Montecito Planning Commission

Director’s Departmental Updates

• Staff announced pre-approved ADU plans are now available online at no cost.
• Budget shortfalls will result in a reduction of Long Range Planning staff positions.
• Updates included local housing preferences and potential ministerial permit downshifts.
• The Board of Supervisors plans to prohibit new onshore oil and gas drilling.

Malkin General Plan Amendment

• Staff presented a proposal to adjust lot lines and rezone parcels near Sycamore Canyon.
• The project aligns with existing landscaping and complies with all code requirements.
• Applicant representatives attended the hearing, and no public comment was received.
• The commission approved the motion to adopt the findings for the project.

Meeting Schedule Adjustments

• Staff reported there are no projected agenda items for the June or July meetings.
• A motion was made to cancel these meetings and schedule the next one in August.
• The commission voted to approve the cancellation and adjourned until August.
• The election of the new chair was continued to the next hearing.

• The Montecito Planning Commission meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance and a TV coverage announcement. Roll call indicated Commissioners Rockenbach, Kupiec, and Miller were present, while Commissioners DiLoretto and Kearns were absent.

Agenda Status Report

• Staff presented a report indicating no items were projected for the agenda for June or July. It was noted that the long-range planning division anticipated bringing an ordinance package to the Commission in the fall (September or early winter). Additionally, the election of the new chair was continued to the next hearing when all commissioners are present.

Commissioner Informational Reports

• Commissioners provided reports on local conditions. One commissioner noted transportation issues, citing road closures and the Cabrillo roundabout project as a two-year undertaking impacting travel in and out of Montecito.

Approval of Minutes

• A motion was made to approve the minutes of the February 18th meeting. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.

Director’s Report

• The Planning Director reported on several departmental updates:
• ADU Plans: Pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plans are now available online at no cost, requiring only site prep work and permit fees for construction.
• Budget and Staffing: Due to budget shortfalls, two positions in the Long Range Planning Division will remain vacant, reducing full-time staff from 15 to 13. Efforts are underway to secure a grant to restore one position.
• Local Housing Preference: The Board of Supervisors approved a local preference program for market rate housing, requiring developers to market to locals for at least 12 weeks before opening to the broader market.
• Ministerial Permits: A package to downshift certain noticed and appealable permits to ministerial permits for small projects (e.g., single-family homes, pools) was presented to the Board of Supervisors and is expected to return to the Montecito Planning Commission for review in the fall. Discussions noted that some projects might still require design review depending on size or grading.
• Oil and Gas: The Board is set to prohibit new oil and gas well drilling in June, with a long-term phase-out effort planned for onshore oil and gas.

Consent Agenda: Dedication and Abandonment of Land for Biltmore Road Realignment (Case No. 26 GOV-0004)

• Staff presented the item regarding adjustments to the Biltmore Road right-of-way to conform with the County’s Comprehensive Plan. No public comment was received. A motion to approve the consent item was made and seconded. All in favor; the motion passed 3-0.

Standard Agenda: Malkin General Plan Amendment, Rezone, and Lot Line Adjustment (Case Nos. 25 LLA-0002, 25 GPA-00006, 25 RZN-00006)

• Staff presented the project located at the corner of Sycamore Canyon Road, Alston Road, and Hot Springs Road. The proposal involves a lot line adjustment across three parcels to align with existing landscaping and driveways, requiring a General Plan Amendment and Rezone to prevent split zoning. Staff recommended approval, noting the project complies with code requirements and is exempt from CEQA. Applicant representatives were present but no questions were asked. No public comment was received, and no ex parte communications were reported. A motion to approve the findings was made and seconded. The item passed.

Meeting Scheduling

• Staff recommended cancelling the June and July meetings due to a lack of projected agenda items. A motion was made to adjourn the June and July meetings and reconvene in August. The motion was seconded. All in favor; the motion passed 3-0.
• The meeting was adjourned.