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Stage 02 of 05 · Entitle

A clear path through entitlements.

Discretionary approvals are where Santa Barbara County projects lose months. We map the path before you submit, so staff and the boards see a project that has already answered their questions.

The question at this stage

“What will the County and the boards approve?”

Entitlements are part law and part judgment. Staff interpret the Land Use and Development Code, the Coastal Plan and community plans. Review boards weigh neighborhood compatibility and design. Each has its own concerns and its own calendar.

We sequence the approvals, identify the conditions most likely to be raised, and prepare packages that read as complete. The goal is fewer continuances, fewer resubmittals and a decision you can plan around.

Terraced vineyard rows following the contours of a Santa Ynez Valley hillside

Entitle services

How we help at this stage.

Land Use & Entitlements

Zoning, discretionary approvals, lot splits and CUPs, sequenced and documented.

An entitlement path memo up front, and a documented record of every submittal, comment and response through to a decision.

Land Use & Entitlements in detail

  • Zoning and Land Use & Development Code (LUDC) analysis
  • Lot splits, lot line adjustments and tentative maps
  • Conditional use permits, variances and development plans
  • Environmental review coordination, including CEQA
  • Coordination with biology, archaeology, fire and water consultants
  • Staff meetings, hearing preparation and conditions of approval

Coastal Zone Permits

Coastal Development Permits for Montecito, Hope Ranch, Summerland and the South Coast.

A coastal permit strategy that anticipates policy issues, and a managed application through to a final decision.

Coastal Zone Permits in detail

  • Confirming Coastal Zone status and the permit type required
  • Coastal Plan and Local Coastal Program policy analysis
  • Visual resource, habitat and hazard considerations
  • Application preparation and staff coordination
  • Planning for appeal periods and California Coastal Commission review

Design Review Strategy

Board-ready packages for Santa Barbara County's design review boards.

A written design review memo for your architect and a package prepared to read as complete at the first hearing.

Design Review Strategy in detail

  • Applicable design guidelines and community plan standards
  • Neighborhood compatibility and size, bulk and scale analysis
  • Package review for completeness and clarity before submittal
  • Preparation for conceptual, preliminary and final review
  • Neighbor outreach strategy, where it helps

Questions

About entitle.

What is the difference between entitlements and permits?

Entitlements establish what you are allowed to build: zoning clearance, discretionary approvals, Coastal Development Permits, design review. Building permits confirm how it will be built to code. Entitlements come first, and they carry most of the schedule risk.

Can you guarantee an approval?

No one can, and you should be wary of anyone who says otherwise. What we can do is tell you what is likely, reduce avoidable objections, and keep the file moving with documented next steps.

What's the difference between ministerial and discretionary approval?

A ministerial approval is checked against fixed, objective standards. If the plans meet them, staff approves, usually with no hearing; most building permits and many ADUs work this way. A discretionary approval involves judgment, such as a conditional use permit, variance, development plan or design review. It can bring public notice, a hearing, environmental review and conditions of approval, and it takes longer. Knowing which applies to your project is the first step in planning the timeline.

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