On October 21, 2025, the Santa Barbara City Council approved a new zoning ordinance. The ordinance is designed to encourage the conversion of nonresidential buildings into housing. This supports the city’s plan to increase housing from 2023 to 2031.
The new rules focus on creating safe and energy-efficient homes by reusing existing buildings. The ordinance will take effect on November 20, 2025. More information is available on the city’s website…