Meeting Summary
Present: 1-Reyes-Martín, Curiaco, 3-Smith, Parodi
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Anthem Chapel Conditional Use Permit Appeal
- Two speakers addressed the Council regarding the appeal of the Planning Commission’s denial.
- Speakers cited concerns about traffic safety, parking inadequacy, and impacts on nearby nature preserves and monarch butterfly habitat.
- One speaker argued the traffic analysis was flawed for excluding peak usage times and the full scale of the proposed facility.
San Jose Creek Multi-Purpose Trail Project
- A Council Member reported the completion of the bridge over the creek and the tunnel under Highway 217.
- The $11.1 million Reconnecting Communities Program Grant contract with Caltrans has been signed.
- Upcoming events for Coastal Cleanup Day and Creek Week were announced, including a bulky item drop-off and walking tours.
National Preparedness Month Proclamation
- The Council declared September 2026 as National Preparedness Month.
- The Emergency Services Manager accepted the proclamation and highlighted the importance of individual and community preparedness.
- CERT training and the ReadySBC alert system were mentioned as key resources for residents.
Lemon Month Proclamation
- The Council recognized September 2026 as Lemon Month in anticipation of the 33rd Goleta Lemon Festival.
- The Chair of the Goleta Lemon Festival accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce.
- Festival activities were detailed, and thanks were extended to volunteers and city staff.
Library Card Sign-Up Month Proclamation
- The Council declared September 2026 as Library Card Sign-Up Month.
- The Supervising Librarian for the Goleta Valley Library accepted the proclamation on behalf of the City Librarian.
- The role of libraries in education and community connection was emphasized during the acceptance.
General Plan Amendment Initiation – 7979 Hollister Avenue
- The Council considered initiating a General Plan Amendment to change the land use designation from Open Space Active Recreation to Visitor Serving Commercial.
- Staff presented three options, including retaining the current designation or amending citywide zoning to allow RV parks within Open Space zones.
- The applicant requested the Visitor Serving Commercial designation to facilitate a glamping facility, boutique hotel, and restaurant.
- Public testimony generally advocated for maintaining the current Open Space designation due to concerns about habitat protection and precedent for citywide zoning changes.
- The Council voted to decline to initiate the General Plan Amendment and maintain the current designation.
Firearm and Ammunition Retail Sales Study Session
- Staff presented regulatory options for firearm and ammunition retail sales, including zoning changes, sensitive use buffers, and business license requirements.
- Council members discussed the legal framework regarding the Second Amendment and the feasibility of Conditional Use Permits.
- Public comment included concerns about proximity to schools and daycares, as well as arguments from business owners regarding zoning standards and relocation.
- The Council directed staff to develop ordinance changes in Zoning and Business Licenses, including buffer zones around sensitive uses and security requirements.
- The Council also directed staff to prepare a moratorium ordinance for a future vote that does not preclude existing businesses from relocating.
Closed Session
- No closed-session report was included in the provided meeting summary.
Full summary
Public Forum
- Two speakers addressed the Council regarding the Anthem Chapel conditional use permit appeal. Both speakers urged the Council to uphold the Planning Commission’s denial. One speaker cited concerns regarding traffic, parking inadequacy, and impacts on a nearby nature preserve and monarch butterfly habitat. The other speaker argued that the traffic safety analysis was flawed because it excluded peak usage times and did not account for the full scale of the proposed facility, including the education building and potential congregation growth.
Agenda Adjustments
- No changes to the agenda were proposed.
Council Member Updates
- A Council Member presented visual updates on the San Jose Creek multi-purpose trail project, noting the completion of the bridge component over the creek and the tunnel under Highway 217. The Council Member reported that the $11.1 million Reconnecting Communities Program Grant contract with Caltrans has been signed. Additionally, the Council Member announced upcoming events for Coastal Cleanup Day (September 19) and Creek Week (September 19–26), including a bulky item drop-off, walking tours, and an art contest.
Consent Calendar
- The following items were presented:
- A1: Approval of City Council meeting minutes for July 21, 2026, special meeting minutes for August 12, 2026, and meeting minutes for August 18, 2026.
- A2: Acceptance of the July 2026 check register.
- A3: Acceptance of the July 2026 investment transaction report.
- A4: Approval of plans, specifications, award of construction contract, budget appropriation, and adoption of categorical exemption for the City Hall HVAC Replacement Project, and status of the Public Facilities and Building Maintenance Reserve.
- A5: Temporary on-street parking restrictions for the 2026 Isla Vista Halloween Events.
- No speakers were called for the consent calendar. A motion was made to approve the consent calendar and was seconded. The vote was unanimous, and the consent calendar was approved.
Item B1: Proclamation of National Preparedness Month
- A proclamation was read declaring September 2026 as National Preparedness Month. The Emergency Services Manager accepted the proclamation and highlighted the importance of individual and community preparedness, mentioning CERT training and the ReadySBC alert system. A Council Member recognized CERT participants. No public speakers were called.
Item B2: Proclamation of Lemon Month
- A proclamation was read recognizing September 2026 as Lemon Month in anticipation of the 33rd Goleta Lemon Festival on September 26–27, 2026. The Chair of the Goleta Lemon Festival accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, detailing festival activities and thanking volunteers and city staff. No public speakers were called.
Item B3: Proclamation of Library Card Sign-Up Month
- A proclamation was read declaring September 2026 as Library Card Sign-Up Month. The Supervising Librarian for the Goleta Valley Library accepted the proclamation on behalf of the City Librarian, emphasizing the role of libraries in education and community connection. No public speakers were called.
Item C1: General Plan Amendment Initiation – 7979 Hollister Avenue
- The Council opened a public hearing to consider the initiation of a General Plan Amendment (GPA) to change the land use designation at 7979 Hollister Avenue (Elwood Onshore Facility) from Open Space Active Recreation (OSAR) to Visitor Serving Commercial.
- Ex Parte Communications: Council members reported various communications with the applicant and his agent. Most reported no new information beyond the staff report. One Council Member noted receiving information from staff via email.
- Staff Presentation: Staff presented the GPA initiation criteria and the site context. The site is 4.46 acres, formerly an oil processing facility decommissioned in 2024. Remediation is pending final use. Staff outlined three options: 1. Retain the current OSAR designation. 2. Initiate a GPA to change the designation to Visitor Serving Commercial (allowing RV parks, hotels/motels, and associated commercial uses). 3. Initiate a text amendment to Table 2-4 to allow RV parks within the OSAR designation citywide (staff recommended this as an alternative, noting it would apply to all OSAR properties). Staff noted that any future development would be subject to full CEQA review, Design Review, Planning Commission, and potentially Coastal Commission review.
- Applicant Presentation: The applicant and his agent presented the applicant’s vision. They requested the Visitor Serving Commercial designation to facilitate a "glamping" facility, boutique hotel, and restaurant, aiming to provide public parking, beach access, and amenities. They stated that the OSAR designation is too restrictive for their intended use and that the citywide OSAR amendment (Option 3) is not their request. They emphasized the site’s cleanup status and the desire to remove remaining oil equipment. They argued that Visitor Serving Commercial allows for a more compatible, high-end development that benefits the community and local economy.
- Discussion: The Mayor clarified that the Council is deciding on the initiation of the GPA, not the specific project details. Council members asked about the implications of Option 3 (OSAR amendment) for the applicant. The applicant stated they prefer Visitor Serving Commercial but could theoretically work within OSAR, though they see pitfalls in design standards. Staff explained that Option 3 would apply citywide but could include a conditional use permit requirement to limit where RV parks are allowed. Council members asked about the site’s ownership and remediation obligations. Staff confirmed the site is privately owned and that remediation is required as a condition of approval for any future use, regardless of ownership.
- Public Comment: Public testimony was received from multiple residents. Speakers generally advocated for "Alternative 1," which maintains the current Open Space Active Recreation (OSAR) designation. Arguments included:
- The City’s General Plan Policy LU 9.2 designates the land for outdoor coastal recreation after oil and gas processing ends.
- Alternative 3 would allow RV parks and hotels on all OSAR properties citywide, including Sandpiper and Gersh Park.
- The site is adjacent to protected habitat, including a lagoon with endangered fish and red-legged frogs.
- The property was purchased with known remediation liabilities, which some speakers argued should be enforced rather than rezoned.
- Some speakers noted the property was listed for sale as commercial real estate, which they viewed as inconsistent with the applicant’s stated intentions.
- Others expressed concern that changing the zoning would permanently remove the land from open space status, whereas maintaining the current designation allows for future flexibility and potential public-private partnerships for restoration.
- Applicant and Staff Presentation/Q&A: The applicant’s representative and staff provided additional context:
- Remediation Costs: The applicant stated that previous estimates of $22 million were based on worst-case scenarios without soil data. Current estimates for compliance with the Conditional Use Permit are approximately $1.3 million for a commercial use or $600,000–$700,000 for a park use. He noted that voluntary monitoring wells show clean water results.
- Equipment Removal: The applicant explained that removing the existing oil processing equipment requires a Coastal Development Permit, which in turn requires an approved end-use. He argued that initiating the General Plan Amendment (GPA) is necessary to define this end-use to proceed with removal.
- Bonding: Staff and the applicant discussed a state requirement for a remediation deposit/bond. The applicant stated that negotiations with CalGEM are ongoing and that he believes the bonding requirement does not apply due to the lack of active operations and mineral rights.
- Public Benefits: The applicant proposed public benefits such as increased parking, trails, and public access to the site, stating these would not be at taxpayer expense.
- Council Discussion: Council members discussed the implications of the GPA initiation:
- Several members expressed concern that approving the GPA would set a precedent for allowing RV parks and hotels on all OSAR properties citywide.
- Members noted that the current zoning already allows for the removal of the industrial equipment and potentially other uses, making the GPA unnecessary for cleanup.
- There was consensus among several members that the City should not change the General Plan to accommodate a specific applicant’s project, especially given the historical promise of open space and the availability of other options for restoration.
- One member suggested exploring public-private partnerships under the current zoning for restoration and public access.
- The Mayor stated she was not prepared to support a change to the General Plan due to the risks involved and the lack of a clear community vision for the specific proposed development.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to decline to initiate processing the requested General Plan Amendment (Alternative 1). The motion was seconded. The motion passed. The Council voted to maintain the current General Plan designation and not initiate the amendment.
Agenda Item D1: Firearm and Ammunition Retail Sales Study Session
- Staff presented options for regulating firearm and ammunition retail sales. Key points included:
- Current Regulations: Firearm retailers are currently treated as general retail, allowed in four commercial zone districts by right, subject to a business license.
- Legal Framework: Regulations must comply with the Second Amendment and federal/state laws. Local regulations cannot unreasonably interfere with Second Amendment rights.
- Regulatory Options:
- Location of Regulations: Options include adding requirements to Title V (Business Licenses), Title 17 (Zoning), or both.
- Zoning Changes: Shifting allowed zones to Industrial districts or other commercial districts would likely trigger a General Plan Amendment and environmental review.
- Sensitive Use Buffers: Staff listed potential sensitive uses (schools, daycares, parks, residential zones, etc.) and noted existing buffer standards for cannabis, tobacco, and adult-oriented businesses.
- Separation Standards: Options include requiring separation between firearm retail storefronts, similar to cannabis or adult business standards.
- Other Requirements: Potential regulations include hours of operation, fencing, security, and nonconforming use provisions.
- Next Steps: Staff requested Council feedback on policy direction to guide further analysis. If zoning changes are pursued, the item would go to the Planning Commission; if business license changes are pursued, it would return directly to Council.
- Council Questions: Council members asked for clarification on separation standards. Questions were raised regarding the spatial impact of buffers in Goleta’s rectangular layout and the potential for overlap with residential areas. Council inquired about the legal sufficiency of proposed buffers under the Second Amendment. A question was raised about whether small family daycares should be included as sensitive uses for buffer calculations. Staff noted they currently lack locational data for small family daycares but use data from the County for licensed large daycares.
- Discussion on Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) and Zoning: Council members and staff discussed the feasibility of implementing CUPs for firearms retail businesses. Staff noted that current regulations do not require a planning permit for these businesses, only a business license. Staff and the City Attorney explained that a CUP process would require objective findings and must be carefully structured to avoid being perceived as a restriction on Second Amendment rights. Council members discussed using CUPs or similar entitlement processes to facilitate public notice and participation. There was debate regarding whether CUPs should be applied to specific zones to guide business location. Staff clarified that in industrial zones, retail is not a primary permitted use; manufacturing is primary, and retail is typically an accessory use. Staff noted that a previous applicant for an industrial location did not complete the required building permit application due to disagreements with building code interpretations.
- Public Comment: Five in-person speakers and two remote speakers provided comment:
- One speaker expressed concern about the impact of the gun shop on the neighboring community, including potential business closures and childcare issues. They questioned the lease terms and whether the location is appropriate for retail versus industrial use.
- The owner of a local gun business stated he has operated the business for over a decade. He argued that the city applied different standards to his business compared to other businesses in the industrial zone. He contended that the city failed to provide a written administrative decision for appeal and characterized proposed regulations as a "thinly veiled ban." He cited a previous instance where the city issued a license to a preschool near a store selling tobacco and alcohol, despite existing buffer regulations.
- A former gun store owner stated she was "zoned out of business" two decades ago. She offered to educate staff on federal and state licensing requirements and warned of potential legal action by the Firearms Policy Coalition if the city attempts to outlaw gun businesses through zoning or buffer zones.
- One speaker urged the council to require stringent physical and operational security measures for firearms retailers. They suggested establishing an emergency ordinance to designate firearms retail as a distinct commercial category, examining buffers, and designating existing retailers within buffers as non-conforming uses. They also suggested exploring exemptions to allow firearms retail in industrial zones.
- One speaker recommended finding a more appropriate location for the current business owner to avoid zoning conflicts. They suggested maximum buffers of 1,000 feet and updating zoning to serve the neighborhood. They requested financial support for the business owner to relocate and noted that the nearby preschool has reduced attendance.
- A remote speaker read a statement from the principal of Elwood Elementary School supporting safe location standards and buffer zones for firearm retailers near schools.
- A remote speaker representing the Goleta Union School Board read a resolution urging jurisdictions to consider a minimum separation of 1,000 feet between firearm retailers and youth-serving spaces. They noted that the school board unanimously passed this resolution and expressed concern about the potential closure of the nearby preschool.
- Council Deliberation and Direction: Council members discussed the regulatory gap regarding firearms retail zoning, noting that most California jurisdictions do not address this as a zoning matter.
- Zoning and Buffers: Council members agreed that spatial regulations and buffers should be addressed in Title 17 (Zoning Code), which requires Planning Commission review. They discussed using the cannabis ordinance as a guide for buffer distances, with suggestions ranging from 600 to 1,000 feet. Sensitive uses identified for buffers included K-12 schools, preschools, daycares, and churches.
- Zones: There was consensus to isolate community commercial zones from firearms retail. Council members discussed the possibility of allowing firearms retail in industrial zones, noting that this might require a General Plan amendment and a longer process.
- Business Licenses: Council members supported adding security and public notice requirements to the business license process (Title 5) to address public concerns about notification.
- Moratorium: Council members discussed the possibility of a moratorium on new firearm retail licenses. Staff explained that a moratorium under Government Code 65858 requires a four-fifths vote and findings of an immediate threat to public health and safety. Council members expressed concern that a moratorium should not preclude existing businesses from relocating.
- CUPs: Council members discussed the role of CUPs, noting that while they provide a process for public input, the findings must be objective to avoid legal challenges related to the Second Amendment.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to direct staff to proceed with the following: 1. Develop proposed ordinance changes in Title 17 (Zoning) and Title 5 (Business Licenses). 2. Include buffer zones around sensitive uses (schools, daycares, churches) using the cannabis ordinance as a guide. 3. Isolate community commercial zones from firearms retail. 4. Evaluate the feasibility of allowing firearms retail in industrial zones. 5. Add security and public notice requirements to business licenses. 6. Prepare a moratorium ordinance for a future vote, ensuring it does not preclude existing businesses from relocating.
- The motion was seconded. The council voted to approve the direction. The vote passed.
Council Comments
- Council members provided updates on recent activities:
- Public Safety: Council members discussed a meeting with the Police Chief regarding motorcycle and e-bike safety, noting that the primary issues are related to motorcycles rather than e-bikes. They highlighted efforts to keep youth safe in collaboration with the school district and regional partners.
- Energy and Environment: Council members discussed updates from the Energy and Green Issues Subcommittee, including the success of the heat pump permit fee waiver program and the EV charging program at City Hall.
- Public Engagement: Council members discussed a "Coffee and Community" event attended by the Mayor, City Manager, Police Chief, Planning Director, and Airport Director. They noted the informal setting allowed for extended public questions and feedback.
- Housing: Council members mentioned attending a meeting hosted by the Coastal Housing Coalition, where data on housing challenges for employees of local employers, such as Cottage Hospital, was shared.
Public Comment / General Discussion
- State Fire Regulations: A speaker noted that state regulations regarding high fire hazard zones (specifically Zone Zero rules) are pending approval. It was stated that these rules, once approved, would apply immediately to new construction and be implemented for current residents over time. The speaker indicated that the city is monitoring the situation and awaiting further information from state regulatory agencies and fire officials regarding implementation.
- Community Events: A council member reported attendance at the Pride Festival, noting that other officials also attended. Additionally, the mayor and the speaker attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for new community creative suites in Old Town. It was reported that approximately 12 new businesses opened in the area.
Report of the City Attorney
- Amicus Brief: The City Attorney reported that the City of Goleta, along with the cities of Fullerton and Costa Mesa, filed an amicus brief in the federal case Perdomo v. Mullin in the Central District of California. The case concerns immigration-related enforcement stops and the Fourth Amendment. The brief was filed with the court the previous week.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned. No vote was taken; the adjournment was declared by the presiding officer.