Zoning Information Reports & Short Term Rentals

Santa Barbara Real Estate News You Can Use:

Minor Zoning Exceptions for Zoning Information Reports (ZIRs) became effective on February 11, 2016.  The Minor Zoning Exception is a method of resolving a discrepancy or error in a ZIR.  If a discrepancy or error in a ZIR involves one or more of the zoning violations specified in Subsection B, the property owner may request a Minor Zoning Exception to obtain relief from the zoning standards.

Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STR’s) Update for County, City, and Carpinteria:

County – The Planning Commission recommends to the Board of Supervisors that STRs be allowed in agricultural zones, but banned in all other zones including residential.  County Staff will be preparing a draft ordinance to reflect this recommendation.  Once the draft is completed it will go back to the Planning Commission and Montecito Planning Commission for review and then the Board of Supervisors.  SBAOR will continue to advocate for the allowance of STRs in all zones of the County.

Santa Barbara City – On March 1, 2016, the City Council will review and receive a report from staff on the status of the City’s enforcement efforts on vacation rentals.

Carpinteria City – The Carpinteria City Council is keeping the status quo on current vacation rentals because they cannot agree to ordinance language.  Carpinteria staff will rework the draft ordinance language.