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.