Tenant Protection amendments pass 4-2 in Santa Barbara City Council vote

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Renovictions refer to all kinds of renovations leading to evictions.

Some renters see them as an excuse to evict and raise rents.

The Santa Barbara City Council approved three extra provisions or amendments to a tenant protection ordinance approved last year.

When this debate started the makeup of the council was different.

Only four council members are attending the meeting in person today.

Eric Friedman is out for health reasons until May.

Meagan Harman and Oscar Gutierrez voted virtually.

They joined Wendy Santamaria and Kristen Snedden by voting yes.

"What we did today is that we have closed a loophole to no longer allow a claim an unverified claim of renovations as a reason to evict a Tenant," said Santamaria, "What we have done is we have helped secure families and local workers to be able to have some stability in their home."

Mayor Randy Rowse said he didn't consider is a loophole and that putting a thumb on the scales of the rental market can have negative impacts.

"It pits one side against another," said Rowse.

Mike Jordan who represents the area that includes the 215 Bath Street apartment also voted no.

The sections approved include letting tenants recover possessions before completion of renovations, a change that states the ordinance protecting portions of the plan will not be impacted by other portions declared unconstitutional.

Another amendment states that the ordinance does not require environmental review.

Corina Svacina has rented at the Bath St. property for 7 years.

"It is really my home where I have become an adult, my friends and neighbors and family, it is where I call home and it is awful to live in a place that is not peaceful and that is that we want back is a peaceful for all use," said Svacina.

She asked the council to regulate multimillionaire developers who she said are buying up big properties worth tens of millions of dollars.

The item was the last one on Tuesday's agenda.

A large number of residents speak during public comments.

Rick Lang said he rents but understands how landlords and property owner feel.

"When people buy property they expect to get market rent for market expenses," said Lang.

He would like to see people paying large rents buy property but admits more affordable homes need to be built.

The council also directed staff to research an appeals process and return with a proposal at a later date.

Councilmember Santamaria said there will be a final reading of what they voted on next week and then the changes will take affect in 30 days.