County to update design policies
5/29/05
NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
Bowing to pressure from residents and farmers, county officials will update planning policies that affect neighborhoods and agricultural lands as part of a three-year work plan.
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to use part of the work plan's $6 million budget to craft design standards for unincorporated Goleta and Orcutt, and convert antiquated zoning policies that block improvements on farmland. The first year of the work plan begins July 1.
The design standards would establish a criteria for builders seeking permits for simple projects like a second addition to a home.
Second District Supervisor Susan Rose had requested the standards for Goleta following a steady outcry from residents demanding an update to the area's community plan, the document that outlines and controls new growth.
Some residents, including members of the slow-growth Coalition for Sensible Planning, said the design standards were not enough because they wouldn't stop growth increases approved without community consent.
"(Goleta residents) are being short-changed," coalition spokeswoman Mary Whalen told supervisors.
Another coalition member complained about money the county spends in other areas, like the Housing and Community Development Department.
"Numerous unapproved, inefficient and wasteful projects have sprung from this department," Ms. Crosby said.
Old Town Orcutt will also receive design standards under the work plan. Several members of the public said the guidelines would help implement the urban renewal plan slated for the rural district.
Fifth District Supervisor Joe Centeno lobbied his colleagues to convert parcels classified under the old zoning system to categories used today.
Other priorities in the work plan include completing the Santa Ynez Valley Community Plan, finishing the county's overdue housing element and easing restrictions for a variety of building projects on agricultural lands.
e-mail: bmcmanigal@newspress.com