Open Space

SB CAN advocates for the preservation of open space and agricultural lands, and the protection and conservation of natural resources, sensitive habitats and endangered species.

 
We recognize that there is a crisis regarding the potential loss of open space and agricultural lands both within and outside urban limits, as commercial and residential development continues. Open space availability is determined not only by natural geography, but also by land use decisions made in relation to housing and transportation. Therefore:
 
  1. Land use planning should aim to preserve the ecological integrity and aesthetic quality of open space, environmentally sensitive areas, and land used for farming.
  2. Development should be contained within the urban limit line and avoid sprawl. 
  3. Development potentials should be acquired from landowners through the “transfer of development rights” (TDR) process, to preserve their ability to continue with farming and ranching activities while preserving agriculture and open space.
  4. The rural character of areas outside urban zones should be protected from residential and related development that is out of scale or incompatible with surrounding uses.
  5.  Zoning changes that erode the long-term viability of agriculture should be limited.
  6. Ecologically important open space should be preserved in perpetuity. Mechanisms for achieving this might include “open space districts”, as well as other for publicly acquiring and conserving open land.
  7. Collaborative watershed-scale planning approaches and management tools should be integrated across agencies at all levels to more effectively address the range of ecosystem protection issues in coastal watersheds.
 
SB CAN is an active participant on the following coalitions and alliances that work to protect the environment and preserve agriculture.
 
Naples Coalition
Santa Barbara Environmental Coalition
Santa Barbara County Ag Futures Alliance
 
ENVIRONMENTAL AND OPEN SPACE PROJECTS
 
  • Opposed development along the Gaviota Coast (2002-09)
  • Opposed dismantling of the Oaks protection ordinance (2005/06)
  • Opposed changes in the Uniform Rules ordinances that would have increased development on agricultural land (2006-07)
  • Opposed the North Hills Village project near Orcutt on agricultural land that would have contributed to urban sprawl and increased commuter traffic (2007)
  • Called for withdrawing permits from Greka Oil Facilities because of repeated spills and violations, and supported stronger regulations for on-shore drilling (2007-09)
  • Opposed piecemeal planning and increased development on agricultural land in the Santa Rita Hills between Buellton and Lompoc (2007-08)
  • Opposed the Mahoney Ranch development southwest of Santa Maria on agricultural land, far from basic public services (2008)
  • Opposed the Bradley Ranch development east of Hwy 101 near Santa Maria on agricultural land that would contribute to urban sprawl (2008)
  • Opposed development at the La Purisima Golf Course near Lompoc that would require a General Plan Amendment that would open up development on agricultural lands (2008-09)
  • Opposed efforts to lift the Presidential and congressional moratoriums on new oil and gas leasing (2008)
  • Supported the Wind Farm Energy Project near Lompoc, while calling for increased monitoring on impacts to bird and bat populations (2008-09)
  • Supported the Tranquillon Ridge Project, a historical agreement reached between the PXP oil operations and environmental groups that would phase out current off-shore oil production and preserve nearly 4,000 acres of valuable land near Lompoc and along the Gaviota Coast.

In addition, SB CAN has written numerous columns on these issues and others concerning the environment, including those on global warning and peak oil, off-shore oil seeps, energy conservation and green building practices.