Meeting Summary
Present: 2-Capps, 3-Hartmann, 1-Lee, 4-Nelson · Absent: 5-Lavagnino
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details — verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Annexation of the Orchid Project (Richards Ranch)
- Staff reported an arbitration outcome favoring the City, projecting a net annual revenue loss for the County.
- Developers requested a continuance to resolve material issues regarding water constraints and revenue analysis.
- The Board voted to continue the item to June 9, 2026, to allow time for reconciliation.
Long-Range Planning Work Program
- Staff presented the 2026–2029 work program, highlighting housing and environmental justice accomplishments.
- The presentation noted staffing reductions due to budget shortfalls that may impact non-mandated zoning updates.
- The Board received the report and directed staff on resource allocation while determining the item is not a CEQA project.
Fire Code Amendments and Appeals Process
- Staff proposed amendments to establish a formal Board process for hearing appeals from Fire Marshal decisions.
- The new procedure allows the Board to select members with specific expertise to handle future cases.
- The Board adopted the amendments to Chapter 15 of the County Code.
Fire Department Board of Appeals Revisions and Appointments
- A Board member requested a continuance to review potential candidates and ensure appointee balance.
- Staff confirmed that delaying the item would not cause undue complications.
- The Board continued the item to the April 21 meeting.
Sheriff's Office Co-Response Program
- Staff presented an update on the program pairing deputies with mental health practitioners, noting funding gaps for two teams.
- Discussion focused on the program's effectiveness in de-escalation and fiscal challenges for the fourth team.
- The Board adopted staff recommendations to receive and file the report.
Film Commissioner Position
- Staff proposed a co-funded Film Commissioner position to coordinate film productions and increase tax revenue.
- Supervisors expressed support but noted budget constraints and coordination complexities with external jurisdictions.
- The Board directed staff to return with options for establishing the position ahead of budget hearings.
Tree Protection Ordinance
- Public comment urged the adoption of a standalone tree protection ordinance beyond current development-specific rules.
- Staff clarified that no general ordinance exists outside the coastal zone, though an oak tree ordinance is in place.
- A Board member requested the Planning Department consider a comprehensive tree policy for future housing developments.
Dark Sky Week Resolution
- A resolution recognizing International Dark Sky Week was presented to highlight the impact of light pollution on agriculture.
- The Board noted that seven of the eight county cities had already issued similar proclamations.
- The Board adopted the resolution.
Organ Donation Proclamation
- A proclamation supporting organ donation was presented, citing 188 people on the county waiting list.
- The Board adopted the proclamation.
Telecommunications Safety Week Proclamation
- A proclamation recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunications Week was presented to honor law enforcement dispatchers.
- The Board adopted the proclamation.
Other Resolutions and Recognitions
- The Board adopted multiple resolutions honoring individuals, organizations, and observances including the Botanic Garden's 100th anniversary.
- Recognitions included proclamations for Donate Life Month, Child Abuse Prevention, and Healthy People Healthy Trails Month.
- All listed items were passed and adopted.
Community Project Funds Grant and Loan for Sanctuary Centers
- The Board considered a grant agreement and loan for a permanent supportive housing development in Hollister.
- Public comment was received regarding the project.
- The Board approved staff recommendations A through D.
No decision 0–0
Cannabis Taxation, Permitting, and Licensing Update
- Staff reported that 16 of 25 Carpinteria-based businesses installed required filtration equipment while nine faced license revocation.
- The update outlined the timeline for appeals and hearings regarding the violations.
- No formal vote was recorded in this segment.
Cannabis Odor Mitigation and Technology
- Consultants confirmed the efficacy and safety of Genesis units for odor mitigation in cannabis greenhouses.
- Staff noted that two growers have achieved compliance while other Odor Abatement Plans remain under review.
- Discussion addressed the enforcement process and the 60-day appeal window for license violations.
Floodplain Management Ordinance Amendment
- Staff presented an amendment to improve language clarity and ensure compliance with state and federal floodplain standards.
- The amendment aims to maintain the County's Class 6 Community Rating System rating for flood insurance discounts.
- The Board approved staff recommendations A through C regarding the ordinance amendment.
Wildfire Resilience and County Coordinator Program
- The Fire Safety Council presented an update on transitioning to a regional approach for new state grants.
- The presentation discussed forming a Technical Advisory Committee to prioritize countywide wildfire projects.
- The Board approved staff recommendations A through B regarding the wildfire mitigation report.
Administrative Agenda
- The Board adopted the balance of the Administrative Agenda after pulling specific items for separate discussion.
- Items A-23 and A-24 were subsequently adopted or received and filed as separate motions.
- Item A-27 was addressed under the Fire Department Board of Appeals agenda item.
Passed 3–1 · against: Hartmann
Closed Session
- The Board entered a closed session to discuss existing and anticipated litigation, real property negotiations, and labor negotiations.
- Upon reconvening, the Clerk reported on actions taken without detailing specific discussions.
- The Board took no reportable action.
Full summary
Annexation of the Orchid Project (Richards Ranch)
- The Board considered the annexation of the Orchid Project (Richards Ranch) and the associated tax exchange arbitration between the County and the City of Santa Maria. Staff presented the outcome of the arbitration, noting the arbitrator selected the City's proposal, which projected a net annual revenue loss of approximately $212,000 for the County and did not account for the loss of Orcutt Community Facilities District revenues. City representatives argued that independent analyses indicated a revenue increase for the County and contested the County's claim of a $425,000 annual loss regarding the CFD. Developers and supporters noted the site had been undevelopable in the County since the 1990s due to water constraints and requested a continuance to resolve material issues in the staff analysis. A motion was made and seconded to continue the item to a date certain of June 9, 2026, to allow time to reconcile these issues. The motion passed.
Long-Range Planning Work Program
- Staff presented the Long-Range Planning Division's work program for fiscal years 2026–2029, outlining accomplishments such as the housing element implementation and the Environmental Justice Element adoption. The presentation detailed ongoing mandates including the Safety Element update (focusing on climate adaptation), Circulation Element update, and Open Space Element update. Staff highlighted staffing constraints, noting a reduction from 15 to 13 or 14 full-time equivalents due to budget shortfalls, which could impact non-mandated items like zoning ordinance streamlining. A motion was made and seconded to receive the report, provide direction to staff regarding resource allocation, and determine the item is not a project under CEQA. The motion passed unanimously.
Fire Code Amendments and Appeals Process
- The Board considered amendments to Chapter 15 of the County Code to establish a formal process for the Board to hear appeals from decisions made by the Fire Marshal or Fire Chief. Staff noted that while such appeals have not occurred in 10 to 20 years, the new process formalizes the procedure and allows the Board to select members with specific expertise to handle cases. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the amendments. The motion passed.
Fire Department Board of Appeals Revisions and Appointments
- The Board considered revisions to the rules and regulations of the Fire Department's Board of Appeals and the appointment of candidates. A Board member requested a continuance to the April 21 meeting to review potential candidates and ensure a balance of appointees. Staff confirmed a delay would not cause undue complications. A motion was made and seconded to continue the item to April 21. The motion passed.
Sheriff's Office Co-Response Program
- Staff from the Sheriff's Office and Behavioral Wellness presented an update on the Co-Response program, which pairs deputies with mental health practitioners. The presentation covered program history, call volumes, and disposition data, noting that two of the four teams currently lack identified funding for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussion addressed the program's effectiveness in de-escalation and the fiscal challenges regarding the fourth team. A motion was made and seconded to adopt staff recommendations to receive and file the report and determine the item is not subject to CEQA. The motion passed unanimously.
Film Commissioner Position
- The Board discussed a proposal to establish a Santa Barbara County Film Commissioner position to serve as a coordinated "front door" for film productions. Staff presented data on regional film expenditures and the potential for increased Transient Occupancy Tax revenue, proposing a co-funded model with the City of Santa Barbara. Supervisors expressed support for the concept but noted budget constraints and the complexity of coordinating with external jurisdictions. The Board directed staff to return with options for establishing the position, including potential structures and funding sources, ahead of budget hearings. No formal motion or vote was recorded on the creation of the position in this segment.
Tree Protection Ordinance
- Public comment was received urging the Board to adopt a standalone tree protection ordinance, noting that current protections only apply during development proposals. Staff responded that while the City has a tree protection ordinance and the County has an oak tree ordinance, there is no general ordinance outside the coastal zone. A Board member requested that the Planning Department consider developing a comprehensive tree policy regarding removal and replacement in future housing developments. No formal motion or vote was recorded regarding the adoption of a new ordinance in this segment.
Dark Sky Week Resolution
- A resolution recognizing International Dark Sky Week (April 13–20, 2026) was presented, highlighting the impact of light pollution on agriculture and noting that seven of the eight cities in the county had issued proclamations. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. The motion passed.
Organ Donation Proclamation
- A proclamation supporting organ donation was presented, noting 188 people are on the waiting list in the county. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the proclamation. The motion passed.
Telecommunications Safety Week Proclamation
- A proclamation recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunications Week (April 12–18, 2026) was presented to honor law enforcement dispatchers. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the proclamation. The motion passed.
Other Resolutions and Recognitions
- The Board adopted several resolutions and proclamations:
- Honoring Reverend J.B. Ficklin Jr. for his ministry and leadership.
- Honoring Carrie McKinnon for 25 years of service as a library Branch Supervisor.
- Acknowledging the 100th anniversary of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
- Proclaiming April 2026 as Month of the Young Child.
- Proclaiming April 2026 as Donate Life Month.
- Honoring Mindy Boulay upon her retirement from the Public Defender's Office.
- Proclaiming April 2026 as Healthy People Healthy Trails Month.
- Proclaiming April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month.
- All items were passed and adopted.
Community Project Funds Grant and Loan for Sanctuary Centers
- The Board considered a Community Project Funds grant agreement and loan to Sanctuary Centers for a permanent supportive housing development in Hollister. Public comment was received. A motion was made and seconded to approve staff recommendations A through D. The motion passed.
No decision 0–0
Cannabis Taxation, Permitting, and Licensing Update
- Staff provided an update on cannabis taxation, permitting, and licensing for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025–2026. The update noted that of 25 Carpinteria-based licensed businesses, 16 had installed required filtration equipment while nine were issued license revocation letters. The timeline for appeals and hearings was outlined. No formal vote was recorded in this segment.
Cannabis Odor Mitigation and Technology
- Staff and consultants discussed the efficacy of odor mitigation technologies, specifically Genesis units, for cannabis greenhouses. A third-party engineer reported the units are effective and safe, with no measurable secondary emissions. Staff confirmed that some Odor Abatement Plans remain under review, while two growers have achieved compliance. Discussion addressed the enforcement process, including the 60-day appeal window for license violations. No formal motion or vote was recorded in this segment.
Floodplain Management Ordinance Amendment
- Staff presented an ordinance amendment to Chapter 15A of the County Code regarding floodplain management to improve language clarity and ensure compliance with state and federal standards. The amendment aims to maintain the County's Class 6 Community Rating System rating, which provides a 20% discount on flood insurance policies. A motion was made and seconded to approve staff recommendations A through C regarding the ordinance amendment. The motion passed unanimously.
Wildfire Resilience and County Coordinator Program
- The Santa Barbara County Fire Safety Council presented an update on the County Coordinator Program, discussing the transition to a regional approach for new state grants and the formation of a Technical Advisory Committee to prioritize countywide projects. A motion was made and seconded to approve staff recommendations A through B regarding the wildfire mitigation report. The motion passed unanimously.
Administrative Agenda
- The Board considered the Administrative Agenda. Items A-23, A-24, and A-27 were pulled for separate discussion. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the balance of the Administrative Agenda, excluding the pulled items. The motion passed unanimously.
- Item A-23: A motion was made and seconded to adopt staff recommendations A through C. The motion passed unanimously.
- Item A-24: A motion was made and seconded to receive and file the item. The motion passed unanimously.
- Item A-27: See "Fire Department Board of Appeals Revisions and Appointments" above.
Passed 3–1 · against: Hartmann
Minutes Adoption
- The Board considered the adoption of the minutes from the March 10, 2026, regular meeting. A motion was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Closed Session
- The Board entered a closed session to discuss existing litigation, anticipated litigation, real property negotiations, and labor negotiations. Upon reconvening, the Clerk reported on actions taken, though specific details were not detailed in the transcript. The Board took no reportable action.
Adjournment
- Following the approval of the final agenda items, the Board adjourned the meeting.