O-26-60 appeal fees

A neighborhood coalition and association president speaking as a private citizen, she called the fees 'a slap in our face' and urged every councilor to vote no.

Called the asymmetrical fee structure arbitrary and punitive, noting there's no data showing appeals of approvals cost the city more than appeals of denials.

The HBA director said builders already invest $13-15K before breaking ground and each appeal delay adds ~$4,500, pricing out hundreds of would-be homebuyers; asked for fees that reflect real costs.

President of the Santa Barbara Martineztown association, she urged denial of O-26-60, saying a $925 fee is a significant barrier for volunteer-run neighborhood organizations and asking for waivers or reduced fees.

Described learning of a large development near her 98th Street property only by attending council meetings because she lacked legal standing, and asked for expanded notice radius and lower fees.

Said appeals of Taylor Ranch and the Coors/Montano big-box projects produced better outcomes, and that harder appeals would leave taxpayers fixing problems later.

An attorney speaking personally argued the asymmetric fee structure lets developers appeal denials cheaply while residents pay more to oppose approvals.

North Valley Coalition and Wells Park NA representative said the fee increase is more than four times greater for neighbors than developers, with no supporting data.