[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6501261,"mediaKeyId","5711109-65e6854720f30d41861dac6253d1b8d4","parentId",5711109,"title","Board approves concept for 44-unit Cottage Hospital employee housing; sends it to Planning Commission","audioSeconds",2706,"startMs",10420000,"endMs",13126000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711109-65e6854720f30d41861dac6253d1b8d4&start=10420&end=13126","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711109-65e6854720f30d41861dac6253d1b8d4/thumbnail_10420000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6501261/Santa-Barbara-City/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Board-approves-concept-for-44-unit-Cottage-Hospital-employee-housing-sends-it-to-Planning-Commission","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6501261-58b8a3e0b924d8d6bfefe68f49ae6976/orig.mp4?Expires=1770812804&Signature=j05gTS6IDmhfXbm-hj7tdvmnsGqCutXXPVEz0sH6D3jJ040etu7Ie13qkcsQ5YLxeeYKjvncda2g9lPoBdDYSeDwyAvbkLYCk~~ywCfKvYeqzYdym5l6EBi7hYZeIESINLDKMcJEBlL7w9OA~uPP-by8jFze2weIsVWsc-4dfLYbXYPHPYenIS33vyek6kXixY2LesZ6HyGYpMRETKI9Px5pmn3kiX8BNya2onar5S3FdGkHIUn0M1gADwedrbZqYT-w~bm37jlSGNdPThglnP1iWgxQyCrpNi2DqRIEXwZTxGbSsnuNs92hRIqEZbrOlhAFmpMJksaTR-259OfF5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Santa Barbara","date","2025-09-03T14:31:29Z","article","The Architectural Board of Review on Sept. 2 reviewed concept plans for a 44‑unit, two‑story condominium development proposed at 2405–2415 De La Vena Street to provide employee housing for Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and recommended the project continue to the Planning Commission.

Cottage Hospital and the project team described a plan to demolish the Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital buildings and replace them with 44 for‑sale condominium units intended for hospital staff at price points substantially below market. The project proposes a mix of two‑bedroom and three‑bedroom units arranged in duplexes, triplexes and larger clusters around an interior open lawn and multiple small courtyard spaces, with 90 total parking spaces (43 on grade, 47 in a garage) and 44 bicycle parking spaces.

Designer presentations emphasized a simple, Santa Barbara‑inspired palette and a “kit of parts” for building forms: low‑rise, stucco‑finished masses with modest porches, flat roofs for photovoltaic arrays and small private yard spaces for each unit. Landscape proposals showed retention of nearby jacarandas and palms, additions of oaks and a permeable central lawn that doubles as stormwater treatment.

Board discussion praised the project’s two‑story scale and its suitability for employee housing but repeatedly raised the size and configuration of the common open space. Vice Chair Whelan and other members asked whether the central lawn and mews provide a strong, recognizable communal gathering space for 44 households and suggested the team explore consolidating or enlarging shared amenities rather than fragmenting them into many small pockets. Members also requested clearer cobenefits design for children’s play and accessible paths from the parking to residential entries.

Board members also reviewed code items the project will need to address during Planning Commission review, including: a specific-plan amendment, general-plan and zoning amendments, a tentative subdivision map, a conditional-use permit, and requested modifications for open-yard requirements and interior setback encroachments. Planning staff told the board those modifications are part of the specific-plan amendment package and will be evaluated through the Planning Commission process.

The board made a motion recommending continuation to the Planning Commission with the following guidance: the two‑story scale and material approach are appropriate; the project team should refine and clarify the design and programming of common open space (including child‑friendly areas and a clear, larger central gathering space); relocation or redesign of a lower trash enclosure should be considered to reduce pedestrian/vehicle conflict at the alley entrance; and the design team should return with additional graphics and a more cohesive view of shared spaces for Planning Commission review. The board recommended that story poles were not necessary for this two‑story project.

What’s next: The project will advance to the Planning Commission for review of the specific‑plan, general‑plan and zoning amendments and the tentative subdivision map and conditional use permit. The board recommended more detailed open‑space plans and clearer pedestrian/vehicle circulation diagrams for that phase.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Architectural Board of Review - September 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Architectural Board of Review recommended Sept. 2 that a proposed 44‑unit, two‑story employee housing development for Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital at 2405–2415 De La Vena Street proceed to the Planning Commission, while urging the design team to clarify shared open space and circulation.","taxTitle","Santa Barbara City, Santa Barbara County, California","taxId",4209,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6501265,"Board endorses concept for second unit at 1122 East Haley, asks applicant to proceed to staff hearing officer",2897,7166000,10063000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711109-65e6854720f30d41861dac6253d1b8d4&start=7166&end=10063","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711109-65e6854720f30d41861dac6253d1b8d4/thumbnail_7166000.jpg","/articles/6501265/Santa-Barbara-City/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Board-endorses-concept-for-second-unit-at-1122-East-Haley-asks-applicant-to-proceed-to-staff-hearing-officer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6501265-93d0466d02aa59ab75e5e9b071fae5d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770812804&Signature=i9oDWYRZr~Izsfke3WcBd0qK0sOimNPnDY2TXh8OGZ8OnBN0UCt0oPFptcjL~GwhaA9TDUqgudS1PCJkaoWBHMle8N7H9UI~jbFdYjVcMZaLYZnlrImwl24xIgwmmGM2xKoadSs7YPxe11ysUtiXMQrEbu2aOMg2RZvjtuJZHbhiJIpzpy9LqOSo5g4cjBSsiLUGRcqG1ZSo3eIIjz4k8UskRf2N~RHJGQz9xWcS0XSidHt43aBhK9zRq0ChTlpmlz3hOk1amb7nxF-NPiXriwX3jsfoUFnJNelpMELibx-R-8rBqJfETTmKXzcbQVC6S5D0j0BekZeQheP0c7-wHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Architectural Board of Review on Sept. 2 supported the concept design for a second residential unit and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 1122 East Haley Street and recommended the applicant proceed to the staff hearing officer for a lot-area modification.

The property owner proposes a new attached/detached arrangement: a 1,143-square-foot second residential unit with a 786-square-foot three-car garage beneath it and a separate 500-square-foot one-story ADU. The site is zoned R-2 but falls short of the minimum zoning lot area for a second unit; Planning staff told the board the lot-area modification is discretionary and will be reviewed by the staff hearing officer.

Architect Sean Lynch of Vogue Design Studio presented plans showing terraced site grading, new garages and private yards for each unit. Lynch said the design seeks to minimize cut-and-fill and preserve the neighborhood rhythm of terraces while providing required off-street parking for both the primary house and the new units.

One in‑person neighbor, Angeline Pepe, said she is concerned about potential view loss and privacy impacts. \"It is too high and too much — it would take me all the view off the mountain,\" Pepe said, adding she uses a backyard view corridor. The applicant responded by showing window locations and limited upper-floor glazing directed away from the neighbor; the plans call for small bedroom windows above nightstands along the proximate side yard and a single larger kitchen window oriented toward the neighbor's lower yard.

Board members praised the applicant’s strategy to tuck parking into the lower portion of the lot to minimize grading, but several asked for clearer site sections and circulation diagrams to demonstrate walkways, stairs and privacy relationships between the new units and existing neighbors. Questions covered egress, trash-handling logistics (trash will be taken to Haley for collection, not the alley), stair geometry and maintenance access to the proposed planters and terraced planting areas.

The board voted to continue the application to the staff hearing officer with supportive direction. The motion noted the board found the second-residential-unit concept compatible with surrounding two-story forms in the area, and asked the applicant to resolve privacy and access/maintenance details and to refine step locations into the ADU entry. The board requested the applicant return with a landscape plan and clearer site sections if required by staff.

What’s next: The applicant will proceed to the staff hearing officer for the discretionary lot-area modification; Planning staff will review the submitted materials and advise whether further ABR review is needed based on the staff hearing officer’s decision.
","Architectural Board of Review supported a concept for a second residential unit and accessory dwelling unit at 1122 East Haley Street and recommended the applicant seek a lot-area modification from the staff hearing officer; the board requested clearer site sections and confirmed privacy and circulation details be refined.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6501270,"Board sends 1922 De La Vena Street mixed-use project back for more design work",2664,4635000,7299000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711109-65e6854720f30d41861dac6253d1b8d4&start=4635&end=7299","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711109-65e6854720f30d41861dac6253d1b8d4/thumbnail_4635000.jpg","/articles/6501270/Santa-Barbara-City/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Board-sends-1922-De-La-Vena-Street-mixed-use-project-back-for-more-design-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6501270-a3c76e868369821c4210d730dac59720/orig.mp4?Expires=1770812804&Signature=mwXtnujMq28QroaSR3E19E7V5h05kNvqvpyErnwLHKybqBRVPQvxMJykDbMA2LDOaWwbu2bRZi9CCktX4HpRHjpKkL22AwkIr7RhTPV2rvm~WP2-HncPGeWxzLz~n8Uu20Duo6WwU6KL9ctCFsLSw-EQrkbfrx-R7DDp9RUY5wR1KKIMBJdG3CVG-gUPHaFtUq2BXnzKpa1-fl2e1A4hsI5CZDYFNZlLEFb4QTY-PA7c03uptBvXnUGiKMjHUbmQUUAZYOucBVPSceL7ilcVuQUuJfElwrHrgn8JUAUKtOIwsO59u7zrj23LUwTmbfN5cPT5-btOJ6u1UPg6LknuWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Architectural Board of Review on Sept. 2 continued concept review of a proposed 39-unit mixed-use development at 1922 De La Vena Street, directing the project team to simplify building composition and clarify the elevations before returning to the full board.

The project team — led by BW Design and RRM Design Group — sought input on changes made since the project was last reviewed, including massing reductions, a smaller courtyard, stacked floorplates and revised fenestration. Applicants said the revisions reduced the project’s visual bulk and clarified unit layout, and emphasized a “kit of parts” approach to create variety across the façades.

Board members applauded reductions in upper-floor massing but repeatedly urged the team to simplify the elevation language and adopt a clearer, more consistent pattern for windows, balconies and roof shapes. Several members said the current collection of gabled ends and varied window types created a visually cluttered effect; they recommended larger continuous groupings of openings and a stronger horizontal expression on long elevations.

Vice Chair Whelan asked the team to show clearer section drawings that demonstrate how the four‑story massing sits in relation to adjacent one‑story neighbors and recommended returning examples of Santa Barbara architecture that better match the project scale. Board member Sixx and others requested more consistent window proportions and simplified balcony treatments to avoid a fragmented appearance.

The board voted to continue the item indefinitely to the full board for further work; the motion included two specific requests: simplify the architecture to emphasize horizontal order and reduce the number of distinct window and roof types, and preserve the massing reductions the team recently made (including the reduced courtyard width and stacked floorplates). The board also asked applicants to return with clearer sections showing adjacent properties and revised design studies that test larger, simpler openings and less repetition of gable ends.

The project is proposed as a mixed-use development with 39 residential units, 29 vehicle parking spaces, 44 bicycle parking spaces and one commercial loading space. The team said the project will pursue state density bonus approval and city design review; applicants also noted they are close to seeking Project Design Approval (PDA) with further refinements.

The board also discussed but did not require story poles for the proposed four‑story portions at this concept stage; the motion that carried recommended returning to the full board for additional concept refinement and documentation prior to PDA submission.

What’s next: The applicant will revise elevations, consolidate window and balcony types, provide clearer cross-sections that show adjacent properties, and return to the full Architectural Board of Review for continued concept review.","The Architectural Board of Review continued concept review of a proposed 39-unit mixed-use development at 1922 De La Vena Street to the full board for additional refinement, asking the design team to simplify facades and emphasize horizontal organization and consistent openings.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6501275,"Architectural Board approves revisions for 1611 Castillo Street, with conditions",2638,1089000,3727000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711109-65e6854720f30d41861dac6253d1b8d4&start=1089&end=3727","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711109-65e6854720f30d41861dac6253d1b8d4/thumbnail_1089000.jpg","/articles/6501275/Santa-Barbara-City/Santa-Barbara-County/California/Architectural-Board-approves-revisions-for-1611-Castillo-Street-with-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6501275-8973ddab7eea53f5bead29505088efed/orig.mp4?Expires=1770812804&Signature=hLZTFmzvhXApvCMgnvWJqSvgBF4LxOetFA4-FkpT2ht0jJs0RcHlqnePFJiDpTMlu~fNCMsrqK3kkawqy3CCRQgPl37~XbJsoT~naU8wHFJ-DWxr1DCVRfN1tydzAO9FaWq2Mb8UpcTPH79L1SZ2ZQHIXxI4wUa2nv9kgCQaXHX6Dwnpv5AJzP42WrBGWa-R8ONPL-te-xPv5lBXVXyPDxHoNNIst18cMn4PNzAtQg4l4E0NsuxjPS6CfzLTRo0d32pGIa6ud48N2VnRrkTjw50SFyw7nvgUDrKxQKN8NMjzex5jDTO8tCU06So5RJE7PcnfkVSH4rnsx162zB8u5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Architectural Board of Review on Sept. 2 approved project design for a five-unit infill housing proposal at 1611 Castillo Street, imposing conditions on exterior detailing and landscape plans.

The board granted project design approval after hearing a revised presentation from the applicant team, who said they removed metal awnings, regularized window proportions and revised railings and exterior finish details. The board recorded a split vote on an initial motion, then approved a revised motion that required additional traditional detailing and other edits before final approval.

The project proposes five new residential units under the city's Average Unit Density Incentive Program, adding five vehicle parking spaces (four covered carports and one accessible uncovered space) and retaining an existing three-unit apartment on the site. Staff reported the project qualified for an exemption from additional environmental review under “section 15.30.1.” Ted Hamilton, acting design review supervisor, attended for staff assistance.

Applicants from Bilston Architecture and Planning presented the updated design package and a preliminary landscape plan. Ellen Bilston of Bilston Architecture and Planning said the team responded to prior board comments by removing metal awnings, simplifying parapet treatments and regularizing window proportions. Landscape consultant Krista Vorce described a low-water, low‑maintenance planting palette, a small turf area adjacent to the accessible parking stall and screening plantings and fences to address neighbor privacy.

Public commenter Rick Clausen said he reviewed the applicant’s photo inventory of nearby buildings and argued two structures the applicants cited as contextual precedents had been extensively altered over time and should not be held up as examples. \"Both of these income properties held up by the project's architect as exemplars of design for the neighborhood are tattered specimens with little remaining historic or original design integrity,\" Clausen said.

Board members discussed building massing, window proportions, parapet and railing detailing, and the color and finish of window frames and plaster. Several board members urged the team to add modest traditional elements—such as a simple parapet molding, more recessed or colored window frames and less-visible lighting fixtures—to better connect the project to Santa Barbara’s established design language. Members also pressed for confirmation of transformer and utility clearances for landscape plantings.

A motion for project design approval passed with conditions. The board required the applicant, at the time of final review, to provide: a traditional treatment for parapets (and optionally balcony terminations), more shielded/downcast and traditionally-styled exterior light fixtures, revised railing details (examples described as a hammered-iron appearance), elimination of a conspicuous “bike room” sign, and window-frame and body plaster colors consistent with the city's historic color guidance. The board also found the proposed alternate open yard acceptable.

The board voted to continue the project to the full board for final action after the applicant completes the required changes. A 10-day appeal period was noted for the board action.

The applicant will return with updated plans showing the revised parapet and railing details, light fixtures, color selections tied to the city’s color guide, and a refined landscape plan that confirms transformer and utility clearances.

The Architectural Board of Review discussed but did not require additional materials such as story poles for this project. The board’s comments stressed compatibility with neighboring parcels and the public-facing streetscape.

What’s next: The applicant will revise plans per the board’s conditions and return to the full board for final review and sign-off.","The board granted project design approval for a five-unit infill housing project at 1611 Castillo Street after the applicant revised building details and landscape plans; the approval includes required changes to lighting, parapet detail, railing design and signage and will return to the full board for final review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves concept for 44-unit Cottage Hospital employee housing; sends it to Planning Commission

Board endorses concept for second unit at 1122 East Haley, asks applicant to proceed to staff hearing officer

Board sends 1922 De La Vena Street mixed-use project back for more design work

Architectural Board approves revisions for 1611 Castillo Street, with conditions