Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Barbara County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
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2 issues in zoning with critical priority
CriticalZoning
Phase I Oil and Gas Drilling Prohibition
The county approved a ban on drilling new onshore oil and gas wells and re-entering abandoned wells as part of its climate action plan, sparking intense debate between environmental advocates and industry representatives.
51 mentionsLast discussed Sep 15, 2026
CriticalZoning
Utility-Scale Solar and Battery Storage Ordinance
The county adopted a new regulatory framework to allow utility-scale solar and battery storage facilities, establishing a 16,000-acre cap and streamlining permits for agricultural solar and standalone battery systems to meet clean energy goals.
4 mentionsLast discussed Sep 1, 2026