Is the Gaviota Coast threatened by development today?
Yes, on numerous fronts. County land use policies are constantly under assault by landowners with development intentions. From the Coal Oil Point Reserve to El Capitan, conditions for classic urban sprawl are ripe. The population growth on the Southcoast, the steady increase in land values on our beautiful coastline, and the arrival of State water in Santa Barbara County all contribute to the threatening spread of urban sprawl. The County’s present agricultural zoning and related land use policies are the main impediment to urban sprawl. However, these policies are vulnerable to political change and open to interpretation. For example, certain types of agricultural zoning (AG-II) allows rather intensive development such as golf courses, country clubs, retreats, guest ranches, etc provided a Major Conditional Use Permit is granted by the County. Without a firm, and long-standing commitment by elected county officials, there is little question that the rural character of this coastline w
