For City of Santa Barbara, Community Development Department
Santa Barbara, California

Questa was the principal author of this comprehensive program for development of  Creek Development Standards (CDS) and Best Management Practices to be employed near Santa Barbara's creeks and waterways.  Covering all of the major creeks within the City, the CDS  Report was  based on a comprehensive inventory and analysis of existing baseline hydrologic, geomorphologic, biologic, and engineering data, combined with field reconnaissance of the project area.  Issues addressed in the CDS include setback requirements and buffer strip widths, allowable uses in the setback zones, storm water management and water quality protection regulations, revegetation guidelines, and design procedures for soil erosion control and bank stabilization.

A component of the City's Creek Restoration / Clean Water Program, the CDS will help fulfill a long-term commitment to restore creeks to a more natural condition and function, better protecting creek resources, maintaining flood control, improving creek and ocean water quality, and expanding passive recreation and open space along creek corridors.