Santa Barbara County, CA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Obstruction Rules (2026)

Santa Barbara County Code Sec. 3, Protection of Nearby Property and Persons, and Obstruction of Streets, Sidewalks, and Driveways, for the unincorporated area. 1, any construction, remodeling, demolition, or grading project must protect adjoining and nearby public and private property, including footings, foundations, party walls, chimneys, skylights, fences, walkways, and patios, and must control water runoff and erosion. Critically, the work itself cannot obstruct access to public streets or sidewalks, nor to private driveways or private property, while it is underway. 2 backs that up with a physical barrier requirement: when the Building Official calls for it, at the start of construction, remodeling, demolition, or grading, or as soon afterward as feasible, the site must get a protective screen or fence at least six feet high between the work area and the public streets, sidewalks, and adjoining properties, and this applies notwithstanding the County's separate Land Use and Development Code or Coastal Zoning Ordinance provisions.

3 gives the Building Official authority to issue a Stop Work Notice; work cannot resume until the damage is corrected, the obstruction is cleared, and the Building Official gives written approval. 4 goes further and requires County staff to suspend field inspections on the property entirely until the obstruction or damage is resolved.