Plan Santa Barbara General Plan Update

Growth Management Planning and Visual Resources Assessment

City of Santa Barbara, as a subconsultant to MIG and AMEC

DC&E is providing two sets of services for the Plan Santa Barbara General Plan Update. Under contract to MIG, DC&E inventoried the City’s existing growth management system and investigated possible techniques to achieve the City’s desired vision. DC&E also wrote a series of policy recommendations that include tools such as zoning by use and density, population growth caps, infrastructure adequacy, and density bonus ordinances. DC&E also examined the City’s existing affordable housing policies to determine barriers to the development of workforce housing, followed by a review of best practices for local housing preference implementation tools such as density bonuses and inclusionary zoning. For the final portion of the project, DC&E will develop a range of ballot concepts for use by the City in developing its new growth management strategy.

As a subconsultant to AMEC, DC&E is providing the impact analysis regarding aesthetics and open space for the General Plan EIR. DC&E’s analysis will involve extensive site reconnaissance to develop a comprehensive assessment of Santa Barbara’s current urban form, visual identity, landmarks, nodes, gateways, scenic corridors, views, and other physical components. DC&E will provide direction for City staff during the alternatives development process, assuming an advisory role for any issues concerning urban design, physical form, open space, aesthetics and visual resources. DC&E will also develop photo-realistic visual simulations for six key views in Santa Barbara, which will provide City staff with an objective tool for reviewing projects and making informed policy decisions. Based on the outcome of the visual impact analysis, DC&E will provide input additional on policies to include in the Growth Management Policy Framework to offset potential significant impacts and reduce the need for mitigation measures. DC&E will also analyze the new policies and regulations proposed in Plan Santa Barbara to see how they relate to current design guidelines, development standards and other policy documents governing development.