West End Master Plan - Santa Barbara (2012)

In February 2008, the City of Santa Barbara initiated a Sewer Extension Conceptual Design Study to address the septic systems in unincorporated “City Pockets” within the city boundaries, all of which are on septic systems.

These areas are, as indicated in the maps below:

• Veronica Springs (page 7 & 22 of Sewer Extension Conceptual Design Study)

• Northview Road/Vista Vallejo (page 9 & 22 of Sewer Extension Conceptual Design Study)

• Sunset Road/Fairfax Road (page 10 & 22 of Sewer Extension Conceptual Design Study)

• Calle Cita/Carol Avenue/Russell Way (page 11 & 22 of Sewer Extension Conceptual Design Study)

These conceptual studies are known as the “West End Master Plan” for these “pockets” of unincorporated areas surrounded by the city that are not hooked into the city’s wastewater system. A study was also done for the Braemar/Yankee Farms area of homes (above Arroyo Burro watershed), which is also on septic systems.

HTO became involved in this project by sending questionnaires to property owners to gauge interest in hooking into the city sewer system. Many residents in these areas reported interest, in that they experienced plumbing problems during heavy rains. We were poised to solicit funds from the “HBJ Funds” brought into Santa Barbara County by then-Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson for septic-to-sewer work, including funding assessment and annexation engineering studies.

We also acted as a facilitator and disseminator of information between homeowners, government agencies, Environmental Health Services (EHS), and wastewater managers.

In 2009 HTO was not able to get enough consensus from homeowners to proceed with the plan, and we tried again years later, in 2012. What is needed to help the project take root is, of course, money, and HTO has made inquiries into a number of sources, including the Santa Barbara County Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) process.

West End Sewer Master Plan Areas: