Meeting Summary
Present: 5-Lavagnino, 1-Lee, 2-Capps, 3-Hartmann
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
County Executive Officer Report
- The county was selected for the Aligning Health and Safety Technical Assistance Initiative to improve behavioral health support in the justice system.
- First 5 Santa Barbara County announced a virtual education talk on early childhood resilience scheduled for October 1, 2026.
Administrative Resolutions
- The board approved resolutions proclaiming September as Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month.
- Resolutions were adopted to honor Carlos Santana, recognize Captain Eric Gray and Search Dog D, and commend the BHSA Team and Lieutenant Butch Arnoldi.
Local Government Climate Alliance Membership
- The board voted to join the Local Government Climate Alliance.
- The motion passed with a 4-1 vote following a roll call request by the Chair.
Utility-Scale Solar and BESS Amendments
- Staff proposed a Tier 1 pathway for standalone battery energy storage systems up to 0.25 acres, exempt from discretionary permits if a 50-foot setback is met.
- The board directed staff to adopt a 16,000-acre countywide cap for solar development and allow Tier 1 agricultural solar up to 15 acres.
- Ground-mounted solar on agricultural land with slopes exceeding 20% will require a Land Use Permit.
- The board decided against additional insurance or bonding requirements for Tier 1 BESS systems, relying on existing fire code mandates.
Coastal Resources Mitigation Fund Fee Reassessment
- The board approved a mid-cycle fee reassessment for the Santa Ynez Unit, assigning six points totaling $318,600 annually.
- The motion passed unanimously with one supervisor recusing herself.
El Niño Preparedness Update
- Staff presented an update on winter preparedness measures, including emergency management readiness, flood control maintenance, and transportation inspections.
- The board received and filed the staff recommendation regarding financial strains and FEMA policy changes.
Wine Improvement District Annual Report
- The board approved the first annual report of the Santa Barbara County Wine Improvement District.
- Supervisors directed the district to incorporate Zoom access and provide further feedback on economic impacts.
FY 2025–2026 Budget Status Report
- Staff reported that the General Fund ended the year with an $11.9 million positive position.
- The board adopted the staff recommendation to hold the surplus in anticipation of potential disaster-related needs.
Firearms Retailer Siting Standards
- The board approved countywide standards including a 1,000-foot buffer from sensitive receptors and a Conditional Use Permit requirement.
- The motion to approve the recommendations passed with a 4-1 vote.
Adoption of Revised Solar and BESS Ordinance Text
- The board adopted the recommended actions for utility-scale solar and BESS amendments as revised.
- The motion passed with a 4-1 vote.
Closed Session
- The board conferred with labor negotiators for the Santa Barbara County Firefighters Local 2046.
- No reportable action was taken during the session.
Full summary
Meeting Overview
- The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors held its regular meeting on September 1, 2026. The session included the approval of minutes, administrative resolutions, a detailed hearing on utility-scale solar and battery energy storage (BESS) amendments, a fee reassessment for the Coastal Resources Mitigation Fund, an El Niño preparedness update, a wine district report, a budget status report, and the adoption of firearms retailer siting standards.
Approval of Minutes
- Item: Approval of minutes from the August 25, 2026, meeting.
- Action: A motion to approve was made by Supervisor Lavenino and seconded by Supervisor Capps.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
County Executive Officer Report
- Item: Informational report from the County Executive Office and First 5 Santa Barbara County.
- Discussion: The County Executive Office announced the county’s selection for the Aligning Health and Safety Technical Assistance Initiative to improve behavioral health support within the justice system. First 5 Santa Barbara County announced a virtual ed talk scheduled for October 1, 2026, focused on early childhood resilience.
- Outcome: No vote was taken.
Administrative Agenda – Bulk Approval
- Item: Approval of the balance of the administrative agenda, excluding Item A12.
- Action: A motion to approve was made by Supervisor Hartman and seconded by Supervisor Capps.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously. This included the adoption of the following resolutions:
- Resolution Proclaiming September 2026 as Recovery Month: Sponsored by Supervisor Lavenino. Speakers highlighted county progress in reducing overdose deaths and the work of community partners.
- Resolution Proclaiming September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Month: Sponsored by Supervisors Nelson and Capps. Speakers promoted awareness of resources, including the "Out of the Darkness Walk" and the 24/7 crisis line.
- Resolution Honoring Carlos Santana: Sponsored by Supervisor Lee. Graham Lyons of the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation spoke in support of the resolution honoring Santana’s legacy.
- Resolution Recognizing Captain Eric Gray and Search Dog D: Sponsored by Supervisor Capps. Fire Chief Garrett Huff and Captain Gray detailed their deployment to Venezuela for earthquake search and rescue operations.
- Resolution of Commendation for BHSA Team: Sponsored by Supervisor Nelson. Tony Navarro and Suzanne Grimacy detailed the team’s transition from MHSA to BHSA and community engagement efforts.
- Resolution of Commendation for Lieutenant Butch Arnoldi: Sponsored by Supervisors Nelson and Lee. Sheriff Nguyen and Lieutenant Arnoldi outlined his 53 years of service to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department.
Administrative Item 12: County Membership in the Local Government Climate Alliance
- Item: Recommendation regarding county membership in the Local Government Climate Alliance.
- Discussion: Chair Nelson requested a roll call vote, noting that joining the alliance may be contrary to her personal and district positions. Supervisor Hartman moved to join the alliance, which was seconded.
- Outcome: The motion to join the Local Government Climate Alliance passed with a vote of 4 to 1.
General Public Comment
- Item: Public comments on agenda items and general matters.
- Discussion: Six speakers addressed the board regarding Planning and Development enforcement actions, ICE operations at the jail, alleged assaults by ICE agents, detention conditions, the oil phase-out ordinance, and board policies regarding ICE presence on county property.
- Outcome: No votes were taken.
Departmental Item 1: Utility-Scale Solar Project Amendments and Standalone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Item: Hearing to consider amendments to the County Land Use and Development Code (LUDC), Coastal Zoning Ordinance (CCO), and Uniform Rules for Agricultural Preserve regarding utility-scale solar projects and BESS.
- Staff Presentation: Staff presented options for amending codes to streamline permitting for solar and BESS. Key proposals included a Tier 1 pathway for standalone BESS up to 0.25 acres in specified zones, exempt from discretionary land use permits but subject to building and fire codes. Staff proposed a 50-foot setback from sensitive receptors for Tier 1 systems. Staff did not recommend additional water runoff containment or bonding requirements for Tier 1 systems, citing existing fire codes and the small scale of facilities. Staff concluded that the changes do not require recirculation of the Final Program EIR.
- Board Discussion:
- Insurance and Liability: Supervisors inquired about insurance and cleanup responsibilities. Staff clarified that fire code requirements mandate decommissioning plans and hazard analysis. The Fire Marshal noted that hazard analysis documents are required for all BESS permits.
- Fire Safety: The Fire Marshal explained that all BESS permits undergo fire department review for setbacks, access, and defensible space. Thermal imaging and automatic shut-offs are standard.
- Setbacks: Staff explained the 10-foot minimum from structures and the proposed 50-foot setback from sensitive receptors.
- Acreage Cap: Supervisors discussed the rationale for dividing the 10,000-acre cap between North and South County. Supervisor Capps advocated for a higher cap (16,000 acres) based on economic development and energy resilience.
- Visual Impact: Supervisor Lee suggested a 20% slope limit for Tier 1 projects to trigger discretionary review.
- Bonding: Supervisor Griffith expressed concern about the lack of bonding for Tier 1 systems. Staff maintained that fire code requirements and small scale mitigate risk.
- Permitting Pathway: The board discussed the permitting pathway for Tier 1 BESS. Supervisor Griffith advocated for a Land Use Permit (LUP) for all Tier 1 BESS. Supervisor Hartman preferred an exemption pathway if the 50-foot setback is met, with a LUP required only if a reduction is requested.
- Slope Restrictions: Supervisor Lee proposed that ground-mounted solar on agricultural land with slopes exceeding 20% should require a LUP.
- Public Comment: Speakers expressed support for the ordinance, citing resilience, cost-effectiveness, grid stability, and job creation. Some speakers urged the inclusion of a county-wide cap for Tier 3 facilities on agricultural land and protection of Williamson Act lands. One speaker opposed the report, citing an ongoing lawsuit regarding the constitutionality of the WID assessment (note: this comment appears to be misattributed in the source text to the solar item, but the solar item comments focused on safety, economics, and environmental protections).
- Board Direction: The board directed staff to trail the item to draft language reflecting the following:
- 1. Allow Tier 1 agricultural solar up to 15 acres. 2. Adopt a 16,000-acre countywide cap for solar development without a north-south split. 3. Adopt the uniform rule amendments. 4. For Tier 1 BESS, maintain an exemption pathway if the 50-foot setback is met; require a LUP if a setback reduction is requested. 5. Require a LUP for ground-mounted solar on agricultural land with slopes exceeding 20%. 6. No insurance or bonding requirement for Tier 1 BESS.
- Outcome: The item was trailed for staff to prepare final language.
Closed Session
- Item: Conference with labor negotiators for the Santa Barbara County Firefighters Local 2046.
- Outcome: No reportable action was taken.
Coastal Resources Mitigation Fund – Santa Ynez Unit Mid-Cycle Fee Reassessment
- Item: Mid-cycle reassessment of fees for the Santa Ynez Unit (SYU) for 2025–2027.
- Discussion: Staff presented a reassessment assigning the SYU six points, totaling $318,600 annually, compared to the previous non-operational assessment of 2.5 points. Supervisor Griffith inquired about the legal entity responsible for payment, suggesting the county bill the permit holder (Exxon) rather than the operator (Sable). Supervisor Lavagnino asked about precedent for retroactive adjustments. Supervisor Capps confirmed the action is solely a fee adjustment.
- Action: Supervisor Capps moved to approve the staff recommendation. Supervisor Lee seconded the motion.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously (4-0), with Supervisor Hartman recusing herself.
2026–2027 El Niño Update and Winter Preparation
- Item: Update on El Niño conditions and winter preparedness.
- Discussion: Staff from Public Works, Fire, Flood Control, Transportation, and Community Services presented an update on preparedness measures, including emergency management readiness, fire department training, flood control maintenance, transportation inspections, and community services support. Staff noted financial strains from recent disaster costs and potential changes in FEMA policies. Supervisors asked about partnerships with Caltrans and Fish and Wildlife, debris disposal plans, FEMA reimbursements for 2023–2024 damages, bluff safety communication protocols, and outreach to homeless individuals in riverbeds.
- Action: Supervisor Hartman moved to receive and file the staff recommendation. Supervisor Lee seconded the motion.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item No. 4 – Santa Barbara County Wine Improvement District Annual Report
- Item: First annual report of the Santa Barbara County Wine Improvement District (WID).
- Discussion: Allison Laslett, CEO of the WID, presented the report covering the first fiscal year. Key points included marketing efforts, education events, and financials. Supervisor Hartman commented on tourism marketing fragmentation and directed the WID to incorporate Zoom access and return with a proposal for formal county interaction. Supervisor Nelson directed the WID to provide further feedback on economic impacts.
- Public Comment: Two speakers opposed the report, citing an ongoing lawsuit regarding the constitutionality of the WID assessment and concerns about Brown Act compliance and marketing priorities. Laslett responded by clarifying the county’s role in collections and the WID’s status regarding Brown Act requirements.
- Action: Supervisor Hartman moved to approve items A, B, and C (the annual report, the directions given, and the CEQA determination). Supervisor Capps seconded the motion.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
Departmental Item No. 5 – Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Fourth Quarter Budget Status Report
- Item: Q4 budget status report for FY 2025–2026.
- Discussion: Staff reported that the General Fund ended the year with an $11.9 million positive position. Key variances included a $6 million negative variance for the Sheriff’s Office and a $7 million General Fund support requirement for Social Services. Staff recommended holding the surplus in anticipation of potential disaster-related needs. Supervisors discussed oversight controls, potential new revenue sources, and the projected deficit for FY 2027–2028.
- Action: Supervisor Hartman moved to adopt the staff recommendation and receive the file. Supervisor Lee seconded the motion.
- Outcome: The motion passed unanimously.
Department Item 6 – Firearms Retailer Siting Standards
- Item: Proposal to establish countywide standards for the siting, review, and security of firearms retailers in unincorporated areas.
- Discussion: Staff presented a proposal including a 1,000-foot buffer between new retailers and sensitive receptors, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) requirement, enhanced security standards, and a 45-day interim urgency ordinance. Supervisors discussed the definition of child-serving facilities, the distinction between home occupations and commercial sales, and the impact on long-range planning. Supervisor Capps stated she would not support the recommended actions, citing constituent views and studies suggesting gun stores may deter crime.
- Public Comment: Fifteen speakers addressed the board. Most expressed support for the buffers and moratorium, citing child safety concerns. One speaker opposed the measure, arguing that gun stores are lawful businesses and that buffer zones are not applied to other dangerous goods.
- Action: Supervisor Capps moved to approve staff recommendations A through E, with the direction to prioritize the General Package Ordinance in the long-range planning schedule and delay other identified items if necessary. Supervisor Hartman seconded the motion.
- Outcome: The motion passed 4 to 1.
Adoption of Revised Solar and BESS Ordinance Text
- Item: Adoption of the recommended actions for utility-scale solar and BESS amendments as revised.
- Discussion: Staff presented a recap of the board’s direction and the revised text, including the Tier 1 exemption for up to 15 acres on agricultural land, the 16,000-acre cap for Tier 2 and 3 solar, uniform rule amendments, LUP requirements for slopes over 20%, and setback requirements for BESS.
- Action: Supervisor Hartman moved to adopt the recommended actions as revised. Supervisor Capps seconded the motion.
- Outcome: The motion passed 4 to 1.
Adjournment
- The meeting concluded with a notice that the next session is scheduled for September 15th in Santa Maria.