Updated 5/12/2009
City of Santa Barbara
JESUSITA & TEA FIRE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
City of Santa Barbara Planning Counter / 630 Garden St. / (805) 564-5578
Debris Removal & Erosion Control
Is it necessary to obtain a permit to clear my property of debris from the fire? Yes. An “over-the-counter” Demolition/Debris Removal permit issued by the Building and Safety Division is required. You will need to come in to 630 Garden St and provide a simple plot plan of your property showing the location of all affected structures, the extent of damage, and select one of the City’s pre-approved waste haulers. See the “Debris Removal” handout on our website at www.SantaBarbaraCa.gov/BuildingForms. Before clearing debris, it is recommended that your insurance agent visit the site, inspect the damage, and take photos.
Will the City perform area-wide erosion control or am I responsible for erosion control on my property?
Private property owners are responsible for maintaining their property in a safe manner that does not cause harm to other properties. This includes erosion control. Each property owner should install proper and sufficient erosion control measures to ensure this. Please see our erosion control handout on our website at, www.SantaBarbaraCa.gov/BuildingForms for more information.
Rebuilding
My home was destroyed in the Jesusita or Tea Fire and I want to re-build. Where do I start?
If you haven’t already, contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. Make sure your insurance adjuster has been to the site before you do any clearing. Contact the State of California Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357 or check their website at www.insurance.ca.gov for additional tips on dealing with your insurance agent.
Who do I contact to find out what I can or can’t rebuild? Does the City have a copy of the original plans for my structure?
Yes. The City will most likely have original house plans. Planning Staff have been assigned to help guide you through the permit process in rebuilding your home. Your planner will have information on your parcel history, your permit history, and archived plans (if available) for your property. The City Planning Division is offering homeowners the ability to meet with a case planner by appointment.
Making Changes
Do I have to rebuild my home exactly how it was before or can I make changes to my former house design?
The City encourages homeowners to consider making improvements on the original design of the home, particularly in regard to fire prevention, energy efficiency and sustainability issues. Reconstruction of damaged nonconforming structures are allowed to be restored or rebuilt under certain conditions outlined in SBMC 28.87.038. You may be eligible should you want to rebuild your home in generally the same location with a similar size and footprint as before. It may be a longer process should you choose to substantially alter the design, but the City is currently looking at ways to expedite this process as well. Contact assigned case planners for additional information on these matters.
Can I rebuild what I had and obtain a quick building permit issuance?
In most cases, homes destroyed will require compliance with new building construction codes and water quality requirements, which will necessitate plan changes. The City has adopted a Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance (NPO) and Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) that may require compliance with specific design guidelines for properties located in the Hillside Design District. Planning recommends homeowners first meet with a case planner for an initial evaluation to determine if your project is exempt or what level of architectural design review is required for your rebuild project. In some cases, where minor changes are proposed, staff administrative approvals can be obtained and the building permit can be issued more quickly. However, based on the extent of design changes, a higher level of architectural design review may be warranted. The City is setting up an expedited review process involving the use of the Single Family Design Board (SFDB) Consent Calendar. Once you have met with an assigned case planner and you understand the City’s review process, you should have better idea on how best to proceed with your rebuilding plans.
I’m concerned about how long this is all going to take. Can the City do anything to speed up the process?
The City is aware of homeowner’s concerns regarding possible delays involving rebuilding. There is a concerted effort being made by Staff and the SFDB members to review applications as quickly as possible to allow for a quicker review process. The SFDB Consent Calendar hours are also being extended to provide special review slots for Jesusita & Tea Fire Rebuild Projects. In addition, an early consultation concept review process will allow homeowners to take advantage of free design expertise from local design professionals who have volunteered to assist. Once submitted for a building permit, all Jesusita or Tea Fire affected plans will be given priority in an effort to expedite the permit review process.
Accessory Structures
I had several accessory structures that were destroyed on my property in addition to the house? Will I be able to replace these?
Consult with your assigned case planner with regard to replacement of accessory structures. These will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Structures that meet current zoning regulations will generally be allowed to be rebuilt.
Architectural Plans
My house was very old and I don’t know if architectural plans exist for it. I’m not even sure exactly how large it was in terms of area. How do I obtain this information?
If architectural plans exist, the City Building and Safety Division Records and Archives staff can provide you information relative to building permit records and archived architectural plans. The plans are located in the Community Development Department building at 630 Garden Street. The Recorder and Assessor’s Office has information on your tax history which your assigned case planner can use to help determine what was on your property prior to the fire. Property owners may visit the Recorder and Assessor’s Office and access the “Residential Building Record”. If you would like an agent to access the record for you instead, you will need to sign a form allowing the release of this information. Contact the Tax Assessor’s office for a copy of this form.
I have a set of plans from a few years ago when we remodeled our house. Will I able to use these or have building codes changed since then?
Previously drawn plans may be useful to determine your options, but only plans that were approved under the 2001 or 2007 California Building Codes may be submitted “as is” with only minor changes. Homes approved under codes previous to these must be rebuilt to comply with the currently adopted, 2007 California Building Code. All plans will need to meet the current requirements for High Fire Area Construction (CBC Chapter 7A) and the Undergrounding of Utilities Ordinance (SBMC 22.38).
Architects and Designers
Can I have my architect or designer act on my behalf during this process?
Yes. For most tasks, an architect or designer can act on your behalf if you file an Agent Authorization Form. Ask your planner for an Agent Authorization Form. Just fill this form out, sign it, and return it to your case planner, and your case planner will honor the request. However, to request copies of your archived architectural plans, authorization of the owner is required in person or via certified mail. Agent Authorization Forms are not accepted.
I don’t really know any architects, designers or contractors. Can you recommend anyone?
As a public agency, we are restricted from making these types of recommendations. Two excellent sources for help on finding the right kind of help are your local chapters of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Santa Barbara Contractors Association (SBCA). You can contact the AIA by visiting their office at 229 East Victoria Street, by calling (805) 966-4198, or by navigating to their website at www.aiasb.com. You can contact the SBCA by mail at P.O. Box 23409, by calling (805) 884-1100, or by navigating to their website at www.sbcontractors.org.
Temporary Trailer
Can I live on my property while I rebuild? Do I need a permit for that?
Yes to both questions. Council introduced an Ordinance on Dec 9, 2008 that allows fire victims to temporarily live on the property with a recreational vehicle or a mobile home as long is it is self-contained (contains facilities for living, cooking, sleeping, and sanitation). A debris/demolition clearing permit must first be issued. You may obtain a temporary trailer permit for this and for a temporary power pole at the Building and Safety Division’s “building counter” (see address below). Once you are ready, you can call the Building and Safety Division and a building inspector will come out and verify that you are safely situated and verify that your power can be safely hooked up.
Do I have to be hooked up to my septic system or the public sanitary sewer?
Are holding tanks allowed?
Any of these systems of sewage disposal is acceptable. To hook up to an existing septic system, the lines and tank must be emptied and a damage inspection report prepared. A copy of this inspection report and any recommendations must be submitted to the Building and Safety Counter at time of application for the temporary trailer permit. If your trailer has an internal holding tank, you must have a signed contract with a sewage removal service (minimum six month contract). You will need to present a copy of the signed contract at the Building and Safety Counter to have your temporary trailer permit issued. All sewer laterals for properties with destroyed homes are being cut and capped near the property line by City workers. Visit the Public Works Counter regarding reconnecting to the sewer main in compliance with the City’s Sewer Lateral Inspection Program (SLIP). The SLIP requires sewer laterals be inspected prior to reconnection to the main. If a lateral is found to be in need of repair, then per the SLIP and Santa Barbara Municipal Code 14.48, lateral repair must be completed prior to reconnection to the main sewer. There won’t be an additional tap fee if the existing wye is re-used.
How long may I live on the property in my temporary trailer? Temporary trailer permits may be issued for a two- year period. A debris/demolition clearing permit must first be issued. An application for a reconstruction of the residences must be submitted within six months from the date of temporary trailer permit. Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Building and Safety Division if deemed necessary.
Taxes
What do I do if I have lost my tax records?
If you have lost your tax records, you should contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for replacements. You can call the local Santa Barbara IRS office at (805) 564-7518 or visit their website at www.irs.gov. The local Santa Barbara IRS office is located at 1332 Anacapa Street, Suite 101. To reach the State of California Franchise Tax Board, you may call 1-800-852-5711 or visit the Franchise Tax Board website at www.ftb.ca.gov.
Do my property taxes automatically get reassessed to adjust them for my loss of improvements? Will they be reassessed at market value once I’ve completed the re-build?
Most Tea Fire victims will receive an improvement only refund warrant for the period of 11/1/08 - 6/30/09. The 2008-09 tax statement will not change. Many have opted for a December 10, 2008 tax deadline extension. The refunds most receive will primarily be for improvement damage. The refund will be sent whether or not they've paid their taxes yet. The property owner will be given a 30 day extension from the date the refund is received to pay their 12/10/08 installment. The refunds should start to go out in late January, with most being mailed in February 2009.
The Assessor will review both the improvement and land values of the ten parcels that cannot rebuild. Both the 2008-09 and future assessments for these parcels will be reduced, and the percentage of adjustment will likely be larger as they cannot rebuild. The 2008-09 tax bills for the ten parcels that cannot rebuild will likely be adjusted downward, and the owners will be given 30 days to pay the corrected installment amounts without late penalty.
You must complete an application form and turn it in at the tax assessor’s office to have your property reassessed at a lower value during your re-build (see address below). You can also apply at that time to have your upcoming property tax payment deferred to a later date.
Other Documents
I lost my birth certificate in the fire. How do I get it replaced?
You may visit the County Clerk, Recorder, and Assessor’s office for help if you have lost vital and official documents such as certificates of birth, death, fetal death, or marriage, as well as deeds required to obtain assistance from federal, state and local governmental agencies, make claims for and collect insurance, or find new employment. The address is listed below.
A vehicle of mine was destroyed in the fire and I also lost my driver’s license. What should I do? If your car has been destroyed, contact your insurance company. If you lost your driver license or identification card, contact the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles at a DMV field office, on-line at www.dmv.ca.gov, or call 1-800-777-0133.
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From the Santa Barbara County website:
Please note that the Jesusita Fire Call Center is now closed.
County Supervisors Salud Carbajal, First District, and Janet Wolf, Second District, will be hosting a Jesusita Fire Recovery Meeting at 6:30 PM, Monday, May 18, 2009 at the County Administration Building, Board Hearing Room, Fourth Floor, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, 93101.
Jesusita Fire
Michael Harris, Emergency Operations Chief, heads up the County’s recovery team to help residents in the recovery and rebuilding process. The County’s plans include assigning project case managers for area residents whose homes were lost or damaged in the Jesusita Fire. The County is also working to establish and open a recovery center similar to the one operated after the Tea Fire to provide information and assistance related to the rebuilding and recovery process.
County To Open Local Assistance Center (LAC)
The County of Santa Barbara will be establishing a Local Assistance Center (LAC) beginning 9:00 AM, Monday, May 18, 2009. The LAC is being established by the County and City of Santa Barbara to provide assistance and recovery services for residents who have lost homes or otherwise impacted by the Jesusita Fire. Federal, State and local agencies will be providing assistance.
Jesusita Burn Area Rebuild Information:
Property Tags
County Building and Safety officials have inspected properties that sustained fire damage and tagged them with one of three tags which indicate structural safety: a red tag indicates a structure is unsafe to occupy; a yellow tag indicates that limited entry is possible and residents should enter at their own risk; a green tag indicates that the property was inspected and deemed safe to occupy. Areas unaffected by the fire will not be tagged. If your property has a red tag, the structure is unsafe to occupy.
Contact the County Planning and Development Department:
123 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara 93101-2058
805-568-2090 or 805-568-3030
www.sbcountyplanning.org
Hours: 8:30a.m.-12:00p.m and 1:00p.m.-4:30p.m. M, Tues, W, F
10:00a.m.-12:00p.m. and 1:00p.m.-4:30p.m. Thursday
Case managers have been assigned to properties damaged and/or destroyed. Residents may contact the Planning Supervisor, Petra Leyva, at 805-568-2071 to determine their case manager. Residents should be prepared to provide property address, description of damage, and any other information the property owner may have. If the property is serviced by a septic tank, the case manager will need to know where the septic tank is located. Please also include any past service records of septic tank service. The property owner will then apply for a demolition permit. All fees will be deferred until a building permit is ready to be picked up. All permits will be a priority of the Planning and Development Department.
Rebuilding Costs
First look to insurance and charities for help with rebuilding costs. When you have covered the costs, it is important to make sure that your new structure is built well, in a efficient manner and for a reasonable price. Here are some recommendations and helpful resources:
Use only licensed contractors. Verify the contractor you've selected has a valid license at the Contractors State License Board website or by phone 800.321.2752 - http://www.cslb.ca.gov/
Learn more about a rebuilding Companies reputation by checking with your local Better Business Bureau: http://www.santabarbara.bbb.org/Home.aspx
Before you begin work, be aware of the effects construction and equipment operation have on air quality. Visit the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District website for more information: http://www.sbcapcd.org/Default.htm
Typical Permits and Fees for Recovery Construction:
http://sbcountyplanning.org/PDF/projects/TeaFireRebuilding/TypicalPermitFees.pdf