Proposed Three Story Housing Units in Isla Vista Face Backlash

A proposal for a new housing development comprising of three, three-story apartment buildings in Isla Vista has been postponed for further review as it faces backlash from the community.

The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission has deferred its decision last month, requesting the project be presented to the South County Board of Architectural Review (SBAR) after concerns were raised by neighbors and commissioners regarding the potential influx of around 100 students and vehicles to the area.

The proposed project, located at 6737 Sueno Road, aims to replace an existing single-family home from 1913 with 16 apartment units spread across three buildings. This development plan includes apartments with three bedrooms, adding up to a total of 48 bedrooms and featuring both extremely low-income and moderate-income units.

Ed St. George, the property owner in partnership with Isla Vista Church, seeks to utilize density bonuses granted under California’s Housing Accountability Act, which allows for greater height and reduced setbacks from the street.

Concerns have been voiced by the local community about the potential for increased parking congestion, citing a traffic study indicating that street parking in Isla Vista is already beyond capacity. Despite the project planning to include 24 parking spaces, there are fears that this will not suffice due to the high existing demand for parking.

A group of community members sent a letter to commissions expressing their frustration with this project affecting density, parking, and building heights.

“The infrastructure of Isla Vista; parking, safety in mobility, emergency access, water, sewage, and trash, is already overtaxed. This and other developments will only deteriorate a dangerous situation. We understand there needs to be more housing in our county but until Isla Vista is functional, safe and has the infrastructure needed for the capacity we are at now we do not need to be exacerbating this situation,” the letter signed by 22 community members stated.

Additionally, some commissioners noted that the affordable housing component of the project limits their ability to oppose the development despite reservations about its impact on the neighborhood.

Isla Vista, known for its dense student population and high rental rates, could see an average bedroom rent ranging from $1000 to $2,000  if the project proceeds. This development is one of several anticipated projects aimed at addressing the housing needs in the area, which has been zoned for multi-family homes to accommodate the growing population associated with the nearby UCSB campus.

The project will be reviewed by SBAR at a future date.