County of Santa Barbara - Public Works

Santa Barbara County will transition to the newly updated Federal Emergency Management Agency flood hazard map (also known as FEMA's Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map) today, replacing all previous versions. While some properties will see reduced requirements under the new maps, many projects will continue to require oversight.
In July 2025, the Board of Supervisors (acting as the Flood Control and Water Conservation District Board) approved updates to the County’s flood hazard maps by incorporating FEMA’s Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The County has been applying the preliminary maps alongside FEMA’s current effective maps. On June 10, 2026, FEMA’s new maps will become effective, the older maps will be rescinded, and the County will rely solely on the updated FEMA maps.
Although projects in former Special Flood Hazard Areas may no longer require review, some development still needs Flood Control District oversight. This includes projects near streams or rivers, within building setbacks, inside FEMA’s newly mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas, or in the Repetitive Loss Zone. Larger or more complex projects—such as subdivisions, discretionary permits, or commercial development—must continue to meet standard conditions.
Flooding can occur anywhere. Standard homeowners' insurance may not cover flood damage, and new National Flood Insurance Program policies require a 30‑day waiting period. For information on flood insurance, visit floodsmart.gov.
For more information, visit the County’s FEMA mapping website at https://www.countyofsb.org/2158/FEMA-Remapping, or contact the Flood Control District at (805) 568‑3440 or [email protected].

ROAD REOPENED: East Camino Cielo near Hwy 154 has reopened. The road had been closed at the 1.9 mile mark due to storm damage. Thanks to everyone for your patience during this project, and thank you to Access Limited Construction for their work.

We hope the residents and visitors of Isla Vista enjoy the mural on the intersection of Pardall and Camino Pescadero!
Designed by Chumash artist .khus and painted with the help of community volunteers, this four part mural celebrates the marine environment of the Channel Islands and local walking and biking culture, as well as drawing awareness toward issues of domestic violence and poverty.
Intersection murals like this one are not only beautiful additions to our community, but are proven to increase safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists at busy intersections!

ROAD CLOSURES: In Cuyama - Bell Street at Highway 166. Kirschenmann at Highway 166. Foothill at Highway 33. Due to the

The Modoc Multi Use Path is OPEN! Thank you to everyone who helped on the project and showed up to the ribbon-cutting on Friday. Sections of the path will close intermittently for final touches and adjustments. For more info on the history of this project, visit www.countyofsb.org/modocmup. Photo credit: First photo, Lael Wageneck. Other photos: (All photos cropped to 1:1 ratio).

Join us April 25–26th, 2026 at the beautiful Alameda Park to celebrate the 56th Earth Day! 🌿🎉

Get ready for a weekend PACKED with:
🎶 Live music
🌱 A plant-forward food court
♻️ Eco-friendly vendors
📚 Education & non-profits
🚗 The green car show!

Bring your family, bring your friends, and bring your love for this incredible earth we call home 💚

More info at: sbearthday.org