Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Chick-fil-A at Calle Real
- Staff analysis indicated drive-through emissions were lower than park-and-restart alternatives within air quality standards.
- Public comments balanced support for community benefits against concerns regarding traffic congestion and emissions.
- The Commission approved the Land Use and Conditional Use Permits with amendments suggested by staff during deliberation.
Stanford Farms Trust Appeal
- Staff findings confirmed the subdivision met standards and the barn structure was not eligible for historic designation.
- Commissioners deliberated on the lack of evidence supporting the appellant's claim for a delay in processing.
- The Commission denied the appeal and granted approval of the tentative parcel map with a CEQA exemption.
Full summary
Meeting Summary: Santa Barbara County Planning Commission
- Date: May 27, 2026
1. Call to Order and Introductions
- The hearing was called to order by Chair Reed. TV coverage and streaming information were provided by staff. A new Commissioner, Stephen Americana, representing District 1, was introduced to the audience. Commissioner Americana provided a brief background of his professional experience and expressed appreciation for the appointment.
2. Election of Vice Chair
- The Commission proceeded to elect a Vice Chair for the balance of 2026. A nomination was made for Commissioner Stephen Americana. The nomination was seconded. A general vote was taken, and the motion passed. Commissioner Americana was elected Vice Chair.
3. Resolution for Outgoing Chair Reed
- A resolution honoring outgoing Chair Roy Reed was presented. Supervisor Bob Nelson addressed the Commission regarding Commissioner Reed's appointment and service, highlighting specific projects including the Ag Enterprise Ordinance and the FAMCON project. Staff read the resolution into the record, which acknowledged Commissioner Reed's preparation, professional experience, and leadership. Several Commissioners offered remarks regarding Commissioner Reed's tenure, preparation, and interpersonal conduct. Chair Reed responded, expressing appreciation for the staff and fellow commissioners. The resolution was presented to Chair Reed. No vote was required.
4. Agenda Status Report
- Staff provided a report on upcoming hearings scheduled for June and July. A discussion occurred regarding the potential cancellation of hearings scheduled for June 10 and June 24 pending the arrival of the District 4 commissioner. The matter was tabled for discussion at the end of the hearing.
5. General Public Comment
- Time was allocated for general public comment on items not on the agenda. No members of the public signed up to speak.
6. Commissioner Informational Reports
- Commissioner Park shared information regarding two upcoming agricultural conferences. Commissioner Americana noted his appointment status regarding previous minutes. No other informational reports were presented.
7. Approval of Minutes
- The minutes from the April 29 and May 6 hearings were reviewed. A correction was noted regarding the date of the April meeting (changed from April 30 to April 29). Commissioner Americana abstained from voting on the minutes as he was not present at those hearings. A motion was made to approve the corrected minutes. The motion was seconded. The vote passed, and the minutes were approved.
8. Director's Report
- Director Rodgers provided updates on planning initiatives. Topics included a proposal to streamline permitting by moving certain permit types to a ministerial process, an upcoming Board of Supervisors hearing on the oil and gas Phase One prohibition of new wells, and utility-scale solar.
9. Chick-fil-A at Calle Real (Case Numbers 22 CUP7 & 26 LUP53)
- The Commission considered a request for a Land Use Permit and Conditional Use Permit for a restaurant with a dual-lane drive-through.
- Disclosures: Commissioner Americana disclosed a prior employment relationship with the applicant’s law firm but stated he would not recuse himself. Commissioners Park and Ford disclosed site visits or contacts related to the project.
- Discussion: Staff presented analysis regarding air quality emissions, noting that drive-through emissions were estimated to be lower than park-and-restart emissions. Staff also addressed Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) reductions based on the location. The applicant discussed operational efficiencies and community benefits. Public comments included support regarding convenience and local employment, as well as opposition regarding traffic congestion, air quality, and the concentration of drive-throughs in the area.
- Deliberation: Commissioners discussed the air quality data and consistency with previous drive-through approvals. Concerns regarding the drive-through impact were weighed against the staff analysis.
- Action: A motion was made to approve the recommended actions with the amendments suggested by staff. The motion was seconded. The vote passed.
10. Stanford Farms Trust Appeal (Case Number 26 APL 6; Tentative Parcel Map 24 TPM 1)
- The Commission considered an appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s approval of a tentative parcel map for a 12.99-acre property to be divided into three lots.
- Disclosures: Commissioners Ford, Park, and Americana disclosed site visits or prior legal relationships similar to the previous item. Commissioner Americana declined to recuse himself.
- Discussion: Staff presented findings that the project met all applicable development standards and was exempt from CEQA under the minor land division category. The primary issue raised by the appellant concerned a barn straddling the property line and potential historic resource status. Staff and the applicant presented historic reports concluding the structure was not eligible for historic designation and that the subdivision did not impact the structure. The appellant argued for a delay pending review by the Historic Landmarks Advisory Commission. The applicant argued the request for delay was a tactic without evidentiary support.
- Deliberation: Commissioners discussed the lack of evidence supporting the historic claim, the condition of the structure, and the irrelevance of the barn issue to the subdivision approval process.
- Action: A motion was made to deny the appeal, adopt staff findings, determine the CEQA exemption, and grant de novo approval of the tentative parcel map. The motion was seconded. The vote passed.
11. Adjournment
- Following the conclusion of the hearing, the Commission addressed the cancellation of the June 10 and June 24 hearings.