City Public Service Counters Closed
March 18, 2020
To slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect the safety of the community and employees, the City of Santa Barbara closed public counters. City department offices are staffed and ready to handle requests, review plans and applications, and process payments.

Many City services and instructions are available online, allowing you to pay a bill, find phone numbers to contact staff, or submit requests, forms, applications, questions, and comments via email. Special procedures have been developed to process land development plans and permits. The Departments are committed to continuing to provide public services during this time. The following services will be modified to limit in-person interaction and ensure social distancing.
  • Finance: Utility bills can be paid online, over the phone, by mail or drop box outside City Hall near De La Guerra Plaza. All other bills, including Business License, Business Improvement District (BID), Parking and Business Improvement Area (PBIA), Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), Cannabis Tax, Parking Citation can be paid by mail or the City Hall dropbox. Enclose the billing or application with payment.
  • Planning and Zoning, Building and Safety, Public Works, and Records Counter at 630 Garden Street: Staff is currently processing all plans and permits, in accordance with regular timelines. A new drop-off area will be created at the front entrance to the building. Drop plans with appropriate forms and applications and a staff person will contact you electronically to confirm receipt. For up-to-date information with drop-off and payment instructions, please go to the Public Counter Notices Webpage
  • Consultation by telephone or email is available during regular business hours. If you have questions, call or email:
  • Rental Housing Mediation: 
    Staff can provide consultations and mediations in English or Spanish by phone at 805-564-5420. Tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities can be provided by phone and email. 
  • Library: Libraries are currently closed but services and resources can be reached online.
    • Borrow books, audiobooks, movies, comics, films, magazines, and online courses electronically at SBPLibrary.org/eLibrary
    • Delay requested physical materials, for pick-up or check-out, by reviewing your OverDrive account for holds on eBooks and Audiobooks. Call 805-962-7653 to delay materials or order unique items for home delivery with the Zip Books program.
    • Access your account and review your account details by either visiting SBPLibrary.org/Catalog or by downloading the Library's mobile app "Black Gold" in any app store.
    • If you have questions about a particular event or about checked out items, please call the Santa Barbara Public Library at 805-962-7653 or send a text message to 805-764-4542 (805-764-4LIB). Chat with staff at the Library's digital chat reference services, available during open hours and answered in real-time: SBPLibrary.org/LibraryChat
  • Police: The Police Department public lobby at 215 E. Figueroa Street is currently closed to the public. Public safety professionals are providing 24/7 service throughout the City. While the lobby might be closed in an abundance of caution, our professional staff is working for you. For real emergencies, dial 911. To file a police report or request a copy, use the Citizens Online Reporting Tool. To arrange for Property Release, call 805-897-2375 to make an appointment. For all other requests, please call 805-897-2355. 
  • Fire: Email [email protected] or call 805-965-5254 for all questions related to fire prevention, wildland fire prevention, and plan submittals.
  • City Clerk: City Council and Advisory Group agendas are available online and outside City Hall. Meeting videos and minutes are also available on the City's website. For questions related to the Council agenda or public records requests, email [email protected].
  • Human Resources: The Human Resources counter will be closed and appointments will be scheduled as needed. For questions, call 805-564-5316.
  • Downtown Parking: Monthly and Commuter Permit account payments may be mailed to 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.  Please include your account number with your payment. Other transactions requiring payment can be mailed to the Downtown Parking Office at 1221 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.  All other submittals and inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
  • Waterfront/Harbor: Call the Waterfront Office at 805-564-5531 for questions and information. Email [email protected] to submit fish tickets and most slip management forms, including temporary cancellation, e-billing, live-aboard permits, vacation live-aboard permits, and mailing address change requests. Slip renters can sign up for autopay.
  • Parks and Recreation: Public counters at recreation facilities and the public offices at 620 Laguna Street and 402 East Ortega Street are closed through April 5, but many resources can be found online, and questions may be directed to [email protected]. Follow the Parks and Recreation Department on Facebook and check the Department homepage for news and updates. Contact the Water Quality Enforcement Program Enforcement Hotline to report violations of the City's Municipal Code to protect local creeks and the ocean from pollution. Many services are available to book a tee time at Santa Barbara Golf Club or request a Street Tree Removal.

The public is encouraged to check the City's website to save a trip to City facilities and limit interaction if possible. For updates on City services, facility closures, and special instructions to pay bills, submit plans, and complete transactions, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov.
Service Updates
  • All libraries have been temporarily closed with a tentative reopening date of April 6, 2020. Many family programs are available online while libraries and schools are closed.
  • Parks and Recreation Facilities, including Los Baños del Mar Swimming Pool, Carrillo Gym, Carrillo Recreation Center, and Municipal Tennis Center, are closed effective March 17 through April 6. The Westside Neighborhood Center, Franklin Neighborhood Center, Louise Lowry Davis Center and Parque de los Niños will continue to serve as sites for food distribution and brown bag pickup programs only. No other drop-in or scheduled programming will be permitted. Read more...
  • City parks and restrooms will remain open during normal park hours. Outdoor individual activities at the Santa Barbara Golf Club that will follow the social distancing guidelines. All other outdoor organized sports, spring break camps and beach volleyball classes are cancelled.
  • Street sweeping is cancelled in residential neighborhoods through March and there will be no related parking enforcement during this period.
  • Cruise ship visits have been cancelled through June.
  • Flights continue to operate at Santa Barbara Airport. For air travel updates, visit: SBA Website
  • The City Council meetings on March 24 and 31 are cancelled. Most board and commission meetings are cancelled through March, unless necessary by law. Options are being explored to participate in meetings remotely.