Zoning Information Report Creates Controversy

City of Santa Barbara Zoning Information Report Policy Change

If you have bought or sold a residential property in Santa Barbara, you’ve probably had to get a ZIR or Zoning Information Report. This involves an inspection of the property by the City of Santa Barbara. Essentially, the ZIR requirement is to make sure there are no zoning infractions such as non-permitted remodels and other changes to the property that might violate the City’s zoning rules.

Recently, the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors, SBAOR, filed an objection with the City of Santa Barbara suggesting the City was violating homeowner rights by requiring access to the property without a warrant to do so. SBOAR and Santa Barbara Group member, Joe Parker has been keenly involved with this issue.

Below you will find 3 items of interest about ZIR’s.

First is a video Joe recorded going over the Association of Realtor’s grievance with the City.
Second is a follow-up video explaining changes the City has made in response.
The third is an excerpt from the City explaining a bit about the ZIR process.

Joe Parker’s First Video About Problem with Zoning Information Report Policy

Joe Parker’s Follow-Up Video with important changes to the Zoning Information Report process.

Here is an excerpt from the City of Santa Barbara on ZIR’s.,

Pursuant to Santa Barbara Municipal Code (SMBC) §28.87.220, a Zoning Information Report (ZIR) is required for every transfer of residential property with limited exceptions.

The purpose of the ZIR is to provide information to the potential buyer regarding the zoning and permitted use of the property based on a physical site inspection and records research.

The ZIR inspector is neither a building inspector nor a licensed surveyor and the ZIR will not include a review of compliance with the Building Code or confirm the exact location of property lines.

A ZIR is valid for 12 months from the date of the issuance or until the next transfer of title occurs, whichever is sooner. You can apply for a one-year time extension prior to the expiration of the current ZIR. An additional physical inspection and application fee is required.

ZIR’s are significant part of the home buying and selling process. The Santa Barbara Group has learned much about this process helping hundreds of clients navigate these sometimes rough waters. If you have questions, please know they are here to assist you with answers gained from nearly two decades of experience. Just give them a call or email (contact info is at the top of the website) and know you will be in reliable hands.

Best to you,

Joe Parker & Garrett McCaw
The Santa Barbara Group
Berkshire Hathaway HSCP