Hotelier’s request to allow helicopter landing zones on his Summerland estate sparks debate

Patrick Nesbitt’s estate is known for hosting lavish fundraisers in Summerland without the use of a landing zone for helicopters.

The property, listed for sale earlier this year, has all kinds of amenities, except for a permitted helipad.

The Windsor Capital Group founder has a proposal to change that.

Santa Barbara County planner Rey Harmon described the proposal as,”Just a plastic tarp, laid out on a grass field for a helipad.”

Harmon said no construction would be needed.

Some neighbors are fine with his plans. They believe he has the right to do what he wants with his property.

But the county received about 200 letters opposing the plan.

Critics don’t want more applications to follow.

Steven Carlson said he attended the planning commission meeting that lasted for about four hours on Wednesday.

“The biggest problem is enforcement there are so many helicopters already flying up and down Padaro lane, flying in and out of the coastal zone with no permits so there is no way to regulate them.” said Carlson.

Planners appear to be leaning towards a denial.

Planning Deputy Director Jeff Wilson said one planning commissioner was missing today when they voted 3-1 to ask staff to come back with reasons for a denial.

“They received public testimony from members of the community the broader community as far as their concerns with helistops and the planning commission heard that testimony and gave direction to staff to come back with findings for denial,”said Wilson.

The issue will be back on the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission’s agenda on Nov. 7.