Non-emergency City Offices will be closed Monday, April 1 in observance of 
Cesar Chavez Day.

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Report Pollution

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Pollution Enforcement

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Call the Creeks Division's Enforcement Hotline at (805) 448-0117 or submit a report online.

Please Note: The City is preparing to launch a new reporting website and app during Summer 2023! Visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/SBConnect to learn more and sign up to be notified once it's available for download.

The Creeks Division enforces water quality violations of the City’s Municipal Code to protect local creeks and the ocean from pollution. Any pollutants that enter the street and reach the storm drain system will quickly flow into creeks and the ocean untreated.

Common violations include construction site discharges (cement slurry, paint, etc.), commercial washing (power washing buildings and patios, car washing, dumping of mop water), and litter/illegal dumping.

When violations are reported, Creeks Division staff respond as quickly as possible to determine whether the reported incident is in fact a violation. Staff informs those responsible for the discharge (if known) that their actions are a violation of the Municipal Code, requires them to immediately stop the discharge, and provides a deadline for them to clean it up.

Administrative Citation Program Fine Structure
(Offenses are counted within a twelve-month period.)
Enforcement Stage First Offense Second Offense Third Offense
Initial Warning $100 One-Time Fine $250 One-Time Fine
First Missed Deadline $100 One-Time Fine $200 Daily Fine $250 Daily Fine
Second Missed Deadline $100 Daily Fine $200 Daily Fine $250 Daily Fine
Third Missed Deadline Referral to City Attorney or Regional Water Board Referral to City Attorney or Regional Water Board Referral to City Attorney or Regional Water Board