All new buildings in Santa Barbara will have to take a step back from the city’s creeks if a new Creek Buffer Ordinance clears the regulatory hurdles.
Creek buffers are natural areas between creeks and development, meant to reduce public safety risks related to erosion and flooding while enhancing water quality and creek habitats, according to the city.
“Creek buffers give creeks more room to move and be dynamic,” said Erin Markey, Clean Water Manager for the city’s creeks division.