***Please read the brief below for important Updates as of 9/18/25***
***Update***
WAKE UP SB!!!
We have an update regarding the proposed developments at 505 E. Los Olivos as well as 1609 Grand St. A lot has happened in the past weeks/months.
A new group has formed that is advocating for Smart Actionable Growth in SB and is spearheading the efforts to oppose these developments on the Riviera. The group is called SAGE SB(website below) and is comprised of many of the homeowner associations in the immediate area. They are currently getting their 501(c)(3) designation but they are ready to start pushing back against these projects and to advocate for more sustainable middle and low income developments.
Currently they are focused on the development at 1609 Grand Ave as it is further along in the permitting process. What happens at Grand Ave will be a bellwether for the project at 505 E. Los Olivos. Both projects are owned by the same developer.
SAGE SB has a website that can explain exactly where the developments currently sit and what the road ahead looks like. Please follow along with them and sign up with their group to join in the chorus of voices calling for an end to developer overreach and to support actual sustainable housing.
Lastly and **VERY IMPORTANT*** The city is currently taking public comments regarding the development at 1609 Grand Ave. The public comment period will close at the end of this month. Go to the link below and let the city know that this development should be stopped!
Thank you to everyone that stepped up to speak up. While our rally did not materialize we can continue the fight by staying informed and gathering as a community to pushback.
SAGE SB
Public Comments to city:
How did this happen?
Builders Remedy
Every 8 years, all jurisdictions throughout the state of California need to submit housing elements that meet the state goals for housing. Essentially, the state mandates a certain amount of housing that needs to be provided and the jurisdictions submit a plan to achieve this. When jurisdictions, such as the city of Santa Barbara, fail to submit their housing elements by the deadline, Builder's Remedy kicks in until the city is certified by the state.
Builder's Remedy streamlines the process for developers to build in cities that are not in compliance. This allows builders to bypass local zoning rules and build whatever they want so long as 20% of the project provides low income housing.
The intention of Builder's Remedy is sound, as it is a way to provide housing and low income housing when a city is mired in regulation and red tape. We need more housing, but this is so clearly an overreach by the developers to cash in on something that does not do anything to solve our housing crisis.
What's the development, and who's behind it?
270 Unit Apartment Complex built in two "wings".
8 Stories tall.
505 E. Los Olivos St., Santa Barbara, CA 93105. The developer is only listed as The Mission LLC.
What can we do? What's the Goal?
A lot!!
This is where community comes in. As a community we can be far more influential. We can speak as one voice and together we can stop this ridiculous excuse for housing.
The goal is not to vilify the developer, but to have a meaningful conversation with all stakeholders to come to a beneficial arrangement for everyone involved, most importantly the community.
As a community lets find a way that benefits all parties. Let focus on building actual low income housing in areas that need it and can sustain it.
