Small Business Support
Initiative
June 16, 2026
Small Businesses are
Essential
82%
of Santa Maria’s businesses
have fewer than 10 employees
Regulatory Hurdles
Small Business Support
Initiative
Identify & Address
Barriers to Growth
• Youth sports facilities and fitness centers
as a by-right use in specific zones which
currently require a CUP
• Modify the Downtown Permit Review Matrix
• Eliminate requirements for multiple public
hearings for small-scale projects in the
Downtown Specific Plan
• Evaluate opportunities for streamlining and
ministerial reviews
• Explore fee reductions for qualifying small
businesses
Next Steps
Questions?