Title
HEARING - Consider recommendations regarding protecting children through Firearms Retailer buffer zones and an Interim Urgency Ordinance, as follows: (4/5 Vote Required) (EST. TIME: 1 HR.)
a) Direct the Planning and Development Department to prepare and process amendments to the County Land Use and Development Code (LUDC), Montecito Land Use and Development Code (MLUDC), and Article II, Coastal Zoning Ordinance (CZO), of Chapter 35 of the Santa Barbara County Code (Zoning), to:
i) Define “Firearms Retailer” and related terms as distinct land uses;
ii) Establish a mandatory buffer of 1,000 feet between any new Firearms Retailer and designated sensitive receptors, including public and private K-12 schools, preschools, licensed childcare centers, parks, playgrounds, youth centers, religious establishments, similar child-serving facilities, and other Firearms Retailers;
iii) Clarify how the buffer is measured between a Firearms Retailer and a sensitive receptor or other Firearms Retailer, including use of Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and analysis;
iv) Require a Conditional Use Permit for Firearms Retailers in all applicable zoning districts, with findings related to public safety, neighborhood compatibility, security, and consistency with the buffer standard;
v) Prohibit the establishment or operation of a Firearms Retailer as a home occupation or from any residentially zoned parcel, including the retail sale, lease, transfer, delivery, display, or customer pickup of firearms or ammunition at a residence;
vi) Develop enhanced security development standards for Firearms Retailers, including surveillance systems and other appropriate safeguards, to protect inventory, employees, customers, and the public, and to facilitate investigation and recovery efforts if a crime occurs; and
vii) Complete an inventory and map of existing Firearms Retailers in the unincorporated area, including their proximity to sensitive receptors and other Firearms Retailers, to inform ordinance development and support implementation of the proposed buffer standards;
b) Direct the Planning and Development Department to delay planned work efforts in the Long Range Planning Work Program, including the Coastal Land Use Plan Objective Standards, Historic Landmarks Commission updates, and General Package Amendments, as necessary to accommodate this ordinance package without a negative impact on the Department’s budget;
c) Adopt an Interim Urgency Ordinance and findings included therein to impose a temporary moratorium on the approval of any new land use entitlement, business-license clearance, zoning clearance, permit, or other County authorization that would allow the establishment, relocation, expansion, or intensification of a retail Firearms Retailer in the unincorporated area of Santa Barbara County for a period of 45 days, or until the Interim Urgency Ordinance expires or is otherwise extended or terminated by the Board, whichever occurs first;
d) Direct staff to return to the Board of Supervisors on October 6th, 2026, with a written report pursuant to Government Code Section 65858(d) and consideration of an extension to the Interim Urgency Ordinance for up to 10 months and 15 days pursuant to Government Code Section 65858(d); and
e) Determine that the proposed actions are not subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) as it has no potential to cause a significant impact on the environment and approve and direct staff to file a Notice of Exemption on that basis.