Large Scale Orcutt Apartment Complex Approved by Santa Barbara County Planning Commission

On October 8, 2025, the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission approved a 99-unit, fully affordable apartment complex in Orcutt.

The project, known as the Orchard Terrace Apartments Development Plan, was on the Commission’s agenda.

This project follows an earlier approved 61-unit development plan. The 99-unit plan was outlined in a Development Agreement (DA) that was recommended by the Planning Commission in January 2024 and approved by the Board of Supervisors in March 2024.

The development will offer a range of affordability levels for its 99 units.

The plan includes 150 parking spaces and public amenities such as an improved segment of a children’s play area, an outdoor fitness area, community gardens, and a dog park.

The project site is located at 1331 Foster Road (Keysite H) within the Orcutt community plan. The parcel is 4.15 acres in size and is zoned Design Residential. The site is situated next to Highway 101 and is surrounded by single-family dwellings to the south, multi-family dwellings to the north, and condominiums to the west.

The project uses State Density Bonus Law provisions, including an 80% density bonus, three concessions, and eight waivers, which staff found consistent with state and county law. Under the Law, developers can build more units than zoning normally allows if a portion of the project is designated for affordable housing.

The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission reviewed the project after Gene Brousard, agent for Affordable Housing Land Consultants LLC, requested it. This was under case numbers 24-DVP-29 and 25-CUP-28.

The commission voted four to zero to adopt the recommended actions, confirming that the previously filed notice of exemption was sufficient.

The Orchard Terrace Apartments Development Plan

The project seeks approval of a Development Plan (DVP) to allow demolition of an existing single-family residence, school, and accessory structures, and the construction of a new 99-unit, 100% affordable housing complex.

A Minor Conditional Use Permit (MCUP) is also being requested for a 530-foot-long wall, with a maximum height of 10 feet, along the western edge of the property.

The housing complex includes 15 studio apartments at 430 square feet, 33 one-bedroom units at 605 square feet, 32 two-bedroom units between 835 and 905 square feet, and 25 three-bedroom units at 1,105 square feet.

Four buildings will contain the units, which include two two-story and two three-story structures. Seventy-five of the units will include private balconies or patios that meet county noise standards. All units will feature full kitchens and bathrooms.

Drought-tolerant landscaping covering 47,237 square feet and stormwater basins are integrated throughout the site.

The project application was deemed complete on September 6, 2025.