Bilingual report — Aug. 26 County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors Meeting. Topics Include: Retail Food Facility Fees, County Support for State Legislation Prohibiting Masking and Requiring Identification Displayed of Law Enforcement Officials, Open Space Element

D1) County Support for State Legislation, Senate Bills 627 and 805
(Estimated Time: 20 minutes) 

D2) Consider the Famcon Pipe and Supply General Plan Amendment, Rezone, and Development Plan
(Estimated Time: 35 minutes)

Summary: 

The Board will consider approving a proposal to change the land use designation and zoning of a vacant property in Orcutt from Highway Commercial to General Commercial and approve the development of a new pipe supply and sales business. This action would allow construction of a warehouse/office building with outdoor storage, supported by environmental review and mitigation measures, and is recommended for approval by the Planning Commission. If approved, the project is expected to benefit the community by supporting local business needs and providing new economic activity in the community.

D3) Open Space Element Update
(Estimated Time: 1 hour)

Summary: 

The Board will hear a presentation on the scope of an update to the Open Space Element of the Santa Barbara County Comprehensive Plan. This update is required to comply with Senate Bill 1425, which mandates that cities and counties update their open space elements by January 1, 2026, to address equitable access to open space, climate resilience, and rewilding opportunities. Staff will be presenting three scope of work options that include a general rewrite with new goals and an open space inventory to options that would begin to address Assembly Bill 1889, the Room to Roam Act, by evaluating barriers to wildlife movement locally.

D4) Retail Food Facility Fees
(Estimated Time: 45 minutes)

Summary: 

The Board will consider updating Environmental Health Services fees for retail food facilities to ensure they reflect the actual cost of providing inspections and permits, with some fees increasing, some decreasing, and a few new categories being added. The changes, informed by a cost-of-service study and stakeholder input, aim to align fees with state law while supporting fair and consistent oversight of food safety across the county. The Board will also consider extending the use of state grant funding to continue support for the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) program through November 2025, which helps small, home-based food businesses operate safely and legally.