The Community Development Department is responsible for the Planning Division, Building Division, and Community Programs Division - which includes Code Enforcement, and it oversees the Animal Control contract with Santa Barbara County.
Staff reviews all residential, commercial and industrial projects in the City. The Planning Division writes and updates the City's General Plan and Specific Plans including the Downtown Specific Plan. Staff reviews all projects for zoning compliance, processes land division applications, and processes all environmental assessments and reports.
The Building Division regulates building and associated construction activities to protect public health, safety and welfare pursuant to uniform construction codes governing land use and code enforcement. The staff's activities include building plan review and inspection during construction.
The Community Programs Division includes management and implementation of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and serves as the lead agency in the development of plans summarizing needs and actions to revitalize the community and its neighborhoods. Code Enforcement educates residents and businesses about and enforces the Municipal Code.

Community Development Links:

• Find my Zoning (by parcel number, or by address)
  
• Zoning Code (Title 12 of the Municipal Code)
• General Plan Update 2045
  
• Housing Element Update 2023
• Planning Division
• Building Division
• Community Development Organizational Chart
• City Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Poster

 

1. What requires a permit?

Basically anything that involves electrical, mechanical, plumbing or erecting of walls. When in doubt, you are welcome to call our office at(805) 925-0951 ext. 2244for Planning or ext. 2241 for Building.

2. How long does it take to get a permit?
Plan check reviews take approximately four weeks. If you are required to resubmit plans, it can take longer.

3. What is the status of my project?

This requires us to view our computers. Once the Community Development Department has received responses on your project from all necessary City departments, the Community Development Department either generates a correction notice if there are corrections, or prints a permit if the project has been approved.

4. What is the Code Enforcement Division? Where can I get a Code Enforcement Service Request Form?

To maintain the quality of life in Santa Maria, the Code Enforcement Division enforces and investigates certain complaints on private property. If you wish to request Code Enforcement services you can either visit or call 925-0951 ext. 2420 to obtain a Service Request Form. You can also find the form by clicking here.

Chenin Dow
Director
Phone: (805) 925-0951 extension 2375.
Email: cdow@cityofsantamaria.org