The Planning and Engineering Section interacts with developers, architects, and engineers to meet the fire protection requirements for buildings and developments within the jurisdiction of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. This is done by reviewing all architectural blue prints, development plans and proposals to ensure all projects meet state and local fire and life safety requirements.

This Section provides review for residential and commercial structures, fire protection water systems, fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, cell sites, commercial solar arrays, commercial hood systems, addressing, defensible space, tract and parcel maps, permits for conditional use, land use, site development, and other items related to the development process.

The duties of the Planning & Engineering Section consist of representing the Santa Barbara County Fire Department at the County Special Development Review Committee, County Special Problems Review Committee, County Planning Commission, City of Solvang and City of Buellton Administrative Staff meetings, and the City of Goleta Development Review Committee, and perform the field inspections as needed. It is our goal to provide prompt, courteous, consistent and professional services to our customers.

If you have questions regarding the Planning & Engineering Section, please call (805) 681-5523.

If you would like to request an inspection from the Planning & Engineering Department, please call: 805-681-5591