County Expands Community Access to Art, Architecture and Garden Tours

(SANTA YNEZ, Calif.) – The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture is pleased to announce that the Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a new policy supporting the return of popular artist studio, garden, and architecture tours. The updated procedures were developed by the County’s Planning and Development Department with input from the Arts Commission and the Office of Arts and Culture. The revised code also lifts previous land-use restrictions that had limited community events in unincorporated areas.

“I’m very proud that we were able to streamline this process and bring the Studio Tours back to the Santa Ynez Valley,” said 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, who has championed the initiative since 2017. Hartmann became involved after the annual Santa Ynez Valley’s program was shuttered due to permitting restrictions. “This has long been a signature event, both culturally and economically. I look forward to celebrating our talented local artists once again.”

Historically, the Santa Ynez Valley’s annual tour has spotlighted regional artists and raised funds for local institutions such as the California Nature Art Museum, which offers free community programming and school group access.

Mark Oliver, Chair of the County’s Art in Public Places Committee and a Santa Ynez resident, worked with the Arts Commission for more than two years to advocate for the changes. Oliver spoke about the tours’ significance before the County Planning Commission and expressed his satisfaction with the outcome. “Bringing back open studio tours is a wonderful moment for our artists, museums, and the entire community,” he said.

The updated code also aligns home occupancy permitting standards for artists with those of other home-based occupations. Previously, special permitting was required for artist home studios regardless of scale or location—significantly limiting participation in community events such as studio tours.

This policy change is expected to have a lasting impact on communities by encouraging greater public engagement with local artists and artisans and creating new opportunities for local cultural venues.

More information on Santa Barbara County permitting requirements is available on the County Planning & Development website at: www.countyofsb.org/160/Planning-Development.

To learn more about County-supported arts initiatives and opportunities, visit the Office of Arts and Culture’s website at www.sbac.ca.gov.

About the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture

The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture serves as the local governmental umbrella for arts and culture projects and programs. The agency represents a longstanding partnership between the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Santa Barbara and is a CA Arts Council State-Local Partner.