Chamber of Commerce Announces Opposition to Height Limit Measures
Claims Shorter Buildings Could Hurt Business, Cut Affordable Housing
The Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce came out against two citywide initiative proposals designed to limit the size of new buildings in Santa Barbara even before either measure had qualified for the November ballot. One of the two measures would limit the height of new structures to no more than 40-feet, while the other would set the maximum allowable bar at 38 feet. Supporters of the measures say the city’s current height limit of 60 feet is too much and that the spate of new tall buildings-as exemplified by those sprouting up on Chapala Street – threatens to destroy the city’s historic character and charm. Opponents, like the chamber, counter the new limits would be bad for business and hamper developers’ ability to provide affordable housing.
