Two Permits for Tea Fire Rebuilding Issued

The City of Santa Barbara has issued two building permits for Tea Fire survivors hoping to rebuild, with another 18 poised to receive such permits imminently. Of the 230 structures consumed by the Tea Fire last November, 151 fall within the City of Santa Barbara’s jurisdiction. According to city planning czar Paul Casey, 136 demolition permits have been issued; of those, 86 owners have completed their demolition work. Sixty-one owners have taken advantage of the free pre-application meetings offered by city planning staff, and 35 have had hearings before the Single Family Design Board. At least four families have sought permits for multiple changes to their homes’ pre-existing design; at least eight such modifications – all minor – have been granted.