A South Coast city named an interim director for an agency which has been under fire for how it’s managed. Public Works Director Rebecca Bjork will serve as the City of Santa Barbara's interim Community Development Director. George Buell resigned from the post last month, after serving at the post for six years.
The Santa Barbara County Grand Jury recently blasted the department, saying it projects a no-growth attitude and that the permit process can be too long.
It claims there is an inconsistent application of building codes by staff and that the work flow between the agency’s divisions is sometimes inefficient.
The Community Development Department manages planning, development, and building safety in the city.