City Council — January 26, 2026

Bicycles and Electric Vehicle Ordinance

• Staff presented Ordinance No. 1795 to address safety concerns regarding electric mobility devices.
• Provisions prohibit sidewalk riding in the Central Traffic District and set speed limits for Class 3 e-bikes.
• Minors under 18 may complete safety education to avoid fines through a partnership with Move Santa Barbara.
• The ordinance passed first reading with a scheduled effective date of March 8th.

Departmental Reports

• Departments shifted reporting frequency to bi-annual to allow for more detailed progress tracking.
• Parks and Recreation highlighted successful revenue from the pool pilot and expanded senior programming.
• Community Development noted staffing reallocations are slowing long-range planning for accessory housing.
• Public Works reported progress on capital projects while addressing limited funding for pavement rehabilitation.

Harbor Seal Protection Proposal

• Community members requested code updates to align with the Marine Mammal Protection Act for harbor seals.
• Concerns were raised regarding declining seal numbers and residents approaching animals during molting season.
• Staff agreed to prepare a report on legal aspects and feasibility before adding it to priorities.

Legislative and Administrative Updates

• Microtransit service is confirmed to launch in Carpinteria by the end of the year.
• Amtrak will add an additional train to the line during the upcoming Spring season.
• Updates were provided regarding the successful dam removal for the Surfers Point Beach Erosion project.

• # City Council Meeting Summary City: Carpinteria (Note: Transcript contains transcription errors referring to "Carpentry" and "Carpinteria" interchangeably) Subject: Bicycles & Electric Vehicle Ordinance and Departmental Reports
• ## 1. Ordinance Presentation: Bicycles and Electric Mobility Devices Presenter: City Management/Staff Status: First Reading Approved
• Staff presented the first reading of the Bicycles and Electric Vehicle and Devices Ordinance (Ordinance No. 1795). This follows a directive from the Council to address increasing safety concerns regarding electric mobility devices (e-bikes, scooters, etc.) over the last three years.

Key Background

• Problem: Significant increase in e-bike usage leading to concerns over speed, sidewalk riding in high-pedestrian areas, and accidents. Existing state law lacks specific municipal tools to regulate these issues fully.
• Process: An ad hoc committee was formed last year (including Council members, the Mayor, Sheriff's Office, Move Santa Barbara, and community stakeholders) to draft recommendations focusing on safety, education, and feasibility.

Key Provisions

• Sidewalk Prohibition: Riding bicycles or electric mobility devices on sidewalks is prohibited only within the Central Traffic District (downtown core and adjacent high-pedestrian areas). This is not a citywide ban, acknowledging that some areas lack viable alternatives.
• Speed Limits: Maximum speed of 28 mph for Class 3 e-bikes.
• Education & Diversion: A focus on education over enforcement for minors.
• Youth Diversion: Minors under 18 can complete a safety education class to avoid paying a fine.
• Partnership: Staff proposes an association with Move Santa Barbara to deliver the program.
• Penalties: Fines set at $100 (1st violation), $200 (2nd), and $500 (subsequent). Code compliance personnel may issue citations.
• Prohibitions: Electric bicycles are prohibited on the seashore and water facilities.

Implementation Timeline

• First Reading: Approved tonight.
• Second Reading: Scheduled for February 9th.
• Effective Date: March 8th (30 days after second reading).
• Phases:
• 1. Public education and communication. 2. Warnings and education. 3. Enforcement in key areas. 4. Citation phase (if violations persist).
• Council Action: Motion made and seconded to approve the ordinance in the first reading.
• ## 2. Departmental Reports (Q1 FY 2025-2026) Presenter: City Manager / Department Heads Note: Reporting has shifted from quarterly to bi-annual to allow for more detailed progress tracking.
• General Services:
• Celebrated the City's 60th Anniversary.
• Adopted a new orderly management system for boards.
• Allocated funds for real migration services grants.
• Challenge: Staff capacity is limited; personnel cover multiple roles (e.g., inspector/animal control), creating vulnerabilities during absences.
• Parks, Recreation & Community Services:
• Library strategic plan adopted; approx. 4,900 participants in programming.
• Community Garden collaborating with schools and Santa Barbara City College.
• Swimming pool pilot program covered expenses through revenue (135,162 spaces covered).
• Expanded programs for seniors ("Abuelos" Meetup) and legal aid.
• Administrative Services:
• Implemented credit card policies for better internal controls.
• Simplified commercial license processes.
• Preliminary planning for Microsoft Office 365 migration.
• Community Development:
• Challenge: Unexpected development projects (e.g., Chevron) have required reallocating staff time, slowing long-range planning (e.g., accessory housing ordinance).
• Progress: General Plan update draft ready; DataTicket system implemented for fine collection (increased revenue); GovWell Technology for permits.
• Housing: Subcommittee formed to address affordable housing strategies.
• Public Works:
• Staff achieved new certifications (Traffic Control, Public Administration, HAZWOPER).
• Accessibility: Implemented multilingual translation features on the GoGov platform.
• Capital Projects: Progress on Surfers Point (beach erosion), Linden Avenue, and Franklin Development.
• Challenges: High volume of sidewalk and tree repair complaints; funding for pavement rehabilitation is limited.
• ## 3. Public Comment & New Priorities Topic: Marine Mammal Protection (Harbor Seals) Speakers: Community Members (including members of "Save Our Seals" and "Seal Watch")
• Request: Citizens requested the City update the Municipal Code to align with the Marine Mammal Protection Act to better protect the harbor seal colony during their molting season (when they rest on the beach).
• Concerns: Significant decline in seal numbers (from ~200 to ~40-50). Tourists and residents approaching seals despite the beach being closed or restricted.
• Proposal: Incorporate federal protection language into local code and establish a "Shore Savers" beach cleanup station.
• Council/Staff Response:
• The Council acknowledged the importance of the issue.
• Staff Caution: Staffing constraints and budget implications were noted.
• Decision: Staff agreed to prepare a report on the legal aspects and feasibility (including jurisdictional issues with the beach being state property) before adding it to the formal departmental priorities list.
• ## 4. Legislative & Administrative Updates
• MTD (Mass Transit District): Confirmed microtransit service will launch in Carpinteria by the end of the year. Contract with EZ-Lift is being reviewed for statistics.
• Amtrak: An additional train is being added to the line (early arrival/late return) in the Spring.
• Coastal Commission: Update on the Surfers Point Beach Erosion project in Ventura (dam removal successful, sand returning).
• Public Participation: Committee meeting scheduled to discuss scope of work and energy commissions (CCEAC).
• Meeting Adjournment: Following the report on the Marine Mammal Protection issue and the approval of the Bicycle Ordinance, the meeting moved to the next agenda items.