Santa Barbara, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Blight enforcement in the City of Santa Barbara is run by the Community Development Department's Code Compliance Division, not Santa Barbara County. The City lists the conditions it investigates on its Code Compliance page, including substandard or unsafe buildings, illegal dwelling units and garage conversions, inoperable or abandoned vehicles on private property, and 'storage of trash, debris, structures, boats, or vehicles in zoning setbacks or front yards.' Over-height or illegally placed fences, walls and hedges and unpermitted signs are also treated as land-use violations. When a violation is found, code compliance officers 'will determine the appropriate remedy according to the Santa Barbara Municipal Code,' which 'may include a Notice of Violation, Administrative Citation, or a referral to the City Attorney's Office for criminal or civil action.' Administrative citations are issued under the City's Administrative Code Enforcement Procedures (Santa Barbara Municipal Code Chapter 1.25), which lets the City impose and collect civil administrative fines for code violations. Notices of Violation and citations are appealable. Complaints are reported through the City's SB Connect mobile app or web portal, or by emailing CDCodeCompliance@SantaBarbaraCA.gov. These are city procedures distinct from the County's separate code enforcement program that covers unincorporated areas.