Goleta city council celebrates new zoning ordinance with cupcakes
GOLETA, Calif.- Tuesday was a historic night for the City of Goleta.
The City Council voted to adopt on first reading the New Zoning Ordinance (NZO). Council, staff, and community members celebrated this milestone during a break in the City Council meeting with cupcakes and sparkling cider served in celebratory champagne flutes.
This momentous decision came after hundreds of hours of planning work, more than 20 public meetings and open houses in 2019 alone, and direction from the Planning Commission and City Council.
Mayor Paula Perotte said, “Thanks to the unprecedented high level of public involvement and input, the Goleta Zoning Ordinance tailors the code inherited from Santa Barbara County to Goleta's needs. Goleta residents, staff, and people who work and play here will gain great benefits from the new Ordinance's greater predictability, consistency, and clarity.”
City Manager Michelle Greene added, “Completion of the New Zoning Ordinance is a significant milestone for the City. It represents the culmination of many years of effort and countless hours of hard work from our City Council, Planning Commission, City staff and many dedicated residents. It is an exciting achievement for our young city, which establishes a strong framework for the future which reflects the values of the Goleta community.”
Peter Imhof, Director of Planning and Environmental Review, said, “Years of work have paid off and Goleta's New Zoning Ordinance is finally here. We are tremendously grateful for all who participated in this process. The final product is the result of a true collaboration over a long period by many people."
Anne Wells, Advance Planning Manager, said “The City Council, Planning Commission, community members, and staff worked long hours over the course of 5 years and 75 public meetings to develop and refine Goleta’s first, independent zoning ordinance. We are on the brink of General Plan-consistent land use regulations that reflect the desire and needs of our community. Once adopted, the regulations, Title 17 of the Goleta Municipal Code, will be available to the public in an online platform and is a welcome step into the 21st Century - a milestone initiative that will affect every land use and development decision the city makes. This is an exciting time for Goleta!”
The New Zoning Ordinance will replace the City’s existing zoning regulations in their entirety.
The NZO provides rules and regulations for land use and development on private property.
The purpose of the New Zoning Ordinance is to implement the General Plan, and to protect and promote the public health, safety, peace, comfort, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare.
