Question 1

Which review body will see our project?

Accepted Answer

It depends where the property sits. Work inside the historic districts goes to the Historic Landmarks Commission; most other discretionary work goes to the Architectural Board of Review. They apply different standards and expect different things from a submittal, so knowing which one you are in front of changes how the set is drawn. We establish that before we start.

Question 2

What do the El Pueblo Viejo standards actually require?

Accepted Answer

A specific architectural vocabulary, applied consistently. Within that district the expectation is Spanish Colonial Revival detailing: wall finishes, roof tile, window proportion and depth of reveal are all looked at closely. It is one of the few places where a technically compliant design is routinely sent back for how it looks, so the elevations carry real weight in the set.

Question 3

How long does design review add?

Accepted Answer

Enough that it dominates the schedule. Review usually runs over multiple hearings before a project is approved to proceed to building plan check, and each round has its own calendar. We would rather set that expectation at the start than have you promise a client a date built on plan check alone.

Question 4

Our lot is on the hillside. What changes?

Accepted Answer

Height is measured against natural grade and grading is limited, and on the steeper Riviera and Mesa lots the access and the retaining frequently shape the design. We capture the terrain so the designer is working from measured ground; geotechnical work comes from the project engineer and the drawings are coordinated to it.

Question 5

Do you design, or draft what our architect designs?

Accepted Answer

Usually the latter here. On Santa Barbara's larger residential work there is normally an architect leading, and we produce the measured existing conditions, the design drawings and the production behind the submittal. On a small scope, a simple ADU or a modest interior remodel, we will handle the design ourselves.

Drafting and Permit Documents in the City of Santa Barbara

01Which review body will see our project?

02What do the El Pueblo Viejo standards actually require?

03How long does design review add?

04Our lot is on the hillside. What changes?

05Do you design, or draft what our architect designs?