………………..

Number of temporary/seasonal employees…………………………………...

Average years of employees are employed by bidder ……………………… Average hours per week that part-time employees ………………………….

Describe full-time and part-time employees and their qualifications, including certifications and licenses and how each landscape maintenance district and special benefit zone will be staffed.

Describe account/clerical employees, their qualifications and skills and how your firm will utilize these skills to perform the scope of services as outlined in this RFP.

ATTACHMENT E
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NORTHEAST STAFFING SHEET
Bidder’s Name:

Number of temporary/seasonal employees…………………………………...

Average years of employees are employed by bidder ……………………… Average hours per week that part-time employees ………………………….

Describe full-time and part-time employees and their qualifications, including certifications and licenses and how each landscape maintenance district and special benefit zone will be staffed.

Describe account/clerical employees, their qualifications and skills and how your firm will utilize these skills to perform the scope of services as outlined in this RFP.

ATTACHMENT E
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SOUTHWEST STAFFING SHEET
Bidder’s Name:

Number of temporary/seasonal employees…………………………………...

Average years of employees are employed by bidder ……………………… Average hours per week that part-time employees ………………………….

Describe full-time and part-time employees and their qualifications, including certifications and licenses and how each landscape maintenance district and special benefit zone will be staffed.

Describe account/clerical employees, their qualifications and skills and how your firm will utilize these skills to perform the scope of services as outlined in this RFP.

ATTACHMENT E
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SOUTHEAST (SOUTH MILLER/SOUTH COLLEGE) STAFFING SHEET
Bidder’s Name:

Number of temporary/seasonal employees…………………………………...

Average years of employees are employed by bidder ……………………… Average hours per week that part-time employees ………………………….

Describe full-time and part-time employees and their qualifications, including certifications and licenses and how each landscape maintenance district and special benefit zone will be staffed.

Describe account/clerical employees, their qualifications and skills and how your firm will utilize these skills to perform the scope of services as outlined in this RFP.

ATTACHMENT E
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Extra’s Price List
Bidder’s Name_____________________________________
Please fill in unit cost for the complete purchase and installation of the items listed below.

Truck and personnel rates will be used for projects that the unit pricing does not cover. 1 gallon plant installed $_________________
5 gallon plant installed $_________________
15 gallon tree installed $_________________
24” box tree with staking installed $_________________
Flat of Gazania ground cover installed $_________________ I cubic yard of died wood chip ‘bark’ installed $_________________ Support truck per hour $_________________
Crew member per hour $_________________
Foreman/Specialist per hour $_________________
This list will qualify Contractor for small repair and maintenance projects without the need for bid proposals.

ATTACHMENT F
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Irrigation Testing
Twice yearly random testing of representative sample of each District and SBZ Test results Points Awarded
Completely functioning system 100
System doesn’t turn on or off 0
Leaking system with adequate pressure 75
Leaking system with low pressure 0
System with half of heads miss-nozzled or miss-adjusted 0 Systems with some miss-nozzled or miss-adjusted 50-75
Test scores will be used as evaluation of adherence to the contract standards

ATTACHMENT G
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Bidder’s Name_____________________________________
Invoice Instructions Acknowledgement Sheet
□ I have read and understand the invoicing instructions of the RFP. I have the ability to meet these needs without exception.
□ I have read and understand the invoicing instructions of the RFP. I have the ability to meet these needs with the following exceptions:
___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ _______________
Signature: _______________________________________
Print Name: _______________________________________
Title: _______________________________________

ATTACHMENT H
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REFERENCES
Bidder’s Name:

Provide references of at least three references of governmental, and/or commercial accounts that your firm has contracted with in the last three years for landscape maintenance services. For each reference include a company name, mailing address, contact person, contact person’s title, telephone number and e-mail address. All information must be completed. The City of Santa Maria or its employees may not be listed as references.

Firm Name:

Address:

Individual’s Contact Name:

Individual’s Contact Title:

Telephone:

Email:

Firm Name:

Address:

Individual’s Contact Name:

Individual’s Contact Title:

Telephone:

Email:

Firm Name:

Address:

Individual’s Contact Name:

Individual’s Contact Title:

Telephone:

Email:

ATTACHMENT I
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Bid Submittal Checklist
Order of Bid Submittal
To facilitate ease of review, each bid submitted shall be submitted in the following sequence:

A. One original and five (5) copies of the bid
B. Maps, Fee and Staffing Sheets with bidders name (map on one copy only) C. Cover letter, Resume and Profile
D. Signature Page
E. Copy of State of California C-27 Landscape Contractor, City Business and Pesticide Applicator’s Licenses
F. References
G. Signature Page-Not to be shared
H. Invoice Instructions Acknowledgement Sheet
I. Copy of all credentialing of company employees assigned to the contract, no names J. Bid Submittal Checklist

ATTACHMENT J

COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dennis Smitherman, Interim Director of Recreation and Parks DATE: May 5, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with West Coast Arborist, Inc, for Urban Forest Maintenance
Description:

The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to agreement with West Coast Arborist, Inc. to increase funding for urban forest maintenance services by $100,000.

RECOMMENDATION:

1. Adopt a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with West Coast Arborist, Inc. for Urban Forest Maintenance and

2. Approve an additional increase of $100,000 for additional tree maintenance work to be completed; and

3. Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement.

BACKGROUND:

The City of Santa Maria entered into an Agreement for Professional Services with West Coast Arborist, Inc. for Urban Forest Maintenance on February 18, 2025. This 24-month agreement provides professional tree maintenance services throughout the City of Santa Maria. This amendment will increase the contract by $100,000 to care for the City’s Urban Forest.

DISCUSSION:

The City of Santa Maria entered into an Agreement for Professional Services Urban Forest Maintenance with West Coast Arborist, Inc. for work approximating a value of $300,000. The amendment will increase the contract amount in the first fiscal year by $100,000 for additional expenses incurred as a result of extra care needed resulting from Oak Moth, right-of-way tree removals (supporting Public Works projects), and root pruning.

West Coast Arborist, Inc. provides a dedicated crew and performs the majority of regularly scheduled and emergency tree work throughout the City. City staff perform minor work, but professional services are needed for trees that require specialty equipment to address.
2 Fiscal Considerations
The recommendation is to increase the contract agreement amount from $300,000.00 to a not to exceed amount of $400,000.00. Funds for this work come from a variety of sources, including Gas Tax, Measure A, and Landscape Districts. Adequate funds are available for this increase.

Impact on the Community
The community benefits from having on-call professional tree maintenance services, particularly when high-winds, storms, or natural decay impacts a tree that needs to be maintained or removed immediately. Regular tree maintenance helps keep the trees healthy and provides for an enriching outdoor experience for residents.

ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement
Attachment A

Page 1 of 2 ends

RESOLUTION NO.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH WEST COAST ARBORIST, INC.

FOR URBAN FOREST MAINTENANCE
WHEREAS, on February 18, 2025, the City Council of the City of Santa Maria approved an Agreement for Professional Services Urban Forest Maintenance for a 24- month period; and
WHEREAS, West Coast Arborist, Inc. was awarded the contract Agreement; and WHEREAS, additional work for Oak Moth treatment, tree removal in the right-ofway (Public Works projects), and root pruning was completed; and WHEREAS, contract Agreement funds have been nearly spent; and WHEREAS, there is additional tree maintenance work to be completed; and WHEREAS, budgets have been reviewed, and adequate funding has been identified.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, as follows:

SECTION 1. Approved Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with West Coast Arborist, Inc.

SECTION 2. Authorized additional increase of $100,000 to the contract from $300,000 to a not to exceed amount of $400,000.00 for the current fiscal year.

SECTION 3. Authorized City Manager or designee to execute agreement and take all necessary steps to complete these proceedings.

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PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, held this 5
th day of May 2026.

ATTEST:

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AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
This Amendment No. 1 to Agreement for Professional Services between West Coast Arborist, Inc. (WCA) a California Corporation (“Contractor”), and the City of Santa Maria, a California Municipal Corporation and charter city (“City”), in Santa Maria, California, based on the following recitals:

1. West Coast Arborist, Inc. (WCA) submitted a proposal that the City deemed acceptable and has extensive knowledge and is qualified to provide the services needed and is willing to provide those services on mutually agreeable terms; and

2. The parties entered into an Agreement for Professional Services on February 18, 2025; and

3. WCA was authorized to provide tree maintenance services within the scope of work of the Agreement with a not-to-exceed amount of $300,000.00 per year under the agreement; and

4. WCA has performed citywide tree maintenance and removals as directed by City staff; and

5. Additional, unanticipated work was needed for Oak Moth treatment, tree removals in the right-of-way (Public Works projects), and root pruning; and

6. The total spend for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 has reached $______ and an increase in the not-to-exceed amount for the contract is necessary before work can continue within the Fiscal Year; and

7. Additional funds are available from the Gas Tax, Measure A and Landscape Districts accounts.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

1. The not-to-exceed amount is to be increased from $300,000 to $400,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

2. The City Manager or their designee is authorized to execute this agreement.

3. All other terms of the Agreement remain unchanged.

Attachment B

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IN WITNESS THEREOF, this agreement is executed by the parties on the date first written above.

CONTRACTOR CITY OF SANTA MARIA, a Municipal Corporation West Coast Arborist Recreation and Parks Department
Attn: Lorenzo Perez Attn: Dennis Smitherman
2200 E. Via Burton 615 S. McClelland
Anaheim, CA 92806 Santa Maria, CA 93454
___________________ ____________________
By: By:

APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________
City Attorney
______________________
Risk Manager

COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Donna G. Schwartz, Chief Deputy City Clerk
DATE: May 5, 2026
SUBJECT: Appointments to Fill a City Council Vacancy on Outside Boards, Commission, and Committees Requiring City Council Representation Description:

The City Council to confirm appointments to various outside boards, commissions, and committees.

RECOMMENDATION:

Mayor to make appointments to fill a City Council vacancy on outside boards, commissions, and committees and the City Council to ratify the selections.

BACKGROUND:

The resignation of Councilmember Carlos Escobedo at the March 3, 2026, City Council Meeting created vacancies in three of the ten boards, commissions, and committees where City Council Members sit as representatives. These positions must now be filled by new appointments from the Mayor and ratified by the City Council.

DISCUSSION:

The four agencies currently requiring City Council representation are as follows:

1. Central Coast Water Authority (CCWA)

2. Central Coast Collaborative on Homelessness (3CH) (Home for Good)

3. Santa Maria Airport/Council Informational (SMA/CI)

4. Schools Quarterly Roundtable
Staff has conferred with Mayor Patino about Councilmember appointments to the various boards, commissions, and committees, and she has asked that the City Council consider the appointments listed on attachment A.

Impact on the Community
Having councilmembers serve on outside agencies positively impacts the community by ensuring Santa Maria is well-represented when countywide matters are addressed by 2 various boards, commissions, and committees. Their participation guarantees that the community remains informed about the activities and decisions of these outside agencies.

Councilmembers who participate in these meetings are required to report any significant actions taken, if any, by these committees at each City Council meeting during Oral Reports of Councilmembers and Officers (Including AB 1234 Reports) section on the agenda.

ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Proposed Appointments
Attachment A
Boards/Commissions/Committees
Requiring Council Representation
Board Current Appointment Proposed Appointment
Central Coast Water Authority (CCWA)
Member: Utility Director
Alternate: Vacant Councilmember Batalla
Central Coast Collaborative on Homelessness
3CH (Home for Good)
Member: Soto
Alternate: Vacant Councilmember Batalla
Santa Maria Airport/Council Informational
SMA/CI
Member: Vacant Councilmember Flores
Member: Soto
Schools Quarterly Roundtable
Member: Soto
Member: Vacant Councilmember Batalla

COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Donna G. Schwartz, Chief Deputy City Clerk
DATE: May 5, 2026
SUBJECT: Appointment to the Block Grants Advisory Committee Description:

The City Council will consider making an appointment to the Block Grants Advisory Committee.

RECOMMENDATION:

Block Grants Advisory Committee
Councilmember Aguilera will have the opportunity to make one nomination for an unexpired term ending July 2026, appointed by the Mayor, and confirmed by Council.

Two unexpired terms ending July 2026: Nomination to be made by:

Vacant Councilmember Aguilera
Applicants:

Corrie Meals
BACKGROUND:

Attendance
Members of the City’s Boards, Commissions, and Committees serve an important role in advising staff and the City Council on matters that affect policy and issues that affect the future of the community; therefore, Members’ attendance is key to the work these Boards, Commissions, and Committees perform. Members serve in their capacity as Members at the pleasure of the City Council pursuant to Santa Maria Municipal Code (SMMC) Section 2-16.02. As established by SMMC 2-16.01, Members are required to attend meetings regularly and not miss 25 percent of the regular meetings in a calendar year, or they would be deemed to have resigned upon acceptance by the City Council. While the Municipal Code focuses on the Planning Commission, Recreation and Parks Commission, Board of Appeals, and Library Board, it is the expectation that all City Boards and Committee Members participate and attend meetings in the same manner as those Boards, Commissions, and Committees defined in the Municipal Code. 2 DISCUSSION:

Members of the Block Grants Advisory Committee are required by the Political Reform Act (Govt. Code Section 81000-91014), and the City’s Conflict of Interest Code, to file Statements of Economic Interest, Form 700, disclosing personal assets and income within 30 days of appointment, annually thereafter, and upon leaving office. Committee Members must also disqualify themselves from participating in decisions which may affect their personal economic interests. Statements of Economic Interests are public documents and may be inspected by any member of the public and copied if requested. The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) is the State agency which interprets the law’s provisions.

Copy of the application may be obtained from the City Clerk's office upon request.

Alternative(s)
A Councilmember could decide to withhold their nomination to a Board, Commission, or Committee until such time as additional applications could be received or there is sufficient opportunity for the Councilmember to make contact with the existing applicant(s) to be considered for nomination.

Impact on the Community
Having members of the public serve on the City’s Advisory Bodies provides a positive impact to the community, enabling the City to obtain input from all segments of the community and ensures that the community receives information regarding the activities of the City’s Boards, Committees, and Commissions.

COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Chenin Dow, Community Development Director
DATE: May 5, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the City of Santa Maria 2045 General Plan
Description:

The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving the certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report, adoption of the Santa Maria 2045 General Plan including initiation of proceedings to amend the City’s Sphere of Influence and annex the territory designated “Planned Annexation,” and approval of a Zoning Map Amendment repealing and reenacting the City of Santa Maria Official Zoning Map for consistency with the General Plan.

Environmental Notice: Environmental review for this project was completed through the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (SCH# 2025020584) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and State Guidelines.

RECOMMENDATION:

Take the following actions:

1. Adopt a Resolution certifying an Environmental Impact Report, making California Environmental Quality Act findings, adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations for the City of Santa Maria 2045 General Plan Update; and

2. Adopt a Resolution adopting the City of Santa Maria 2045 General Plan Update, replacing the existing adopted General Plan, and making certain findings; and

3. Waive first reading and introduce an Ordinance approving a Zoning Map Amendment (Z2026-0001) repealing and reenacting the City of Santa Maria Official Zoning Map; and

4. Set said adoption of Ordinance at the next regular City Council meeting.

BACKGROUND:

The City of Santa Maria’s General Plan is a comprehensive document that establishes the community’s vision and provides a framework that will guide decisions on topics such as growth, economic development, and land use through the planning horizon year of 2045. The plan includes goals, policies, and implementation actions in chapters called Elements. The Santa Maria 2045 General Plan supersedes and replaces the City’s 2 current General Plan and has been substantially updated to address local conditions, community priorities and goals, and State law.

The Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) evaluates the potential environmental effects associated with the General Plan and is intended to be a program-level document.

The adoption of the Santa Maria 2045 General Plan does not include the Housing Element, which has been previously adopted and certified by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

The General Plan and associated EIR reflect the input of hundreds of Santa Maria residents, business owners, local organizations, community stakeholders, and developers gathered over the course of six years since the General Plan Update effort was initiated. It seeks to capture and facilitate the community’s vision for the future of Santa Maria: a close-knit, family-oriented community that epitomizes cultural vibrancy and economic prosperity for all.

Planning Commission Review
The Santa Maria Planning Commission reviewed the General Plan Update project at a noticed public hearing on February 18, 2026. At this hearing the item was continued to March 4, 2026, with direction to staff to respond to the items raised in public comment letters submitted by the Grower Shipper Association, Urban Planning Concepts, Inc., and Marian Regional Medical Center. All of the comments raised in these letters have been addressed in the Planning Commission Staff Report dated March 4, 2026 (Attachment J).

The Planning Commission considered the information in the staff report and staff presentation, and with a vote of 3-0-2 (Absent: Mohajer, Lopez), recommended that the City Council adopt the 2045 General Plan and related actions.

DISCUSSION:

General Plan Overview
In California, all cities and counties are required to adopt a general plan. The general plan is a comprehensive policy document that shapes the long-term physical development of a jurisdiction’s planning area. The general plan must include at least the following statemandated elements: land use; circulation; housing; conservation; open space; noise; environmental justice, and safety, as specified in Government Code section 65302, to the extent that the issues identified by State law exist in the City’s planning area. The General Plan may also contain optional elements. The Santa Maria General Plan Update has been prepared to be consistent with the requirements of State law and addresses the relevant items in Government Code section 65300, et seq. In addition to the mandatory elements, the Santa Maria 2045 General Plan also includes the following optional elements:

Economic Development, Public Facilities and Services, and Recreation and Parks.

Since the adoption of Santa Maria’s existing General Plan in the early 1990s, substantial changes to the planning context of the City have occurred, including accelerated growth in the region and shifts in the community’s demographics, as well as new ways of thinking about sustainability, public health, and placemaking. In light of these changes, the City 3 undertook this comprehensive update of the General Plan as an opportunity to reassess and refine its long-term vision and identify the new challenges it will face, opportunities it will follow, and approaches it will use to make that vision a reality. The General Plan is more than just the legal basis for all local land use decisions; it is the vision for how the City will evolve, reflecting the community’s objectives.

The General Plan is the jurisdiction’s primary legal document governing growth, development, and resource management issues. The General Plan Elements are required to be internally consistent and development regulations (e.g., zoning and subdivision standards) are required by law to be consistent with the General Plan. The General Plan expresses the community’s development goals and embodies public policy relative to the distribution of future land uses, both public and private.

It is essential to note that while the General Plan is a crucial document in shaping the future of Santa Maria, it is not the sole document staff will rely upon to determine Santa Maria’s needs. By its nature, the General Plan is broad in scope. It does not intend to preestablish the many day-to-day decisions made across departments as the City grows; in particular, it cannot establish set timelines for certain actions such as infrastructure upgrades to support future growth, as it is currently unknown when that growth will occur.

However, it establishes the framework the City will follow to accommodate this growth and is supported by dozens of additional documents and studies that are updated much more frequently and/or performed in real time to determine the specific needs for a given development at the time of its construction.

Housing Element Update
In late 2021, the City received direction from the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) regarding the City’s 2023-2031 (6th Cycle) Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). This required the City to temporarily redirect City Staff and the Consultant Team to focus on preparing an update to the City’s Housing Element and receiving certification of the Housing Element from HCD as expeditiously as possible to meet the required deadline. As required by State Housing Law, the City is obligated to update its Housing Element on a set eight-year schedule. Failure to complete an update to the Housing Element in a timely manner could have put the City at risk of financial penalties and loss of local land use control. Therefore, from late 2021 through 2023, the City prioritized preparation of its Housing Element in accordance with State Housing Law.

The City Council adopted its 2023-2031 Housing Element on December 5, 2023, and it was subsequently certified by HCD.

Public Outreach
This public hearing follows multiple years of General Plan public outreach including popup events, online surveys, communitywide workshops, stakeholder interviews, Technical Planning Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings, Planning Commission and City Council presentations, joint Planning Commission and City Council Study Sessions, and circulation of the Draft Policy Document and Environmental Impact Report for public comments. Input from the Santa Maria community has been collected through a multipronged public outreach effort spanning the entire planning process (from late 2019 4 through 2026). Below is a summary of some of the public outreach activities completed as part of the General Plan Update project:
 Updates and notifications on the City of Santa Maria website from project kickoff through completion
 Dedicated project website (www.imaginesantamaria.com)  Communitywide Visioning Workshops focusing on the topics of Vision and Values, Mobility, and Land Use
 Environmental Justice and Equity Workshops
 Pop-up events early in the project to advertise the project  Online Visioning Survey
 Online Housing Element Survey
 Preferred Land Use Alternative Survey and workshops
 Online Community Cafés
 In-person and online office hours with City staff
 Scoping Meeting for the Environmental Impact Report
 Regular Planning Commission and City Council briefings on various topics including Project Kickoff, Draft Vision Statement, Preferred Land Use Alternative, and Housing Element Planning Commission/City Council Study Sessions  Public community meetings focused on the Housing Element and Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH)
 Public Hearings on the Housing Element with the Planning Commission and City Council, including direct notifications to interested parties, people who commented on the draft documents, and other local and regional stakeholders  Dozens of follow-up meetings with those who provided comments on the Draft General Plan and Draft EIR
In addition to the public outreach activities identified above, preparation of the General Plan Vision Statement, Preferred Land Use Alternative Map, and policy frameworks were reviewed by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The TAC members are community stakeholders, residents, land use professionals, educators, and other local representatives. The TAC met on 13 separate occasions from the kickoff of the General Plan Update in 2019 to most recently in 2025. The input from the TAC was instrumental in ensuring that the plan met the needs of the community and stakeholders and their participation throughout the process was highly beneficial.

Background Documents
Existing Conditions Reports
5 The Existing Conditions Reports prepared in 2020 established a baseline of existing conditions in the City. Specifically, the reports identify development patterns, natural resources, socioeconomic conditions, and environmental constraints, and identify the regulatory environment for each topic. The Reports served as a resource for the City Council, the Planning Commission, the TAC, members of the public, City staff, and the consultant team through the General Plan Update process, ensuring that the updated General Plan addresses Santa Maria’s unique circumstances and local issues.

Vision Statement
The Community Vision Statement was written based on the feedback collected through the Public Engagement and Visioning program, including Visioning Workshops, online surveys, and pop-up events, as well as input provided by the TAC. The City Council reviewed and accepted the Vision Statement in April 2021. The approved vision statement is included below and provides direction and a foundation for the focus of the Santa Maria 2045 General Plan:

Santa Maria in 2045 is a community where families can establish and maintain multi-generational roots. It is close-knit, culturally diverse, and economically inclusive. This is possible, in part, because Santa Maria offers affordable, safe, attractive, and healthy homes and neighborhoods for all residents. This is also possible because of the availability of high-quality education, jobs, and economic opportunity. Building from a strong foundation in the agricultural, retail, healthcare, and business services industries, Santa Maria has continued to diversify by expanding the training and skills of residents and by adapting to new technologies and broader economic trends. People are proud of their history and heritage. This is reflected in the diverse, well-preserved historical resources and the attractive, inviting streets and public gathering places. Museums, art venues, a strong civic sector, and the many welcoming community events and celebrations are all evidence of a vibrant local culture. Residents have convenient access on foot and by car, bus, and bicycle to jobs, schools, community amenities like parks and sports fields, and the region’s natural environment. Public services are reliable, inclusive, and efficient, and the community is well-served by equitable, modern, and sustainable infrastructure, facilities, and utilities.

Santa Maria 2045 General Plan Outline
The Santa Maria 2045 General Plan included as Attachment D to this staff report, is organized into the following Elements (or “Chapters”): Introduction, Land Use, Circulation, Conservation and Open Space, Noise, Safety, Health and Environmental Justice, Public Facilities and Services, Recreation and Parks, Economic Development, and Housing (adopted separately and provided under separate cover).

Within each Element are the Goals, Policies, and Actions, organized by topic area, to support achieving the City’s Vision Statement. A Goal is a description of the general desired condition that the community seeks to create. A Policy is a specific statement that guides decision-making as the City works to achieve the various goals. Once adopted, policies represent statements of City regulations. Finally, an Action is an action, procedure, implementation technique, or specific program to be undertaken by the City 6 to help achieve a specified goal or implement an adopted policy. These goals, policies, and actions are specific to Santa Maria and reflect public feedback, compliance with State requirements, and consideration of existing conditions.

The Public Draft General Plan was released for public review from August 14, 2025, through September 28, 2025. The city has reviewed all comments received on the Public Draft General Plan and the Final Santa Maria 2045 General Plan includes red-lined and clean versions for comparison between the Draft and Final documents. These documents are also available on the project webpage at www.imaginesantamaria.com.

Land Use Policy Map and Zoning Map Amendments
The Land Use Element includes the Land Use Policy Map, which defines where different types of land uses are expected to be developed over time. The Land Use Map was prepared in response to input from the City Council in 2023 through selection of the Preferred Land Use Alternative. Community input, including feedback from the TAC, which reviewed and provided comments on the proposed Land Use Policy Map at one of its regularly scheduled meetings, was also taken into consideration. The new Land Use Policy Map is based on the following principles:
 Introduce two new land use designations (Main Street Mixed Use and Broadway Mixed Use) allowing for higher density mixed-use redevelopment along Main Street and Broadway.
 The High Density Residential (HDR-22) land use designation density has increased from 22 dwelling units per acre to 30 dwelling units per acre.  Introduction of a single-family residential land use designation to replace the area designated as Commercial and Professional Office in the Area 9 Specific Plan.  Identification of a potential future Santa Maria Joint Union High School District school site located on the west side of North Broadway, South of Preisker Road.  Planned Annexation area for the future Sphere of Influence boundary adjustment and Annexation of approximately 985-acres east of Highway 101 in an area that is currently within the unincorporated area of Santa Barbara County. This will require future applications approved by the Santa Barbara County Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO).
 Reflect other minor administrative edits to ensure accuracy of the Plan.

The City’s existing Zoning Map is also proposed to be amended to be consistent with the proposed Land Use Policy Map (Attachment I).

Planned Annexation Area
To plan for the anticipated future growth of 16,140 net new residential units (including three RHNA Housing Cycles) and 23,750 jobs by 2045, the Santa Maria 2045 General Plan Update includes a Planned Annexation (PA) designated area for a future Sphere of Influence (SOI) boundary adjustment and Annexation of approximately 985 acres east of Highway 101. This area is currently within the unincorporated area of Santa Barbara 7 County and is outside the City’s SOI. For lands to be considered for annexation into a city, the land must be within the City’s designated SOI. SOI boundary changes and Annexations are formal municipal reorganization actions that require approval by the Santa Barbara County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO).

The factors that LAFCO must consider in reviewing proposals include, but are not limited to, population density, the need for organized community services, the effect of the proposed action on adjacent areas, conformity with LAFCO policies on providing planned, orderly, efficient patterns of urban development, consistency with the General Plan, and the ability to provide services, including water supply.

Annexation serves as an opportunity for Santa Maria to grow responsibly, expanding needed jobs, housing, entertainment, public facilities, and services beyond the City’s current limits. The planned annexation area offers a defined area of land to further design and develop through Specific Plans or Master Plans that would provide an appropriate mix of land uses and intensities. More information regarding the LAFCO process can be found on the LAFCO website at www.sblafco.org.

Housing Growth Distribution
It is important to note that much of future growth will still be accommodated through existing pipeline projects on land within city limits, and through infill development, especially within Downtown and along the City’s major transportation corridors. However, there is recognition that additional land is needed for all other uses that sustain and support future population growth, including land for parks, schools, and employment sectors, that cannot be built merely through intensification.

The Planned Annexation area reflects the Preferred Alternative selected and is a balanced approach, allowing for both infill growth and necessary expansion to accommodate the full range of community uses. Of the approximately 16,200 housing units to be built, only 24 percent (3,880 units) are planned to be built in the annexation area. The remainder of the housing units, 76 percent, will be built all within existing City limits, through existing pipeline projects, unbuilt Specific Plans, anticipated development of accessory dwelling units, and infill development, including the city’s Downtown.

Environmental
An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH# 2025020584) has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Draft EIR was circulated for the required 45-day public review from August 14, 2025, to September 28, 2025. Comments received on the Draft EIR have been reviewed and responded to in the Response to Comments Section of the Final EIR. Mitigation Measures were developed to address potential project impacts in the topic areas of Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Biological Resources, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources, and Noise. The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program is provided as Attachment F to this staff report.
8 The EIR identifies significant and unavoidable (Class I) impacts to Agricultural Resources, Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Noise, and Transportation and Traffic. CEQA requires the decision-making agency to balance the benefits of a project against its significant unavoidable impacts when determining whether to approve a project. If the benefits of the project outweigh its unavoidable adverse environmental effects, those effects may be considered acceptable (CEQA Guidelines Section 15093(a)). CEQA requires the agency to state in writing the specific reasons for considering a project acceptable when significant impacts are not avoided or substantially lessened. Those reasons must be based on substantial evidence in the Final EIR or elsewhere in the administrative record (CEQA Guidelines Section 15093(b)). A Statement of Overriding Considerations addressing the benefits of the Project, which constitutes the specific economic, legal, social, technological and other considerations that justify the approval of the project, is included as Attachment H.

Alternative(s)
If the City Council decided not to adopt the 2045 General Plan and related actions at this hearing, the item could be continued to a future City Council hearing with direction to staff to make amendments to the plan prior to final adoption. If the City Council were to decide not to adopt the 2045 General Plan, and keep the current plan in place, significant work on the existing General Plan would still be required for the existing plan to comply with State law. There have been many changes in State law requirements that are not reflected in the City’s current General Plan that would still need to be addressed, such as the Environmental Health and Justice Element required under Senate Bill 1000.

Fiscal Considerations
The costs of the General Plan Update are covered under the approved budget for the General Plan Update, which is $1.8 million from the City’s general fund as well as the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) and the Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) grants that were awarded to the City in 2020 and 2021.

Impact on the Community
The updated General Plan will supersede and replace Santa Maria’s existing General Plan, which has become outdated and is not in compliance with State law. The new plan was developed based on the community’s vision and provides a framework that will guide decisions on topics such as growth, economic development, and land use through the planning horizon year of 2045.

ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution - Environmental
B. Resolution - General Plan Adoption
C. Ordinance
D. Santa Maria 2045 General Plan
E. Final Environmental Impact Report
F. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
G. CEQA Findings
H. Statement of Overriding Considerations
I. Official Zoning Map
J. Planning Commission Staff Report dated March 4, 2026 Attachment A

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RESOLUTION NO.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA

CERTIFYING AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT,

MAKING CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS,

ADOPTING A MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM,

AND ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
FOR THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA 2045 GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria (the City) proposes the 2045 Santa Maria General Plan Update (the Project), a comprehensive update to the City of Santa Maria’s existing General Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Project establishes the community’s vision for future development in the City through the planning horizon year of 2045; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 21067 of the Public Resources Code, the City of Santa Maria is the lead agency for the proposed Project; and WHEREAS, the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA), Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et. seq., requires the evaluation of environmental impacts of said Project; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15063, the City determined that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was required to analyze all potential adverse environmental impacts that could potentially result from the adoption and implementation of the Project and an Initial Study was not required; and WHEREAS, in accordance with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15082, on February 18, 2025, the City sent to the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation and each responsible and trustee agency and made available for public comment as required by law, a Notice of Preparation (NOP) stating that an EIR (State Clearinghouse Number (SCH) #2025020584) would be prepared; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Senate Bill 18 and Assembly Bill 52, the City sent notices to the list of Native American tribes provided by the Native American Heritage Commission; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21083.9 and State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15082(c) and 15083, the City held a duly noticed Scoping Meeting on February 27, 2025, to solicit comments on the scope of the environmental review of the proposed Project; and
Attachment A

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WHEREAS, a Draft EIR (SCH# 2025020584) was prepared for said Project in compliance with CEQA; and the required notices were published and the EIR was circulated for public review for the required 45-day duration between and including August 14, 2025 through September 28, 2025, sent to every responsible and/or trustee agency with jurisdiction over the Project, and placed in a public location; and WHEREAS, the Draft EIR determined that mitigation measures were required to mitigate impacts to a less than significant level for the following resource areas: Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Biological Resources, Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources, and Noise; and
WHEREAS, the Draft EIR further concluded that despite the incorporation of all feasible mitigation measures, the proposed Project would nonetheless result in significant and unavoidable impacts relating to Agricultural Resources, Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Noise, and Transportation and Traffic; and WHEREAS, in accordance with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15085, a Notice of Completion was prepared and filed with the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation on August 14, 2025; and
WHEREAS, as required by State CEQA Guidelines Section 15087(a), the City provided a Notice of Availability of the Draft EIR to the public at the same time that the City sent a Notice of Completion to the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, on August 14, 2025; and
WHEREAS, at the completion of the public review periods on the Draft EIR for the Project, comments were received and responses to those comments were prepared and incorporated into the Final EIR; and
WHEREAS, all of the requirements of the Public Resources Code and the State CEQA Guidelines have been satisfied by the City in connection with the preparation of the EIR, which is sufficiently detailed so that all of the potentially significant environmental effects of the Project have been adequately evaluated; and WHEREAS, the EIR prepared in connection with the Project sufficiently analyzes the Project’s potentially significant environmental impacts and the EIR analyzes a range of feasible alternatives capable of reducing these effects to an even lesser level of significance; and
WHEREAS, all the mitigation measures identified in the EIR as necessary to reduce the potentially significant impacts of the proposed Project to a level of less than significant are set forth in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP); and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Maria held a regularly scheduled public hearing on March 4, 2026, for the purpose of receiving evidence and considering the EIR and the proposed Project; and
Attachment A

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WHEREAS, notices of said public hearing were made at the time and in the manner required by law; and
WHEREAS, after considering all evidence, the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Maria recommended that the City Council: 1) Finds that the EIR complies with CEQA; 2) Certifies the EIR; 3) Make CEQA findings; and 4) Adopts the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the project; and
WHEREAS, at the completion of the public hearing, the Planning Commission duly considered all evidence presented at said hearing; and
WHEREAS, the EIR reflects the Planning Commission’s independent judgment and analysis; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Maria held a regularly scheduled public hearing on May 5, 2026, for the purpose of receiving evidence and considering the EIR and the proposed project; and
WHEREAS, notices of said public hearing were made at the time and in the manner required by law; and
WHEREAS, at the completion of the public hearing, the City Council duly considered all evidence presented at said hearing; and
WHEREAS, the EIR reflects the City Council’s independent judgment and analysis.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, as follows:

SECTION 1. The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by this reference.

SECTION 2. The City Council certifies the Environmental Impact Report (SCH# 2025020584) for the General Plan Update included as Attachment E to the City Council Agenda Report dated May 5, 2026, incorporated herein by reference, and finds that it complies with CEQA.

SECTION 3. The City Council makes CEQA Findings included as Attachment G to the City Council Agenda Report dated May 5, 2026, incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 4. The City Council adopts the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Project included as Attachment F to the City Council Agenda Report dated May 5, 2026, incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 5. The City Council makes a Statement of Overriding Considerations included as Attachment H to the City Council Agenda Report dated May 5, 2026, incorporated herein by reference, that balances the benefits of the Project against the Attachment A

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significant, unavoidable impacts to Agricultural Resources, Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Noise, and Transportation and Traffic.

SECTION 6. The Chief Deputy City Clerk is hereby authorized to make minor changes herein to address clerical errors, so long as substantial conformance of the intent of this document is maintained. In doing so, the Chief Deputy City Clerk shall consult with the City Manager and City Attorney concerning any changes deemed necessary.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria held this 5
th day of May 2026.

ATTEST:

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RESOLUTION NO.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
ADOPTING THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA 2045 GENERAL PLAN

UPDATE, REPLACING THE EXISTING ADOPTED GENERAL PLAN,

AND MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 65300, et seq. requires the City of Santa Maria (“City”) to adopt and maintain a General Plan that contains certain elements, describes its long-term goals, and develop policies and programs to achieve those goals; and
WHEREAS, in November of 2019, the City Council approved a Professional Services Contract with Raimi & Associates to prepare a comprehensive update to the City’s General Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City has sought to proactively engage the public in the update to the General Plan, including visioning workshops, pop-up events, online surveys, social media posts, community open houses and office hours, 13 Technical Advisory Committee meetings, joint study sessions with the Planning Commission and City Council, and hearings and briefings with the Planning Commission and City Council throughout the duration of the Project; and
WHEREAS, the City Council approved the Community Vision Statement, Guiding Principles and Areas of Change and Stability on April 6, 2021; and WHEREAS, the City Council selected the Preferred Land Use Alternative for the General Plan Update on December 5, 2023; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines (14 California Code of Regulations, §§15000, et seq.), the City prepared an Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”) to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with implementation of the Santa Maria General Plan Update; and WHEREAS, the General Plan Update contains the State-mandated elements of Land Use, Conservation and Open Space, Safety, Noise, Environmental Justice, and Circulation as well as optional Economic Development, Public Facilities, and Recreation and Parks Elements; and
WHEREAS, the Land Use Element of the General Plan Update includes Figure LU-3, Land Use Policy Map, incorporated herein by reference; and WHEREAS, the General Plan Update, including Figure LU-2, General Plan Land Use Map, identifies the Planned Annexation and Sphere of Influence boundary Attachment B

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adjustment area for future application to the Santa Barbara County Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO); and
WHEREAS, Existing Conditions Reports, which are not an official part of the adopted General Plan, were prepared in support of the General Plan Update and contain background information relevant to the General Plan Elements; and WHEREAS, the existing Housing Element adopted by the City Council on December 5, 2023 (2023-2031 Housing Element of the General Plan) will remain in full force and effect following adoption of the General Plan Update; and WHEREAS, each Element of the General Plan Update contains the diagrams, data, analysis, standards and policies required by State law; and the degree of specificity and level of detail for each Element of the General Plan Update reflects local conditions and circumstances; and
WHEREAS, the General Plan Update and its Elements comprise a logical, integrated, internally consistent and compatible statement of goals, policies and objectives; and
WHEREAS, the city released the Public Review Draft General Plan on August 14, 2025, and invited comments on it from August 14, 2025, through September 28, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the General Plan Update is in the public interest because it plans for future growth through orderly development, ensures adequate public services and facilities are available to the public, and supports fiscal sustainability by encouraging economic prosperity; and
WHEREAS, the city received comments on both the Public Review Draft General Plan Update and the Draft EIR and has provided those comments to the Planning Commission for consideration as part of the public hearing process; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission is responsible for reviewing updates to the General Plan and forwarding a recommendation to the City Council on the adoption or amendment; and
WHEREAS, on March 4, 2026, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing to consider the EIR for the Project and the General Plan Update; and WHEREAS, on March 4, 2026, the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Maria made its recommendation in writing that the City Council make findings to adopt the City of Santa Maria 2045 General Plan; and
WHEREAS, on May 5, 2026, a duly noticed public hearing was held for the purpose of making findings to adopt the City of Santa Maria 2045 General Plan; and Attachment B

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WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Maria made no substantial modification to the City of Santa Maria 2045 General Plan that had not been previously considered by the Planning Commission.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, as follows:

SECTION 1. The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by this reference.

SECTION 2. Based on the entire record before the City Council and all written and oral evidence presented, including the Council Agenda Report, and the information contained in the General Plan Update and EIR, the City Council makes the following findings:

1. All of the Elements of the General Plan Update provide for and promote overall goals, objectives and policies that are consistent with each other, integrated, and internally consistent; and

2. The General Plan Update’s Elements are compatible with each other, including the Housing Element, and will not conflict with, nor affect the implementation of, policies and programs in the various Elements therein; and

3. The General Plan Update’s amendments to the General Plan are reasonably related to the public health, safety and welfare because they guide and accommodate land uses, housing, and circulation infrastructure in accordance with current law, community need, and future demand.

SECTION 3. The City Council approves an application to LAFCO pursuant to the Cortese/Knox/Hertzberg Local Reorganization Act of 2000, commencing with section 56000 of the California Government Code, to amend the City’s Sphere of Influence and Annex the territory identified as “Planned Annexation” in Figure LU-3 (Land Use Policy Map) of the General Plan Update Land Use Element.

SECTION 4. Based upon the entire record before the City Council and the findings set forth herein, the City Council of the City of Santa Maria approves and adopts the City of Santa Maria 2045 General Plan included as Attachment D to the Council Agenda Report dated May 5, 2026, incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 5. The Chief Deputy City Clerk is hereby authorized to make minor changes herein to address clerical errors, so long as substantial conformance of the intent of this document is maintained. In doing so, the Chief Deputy City Clerk shall consult with the City Manager and City Attorney concerning any changes deemed necessary. ///
///
Attachment B

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PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria held this 5th day of May 2026.

ATTEST:

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ORDINANCE NO.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
APPROVING A ZONING MAP AMENDMENT (Z2026-0001)

REPEALING AND REENACTING THE CITY OF

SANTA MARIA OFFICIAL ZONING MAP
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 65300, et seq. requires the City of Santa Maria (“City”) to adopt and maintain a General Plan that contains certain elements, describes its long-term goals, and develop policies and programs to achieve those goals; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the Santa Maria 2045 General Plan on May 5, 2026 through Resolution No. ______, and as part of the comprehensive update there were new goals and policies adopted and changes to the Land Use Policy Map, including the creation of new land use designations and changes to the land use designations for properties within the City of Santa Maria; and
WHEREAS, on May 5, 2026, through adoption of Resolution No. _____, the City Council certified the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH ##2025020584) for the Santa Maria 2045 General Plan, including certification of the Final EIR, adoption of CEQA Findings for significant environmental impacts and a statement of overriding considerations, and adoption of the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP); and
WHEREAS, given the adoption of the new Santa Maria 2045 General Plan, the current City of Santa Maria Official Zoning Map required a comprehensive update to be consistent with the Land Use Policy Map; and
WHEREAS, the Zoning Map update substantially conforms to the goals and policies set forth in the Santa Maria 2045 General Plan that were analyzed in the Final EIR for the Santa Maria 2045 General Plan. No further environmental review is necessary.

WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Maria held a regularly scheduled public hearing on March 4, 2026, for the purpose of receiving evidence and considering the proposed Zoning Map; and
WHEREAS, notices of said public hearing were made at the time and in the manner required by law; and
WHEREAS, on March 4, 2026, the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Maria made its recommendation in writing that the City Council repeal and reenact the City of Santa Maria Official Zoning Map to be consistent with the Land Use Policy Map approved as a part of the Santa Maria 2045 General Plan; and WHEREAS, a duly noticed public hearing was held for the purpose of considering the proposed Zoning Map by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria on May 5, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the City Council made no substantial modification of the proposed Official Zoning Map which had not been previously considered by the Planning Commission and considered all written and oral testimony; and WHEREAS, the City Council considered and relied on the Planning Commission’s recommendations to certify the EIR and adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the City of Santa Maria 2045 General Plan, in making its decision to amend the Official Zoning Map.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, State of California, as follows:

SECTION 1. The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 2. The Official Zoning Map of the City of Santa Maria is hereby repealed and reenacted as shown on Attachment I of the City Council Agenda Report dated May 5, 2026, incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 3. The Director of Community Development, or designee, is hereby authorized and directed to make corresponding changes on the Official Zoning Map with this Ordinance.

SECTION 4. The City Council finds that the proposal is in accordance with the provisions of the General Plan of the City, that the proposed modifications are required for the public necessity, convenience, and general welfare, and that in the case of the zone change, the area is afforded the services and facilities appropriate for the zone proposed.

SECTION 6. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect 30 days after its passage. Within fifteen days following its passage, the City Clerk shall cause this Ordinance to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in accordance with State Law; or when deemed necessary due to the length or complexity of the Ordinance, cause a summary of the Ordinance to be prepared and published at least five days prior to the City Council meeting at which the proposed Ordinance is to be adopted. If a summary is published at least five days prior to the City Council meeting at which the proposed Ordinance is to be adopted, then within 15 days after adoption of the Ordinance the City Clerk shall publish a summary of the Ordinance with the names of those City Council Members voting for and against the Ordinance and shall post a certified copy of the full text of such adopted Ordinance along with the names of those City Council Members voting for and against the Ordinance.

INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 5 th day of May
2026, and PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting held on the _____ day of ______ 2026, by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAINED:

ATTEST:

Chief Deputy City Clerk
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________
City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
_______________________________
Department Director
_______________________________
City Manager
Final General Plan
May 5, 2026
Attachment D
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Land Use Element
Circulation Element
Conservation and Open Space Element
Noise Element
Safety Element
Health and Environmental Justice Element
Public Facilities and Services Element
Recreation and Parks Element
Economic Development Element
Appendices1
• Appendix A: Existing Conditions Reports
• Appendix B: Community Engagement Summaries
• Appendix C: Plan Alternatives Memoranda
• Appendix D: SB 1000 Disadvantages Communities Methodology • Appendix E: Emergency Evacuation Analysis
• Appendix F: Related Laws Legislation
• Appendix G: Glossary
1 All General Plan appendices are available at www.imaginesantamaria.com/resources.

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Introduction
Final Draft | May 5, 2026
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Table of Contents
Acknowledgements.............................................................................................................................................................1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5 About the General Plan..................................................................................................................................................... 5 General Plan Requirements.......................................................................................................................................... 7 Planning Process............................................................................................................................................................ 7 Planning Context ................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Regional and Local Setting........................................................................................................................................... 9 Planning Area................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Brief Planning History of Santa Maria .......................................................................................................................13 Growth Projections ...................................................................................................................................................... 14 Guide to Using the General Plan....................................................................................................................................15 Definition of Key Terms................................................................................................................................................15 Implementation, Reporting, and Updates................................................................................................................15 Plan Organization .........................................................................................................................................................16 Vision and Guiding Principles..........................................................................................................................................19 Table of Figures
Figure INT-1: General Plan Update Process.................................................................................................................. 8 Figure INT-2: Regional Location.....................................................................................................................................10 Figure INT-3: Planning Area............................................................................................................................................12 Table of Tables
Table INT-1: Growth Projections.................................................................................................................................... 14 This page has intentionally been left blank.

Introduction | 1
Acknowledgements
City Council
• Alice Patino, Mayor
• Carlos Escobedo, Councilmember, District 1
• Gloria Flores, Councilmember, District 2
• Gloria Soto, Councilmember, District 3
• Maribel Aguilera-Hernandez,
Councilmember, District 4
• Etta Waterfield, Councilmember*
• Mike Cordero, Councilmember*
• Dr. Michael Moats, Councilmember*
Planning Commission
• Robert Dickerson, Chair
• Esau Blanco, Commissioner
• Tim Seifert, Commissioner
• Tom Lopez, Commissioner
• Yasameen Mohajer, Commissioner

*Denotes former affiliation
General Plan Technical Advisory Committee
• Sue Andersen, Marian Regional Medical
Center
• Claire Wineman, Grower Shipper
Association
• Kevin Walthers, Allan Hancock College
• Michael Boyer, Santa Maria Valley
Chamber
• Suzanne Singh, Santa Maria Valley
Chamber
• Matthew Cameron, Santa Maria Bonita
School District
• Antonio Garcia, Santa Maria Joint Union
High School District
• Carlos Castaneda, Agricultural Industry
• Vicki Conner, EconAlliance, Strategic
Vitality, LLC
• Hazel Davalos, CAUSE
• David Dennis, SB Bike
• Lindy Hatcher, Homebuilders Association
• Ana Huynh, MICOP
• Yoshi Jimenez, Santa Maria Resident
• Glenn Morris, Western Association of
Chamber Executives
• Yolanda Ortiz, Santa Maria Joint Union
High School District
• Martin Pehl, Santa Maria Public Airport
District
• Laurie Tamura, Urban Planning Concepts
• Wendy Teodoro, CAUSE
City Staff
City Manager’s Office
• David Rowlands, City Manager
• Chuen Wu, Assistant City Manager
• Jason Stilwell*
• Mark Van de Kamp*
City Attorney’s Office
• Thomas T. Watson, City Attorney
• Heather Whitham, Assistant City Attorney
• Jeffrey Patrick, Assistant City Attorney
Introduction | 2
Community Development
• Chenin Dow, Community Development
Director
• Dana Eady, Planning Division Manager
• Frank Albro, Principal Planner
• Carol Ziesenhenne, Senior Planner
• Cody Graybehl, Senior Planner
• Daisey Miranda, Associate Planner
• Greg Vine, Associate Planner
• Ryan Hostetter*
Police
• Christopher Williams, Police Chief
• Marc Schneider*
• Daniel Cohen, Division Commander
• Eligio Lara, Division Commander
• Jesse Silva, Division Commander*
Fire
• Bradley Dandridge, Fire Chief
• Jim Clayton, Deputy Chief*
• James Austin, Fire Marshal
• Roy Duggar, Emergency Services
Specialist
• Seth Wells, A-Shift Battalion Chief
• Anthony Clayburg, B-Shift Battalion Chief
• Shane Brown, C-Shift Battalion Chief
• Leonard Champion*
• Todd Tuggle*
• Darrell Delgado*
• Larry Comerford*
Human Resources
• Graciela Reynoso, Director
• Linda Le*
Finance
• Rebecca Campbell, Director
• Xenia Bradford*
• Mary Harvey*
Public Works
• Brett Fulgoni, Director
• Mark Mueller, Principal Civil Engineer
• David Beas, Principal Civil Engineer
• Kevin McCune*
• Luis Magallon, Senior Civil Engineer
• Zoe Glick, Senior Civil Engineer
• Gamaliel Anguiano, Transit Manager
• Austin O’Dell*
Recreation and Parks
• Alex Posada, Director*
• Angela Oslund, Assistant Director
• Scott Christian, Special Districts & Urban
Forest Supervisor
• Dennis Smitherman, Recreation Services
Manager
Utilities
• Shad S. Springer, Director
• Alexandra Griffith, Water Resources
Manager
• Heriberto Cantu*
Library
• Dawn Jackson, Director
• Mary Housel*
*Denotes former affiliation

Community Partners
Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) | Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE)
Introduction | 4
Santa Maria City Hall

Introduction | 5
Introduction
This Introduction to the Santa Maria General Plan provides the foundation needed to understand and implement the General Plan. The About the General Plan section summarizes State requirements and the community outreach and policy development that shaped the Plan. The Planning Context section describes the regional and local setting, the Planning Area, Santa Maria’s planning history, and growth projections through the planning horizon of 2045. Finally, the Guide to Using the General Plan section defines key terms, introduces key aspects of Plan implementation and maintenance, and provides an overview of the Plan. The General Plan Introduction concludes with the Vision Statement and Guiding Principles that serve as the foundation of the General Plan.

City of Santa Maria gateway sign
Strawberries, a major agricultural export for the Santa Maria Valley.

Introduction | 6
Historic photo of the Broadway and Main Street intersection.

Introduction | 7
About the General Plan
General Plan Requirements
A General Plan is a policy document required by State law (Government Code Section 65300-65303.4) that provides a “long term, comprehensive, integrated, internally consistent and compatible statement of policies” that reflect local conditions and community vision. State law requires that the general plan address the following eight mandatory elements: land use, housing, circulation, conservation, open space, environmental justice, safety, and noise. State law also allows for the inclusion of optional “elements” and organization of the elements to “accommodate local conditions and circumstances” (Government Code § 65300.7), subject to the City’s discretion.

Planning Process
In 2020, the City of Santa Maria embarked on a comprehensive update to its General Plan, called “Imagine Santa Maria,” to create a forward-looking document that will serve as the blueprint for the city through the year 2045. The update kicked off in January 2020 and concluded in March 2026. The General Plan update process included five phases: (1) existing conditions, (2) listening and visioning, (3) plan alternatives, (4) policy and plan development, and (5) review and adoption of the Plan, described in Figure INT-1: General Plan Update ProcessCommunity input informed each of the five phases.

Introduction | 8
Figure INT-1: General Plan Update Process
The following is a summary of each phase. Work products prepared for each phase are included in the General Plan appendix.
• Existing Conditions. During the existing conditions phase, the City identified trends, issues, opportunities, and priorities, which were summarized in seven existing conditions reports:

Environmental, Health and Environmental Justice, Infrastructure, Land Use and Community Design, Socioeconomics, Subareas, and Transportation and Mobility. • Listening and Visioning. In this phase, community members shared their vision for the future, the qualities of Santa Maria to preserve, and the issues to address. Community engagement activities in this phase included community workshops, online surveys, and social media outreach. The listening and visioning phase resulted in a brief vision statement and a list of the community’s guiding principles, which were approved by the City Council in April 2021. • Plan Alternatives. The purpose of the Plan alternatives phase was to develop different land use, mobility, and urban design options that addressed the ideas expressed in the vision. This phase involved developing conceptual ideas for growth and development with the public, creating three discrete land use alternatives, and extensive community engagement to select and refine the preferred land use direction. The preferred land use designation map was endorsed by the City Council in November 2023.
• Policy and Plan Development. After the selection of the preferred land use designation map, City staff began work on the Policy Frameworks to highlight the key direction for each Element. Each Policy Framework was developed by incorporating findings from previous project phases, including technical analyses, relevant content from the existing General Plan, current planning best practices, requirements from State law, and feedback from community members, Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) members, Planning Commission, City Council, and City staff. This phase involved meetings between various City departments and the consultant team and a review of the goals, policies, and actions for multiple elements by the TAC. During this phase, the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was completed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Both documents—the Draft General Plan and the Draft EIR—were released for public review and comment from August 14 to September 28, 2025.

Introduction | 9
• Review and Adopt. The final phase of work was the review and adoption of the General Plan. This phase involved community workshops on the Draft General Plan and Draft EIR, City Council and Planning Commission Study Sessions, public hearings, and formal adoption of the General Plan and certification of the EIR in April 2026.

Planning Context
Regional and Local Setting
The City of Santa Maria is located along the Central Coast of California, in the northwest part of Santa Barbara County, as shown in Figure INT-2: Regional Location. Santa Maria is in the Santa Maria Valley, a valley renowned for its viticulture and agriculture. The city is immediately surrounded by the Santa Maria River to the north, unincorporated agricultural land to the east and west, and the unincorporated Community of Orcutt to the south. The Santa Maria River forms the Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County line. Santa Maria is about 10 miles east of the Pacific Ocean, 13 miles west of Los Padres National Forest in the San Rafael Mountains, 25 miles south of San Luis Obispo, and 50 miles northwest of Santa Barbara. Santa Maria is connected regionally via US-101, State Route (SR)-1, and Main Street (SR166), which run through or near Santa Maria. The Santa Maria Airport provides public and private aviation services.

Mural located on Broadway in Santa Maria’s Downtown.

Introduction | 10
Figure INT-2: Regional Location
Introduction | 11
Planning Area
State law requires that a general plan must cover the territory within the boundaries of the adopting city or county as well as “any land outside its boundaries which in the planning agency’s judgment bears relation to its planning” (Government Code Section 65300). The City of Santa Maria’s General Plan Planning Area1 includes the following areas, as shown in Figure INT-3: Planning Area:
• City limits. City limits include the area within the current (as of 2025) boundaries of the City of Santa Maria.
• Sphere of Influence (SOI). As defined by the State General Plan Guidelines, the SOI is the “probable physical boundaries and service area” of the City. There are three main areas in the SOI: a triangular area of land along Betteravia Road on the western side of the City, the Tanglewood area to the west of Santa Maria Airport, and the unincorporated community of Orcutt. • The Planned Annexation Area. There are three areas of unincorporated Santa Barbara County that are proposed for annexation into the City, totaling 985 acres. The first area proposed for annexation is generally bound by Panther Drive to the west, E. Main Street to the south, and the City limits to the north and east. The second area proposed for annexation is generally bound by S.

Suey Road to the west, E. Main Street to the north, E. Jones Street to the south, and Rosemary Road to the east. The third area proposed for annexation is generally bound by E. Jones Street to the north, US-101 to the west, Prell Road to the south, and S. Suey Road to the east. As described in more detail in the Land Use Element, the Santa Barbara County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) will determine whether the SOI boundaries will be revised to include the Planned Annexation Area and whether portions will be annexed into the City.

Agricultural land in Santa Maria.
1 For information on growth projections, see the Land Use Element.

Introduction | 12
Figure INT-3: Planning Area
Introduction | 13
Brief Planning History of Santa Maria2
The first known inhabitants of the area now known as Santa Maria were the Chumash Native Americans.

The Spanish were the first Europeans to settle in the area in the late 18th century to establish missions.

Following Mexican independence in 1821, the Mexican government granted individual citizens land ownership, and the first town, called La Graciosa, was established near the present-day site of Orcutt in 1868. Four early settlers—Rudolph Cook, John Thornburg, Isaac Miller, and Isaac Fesler—settled on four quadrants of land that met at the intersection of Broadway (SR-35) and Main Street (SR-166) in the 1860s and 1870s.

Officials surveyed a grid pattern expanding from the intersection of Broadway and Main Street, and settlers eventually incorporated as Santa Maria in 1905. The early residential and commercial growth of the city occurred in Downtown Santa Maria, and today there is still a mix of residential, civic, and commercial uses in the gridded Downtown area.

The City of Santa Maria primarily grew by annexing surrounding land used primarily for farming or ranching. Creation of regional job centers, including the Vandenberg Space Force Base, played a significant role in mid-century (1950s – 1970s) residential growth of the city and future annexations. Most residential development from the mid-20th century onward has been in the form of single-family residential subdivisions developed at a lower density than the Downtown area. Today, the City of Santa Maria is home to a population of over 100,000 people, and though much has changed since its founding, it still boasts a mix of agriculture, residential, and employment uses centered around the historic Downtown. The 2045 General Plan builds upon the City’s long-range planning framework, including prior annexation efforts.3
Historic photo of Broadway, looking north. Credit: Santa Maria Valley Historical Society. 2 Source: City of Santa Maria Valley Historical Society, 2020. 3 For more detailed historical documentation, including the 1993 Sphere of Influence Expansion EIR (SCH #90010930), the public may contact the City of Santa Maria Planning Division to request archived planning documents.

Introduction | 14
Growth Projections
Growth projections refer to the amount of development likely to have occurred by the end of the planning horizon of the General Plan in 2045. The projections in Table INT-1: Growth Projections represent a probable amount of growth in the City of Santa Maria through the year 2045 based on the city’s historic pattern of growth, current and potential land available for development, and current and future economic and social conditions in Santa Maria. The projections were informed by job and population projections through the year 2050 from the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) and potential Regional Housing Needs Allocations (RHNA).

The growth projections assume new development through the year 2045 will be consistent with development regulations established in this General Plan and in the City’s other regulatory documents, including the Zoning Ordinance and applicable Specific Plans. The growth projections do not assume full buildout of every parcel. Rather, they represent a realistic amount of housing and employment growth on land with potential for development based on actual densities and intensities of recent projects in Santa Maria. Actual growth in Santa Maria through the year 2045 will depend on several factors, including economic and social trends, natural hazards, economic conditions, developer interest, and the timeline of annexation.

Table INT-1: Growth Projections
Existing (2022) Projected (2045) Net Change
Acreage within City Limits 15,058 acres 16,043 acres 985 acres Population 108,600 people 141,480 people 32,880 people
Residential Units 28,200 units 44,340 units 16,140 units Jobs 43,050 jobs 66,800 jobs 23,750 jobs
Sources: SBCAG Regional Growth Forecast 2050; City of Santa Maria, 2024 Introduction | 15
Guide to Using the General Plan
Definition of Key Terms
The following are key terms used consistently throughout this General Plan:

Goal: a general expression of community direction, expressed as future desired ends Policy: a specific statement of intent or direction that guides decision-making and helps implement a goal Action: a specific activity, procedure, program, or project that carries out a policy Standard: a rule or measure establishing a level of quality or quantity that must be complied with or satisfied
Diagram: a graphic expression of the text of a particular policy Implementation, Reporting, and Updates
Policies
Generally, future development regulations, plans, and decisions must be consistent with the policies of the adopted General Plan, including the zoning ordinance, specific plans, capital improvements, development agreements, and functional plans (e.g., for hazard mitigation, water management, and waste management). Goals are achieved through the implementation of policies.

Actions
This General Plan identifies actions intended to advance General Plan policies. Actions guide City staff and decision-makers. The City will need to allocate funding and staff time and may need to partner with local and regional nonprofit organizations and outside public agencies.

CEQA Tiering and Streamlining
With the adoption of the General Plan and the certification of the Program EIR, the environmental review for subsequent projects can be limited to those project-specific significant effects that either were not examined or not examined fully in the General Plan EIR (CEQA Guidelines §15168(c)).

Reporting
California Government Code requires that the planning agency “render an annual report to the legislative body (City Council) on the status of the Plan and the progress in its implementation” (Section 65400(b)).

Introduction | 16
Updates
State law also encourages annual reviews of actions and recommends that the entire General Plan be thoroughly reviewed every five years to ensure it is still consistent with the community’s goals. State law further requires that the Housing Element be reviewed and updated at least once every eight years.

Any part of a General Plan may be amended to accommodate changing conditions. Property owners, developers, the Planning Commission, the City Council, or City staff may propose amendments. The Planning Commission and the City Council must review any proposed changes at public hearings, and the potential of environmental impacts must be evaluated in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Plan Organization
The General Plan is organized into chapters (referred to as elements), comprised of the State-mandated elements (land use, circulation, housing, conservation and open space, noise, safety, and environmental justice) and additional optional elements (public facilities and services, recreation and parks, and economic development).

Each element of the General Plan is organized into three main sections: Background, Issues and Opportunities, and Policies. The Background section introduces existing conditions and trends related to priorities addressed in the element. The Issues and Opportunities section describes the key issues and opportunities that shaped the element. Finally, the Policies section establishes regulatory standards and diagrams and outlines goals, policies, and actions.

Elements
Land Use Element
The Land Use Element includes policies related to Santa Maria’s citywide land use and development pattern, community design and public realm, land use compatibility, and regional coordination.

Circulation Element
The Circulation Element identifies the general location and extent of existing and proposed transportation networks and related policies.

Housing Element
The Housing Element addresses current and projected housing needs by establishing policies and programs for improving housing and providing adequate housing for all income levels. The Housing Element was prepared separately from the remainder of the General Plan to comply with statutory deadlines. The Housing Element was adopted on December 5, 2023.

Conservation and Open Space Element
The Conservation and Open Space Element included policies related to the city’s natural, cultural, historic, tribal, and open space resources.

Introduction | 17
Noise Element
The Noise Element includes policies related to mitigating the impact of noise and vibration on adjacent uses and the community.

Safety Element
The Safety Element includes policies related to identifying and mitigating hazards that may affect the city, including seismic and geologic hazards, wildland and urban fires, flood and dam inundation, hazardous materials and solid waste, airport hazards, and climate change.

Health and Environmental Justice Element
The Health and Environmental Justice Element includes policies to reduce pollution; promote safe and affordable housing; enhance opportunities to lead healthy lives through access to healthy food, active transportation, public facilities, and healthcare facilities; and foster greater civic engagement.

Public Facilities and Services Element
The Public Facilities and Services Element includes policies related to major infrastructure (water, wastewater, and stormwater), public facilities (City-owned public buildings and libraries as well as schools), and public services (police, fire, and solid waste).

Recreation and Parks Element
The Recreation and Parks Element includes policies related to recreational facilities, trails, recreational programming, arts and culture programming, and parks.

Economic Development Element
The Economic Development Element includes policies related to workforce development, local industry, regional partnerships, and tourism.

Appendices
Appendix A: Existing Conditions Reports
During the existing conditions phase, the City identified trends, issues, opportunities, and priorities, which were summarized in seven existing conditions reports: Environmental, Health and Environmental Justice, Infrastructure, Land Use and Community Design, Socioeconomics, Subareas, and Transportation and Mobility.

Appendix B: Community Engagement Summaries
A summary report was prepared for each engagement activity. These reports include an overview of the activity, participant demographics, discussion summaries, and survey results.

Appendix C: Plan Alternatives Memoranda
The Plan Alternatives Memoranda include the Alternatives Technical Memo, Alternatives Analysis, Fiscal Impact Analysis Memo, and Preferred Alternative Memo.

Appendix D: SB 1000 Disadvantaged Communities Methodology The SB 1000 Disadvantaged Communities Methodology details the multistep process taken to identify disadvantaged communities in the Planning Area.

Introduction | 18
Appendix E: Emergency Evacuation Analysis
The emergency evacuation analysis identifies evacuation routes and their capacity, safety, and viability under a range of emergency scenarios. The findings of the Senate Bill 99 and Assembly Bill 747 analyses have been incorporated into the Safety Element.

Appendix F: Related Laws and Legislation
This chapter identifies County, State, and federal regulations that guided the development of the General Plan.

Appendix G: Glossary
The Glossary includes definitions of terms used throughout the General Plan.

Introduction | 19
Vision and Guiding Principles
This section includes the Vision Statement and Guiding Principles approved by City Council in 2021 as a foundation for subsequent analysis and policy development.

Vision Statement
This Vision Statement describes Santa Maria as the community would like to see it in 2045:

Santa Maria in 2045 is a community where families can establish and maintain multi-generational roots. It is close-knit, culturally diverse, and economically inclusive.

This is possible, in part, because Santa Maria offers affordable, safe, attractive, and healthy homes and neighborhoods for all residents.

This is also possible because of the availability of high-quality education, jobs, and economic opportunity.

Building from a strong foundation in the agricultural, retail, healthcare, and business services industries, Santa Maria has continued to diversify by expanding the training and skills of residents and by adapting to new technologies and broader economic trends.

People are proud of their history and heritage. This is reflected in the diverse, well-preserved historical resources and the attractive, inviting streets and public gathering places. Museums, art venues, a strong civic sector, and the many welcoming community events and celebrations are all evidence of a vibrant local culture.

Residents have convenient access on foot and by car, bus, and bicycle to jobs, schools, community amenities like parks and sports fields, and the region’s natural environment.

Public services are reliable, inclusive, and efficient, and the community is well-served by equitable, modern, and sustainable infrastructure, facilities, and utilities.

Guiding Principles
The following Guiding Principles establish the direction the community should follow and the major ideas that the General Plan should advance.

Agricultural Identity
Continue to support the agricultural industry and its workforce. Balance the protection of prime agricultural land with the development necessary to support continued population growth and the diversification of the local economy. Development in the Planned Annexation Area, despite the presence of agricultural land, has been determined to be necessary for a balanced approach to future city growth under the preferred land use alternative.

Introduction | 20
Culture, History, and Art
Celebrate and share Santa Maria’s multicultural heritage and contemporary diversity. Preserve historic resources, foster the arts, maintain a strong sense of community through cultural festivals, and invite visitors to enjoy the richness of local expression and resources.

Community Design
Create public spaces that reflect the community identity, foster civic pride, and invite community members to gather, both informally and for events. Design streets, buildings, and landscaping that reflect the community’s history, culture, and natural environment. Use lighting, street trees, benches, and other amenities to make sidewalks and public spaces safe and welcoming, with a focus on the Downtown and along the Main Street and Broadway corridors.

Community Health
Grow and expand physical and mental healthcare services to meet the needs of all residents. Improve community health by addressing the environmental justice priorities of disadvantaged communities, including seniors, low-income households, linguistically isolated families, the homeless, and youth, who comprise 35% of residents. Minimize residents’ potential for exposure to noise, pesticides, and industrial pollution. Foster healthy lifestyles by expanding safe and attractive options for physical activity and by expanding healthy food access.

Natural Environment and Resilience
Conserve water resources in the city and support efforts to maintain access to the Santa Maria River.

Expand opportunities to enjoy the area’s natural resources and the region’s beauty. Safeguard the community from natural hazards, including those exacerbated by climate change.

Housing Quality and Choice
Develop a high-quality and diverse housing supply at all levels of affordability that preserves Santa Maria as a place where families can establish roots and today’s youth can afford to stay. Balance the growth of housing and the economy so that people can live and work in Santa Maria. As new housing types are introduced, such as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), adapt parking, transportation, and other community features. Develop workforce housing solutions that provide safe, healthy, and comfortable homes for workers and their families.

Resilient Economy
Cultivate a diverse and resilient economy in which local businesses and families thrive and job growth keeps apace with housing development. Grow the existing economic base in agriculture, retail, healthcare, and business services, and expand into new industries. Ensure access to high quality education that is aligned with local industries and entrepreneurship.

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Connected Growth
To accommodate projected population, housing, and jobs growth, focus on improvements to existing neighborhoods along with infill and vacant site development. Expand beyond current City limits when needed, weighing the short and long term environmental, economic, infrastructure, public service, and fiscal trade-offs. Establish strong cultural, design, and physical connections between newly developed areas and the rest of Santa Maria.

Transportation Innovations
Develop a balanced, equitable, affordable, and reliable transportation network where pedestrians, cyclists, trucks, cars, rail, and transit can safely and efficiently navigate to destinations within Santa Maria. Focus on maintaining existing roadways, expanding walking and biking options, and reducing congestion and maintenance costs. Transform corridors and streets from points of conflict among people, cyclists, cars, and trucks into places that bring neighborhoods and families together. Prepare for and expand regional connections with enhanced bus, rail, and air service. Prepare for technological advances like autonomous vehicles and remote work, and take advantage of opportunities and incentives to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Infrastructure, Utilities, Facilities, and Services
Provide residents and businesses with equitable access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure and utilities, including water, wastewater, flood control, gas, phone, cable, and broadband internet. Deliver high-quality services and facilities for all community members, including expedient emergency response, accessible health care, high-quality education and career training, and convenient and equitable access to well-maintained parks and recreational facilities.

Governance and Engagement
Continue to conduct and increase meaningful and inclusive civic engagement that empowers a diversity of perspectives in public decision-making. Provide residents and businesses with high-quality, equitable, and accessible customer service, including City communications and events in multiple languages and interpretation services. Partner with community organizations and institutions to build trust and increase participation, including among youth, who will be the city leaders in 2045.

Land Use Element
Final Draft | May 5, 2026
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Table of Contents
Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................................1 Background.......................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Santa Maria’s Development Pattern........................................................................................................................... 3 Community Design and Public Realm ......................................................................................................................10 Land Use Conflicts.........................................................................................................................................................10 Issues and Opportunities................................................................................................................................................. 11 Land Use Policies...............................................................................................................................................................13 Policy Summary .............................................................................................................................................................13 Understanding Density and Intensity ....................................................................................................................... 14 Standards and Diagrams.............................................................................................................................................15 Policy Framework .........................................................................................................................................................20 Table of Figures
Figure LU-1: Existing Specific Plans ................................................................................................................................. 9 Figure LU-2: Density and Intensity ................................................................................................................................ 14 Figure LU-3: General Plan Land Use Map ....................................................................................................................19 Table of Tables
Table LU-1: Existing Specific Plans................................................................................................................................... 6 Table LU-2: Land Use Designations...............................................................................................................................15 This page has intentionally been left blank.

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Introduction
The Land Use Element has the broadest scope of all required elements of a General Plan, regulating how land in a city is to be used in the future, as described in California Government Code Section 65302(a).

The Element consists of three main sections: Background, Issues and Opportunities, and Land Use Policies.

The Background section introduces existing conditions and trends related to priorities addressed in this Element. The Issues and Opportunities section describes the key issues and opportunities that shaped the Element. Finally, the Land Use Policies section establishes regulatory standards and diagrams and outlines the City’s Land Use goals, policies, and implementation actions.

Those goals, policies, and actions establish a framework to guide future growth and development in Santa Maria. The aim is to create a “complete community” that offers a high quality of life for all residents by supporting and prioritizing local jobs, education and medical resources, public amenities, and daily needs in close proximity to safe neighborhoods. The Element emphasizes revitalization of Downtown and the Broadway (SR-135) and Main Street (SR-166) corridors, opportunities for job growth in industrial and commercial areas, and housing in different formats and levels of affordability, while making every effort to preserve agricultural areas while accommodating future growth. The Element also guides community design, addresses existing and potential land use conflicts, and informs ongoing regional collaboration.

Left: Enos Ranch Shopping Center. Top right: Hotel on North Broadway. Bottom right: Bill Libbon Elementary School. Credit:

Ashley & Vance Engineering.

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A multi-family apartment complex in Santa Maria.

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Background
This section introduces existing conditions and trends related to priorities addressed in the Land Use Policies.

Santa Maria’s Development Pattern
Historic Development Patterns
In recent decades, Santa Maria has been one of the fastest growing cities in the region. Historically, Santa Maria’s growth has been accommodated by annexing and developing vacant or agricultural land. The city has developed primarily through the adoption of Planned Development overlay zones and Specific Plans, as complements to the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. The majority of Santa Maria features low-tomedium intensity development.

Existing Land Use
Santa Maria is nearly 20 square miles and consists of a variety of land use types and development patterns, including residential, commercial, industrial, airport, public, and agriculture. The section below describes existing land uses, which refers to the way land is currently developed and being used (as of 2020) within City limits. The current land use provides important context for the Issues and Opportunities section below and for the goals and policies set forth in the Policy Framework of this Element.

Residential
Residential is the most prevalent type of use in the city. Most residential development in Santa Maria is in the form of detached, single-family homes. These units are primarily located in subdivisions across the city and outside of the Downtown area, though some single-family units do exist in Downtown.

Condominiums, apartments, and mobile homes make up a small share of the city’s residential land. Multifamily housing tends to be either 1) pockets within primarily single-family residential neighborhoods near Downtown or 2) along major corridors, as complexes with shared facilities, such as private open space, some of which include recreational amenities such as private clubhouses, pools, and landscaped areas.

Single-family residence located in Sky View Estates Centennial Gardens Apartments Subdivision.

Credit: Coastal Community Builders.

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Commercial
Commercial uses, including retail and office, most often front major roadways, such as Broadway, Main Street, and Betteravia Road, or are located near US-101. Many retail commercial uses near US-101 are located in outdoor shopping centers with a mix of major anchor retailers (such as Costco or the Home Depot) and smaller retailers. Most commercial uses Downtown—including retail, office, and restaurant land uses—have small building footprints due to small lot size, with the exception of the Santa Maria Town Center Mall and Town Center West.

Enos Ranchos Retail Commercial Shopping Center
Industrial
Industrial uses are most commonly located on the west side of the city near Blosser Road or along US-101 at the north end of the city.

Industrial business located in Santa Maria.

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Airport
The Santa Maria Public Airport is located in the southwestern part of the city. The airport covers 2,598 acres and is immediately surrounded by compatible land uses, including agriculture, vacant land, and industrial land.

Public, Institutional, and Parks
The Public, Institutional, and Parks category includes the following uses:
• Schools. Public schools are distributed
throughout the city and are often
community focal points in residential
neighborhoods. Hancock College is
situated on nearly an entire block near
US-101.
• Places of Worship. Churches and places of
worship or assembly are distributed
evenly across Santa Maria, found within Santa Maria High School residential neighborhoods, along major corridors, and in commercial or industrial areas. • Parks. Like schools, parks are often located in residential neighborhoods and distributed throughout Santa Maria.
• City facilities. Most of the City of Santa Maria’s government buildings, including City Hall and City offices, are located near the Downtown area. Other City facilities, including the City’s wastewater treatment plant and Santa Maria Area Transit operations facility, are located at the edges of the city.
• Healthcare facilities. Community health facilities are located throughout the city. Marian Regional Medical Center, located on Main Street adjacent to US-101, is a campus-like hospital complex and is the largest medical use in the city.
• Government facilities. Most of the City of Santa Maria’s government buildings, including City Hall and City offices, are located near the Downtown area. Other City facilities, including the City’s wastewater treatment plant and Santa Maria Area Transit operations facility, are located at the edges of the city. Several facilities owned by the County of Santa Barbara are located along Foster Road.

Agricultural
Most agricultural uses are located on the west side of the city, and immediately to the east and west of City limits. No land within City limits is designated or zoned specifically for agriculture; agricultural uses operate as transitional uses until development is planned for an area.

Vacant
Vacant land is most commonly located on the periphery of the city, including near the Santa Maria River, west of A Street in the western portion of the city, and near the Santa Maria Public Airport.

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Existing Specific Plans
Specific Plans are optional, detailed planning documents used to implement the General Plan for a specific geographic area of the city. Like General Plans, they are adopted legislatively. Santa Maria has twelve approved Specific Plans; some include a residential component, while others only include non-residential components. Of the Specific Plans that include residential components, all but three are built out. As noted in the Policy Framework, some updates to the Specific Plans are necessary to remain consistent with the General Plan Land Use Element. Specific Plans are illustrated in Figure LU-1 and described below, in Table LU-1.

Table LU-1: Existing Specific Plans
# Plan Name Description
1 Entrada Specific Plan (1976) Establishes a vision and design guidelines for the Broadway and Main Street corridors.
2 Rivergate-Roemer Specific Plan (1994;
amended in 2020)
This is a 194-acre site including 605 residential units, a 29-acre retail center, an elementary school, and 50 acres of parks, trails, and open space areas. This plan has been fully built out with the exception of 29 acres zoned C-2 to allow for future retail commercial and potentially mixed-use projects.
3 North Preisker Ranch Specific Plan (1999;
amended in 2001)
This is a 144-acre site that includes a mix of low and lowmedium density residential uses, community facilities, and recreational open space. This plan is fully built out with the exception of a 2.5-acre site.
4 Hidden Pines Specific Plan (1994;
amended in 1999)
This is a 60-acre site at the northern edge of the city, with 20 acres designated for small-lot single-family residential use and 40 acres preserved as open space around the existing Blosser Retardation Basin. This plan is fully built out.
5 West Main Specific Plan (1994) This is an 88-acre area focused on agricultural, community commercial, and light industrial uses.
6 Blosser-Southeast Specific Plan (1994;
amended in 2011)
This is a 315-acre site that includes residential units, parks, schools, bikeways and trails, and a cultural center. The residential subdivisions in the plan area are Pacific Crest, Harvest Glen, Harvest Glen Gardens, St. Clair, and Centennial Gardens. This plan is fully built out.
7 Blosser Southeast Area 5B Specific Plan
(2020)
Formerly part of the Blosser Southeast Specific Plan, this is a 145-acre area consisting of commercial uses, 1,105 residential units, public facilities, a 19-acre sports complex, a school site, and open space. The plan area is currently undeveloped but has entitlements that would permit 1,440 units (including ADUs) 8 Blosser-Southwest Specific Plan (1994;
updated in 2010)
This is a 258-acre site planned primarily for residential uses of varying densities, with supporting neighborhood commercial development, an elementary school, and a community park.

This plan is fully built out with the exception of a 10-acre parcel located at the NW corner of Blosser Rd. and Battles Rd.

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9 Mahoney Ranch North Specific Plan (2008) This is a 141-acre site that includes low-density residential, heavy commercial/manufacturing, and open space uses, with the majority of land preserved for agriculture and open space. 10 Mahoney Ranch South Specific Plan (2008) This is a 319-acre site that includes agricultural and commercial uses, and 1,405 residential units on annexed land. However, there is no proposed development due to environmental
constraints (e.g., California Tiger Salamander)
11 West Stowell Specific Plan (1994) This is a 165-acre area that includes agriculture and related commercial and industrial uses. This plan is mostly built out. 12 Area 9 Specific Plan (2012) This is an 890-acre area that includes employment, commercial, and residential uses. The Windset Farms Commercial
Greenhouse facility and the Santa Maria Valley Railroad are located in this area. Portions of this area were rezoned from commercial/professional office to single-family residential during the 2025 General Plan Update.
13 Entrada Este Specific Plan (1994; updated
in 1996, 2000, 2001, and 2012)
This is a 480-acre site that features residential subdivisions such as Bradley Square, several multi-family developments, retail, shopping centers, parks, basins, and trails. This plan is fully built out.
14 Enos Ranchos Specific Plan (2008) Formerly part of the Entrada Este Specific Plan, this is a 121- acre site that includes retail, commercial shopping centers, office, warehouse, auto sales, and high-density residential uses, schools, and parks.
15 Santa Maria Airport Business Park Specific
Plan (2000; amended in 2008 and 2020)
This site includes the 2,600-acre airport property, which includes a 740-acre business park and active open space, and commercial land uses around an 18-hole golf course.
16 Downtown Santa Maria Specific Plan
(2008; amended in 2015)
This plan area includes 50 square blocks centered at the intersection of Broadway and Main Street and establishes land uses and building form regulations, including parking
requirements, design guidelines, and architectural styles.

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Single-family residential subdivision in the southern part of the city.

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Figure LU-1: Existing Specific Plans
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Community Design and Public Realm
Community design refers to the experience a person has when spending time in Santa Maria. Community design is impacted by several factors, including landscaping and greenery; public art; the location, scale, and architectural character of homes, stores, parks, offices, and other spaces; and how easily a person can travel between destinations. Quality community design, including beautiful, well-designed, pedestrianscale buildings, streets, and public spaces, can increase civic pride, improve community safety, strengthen connections to local arts and culture, and make Santa Maria a more attractive place to live, visit, and work.

The “public realm” refers to the aspects of community design managed by the City. Features of the public realm, including accessibility, connectivity, and the quality of the pedestrian environment, are important characteristics of community design. Walkable neighborhoods with sidewalks and street trees often provide economic benefits, including higher property values, increased private investment, and tourism.

Residents in walkable neighborhoods typically engage in more physical activity than residents in neighborhoods with low walkability, leading to improved public health outcomes.

The majority of Santa Maria’s public realm is auto-oriented, with wide roadways, long crossing distances, and few pedestrian amenities. Most streets do not have designated bicycle facilities but do have sidewalks.

However, most sidewalks are generally narrow and close to vehicular traffic. There are few streetscape amenities —such as street trees, benches, trash cans, water fountains, or public art —and most street lighting consists of auto-oriented, tall cobra-head fixtures that illuminate the sidewalk unevenly. Despite these challenges, Downtown's gridded street pattern makes it one of the most walkable areas of the city, and many residents living near Downtown and along Broadway and Main Street are within a five-minute walk of retail.

Land Use Conflicts
Land use conflicts may arise when development causes undesirable environmental consequences that affect the surrounding neighborhood, such as noise, dust, traffic congestion, lighting, visual or aesthetic impacts, odor, and drainage problems. Land use conflicts may potentially result in adverse health impacts to nearby residents.

Land use conflicts that may result in the most significant impacts to residents include:
• Industrial and/or trucking uses immediately adjacent to residential; • Heavy commercial (commercial uses that take up a lot of land, may require transport of materials by truck, require large loading and docking areas, and where the possibility of noise generation may exist) immediately adjacent to residential;
• Agricultural uses immediately adjacent to residential; • Heavy traffic impacting residential neighborhoods; and • Airport noise impacts.

Most of Santa Maria’s existing land use conflicts are between residential and industrial uses. Many of these instances are along railroad lines. Though conflicting land use adjacencies are often buffered with walls or landscaping, they cannot completely mitigate impacts.

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Issues and Opportunities
This section describes the issues and opportunities that informed the policy direction of the Land Use Policies.

Jobs-housing imbalance. Though population growth has outpaced job growth in the past 20 years, in 2020, the jobs-housing balance was 1.45 jobs per housing unit. Lack of local jobs requires residents to travel outside the city for work. According to projections from the SBCAG, the trend will be exacerbated through 2050.

Land use conflicts. Industrial uses are occasionally located next to residential uses (and other sensitive uses). Residents living next to industrial facilities may be exposed to emissions, odors, noise, and other factors detrimental to public health.

Walkability. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city, but residents in most other areas of the city have less convenient walking access to schools, parks, and/or retail. In addition, the city’s trail network is limited and lacks connectivity, hindering the ability of pedestrians to walk to destinations. Improving walkability and expanding the trail network can lead to improved health, increase opportunities for socialization, reduce dependency on vehicles, and improve the visual appearance of the city’s street network.

Downtown Santa Maria. Downtown has a diverse mix of land uses and housing types, and it has many of Santa Maria’s historic, civic, and cultural resources. This area has emerged as a focal point for potential transformation, serving as a primary gathering place for the community. Community feedback has indicated a strong interest in expanding Downtown amenities, including more public art, multifunctional gathering spaces, and placemaking initiatives that celebrate Santa Maria’s unique culture. The City’s ongoing efforts to implement the Santa Maria Downtown Specific Plan and Downtown Multimodal Streetscape Plan will revitalize the area with new employment opportunities and enhanced local identity and public realm. The City is partnering with developers for the construction of new multi-family housing with over 700 apartment units, mixed-use residential, and retail commercial projects in the heart of Downtown, at the intersection of Broadway and Main Street. Multi-family housing, ground floor commercial uses, new plazas, and gathering spaces are planned and are expected to be built within the next six years. Other private developments are also being built, including the recently completed Gateway Mixed-use project on the northwest corner of Main Street and Broadway and the planned conversion of the building formerly occupied by Mervyns and Fallas into apartments (construction anticipated to begin in 2025) . These developments will help fulfill the Downtown vision of a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly destination environment.

Corridor revitalization. Two of the city’s primary corridors, Main Street and Broadway, consist of lowintensity commercial and office projects and disconnected shopping centers. The General Plan Land Use Map (Figure LU-3) redefines these corridors as the only designated mixed-use areas of the city. This provides the opportunity for mixed-use corridors with higher intensity development in both vertical and horizontal formats. Additional revisions to the Entrada Specific Plan will be required to further implement the vision for both corridors.

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Redevelopment opportunities. Though much of the vacant land in Santa Maria is part of either a Specific Plan or a development project in the pipeline, many of the developed areas have low improvement-toland value ratios and/or a low Floor Area Ratio (FAR), indicating an opportunity for the redevelopment of these areas in the future. The updated General Plan Land Use map and General Plan policies provide direction for how and why areas should redevelop across Santa Maria to implement the General Plan vision.

Character and design. The majority of Santa Maria is auto-oriented, providing opportunities for improved public realm through streetscape design, amenities, and connectivity improvements. Commercial and industrial places and streets have some of the greatest potential for improved mobility, enhanced character, and placemaking due to low-rise development and large areas devoted to surface parking.

Annexation. Cities regulate and plan for land within their jurisdiction, known as city boundaries, and can pre-plan land within their Sphere of Influence, or land that is likely to fall under a city’s jurisdiction in the future. A city may also grow beyond the existing city boundaries or Sphere of Influence. Annexation is the legal process of expanding a city's boundary by incorporating adjacent unincorporated land into its jurisdiction. The annexation process is overseen by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), an independent regulatory body with the authority to change city boundaries and spheres of influence. 1 To annex land, the City submits applications to LAFCO to expand its Sphere of Influence and annex unincorporated areas. More information regarding the LAFCO process for Sphere of Influence changes and annexations can be found on the LAFCO website at www.sblafco.org/.

Annexation serves as an opportunity for Santa Maria to grow responsibly, expanding needed jobs, housing, entertainment, public facilities, and services beyond the City’s current limits. The area identified for planned annexation would expand the City’s jurisdiction east of US-101, as identified on Figure LU-3 as “Planning Annexation.” The planned annexation area offers a defined area of land to further design and develop through Specific Plans or Master Plans that would provide an appropriate mix of land uses and intensities.

Complete community: A complete community, or “complete neighborhood,” supports people of all ages, income levels, and backgrounds in meeting their daily needs within a short walk, bike, bus ride, or vehicle trip from their home. The Santa Maria community emphasized the desire for the components of a complete community, including safe neighborhoods, housing options at various price points, quality local jobs, parks and recreation, walkable neighborhoods, and high-quality public services. The goals and policies in this Element set forth a path for evolving the existing City of Santa Maria to ensure complete neighborhoods and creating a complete neighborhoods within the Planned Annexation Area.

1 (n.d.) What Are LAFCOS? California Association of Local Formation Commissions. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://calafco.org/About_LAFCOs
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Land Use Policies
The Land Use Policies address the key issues and opportunities identified above and create a comprehensive roadmap for the future of how land is developed in Santa Maria.

The Standards and Diagrams section establishes regulatory standards and diagrams. A standard is a rule or measure establishing a level of quality or quantity that must be complied with or satisfied. Likewise, a diagram is a graphic expression of the text of a particular policy.

The Policy Framework section outlines Land Use goals, policies, and implementation actions. A goal describes the community’s desired future. A policy is a specific statement of intent that guides decisionmaking. An action is an activity, procedure, program, or project that carries out a policy.

Policy Summary
The goals, policies, and implementation actions of the Land Use Element emphasize the City’s desired development pattern, community design, compatibility of land uses, and regional coordination.

Policies are focused on a balanced mix of uses (Goal LU-1), a vibrant downtown (Goal LU-3), mixed-use corridors (Goal LU-4), varied housing stock (Goal LU-5), strong commercial (Goal LU-6) and industrial sectors (Goal LU-7), and a thriving airport (Goal LU-8), while preserving agricultural lands (LU-9) and utilizing Sphere of Influence modification and annexation as a means of measured expansion (Goal LU-2).

The Element prioritizes community design and public realm improvements through emphasis on architectural and building design (Goal LU-10), urban design (Goal LU-11), and pedestrian-focused public spaces (Goal LU-12). Reducing land use conflicts (Goal LU-13) and requiring high-quality utilities, facilities, and services for existing and new development (Goal LU-14) will also improve the built environment in Santa Maria. Finally, regional and local planning agency coordination (Goal LU-15) will support issues of mutual concern, especially balancing growth with the preservation of agricultural areas in Santa Maria and the surrounding region.

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Understanding Density and Intensity
State law requires that General Plans establish the maximum development intensity allowed within each designation. The two generally accepted metrics are dwelling units per acre for residential uses (density) and floor area ratio (FAR) for non-residential uses (intensity). Figure LU-2 below describes dwelling units per acre and FAR in further detail.

Figure LU-2: Density and Intensity
Dwelling Units per Acre (du/ac)
The term “density” is used for residential uses and refers to the population and development capacity of residential land. Density within the General Plan is described in terms of dwelling units per net acre of land (du/ac), exclusive of existing and proposed streets and rights-of-way.

Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
Development intensity refers to the extent of development on a parcel of land or lot. FAR is used in the General Plan as a measure of non-residential or mixed-use development intensity.

FAR represents the ratio between the total gross floor area of all buildings on a lot and the total land area of that lot. For example, a 20,000 square foot building on a 40,000 square foot lot yields a FAR of 0.5. A 0.5 FAR describes a single-story building that covers half of the lot, a two-story building covering approximately one-quarter of the lot, or a four-story building covering oneeighth of the lot.

These FAR calculations and gross floor area do not consider the square footage of any parking facilities (including but not limited to parking structures, surface parking, or underground parking) or other structures not designed for human occupation. Additionally, “lot,” as used here, may encompass multiple legal parcels which are planned as a cohesive development (e.g., mixed-use with townhomes and commercial development which may require subdivisions into separate legal parcels for financing and separate ownership).

Floor Area Ratio = Gross Building Area
Lot Area
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Standards and Diagrams
This section establishes Santa Maria’s General Plan land use designations and regulating Land Use Map.

General Plan Land Use designations have been designed to reflect the range of uses necessary for the future development of the planning area. Each designation in Table LU-2 below provides a detailed description of each type of land use found within the General Plan Land Use Map, including the purpose, allowed uses, maximum density or intensity, and in some instances, maximum allowed height. More detailed regulations are included in the Zoning Ordinance. The General Plan Land Use Map depicts the location and extent of land use designations described in Table LU-2 throughout the city, the City's Sphere of Influence, and potential annexation areas. These designations should not be considered as being tied to a specific time in the future. The designation in one area may relate to currently developed uses, while others are oriented to development at an indefinite date in the future. Designations allowing for new uses do not necessarily constitute an abandonment of existing uses.

Table LU-2: Land Use Designations
Designation Description
Residential
Residential Agricultural (RA) or
Very Low Density (VLDR)
To create a transition area between agricultural and strictly urban uses, as well as provide for a particular residential lifestyle.

Allowed uses: Single-family homes; non-commercial agricultural activities, the keeping of horses, and certain commercial agricultural activities on larger (suggested minimum of 5- to 10-acre) parcels.

Density: Maximum 2.2 du/ac
Corresponding Zoning: R-A, PD (Planned Development) Overlay Lower Density Residential (LWDR) To encourage high-quality single-family residential development on larger lots.

Allowed uses: Single-family homes.

Density: Maximum 5.5 du/ac
Corresponding Zoning: R-1, R-1-8,000 to R-1-10,000, PD Overlay Low Density Residential (LDR) To encourage new areas with overall densities on standard-sized lots, providing the amenities and open spaces associated with traditional single-family areas.

Allowed uses: Single-family homes.

Density: Maximum 8 du/ac
Corresponding Zoning: R-1, R-1-5,500 to R-1-6,500, PD Overlay Low-Medium Density Residential
(LMDR)
To encourage densities that provide affordable single-family housing on small lots while at the same time maintaining adequate individual private open space, design flexibility, and the character of a single-family neighborhood.

Allowed uses: Small lot single family, townhomes, rowhouses, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes.

Density: Maximum 10 du/ac
Corresponding Zoning: RSL-1, RMH, R-1 4,500 to R-1-5,000, R-2, PD Overlay Land Use Element | 16
Medium Density Residential (MDR) Allows a mixture of unit types while maintaining the feeling of a single-family neighborhood.

Allowed uses: Small lot single family, townhomes, rowhouses, and duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes; courtyard housing, and walk-up multi-family housing.

Density: Maximum 12 du/ac
Corresponding Zoning: R-2, PD Overlay
High Density Residential (HDR) To provide for an urban residential environment, preferably close to shopping facilities and existing activity centers, as well as provide an incentive for reinvestment in older established areas.

Allowed uses: Townhomes, duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes, mobile homes, and multifamily housing.

Density: Maximum 30 du/ac
Corresponding Zoning: R-3, PD Overlay
Mixed-use
Corridor Mixed-use (CMU)

This will allow for multi-story, multi-use development that is contextual to adjacent residential uses. The intent is to allow for the creation of commercial uses mixed with multi-family housing.

Allowed uses: Standalone or mixed retail, restaurants, service commercial (such as banks or real estate offices), service establishments (such as medical clinics and beauty shops), office buildings, hotels, multi-family housing, townhomes, and duplexes.

Density: Maximum 35 du/ac
Commercial FAR: Maximum 2.0
Commercial
Neighborhood Commercial (NC)

To provide areas that offer convenience goods and services to local residents without disrupting the residential character of an area. These areas are intended to be small in size and not geared to providing a multitude of more specialized goods and services serving a city-wide market.

Allowed uses: Supermarkets, convenience grocery stores, drug stores, laundromats, bakeries, and shoe repair shops.

Commercial FAR: Maximum 0.5
Corresponding Zoning: C-1, CC, CPO, PD Overlay
Community Commercial (CC) To include the majority of retail uses outside the central core, particularly along the development corridors that have emerged. The majority of these uses would be geared to the city-wide market.

Allowed uses: Retail uses, including regional retail, service commercial, small offices, auto sales, and services.

Commercial FAR: Maximum 0.5
Corresponding Zoning: C-1, C-2, CC, PD Overlay
Commercial/ Professional Office
(CPO)
To provide areas for offices, which may be compatible with a range of other uses.

Allowed uses: Standalone office or business park development for professional medical, non-profit, and public offices, as well as a certain complementary commercial uses.

Commercial FAR: Maximum 1.0
Corresponding Zoning: CPO, PD Overlay
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Industrial/Airport
Light Industrial (LI)

To accommodate industrial uses that primarily conduct operations within the building, do not generate substantial negative environmental impacts, and are most compatible with adjacent non-industrial uses.

Allowed uses: Research facilities, light assembly plants, non-public-oriented-offices and industrial support offices, and auto sales.

Commercial FAR: Maximum 1.0
Corresponding Zoning: M-1, PD Overlay
Heavy Commercial/
Manufacturing (HCM)
To permit activities that combine manufacturing and retail on the same site, along with other heavy commercial uses that are land intensive, involve transport of materials by heavy trucks, require large loading and docking areas, and may generate significant noise.

Allowed uses: Lumberyards, boat works, warehouses, wholesale building supply dealers, mobile home sales, farm equipment sales, equipment repair.

Commercial FAR: Maximum 1.0
Corresponding Zoning: CM, PD Overlay
General Industrial (GI) To provide areas for all types of heavy industrial uses, particularly those that need to be separated from other land uses because of the impacts associated with these activities, such as heavy truck traffic, noise, odor, or dust.

Allowed uses: Range of intensive industrial uses, including heavy manufacturing and heavy trucking operations.

Commercial FAR: Maximum 1.0
Corresponding Zoning: M-2, PD Overlay
Airport Service (AS) To facilitate the airport and airport-related commercial and industrial uses, to provide specific areas for aircraft operation and navigation aids, and to minimize hazards to the safe landing and take-off of aircraft.

Allowed uses: Full range of airport service uses, including airport operation and support activities.

Commercial FAR: Maximum 1.0
Corresponding Zoning: AA, CZ, AS-I, AS-II, AS-III, PD Overlay Public and Open Space
Primary Agricultural Open Space
(AOS-1)

To preserve certain areas for present and future agricultural production, protect natural resources, provide for recreation and scenic protection, provide scenic areas along railroad rights-of-way, act as an urban agriculture buffer, allow mineral extraction, and/or act as a safety buffer between the urban land uses and the levee. It also provides for limited residential uses.

Allowed uses: Intensive crop agricultural uses.

Corresponding Zoning: OS, PD Overlay
Secondary Agricultural Open
Space (AOS-2)
To preserve certain areas for present and future agricultural production, protect natural resources, provide for recreation and scenic protection, provide scenic areas along railroad rights-of-way, act as an urban agriculture buffer, allow mineral extraction, and/or act as a safety buffer between the urban land uses and the levee. It also provides for limited residential uses.

Allowed uses: Less intensive agricultural uses, including grazing. Includes some lands that are not prime agricultural but are an agricultural buffer and are not now considered suitable for urban expansion.

Corresponding Zoning: OS, PD Overlay
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Conservation Open Space (COS) To preserve certain areas for present and future agricultural production, protect natural resources, provide for recreation and scenic protection, provide scenic areas along railroad rights-of-way, act as an urban agriculture buffer, allow mineral extraction, and/or act as a safety buffer between the urban land uses and the levee. It also provides for limited residential uses.

Allowed uses: Includes areas subject to flood hazard, significant groundwater recharge areas, areas adjacent to creek beds, areas of surface and sub-surface mineral extraction, levee buffer, airport safety areas, and publicly owned landscaped areas.

Corresponding Zoning: OS, PD Overlay
Recreational Open Space (ROS) To protect natural resources, provide for recreation and scenic protection, provide scenic areas along railroad rights-of-way, act as an urban agriculture buffer, allow mineral extraction, and/or act as a safety buffer between the urban land uses and the levee. It also provides for limited residential uses.

Allowed uses: Includes existing and proposed recreational facilities, including parks; bikeways; equestrian trails; paths; commercial recreation facilities; selected public utility and railroad rights-of-way and associated uses; land reclamation projects; and publicly owned and operated sanitary landfill operations that have the potential for reclamation and development into the aforementioned recreational facilities.

Corresponding Zoning: OS, PD Overlay
Community Facilities (CF) To provide for necessary facilities for use by the public.

Allowed uses: Range of public facilities, including schools and government buildings. Open space facilities, such as parks, are classified under "Open Space." Corresponding Zoning: PF, PD Overlay
Other
Downtown Specific Plan (SP)

The Downtown Specific Plan designation refers to the area within the Downtown Santa Maria Specific Plan. It includes 50 square blocks centered at Broadway/Main Street and establishes land uses and building form regulations, including parking. See the Specific Plan for further details and regulations.

Planned Annexation (PA) To encourage comprehensive planning and urban design flexibility for large annexation land areas (over 60 acres) through the adoption of a specific plan or master plans following the General Plan Update process, as the City proceeds with annexation. Such flexibility allows the City to adopt a set of land use specifications and implementation programs tailored to the unique characteristics of each area.

Notes:

1. Single-family zones are subject to SB9, which was passed in 2021. This law allows parcels in single-family zones to be subdivided and duplexes built on each lot.

2. The maximum residential density of any residential land use designation may be exceeded to complement General Plan Housing Element policy (in accordance with the density bonus provisions of Section 65915 of the California Government Code).

Figure LU-3: General Plan Land Use Map
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Policy Framework
Citywide Framework and Development Pattern
Goal LU-1: Balanced mix of uses. A balanced mix of land uses meets the present and future housing, employment, and recreation needs of the community.

Policy LU-1.1: Land use pattern. Implement the General Plan Land Use Map and corresponding Land Use Designations as described in Figure LU-3 and in Table LU-2 to continue efforts to create a complete community.

Action LU-1.1.1: Following adoption of the General Plan Update, prepare a comprehensive update of the City’s Zoning Code and Zoning Map with districts that mirror the General Plan designations and allow flexibility in uses without the need for Planned Development Overlay districts.

Action LU-1.1.2: Implement the Santa Maria Objective Design Standards and recommended Design Review process that streamlines the existing process of reviewing applications for the development of vacant sites or site redevelopment.

Action LU-1.1.3: Amend the Area 9 Specific Plan to allow low-density residential uses along A Street, consistent with the LMDR designation.

Action LU-1.1.4: Study the reduction or elimination of parking requirements (particularly for General Commercial uses) as a part of amendments to the Municipal Code and/or specific plans.

Policy LU-1.2: Infill development. Prioritize the redevelopment of vacant or underutilized parcels with a focus on revitalizing Downtown and deteriorating neighborhoods to the extent feasible.

Action LU-1.2.1: Implement the City's adopted specific plans to the extent feasible.

Policy LU-1.3: Areas of change. Focus new development, infill, and higher density or intensity development along the city’s primary corridors (Main Street and Broadway), within the Downtown, and in surrounding neighborhoods.

Policy LU-1.4: Neighborhood preservation. Support the revitalization and enhancement of older neighborhoods in the Downtown and surrounding areas by continuing to invest in infrastructure and streetscape upgrades.

Policy LU-1.5: Job/housing balance. Achieve a job-to-housing ratio of 1.2 that balances new housing development and job production in Santa Maria over the General Plan horizon.

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Goal LU-2: Annexation as outward growth. Santa Maria expands in an orderly and efficient manner to accommodate future growth. 2
Policy LU-2.1: Planned Annexation Area. Expand Sphere of Influence and annex the Planned Annexation Area identified on the General Plan Land Use Map to meet housing and jobs development goals.

Action LU-2.1.1: Submit a LAFCO application to modify the City’s Sphere of Influence to include the Planned Annexation Area.

Action LU-2.1.2: Submit LAFCO applications to annex the Planned Annexation Area.

Policy LU-2.2: Connections to annexed area. Require new development within future annexation areas to provide infrastructure, multimodal, and public realm connections to the developed core of Santa Maria.

Policy LU-2.3: Future specific plans. Require specific plans or master plans in support of annexation in the Planned Annexation Area that are consistent with the following objectives:
• Prioritize new employment uses near existing institutions, such as educational or research and development (R&D) near Marian Regional Medical Center and Allan Hancock College, and industrial or commercial uses adjacent to US-101 and along East Main to provide convenient access to regional transportation.
• Provide a diversity of housing types for rental and ownership at a range of price points, to minimize land area expansion and conversion of agricultural lands. • Design complete neighborhoods where residents have convenient walking and biking access to public facilities, services, and retail.
• Buffer schools, parks, and homes from infrastructure, major roadways, the Santa Maria regional landfill, industrial land uses, and other land uses that may produce odor or noise or negatively impact air quality.
• Support expansion of the Marian Regional Medical Center and other supportive medical offices in new development in close proximity to the existing Medical Center. • Support higher education, including expansions of Allen Hancock College and other public, private, and post-secondary schools.
• Provide 5 acres of parks per 1,000 residents, per the City’s park service standard, and plan for new public and recreational facilities.
• Develop a safe, connected network of sidewalks and trails that provides ample connections to destinations.
2 Please see the Economic Development Element for policies related to annexation.

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Goal LU-3: Vibrant Downtown. An iconic and vibrant Downtown serves as the heart of Santa Maria. 3
Policy LU-3.1: Specific Plan implementation. Implement the vision and strategies of the Downtown Specific Plan and Downtown Multimodal Streetscape Plan to create a walkable downtown destination.

Policy LU-3.2: Revitalization of shopping centers. Prioritize revitalization and infill efforts at the Santa Maria Town Center and Town Center West areas, consistent with the Downtown Specific Plan.

Policy LU-3.3: Downtown outdoor gathering. Prioritize new public and quasi-public multifunctional outdoor gathering spaces in Downtown redevelopment.

Policy LU-3.4: Downtown arts and culture. Infuse arts and culture in the Downtown through public art installations and placemaking initiatives.

Policy LU-3.5: Reduce surface parking in Downtown. Support parking solutions that reduce surface parking lots within the Downtown area to better utilize land and promote pedestrian walkability.

Action LU-3.5.1: Allow temporary events, art installations, and food truck vendors to use underutilized surface parking lots for activities that promote community and add to the local economy.

Policy LU-3.6: Shared parking facility. Continue to identify and develop shared parking facilities within the Downtown Specific Plan area to support future mixed-use developments in the area.

Policy LU-3.7: Pedestrian priority. Promote pedestrian walkways, sidewalks, paseos, plazas, and courtyards away from vehicular traffic to enhance walkability and pedestrian comfort within Downtown.

Goal LU-4: Mixed-use corridors. Lively corridors enhance the quality of life through mixed-use development. 4
Policy LU-4.1: Corridor revitalization. Prioritize revitalization of the Main Street and Broadway corridors, focusing efforts to shape declining shopping centers into a vibrant, urban core offering housing, jobs, and entertainment in the center of Santa Maria.

Action LU-4.1.1: Revise the Entrada Specific Plan to prepare a comprehensive land use plan for an active, mixed-use corridor along Broadway and Main Street, consistent with the General Plan Land Use Map. 3 Please see the Economic Development Element for policies related to the downtown. 4 Please see the Economic Development Element for policies related to corridors.

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Action LU-4.1.2: Work with Caltrans to improve the pedestrian amenities, access, and safety within the Downtown area and to investigate truck route alternatives that reduce impacts on the pedestrian-focused environment in Downtown.

Policy LU-4.2: Industrial on major corridors. Prohibit new industrial, manufacturing, and heavy polluting uses in the Main Street and Broadway Corridor Mixed-use designated areas, as they detract from creating a walkable mixed-use environment.

Policy LU-4.3: Mixed-use development. Support vertical and horizontal mixed-use development, integrating residential uses along Broadway and Main Street to promote a pedestrian-focused environment in the core of the city and reduce vehicle trips.

Policy LU-4.4: Shared parking. Promote shared, flexible parking within the Corridor Mixed-use land use designation to encourage alternative modes of transportation and maximize land utility in the urban center of the city.

Action LU-4.4.1: Update the Zoning Code to allow shared, flexible parking within zones corresponding with the Corridor Mixed-use designation.

Goal LU-5: Housing stock. An adequate supply of high-quality local housing stock is available to residents of all ages and abilities. 5
Policy LU-5.1: Housing variety. Continue to support a variety of housing types, unit sizes, and building densities in Santa Maria to support residents at differing life stages and socio-economic statuses.

Policy LU-5.2: Siting of infill development. Promote new infill housing in areas that are underutilized and in close proximity to parks, recreation, public amenities, and local goods and services.

Policy LU-5.3: Location of new housing. Discourage housing production directly adjacent to highintensity commercial, agricultural, and industrial uses, in favor of land use transitions and buffers between differing intensities of development.

Policy LU-5.4: Mobile homes as affordable housing. Maintain existing mobile home parks within the High-Density Residential land use designation as a means of affordable housing. 5 Please see the Housing, Economic Development, and Health and Environmental Justice Elements for policies related to the housing stock.

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Action LU-5.4.1: Investigate the provision of a new City ordinance that restricts the conversion of senior-only category mobile home parks to all-ages mobile home parks in compliance with State Fair Housing laws.

Policy LU-5.5: High density near transit. Work with developers to provide higher-density residential near existing and planned transit as a means of reducing vehicle trips and improving connectivity.

Goal LU-6: Commercial areas. Commercial areas provide jobs, goods and services, hospitality, and office spaces while supporting a diversified local economy.

Policy LU-6.1: Community character. Maintain and improve the existing character of Santa Maria as a thriving community and the industrial and commercial center for northern Santa Barbara County and southern San Luis Obispo County.

Policy LU-6.2: Visitor-serving uses. Foster hospitality and tourism through new hotels, restaurants, wineries, taprooms, and entertainment – including museums, amphitheaters, and event spaces – within the Downtown area, along Broadway and Main Street, and at major US-101 interchanges.

Policy LU-6.3: Freeway-oriented commercial. Consolidate large format chain shopping retailers, known as “big box”, and auto sales along the US-101 corridor for easy access by the regional population.

Policy LU-6.4: Revitalized commercial shopping centers. Support public and private revitalization of old shopping centers into mixed-use pedestrian-oriented hubs that promote community and local businesses.

Policy LU-6.5: Expand medical offices. Work with property owners to provide a variety of office types, especially medical offices, in Commercial/Professional Office designated areas east of US-101 in an effort to expand healthcare outside of the Regional Medical Center.

Action LU-6.5.1: Evaluate the existing height limit for the Commercial/Professional Office zone designation and consider amending the Zoning Code to raise the maximum height limit in the zone to accommodate additional floors of office uses.

Policy LU-6.6: Neighborhood commercial. Design neighborhood commercial centers to serve the needs of the surrounding residents.

Action LU-6.6.1: Evaluate the existing height limit in the Convenience Center (CC) zone designation and consider amending the Zoning Code to lower the maximum height limit to reflect the appropriate neighborhood scale.

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Action LU-6.6.2: Revise the Zoning Code for consistency with the adopted Active Transportation Plan to facilitate the accessibility of neighborhood commercial uses with active transportation (walking, biking).

Goal LU-7: Industrial districts. A strong industrial sector contributes to the local economy and job base in a manner that does not conflict with residential areas.

Policy LU-7.1: Employment diversity. Support a diverse mix of industrial, manufacturing, food processing, viticulture, research and development, laboratories, and other employment uses within the General Industrial, Light Industrial, and Heavy Commercial/Manufacturing land use designations.

Policy LU-7.2: Non-polluting industries. Encourage new, clean industries within the General Industrial and Light Industrial land use designations that do not produce significant air, water, or noise pollution.

Policy LU-7.3: Industrial infill. Promote infill of industrial, manufacturing, and warehousing development between Hanson Way and Blosser Road, and surrounding the Santa Maria Airport, consistent with the Airport Master Plan.

Goal LU-8: Santa Maria Public Airport. A thriving airport supports local tourism, public and private air travel, and business opportunities. 6
Policy LU-8.1: Airport-related infill. Allow airport-related industrial, manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics infill in areas surrounding the Santa Maria Public Airport, consistent with the Santa Maria Airport Business Park Specific Plan, the Santa Maria Public Airport Master Plan, and the Santa Maria Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.

Action LU-8.1.1: Collaborate with Airport officials to ensure any revisions to the Airport Master Plan are compatible with the General Plan Land Use Map and do not adversely affect established residential neighborhoods in the periphery.

Goal LU-9: Agricultural areas. Thriving agricultural lands generate fresh produce for the State and preserve Santa Maria’s history as a farming community.

Policy LU-9.1: Agricultural resources. Preserve agricultural resources in the city on land not proposed for future development, specifically those with State or local importance. Annexation into areas utilized for agriculture shall occur in an orderly and planned manner, consistent with the General Plan and LAFCO policies.
6 Please see the Safety and Noise Elements for additional policies and actions related to areas in proximity to the airport.

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Action LU-9.1.1: As a part of the LAFCO Sphere of Influence boundary change and annexation process, the City will establish and maintain a stable Urban Growth Boundary to provide certainty for both urban development and agricultural operations.

Policy LU-9.2: Agricultural land use conflicts. Support ongoing agricultural activities by discouraging land uses that conflict with adjacent farming activities.

Policy LU-9.3: Agricultural buffers. Update the Municipal Code to require buffers between new development and lands designated for agricultural uses. Examples of buffers include, but are not limited to, roadways, stormwater basins, and landscaped or open space areas.

Policy LU-9.4: Agricultural land impact avoidance and minimization. Require projects adjacent to agricultural land to prevent the spread of invasive plant species during construction.

Community Design and Public Realm
Goal LU-10: Architecture and building design. Building design and architecture enhance Santa Maria’s character.

Policy LU-10.1: Objective Design Standards. Implement the Objective Design Standards to achieve visually interesting residential and mixed-use building designs that reflect the character of the Santa Maria Valley. 7
Policy LU-10.2: Older building rehabilitation. Incentivize rehabilitation of older structures, especially within Downtown, to maintain quality neighborhoods, corridors, and centers.

Action LU-10.2.1: Advertise information on government programs that offer home repair and energy efficiency assistance, such as the Housing Improvement Program, at Santa Maria public offices such as City Hall, the Santa Maria Public Library, and Elwin Mussell Senior Center.

Action LU-10.2.2: Continue to administer Federal and State grant programs that support affordable housing, public services, public and non-profit facilities, and housing revitalization.

Policy LU-10.3: Passive energy-efficient design. Work with developers and property owners to encourage passive design techniques that reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts through building orientation, shading, ventilation, and other strategies. 7 Please see the Noise and Safety Elements for additional policies and actions related to building design.

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Goal LU-11: Urban design. High-quality urban design enhances Santa Maria's character.

Policy LU-11.1: Arts and culture in the public realm. Integrate arts and cultural experiences into public spaces through temporary installations, permanent facilities such as museums and exhibits, and cultural events and programming throughout Santa Maria.

Action LU-11.1.1: Work with property owners and developers to activate and improve public-facing alleyways through temporary or permanent public art.

Policy LU-11.2: Gateways. Establish new gateway signage that marks the entrance into Santa Maria with a unique design that reflects the local community. Consider signage at the following locations:

1. Broadway and US-101

2. West Main Street and Blosser Road

3. Betteravia Road and US-101

4. East Main Street and US-101

5. Northbound Santa Maria Way at US-101
Goal LU-12: Pedestrian-focused public spaces. High-quality pedestrian-oriented public and quasi-public spaces enhance daily life in Santa Maria. 8 Policy LU-12.1: Gathering places. Work with private developers to provide outdoor gathering places such as plazas, paseos, or courtyards in the Downtown, within the mixed-use corridors, and shopping centers across Santa Maria.

Action LU-12.1.1: Continue to support and sponsor Downtown Friday and similar regular community events in Downtown Santa Maria.

Policy LU-12.2: Pedestrian and bicycle connections. Work with private developers to provide pedestrian and bicyclist connectivity within neighborhoods and public spaces through complete sidewalks, designated bicycle lanes, sufficient secure bicycle parking for customers and tenants, and bus shelters, among other techniques.

Action LU-12.2.1: Implement the ongoing Safe Routes to Schools program and provide regular updates as needed.

Action LU-12.2.2: Investigate the possibility of a new Slow Streets Program to reduce vehicle speed on neighborhood streets and prioritize pedestrian and bicycle safety within neighborhoods.

Policy LU-12.3: Pedestrian amenities. Require pedestrian amenities and enhancements, such as street trees, lighting, street furniture (including benches and trash receptacles), sidewalks, curb extensions, and landscaped strips, in all new and redeveloped commercial projects. Require the 8 Please see the Health and Environmental Justice Element for additional policies and actions focused on community spaces the promote physical activity.

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pedestrian amenities included in the Objective Design Standards for all residential and mixed-use development projects.

Action LU-12.3.1: In public and private development, identify design techniques that can improve outdoor pedestrian comfort and minimize wind exposure.

Policy LU-12.4: Walking paths as buffers. Utilize walking paths and linear parks as a transition and/or buffer between non-compatible uses or noticeable changes in building scale or density.

Land Use Compatibility and Development
Goal LU-13: Land use conflicts. Conflicts between residential land uses, schools, and incompatible non-residential land uses are mitigated. 9 Policy LU-13.1: Land use buffers. Require the use of buffers between incompatible land uses by using context-appropriate buffers such as berms, walls, landscaping, bike paths, and arterial streets, where appropriate and depending on neighboring use, to avoid adverse impacts to either use.

Action LU-13.1.1: Update the City’s municipal code to protect sensitive land uses by, for example, requiring a buffer between sensitive uses and local sources of air pollution such as industrial and commercial facilities (e.g., warehouses, processing plants, factories, landfills, hazardous waste facilities). Developments should incorporate appropriate mitigation measures that reduce potential pollution exposure.

Policy LU-13.2: Residential encroachment. Protect residential neighborhoods and schools from encroachment by incompatible nonresidential uses such as light industrial, general industrial, and heavy commercial/manufacturing, and the impacts associated with adjacent nonresidential activities.

Policy LU-13.3: Land use transitions. Require land use transitions of lower intensity commercial or mixed-use on the perimeter of heavy uses when adjacent to residential uses.

Policy LU-13.4: Incompatible neighborhood uses. Prohibit the development of industrial or manufacturing uses within neighborhoods or directly adjacent to established residential neighborhoods or schools.

Policy LU-13.5: Industrial and residential buffers. Mitigate the impacts of industrial land that exists adjacent to residential uses by permitting only light industrial uses in those areas, along with requiring the industrial development to provide appropriate buffers so that the use does not negatively impact the residential development.
9 Please see the Recreation and Parks, Circulation, Noise, and Health and Environmental Justice Elements for policies and actions related to land use conflicts. Please see the Safety and Noise Elements for additional policies and actions related to areas in proximity to the airport.

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Policy LU-13.6: Incompatible uses. Prohibit new residential development, and those retail, commercial, office, and/or consumer-oriented businesses in close proximity to the Airport which the City determines would conflict with the Airport Master Plan and Santa Maria Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP), including through utilizing processes set forth by Article 3.5 of the Public Utilities Code.

Policy LU-13.7: Airport and residential buffers. Require transition zones and buffers between the Airport and new residential development in close proximity to the Airport, as defined by the ALUCP, to mitigate impacts of ongoing airport operations.

Policy LU-13.8: Development compatibility. Ensure that new development within the Santa Maria Airport Area of Influence is consistent with standards and regulations set forth by local and regional Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans.

Action LU-13.8.1: Review new development for consistency with the Santa Maria Airport Safety Zone Compatibility Criteria, Table 3-2, of the Santa Maria Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, and with the regulations and processes set forth by Article 3.5 of the Public Utilities Code.

Goal LU-14: Utilities, facilities, and services. New and existing development within Santa Maria is sustained by high-quality utilities, facilities, and services. 10 Policy LU-14.1: Privately funded utilities. Require developers to “pay their fair share” for utilities and services in new development, while continuing to identify funding sources to upgrade and maintain utilities and services within the existing city.

Policy LU-14.2: Public facilities and services. In compliance with State law, ensure AB 1600 fees and requirements placed on new development projects are sufficient to provide public facilities and services that maintain pace with housing production and all other development to maintain adequate levels of service across Santa Maria as the city grows.

Regional Coordination
Goal LU-15: Planning coordination. Santa Maria’s growth and land use planning are well coordinated within the region.

Policy LU-15.1: Common goal coordination. Work closely with neighboring agencies to coordinate planning efforts and support planning topics of mutual concern, such as balancing agricultural areas with urbanized areas and development growth, circulation, sustainability, parks, environmental justice, and health.
10 Please see the Recreation and Parks and Circulation Elements for additional policies and actions related to development impact and mitigation fees.

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Action LU-15.1.1: Coordinate with Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, Santa Barbara County, LAFCO, and other regional agencies on an ongoing basis.

Policy LU-15.2: Internal and external coordination. Continue to coordinate planning efforts internally among all City departments and externally with property owners, residents and their representatives, and special districts.

Circulation Element
Final Draft | May 5, 2026
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Table of Contents
Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................................1 Background.......................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Regulatory Setting.......................................................................................................................................................... 3 Existing Roadway Network ........................................................................................................................................... 3 Existing Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities ................................................................................................................... 4 Santa Maria Regional Transit....................................................................................................................................... 4 Truck Routes.................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Aviation Facilities............................................................................................................................................................ 5 Railway Facilities.............................................................................................................................................................. 6 Issues and Opportunities.................................................................................................................................................. 7 Circulation Policies............................................................................................................................................................. 11 Policy Summary ............................................................................................................................................................. 11 Standards and Diagrams............................................................................................................................................. 11 Policy Framework .........................................................................................................................................................22 Table of Figures
Figure CIR-1: Street Network ...........................................................................................................................................13 Figure CIR-2: Bikeway Network ......................................................................................................................................17 Figure CIR-3: Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress..................................................................................................................18 Figure CIR-4: Pedestrian Priority Improvement Network ..........................................................................................21 Table of Tables
Table CIR-1: Traffic Level of Service (LOS)................................................................................................................... 14 This page has intentionally been left blank.

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Introduction
California law mandates the development of a Circulation Element as part of the General Plan. The Circulation Element must contain the “general location and extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, any military airports and ports, and other local public utilities and facilities,” all correlated with the land use element of the General Plan per California Government Code Section 65302(b).

Santa Maria’s Circulation Element focuses on the street, bicycle, and pedestrian networks, safety, parking, transit, rail, and aviation facilities. Utility-oriented facilities, such as water and storm drainage, are addressed within the Public Facilities and Services Element.

This Element consists of three main sections: Background, Issues and Opportunities, and Circulation Policies. The Background section introduces existing conditions and trends related to priorities addressed in this Element. The Issues and Opportunities section describes the key issues and opportunities that shaped the Element. Finally, the Circulation Policies section establishes regulatory standards and diagrams and outlines the City’s Circulation goals, policies, and implementation actions.

The Circulation Policies focus on establishing and maintaining a citywide mobility network that meets the needs of users of all ages and abilities, including people walking, riding bicycles, using micromobility devices like e-scooters, riding on transit, and driving and riding in vehicles, as well as for trucking and goods movement. In support of that mobility network, policies also prioritize safety, parking, land use compatibility, equitable sharing of costs and benefits, and the mitigation of traffic and vehicle usage impacts.

Cyclists use a multi-use path.

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Background
This section introduces existing conditions and trends related to priorities addressed in the Circulation Policies.

Regulatory Setting
Regulations that affect the policy direction of this Element include:

AB 1358. Assembly Bill 1358 (AB 1358), the California Complete Streets Act, requires the City of Santa Maria to focus the update of the Circulation Element of the General Plan on a multimodal transportation system that accommodates all users, including motorists, transit vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and people of all ages and abilities. A few features of Complete Streets include sidewalks, bikeways, safe crossings, transit amenities, traffic calming, and universal accessibility elements.

SB 743. Senate Bill 743 (SB 743) took effect July 1, 2020, and fundamentally changed the way Transportation Analysis is conducted as part of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Automobile Level of Service, although permitted as a local policy threshold, is no longer considered an impact on the environment. Instead, Vehicle Miles of Travel (VMT) is now the primary transportation metric for evaluated projects under CEQA.

Measure A. Santa Barbara County’s Measure A, approved by voters in November 2008 and scheduled to sunset in 2040, will provide more than $1 billion of estimated local sales tax revenues for road repair, congestion relief, and transportation safety projects. Measure A also funds a portion of major regional transportation improvements, including interchange and highway projects throughout Santa Barbara County Current programs in Santa Maria being funded by Measure A are Roadway Maintenance, Specialized Transit for Elderly and Disabled Program, Interregional Transit Program, Safe Routes to School, and the Clean Air Express.

AB 98. Assembly Bill 98 (AB 98) seeks to address environmental justice issues associated with the rapid expansion of warehouse uses in the state. AB 98 requires local agencies to update the circulation elements of their general plans to establish specific travel routes for the transport of goods and materials, avoiding sensitive land uses.

Existing Roadway Network
The City of Santa Maria is served by an extensive network of freeways, arterials, collectors, and local roads.

The network provides a high level of north-south/east-west connectivity with adjacent counties (i.e., San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Kern Counties) by way of United States Highway 101 (US-101), Broadway (SR-135) and Main Street (SR-166) that traverse the city. Broadway and Main Street both intersect with State Route 1 (SR-1) to the south and west, respectively, of the city.

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Existing Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
The condition of Santa Maria’s existing bicycle and pedestrian networks varies widely. Some locations have a comprehensive network, while infrastructure is limited in other locations. Network and spot improvements will help improve access, safety, and comfort, including crossing improvements, shared-use paths, and trails. These needs and priorities are addressed in the City’s Active Transportation Plan (ATP), which provides a long-term framework for expanding and enhancing bicycle and pedestrian facilities across the city.

Bicycle and pedestrian facilities are also used by people operating micromobility devices. Micromobility refers to all small, lightweight personal vehicles, including those powered or featuring power-assistance from motors, usually electric-powered. These include electric bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters (escooters), electric skateboards, one-wheelers, and other new devices.

Santa Maria Regional Transit
Santa Maria is primarily served by the Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) agency. The City of Santa Maria operates SMRT’s local fixed route, regional bus service, and on-demand Microtransit and ADA paratransit bus services. SMRT ridership demographics reflect a broad cross-section of the service area, including seniors, persons with disabilities, K-12 students, college students, working professionals, tourists, and riders who choose to use transit instead of driving. Private transit companies, though not operated by the City, provide additional services, such as Smooth’s Senior Dial-A-Ride. Transit ridership is rapidly growing and is expected to continue to grow in the years to come.

Santa Maria Transit Center.

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Truck Routes
Santa Maria has two designated Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) truck routes, which are on US-101 and Broadway. US-101, Broadway (SR-135), Main Street (SR-166), and Betteravia Road carry the vast majority of STAA truck traffic in terms of absolute volumes. US-101 carries the highest percentage of STAAsized vehicles, relative to the overall traffic on the route, followed by Main Street and Broadway. On average, STAA-sized trucks make up 5 percent of the overall truck traffic on the segments of State Highways within Santa Maria according to data from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Annual Average Daily Truck Traffic in 2018.

Aviation Facilities
Santa Maria Public Airport
The Santa Maria Public Airport, owned and operated by the Santa Maria Public Airport District, is the only public-use airport within the Santa Maria Valley. As defined by the FAA, the Santa Maria Public Airport is a primary commercial service airport, which serves the aviation needs of the local community and the region by providing support to commercial, aerial firefighting, military, and private aircraft. The Airport is also a hub for the City of Santa Maria’s commercial and industrial sector, as a majority of the City’s industrial land uses are located at or near the airport.

Heliports
The City of Santa Maria has one heliport at Marian Medical Center. The authority to regulate their development and use is shared among the heliport owners, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the State of California.

Santa Maria Public Airport. Credit: Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce Circulation Element | 6
Railway Facilities
Passenger Railway Facilities
The Guadalupe Amtrak Station (GUA) is the closest passenger rail service to Santa Maria. There is a thruway bus service that connects passengers from GUA to the Santa Maria Amtrak Bus Stop (SAT), served by a curbside bus stop located next to the northbound off-ramp of US-101 and East Main Street.

Santa Maria Valley Railroad
The Santa Maria Valley Railroad (SMVRR) is a short line or Class III carrier service consisting of 14 miles of main line track interchanging with the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in Guadalupe. The railroad also operates transloading facilities located at 1599 A Street and the Betteravia Industrial Park on Betteravia Road. The SMVRR provides access to long-haul rail lines for commercial and agricultural customers in the Santa Maria Valley.

Guadalupe Amtrak Station (GUA). Credit: Amtrak.

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Issues and Opportunities
This section describes the issues and opportunities that informed the policy direction of the Circulation Policies. More information and technical details can be found in the Transportation and Mobility Existing Conditions Report included in Appendix A.

Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). VMT measures the amount of travel by motor vehicles to and from residences, jobs, and other destinations. Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions reduction targets are based on achieving a reduction in per capita VMT. With a compact land use pattern and a transportation system that provides improvements for all modes of transportation, the efficiency of the existing street system is increased.

Traffic volumes and Level of Service (LOS). US-101 interchanges with Santa Maria streets have level of service deficiencies. Interchanges at Main Street, Betteravia Road, and Stowell Road need operational and capacity improvements. Betteravia Road is the most congested corridor in the city, with several intersections and segments experiencing excessive or unacceptable delays. Main Street, Broadway, and Stowell Road also have many congested segments and intersections.

Travel time reliability. There is some travel time unreliability on US-101 around the Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo County border that extends to the Broadway off-ramp. Other study segments on Broadway, Main Street, and Betteravia Road have unreliable travel times due to congestion in the AM and PM peak hours.

Excess capacity. In contrast, several street segments are below traffic volume thresholds and have low delay given the excess roadway capacity. Reclassifying streets with excess travel lanes relative to actual volumes, and/or overly wide travel lane widths, provides opportunities to reallocate space in a manner that better serves all modes of travel. Such measures will also help to reduce motor vehicle speeds in many cases.

Entrances to US-101, a major thoroughfare for Santa Maria residents.

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Pavement system management. Per the 2023 Pavement Management Report, the overall average pavement condition index (PCI) for the city is 69, and 58.9 percent of the city’s pavement is in very good to good condition. However, with the current level of funding at approximately $4 million annually, pavement quality is forecasted to deteriorate over time.

Walkability. Downtown is the most walkable part of the city due to its proximity to retail, services, employment, and civic destinations. However, residents in most other areas of the city have less convenient walking access to schools, parks, and/or retail. Improving walkability via improved pedestrian connections and public realm design could improve health, reduce vehicle dependency, and improve the visual appearance of the city’s streets.

Safety. Speeding and automobile right-of-way violations are the top violation categories for the past five years of city collisions.

Transit service. The City has a population of residents who are designated as "at-risk" that struggle with low income, high and persistent poverty, high unemployment and underemployment, linguistic isolation, high housing costs, substandard housing, distressed neighborhoods, high transportation costs with low transportation access. The City’s public transit system is a vital lifeline service and is expected to continue to grow over the years to come.

Aviation facilities and services. The Santa Maria Public Airport has seen a decline in passenger travel over the last two decades as the number of enplanements was 23,008 in 2018, down from 47,741 in 2010 and 77,738 in 2000. In 2025, the Santa Maria Public Airport had nonstop service with Allegiant Airlines to Las Vegas, Nevada, and with American Airlines to Phoenix, Arizona.

Downtown Santa Maria. Downtown has a diverse mix of land uses and housing types, and as the heart of the city, it has many of Santa Maria’s historic, civic, and cultural resources. Implementation of the General Plan and Downtown Specific Plan could create opportunities for job and population growth and transformational improvements to the public realm.

Wide roads and limited pedestrian crossings limit walkability.

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Downtown Multimodal Streetscape Plan. In 2015, the City updated its Downtown Specific Plan and identified the need for a multimodal streetscape plan. The goal of the plan was to address beautification in Downtown by transforming Broadway and Main Street into corridors that accommodate all users—from cyclists to transit riders to pedestrians—while also accommodating existing freight traffic until alternative truck routes become available. Since Main Street and Broadway are State highways, the transformation of these corridors must occur in partnership with Caltrans. The Downtown Multimodal Streetscape Plan was adopted by the City Council and is utilized as a part of the City's Downtown redevelopment efforts. Its goals are to accommodate all users, including pedestrians, bicycles, transit riders, automobiles, and trucks.

This Plan helps to define and rebrand Downtown into a community gathering place and a great place to live and visit. The Plan includes proposed roadway improvements, including raised cycle tracks, wider sidewalks, and on-street parking.

Santa Maria Active Transportation Plan. The 2020 Santa Maria Active Transportation Plan (ATP) was adopted in January 2021. Its goal is to “facilitate the design and implementation of a connected bicycle and pedestrian network to provide safe, affordable, and accessible transportation choices in the community.” Safer Streets for Santa Maria Plan. The City’s Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP), adopted in 2022, identified, analyzed, and prioritized roadway safety improvements around the principles of what are referred to as the “4Es” of traffic safety: Engineering, Enforcement, Education, and Emergency Services. The LRSP has been instrumental in securing State Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding awarded by Caltrans. In addition to citywide or systemic strategies, the plan identified three priority corridors for transportation safety grants:
• Broadway Corridor (US-101 to Betteravia Road)
• Main Street Corridor (Blosser Road to US-101)
• Miller Street Corridor (Donovan Road to Betteravia Road) Community engagement for the City Active Transportation Plan at Open Streets Santa Maria (2019).

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Short- and long-range transit plans. Every five to seven years, SMRT develops and adopts Short- and Long-Range Transit Plans. The plans include performance improvement, service enhancement, and innovation and technology recommendations. These plans serve as general business plans outlining the growth of the transit system. These indicate areas for the creation of new transit lines along with regional connectivity opportunities throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.

Bus rapid transit and autonomous shuttles. SMRT is planning to introduce new and enhanced forms of public transit to Santa Maria. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors are in development along Broadway, the city’s busiest transit corridor, and conceptual plans are in place to expand BRT lines on Main Street, Betteravia Road, and future high-intensity corridors. Similarly, work is underway to develop Autonomous Shuttle corridors for the implementation of driverless buses with an initial focus of connecting Allan Hancock College with the Transit Center as an initial pilot project.

Parking. The City’s 2018 parking ordinance allows developers to credit parking in the paved front setback and utilize tandem parking toward the required parking. The ordinance only affects medium- or highdensity developments by allowing more flexibility for the development of infill lots with limited space available. In addition, the Downtown Specific Plan allows for shared/off-site parking, allowing for higherdensity residential development.

Roundabouts. Roundabouts improve safety by reducing vehicle speeds and avoiding conflicting movements. In the past twenty-five years, modern roundabout designs have grown in popularity in the U.S. due to their safety, their ability to move more vehicles through intersections with less delay, and their lower long-term costs compared to signals that require electricity, maintenance, and replacement over time. When designed properly, roundabouts can easily accommodate large vehicles like fire service ladder trucks and freight trucks. It is important for the City to collaborate with local communities to be engaged and involved in the design and implementation of local roundabouts to ensure that they are sited and designed appropriately.

Landscaped roundabout at the intersection of S. College Drive and E. McCoy Lane. Credit: Google Circulation Element | 11
Circulation Policies
The Circulation Policies address the key issues and opportunities identified above and establish a comprehensive roadmap for establishing and maintaining a citywide mobility network that meets the needs of users of all ages and abilities.

The Policy Framework section outlines Circulation goals, policies, and implementation actions. A goal describes the community’s desired future. A policy is a specific statement of intent that guides decisionmaking. An action is an activity, procedure, program, or project that carries out a policy.

Policy Summary
The Circulation Policies are focused on establishing and maintaining safe and convenient travel options throughout Santa Maria with a citywide mobility network that meets the needs of all users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, motorists, transit riders, and people of all ages and abilities. These goals and policies ensure that future land use, transportation, and transit planning are consistent with that focus on complete streets and a balanced network (Goals CIR-1 and CIR-6). Policies require that other City policies and plans related to transportation are consistent with this Element (Goal CIR-2) and that the funding for transportation improvements and maintenance are managed responsibly and shared equitably (Goal CIR3). Policies also mitigate the impacts of traffic noise and heavy vehicles (Goal CIR-4) and seek to provide adequate parking options (Goal CIR-8). Together, these policy priorities should result in improved safety (Goal CIR-5) and reduced VMT (Goal CIR-7).

Standards and Diagrams
Street Classifications
The Santa Maria Street Network comprises freeways and four main street classifications, as described below:
• Freeways are designed for high-speed vehicular traffic with controlled/limited access. • Primary Arterials serve as major routes for vehicular traffic, connecting freeways with secondary arterials, collectors, and local streets.
• Secondary Arterials serve to distribute vehicular traffic from primary arterials to collector and local streets and neighborhoods. They support moderate-distance travel and provide access to commercial and residential areas.
• Collector Streets provide connections for all modes of travel within and between residential areas and activity centers. They serve travel between arterial and local streets, within and between neighborhoods and major activity centers, and provide direct access to abutting properties. • Local Streets provide direct access to abutting properties and for localized travel within residential, commercial, and industrial areas, and include both public and private streets.

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Street Network
Figure CIR-1 presents the street classifications for each roadway segment. The figure also identifies proposed roadways within the planned annexation areas.

Protected bike lane installed on Bloser Road in 2023.

Roadway on Blosser Road with center landscaped median and bike lane.

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Figure CIR-1: Street Network
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Traffic Level of Service
Traffic Level of Service (LOS) is a qualitative measure of traffic operating conditions, whereby a letter grade "A" through "F" is assigned to an intersection, or roadway segment, representing progressively increasing traffic congestion, as detailed below in Table CIR-1. LOS "A" represents free-flow operating conditions and LOS "F" represents over-capacity conditions. LOS calculation methods are documented in the Transportation Research Board, most recently in the publication Highway Capacity Manual, Sixth Edition, A Guide for Multimodal Mobility Analysis, 2016 (HCM 6).

Table CIR-1: Traffic Level of Service (LOS)
LOS Type of Flow Delay Maneuverability
Stopped Delay
per Vehicle—
Signalized*
Stopped Delay
per Vehicle—
Un-signalized*
A
Stable Flow
Very slight delay.

Progression is very
favorable, with most
vehicles arriving during
the green phase not
stopping at all.

Turning movements are
easily made, and nearly
all drivers find freedom
of operation.
≤10.0 ≤10.0
B
Stable Flow
Good progression
and/or short cycle
lengths. More vehicles
stop than for LOS A,
causing higher levels of
average delay.

Vehicle platoons are
formed. Many drivers
begin to feel somewhat
restricted within groups
of vehicles.
>10.0
and
≤20.0
>10.0
and
≤15.0
C
Stable Flow
Higher delays resulting
from fair progression
and/or longer cycle
lengths. Individual cycle
failures may begin to
appear at this level. The
number of vehicles
stopping is significant,
although many still pass
through the intersection
without stopping.

Back-ups may develop
behind turning vehicles.

Most drivers feel
somewhat restricted
within groups of
vehicles.
>20.0
and
≤35.0
>15.0
and
≤25.0
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LOS Type of Flow Delay Maneuverability
Stopped Delay
per Vehicle—
Signalized*
Stopped Delay
per Vehicle—
Un-signalized*
D
Approaching Unstable Flow
The influence of
congestion becomes
more noticeable. Longer
delays may result from
some combination of
unfavorable progression,
long cycle lengths, or
high volume-to-capacity
ratios. Many vehicles
stop, and the proportion
of vehicles not stopping
declines. Individual cycle
failures are noticeable.

Maneuverability is
severely limited during
short periods due to
temporary back-ups.
>35.0
and
≤55.0
>25.0
and
≤35.0
E
Unstable Flow
Generally considered to
be the limit of
acceptable delay for
most drivers. Indicative
of poor progression,
long cycle lengths, and
high volume-to-capacity
ratios. Individual cycle
failures are frequent
occurrences.

There are typically long
queues of vehicles
waiting upstream of the
intersection.
>55.0
and
≤80.0
>35.0
and
≤50.0
F
Forced Flow
Generally considered to
be unacceptable to most
drivers. Often occurs
with over-saturation.

May also occur at high
volume-to-capacity
ratios. There are many
individual cycle failures.

Poor progression and
long cycle lengths may
also be major
contributing factors.

Jammed conditions.

Back-ups from other
locations restrict or
prevent movement.

Volumes may vary
widely, depending
principally on the
downstream back-up
conditions.
>80.0 >50.0
*Seconds per vehicle.

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Bikeway Classifications
Santa Maria utilizes the four classifications of bikeway facilities defined by Caltrans:
• Multi-Use Paths (Class I Bikeways). A path physically separated from motor vehicle traffic by an open space or barrier, used by bicyclists, pedestrians, joggers, skaters, and other non-motorized travelers. They can provide recreational opportunities and serve as a direct connection to key destinations.
• Bicycle Lanes (Class II Bikeways). A portion of a roadway that has been set aside by striping and pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive use of bicyclists. Bicycle lanes are intended to promote an orderly flow of bicycle and vehicle traffic. This type of facility is established by using the appropriate striping, legends, and signs.
• Bicycle Routes (Class III Bikeways). Class III bicycle routes are facilities where bicyclists share travel lanes with motor vehicle traffic. Bike routes must be of benefit to the bicyclist and offer a higher degree of service than adjacent streets. Class III bikeways are often located on residential streets. • Separated Bikeway (Class IV Bikeways). A Class IV Bikeway is for the exclusive use of bicycles and includes a separation between the bikeway and adjacent vehicle traffic. The physical separation may include flexible posts, grade separation, inflexible physical barriers, or on-street parking.

Separated bikeways operate in the same direction as vehicle traffic on the same side of the roadway, while two-way separated bikeways can also be used in some cases.

Bikeway Network
Figure CIR-2 presents the proposed Bikeway Network, which builds upon the foundation established by the City’s previous planning efforts, including the 1994 Circulation Element, the 2009 Bikeway Master Plan, and the 2020 Active Transportation Plan (ATP). This updated network reflects a comprehensive strategy to enhance bicycle infrastructure citywide by integrating existing facilities with newly proposed routes.

Credit: Janene Scully
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Figure CIR-2: Bikeway Network
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Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress
Like Vehicular LOS, Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) is a qualitative measure based on quantitative factors, calculated for roadway segments, intersection approach segments and intersection crossings.

However, instead of measuring operating conditions, this method is based on roadway and bike facility conditions.

LTS is calculated using methods documented in Oregon Department of Transportation’s Analysis Procedures Manual, most recently in Version 2, 2025, pages 10-41. Bicycle LTS quantifies the stress level of a given roadway segment by considering a variety of criteria, including traffic volumes, street width (number of lanes), speed limit or prevailing speed, presence and width of bike lanes, and the presence and width of parking lanes. Bicycle LTS quantifies the stress level of intersection approaches and crossings by considering those factors as well as the intersection controls, presence and length of right-hand turn lanes, presence of bicycle detection technology, and the positioning or loss of bicycle lanes approaching the intersection.

As illustrated in Figure CIR-3, bicycle LTS scores roadway facilities into one of four classifications or ratings for measuring the effects of traffic-based stress on bicycle riders, with 1 being the lowest stress or most comfortable, and 4 being the highest stress or least comfortable. An LTS score of 1 indicates the facility provides a traffic stress tolerable by most children and less experienced riders, such as multi-use paths that are separated from motorized traffic, or neighborhood streets with observed speeds under 25 mph. An LTS score of 4 indicates a stress level tolerable by only the most experienced cyclists who are comfortable with high-volume and high-speed, mixed traffic environments. LTS 3 and 4 represent high stress conditions for bicyclists and reflect the need for visibility and safety improvements. The figure below presents the four scoring classifications.

Figure CIR-3: Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress

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E-Bikes and Other Micromobility Devices
E-bikes and other micromobility devices are legally allowed to be operated in Class 2, 3, and 4 bike facilities. Jurisdictions may limit micromobility use to certain speeds or certain features may be restricted when using Class 1 multi-use paths. E-bikes are defined in the California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 312.5 as “a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts of power.” Any electric-powered two-wheeled device, with or without pedals, which exceeds 750 watts or is capable of speeds over 28 mph is not legally allowed to be operated on public roads. These should be referred to as e-motos.

E-bikes are divided into three classes:
• Class 1 E-Bikes are equipped with a motor that only provides assistance while the rider is pedaling, and ceases to assist when the bicycle reaches 20 mph.
• Class 2 E-Bikes are equipped with a motor that can exclusively propel the bicycle (often activated by a thumb throttle), and ceases to propel when the bicycle reaches 20 mph. Some jurisdictions may restrict throttle assistance on multi-use paths or trails. • Class 3 E-Bikes are equipped with a motor that only provides assistance while the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist when the bicycle reaches 28 mph. Riders must be at least 16 years old, and helmets are mandatory for riders of all ages. Passengers are not allowed on Class 3 e-bikes.

Other micromobility devices include:
• E-Scooters are defined by CVC Section 407.5 as “a two-wheeled device with handlebars, a floorboard or seat, and powered by an electric motor. E-scooters are not legally allowed to exceed 15 mph or be ridden on sidewalks. The rider must have a valid driver’s license and follow the same traffic rules as a bicycle rider.
• E-Skateboards are defined by CVC section 313.5 as “any wheeled device that has a floorboard designed to be stood upon when riding.” E-skateboards must meet certain size restrictions, are limited to speeds of 20 mph or less, and limited to roadways with posted speed limits of 35 mph or lower. Riders must be 16 years of age or older, and riders of any age must wear a helmet.

E-scooters parked in a designated e-scooter parking area.

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Pedestrian Priority Improvement Network
Figure CIR-4 presents the Pedestrian Priority Improvement Network which depicts the existing and proposed pedestrian facilities and highlights the corridors and intersections prioritized for pedestrian improvements. The Improvement Network reflects the targeted recommendations for enhancements along key corridors and intersections that were identified in the 2020 Santa Maria Active Transportation Plan. Not all streets lacking sidewalks are recommended for improvement, due to constraints related to right-of-way availability and limited implementation resources. These priority locations are listed below:

Priority Corridors
• Alvin Avenue
• Battles Road
• Betteravia Road
• Blosser Road
• Broadway
• College Drive
• Curryer Street
• Dena Way
• Depot Street
• Donovan Road
• Enos Drive
• Fesler Street
• Foster Road
• Hidden Pines Way
• La Brea Avenue
• Jones Street
• Main Street
• McClelland Street
• McCoy Lane
• Miller Street
• Morrison Avenue
• Pine Street
• Seaward Drive
• Stowell Road
• Suey Road
• Thornburg Street
• Western Avenue
Priority Intersections
• Pine Street and Fesler Street
• Fesler Street and McClelland Street
• Smith Street and Fesler Street
• College Drive and Fesler Street
• Fesler Street and Concepcion Avenue
• Fesler Street and Lucas Drive
• Fesler Street and Lucas Drive/Scott Drive
• Newlove Drive and Miller Street
• SMVRR Trail Extension and Battles Road
• Carmen Lane and SMVRR tracks
• College Drive and Camino Colegio
• College Drive and Jones/Boone Streets
• Morrison Avenue and Thornburg Street
• Thornburg Street midblock between
Morrison Avenue and Stowell Road
• Morrison Avenue Lincoln Street
• Main Street and Broadway
• Boone Street and School Street
• Blosser Road and Sonya Lane
• Alvin Avenue and Curryer Street
• Cook Street and Miller Street
• Cook Street midblock between Miller
Street and McClelland Street
• Morrison Avenue and Broadway
• El Medio Drive and Bethel Lane
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Figure CIR-4: Pedestrian Priority Improvement Network
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Policy Framework
Goal CIR-1: Complete Streets. Safe and convenient travel is provided throughout the community with a citywide network of complete streets that meet the needs of all users, including motorists, transit vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and people of all ages and abilities. 1 Policy CIR-1.1: Complete Street planning and design. Ensure that complete streets infrastructure improves transportation choices for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transportation riders of all ages and abilities.

Action CIR-1.1.1: Pursue funding to retrofit existing public streets into complete streets.

Action CIR-1.1.2: Implement the improvements identified in the Downtown Multimodal Streetscape Plan, including raised cycle tracks, wider sidewalks, and on-street parking, incorporating input from recent Caltrans studies and further coordination with Caltrans where needed.

Action CIR-1.1.3: Educate the public on the importance of traffic safety in a multi-modal system through online resources, workshops, and webinars.

Policy CIR-1.2: Complete Streets construction. Construct City streets and private streets to be constructed and maintained, to the extent feasible, in accordance with the Street Network, Bikeway Network, and Pedestrian Priority Improvement Network diagrams, the Active Transportation Plan, and standards established by the City Engineer that should be consistent with accepted standards such as the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) street design guidelines.

Policy CIR-1.3: Complete Streets in new development. Condition approvals of new development with street improvements and access provisions, to the extent feasible, that would be necessary to maintain multimodal operating standards and require complete street amenities consistent with the General Plan and accepted standards for new public and private streets.

Action CIR-1.3.1: Update the Santa Maria Municipal Code to establish active transportation infrastructure standards for new development, such as minimum requirements for bicycle storage/lockers and requiring integration with existing nearby bicycle, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure.

Policy CIR-1.4: Bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Consistent with the Bikeway Network and Pedestrian Priority Improvement Network diagrams, develop bicycle and pedestrian facilities to meet the transportation and recreational needs of the residents throughout the city, and where possible, provide separate bikeway access to major destinations (e.g., schools, parks, and commercial and employment centers) to ensure safety.
2 1 Complete Streets as defined by AB 1358. See Regulatory Setting section for additional information. 2 Please see the Conservation and Open Space, Recreation and Parks, and Health and Environmental Justice Elements for additional policies and actions focused on trails, infrastructure for physical activity, and multi-purpose open spaces and public lands.

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Action CIR-1.4.1: Implement the bicycle and pedestrian projects identified in the Pedestrian Priority Improvement Network diagram above and the Active Transportation Plan.

Action CIR-1.4.2: Pursue all applicable revenue sources for the implementation of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Policy CIR-1.5: Bicycle and pedestrian facilities in new development. Require pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly facilities consistent with the Bikeway Network and Pedestrian Priority Improvement Network diagrams and the Active Transportation Plan when reviewing and approving private development applications, General Plan or zoning changes, and specific plans.

Policy CIR-1.6: Multimodal street standards. Maintain and update street standards that serve not just automobile operations, but also multimodal movement and adjacent land uses, including pedestrians, motorists, bicyclists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities, in a form that is compatible with and complementary to adjacent land uses, and promotes connectivity between uses and areas.

Action CIR-1.6.1: Review current arterial, collector, and local street standards and update as necessary to conform to best practice classification standards (see Street Classifications standards above), including National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) street design guidelines. Alternatively, adopt and regularly update a City Engineering Design Manual to formalize roadway standards.

Policy CIR-1.7: Transportation network completion. Strive to complete the planned build-out of the street network as illustrated on the Street Network diagram and the bicycle and pedestrian improvements identified in the Bikeway Network and Pedestrian Priority Improvement Network diagrams and the Active Transportation Plan.

Action CIR-1.7.1: Review annually the functioning of the street system to identify problems and actively pursue implementation of improvements identified as needed in a timely manner.

Action CIR-1.7.2: Engage the community and transportation stakeholders to identify opportunities to add roundabouts to the street system.

Policy CIR-1.8: Transportation network completion in new development. Require new developments to align new streets with existing or approved streets wherever, in the opinion of the City Engineer, such is feasible.

Action CIR-1.8.1: Evaluate new developments to ensure that the safety, comfort, and convenience of pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users are given an equal level of consideration to motor vehicle operators.

Policy CIR-1.9: Transportation studies. For all new larger developments or substantial improvements to existing development, require a transportation study to evaluate the potential effects on the transportation system associated with the proposed project prior to approval, including ensuring that the proposed project provides transportation amenities consistent with the Circulation Element | 24
General Plan. The requirement of transportation studies for new developments is at the discretion of City staff and determined on a case-by-case basis.

Policy CIR-1.10: Acceptable Traffic Levels of Service. Maintain an acceptable peak hour level of service (LOS) of D or better, as determined using the most current edition of the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) or other methodology formally adopted by the City Engineer, on all arterial and collector roadways and at all signalized intersections, except where achieving the LOS standard would result in unacceptable conditions for bicyclists, pedestrians, or transit users (see the Traffic Level of Service standard above). Deficiency plans shall be required for developments that cause intersections to cross the LOS threshold.

Traffic Impact Analyses: Traffic impact analyses (TIAs) shall be prepared using HCM-based methodologies or other methodology formally adopted by the City Engineer, consistent with the City’s adopted traffic study guidelines.

Methodology: Where multiple methodologies are available to determine LOS, the City Engineer shall determine the appropriate analysis method based on facility type, context, and study purpose, including, as applicable:
• Control delay (seconds per vehicle) for signalized and unsignalized intersections; and • HCM-defined performance measures for roadway segments, roundabouts, and other facilities.

Long-Range Planning Flexibility: For long-range planning horizons, area-wide planning efforts, or cumulative growth scenarios, LOS D need not be strictly maintained where the City determines that:
• Temporary or localized degradation of LOS is unavoidable; and • Overriding transportation, land use, environmental, or community benefits justify the impact, supported by appropriate findings.

Such determinations shall be made using HCM-based analysis or other methodology formally adopted by the City Engineer and documented in the applicable planning or environmental review documents.

Downtown / Specific Plan Areas: Within designated specific plan areas or activity centers, including the Downtown Specific Plan area, projects that exceed City-established vehicle trip thresholds shall prepare a traffic impact analysis using HCM methodology or other methodology formally adopted by the City Engineer in accordance with City standards. Where the City determines that strict application of LOS D would conflict with adopted plan objectives, the City may approve alternative or equivalent transportation mitigation measures, including but not limited to multimodal improvements, transportation demand management strategies, or deficiency plans prepared consistent with State law.

Conditions of Development Approvals: Development approvals shall include conditions necessary to maintain or achieve LOS D unless alternative mitigation is approved pursuant to City policy.

Action CIR-1.10.1: Periodically review roadway and intersection performance using HCM metrics or other methodology formally adopted by the City Engineer and prioritize capital improvements to address identified deficiencies.

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Policy CIR-1.11: Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress: Provide low-stress travel conditions for bicyclists that achieve Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) 2 or better on arterial and collector streets (see the Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress standard above).

Action CIR-1.11.1: Develop access standards regarding new driveways and other encroachments to arterial and collector streets to optimize multimodal site access and minimize conflicts that are detrimental to safe and efficient operating conditions.

Action CIR-1.11.2: Plan the spacing between traffic signals to enhance pedestrian and bicycle crossings, optimize interconnection, and strive to implement signal timing that will result in fuel conservation while avoiding unnecessary delays to pedestrians and bicyclists.

Goal CIR-2: General Plan consistency. Local, regional, State, and private transportation plans, facilities, and services are consistent with the General Plan.

Policy CIR-2.1: Preservation of right-of-way. Require appropriate right-of-way dedications or public access easements of all new developments to facilitate the construction of transportation facilities shown in the Street Network, Bikeway Network, and Pedestrian Priority Improvement Network diagrams as well as the bicycle and pedestrian projects recommended by the Active Transportation Plan, including protection of right-of-way for future streets and trails.

Policy CIR-2.2: Transportation planning. Update and implement transportation plans to be consistent with the General Plan.

Action CIR-2.2.1: Continue to participate in circulation and transportation planning with Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), and the State of California.

Action CIR-2.2.2: Seek inclusion in federal, state, and regional transportation improvement plans that support local capital improvements. These include the Federal Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP), the Santa Barbara County Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP), and the County Regional Transportation Program (RTP).

Action CIR-2.2.3: Prepare an annual update to the Santa Maria Capital Improvement Program. This shall include a list of infrastructure improvements intended to be implemented by the City over the next fiveyear period, a priority ranking of those projects, and identification of the available sources of funding to finance the implementation of each improvement project.

Policy CIR-2.3: Air transportation. To support air transportation, ensure that circulation improvements surrounding the Santa Maria Public Airport are compatible with existing and future airport operations.3

3 Please see the Land Use and Safety Elements for related policies and actions.

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Action CIR-2.3.1: Coordinate master plans with the Santa Maria Public Airport District (SMPAD), the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC), and SBCAG to facilitate consistency between the Santa Maria Circulation Element and the Airport Master Plan.

Goal CIR-3: Funding transportation improvements. The City's existing and future transportation needs are met through cost-effective operation and equitable distribution of funding for transportation improvements.
4 Policy CIR-3.1: Distribution of costs. Equitably distribute the costs for transportation improvements among property owners/developers who benefit from new development and transportation system users.

Policy CIR-3.2: New development share of costs. Ensure that each new development, whether its impacts are individual or cumulative, pays its proportional share of the costs for any improvements or expansions needed on local or regional roadways when the City’s existing revenue sources are not enough to fund those improvements. Any such street assessment district shall generate sufficient revenue to fund the long-term maintenance of the roadway at a target PCI of 80 in perpetuity.

Policy CIR-3.3: New private and public roadways: For each roadway that is constructed as part of new development, the City shall determine whether it (1) remains privately owned and privately maintained, (2) remains private but is included within a roadway maintenance district to be maintained by the City or its designee, or 3) is dedicated to the City and publicly maintained.

Policy CIR-3.4: Funding for pavement management system. Continue to secure adequate funding for the City’s Pavement Management System (PMS) that identifies the required maintenance to maintain pavement quality through surface treatments, light rehabilitation, heavy rehabilitation, or reconstruction. Minimize asphalt pavement to be maintained by reducing existing paved areas or repurposing areas to be utilized for active transportation or transit.

Goal CIR-4: Land use compatibility. Transportation facilities and roadway improvements are compatible with land uses and minimize impacts on adjacent land uses.5 Policy CIR-4.1: Location of noise-sensitive land uses. Locate noise-sensitive land uses such as residences, hospitals, and schools away from heavily traveled arterials whenever possible. However, these uses may be located along heavily traveled arterials within the Downtown Specific Plan when designed in accordance with the Noise Element of the General Plan and City Ordinances. (Resolution 2008-163)
4 Please see the Land Use and Recreation and Parks Elements for additional policies and actions related to development impact and mitigation fees.
5 Please see the Recreation and Parks, Land Use, Noise, and Health and Environmental Justice Elements for policies and actions related to land use conflicts.

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Policy CIR-4.2: Heavy vehicle traffic. Provide adequate facilities for heavy vehicle traffic for the transport of goods and materials that avoid sensitive uses and reduce the impact of such traffic on local circulation and residential environments.6
Action CIR-4.2.1: Regulate on-street parking of large vehicles such as trucks and RVs where necessary to discourage truck parking on public streets or in other locations where they are incompatible with adjacent land uses and cause visibility and safety problems.

Action CIR-4.2.2: Maintain a truck route plan identifying streets to be posted as designated truck routes to avoid sensitive uses, and to be posted with weight limit restrictions and accompanied with street design elements where possible to discourage their use by heavy vehicles.

Policy CIR-4.3: Coordination of transportation planning. Coordinate land use planning with existing and future transportation facilities so that transportation movement is neither impeded nor significantly impacts adjacent land uses.

Goal CIR-5: Safety. The transportation system is safe and eliminates traffic-related fatalities and reduces injury collisions.7
Policy CIR-5.1: Vision Zero. Advance efforts to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries attributable to collisions on City streets by developing and implementing a “Vision Zero” strategy to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries to zero while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all.

Action CIR-5.1.1: Monitor collision data and implement countermeasures to address identified collision patterns.

Action CIR-5.1.2: Implement safety improvements, including improvements consistent with those recommended by the Santa Maria Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP).

Policy CIR-5.2: Safe Routes to School. Promote pedestrian safety and connectivity between homes and schools by implementing infrastructure improvements (e.g., sidewalks, crosswalks, traffic calming measures, and bike lanes) to ensure safe, accessible pathways for students.

Goal CIR-6: Public transit. Public transit service is frequent, efficient, cost-effective, and responsive to the needs of residents, workers, and visitors.

Policy CIR-6.1: Public transit service and financial stability. Maintain and enhance convenient, safe, and reliable transit services.
6 Please see the Health and Environmental Justice Element for policies and actions to mitigate the impacts of truck routes. 7 Please see the Health and Environmental Justice Element for additional policies and actions focused on transportation safety.

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Action CIR-6.1.1: Maintain the current level of bus services and expand such services as required when demand levels increase, covering new developments and underserved areas. This may include implementing flexible transit service (also known as microtransit) for off-peak hours, or providing night and weekend services where feasible.

Action CIR-6.1.2: Promote public transit to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips. Identify and evaluate long-term transportation improvements including exclusive bus lanes, bus stop enhancements, bus rapid transit (BRT) and light rail facilities.

Action CIR-6.1.3: Ensure transit services are affordable and accessible for people of every age, ability, or income. Serve disadvantaged communities, transit-dependent individuals, and major employment centers, ensuring that all stops and stations are ADA compliant.

Action CIR-6.1.4: Deliver frequent and reliable service with minimal wait times and direct routes to key destinations. Provide real-time transit information through various channels (apps, digital signs) and integrate modern fare payment options.

Action CIR-6.1.5: Collaborate with regional transit agencies on coordinated scheduling to ensure seamless transfers, facilitating inter-city travel and access to regional employment centers and attractions.

Action CIR-6.1.6: Identify and secure stable funding sources for transit operations, maintenance, and capital projects. Explore federal, state, regional, and local funding opportunities, including potential value capture mechanisms from Transit-Oriented Development.

Policy CIR-6.2: Rights-of-way. Preserve railroad and utility rights-of-way to provide for future transportation system and facilities improvements.

Policy CIR-6.3: Integrated multimodal infrastructure. Develop a multimodal transit system that works for walking, biking, and shared mobility.

Action CIR-6.3.1: Develop mobility hubs that facilitate transfers between different local and regional transit modes (local buses, BRT, and/or future light rail) and other options such as shared micromobility and active transportation.

Action CIR-6.3.2: Invest in transit infrastructure such as bus lanes, and signal prioritization to make transit more attractive. Upgrade transit stops and stations to be universally accessible with comfortable seating, shelters, lighting, and real-time information.

Policy CIR-6.4: Transit-supportive land use and urban design. Promote Transit Oriented Development (TOD) by encouraging and incentivizing mixed-use, compact developments around existing and planned transit stops and corridors.

Action CIR-6.4.1: Adopt accessible citywide street design standards that support transit operations and active transportation. Plan new developments with direct pedestrian and bike connections to transit stops and ensure building frontages are accessible to transit users.

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Action CIR-6.4.2: Integrate transit planning and City planning efforts, including land use, housing, economic development, and environmental plans for a holistic approach to development. Require new development and redevelopment sites to provide transit stops consistent with Santa Maria Regional Transit Standards and documents.

Action CIR-6.4.3: Adopt comprehensive transit design guidelines that provide clear direction for planners and developers on designing new developments and redevelopments that integrate transit. These guidelines should:
• Prioritize pedestrian and bicycle connections to transit stops, for safe, direct, and comfortable routes.
• Promote building orientation and entrances that face the street and transit stops, rather than being set back behind parking.
• Incentivize mixed-use development that places residential, commercial, and civic uses within easy walking distance of transit.
• Incorporate streetscape elements that enhance the pedestrian experience and encourage transit use, such as wide sidewalks, street trees, inviting public spaces, and appropriate lighting. • Provide guidance on integrating transit stops directly into development sites for maximum convenience and visibility.
• Encourage human-scaled architecture and design that contributes to a vibrant and active public realm around transit facilities.

Goal CIR-7: Vehicle miles traveled. Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) are reduced.

Policy CIR-7.1: Reduce VMT. Reduce VMT in accordance with the reduction target set by the California Air Resources Board for the SBCAG region on a “per resident” and “per employee” basis.

Action CIR-7.1.1: Maintain VMT thresholds consistent with State guidelines for use in evaluating potential traffic impacts from projects subject to CEQA.

Action CIR-7.1.2: Encourage large regional employers to provide subsidized public transportation or shuttle services for commuting employees.

Policy CIR-7.2: Prioritize land use development patterns that reduce VMT. In existing and future planned areas of the city, prioritize infill and mixed-use development and encourage new development near existing employment, housing, schools, commercial centers, and other services and amenities.

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Goal CIR-8: Parking. Convenient on-street and off-street parking facilities are provided for motor vehicles and bicycles (including charging stations for electric vehicles).

Policy CIR-8.1: Parking. Require new developments to provide parking to meet their needs on-site or within proximity to their sites, except within the Central Business District. Required parking should meet demand without resulting in excess or underutilized parking supply.8 Action CIR-8.1.1: Develop parking and traffic control plans, including neighborhood parking districts, for those neighborhoods that are adversely impacted by increased density, spillover parking, and traffic from commercial areas.

Action CIR-8.1.2: Periodically review the Santa Maria Municipal Code parking requirements for vehicles, electric charging stations, and bicycles to ensure that adequate parking is provided.

Action CIR-8.1.3: Allow for the joint use of parking facilities to support mixed-use development (i.e., light commercial and residential) by reducing the need for separate facilities.

Action CIR-8.1.4: Review the design of new parking facilities to ensure that pedestrian circulation is adequately accommodated and pedestrian or bicycle access is not negatively affected or impeded.

Action CIR-8.1.5: Encourage safe and accessible bicycle and micromobility device parking for both shortterm and long-term parking. Short-term parking is best provided by conveniently located, inverted Ushaped structures, securely attached to the ground, which provide for locking a bicycle or e-bike at two points on the frame. Long-term parking should be secure, have controlled access, be well-lit, wellmaintained, and easy to access while rolling a bicycle or e-bike. 8 Please see Housing Element Program 3.E. to reduce the impacts of parking requirements on the production of housing by updating parking standards.

Conservation and
Open Space Element
Final Draft | May 5, 2026
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Table of Contents
Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................................1 Background.......................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Natural and Working Lands......................................................................................................................................... 3 Urban Forest.................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Water Resources ...........................................................................................................................................................12 Air Quality and GHG Emissions..................................................................................................................................13 Historic and Cultural Resources ................................................................................................................................ 14 Issues and Opportunities.................................................................................................................................................17 Conservation and Open Space Policies........................................................................................................................19 Policy Summary .............................................................................................................................................................19 Policy Framework ..........................................................................................................................................................19 Table of Figures
Figure COS-1: Existing Vegetation Types....................................................................................................................... 4 Figure COS-2: Wetlands.................................................................................................................................................... 5 Figure COS-3: Critical Habitat.......................................................................................................................................... 7 Figure COS-4: Wildlife Connectivity................................................................................................................................ 8 This page has intentionally been left blank
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Introduction
The Conservation and Open Space Element combines two elements that are required to be included in the General Plan. This element describes the city’s natural, cultural, historic, tribal, and open space resources and outlines strategies for their continued preservation. In the previous General Plan, these topics were addressed in the Resource Management Element.

This Element consists of three main sections: Background, Issues and Opportunities, and Conservation and Open Space Policies. The Background section introduces existing conditions and trends related to priorities addressed in this Element. The Issues and Opportunities section describes the key issues and opportunities that shaped the Element. Finally, the Conservation and Open Space Policies section outlines the City’s Conservation and Open Space goals, policies, and implementation actions.

The Conservation and Open Space Element guides the protection, management, and enhancement of wildlife, habitat, agricultural uses, the city’s urban forest, surface water and groundwater, and historic, cultural, and tribal resources. It also supports improving local air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with State law. The Element leverages the city’s open space areas as a foundation for long-term conservation of these resources, while also providing opportunities for community recreation and mitigation for natural hazards such as flooding and extreme heat. Through strategic land use planning, the City can minimize the impact of development on local natural resources, improving the quality of life for all residents.

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Santa Maria River vegetation, US-101 and Preisker Lane
Santa Maria River and US-101
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Background
This section introduces existing conditions and trends related to priorities addressed in the Conservation and Open Space Policies.

Natural and Working Lands
Wildlife Habitat
The varied topography and soil types of the Santa Maria Valley have enabled a mix of native plant communities to exist in the region, including chapparal, coastal scrub, riparian scrub, oak woodland, annual grassland (including grazing lands), sandyhill chaparral, and agricultural (see Figure COS-1). The plant communities in the region provide suitable habitat for various species of animals, including some wide-ranging and mobile species of raptors, waterfowl, and deer. In general, as cities urbanize and expand into undeveloped areas, there is potential for reduced biodiversity and increased human-wildlife conflicts as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation.

Wetlands
Santa Maria contains a number of United States Fish and Wildlife Service-recognized wetlands, which are registered in the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) (see Figure COS-2). These wetlands include freshwater ponds and freshwater emergent wetlands, concentrated in agricultural and open space areas, as well as freshwater forested/shrub wetland and riverine habitat along the Santa Maria River. The wetlands provide habitat for fish, wildlife, and plants and have ecological and recreational value in the form of groundwater recharge, flooding prevention, and providing clean drinking water. However, urban development has the potential to result in the loss of wetland areas, disrupting natural ecosystems, increasing flooding, and reducing natural filtration.

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Figure COS-1: Existing Vegetation Types
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Figure COS-2: Wetlands
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Protected Species
Santa Maria and its surrounding region have species of plants and animals that are protected at the federal and State level. Critical habitat, areas essential for the conservation of a listed endangered or threatened species, are scattered throughout the city (see Figure COS-3). New development in or near habitats of protected or special status species, or in areas where these species are known to live, can lead to habitat loss, fragmentation, or harm to the species.

Wildlife Movement
Corridors
Wildlife corridors are generally defined
as connections between habitat patches
that allow for physical or genetic
exchange between isolated animal
populations. These connections may
serve a local purpose, such as foraging,
nesting, or denning, or they may be
regional in nature. Wildlife corridors
form a network that is essential to the
regional ecology of an area.

Los Padres National Forest
While there is limited information on the actual use of wildlife corridors in the region, there is a potential that the Santa Maria River, Cuyama River, and Sisquoc River are used by wildlife to access habitats in the Sierra Madre and San Rafael Mountains (see Figure COS-4). Isolated populations can experience overcrowding and competition for resources, as well as decreased genetic diversity and a greater risk of extinction.

Santa Maria River
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Figure COS-3: Critical Habitat
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Figure COS-4: Wildlife Connectivity
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Urban Forest
Santa Maria hosts a rich urban forest of over 27,800 trees that is managed by its Urban Forestry Program.

The City has a tree planting easement in commercial and residential areas and requires tree planting along street frontages with new development. City-managed trees are protected, and tree removals must be approved by the Recreation and Parks Department. If healthy trees are removed, they must be replaced at a ratio according to the City’s Landscape and Irrigation Standards (2007). In addition, Municipal Code Chapter 12-44 governs the removal and replacement of trees on development sites. The city’s urban forest provides a number of benefits to the community, including reducing the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, sequestering carbon dioxide, reducing stormwater runoff, and filtering stormwater.

Urban trees require proper maintenance and care to ensure these benefits can be materialized. Tree cover comprises only a small percentage of the total urbanized area of the city. In addition, urban trees are not evenly spread throughout the city, as some areas have fewer trees than others and, consequently, fewer benefits.

Residential neighborhood with mature Street Trees. Credit: Rebecca Carey

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Credit: Rebecca Carey
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Source: Santa Maria Urban Forest Management Plan.
=
Credit: Rebecca Carey
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Water Resources
Surface Water
The principal hydrologic feature in the Santa Maria River Valley is the Santa Maria River Watershed, which drains approximately 1,880 square miles and includes all tributaries of the Cuyama River, Sisquoc River, and the Santa Maria River. The Santa Maria River begins where the Sisquoc and Cuyama Rivers converge. The watershed generally drains to the west, where it meets the Pacific Ocean at Guadalupe. In the lower stretches, the Santa Maria River consists of a sandy, braided channel that is leveed along much of its length. Major land uses in the Santa Maria Watershed that may affect water quality and supply include irrigated and dry-land agriculture, oil production, and urban development. At this time, the Santa Maria River is not utilized for water recreation; however, there are trails adjacent to the river that are used by pedestrians and bicyclists.

Surface Water Quality
Surface water quality in Santa Maria may be impacted by oil, gas, agricultural, and urban land uses. The Santa Maria River is included on the Section 303(d) list for nitrate and other pollutants from agriculture, domestic animals/livestock, natural sources, and urban runoff/storm sewers. Runoff from agricultural areas may carry contaminants such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, which are then carried to the Santa Maria River through the drainage system. In more urbanized areas, where vehicle use and urban land use activities are common, water runoff picks up pollutants on the ground surface, including heavy metals, hydrocarbons, detergents, fertilizers, and pesticides. Generally, these pollutants are associated with sediments that collect on roadways and are flushed or wind-blown into drainage systems either in dry weather flows, during construction, or by rainfall. Construction activities can also create erosion and cause sediment to be transported off-site, as surface water runs through a construction site. The concentrated presence of contaminants has the potential to degrade potential beneficial uses such as aquatic habitat, drinking water supply, groundwater recharge, and agricultural supply. Decreased surface water quality can degrade natural ecosystems, leading to the loss of protected and special status species, and pose a public health risk, as contaminated water can spread waterborne diseases.

Groundwater Basin
The city overlies the Santa Maria Valley Groundwater Basin, which has a surface area of approximately 184,000 acres, or 287.5 square miles. Two reservoirs, Lopez Reservoir on Arroyo Grande Creek in the north, and Twitchell Reservoir on the Cuyama River (a tributary to the Santa Maria River in the south), provide storage of stormwater for recharge of the Basin. Groundwater discharges from the Basin include use of groundwater by agricultural, municipal, and industrial users, and groundwater discharges to the ocean. Subsurface groundwater flows to the ocean are required to prevent seawater intrusion into the Basin.

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Groundwater Quality
Groundwater quality conditions vary within the Santa Maria Valley. Current and historic data indicate better groundwater quality in the eastern, central, and southern portions and poorer quality in the western portion. Groundwater quality concerns in the Santa Maria Valley are focused on increased mineralization and nutrient (e.g., nitrogen) concentrations. Salt and nutrient accumulation can be amplified by fertilizer application on agricultural lands. Higher concentrations of salts can make groundwater unsuitable for drinking or irrigation, corrode pipes and water infrastructure, and harm native vegetation. In Santa Maria, groundwater threats also include cleanup sites (e.g., leaking underground storage tanks, former Santa Maria Army Airport site), oil and gas sites, irrigated lands regulatory program sites, land disposal sites, and permitted underground storage tanks.

Air Quality and GHG Emissions
Air Quality
Santa Maria is located in the Santa Barbara portion of the South Central Coast Air Basin (SCCAB), which is under the jurisdiction of the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (SBCAPCD). While the SBCAPCD monitors criteria air pollutant levels in Santa Barbara County, the air quality monitoring station in Santa Maria is owned and operated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Santa Maria has the highest exceedances of small particulate matter (less than 10 microns in diameter, or PM10) in the county, and the second highest annual mean PM10 concentrations. The main source of airborne particulate is local agricultural uses but may also include fugitive dust generated by the Oceano-Nipomo Dunes. The primary sources of toxic air contaminants (TACs) in Santa Maria include gas stations and industrial uses in the eastern portion of the city. While regional air quality has dramatically improved since the 1990s, long-term conditions may shift due to climate change, which could increase pollutants (e.g., smoke from a wildfire event).

Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Santa Maria currently has not adopted a Climate Action Plan. Santa Maria’s Community-Wide Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory compares the city’s GHG emissions in 2020 to 2005 levels. The GHG Inventory reports that GHG emissions in 2020 totaled 441,390 metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e), a 20 percent reduction from the 2005 baseline, consistent with the State’s GHG reduction target set by Assembly Bill 32.

During this time, the commercial/industrial sector has experienced the greatest reduction in GHG emissions (44 percent), followed by the residential sector (25 percent), and the transportation sector (12 percent). The transportation sector is the primary source of GHG emissions in Santa Maria, representing approximately 62 percent of the city’s total GHG emissions, not including emissions emitted by airplanes at the Santa Maria Airport. Santa Maria continues to work towards the statewide goal of carbon neutrality by 2045 to reduce climate change impacts.

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Historic and Cultural Resources
Historic District and Landmarks
The City of Santa Maria adopted the Historic Overlay District to encourage the preservation of local landmarks and objects of historical merit through flexible development standards. The City’s Municipal Code defines objects of historical merit as places, sites, buildings, structures, or works of art that have special historical, aesthetic, or cultural value, according to the Recreation and Parks Commission. Historical landmarks are places, sites, buildings, structures, or works of art with historical, cultural, aesthetic, or special character or interest for the general public, and are at least 50 years old, and are approved by the City Council. As of January 2019, four parcels on Broadway (SR-135) are within the Historic Overlay District , and 36 landmarks and objects of historic merit are located between Liberty Street and El Camino Colegio.

Buildings in these areas generally consist of California mission architecture. Santa Maria’s historic resources 1 illustrate the community’s history and culture; redevelopment on sites with historic resources and the aging of these structures pose a risk of damage or loss of these resources.

Archaeological, Paleontological, and Tribal Cultural Resources Archaeological resources refer to the material remains (artifacts, structures, refuse) produced purposely or accidentally by human beings. Archaeological remains identify the type of activities, methods of adaptation to the environment, and changes in activities and organization that were experienced by people in the past. Furthermore, these remains often have special significance to ethnic groups, special interest groups, and the general public. Archaeological, paleontological, and tribal cultural resources provide a vital link to the shared history of human societies, and tribal resources continue to hold significant spiritual and cultural meaning for Native American tribal communities. Without appropriate mitigation, development can lead to the damage or destruction of these resources. Other cultural resources designated by the City of Santa Maria include the Santa Maria Museum of Flight and the Santa Maria Cemetery District 1 A list of the historical landmarks and objects of historical merit in the city of Santa Maria is located on the City of Santa Maria website at https://www.cityofsantamaria.org/about-us/maps.

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Santa Maria City Hall, City Historical Landmark Number 7 Buena Vista Park, City Historical Landmark Number 1
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Santa Maria Inn, City Historical Landmark Number 6
Ruben Hart Residence, City Historical Landmark Number 4 Conservation and Open Space Element | 17
Issues and Opportunities
This section describes the issues and opportunities that informed the policy direction of the Conservation and Open Space Policies.

Natural resource protection. The Santa Maria Valley hosts a diverse range of habitats and vegetation types that support a range of plant and animal species, including several State and federally protected species.

Natural lands consist of areas that are primarily undeveloped and retain their ecological characteristics, such as providing critical habitat, ecosystem services, and supporting biodiversity. Through comprehensive conservation planning efforts, the City can improve the ecological health of local resources by preserving and expanding open space and natural areas, protecting habitat for special status species and wildlife connectivity, increasing biodiversity through native landscaping, and growing the city’s urban forest.

Natural and open space areas can also be multifunctioning, supporting healthy ecosystems, providing recreational opportunities, and enhancing climate resilience by mitigating climate-induced hazards such as flooding and extreme heat.

Water quality. Santa Maria’s surface and groundwater resources are essential for supporting local municipal, agricultural, and ecological functions. These systems have faced challenges from water pollutants derived from agriculture, urban runoff, oil and gas operations, and industrial uses, impairing local waterways and the groundwater basin. The use of best management practices (BMPs) in agricultural operations, strengthening development standards to reduce runoff and enhance stormwater filtration, and monitoring the operation and closure of oil and gas production sites will minimize contamination of surface water and groundwater resources.

Environmental impacts of working lands. Working lands, which includes agricultural and mining operations, play a significant role in Santa Maria’s economy and character. However, these activities can result in habitat loss and disruption, impact local air and water quality, and generate land use conflicts as urban areas expand, particularly between sensitive uses such as residential uses and agricultural operations.

Implementing best management practices that encourage sustainability and utilizing strategic land use planning to minimize conflicts can help to mitigate these issues.

Air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. Since the 1990s, the City has made substantial progress in improving local air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite these improvements, there is still a high level of particulate matter and toxic air contaminants due to agricultural and industrial operations. Climate events, including the spread of wildfire smoke, may cause air quality conditions to change over the long-term. In addition, the City has limited existing policies or plans to further reduce greenhouse emissions to meet statewide targets. Adopting and implementing robust climate policies, including strategies for cleaner transportation and energy systems, will enable the City to decrease air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions to meet State goals and support public health.

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Historic, cultural, and tribal resource protection. Santa Maria is committed to preserving its architectural, cultural, and archaeological heritage. These resources illustrate the diverse history and community identity of the city and region. However, over time, development and physical deterioration of aging structures have challenged the continued preservation of these resources. By establishing flexible development standards, fostering collaboration with tribal communities, and promoting awareness of the local cultural heritage, the City can continue to preserve these resources while also accommodating future growth.

Community support and stewardship. Community participation is vital to the success of conservation efforts, as it fosters local stewardship, builds public awareness, and ensures that strategies are aligned with community values. Without community support in carrying out local conservation initiatives, these programs may struggle to gain traction, potentially face resistance, and overall are likely to be less effective. By creating opportunities for community members to participate in creating and implementing conservation plans, the City can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility that can lead to the longterm success of local conservation initiatives.

Credit: Rebecca Carey
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Conservation and Open Space Policies
The Conservation and Open Space Policies address the key issues and opportunities identified above and establish a comprehensive roadmap for conserving Santa Maria’s natural environment and open space areas. The Policy Framework outlines Conservation and Open Space goals, policies, and implementation actions. A goal describes the community’s desired future. A policy is a specific statement of intent that guides decision-making. An action is an activity, procedure, program, or project that carries out a policy.

Policy Summary
The goals, policies, and implementation actions of the Conservation and Open Element emphasize the continued preservation and enhancement of the city’s natural resources, working lands, open spaces, and historic and cultural resources.

The Policy Framework promotes the long-term, sustainable stewardship of natural assets and open space, such as wildlife habitat and corridors (Goal COS-1), and addresses the potential adverse impacts of agricultural and mining operations on natural resources (Goal COS-2). The Framework also outlines actions for mitigating the impact of development on historic and cultural resources (Goal COS-7).

The Framework also includes initiatives for growing the city’s urban forest (Goal COS-3), along with efforts to improve local water quality (Goal COS-4) and air quality (Goal COS-5) and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Goal COS-6) to support a healthier and more resilient environment. To maximize public support and ensure effective implementation, the Framework highlights opportunities for incorporating community involvement in sustainability programs (Goal COS-8).

Policy Framework
Goal COS-1: Natural lands and biodiversity. A healthy and connected natural environment sustains the local natural resource biodiversity.

Policy COS-1.1: Natural habitat and wildlife corridors. Protect and, to the extent feasible, expand natural habitat and wildlife corridor areas, natural wetlands, and other natural lands throughout the city and Sphere of Influence.

Action COS-1.1.1: Prevent the loss of natural land area and/or the reduction of the quality of natural lands through the establishment of a no net loss land use management policy. • Site new development outside of sensitive habitat and wildlife corridor areas. • Prohibit redevelopment that would encroach upon sensitive habitat and wildlife corridor areas.

Action COS-1.1.2: If impacts to natural resources are identified during environmental review, require the applicant to adjust site design and/or incorporate additional mitigation measures to minimize the identified impacts.

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Action COS-1.1.3: Coordinate with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify critical wildlife corridors in Santa Maria.

Action COS-1.1.4: Encourage the establishment of conservation open space areas and conservation easements or acquisitions in sensitive habitat areas and areas identified as critical wildlife corridors through education, technical assistance, and pursuing grant funding (such as funding from the Habitat Conservation Fund).

Policy COS-1.2: City greenbelt. Develop a continuous system of greenbelts and natural corridors.

Action COS-1.2.1: Define the purpose and desired outcomes for a system of greenbelts and collaborate with Santa Barbara County to develop designation criteria and standards for the design, implementation, and use of greenbelt areas.

Action COS-1.2.2: Assess existing land use patterns to designate areas that will comprise the City’s greenbelt. Design the greenbelt to ensure connectivity to existing and planned parks, trails, and open spaces to facilitate wildlife movement.

Action COS-1.2.3: Designate publicly owned portions of the Santa Maria River as greenbelt areas whereby riparian habitats may be preserved, and coordinate with private landowners on potential future options to voluntarily preserve such land.

Action COS-1.2.4: Explore the feasibility of allowing the transfer of development rights and permitting higher intensity uses in existing urban areas to conserve natural lands.

Policy COS-1.3: Natural biodiversity. Increase natural biodiversity through the reintroduction of native species, removal of non-native, invasive species, and proper sustainable maintenance of vegetated areas.

Action COS-1.3.1: Identify areas feasible for implementing sustainable maintenance practices on Cityowned open spaces and landscaped areas and incorporate these practices into regular maintenance activities for the identified areas.
• Reduce mowing in targeted areas (i.e., within habitat buffers and in City open spaces) to promote natural plant growth and habitat for pollinators.
• Reduce the use of pesticides on City-owned lands through the adoption of minimum risk pesticide use and spot treatment.
• Incorporate the use of integrated pest management strategies on City-owned landscaped areas and parks.
• Use organic compost in landscaped and turfed areas to enhance soil quality and improve water retention.

Action COS-1.3.2: Eliminate non-native and invasive species in natural habitat areas, open spaces, and City-managed landscaped areas through regular maintenance and vegetation management activities.

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Policy COS-1.4: Urban rewilding. Implement urban rewilding projects to reintroduce natural processes, restore natural ecosystems, and promote biodiversity.

Action COS-1.4.1: Identify areas where urban rewilding projects could be implemented, including vacant land, alleyways, underutilized parking lots, basins, channels, and underutilized areas within existing parks (landscaped areas, areas along trails and walkways).

Action COS-1.4.2: Develop and implement small-scale pilot projects on City-owned land, such as pocket forests or incorporating native plants in community gardens, to demonstrate how urban rewilding can be successfully achieved and the benefits of these efforts.

Action COS-1.4.3: Connect with private landowners where urban rewilding projects could be implemented.

Provide educational information on potential rewilding projects and seek partnerships for implementation, including strategies that minimize potential fire hazards through proper maintenance, use of defensible space, and the use of appropriate vegetation.

Policy COS-1.5: Endangered, threatened, and special status species. Minimize potential impacts of development on federal or State endangered and threatened species and non-listed special status species through the development and permit review process. Condition development projects to avoid impacts to these species, to the greatest extent feasible.

Policy COS-1.6: Multifunctional open spaces. Design multifunctional open spaces that provide public recreational opportunities and protect the community from hazards. 2 Action COS-1.6.1: Consult with utility companies and public agencies to establish walking trails and native landscaping in easement areas.

Action COS-1.6.2: Increase natural green spaces and green infrastructure throughout the city to reduce the risk of extreme heat impacts and incorporate climate-resilient, native vegetation. 3

Goal COS-2: Working lands. Sustainable and productive working lands support healthy local ecosystems.

Policy COS-2.1: Agricultural preservation. Collaborate with Santa Barbara County and local landowners to preserve existing agricultural uses on lands not proposed for future development, including croplands and rangelands.

Action COS-2.1.1: During review of projects that would alter or convert existing agricultural uses, balance State and regional efforts to preserve existing agricultural uses, including the Santa Barbara County Right to Farm Ordinance, clustering of urban land uses/development, and transfer of development rights —with other factors. These include providing adequate housing, achieving a jobs-housing balance, supporting economic sustainability, and advancing other City interests. 2 Please see the Circulation Element for additional active transportation policies and actions. 3 Please see the Safety Element for additional natural cooling policies and actions.

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Policy COS-2.2: Sustainable agriculture. Encourage the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices to preserve productivity while protecting natural environments.

Action COS-2.2.1: Support local agricultural operators to encourage the continued use and adoption of best management practices that enhance soil quality, protect plant health, conserve water, and reduce soil erosion.

Policy COS-2.3: Sustainable resource extraction. Ensure sustainable extraction and processing of mineral resources that preserve the health of local natural ecosystems.

Action COS-2.3.1: Review applications for the extraction and processing of mineral resources for consistency with the Santa Maria General Plan, and compliance with the State Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 and the City of Santa Maria Surface Mining Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 47).

Action COS-2.3.2: Update the City’s Surface Mining Ordinance to require operators and new mineral extraction uses to develop plans for post-extraction land rehabilitation to restore the natural environment after mineral operations cease. Such post-extraction rehabilitation plans must, at a minimum, meet the requirements set forth by State law.

Action COS-2.3.3: Update the City’s Surface Mining Ordinance to require operators to conduct annual training to educate employees on safe practices and how to effectively monitor and report potential environmental concerns.

Goal COS-3: Urban forestry. A healthy and expansive urban forest is cohesive with the city’s natural environment.

Policy COS-3.1: Urban forestry regulations. Adopt and implement the Urban Forest Management Plan with the goal of expanding the urban canopy to 20 percent of the city by improving tree maintenance and planting standards in the City’s Municipal Code.

Action COS-3.1.1: Ensure implementation of urban forestry projects to comply with the adopted Urban Forest Management Plan.

Action COS-3.1.2: Pursue grant funding to support expansion, maintenance, and education related to the city’s urban forest, such as funds provided through the California Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act. Dedicate a share of received funds to support programs for disadvantaged communities.

Action COS-3.1.3: Evaluate and dedicate local revenue mechanisms for urban forestry management, such as funding from the following sources:
• Recycled urban lumber sales
• Fines for illegal removal of trees
• In lieu fees for tree replacement
• Municipal fuel taxes
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• Grants
Action COS-3.1.4: Partner with local agencies and non-profit organizations to implement a tree planting program on City-owned lands and streets.

Action COS-3.1.5: Develop street tree master plans to outline how the City will expand the urban forest in areas with an overlap of disadvantaged communities and inadequate canopy cover.

Goal COS-4: Water resources. Sustainable watershed management protects the city’s water quality and natural ecosystems. 4
Policy COS-4.1: Santa Maria River protection. Protect and enhance the beneficial uses of the Santa Maria River to support essential community and environmental needs, including municipal and domestic water supply, agricultural supply, and groundwater recharge.

Action COS-4.1.1: Implement best management practices to reduce pollutants from city runoff.

Action COS-4.1.2: Support regional recharge programs and projects that use the Santa Maria River for replenishing local groundwater sources.

Policy COS-4.2: Stormwater management. Improve local surface water and groundwater quality through strategic land use and zoning practices.

Policy COS-4.3: Groundwater contamination. Minimize groundwater contamination from current and previous oil and gas operations. 5
Action COS-4.3.1: Consult CalGem and Santa Barbara County Environmental Health, as required, to update the City’s Petroleum Ordinance to adopt standards for post-production restoration, including requirements for timing, equipment removal, borehole and well plugging, and site restoration. Require the use of native vegetation in all site restoration efforts.

Policy COS-4.4: Sustainable water management. Ensure the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources through conservation management practices and supporting opportunities for expanding groundwater recharge.

Action COS-4.4.1: Assess and enhance stormwater retention systems that integrate groundwater recharge and contribute to natural resource conservation.

Action COS-4.4.2: Continue and expand local water conservation programs. Increase awareness of the City’s water-wise landscaping program, including the use of native and drought-tolerant plants. 4 Please see the Safety and Public Facilities and Services Elements for additional water resources and stormwater policies and actions.
5 Please see the Safety Element for additional policies and actions related to oil extraction sites.

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Action COS-4.4.3: Continue to support the reduction of local per capita water consumption through community education programs.
• Update the City’s Water Conservation webpage to provide additional and up-to-date information on the City’s water conservation initiatives and the role the community serves in reducing water consumption.
• Publicize home projects residents can implement to reduce water consumption, such as installing low-flow water fixtures, smart irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting systems, and permeable paving. Host community workshops to demonstrate how to implement these projects. Publish this information on the City’s website with links to affordable fixtures, irrigation systems, and rain barrels.

Goal COS-5: Air quality. The community breathes clean and healthy air.

Policy COS-5.1: Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District policies. Ensure consistency between the City and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (SBCAPCD) air quality plans and regulations. Continue to enforce the standards and regulations set by the SBCAPCD.

Action COS-5.1.1: Continue to refer projects requiring an Air Pollution Control District (APCD) permit to the SBCAPCD and require ACPD permit approval.

Action COS-5.1.2: Evaluate potential impacts of proposed development on air quality during the development and environmental review process, using APCD threshold standards as guidelines.

Action COS-5.1.3: Ensure new development complies with the Air Quality Attainment Plan (AQAP), Ozone Plan, and other relevant regulations during the development and environmental review process.

Policy COS-5.2: Agricultural air pollutant emissions. Reduce air pollutant emissions associated with agricultural uses.

Action COS-5.2.1: Work with agricultural operators located within City limits and in adjacent unincorporated areas to encourage the adoption of farming practices that minimize dust, consistent with the Santa Barbara County’s dust control measures. These practices include limiting plowing, disking, mowing, and tilling when soil is dry and winds are high, and using surface coverings or cover crops to reduce wind erosion and stabilize soil.

Action COS-5.2.2: Coordinate with SBCAPCD to report illegal burnings and enforce SBCAPCD regulations pertaining to agricultural burnings.

Action COS-5.2.3: Update the Municipal Code to establish a minimum buffer requirement between existing agricultural uses, including agricultural supply businesses, and new development based on the type of use. Sensitive land uses, including residential uses, schools, day cares, senior homes, and hospitals, require the largest buffer distance from agricultural and related uses.

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Policy COS-5.3: Fugitive dust emissions. Mitigate air pollutants and fugitive dust emissions resulting from construction and demolition activities by requiring the use of best management practices consistent with SBCAPCD Guidelines regarding fugitive dust control.

Action COS-5.3.1: Utilize SBCAPCD’s short-term construction emissions guidelines to determine levels of significance for construction-related emissions.

Goal COS-6: Greenhouse gas emissions. The city strives to be carbon-neutral.

Policy COS-6.1: GHG reduction strategy. Develop and implement a citywide GHG reduction and monitoring strategy.

Action COS-6.1.1: Establish City GHG emissions reduction targets that are consistent with Statemandated targets of reducing emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.

Action COS-6.1.2: Develop a sustainability plan or similar document that outlines how the City will achieve its GHG reduction targets. Integrate City-led GHG reduction strategies with regional efforts.

Policy COS-6.2: Vehicle emissions reduction. Reduce vehicle-generated air pollution and GHG emissions by expanding active transportation opportunities. 6 Policy COS-6.3: City vehicle fleet electrification. Transition the City’s vehicle fleet to electric/zeroemission vehicles.

Action COS-6.3.1: Amend the City's Capital Improvement Plan to incorporate the replacement of highmileage fleet vehicles with clean fuel vehicles.

Action COS-6.3.2: Pursue State and federal grants for transitioning City vehicles to clean fuel sources and installing electric vehicle charging stations at City facilities.

Policy COS-6.4: Energy conservation programs. Promote energy conservation through public awareness programs.

Action COS-6.4.1: Coordinate with the Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN) to increase awareness of local incentives for improving energy efficiency for homeowners.

Action COS-6.4.2: Identify and pursue funding to create a program offering home energy audits to help property owners identify updates to increase energy efficiency and funding assistance for home retrofits. 6 Please see the Circulation Element for policies and actions focused on complete streets, active transportation, and transit.

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Goal COS-7: Historic and cultural resources. The city’s cultural heritage is preserved and celebrated.

Policy COS-7.1: Historic, cultural, and tribal resources. Protect the city’s historic, cultural, and tribal resources through the City’s Historic Overlay Ordinance, Historic Landmark Ordinance, and proper tribal consultation practices.

Action COS-7.1.1: Review and explore opportunities for strengthening the Historic Overlay Ordinance to protect and document culturally significant sites, including tribal and historic resources.

Action COS-7.1.2: Enforce federal, State, and local regulations related to the preservation of historic and cultural resources.

Action COS-7.1.3: Avoid the relocation, rehabilitation, or alteration of historic resources to the greatest extent feasible, consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

Action COS-7.1.4: Support the adaptive reuse of designated and non-designated historical resources by enforcing the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for rehabilitation, reconstruction, and restoration, and providing technical assistance and sharing of best practices.

Policy COS-7.2: Historic, cultural, and tribal resource impact mitigation. Identify impacts of new development on historic, cultural, and tribal resources during the development and environmental review process and incorporate site-specific mitigation measures accordingly to minimize the identified impacts.

Policy COS-7.3: Tribal resource protection. Protect tribal resources by partnering with representatives of Native American tribes during planning and development activities.

Action COS-7.3.1: Consult with local tribes and cultural organizations to identify and conserve cultural resources and points of interest.

Action COS-7.3.2: Continue to comply with State, regional, and local regulations pertaining to notification and engagement of Native American tribes, including AB 52 and SB 18.

Policy COS-7.4: Cultural resource access. Explore opportunities to incorporate cultural resources into parks and open spaces, enriching community access to Santa Maria's history.

Action COS-7.4.1: Develop wayfinding and educational signage for significant historical and cultural resources.

Action COS-7.4.2: Pursue grant funding to facilitate the preservation and restoration of historic sites significant to the city’s cultural identity.

Policy COS-7.5: Archaeological resource protection. Protect archaeological resources by requiring development to incorporate adequate mitigation to ensure the integrity of these resources.

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Action COS-7.5.1: Continue to analyze project-specific impacts to archaeological resources through the development review and CEQA processes with the goal of avoiding and reducing impacts on archaeological resources.

Action COS-7.5.2: Consult with representatives of Native American tribes to ensure the appropriate treatment of archaeological resources, including cultural artifacts and human remains, if found.

Goal COS-8: Community engagement. A knowledgeable and engaged community actively supports local conservation initiatives. 7
Policy COS-8.1: Community conservation planning. Increase public involvement in conservation planning and decision-making processes to foster local stewardship of local natural resources.

Action COS-8.1.1: Integrate opportunities for public involvement, such as community forums, during the initial planning stages of the City’s conservation initiatives to enable the community to help shape the vision for conservation projects.

Action COS-8.1.2: Establish community advisory committees to provide counsel during conservation planning for natural, historic, urban forestry, and parks and recreation resources. These committees should also ensure there are ample opportunities for public engagement throughout the planning process and provide opportunities for the community to co-design and participate in City-led conservation programs and collaborate in the creation of a shared community vision.

Policy COS-8.2: Community environmental stewardship. Offer a variety of community education opportunities to increase public understanding of the relationship between people and the natural environment.

Action COS-8.2.1: Offer self-guided nature walks in local open spaces, such as the Santa Maria River Levee trail, to educate the community on local natural resources and increase access to open space areas.

Action COS-8.2.2: Host community workshops on a variety of sustainability topics, such as composting, water conservation, and/or sustainable gardening.

Action COS-8.2.3: Facilitate the creation of local gardens specifically for native plants that support native birds, bees, and insects.

Action COS-8.2.4: Update the Utilities webpage on the City’s website to include information about recycling centers.

Action COS-8.2.5: Develop a public dashboard for sharing data on the City’s tree inventory, canopy cover, and environmental and economic benefits of the urban forest. 7 Please see the Health and Environmental Justice Element for additional community engagement policies and actions.

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Action COS-8.2.6: Facilitate the creation of a community-led team of volunteers to assist with implementing, maintaining, and monitoring conservation projects, such as the planting and maintenance of native plants and trash clean-up events, like the “Adopt-A-Road” program.

Action COS-8.2.7: Continue outreach and educational programs to raise awareness among community members about drinking water quality, including publicizing annual drinking water quality reports and how to read them, and the direct impact of individual actions on water quality and actionable guidance for its protection.

Noise Element
Final Draft | May 5, 2026
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Table of Contents
Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................................1 Background.......................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Noise Ordinance ............................................................................................................................................................ 3 Measuring Noise Levels................................................................................................................................................ 3 Noise-Sensitive Land Uses............................................................................................................................................ 3 Noise Sources................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Community Noise and Land Use Compatibility....................................................................................................... 8 Vibration Sources........................................................................................................................................................... 8 Issues and Opportunities.................................................................................................................................................. 9 Noise Policies...................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Policy Summary ............................................................................................................................................................. 11 Standards and Diagrams............................................................................................................................................. 11 Policy Framework ..........................................................................................................................................................13 Table of Figures
Figure N-1: Airport Noise Contours................................................................................................................................ 5 Figure N-2: Community Noise and Land Use Compatibility Guidelines (shown in CNEL, dB) ........................... 8 Figure N-3: Existing Noise Contour Map......................................................................................................................12 This page has intentionally been left blank.

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Introduction
The Noise Element is one of the required elements of the General Plan and aims to minimize community exposure to excessive noise, particularly for noise-sensitive land uses and during nighttime hours.

This Element consists of three main sections: Background, Issues and Opportunities, and Noise Policies.

The Background section introduces existing conditions and trends related to priorities addressed in this Element. The Issues and Opportunities section describes the key issues and opportunities that shaped the Element. Finally, the Noise Policies section establishes regulatory standards and outlines the City’s Noise goals, policies, and implementation actions.

The Noise Policies guide land use planning to mitigate noise impacts in areas of higher noise exposure.

Specifically, policies address current and anticipated noise impacts, with specific consideration for sensitive land uses such as residences, schools, and hospitals.

Examples of noise-sensitive uses in Santa Maria including a multi-family residential development (top left, top right), Liberty Elementary School (bottom left), and Marian Regional Medical Center (bottom right). Credits: Raimi & Associates, Homes.com, KSBY, respectively.

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Automobile traffic on Broadway is a source of noise in the city.

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Background
This section introduces existing conditions and trends related to priorities addressed in the Noise Policies.

Noise Ordinance
The Santa Maria Municipal Code contains requirements related to noise in Title 5 Chapter 5-5 and Title 12 Chapter 12. These regulations establish ambient noise level limits within residential, commercial, and industrial zones and provide a baseline framework for actions developers should take to mitigate anticipated noise concerns.

Measuring Noise Levels
Sound is commonly measured in decibels (dB). Noise levels referenced in the Noise Ordinance and this Element are measured in A-weighted decibels (dBA), which are frequency-adjusted to reflect the sensitivity of the human ear, unless otherwise noted. Additional noise level measurements commonly used and referred to in this Element include Community Noise Level Equivalent (CNEL) and equivalent energy level (Leq). CNEL measures the average sound level during a 24-hour period and incorporates adjustments for noise occurring during the evening and nighttime to account for increased sensitivity to noise during these times. CNEL is typically used to evaluate long-term noise exposure, such noise levels for airports, highways, and neighborhoods. Leq measurements consist of a single value used to represent varying noise levels over a specified period of time and is commonly used to measure traffic and construction noise.

Noise-Sensitive Land Uses
Certain land use types are especially sensitive to noise disturbance due to the nature of their use. The Noise Policies define noise-sensitive land uses as residential (single and multi-family dwellings, mobile home parks, dormitories, and similar uses); hospitals, nursing homes, convalescent hospitals and other facilities for long-term medical care; and public or private educational facilities, libraries, and churches.

The Santa Maria Municipal Code Section 5-5.09 requires that a permit be obtained from the Noise Control Officer to cover short-term construction activities within 500 feet of a residential zone that would exceed the City’s noise standards, set in Santa Maria Municipal Code Section 5-5.05.

Noise Sources
Stationary Noise
Stationary noise sources contribute to the ambient noise environment only in their immediate vicinity.

Examples include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, loading docks, machinery, and commercial activity associated with restaurants, bars, outdoor dining, and parking garages and lots.

Stationary noise can be generated by any land use, although industrial and commercial activities typically generate the highest noise levels.

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Residences and schools typically generate lower noise levels, and the sources are often intermittent.

Residential noise sources include landscaping, maintenance activities, and HVAC systems. Schools can generate enough noise through outdoor activities on both weekdays and weekends to elevate ambient noise levels. Commercial manufacturing, industrial plants, and agriculture operations generate stationary noise at their facilities. These operations are primarily located near the airport and in other concentrated areas away from noise-sensitive land uses to achieve acceptable noise levels and maintain land use compatibility.

Vehicle Traffic Noise
Traffic noise from motor vehicles driving along roadways can be disruptive because it often creates a sustained noise level, even if the noise generated by a single vehicle does not seem significant. The level of noise can depend on the type of vehicle and its engine, speed of traffic, pavement type and texture, and distance from the roadway. In Santa Maria, roadway noise is a significant source of noise, particularly along major travel corridors such as U.S. 101, Broadway ( SR-135), and Main Street (SR-166). Other major roadways that generate substantial noise in the city include Miller Street, Blosser Road, Skyway Drive, Donovan Road, Stowell Road, and Betteravia Road. Noise-sensitive residential uses are located along and near these major arterial roadways.

Air Traffic Noise
The Santa Maria Public Airport, located in the southern portion of the city, is a major source of noise in the area. The airport has two runways and provides facilities for commuter airlines, as well as flight instruction, aircraft rental and repair, and refueling services. The Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) has noise policies to address noise compatibility of land uses within the Airport’s noise contour zones. Noisesensitive uses, including residential development, schools, and hospitals, are generally prohibited in the 65 to 75+ dB CNEL (Community Noise Equivalent Level) contour zones. As shown in Figure N-1, the 65-75+ dB CNEL noise contour zones are located within airport property, but the 60-65 CNEL noise contour extends past the airport property and overlaps with residential uses southeast of the airport.

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Figure N-1: Airport Noise Contours
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Rail Traffic Noise
Railway operations generate a localized source of noise along the railway corridor. However, noise from rail operations, for both goods and passengers, is primarily regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), which sets and enforces safety standards that include noise for cabs, bells, and horns.

The privately owned Santa Maria Valley Railroad provides daily freight service and consists of 14 miles of mainline track from Guadalupe to Santa Maria. This includes two railways with one route through the city:
one from east to west along Jones Street and Stowell Road, and one from north to south, parallel to Depot Street. These trains are restricted to a speed of 10 miles per hour through the city. Transload facilities are located at 1599 A Street and the Betteravia Industrial Park on Betteravia Road.

Construction Noise
Construction activity can generate substantial short-term increases in noise levels within the vicinity. Each phase of demolition and construction has its own noise characteristics; some may generate substantial intermittent noise levels from high-impact activities like pile-driving, while others may generate high continuous noise levels, depending on the type and amount of equipment used. Noise levels from individual pieces of construction equipment range from 76 to 101 dBA Leq (Equivalent Energy Level) at 50 feet, and nearby noise-sensitive receivers may find this disruptive.

Noise generated from the construction of a housing development.

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Other Noise Sources
Other sources of noise in the city may include amplified noise from events, such as those held at the fairgrounds. Amplified noise is sound magnified in volume by amplification devices such as radios, televisions, loudspeakers, stereos, megaphones, and public address systems. This type of noise is usually associated with social gatherings in residential areas and large events held in public spaces (schools, parks, restaurants, music/event venues). Although these events tend to occur more frequently in summer months, amplified noise from school speakers, drive-through restaurant speakers, and daily recreational activities can contribute to ambient noise levels throughout the year. Amplified noise levels can range from approximately 65 dBA Lmax (Maximum Sound Level) at 30 feet for drive-through restaurant speakers to approximately 90 to 100 dBA at outdoor festivals.

The Santa Barbara County fairgrounds are located near the center of the city and operate year-round to hold both public and private events beyond the fair itself. The amplified sound produced at these events can be a temporary source of amplified noise near noise-sensitive land uses (e.g., schools and residences).

Other land uses like car washes or industrial areas that use loud equipment, such as air blowers, pumps and shredders, are also a localized source of noise in the city.

Additionally, noise from operations at the nearby Vandenberg Space Force Base continues to impact many communities on the Central Coast, including Santa Maria. Launch noise and subsequent sonic booms can be heard throughout the city and central coast region.

Santa Barbara County Fair at the Santa Maria Fairpark. Credit: Santa Maria Fairpark.

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Community Noise and Land Use Compatibility
The California Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI), previously the Office of Planning and Research, created guidelines specifying acceptable community noise levels for various land uses (see Figure N-2). Residential uses have the lowest acceptable noise levels, while uses such as sports areas and industrial, manufacturing, and agricultural uses have the highest acceptable noise levels.

Figure N-2: Community Noise and Land Use Compatibility Guidelines (shown in CNEL, dB) Source: General Plan Guidelines, California Office of Planning and Research 2017 Vibration Sources
Typical vibration sources in Santa Maria include construction activities, railroad operations, and heavy manufacturing. Areas near the airport may also experience air and ground-borne vibration. The City of Santa Maria has not adopted standards to limit vibration in the city.

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Issues and Opportunities
This section describes the issues and opportunities that informed the policy direction of the Noise Policies.

Noise-sensitive land use planning. Noise-sensitive land uses, such as residential areas, require proactive protections to preserve the community’s quality of life. The City establishes noise standards and addresses potential land use compatibility and noise mitigation through the Santa Maria Public ALUCP and the City’s Noise Ordinance. Continued refinement of these regulations will ensure new development remains compatible with community expectations and environmental conditions.

Transportation noise. Major transportation corridors such as US-101, Broadway, and Main Street, along with rail and airport operations, generate noise that can affect adjacent neighborhoods. As these roadways, railroads, and the airport continue operating, enhancing existing noise regulation and mitigation efforts and planning for future transportation infrastructure will continue to help reduce noise impacts and preserve quality of life.

Construction noise. Ongoing development and infrastructure improvements have the potential to generate noise that may be disruptive to nearby sensitive land uses, especially during nighttime construction activities, which can be particularly obtrusive to residents. The City requires approvals for nighttime construction, and all construction is required to comply with noise regulations within the City’s Noise Ordinance. Strengthening development standards and enforcement mechanisms can provide greater clarity on when the City should approve such nighttime construction noise and enhance mitigation efforts that would benefit nearby noise-sensitive land uses.

Vibration mitigation. Construction activities, along with railroad and airport operations, may generate ground-borne vibration that can damage buildings and disturb sensitive land uses. The California Environmental Quality Act requires both programmatic and project-level documents to evaluate whether proposed activities could result in ground-borne vibration impacts and their potential effects on noisesensitive land uses. However, the City has not established local regulations to address vibration.

Cumulative impacts from ongoing construction, rail freight, and airplanes could lead to vibration concerns.

Therefore, identifying areas with higher exposure to vibration sources and implementing best practices to mitigate potential impacts will help maintain a healthy and livable environment.

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Housing abutting main corridors is often impacted by transportation noise.

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Noise Policies
The Noise Policies address the key issues and opportunities identified above and create a comprehensive roadmap for the management and mitigation of noise and vibration impacts.

The Standards and Diagrams section defines regulatory requirements. Standards establish levels of quality or quantity that must be complied with or satisfied, while diagrams visually illustrate the intent or application of specific policies.

The Policy Framework section outlines Noise goals, policies, and implementation actions. A goal describes the community’s desired future. A policy is a specific statement of intent that guides decision-making. An action is an activity, procedure, program, or project that carries out a policy.

Policy Summary
The goals, policies, and implementation actions of the Noise Element are centered on preventing noise impacts on nearby sensitive land uses through the proper placement of new noise-generating activities (Goal N-1), mitigating noise disturbances from transportation sources (Goal N-2), enhancing City noise regulations to alleviate noise impacts from construction activities (Goal N-3), and minimizing disruptions from ground-borne vibration (Goal N-4).

Standards and Diagrams
Noise-Sensitive Land Uses
Noise-sensitive land uses include residential (single and multi-family dwellings, mobile home parks, dormitories, and similar uses); hospitals, nursing homes, convalescent hospitals, and other facilities for long-term medical care; and public or private educational facilities, libraries, and churches.

Noise Contours
The City’s noise contour map identifies noise levels for different areas within the city, showcasing areas where noise impacts may affect land use compatibility. This map guides planning decisions that minimize noise exposure to residents (see Figure N-3).

The noise contour map shows generalized noise conditions based on conservative assumptions and may not reflect all local features that may reduce noise levels, such as topography, vegetation, sound walls, or other physical barriers. In some locations, actual noise levels may be lower than those shown. The figure is intended to support City decision-making and should not be read as representing precise, site-specific conditions or all existing noise-reduction infrastructure.

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Figure N-3: Existing Noise Contour Map
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Policy Framework
Goal N-1: Compatible land uses. Land uses are planned to provide a harmonious environment by considering the compatibility of adjacent uses.

Policy N-1.1: Placement of noise-generating uses. Regulate the placement and construction of new noise-generating uses to avoid excessive noise impacts on adjacent noise-sensitive land uses, as defined in the Standards and Diagrams section above.
1 Action N-1.1.1: Incorporate into the Noise Ordinance the definition of noise-sensitive land uses and the noise contours map (see Figure N-3) to reference when reviewing development applications. If possible, do not locate known noise-generating sources adjacent to noise-sensitive uses, or require appropriate mitigation if adjacent location is unavoidable.

Action N-1.1.2: Establish land use compatibility guidelines for community noise to determine which types of land use categories are generally considered compatible with the ambient decibel levels by most communities. Reference or incorporate LCI’s Community Noise and Land Use Compatibility table (see Figure N-2).

Policy N-1.2: Interior and exterior noise standards. Require development proposals to meet the interior and exterior noise standards specified in the Santa Maria Municipal Code. 2 Action N-1.2.1: Require applicants to provide a noise study for projects requiring discretionary review to determine if they will generate noise that would exceed the allowable noise levels for adjacent noisesensitive land uses. Require applicants to implement appropriate mitigation measures to meet acceptable noise levels established by the Noise Ordinance.

Action N-1.2.2: Promote federal, State, and regional financial incentives and funding programs for noise mitigation retrofits—such as soundproof windows, improved insulation, and acoustic barriers—of existing buildings that are located in areas of high traffic noise or incompatible adjacent land uses.

Policy N-1.3: Noise compatible land uses. Identify current and planned noise-generating commercial manufacturing and industrial businesses within the city and the Santa Maria Valley.

Consider these plans when making land use planning decisions to prevent potential future noise conflicts.

Action N-1.3.1: Establish bi-annual meetings with the Santa Maria Public Airport and the Santa Maria Valley Railroad to collaboratively discuss upcoming planning, projects, and expansions that may impact overall operations or community wellbeing.
1 Please see the Recreation and Parks, Circulation, Land Use, and Health and Environmental Justice Elements for policies and actions related to land use conflicts.
2 Please see the Land Use and Safety Elements for additional policies and actions related to building design.

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Action N-1.3.2: Consider potential noise conflicts in short- and long-term plans for the Santa Maria Public Airport and Santa Maria Valley Railroad, as well as when reviewing development applications involving noise-generating uses.

Policy N-1.4: Stationary noise sources. Ensure outdoor machinery, appliances, and other noisegenerating devices are located away from noise-sensitive uses and mitigated to reduce exposure to intrusive noise.

Action N-1.4.1: Update the Municipal Code to require mixed‐use and commercial development applicants to locate noise-generating components such as loading areas, mechanical equipment, and other similar facilities as far from residential units as possible.

Action N-1.4.2: Update the Municipal Code to establish a threshold for requiring additional noise buffering of machinery to reduce intrusive noise from new development. Such buffering may include, but is not limited to, acoustic paneling, sound-absorbing materials, and enclosures.

Policy N-1.5: Ongoing evaluation and update of Noise Ordinance. Regularly evaluate and update the Noise Ordinance to ensure alignment with current best practices, compatibility with ongoing planning and development efforts, and community needs.

Action N-1.5.1: Conduct assessments of the Noise Ordinance at least once every five years to identify areas for improvement based on modern standards, emerging urban development trends, and stakeholder feedback, ensuring alignment with broader development goals.

Action N-1.5.2: Regularly update and post resources on the City’s official website to inform residents about the City’s noise regulations, including permissible noise levels and reporting mechanisms.

Goal N-2: Transportation noise. Noise impacts from traffic and other transportation-related activities are minimized or mitigated.

Policy N-2.1: Major thoroughfare noise mitigation. Require future development and redevelopment to implement feasible noise mitigation measures along major thoroughfares like Main Street, Broadway, and US-101.

Action N-2.1.1: Coordinate with the California Department of Transportation to effectively attenuate State freeway and roadway noise through the use of ‘quiet’ paving materials, placement of noise barriers, berms, and landscaped open space within State right-of-way and incorporating design features in new development to reduce future noise level increases.

Action N-2.1.2: Work with the California Department of Transportation to ensure adequate noise studies are prepared and noise mitigation measures are considered in State transportation projects.

Action N-2.1.3: Regularly update the noise contour map to reflect changes in ambient noise levels from transportation sources as airport and roadway conditions and patterns within the city evolve.

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Action N-2.1.4: Update the City’s Municipal Code to require new residential and mixed-use development within the 60 dBA CNEL noise contours or higher of transportation corridors to submit an acoustical analysis and incorporate noise reduction strategies, such as vegetation buffers and physical sound barriers, as necessary to meet the requirements of the Noise Ordinance.

Policy N-2.2: Industrial and agricultural traffic noise reduction measures. Evaluate and identify measures and strategies to reduce traffic noise from industrial and agricultural truck traffic, and coordinate with local businesses to implement the measures and strategies as needed.

Action N-2.2.1: Coordinate with businesses to identify possible limitations on local truck traffic, including loading and unloading, specific routes, times, and speed limits appropriate for each zoning district, while ensuring compatibility with essential business operations.

Action N-2.2.2: Work with local businesses, Public Works, and law enforcement to minimize traffic noise by encouraging the use of preferred routes and delivery times.

Policy N-2.3: Airport noise mitigation. Require aviation easements and noise mitigation measures in new residential developments near the airport in the 60+ dB CNEL contour.

Action N-2.3.1: Encourage future Santa Maria Airport facility development or expansion to incorporate noise reduction measures to minimize stationary source noise impacts on surrounding areas where necessary.

Action N-2.3.2: Review and, as needed, revise land use designations to ensure consistency with the ALUCP noise contour maps.

Policy N-2.4: Roadway vehicle noise reduction measures. Require projects that may result in a substantial increase in roadway traffic noise on area roadways to implement measures designed to reduce noise and minimize the impact on noise-sensitive land uses.

Action N-2.4.1: Where cumulative roadway traffic noise would exceed the applicable traffic noise increase standards, require applicants for new development projects to retain a qualified acoustical consultant to prepare a Traffic Noise Reduction Study that specifies, at a minimum, the specific locations, extent, height of sound walls, and other design details. Project-specific environmental documents may adjust recommended noise reduction measures as necessary to respond to site-specific conditions.

Action N-2.4.2: For locations where a Traffic Noise Reduction Study identifies a need for sound barriers, require developers to contribute their fair share toward constructing new sound barriers (e.g., walls or solid fences) along roadways where there are no driveways that would break continuity and along the residential portions or other sensitive receiver locations of such roadways. The study shall identify the appropriate sound barrier to reduce the noise impacts on the proposed development.

Goal N-3: Temporary and construction noise. Noise from temporary sources and construction activities is minimized to the greatest extent possible.

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Policy N-3.1: Construction noise mitigation. Limit construction noise in residential areas to reduce noise impacts, especially in the early morning, late evening, weekends, and during holidays.

Action N-3.1.1: Develop criteria to clearly define conditions of approval for nighttime construction activities that will balance project requirements and minimize community disturbance and update the Noise Ordinance accordingly to establish approval criteria and thresholds for determining the need for additional noise attenuation strategies.

Action N-3.1.2: Revise the Noise Ordinance to require appropriate noise attenuation strategies for any approved nighttime construction to minimize disturbance to the greatest extent feasible.

Action N-3.1.3: Update the Noise Ordinance to require the use of mufflers on construction equipment and maintain physical separation of machinery maintenance areas from nearby residential uses.

Goal N-4: Vibration. The impacts of excessive ground-borne vibration from temporary and ongoing operations are limited.

Policy N-4.1: Vibration reduction for noise-sensitive land uses. Reduce vibration impacts to noise-sensitive land uses and prevent building damage.

Action N-4.1.1: Update the Municipal Code to require new vibration-sensitive uses within 200 feet of a potential vibration-causing source, including the Santa Maria Valley Railroad, to prepare a ground-borne vibration and noise assessment consistent with Federal Transit Administration-recommended methodology and criteria.

Safety Element
Final Draft | May 5, 2026
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Table of Contents
Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................................1 Background.......................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Hazards............................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Emergency Preparedness............................................................................................................................................16 Issues and Opportunities.................................................................................................................................................21 Safety Policies....................................................................................................................................................................23 Policy Summary ............................................................................................................................................................23 Standards.......................................................................................................................................................................23 Policy Framework .........................................................................................................................................................24 Table of Figures
Figure S-1: Liquefaction Potential.................................................................................................................................... 4 Figure S-2: Earthquake Faults .......................................................................................................................................... 5 Figure S-3: Expansive Soils................................................................................................................................................ 6 Figure S-4: Fire Hazard Severity Zones.......................................................................................................................... 9 Figure S-5: 100-Year and 500-Year Flood Zones........................................................................................................10 Figure S-6: Hazardous Materials Sites...........................................................................................................................12 Figure S-7: Oil and Natural Gas Network .....................................................................................................................13 Figure S-8: Solid Waste Sites...........................................................................................................................................15 Figure S-10: Evacuation Routes.......................................................................................................................................18 Figure S-11: Single-Access Point Neighborhoods.......................................................................................................19 This page has intentionally been left blank.

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Introduction
The Safety Element is one of the required elements of the General Plan, focusing on identifying and mitigating hazards that may affect the city, with the goal of minimizing risk to people and property.

The Safety Element addresses risks associated with seismic and geologic hazards, wildland and urban fires, flood and dam inundation, hazardous materials and solid waste, airport hazards, and climate change. In addition, the Element highlights the City’s emergency response and preparedness capabilities, and emergency access and evacuation capacity.

This Element consists of three main sections: Background, Issues and Opportunities, and Safety Policies.

The Background section introduces existing conditions and trends related to priorities addressed in this Element. The Issues and Opportunities section describes the key issues and opportunities that shaped the Element. Finally, the Safety Policies section outlines the City’s Safety goals, policies, and implementation actions.

The Safety Element illustrates how Santa Maria will maintain and strengthen essential infrastructure and emergency services to protect the community. It supports the establishment of robust development standards to better protect people and buildings in hazard zones and retrofitting existing structures to withstand potential hazard events. The Element also encourages coordinated planning efforts among local and regional entities and promotes diverse community education programs to ensure the City can continue to mitigate hazard risks and provide efficient emergency response services.

Santa Maria Fire Department Station No. 5
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Santa Maria Police Department
Santa Maria Police vehicle
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Background
This section introduces existing conditions and trends related to priorities addressed in the Safety Policies.

Hazards
Seismic and Geologic Hazards
Although Santa Maria has a high risk for seismic hazards and a low risk of liquefaction, the complexity of the local geotechnical landscape and limited available historical data suggest that existing information may significantly underestimate the true level of risk. However, areas near the Santa Maria Public Airport do have potential for liquefaction due to perched groundwater in the area (see Figure S-1). There are several active faults in proximity to Santa Maria, including the Santa Maria Fault, the San Luis Range Fault (South Margin), the Bradley Canyon Fault, and the Casmalia Fault (see Figure S-2), although the risk of seismically induced ground rupture from these faults is expected to be minor. Significant ground shaking can occur from these and larger faults in the region due to the soil type in the Santa Maria Valley. Most areas within City limits are unlikely to have expansive soils; however, there are areas of the city that have the potential to be at risk to expansive soils, including areas near the northeastern and western city boundary and the Planned Annexation Area (see Figure S-3).

Earthquake causes major damage to roadway.

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Figure S-1: Liquefaction Potential
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Figure S-2: Earthquake Faults
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Figure S-3: Expansive Soils
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Wildland and Urban Fires
According to the City of Santa Maria Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, there is a low probability of wildland fires in the city (see Figure S-4). Santa Maria is surrounded by irrigated row crop farms and has not experienced a wildfire within or immediately adjacent to the city since the very early 20th Century. The most significant wildland fire hazards in Santa Maria are associated with the coastal sage scrub and grasscovered slopes in the Casmalia and Solomon Hills area, south of the City limits. While a large urban fire is rare, it has the potential to have greater adverse effects to property and life. Low humidity, high temperature and high wind events can cause an urban fire to spread rapidly, especially given the close proximity of buildings and the multiple ignition points commonly found in modern construction and landscaping.

Firefighters fighting a structure fire.

Flood and Dam Inundation
Santa Maria is exposed to a low risk of flood hazards related to Twitchell Dam, the Santa Maria River, levee breaches, and agricultural runoff; however, flat topography can result in localized incidents of flooding during rain events. The Santa Maria River Levee,
originally constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers in 1963 and heavily retrofitted in 2010,
provides flood protection for the Santa Maria
Valley and includes a system of levees along both
sides of the river. Areas of the city within a 100-
year flood zone are concentrated along the city’s
northern border, near the Santa Maria River.

Areas within the 500-year flood zone are
concentrated near Main Street (SR-166) and
Orcutt Creek (see Figure S-5).

Credit: Noozhawk.com
The City’s stormwater system has repeatedly been overwhelmed by winter storms, leading to flooding of roadways. Furthermore, the increased frequency and intensity of storm events due to climate change will intensify existing flood issues throughout the city.

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United States Geological Survey (USGS) technician measures streamflow in the Santa Maria River. Credit: USGS Santa Maria River following the February 2024 rain events. Credit: KSBY Safety Element | 9
Figure S-4: Fire Hazard Severity Zones
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Figure S-5: 100-Year and 500-Year Flood Zones
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Hazardous Materials
Santa Maria has leaking underground storage tanks (LUST) sites and contaminated groundwater sites (see Figure S-6). Oil operations include an extensive network of oil and natural gas wells, primarily located near the city’s southern edge and the Planned Annexation Area, presenting a potential risk for fire, explosion, and water supply contamination (see Figure S-7). Additional hazards are related to industrial, commercial, and agricultural activities that utilize or store hazardous and toxic chemicals; spills or mishandling of these materials can result in site contamination and illicit discharges to the stormwater drainage system, sewer system, and wastewater treatment plant. The transport of hazardous materials is also a potential hazard, as truck and railroad accidents along transportation routes could result in hazardous materials spills. Areas with the highest risk of hazardous materials accidents include major transportation routes (such as US-101 and SR-166), Betteravia Road, Blosser Road, railroads, and airport industrial zones.

An abandoned underground storage tank is removed as part of the remediation process.

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Figure S-6: Hazardous Materials Sites
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Figure S-7: Oil and Natural Gas Network
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Solid Waste
Solid waste sites, including landfills, recycling facilities, transfer stations, and composting facilities, collect, process, and/or store household garbage and other types of waste from industry or commercial sources.

There are three disadvantaged communities impacted by three regulated solid waste sites in the city: Santa Maria Regional landfill, Engel & Gray composting site, and the Santa Maria Recycle Facility (see Figure S-8).

The City’s former landfill is located at the site of Preisker Park. The landfill ceased operations in the 1950s and was converted to a 40-acre park which opened in 1968. In addition, other unidentified former waste sites may be located on former military sites outside City limits in areas. Potential odors, waste gases, and fires can all threaten the health and well-being of nearby residents.

Airport Hazards
The Santa Maria Public Airport is in the southwestern corner of Santa Maria. Airport hazards include those related to obstructing landing and approach zones, airplane accidents, and noise. Noise concerns related to the Santa Maria Airport are covered in the Noise Element. The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments’ Airport Land Use Commission released an updated Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) for the Santa Maria Airport in 2023. The ALUCP provides land use compatibility policies and criteria to promote the orderly growth of the airport without significant impacts to the welfare of the community.

The ALUCP includes airport safety zones, land use and development standards and policies, and overflight notification and real estate disclosure zones to mitigate safety hazards related to airport uses. The City’s land use designations in the area of the Airport are consistent with the updated ALUCP; however, updates to the Airport area zoning designations may be necessary to maintain consistency between the ALUCP and the City’s Zoning Ordinance.

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Figure S-8: Solid Waste Sites
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Climate Change
Based on the findings in California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment and the 5th National Climate Assessment, in the coming decades, Santa Maria will likely have increases in average maximum and minimum temperatures, increases in extreme heat events, changes in precipitation patterns, more severe storms, more urban flooding, more frequent and severe wildfires and associated poor air quality, and prolonged periods of drought.

Santa Maria is projected to experience more extreme heat conditions with an anticipated increase in the number of extreme days per year. This could result in increased public health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations like farm workers, through heat-related diseases, air quality degradation, more vector-borne illnesses, and an increase in harmful algal blooms.

Projections show that Santa Maria will likely experience fewer but more severe rainfall events, resulting in intense stormwater runoff that may overwhelm percolation ponds at the sewer and treatment facilities, and potentially adversely impact riverine and coastal water quality. Low-lying areas throughout the city may experience more frequent flooding and an increase in the extent of 100-year floods. The potential for flash flooding and debris flows, particularly after wildfires, will increase.

Climate change will also increase the likelihood of drought due to higher average temperatures and changes in precipitation. However, the specifics of projected drought conditions are not currently available for California or Santa Maria.

Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Response
Emergency preparedness and response are primarily the responsibility of the Santa Maria Fire Department and Police Department. As of 2020, the City’s Police and Fire Departments have identified that staffing and equipment for these departments are currently at capacity. However, increased risk of various hazards due to climate change could result in increased service needs, which will result in insufficient service levels from emergency responders. In addition, the City has noted language and technology barriers that can make it challenging to disperse information equitably to the entire community.

In the event of an emergency, the City will need to rely on temporary shelters and coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions and private organizations to provide adequate shelter and resources for affected residents. Furthermore, Santa Maria is anticipated to experience the largest increase in population in the county, which will result in a substantial increase in demand for emergency response resources.

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Emergency Access and Evacuation
Hazard events such as flooding, fire, dam failure, and hazardous materials incidents can necessitate the need for evacuation of individuals from a particular area or the entirety of the city. The Police Department is primarily responsible for coordinating evacuation efforts in the event an evacuation is needed, including the management and allocation of mutual aid resources per the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS).

The main evacuation routes out of the city are US-101 and SR-1 (see Figure S-9). Without proper evacuation protocol and preparation, inadequate evacuation capacity could threaten the safety of residents. Recent State legislation encouraging the development of housing near transit and reduced parking requirements for housing is likely to result in more residents parking on the street and may reflect reduced dependence on personal vehicles, and in turn increase dependence on public transit. This shift will introduce additional evacuation challenges, including potential roadway obstructions and greater reliance on public or community transportation resources during an emergency evacuation.

In addition, neighborhoods with only one evacuation route are likely to experience evacuation constraints.

Thirteen neighborhoods within the City’s Sphere of Influence have a single entry or exit point, of which seven are located within City limits and six are located outside City boundaries (see Figure S-10).These include neighborhoods at the following cross streets:

Within City limits:
• Santa Maria Way & College Drive
• Whippoorwill Drive & South College Drive
• Sunrise Drive, between Santa Maria Way and Santa Barbara Street • Knightbridge Drive & San Ysidro Street
• East McCoy Lane, between South Broadway Street and South Miller Street • East Riddering Street & South College Drive
• Stonebridge Drive & Concord Avenue
Within the City’s Sphere of Influence:
• Del Cielo Estates Trail & Santa Maria Way
• Larch Avenue & South Bradley Road
• Oakridge Park Road & East Clark Avenue
• Ashbrook Lane & Stillwell Road
• Jensen Ranch Road & Stillwell Road
• Canyon Creek Road & Stillwell Road
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Figure S-9: Evacuation Routes
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Figure S-10: Single-Access Point Neighborhoods
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Local and Regional Hazard Plans
Santa Maria has several existing plans that evaluate existing risk and community capabilities, as well as identify resources and mitigation to reduce risk and better prepare the city for a potential disaster. The City of Santa Maria Annex to the Santa Barbara County Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan was developed in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) and follows FEMA’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan guidance. 1 The Hazard Mitigation Plan incorporates a process where hazards are identified and profiled, the population and facilities at risk are analyzed, and mitigation actions are developed to reduce or eliminate hazard risk. The implementation of these mitigation actions, which include both short and long-term strategies, involves planning, policy changes, and the implementation of programs, projects, and other activities.

The Integrated Regional Multi-Hazard Emergency Response Plan was adopted in 2016 and developed by the Santa Maria Fire Department. The goal of the plan is to clearly delineate the procedures and policies applicable to responding to a major emergency event, and the plan was designed to be applicable to all emergency incidents. The plan provides direction for the coordinated response efforts between the Santa Maria Police Department and Fire Department, including guidance for different types of emergency incidents. The City is in the process of updating the Emergency Response Plan.

The Fire Department also prepared the Community Risk Assessment: Standards of Cover, which is periodically updated every few years. This Report evaluates current conditions of the Fire Department and the city and identifies critical issues and future challenges associated with providing adequate emergency response services to the community.

Santa Maria Fire Department Station No.1. Credit: Randy De La Peña 1 https://www.countyofsb.org/510/2022-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan-Update Safety Element | 21
Issues and Opportunities
This section describes the issues and opportunities that informed the policy direction of the Safety Policies.

Risk assessment and infrastructure vulnerability. Proper construction and ongoing maintenance of existing structures can effectively mitigate impacts from seismic, wildland and urban fire, flood and dam inundation, hazardous materials, and airport hazards. Existing structures built prior to modern building codes and those in need of maintenance may be in need of retrofits and upgrades to enhance protection from hazards. By conducting risk assessments, vulnerabilities and appropriate improvements to structures and infrastructure can be identified.

Development in hazard-prone areas. Existing and future development in hazard-prone areas, including within flood zones, very high wildfire hazard severity zones, and on and near fault lines, increases risk to people and property. Implementing hazard-specific development standards, such as restricting the siting of structures and requiring implementation of protective building and maintenance methods in these zones, can improve safety and reduce potential losses.

Emergency response and preparedness. Effective emergency response relies on the efficient allocation of resources, maintaining organized response systems, and coordinated planning and implementation efforts with internal City departments, neighboring jurisdictions, and regional, state, and federal agencies.

Strengthening coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, improving resource allocation, and investing in training programs can enhance the overall response capacity. Public preparedness programs and drills also play a crucial role in increasing community resilience.

Emergency access and evacuation capacity. The ability for emergency responders to access affected areas and residents to evacuate during emergencies is critical for preserving lives and property. Access and evacuation constraints, such as poorly maintained roads, congestion, poor signage, and unclear communication, can result in delays that can increase the risk to life and property. The City can employ a variety of strategies to enhance emergency responder and public mobility in the event of a disaster or evacuation, such as updating roadway design standards, creating secondary access routes for neighborhoods with only one point of access, maintaining unobstructed roadways and clear signage, and educating residents on evacuation procedures.

Climate change adaptation. Climate change is anticipated to increase the frequency and severity of natural hazards, including flooding, wildfires, and extreme heat, increasing risks to people and property. Existing infrastructure and development are often unprepared for climate change impacts, having been built prior to the adoption of land use and zoning regulations that account for future climate scenarios. Proactively adopting climate adaptation measures, such as expanding green infrastructure, implementing climateresilient development standards, and retrofitting vulnerable structures, can significantly reduce community vulnerability to climate change impacts. Critical facilities should be prioritized for the implementation of climate adaptation retrofits, due to their role in minimizing disruptions in essential services and providing shelter to affected residents. Certain populations are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, so targeted outreach and education, as well as ensuring equitable access to climate resilience resources, can improve resiliency.

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Public education and preparedness. A lack of awareness and preparedness among the public can result in panic and confusion during an emergency event, potentially reducing the effectiveness of response efforts.

Preemptive and effective public education efforts can strengthen the community’s preparedness and resiliency to hazards of all types. Programs should include encouraging residents to create emergency kits and sign up for emergency notification systems, informing property owners and residents how to secure their homes from various hazards, distributing emergency evacuation routes, and publicizing resources for staying informed and connected in the event of an emergency.

Police officer reads to children in the park as part of Santa Maria Police Department’s ongoing community engagement efforts.

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Safety Policies
The Policy Framework addresses the key issues and opportunities identified above and outlines Safety goals, policies, and implementation actions. A goal describes the community’s desired future. A policy is a specific statement of intent that guides decision-making. An action is an activity, procedure, program, or project that carries out a policy.

Policy Summary
Four of the eight goal areas in the Policy Framework focus on the mitigation of specific hazards. The first two include strategies for refining and enforcing development standards to mitigate seismic, geologic (Goal S-1), and wildland and urban fire hazards (Goal S-2). To mitigate flood hazards, the third goal area advances resilient land use and site design, maintenance and upgrades to stormwater and flood control infrastructure (e.g., levee), and coordination with regional partners for dam inundation (Goal S-3). To reduce hazardous materials exposure, the fourth goal area identifies needed enhancements to regulations for crude oil operations, active and closed landfills, and hazardous materials and waste management (Goal S-4).

Two of the goal areas focus on preparedness. The Policy Framework highlights strengthening emergency response by growing emergency response capacity, ensuring the resilience of critical facilities, expanding emergency training and planning efforts, and intensifying community education and outreach (Goal S-6).

Likewise, the Framework improves emergency access and evacuation capacity with a focus on infrastructure improvements, effective traffic management, community education, and providing evacuation assistance to vulnerable populations (Goal S-7).

The Policy Framework also addresses airport hazards by ensuring consistency with the Santa Maria Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (Goal S-5) and aims to create a climate-resilient community, with a focus on vulnerable populations, natural cooling solutions, retrofits to existing structures and critical facilities, and water conservation measures (Goal S-8).

Standards
This section establishes standards and levels of service that determine the provision and improvement of public safety services in Santa Maria. These standards ensure equity, efficiency, and quality in service delivery while supporting the City’s long-term goals.

Public Safety Standards
The City’s Police Department service ratio is 1.3 officers per 1,000 people (Policy S-6.3:).

The Fire Department service standard is a 5-minute response capability to all areas within the City limits (Policy S-2.1).

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Policy Framework
Goal S-1: Seismic and geologic hazards. Impacts to people and property from geologic and seismic hazards are minimized.

Policy S-1.1: Mitigate seismic and geologic hazards. Ensure new development is designed and constructed to adequately mitigate seismic and geologic hazards through compliance with the City’s Municipal Code.

Action S-1.1.1: Update the Municipal Code as new versions of the California Building Code are published, and review and adopt seismic safety standards as needed to reflect current, updated information on seismic hazards in relation to the city.

Action S-1.1.2: Review and update seismic and geologic hazard assessments and policies within the Safety Element and Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) as new data becomes available.

Action S-1.1.3: Utilize the land use review processes to identify seismic and geologic hazard risk associated with proposed development and condition projects to mitigate risk to an acceptable level (acceptable level shall be consistent with the current California Building Code).

Action S-1.1.4: Enforce the Unreinforced Masonry Ordinance to require the rehabilitation of identified unreinforced masonry buildings in accordance with the “adopted by” dates outlined in the ordinance.

Policy S-1.2: Seismic and geologic safety standards. Establish enhanced seismic and geologic safety standards to be applicable to development in high-risk seismic and geologic hazard zones.

Action S-1.2.1: Update the Municipal Code to require development projects in high seismic and geologic risk areas conduct a geotechnical investigation and analysis by a state-licensed engineering geologist or civil engineer, with the resulting report to be included as a part of the land use and/or subdivision permit application. The geotechnical investigation report shall assess hazard risk and identify appropriate mitigation measures to reduce identified risks to an acceptable level.

Action S-1.2.2: Update the Municipal Code to prohibit the redevelopment of sites where habitable structures are significantly damaged or destroyed by a geologic hazard event unless findings can be made by a state-licensed geologist that the proposed redevelopment would adequately mitigate future geologic hazard risks.

Policy S-1.3: Public information on seismic hazards. Inform the public of existing seismic and geologic hazards through community engagement efforts, along with actions they can take to protect themselves and their property from these hazards.

Action S-1.3.1: Publish a guide that outlines the permitting process for retrofitting older structures that do not adhere to current seismic and geologic building standards.

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Goal S-2: Wildland and urban fires. Impacts of wildland and urban fire hazards to people and property are minimized. 2
Policy S-2.1: Fire and emergency response capacity. Maintain a five-minute response capability to all areas within the City limits and Planned Annexation Area by ensuring facilities are strategically located and properly resourced for timely intervention.

Action S-2.1.1: Require all development to maintain minimum fire flow requirements established by the California Fire Code.

Action S-2.1.2: Evaluate firefighting capacity and emergency response needs as new land is annexed and developed within the Santa Maria Fire Department jurisdiction.

Policy S-2.2: Weed abatement. Enforce the City’s weed abatement program.

Action S-2.2.1: Coordinate with Santa Barbara County and local property owners to ensure proper implementation of the City’s weed abatement program, including removing cut-down grass and other vegetation that could be a source of fuel for wildfires or urban fires.

Policy S-2.3: Development review. Require Fire Department review of development plans to ensure compliance with fire codes, safety standards, and best practices for emergency access, incorporating fire prevention and mitigation measures as necessary.

Goal S-3: Flood and dam inundation. Impacts from flood and dam inundation to people and property are minimized. 3
Policy S-3.1: Santa Maria River Levee development buffer. Require new development and sites undergoing redevelopment to provide a non-development buffer of 60 feet, measured from the toe of the Santa Maria River Levee, to provide access to the Santa Maria River levee for maintenance and repairs.

Policy S-3.2: Agricultural runoff reduction. Work with the County of Santa Barbara to reduce offsite and urban flooding caused by agricultural runoff.

Action S-3.2.1: Work with the County of Santa Barbara to educate agricultural operators on best management practices to address runoff and irrigation control and the implementation of efficient onsite drainage systems.

Action S-3.2.2: Collaborate with local agricultural operators and the Cachuma Resource Conservation District to implement and enforce agricultural runoff control measures. 2 Please see the Public Facilities and Services Element for additional fire policies and actions. 3 Please see the Public Facilities and Services Element for additional stormwater management policies and actions as well as the Recreation and Parks Element for policies focused on flood resilience in parks.

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Policy S-3.3: Low-impact design. Require new development and redevelopment projects to incorporate low-impact design measures for stormwater management, such as bioswales, permeable pavement, and onsite detention ponds.

Action S-3.3.1: Update the Municipal Code to adopt stormwater site design standards as required by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, based on low-impact design principles and best practices. These standards should emphasize reducing impervious surfaces and maximizing open space and landscaped areas that support stormwater filtration and groundwater recharge.

Action S-3.3.2: Partner with State agencies and local conservation organizations, design professionals, and local nurseries to develop an outreach program to educate the public on low-impact design practices. • Develop fact sheets and publicize resources and example projects that implement low-impact design practices for homeowners and property owners, such as rain gardens, rainwater storage, and permeable driveways.
• Create demonstration projects to showcase the successful implementation of low-impact design installations.

Policy S-3.4: Stormwater drainage system. Maintain and upgrade the City’s stormwater drainage system to increase the system’s capacity and reduce flooding.

Action S-3.4.1: Regularly evaluate the efficiency and capacity of the City’s stormwater system for current and future projected increases to storm events and update the City’s Stormwater Management Plan accordingly.

Action S-3.4.2: Identify and develop capital improvement projects to improve system deficiencies and capacity constraints.

Action S-3.4.3: Coordinate with the County of Santa Barbara on flood management activities outside the City limits and to mitigate peak flows from east of US-101, including the maintenance and management of the regional channel and basin system, storm pipes, and the Santa Maria River Levee.

Policy S-3.5: NFIP participation. Continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Policy S-3.6: Dam and levee inundation safety. Coordinate with the Santa Barbara County Flood Control District (SBCFCD) and other local and state agencies as required to remain current with dam and levee safety protocols.

Action S-3.6.1: Support the SBCFCD in maintaining and monitoring dam and levee infrastructure.

Encourage the District to conduct regular assessments to identify potential maintenance needs, monitor the conditions during significant storm events and evaluate infrastructure afterward to identify any damage.

Action S-3.6.2: Utilize current hazard information for the levee and dam received from SBCFCD and other local, state, and federal agencies to update and maintain the City’s Emergency Response Plan and LHMP.

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Action S-3.6.3: Incorporate emergency response protocol for potential flood inundation into the Integrated Regional Multi-Hazard Emergency Response Plan.

Goal S-4: Hazardous materials and waste. Public exposure to hazardous materials and waste is minimized. 4
Policy S-4.1: Crude oil extraction, production, and postproduction. Maintain and, as needed, update local land use regulations pertaining to crude oil extraction, production, and postproduction well site abandonment and closure. 5
Action S-4.1.1: Update the City’s Petroleum Ordinance to maintain consistency with regulations and standards established by the California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) and Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Division pertaining to petroleum extraction, processing, storage, and transport.

Action S-4.1.2: Update the minimum no-build easement buffer surrounding abandoned and existing oil wells to be consistent with current CalGEM policies for unimpeded access to well heads.

Action S-4.1.3: Update the Municipal Code to require responsible parties to remediate abandoned oil sumps and contaminated soils, and to plug and abandon (or re-abandon) oil wells in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations upon termination of the associated contaminating use or facility. For abandoned sites, these requirements must be met prior to any new site development.

Action S-4.1.4: Refer development applications for oil extraction, production, storage, or transport uses and sites to the City Petroleum Engineer —or to the County Petroleum Engineer, Energy, Minerals and Compliance Division, if authorized by the City Council—for review and approval. This includes sites with existing or former operations related to oil extraction, production, storage, or transport.

Action S-4.1.5: Update the Municipal Code to require new development and redevelopment projects on sites with existing or abandoned oil wells, or a history of oil drilling operations, to conduct a Phase I Environmental Assessment.

Action S-4.1.6: Conduct an environmental assessment prior to the development of newly annexed areas containing or in proximity to active and plugged oil and gas wells to identify potential public health concerns. Based on the findings of the environmental assessment, require site remediation or restrict development in areas near active, idle, and/or abandoned oil and gas wells that could expose people to contamination.
4 Please see the Public Facilities and Services Element for additional policies and actions related to solid waste and the Health and Environmental Justice Element for policies and actions related to brownfield site remediation and household hazardous waste.
5 Please see the Conservation and Open Space Element for policies related to groundwater contamination from oil extraction.

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Policy S-4.2: Hazardous materials. Ensure the safe use, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials.

Action S-4.2.1: Continue to enforce regulations of hazardous materials established by the Santa Barbara County Environmental Health Services Division and State Health and Safety Code.

Action S-4.2.2: Enforce and periodically review hazardous materials transport routes designated by the City and the California Highway Patrol to ensure routes limit exposure to existing sensitive land uses and critical facilities to the greatest extent feasible.

Action S-4.2.3: Maintain local hazardous materials disposal programs for businesses and residents to ensure safe disposal of hazardous materials.

Action S-4.2.4: Coordinate with the County of Santa Barbara Environmental Health Division and the California Highway Patrol to update and enforce local hazardous materials plans, programs, and transport routes.

Policy S-4.3: City hazardous materials usage. Reduce the use of hazardous materials in City operations.

Action S-4.3.1: Evaluate the feasibility of adopting procurement policies that prioritize the purchase of non-toxic and environmentally friendly products for City operations.

Action S-4.3.2: Maintain a list of pesticides and herbicides restricted for use on publicly owned land and implement integrated pest management practices and use of organic pesticides where feasible.

Policy S-4.4: Solid waste sites. Monitor and mitigate hazardous material exposure associated with solid waste site operations.

Action S-4.4.1: Update the Municipal Code to establish buffer zones surrounding solid waste sites to prohibit the placement of sensitive land uses adjacent to solid waste sites. Allowed uses in buffer zones may include green spaces.

Goal S-5: Airport hazards. The risk of aircraft hazards from the Santa Maria Public Airport is minimized. 6
Policy S-5.1: Santa Maria Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. Maintain consistency between the City’s General Plan and Municipal Code and the current Santa Maria Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.

Action S-5.1.1: Review and update the City’s Land Use Element, Safety Element, and Zoning Code upon the adoption of an updated Santa Maria Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan to ensure consistency. 6 Please see the Land Use Element for policies and actions related to infill development and land use compatibility adjacent to the airport.

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Policy S-5.2: Airport Commission and District project review. Ensure new development within the Santa Maria Airport Area of Influence is consistent with the standards, regulations, and processes set forth by Article 3.5 of the Public Utilities Code, as described in the Santa Maria Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.

Action S-5.2.1: Refer all applications for General Plan Land Use amendments within the Santa Maria Airport Area of Influence to the Santa Barbara County Airport Land Use Commission and the Santa Maria Public Airport District for review, consistent with the processes of Article 3.5 of the California Public Utilities Code.

Goal S-6: Emergency response and preparedness. The City is prepared for and responsive to emergencies.

Policy S-6.1: Emergency preparedness and response coordination. Strengthen the City’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

Action S-6.1.1: Maintain mutual aid agreements and establish shared resource networks within the Operational Area to provide additional emergency response capacity in the event of a large-scale disaster.

Action S-6.1.2: Participate in updates to the regional emergency, safety, and hazard plans, including the Santa Barbara County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and Santa Barbara Operational Area Emergency Management Plan.

Action S-6.1.3: Engage Operational Area partners and the whole community in the City’s emergency planning efforts to ensure a cohesive and coordinated response in the event of a large-scale disaster consistent with Incident Command System (ICS)/SEMS/NIMS. Continue to work with other jurisdictions and regional agencies to develop a multi-jurisdictional emergency preparedness and response team to oversee and advise emergency planning efforts.

Action S-6.1.4: Partner with local organizations and regional agencies to offer a broader range of training and educational opportunities for emergency response personnel, City staff, and residents with the goal of sharing best practices and encouraging cross-collaboration. This can be accomplished by organizing joint training and cross-training sessions and emergency drills with other agencies, organizations, or jurisdictions.

Policy S-6.2: Police response time. Identify minimum standards for police response time and ensure compliance with these standards for all areas within the City limits. 7 Action S-6.2.1: Continually monitor and report average law enforcement response time.

Action S-6.2.2: On an annual basis, evaluate police resource needs to achieve target response times, and include desired resources as needed.
7 Please see the Public Facilities and Services Element for policies related to police facilities and services.

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Policy S-6.3: Police emergency response capability. Maintain a ratio of 1.3 sworn officers for every 1,000 residents to ensure that the Santa Maria Police Department is sufficiently staffed and equipped to meet the community’s safety needs.

Action S-6.3.1: Evaluate law enforcement capacity and emergency response needs as new land is annexed and developed within the Santa Maria Police Department jurisdiction.

Policy S-6.4: Police collaboration and engagement: Continue actively collaborating with other jurisdictions and with community members and organizations to advance community safety.

Action S-6.4.1: Recognizing that community safety is cross-jurisdictional, continue collaborating with the County Sheriff’s Department.

Action S-6.4.2: Foster neighborhood safety and collaboration by promoting programs such as Neighborhood Watch, Community-Oriented Policing (COPS), and Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) to strengthen relationships between the Santa Maria Police Department and residents.

Action S-6.4.3: Focus on community policing strategies, trust-building activities, and partnerships to enhance public safety awareness and address local concerns together.

Policy S-6.5: Resilient critical facilities. Create resilient critical facilities that minimize the exposure of people and property from disasters.

Action S-6.5.1: Update the Municipal Code to require the siting of new critical public facilities outside of high hazard risk areas, including the 100-year flood zone, wildland urban interface zone, and areas with high liquefaction potential, unless the facilities can be designed in such a way that the risk can be mitigated to an acceptable level.

Action S-6.5.2: Identify existing critical facilities in high-risk hazard zones that require relocation or retrofits.

Create a ranked list of critical facilities requiring relocation and/or retrofits based on the degree of hazard risk and the magnitude of adverse impacts to the community in the event the functionality of the facility is reduced or interrupted.

Action S-6.5.3: Develop, prioritize, and implement a list of capital improvement projects to mitigate hazard risk for critical facilities. Prioritize improvement projects based on feasibility and impact, with emphasis on improvements that benefit disadvantaged communities.

Action S-6.5.4: Identify and pursue sources of funding to support critical facility improvement projects.

Install backup energy systems, such as generators, renewable energy, and battery storage systems, for existing and new critical facilities to ensure continuity of operation in the event of a disaster or hazard event.

Action S-6.5.5: Conduct annual fire safety inspections for public buildings and recreational and utility infrastructure.

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Policy S-6.6: Emergency response training. Prepare and train City staff to support emergency responders in the event of a disaster.

Action S-6.6.1: Update the Emergency Response Plan to designate roles and responsibilities for City staff by department, including non-leadership support roles.

Action S-6.6.2: Designate alternative operating locations for critical City staff in the event that the primary location is inaccessible or unusable during and after an emergency.

Policy S-6.7: Emergency plans. Maintain and update local emergency preparedness and response plans to ensure consistency between state, regional, and local safety requirements and current best management practices.

Action S-6.7.1: Upon adoption of an updated City or Regional Safety Element, Hazard Mitigation Plan, emergency response plan, or airport land use plan, review and update all other relevant City safety and emergency plans and regulations for consistency.

Action S-6.7.2: When updating a local safety or emergency plan, update hazard identification and mapping to include the most current state-approved data sources.

Policy S-6.8: Community emergency preparedness and response. Create opportunities for meaningful community involvement throughout all aspects of emergency preparedness and response planning.

Action S-6.8.1: Implement a community outreach program with diverse engagement methodologies to educate and prepare residents for potential hazards and emergency events that include multiple forms of media, including social media and print media, as well as in-person and virtual events.

Action S-6.8.2: Integrate noticing for community outreach opportunities into a variety of City communications, including the City’s website, social media pages, and utility bills.

Action S-6.8.3: Establish community partnerships to assist in engaging disadvantaged and underserved populations.

Action S-6.8.4: Ensure all emergency preparedness and response materials and plans are provided in all languages spoken by at least five percent of the city’s population.

Action S-6.8.5: Work with the community and experts to identify and incorporate accessible communications technologies and processes to ensure protective actions are rapidly disseminated to and understood by affected populations.

Action S-6.8.6: Develop an interactive online map of publicly accessible hazards information relevant to Santa Maria that allows residents and property owners to view the location of hazards relative to their own property or location of residence. Integrate links to emergency preparedness and resiliency resources for residents, including assistance programs for home retrofits for reducing hazard risk.

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Action S-6.8.7: Create a dedicated webpage on the City’s website that provides current information on hazard events, proactive measures residents can make to protect themselves and their property, and resources that can be utilized in the event of a disaster. Use translation software to provide this information in all languages spoken by at least five percent of the population.

Action S-6.8.8: Incorporate clear feedback loops that demonstrate to the community how their input has influenced local planning and programs related to hazards and emergency preparedness, and response.

Policy S-6.9: Emergency response communication. Develop clear, accessible, and reliable communication methods for the entire community to be used in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Goal S-7: Emergency access and evacuation. Effective evacuation procedures ensure the safe and efficient evacuation of people during an emergency.

Policy S-7.1: Emergency access and evacuation capacity. Enhance the emergency access and evacuation capacity of the City’s transportation network by mitigating identified evacuation constraints and increasing evacuation roadway capacity.

Action S-7.1.1: Develop a list of prioritized infrastructure improvements and capital improvement projects that address evacuation constraints identified in the Evacuation Capacity Analysis (Appendix E).

Action S-7.1.2: Continue to consider emergency access and evacuation needs in future updates to the Department of Public Works road design standards.

Action S-7.1.3: Continue to enforce a standardized street address and street signage system.

Action S-7.1.4: Regularly inspect and maintain major evacuation roadways to ensure safe road conditions.

Policy S-7.2: Multiple emergency access and evacuation routes. Increase emergency access and evacuation capacity for existing residential developments with fewer than two points of ingress/egress.

Action S-7.2.1: Identify opportunities to create secondary and alternative access/evacuation routes for single-access neighborhoods.

Action S-7.2.2: Provide targeted training and educational materials to residents of single-access neighborhoods to ensure these neighborhoods are informed of evacuation routes and protocol.

Policy S-7.3: Evacuation assistance. Provide evacuation assistance to vulnerable populations in the event of an emergency.

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Action S-7.3.1: Develop a plan for providing evacuation assistance for vulnerable individuals. The plan should include strategies for evacuation assistance, including the following. • Opportunities for utilizing public transit to support individuals who may not be able to selfevacuate, including those without vehicles, with disabilities, commuters, etc. • Early evacuation warnings for individuals who may require longer to evacuate, including individuals with large animals, medical needs, etc.
• Communication plan for informing non-English speaking and auditory and visually impaired individuals during an evacuation order
Action S-7.3.2: Promote a neighborhood buddy system, including through the City Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, that organizes groups of three to five households to check in, share information, and assist one another with emergency response and evacuation.

Action S-7.3.3: Identify public facilities that can be retrofitted to be used as emergency shelters/centers that comply with FEMA, DOJ, and/or ARC requirements. Partner with community organizations to formalize agreements to establish additional facilities that serve as emergency shelters/centers. Identify and plan for Temporary Evacuation Points (TEPs).

Policy S-7.4: Community evacuation education. Ensure the community is informed of evacuation routes and procedures.

Action S-7.4.1: Develop a City webpage that provides a consolidated source of information related to evacuation, including evacuation routes, evacuation assistance, location of evacuation centers, and evacuation orders and updates.

Action S-7.4.2: Develop targeted outreach programs that provide evacuation information and training to residents in high-risk hazard areas.

Action S-7.4.3: Collaborate with local service providers and community leaders to educate vulnerable populations on evacuation preparedness, including individuals experiencing homelessness, individuals who speak a language other than English, individuals with a disability, and those in disadvantaged communities.

Goal S-8: Climate resiliency and adaptation. Santa Maria is a climate-resilient community prepared to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Policy S-8.1: City sustainability plan. Develop a comprehensive and consistent plan for adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Action S-8.1.1: Develop and adopt a sustainability plan that identifies Santa Maria’s climate resiliency and adaptation efforts through a variety of methods, such as hosting interviews, focus group discussions, and reviewing draft plans and policies. Identify climate change impacts on vulnerable populations and include strategies to address disproportionate impacts.

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Policy S-8.2: Climate resilient design. Encourage new development and redevelopment to incorporate climate-resilient design to mitigate the impacts of climate change. 8 Action S-8.2.1: Adopt regulatory standards such as CALGreen Tier 1 and 2 to encourage energy efficiency and climate-smart design for new development and redevelopment.

Policy S-8.3: Natural cooling solutions. Support natural cooling methods to mitigate increased temperatures and extreme heat events caused by climate change.

Action S-8.3.1: Review and revise City standards to increase requirements for shade trees, canopies, and landscaping cover to promote natural cooling methods.

Action S-8.3.2: Implement natural cooling methods and increased landscaping cover on City-owned sites to demonstrate the effectiveness of alternative methods for mitigating heat. Prioritize implementation on City-owned properties in and near disadvantaged communities and communities with a concentration of vulnerable populations, as identified in the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment.

Action S-8.3.3: Partner with local organizations to pursue grant funding to support a community lending program to provide cooling devices to residents, prioritizing disadvantaged communities and vulnerable populations.

Policy S-8.4: Climate resilient public facilities. Incorporate climate-resilient design for all new public facilities with the intent of illustrating successful implementation of green infrastructure.

Action S-8.4.1: Identify and apply for grant funding to support the implementation of climate-resilient and adaptation demonstration projects as part of public facility development and upgrades.

Action S-8.4.2: Prioritize funds for implementing climate adaptation projects in areas where vulnerable populations overlap with increased risk of hazards due to climate change, as identified in the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment.

Policy S-8.5: Community resilience centers. Establish community resilience centers that can provide shelter and distribute resources to residents to provide relief from extreme heat, extreme cold, poor air quality, and other hazards. Ensure disadvantaged communities have access to resiliency centers by locating resiliency centers near these communities and providing free transit options to and from these centers during hazard events.

Action S-8.5.1: Design new community serving public facilities to serve as dual-functioning community resilience centers. Prioritize new and upgraded facilities in disadvantaged communities and areas with a high number of populations vulnerable to climate change impacts.

Action S-8.5.2: Partner with local religious institutions, schools, and other operators of community gathering facilities to serve as community resilience centers during an emergency. 8 Please see the Land Use and Noise Elements for additional policies and actions related to building design.

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Action S-8.5.3: Equip publicly owned community resilience centers with backup power and emergency water supplies to provide continuity of operation during an emergency.

Action S-8.5.4: Coordinate with the County, the schools, and community-based organizations to conduct outreach to residents of diverse backgrounds to connect them to local community resiliency centers, especially for vulnerable populations (such as people with disabilities, farm workers, older adults, unhoused community members, and people with chronic health conditions).

Policy S-8.6: Climate adaptation retrofits. Support retrofit programs for existing buildings to adapt to the impacts of climate change. 9
Action S-8.6.1: Offer development incentives such as expedited building permit review, fee waivers or deferrals, and technical assistance to encourage building retrofits to support climate adaptation.

Action S-8.6.2: Identify and apply for grant opportunities to initiate a financial assistance program to support building retrofits for low-income households, vulnerable populations, and disadvantaged communities.

Action S-8.6.3: Assess critical and public facilities to evaluate climate resiliency. Identify, prioritize, and implement capital improvement projects that address identified climate vulnerabilities of these facilities.

Prioritize projects to address climate change impacts in areas with a high number of vulnerable populations.

Policy S-8.7: Water efficiency and conservation. Continue water efficiency and water conservation efforts to support a stable water supply during periods of drought. 10 Action S-8.7.1: Continue to update and enforce the various water management planning documents and tools like the Urban Water Management Plan.
9 Please see the Health and Environmental Justice Element for additional policies and actions focused on housing retrofits. 10 Please see the Public Facilities and Services and Conservation and Open Space Elements for additional water resources management policies and actions.

Health and Environmental
Justice Element
Final Draft | May 5, 2026
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Table of Contents
Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................................1 Background.......................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Citywide Demographic and Socioeconomic Characteristics................................................................................. 3 Santa Maria’s Disadvantaged Communities............................................................................................................. 3 Pollution ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Housing............................................................................................................................................................................ 6 Mobility and Public Facilities........................................................................................................................................ 8 Health Care Access........................................................................................................................................................ 9 Access to Healthy Food ................................................................................................................................................ 9 Civic Engagement.........................................................................................................................................................10 Issues and Opportunities................................................................................................................................................. 11 Health and Environmental Justice Policies....................................................................................................................13 Policy Summary .............................................................................................................................................................13 Policy Framework ..........................................................................................................................................................13 Table of Figures
Figure HEJ-1: Santa Maria's Disadvantaged Communities......................................................................................... 4 This page has intentionally been left blank.

Health and Environmental Justice Element | 1
Introduction
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65302, the Health and Environmental Justice Element is included in the General Plan to reduce the unique or compounded health risks in disadvantaged communities, promote civic engagement in the public decision-making process, and prioritize improvements and programs that address the needs of disadvantaged communities. The law requires jurisdictions that contain disadvantaged communities to develop environmental justice policies on the following topic areas:
pollution exposure, food access, physical activity, safe and sanitary homes, public facilities, civic engagement, and other issue areas that can address unique or compounded health risks impacting certain neighborhoods. Across all topic areas, the City must prioritize improvements and programs that address the environmental justice needs and priorities of disadvantaged communities.

This Element consists of three main sections: Background, Issues and Opportunities, and Health and Environmental Justice Policies. The Background section introduces existing conditions and trends related to priorities addressed in this Element. The Issues and Opportunities section describes the key issues and opportunities that shaped the Element. Finally, the Health and Environmental Justice Policies section outlines the City’s Health and Environmental Justice goals, policies, and implementation actions.

The goals, policies, and implementation actions provide a roadmap for elevating the quality of life in Santa Maria by reducing pollution; promoting safe and affordable housing; enhancing opportunities to lead healthy lives through access to healthy food, active transportation, public facilities, and healthcare facilities; and fostering greater civic engagement opportunities.

Painted mural located on South McClelland Street in Santa Maria.

Health and Environmental Justice Element | 2
Top and bottom: Access to parks and other greenspaces, like Machado Plaza in Santa Maria’s Downtown on Chapel Street, is essential to community health.

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Background
This section introduces existing conditions and trends related to priorities addressed in the Health and Environmental Justice Policies.

Citywide Demographic and Socioeconomic
Characteristics
Research has found that the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of residents impact their potential health and life outcomes. This section summarizes the results of the Population Demographics and Vulnerabilities Assessment as well as the Health Assessment conducted as part of the HEJ Existing Conditions Report.
• Low income. Residents in low-income areas face higher rates of heart disease, cancer, lung disease (including asthma), diabetes, and obesity.
• Youth and children. Children and youth under 19 make up 35 percent of Santa Maria’s population, of which 25 percent live in poverty. Areas with the highest concentration of youth are also more likely to have high rates of single-parent and low-income households. • Older adults. The area with the largest share of older adults (65 and older) living alone is in the northeastern corner of the city in census tract 22.11, which also experiences high pollution exposure. • Chronic disease. Some population groups in Santa Maria are disproportionately impacted by a chronic disease:
o African Americans tend to have higher rates of heart disease, cancer, and lung disease. o Men have higher rates of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes than women. o Women, Latinos, and African Americans are more impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease. • High death rates. Zip code 93454 in Santa Maria, which includes various low-income census tracts east of Broadway and north of Betteravia Road, has the highest age-adjusted death rate in the county.
• Health insurance. About 16 percent of adults aged 18-64 in Santa Maria are uninsured, higher than the county average of 12 percent.
• Mental health. Poor mental health is reported more frequently in areas where people have reported limited physical activity.

Santa Maria’s Disadvantaged Communities
“Disadvantaged communities” (DACs) are areas identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency or low-income areas that are disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards identified in CalEnviroScreen 4.0 that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation. A multistep process, including extensive community engagement, was used to identify Santa Maria’s disadvantaged communities (see Appendix D). The methodology identified 19 census tracts and an additional 3 block groups that are distributed across the city (see Figure HEJ-1).

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Figure HEJ-1: Santa Maria's Disadvantaged Communities 1 1 Census tract 25.03 is not included in this analysis, as it primarily lies outside Santa Maria and overlaps with the City of Guadalupe; the area within Santa Maria is unpopulated and includes facilities such as a wastewater treatment plant, a compost facility, and a food warehouse.

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Pollution
Below are summaries of environmental health factors that affect DACs in Santa Maria. Appendix D summarizes the factors that contributed to identifying each census tract or block group as a disadvantaged community.

Air Quality
Relative to other communities in California, Santa Maria residents face lower air quality impacts. For example, ozone and fine particulate matter (also known as “PM 2.5”) are not major issues of concern in Santa Maria. However, census tracts near US-101 and E. Main Street indicate greater potential for exposure to diesel particulate matter (also known as “Diesel PM”). Community members also shared concerns regarding proximity to specific land uses that impact air quality and the lack of buffers to limit air pollution exposure. Incompatible land uses and high traffic volumes may contribute to increased exposure and health risks.

Pesticide Use
Relative to other communities in California, Santa Maria experiences higher rates of pesticide exposure, as the majority of census tracts in the city are above the 80th percentile for pesticide use in CalEnviroScreen

4.0. Exposure to certain pesticides is linked to serious illnesses such as cancers, pregnancy complications, and developmental issues—especially for children, pregnant women, older adults, and agricultural workers. DACs that are located near agricultural fields, including farmworker communities in and around Santa Maria, could face heightened exposure risks.

Agricultural fields in Santa Maria. Credit: George Rose / Getty Images Health and Environmental Justice Element | 6
Groundwater Threats
Santa Maria’s 2023 Water Quality Report indicates the City met both State and federal drinking water standards. The Santa Maria Groundwater Basin is vulnerable to impacts from fertilizer-related runoff and leaching, sewage, and natural deposits, 2 all of which could pose health risks even at low levels. 3, 4, 5 DAC neighborhoods may also be impacted by industrial sources that could compromise local groundwater, including leaking underground storage tanks, active or inactive oil and gas wells, and land disposal areas.

These potential sources of contamination are subject to State and local regulatory requirements, monitoring, and mitigation measures intended to protect groundwater quality and reduce public health risks.

South of Stowell Road, abandoned oil and gas wells are concentrated within the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin, potentially impacting local farms and communities. Oil companies have engaged in some remediation efforts in southeast Santa Maria through strategies such as soil replacement to manage contamination. The Department of Conservation and other State and regional agencies continue to make progress in plugging and permanently sealing the wells across Santa Barbara County. 6 Hazardous and Solid Waste Sites
Hazardous waste facilities pose environmental and health risks if they lack proper oversight and timely mitigation measures. Solid waste sites (such as landfills, recycling centers, and composting facilities) are essential infrastructure for processing household and industrial waste and directing it away from our communities and ecosystems. They also hold the potential to negatively impact nearby communities through unpleasant odors, pests, and truck traffic, and, if improperly managed, can harm the surrounding ecosystems and community health through soil, water, and air contamination. 7 Housing
Older Housing Stock
Over one half (53 percent) of Santa Maria’s housing stock was built before 1979, with most of the older housing concentrated in DACs, especially near the downtown area. Older housing stock poses health risks due to the potential presence of harmful construction materials such as asbestos, synthetic chemicals, and lead, which can lead to a range of acute and chronic conditions, including asthma, lead poisoning, and respiratory infections.
2 City of Santa Maria 2023 Water Quality Report. Retrieved from:
www.cityofsantamaria.org/home/showpublisheddocument/15039/638520810338830000 3 California Water Resources Board. (2018). Groundwater Basics. Retrieved from:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/ programs/groundwater/gw_basics.html 4 For additional information, see: https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/map/ 5 Ward, M., and et. al. (2018). “Drinking Water Nitrate and Human Health: An Updated Review.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15(7): 1557.
6 California Department of Conservation. (2025). “Project Plug.” Retrieved from:
https://www.conservation.ca.gov/projectplug#cat-canyon
7 Zeise, L. and J. Blumenfeld. (2021). CalEnviroScreen 4.0. California Environmental Protection Agency and OEHHA. Retrieved from: https://oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads/calenviroscreen/report/calenviroscreen40reportf2021.pdf#page=139 Health and Environmental Justice Element | 7
Crowding and Cost Burden
Santa Maria has a higher-than-average household size compared to the rest of Santa Barbara County.

Overcrowded housing—defined by the US Census as units with more than 1.5 persons per room—can cause mental health challenges, increase the spread of infectious diseases, and exacerbate other health and well-being issues, particularly affecting those with social vulnerabilities. Many low-income households are housing-cost burdened, particularly in the northwest and central areas of the city, meaning that they spend over half (50 percent) of their income on housing.

Code Violations
Santa Maria’s Fire and Community Development (Building and Code Enforcement) Departments have identified numerous housing code violations during their investigations of substandard housing that suggest potential issues with housing quality and safety in select housing units, though more data are needed to confirm these issues. When these types of issues are identified, the City’s Code Enforcement Division coordinates with the Building and Planning Divisions of the Community Development Department and the Fire Department to ensure that the code violations are corrected in a timely manner.

Examples of building code violations and substandard housing conditions include unpermitted construction of a shed used as a dwelling unit and extensive mold in a bathroom.

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Worker Housing
The associated requirements for
employers to supply worker housing
have heightened the need for
increasing the amount of safe and
affordable housing in the city.

Accessory Dwelling Units and new
housing developments (particularly
multi-family housing) will continue to
assist in providing additional housing
opportunities in the city.

Workers employed in agriculture in Santa Maria. Credit: Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.

Mobility and Public Facilities
A vast majority (90 percent) of Santa Maria residents live within a 10-minute walk to transit stops, and nearly half (46 percent) are close to parks. However, communities in the northernmost and southernmost parts of the city face limited walk access to parks compared to other parts of the city. During engagement activities, community members highlighted the need for improved sidewalk and public facilities maintenance (e.g., parks), more equitable access to physical activity opportunities, beautification, dependable public transit, affordable childcare, and inclusive recreational programming.

SMRT Electric Bus
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Health Care Access
Most of the city is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) despite the presence of locally available health care services, including those provided at Marian Regional Medical Center, a fullservice acute care hospital offering emergency care, maternity services, cardiac care, cancer care, orthopedics, neurological care, imaging and laboratory services, and other specialty treatments that serve Santa Maria and the surrounding region. The HPSA designation reflects a lack of primary medical care for the Medicaid-eligible population and a lack of mental health care for the low-income migrant farmworker population, indicating a shortage of health providers in these fields. In Santa Maria, there are four census tracts (24.04, 24.03, 23.04, 23.05) where less than 20 percent of older adult men and women (65+ years) are up to date on a core set of clinical preventive services. During engagement activities, community members shared the barriers they face in accessing health and mental health care services.

Marian Regional Medical Center. Credit: Dignity Health
Access to Healthy Food
The rate of food insecurity among adults in Santa Maria (16 percent) is twice the rate for Santa Barbara County (8 percent). Food insecurity can lead to undernutrition, fatigue, stunted development, and related health issues. Access to food is most limited in the city’s northeast and northwest areas, in addition to a large area southwest of Downtown. In some of these areas, 33 percent of the population lives more than one mile from a supermarket, supercenter, or large grocery store. During engagement activities, community members identified the need for more equitable access to nutritious food (e.g., gardens, corner stores selling healthier food), a greater variety of healthy food choices, and more affordable food.

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Farmers’ Market in Santa Maria’s Downtown
Civic Engagement
Throughout the engagement process, many community members shared that they faced barriers that limit their ability to participate in City activities and decision-making, such as a lack of awareness, inconvenient meeting times, and language access. These barriers often impact low-income residents, youth, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency. Specifically, youth members shared an interest in participating in the civic process but some lacked the knowledge or awareness of how and when they could participate.

Santa Maria Public Library Santa Maria City Hall
Health and Environmental Justice Element | 11
Issues and Opportunities
This section describes the issues and opportunities that informed the policy direction of the Health and Environmental Justice Policies.

Pollution concerns. Throughout the Health and Environmental Justice (HEJ) pollution burden analysis and engagement process, community members and organizational partners raised several issues of concern, including pesticide exposure, diesel emissions, and groundwater quality. Strengthening collaborations between the City and Santa Barbara County and other relevant decision-making agencies could help to address these community health concerns. In addition, encouraging stronger practices through the development of additional policies and implementation actions may also help to promote greater improvements in the city’s environmental health.

Housing. Housing quality and affordability are foundational to an individual’s quality of life and sense of well-being. As the city grows, it will have the opportunity to address housing costs, overcrowding, housing stock quality, and farmworker housing, especially for moderate to low-income residents. By implementing the established programs and actions in the City’s Housing Element and addressing housing quality concerns, the City can expand access to housing, reduce the potential for displacement, and strengthen access to safe and affordable housing for all residents.

Healthcare access. Fair access to affordable and high-quality healthcare is crucial to a community’s growth and prosperity. Santa Maria residents shared (and data further validates) that they face barriers to accessing healthcare due to location, income, and/or languages spoken. Coordination with the County, healthcare providers, and other community partners can aid in expanding access to critical services and information that can support healthy lifestyles in the community.

Mobility and public facilities. Santa Maria’s active transportation networks and public facilities play a critical role in increasing community health and connectivity. Given the disparities in access to parks and public facilities, along with community feedback on sidewalk conditions, park maintenance, and recreational programming, there are clear opportunities for targeted improvements. Continued and strategic improvements to sidewalks, parks, and public transit infrastructure can improve public safety, community connectivity and access, and opportunities for physical activity.

Food access and insecurity. Access to high-quality, healthy, and affordable food is essential to supporting community well-being and the prevention of chronic diseases. Many residents in Santa Maria face food insecurity and barriers to accessing nutritious food, such as poor access to grocery stores, and rising costs.

Addressing these challenges through targeted strategies can improve nutritional outcomes and long-term health of individuals and families.

Civic engagement. Expanding inclusive and equitable engagement practices and building leadership development opportunities for diverse members of the community can increase involvement in City decision-making and processes, especially for those not typically engaged.

Health and Environmental Justice Element | 12
Public meeting held in Shepard Hall in the Santa Maria Library.

Health and Environmental Justice Element | 13
Health and Environmental Justice Policies
The Health and Environmental Justice Policies address the key issues and opportunities identified above through an iterative process of analysis and community engagement, and create a comprehensive roadmap for safeguarding public health and uplifting communities, particularly DACs. The Policy Framework section outlines Health and Environmental Justice goals, policies, and implementation actions.

A goal describes the community’s desired future. A policy is a specific statement of intent that guides decision-making. An action is an activity, procedure, program, or project that carries out a policy.

Policy Summary
The goals, policies, and implementation actions of the Health and Environmental Justice Element focus on building a foundation of community health and environmental justice to ensure that Santa Maria, especially those most vulnerable, can prosper. They are organized into four principal goals. First, reduce environmental health risks with strategic infrastructure and land use planning (Goal HEJ-1). Second, provide safe, sanitary, and affordable housing, with a focus on implementing the Housing Element (Goal HEJ-2).

Third, enhance opportunities for residents to lead healthy lives through access to healthy food (Goal HEJ7), active transportation (Goals HEJ-3 and 4), public facilities (Goal HEJ-5), and healthcare facilities (Goal HEJ-6). And finally, advance each of these goals with meaningful and equitable community engagement that enhances community participation and results in community-informed decisions (Goal HEJ-8).

Santa Maria City CouncilMay 5, 2026

Santa Maria City Council
May 5, 2026