Santa Barbara Proposes Creek Buffer for All New Buildings
City Holds Open House on Proposed Ordinance, Accepting Public Comments Until March 10
People packed the Faulkner Gallery at the Santa Barbara Central Library to learn more about the city’s draft creek buffer ordinance; the map shows the city’s major and minor creeks. | Credit: Callie Fausey
All new buildings in Santa Barbara will have to take a step back from the city’s creeks if a new Creek Buffer Ordinance clears the regulatory hurdles.
Creek buffers are natural areas between creeks and development, meant to reduce public safety risks related to erosion and flooding while enhancing water quality and creek habitats, according to the city.
“Creek buffers give creeks more room to move and be dynamic,” said Erin Markey, Clean Water Manager for the city’s creeks division.
