Santa Barbara is known for its high standards, aesthetics, and environmental leadership. Local businesses play a significant role in ensuring Santa Barbara’s uniqueness and quality of life. Each business takes steps to protect the safety of its customers and employees. This site provides essential information to help you understand City regulations and services available for your business needs. Together with instructional videos, you can find answers to frequently asked questions and learn activities that require approval. Click here to watch our instructional videos
Good customer service is a priority to us. We welcome your questions and want to provide you with the resources you need to make informed decisions and spend wisely for your business. We want to be a partner in your success.
Click here for Downtown Business Resources.
When You Need City Approval
- Installing any type of sign
- Making exterior building changes or adding mechanical equipment
- Adding space or new floor area to an existing building
- Changing the type of business operating on a property
- Adding chairs or tables to the sidewalk for outdoor dining
- Using the street, sidewalk, beach, a park or public property for an event
- Planting, maintaining, or removing trees and vegetation on the sidewalk or public property
- Conducting business that involves dancing or alcohol service
Business Operations and Safety
- Smoke-Free City
- Establish Water, Sewer, Trash, and Other Utilities
- Trash and Recycling Enclosure Design Guide
- Fingerprinting & Live Scan Services
- Register Building Alarm Systems
- Graffiti Removal
- Leaf Blowers
- Create a Disaster Plan
Greening Your Business
- Water Conservation
- Water Heroes
- Trash, Recycling, and Composting
- Single Use Bag Ordinance
- Commuting Options and Incentives
- Energy Efficiency Audits and Programs
- Clean Creeks Certified Business Program
- Certify Your Business Through Green Business Program
Doing Business With the City
Leasing Space from the City
Special Requests
Resources and Applications
Interested in developing an idea, starting a business or growing a business in Santa Barbara? Contact us today for your free business consultation! Call Santa Barbara Entrepreneur at our Impact HUB location (805) 633-0877.