Navigating the County Planning & Development (P&D) process can feel overwhelming, especially for residents and property owners unfamiliar with how projects move from concept to approval.
The process generally begins with an application submission to the County’s Planning & Development Department. For more complex projects, applicants are often encouraged to participate in a pre-application or planner consultation to identify potential issues early in the process.
Once submitted, County planners review the application for completeness and compliance with County codes and policies. Depending on the scope of the project, this review may involve:
If issues or concerns arise during review, applicants may need to revise and resubmit plans before moving forward. Projects that satisfy County requirements may receive approval at the staff/director level or proceed to a public hearing before a review authority such as the Montecito Planning Commission, County Planning Commission, or Board of Supervisors.
Following approval, applicants must complete final zoning clearance and obtain building permits before construction can begin.
While every project is unique, understanding the general process helps residents better engage in local planning discussions and understand how development decisions are made within our community. Learn more here.
As housing policies continue to evolve across California, the Montecito Association closely monitors regulations related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and their potential impacts on our community. While ADUs can provide housing flexibility for families, caregivers, and workforce housing, they also raise important concerns regarding neighborhood compatibility, parking, infrastructure capacity, privacy, and density.
We advocate for thoughtful implementation of state and county regulations that respects Montecito’s semi-rural character while balancing broader housing goals. The Association regularly engages with Santa Barbara County planners, elected officials, and residents to provide input on proposed ordinance changes and community concerns.
For more information on ADUs in Santa Barbara County, visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/1083/Accessory-Dwelling-Units
Our goal is to ensure that future development decisions maintain the unique qualities that make Montecito such a special place to live.
We have worked with our former California Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson on several housing bills. Click to learn more.
Short-term rentals (STRs) in unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County — including Montecito, Summerland, and Goleta — are regulated by Santa Barbara County Planning & Development, with different rules depending on whether a property is located in an Inland Area or the Coastal Zone.
In Inland Areas, STRs and Homestays may be permitted in certain zoning districts, but property owners must obtain the appropriate land use permits and comply with parking, safety, and operational requirements. In the Unincorporated Coastal Zone, a land use permit is generally not required; however, operators must still register with the County and comply with all applicable Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) requirements.
All legal STR operators must maintain a business license and ensure that TOT is properly collected and remitted. While platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo often collect TOT on behalf of hosts, operators are still responsible for maintaining active registration and compliance with County regulations.
Because regulations and enforcement policies can evolve, property owners are encouraged to review the County’s current Short-Term Rental Ordinance information and confirm zoning requirements before operating a short-term rental property.
For more information on the Santa Barbara County Short-Term Rental Ordinance, click here.
Our focus remains on protecting the long-term livability and character of our community while ensuring residents have a voice in the policy-making process.
Traffic congestion, speeding, pedestrian safety, and roadway improvements continue to be important community concerns throughout Montecito.
The Montecito Association works collaboratively with residents, Santa Barbara County, Caltrans, SBCAG, law enforcement, and transportation agencies to advocate for safer roads, improved traffic flow, better signage, pedestrian protections, and infrastructure improvements.
Our focus remains on practical solutions that improve safety, mobility, and quality of life for residents, businesses, students, cyclists, and visitors alike.
The Highway 101 widening and infrastructure improvements along the South Coast represent one of the largest transportation projects impacting Montecito in decades.
The Montecito Association closely monitors project planning, construction impacts, traffic management strategies, pedestrian and bicycle safety considerations, and long-term infrastructure improvements associated with the project. We regularly engage with SBCAG, Caltrans, local officials, and community stakeholders to advocate for thoughtful construction coordination and clear communication throughout the process.
Our goal is to help minimize disruptions to residents and businesses while supporting infrastructure improvements that enhance regional mobility and safety.
For the latest updates on the 101 project, visit www.SBRoads.com
Parking availability and traffic congestion in Montecito’s Upper Village continue to be ongoing concerns for residents, businesses, employees, and visitors alike.
The Montecito Association works closely with business owners, residents, Santa Barbara County, and transportation agencies to advocate for practical parking solutions, pedestrian safety improvements, and traffic management strategies that support the vitality of the Village while preserving neighborhood quality of life.
We recognize the importance of maintaining a thriving village atmosphere that remains accessible, safe, and welcoming for everyone who lives, works, and shops in the area.
The area between Hodges Lane and the parking exit from Pierre La Fond has become especially dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles that are parked along the road. The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has a resolution for NO PARKING SIGNS along this stretch of HWY 192. It is up to CalTrans to install and maintain those signs. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is responsible for traffic and parking enforcement.
The Montecito Association continues to work collaboratively with the Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade and Santa Barbara County Public Works on pathways and pedestrian safety improvements throughout Montecito. These efforts aim to enhance walkability, improve safe routes to schools and neighborhoods, and strengthen community connectivity while preserving Montecito’s unique semi-rural character and natural beauty. As pathway discussions and projects move forward, the Association remains engaged in conversations surrounding safety, environmental stewardship, neighborhood concerns, and thoughtful planning for the community. For more information, click here.
Wildfire preparedness and disaster resilience remain critical priorities for Montecito. The Montecito Association works closely with Montecito Fire Protection District, Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management, and community partners to help educate residents and advocate for proactive safety measures.
Key focus areas include vegetation management, fuel reduction, evacuation planning, emergency communication systems, infrastructure resilience, defensible space awareness, and public preparedness education.
As Montecito continues to face increasing wildfire and climate-related risks, community readiness and collaboration remain essential to protecting lives, homes, and the environment.
Hands Across Montecito is a collaborative outreach program dedicated to compassionately supporting our unhoused neighbors, connecting individuals to vital resources, and helping them transition off the streets into housing and hope.
Since its inception, Hands Across Montecito has helped change lives — one conversation, one opportunity, and one home at a time. Through consistent outreach, trusted relationships, and collaboration with partners like CityNet, Earthcomb, and SBAct, our team has made significant strides toward a safer, healthier, and more compassionate Montecito.
We have partnered with CityNet, Behavioral Wellness, Sheriffs Office, Montecito Fire, Caltrans, Union Pacific, and volunteers from our community to outreach to people experiencing homelessness in our area. LEARN MORE
Montecito is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and diverse wildlife, which share our community alongside a growing population. As more people and wild animals cross paths in search of food, water, and shelter, interactions can sometimes become unsafe or disruptive — a situation known as human-wildlife conflict (HWC). Population growth and changing climate conditions are increasing the frequency and intensity of these encounters. While the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) leads statewide efforts to address human-wildlife conflict, all of us in Montecito can play a role in helping to promote safe coexistence. See tips on how you can help reduce and prevent conflicts with wildlife.
Be Bearwise!