Title
Set a hearing to consider recommendations regarding amending Chapter 15 of the Santa Barbara County Code with Ordinance and Fee Updates, as follows:
(Set a hearing for May 5, 2026. Time estimate: 1 hour)
a) Consider the introduction (first reading) of an Ordinance amending Chapter 15 of the Santa Barbara County Code to adopt amendments and the recommendations of the “Santa Barbara County Fire Department User Fee Study: March 2026” with the resulting fee updates as the enforcement Code in all areas within the Santa Barbara County Fire Protection District and all other unincorporated areas of the County where the Santa Barbara County Fire Department is the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), unless otherwise specified by this ordinance;
b) Read the title the Ordinance and waive full reading of the Ordinance;
c) Continue the hearing to May 12, 2026, on the Administrative Agenda to consider recommendations, as follows:
i) Consider the adoption (second reading) of an Ordinance amending Chapter 15 of the Santa Barbara County Code as set forth above; and/or
ii) Direct the Santa Barbara County Fire Department to conduct a subsequent fee study after a period of twelve (12) months to propose adoption of a cost neutral policy and develop a cost neutral rate for land development, operational permit, occupancy inspection and miscellaneous inspection fees; and
iii) Consider and approve adoption of a Resolution of Legislative Findings Supporting Amendments to the California Fire Code; and
d) Determine that the adoption of an Ordinance amending fees for Santa Barbara County Fire Department is not subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15273(a)(1) and 15378(b)(5).