Santa Barbara · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Barbara public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
New citywide rules for short-term rentals and homeshares were up for final adoption, affecting both inland and coastal zones. The rules could reshape how residents rent out their homes and how many units stay in the long-term housing market.
Just Cause Eviction Protections
A new ordinance would require landlords to have a legally recognized reason to evict residential tenants, a major shift in renter protections.
city acquisition of La Casa de la Raza community center
The city is negotiating to buy a property tied to the La Casa de la Raza bankruptcy estate. Price and terms were discussed privately; any deal would need Bankruptcy Court approval before closing.
Rent stabilization and short-term rental ordinance costs
Speakers repeatedly demanded the budget clearly fund the rent stabilization program; estimates range from $500,000 to the consultant's $2 million. Staff plans to fund it from Measure I/flex funds and recoup costs through future registration fees, with details July 28.
Employment Agreement Amendments for City Administrator and City Attorney
The City Council met privately to talk about possible changes to the top two staff contracts — the City Administrator and City Attorney. These are the people running day-to-day city operations and legal affairs, so the terms matter for how the city is managed.
ICE enforcement on county property
Santa Barbara County is drawing a line in the sand, voting to keep ICE out of public spaces like county buildings and parks. They're also exploring ways to stop detention centers from popping up, aiming to shield residents from federal immigration enforcement.
Rent Control Ordinance
Tired of unpredictable rent hikes? Santa Barbara's City Council is considering a rent control ordinance that could put a lid on how much landlords can increase your rent. This could mean more stable housing costs for many residents.
Immigration Policy
Santa Barbara's City Council is hashing out a new immigration resolution, and it's sparking some serious debate. Get ready for strong opinions and potential shifts in local policy.
Cannabis Cultivation Regulations
Tired of the constant smell of weed? Santa Barbara County is finally putting its foot down on cannabis growers who aren't using odor-reducing equipment. Get ready for some changes as the county threatens to pull business licenses if they don't comply.
State Street revitalization
Experts told the council that downtown retail struggles trace back to housing shortages, slow permitting, safety concerns, and vacant storefronts. Ideas floated included a 'concierge' permitting desk, fee waivers, police substations on State Street, and converting upper-floor offices to housing. This feeds directly into the State Street Master Plan and Paseo Nuevo redevelopment decisions ahead.
Ellis Act eviction requirements
A companion ordinance adds requirements for landlords permanently removing units from the rental market, including a five-year restriction before units can return and a rule that all units come off the market simultaneously. Critics say it shrinks the rental supply.
Building Codes
Santa Barbara is ditching natural gas in new construction! The city council just voted to ban gas hookups in all new homes and buildings. This is a big step towards cleaner air and a greener future for the city.