Santa Barbara County Planning Commission will hear an appeal from the Gaviota Coast Conservancy on April 24 concerning ongoing developments at El Capitan Canyon Resort. The conservancy argues that these developments could potentially disrupt scenic views along the rural coastline of Santa Barbara. The final decision by the Planning Commission will consider the input from all stakeholders, with public comments accepted up until two days before the hearing.
In September 2023, the Central Board of Architectural Review granted preliminary design approval for this phase. Plans included the addition of 22 RV cabins, 17 yurts, and a mix of auto and bike campsites. Additionally, the project proposed the replacement of two ranch support buildings with three new support facilities and a comfort station, alongside the introduction of new swimming pools and enhanced night lighting.
The disputed project, aimed at enhancing the resort’s offerings with new campsites and amenities, was initiated over a decade ago. It is currently in its next phase, which involves relocating 47 campsites to a new section of the campground known as Area F. This section is positioned above an existing llama farm.
According to a Santa Barbara Independent report, the controversy stems from a coastal development permit issued in 2011, which the Gaviota Coast Conservancy claims expired in 2013. The group contends that the project should adhere to the Gaviota Coast Plan, established in 2018, which includes specific viewshed protections.
The project’s applicant, along with the resort’s former owner, Roger Himovitz, maintains that the project does not constitute an expansion but merely continues what was previously approved and has vested land use entitlements.
At a Planning Commission meeting initially scheduled for February 28, which was later postponed to April, the conservancy presented its case, backed by hundreds of public comments opposing the development.
Despite the opposition, county planning and development staff have sided with the resort, stating in a recent report that the appeal lacks merit and falls outside the scope of the current design approval process.
RV park and campground owners can learn from the situation at El Capitan Canyon Resort about the importance of proactive stakeholder engagement and compliance with local regulations. By understanding and integrating the concerns of the community and environmental groups into their development plans, operators can avoid potential disputes and delays.