Update on Draft Creek Buffer Ordinance
Thank you to everyone who shared feedback on the Draft Creek Buffer Ordinance. We are writing to provide you an update on where we are with the ordinance development and our planned next steps.
Based on comments received from the community, the City is planning to take some time to gather additional information and consider several changes to the proposed ordinance. As an immediate next step, City staff plan to hire a third-party consultant to:
- Conduct additional technical analysis and mapping,
- Review the impacts and benefits of proposed and alternative creek buffers,
- Recommend revisions to the draft ordinance.
Sustainability & Resilience Department staff will be presenting an update on the Draft Creek Buffer Ordinance development process, including a summary of public feedback received and the next steps, at the following public meetings:
- Creeks Advisory Committee: June 18, 2025
- Sustainability Council Committee: August 7, 2025
Meeting agendas and staff reports will be available on the boards and commissions page for each respective committee.
Following these meetings, the City will issue a request for proposals and select a consultant. City Council will receive an update on the ordinance work effort to date and consider approving the consultant’s contract in the fall of 2025.
Once the consultant completes their analysis and report, staff will prepare a revised draft ordinance. This version will be shared for another round of public comment and additional public meetings will be held before review by any decision-making boards or commissions. We encourage you to stay informed or contact us at any time with questions or comments.
To stay informed:
- Sign up for updates at: SantaBarbaraCA.gov/CreekBuffers
- Contact: Melissa Hetrick, Adaptation and Resilience Manager
- Phone: (805) 991-2447
- Email: MHetrick@SantaBarbaraCA.gov