Meeting Summary
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
Short-Term Rentals (STRs) and Coastal Commission LCP Amendments
- The Board directed staff to develop a regulatory plan for STRs and homestays following the Coastal Commission's rejection of the LCP amendment.
- The plan includes grandfathering existing STRs that paid Transient Occupancy Tax for the last five years and requiring primary residence documentation.
- Staff will implement revocable business licenses and ensure permits are not transferable upon sale while halting new permits during negotiations.
Appeal of Coastal Development Permit (755 Sandpoint Road)
- The Board denied the appeal and granted de novo approval for the demolition of an existing residence and construction of a new 5,900-square-foot home.
- Staff determined that substantial evidence supports mitigating impacts to less than significant levels, negating the need for an Environmental Impact Report.
- The approval is subject to conditions, including the adoption of a mitigated negative declaration and a mitigation monitoring program.
Regional Fire and EMS Dispatch Center
- The Board directed staff to upgrade the current CAD system and move the dispatch center's governance structure under the CEO’s office.
- Staff will analyze options for separating law enforcement and fire/EMS dispatch, including a potential move to Santa Maria, within 90 days.
- The decision follows discussions on operational challenges, costs, and the need for a fire-governed dispatch model.
Lompoc Riverbed Cleanup and Triage Center
- The City of Lompoc requested a county partnership to share the costs of managing the riverbed cleanup and triage center.
- Officials noted that approximately 20 organizations are involved and the number of individuals in the riverbed has decreased to about 40.
- The item was informational, with no motion moved or voted upon.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Applications
- The Board authorized the submission of seven project applications totaling $41.7 million to the federal HMGP.
- The potential federal award is $31.3 million, with a local share of $10.4 million primarily from restricted South Coast flood zone funds.
- Projects include land acquisition for a debris basin, a stockpile site, and modifications to existing basins.
Cycling Tourism and Cycle California Coast
- The Board received and filed a presentation on the economic benefits of cycling tourism and the "Cycle California Coast" initiative.
- The presentation outlined goals for promoting cycling tourism through safe infrastructure, education, and marketing.
- The Board determined that the presentation is not a project under CEQA.
Personnel and Administrative Matters
- Staff acknowledged the retirement of a supervising planner who served for 24 years.
- An update was provided on a long-standing Building and Safety Appeals Review case that remains open with the BAR.
- The items were informational or administrative updates with no motion moved or voted upon.
Resolution Regarding Law Enforcement and Immigration
- The Board adopted a resolution emphasizing the equitable application of laws regardless of national origin or political affiliation.
- Public comment supported honoring law enforcement officers and upholding the rule of law.
Resolution Proclaiming September 2018 as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month
- The Board adopted a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Williams proclaiming September 2018 as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.
Resolution Honoring Anne Olmy
- The Board adopted a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Wolf honoring Anne Olmy for her 24 years of service in the Planning and Development Department.
Resolution Recognizing St. Vincent’s and Sister Margaret Kivini
- The Board adopted a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Wolf recognizing St. Vincent’s as the longest continuing operating social service agency in the county.
- The resolution also honors Sister Margaret Kivini for her seven years as President and CEO.
Resolution Proclaiming Support for Immigrants and Refugees
- The Board adopted a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Adam supporting immigrants and refugees who seek opportunity or asylum through established legal processes.
- Public comment addressed the balance between open borders, security, and the history of family separation policies.
Approval of Minutes
- The Board approved the minutes from the August 14th meeting.
Project Funding Agreement with National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
- The Board approved a project funding agreement for the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve Public Access Revitalization Project.
One-Time Funds for Community Outreach Liaison
- The Board approved one-time funds for a community outreach liaison in the Office of Emergency Management.
Job Order Contracting Report (Gordian Group Amendment 3)
- The Board approved the county’s job order contracting report for the Gordian Group Amendment 3.
Fiscal Year 2017-18 Financial Status Report
- General Fund revenues increased by $22 million and expenditures increased by $19 million, resulting in a net fund balance increase of $16.8 million.
- Significant expenditure increases were driven by disaster response costs for the Thomas Fire and Montecito debris flow.
- The item was informational, with no motion moved or voted upon.
Closed Session
- The Board considered existing litigation, a decision to initiate civil litigation, and the appointment of a Child Support Services Director.
- No reportable actions were taken in closed session.
Full summary
Agenda Item: Short-Term Rentals (STRs) and Coastal Commission LCP Amendments
- Discussion: The Board discussed the California Coastal Commission’s rejection of Santa Barbara County’s proposed Local Coastal Program (LCP) amendments, which would have prohibited non-hosted short-term rentals in residential zones. Staff clarified that the Commission’s vote to deny the amendment was 7 to 5 and noted that the Commission upheld the City of Carpinteria’s ordinance as a model. Public commenters presented varying perspectives, with some urging the Board to adopt regulations consistent with the Coastal Act (such as grandfathering existing rentals or limiting them to the ocean side of Highway 101) and others expressing concern that prohibiting STRs would negatively impact the local economy and tourism. Staff indicated that new policy options, such as grandfathering or allowing STRs based on primary residence, would require further review by Planning Commissions.
- Board Discussion: Supervisors discussed options to comply with the Coastal Commission’s rejection, including grandfathering existing STRs (up to 141–142 permits) that paid Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for the last five years, requiring primary residence documentation, implementing revocable business licenses, and ensuring permits are not transferable upon sale. The Board also discussed the economic impact of STRs, noting that while they generate TOT revenue, hotels are the primary source, and emphasized that STRs should not substitute for affordable housing.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was moved to direct staff to develop a plan for regulating STRs and homestays. This plan included grandfathering existing STRs that paid TOT for the last five years up through October 7, 2017; requiring operators to demonstrate primary residence with documentation beyond affidavits; implementing a revocable business license that can be revoked for repeated violations; ensuring STR permits are not transferable upon sale; and halting new STR permits during negotiations with the Coastal Commission. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Appeal of Coastal Development Permit (755 Sandpoint Road)
- Discussion: The Board considered an appeal regarding the demolition of an existing residence and the construction of a new 5,900-square-foot home. Public commenters in support highlighted the architect’s credentials, environmental stewardship (including wetland restoration), and the necessity of the project for the applicant’s livelihood. Opponents raised concerns regarding an unpermitted rock revetment, potential violations of the Coastal Act, and impacts on wetland buffers. A reviewer of the applicant’s sea level rise study identified flaws in the coastal hazard analysis, including understated risks to habitats and first responder access.
- Staff Presentation: Staff presented issues related to environmental review, coastal hazards, biological resources, visual resources, and cultural resources. Staff stated that substantial evidence supports the determination that impacts would be mitigated to less than significant levels, negating the need for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Staff addressed the unpermitted revetment issue, noting that the Coastal Commission has not issued a formal Notice of Violation for this specific property and that the project was designed not to rely on the revetment. Staff confirmed compliance with Article 2 of the Coastal Zoning Ordinance and noted that stormwater runoff impacts are mitigated through a management plan.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was moved to deny the appeal, make the required findings for approval, adopt the mitigated negative declaration and mitigation monitoring program, and grant de novo approval of the project subject to conditions. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Regional Fire and EMS Dispatch Center
- Discussion: The Board discussed the need for a regional fire and EMS dispatch center and the separation of law enforcement dispatch from fire/EMS dispatch. Representatives from the Montecito Fire Protection District, the City of Santa Maria, and professional firefighter unions advocated for a fire-governed dispatch model to ensure the "closest most appropriate resource" is sent regardless of jurisdiction. The City of Santa Maria offered to partner to avoid duplicating core computer systems. The Sheriff’s Office expressed opposition to separating dispatch functions, citing the effectiveness of the current multidisciplinary center during recent disasters and arguing that separation would increase costs.
- Board Discussion: The Board reviewed four options: (1) continuing the joint center with improved governance; (2) regionalizing law dispatch with Santa Maria while keeping fire/EMS in the South County facility; (3) separating law and fire/EMS within the current facility; and (4) separating fire/EMS to a different location. Supervisors discussed the operational challenges, costs, and governance structures associated with each option.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was moved to direct staff to upgrade the current CAD system in the Santa Barbara dispatch center, change the governance structure of the dispatch center to be under the CEO’s office, and analyze the options for separating law enforcement and fire/EMS dispatch, including the potential move to Santa Maria, reporting back to the board within 90 days. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Lompoc Riverbed Cleanup and Triage Center
- Discussion: The City Manager and Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Lompoc discussed the financial burden of managing the riverbed cleanup and triage center following the Thomas Fire and debris flow. They requested a partnership with the County to share costs for the cleanup, which is estimated to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. They highlighted the environmental risks of debris entering the river and the need for proactive measures to protect both human lives and the environment. A representative from the City of Lompoc provided an update noting that approximately 20 organizations are involved, the number of individuals in the riverbed has decreased from over 100 to about 40, and a move-out date of September 10th was mentioned.
- Motion and Vote: No motion was moved or voted upon in this section. The item was informational.
Agenda Item: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Applications
- Discussion: Staff presented a request for approval to submit grant applications to the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The county is submitting seven project applications totaling $41.7 million, with a potential federal award of $31.3 million and a local share of $10.4 million, primarily from restricted South Coast flood zone funds. Projects include land acquisition for a debris basin, a stockpile site, and modifications to existing basins. Staff noted that the program is competitive and awards are not guaranteed.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was moved to adopt a resolution authorizing the submission of HMGP applications and the signing of local match fund commitment letters. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Cycling Tourism and Cycle California Coast
- Discussion: Representatives from Visit Ventura and the SB Bike Board presented information on the cycling tourism industry, highlighting its economic benefits and the "high quality, low impact" nature of cycling tourists. The presentation outlined the goals of the "Cycle California Coast" initiative, a bi-county effort to promote cycling tourism through safe infrastructure, education, and marketing.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was moved to receive and file the presentation and determine that it is not a project under CEQA. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Personnel and Administrative Matters
- Discussion: Staff acknowledged the retirement of a supervising planner who served for 24 years. Additionally, staff provided an update on a long-standing Building and Safety Appeals Review (BAR) case, noting that the applicant has not made required changes and that the case remains open with the BAR, not the Board.
- Motion and Vote: No motion was moved or voted upon in this section. The items were informational or administrative updates.
Agenda Item: Resolution Regarding Law Enforcement and Immigration
- Discussion: Public comment was received regarding the honoring of law enforcement officers and upholding the rule of law. A retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major spoke in support, emphasizing that laws should be applied equitably regardless of national origin or political affiliation.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was moved to adopt the resolution. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Resolution Proclaiming September 2018 as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month
- Discussion: The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Williams.
- Motion and Vote: The resolution was moved, seconded, and passed.
Agenda Item: Resolution Honoring Anne Olmy
- Discussion: The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Wolf honoring Anne Olmy for her retirement from the Planning and Development Department after 24 years of service.
- Motion and Vote: The resolution was moved, seconded, and passed.
Agenda Item: Resolution Recognizing St. Vincent’s and Sister Margaret Kivini
- Discussion: The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Wolf recognizing St. Vincent’s as the longest continuing operating social service agency in the county and honoring Sister Margaret Kivini for her seven years as President and CEO.
- Motion and Vote: The resolution was moved, seconded, and passed.
Agenda Item: Resolution Proclaiming Support for Immigrants and Refugees
- Discussion: The Board considered a resolution sponsored by Supervisor Adam regarding support for immigrants and refugees who seek opportunity or asylum through established legal processes. Public comment included statements regarding the history of family separation policies, the need for screening, and the balance between open borders and security.
- Motion and Vote: The resolution was moved, seconded, and passed.
Agenda Item: Approval of Minutes
- Discussion: The Board considered the approval of the minutes from the August 14th meeting.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes. The minutes were approved.
Agenda Item: Project Funding Agreement with National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
- Discussion: The Board considered recommendations regarding a project funding agreement for the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve Public Access Revitalization Project.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to approve the item. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: One-Time Funds for Community Outreach Liaison
- Discussion: The Board considered recommendations regarding one-time funds for a community outreach liaison in the Office of Emergency Management.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to approve the item. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Job Order Contracting Report (Gordian Group Amendment 3)
- Discussion: The Board considered recommendations regarding the county’s job order contracting report for the Gordian Group Amendment 3.
- Motion and Vote: A motion was made to approve the item. The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item: Fiscal Year 2017-18 Financial Status Report
- Discussion: The County’s financial officer presented the year-end financial status report. General Fund revenues increased by $22 million (5%), and expenditures increased by $19 million (5.5%). The net increase in fund balance was $16.8 million, ending the year with a $130 million fund balance. Significant expenditure increases were in salaries and benefits ($19.7 million increase) and services and supplies ($16 million increase), largely due to disaster response costs for the Thomas Fire and Montecito debris flow. Approximately $33 million was coded to disaster response, with the General Fund absorbing $18 million of this.
- Motion and Vote: No motion was moved or voted upon in this section. The item was informational.
Agenda Item: Closed Session
- Discussion: The Board entered closed session to consider existing litigation (Flath v. County of Santa Barbara), a decision to initiate civil litigation, and the appointment of a Child Support Services Director.
- Motion and Vote: No reportable actions were taken in closed session.
Agenda Item: Adjournment
- Discussion: The Board adjourned the meeting.
- Motion and Vote: The meeting was adjourned to September 11th in Santa Barbara.