Richards Ranch Project Moves Forward Under Builder’s Remedy

Santa Barbara County is at the crossroads of state housing mandates and local planning control, and the latest flashpoint is the Richards Ranch project in Orcutt. On April 8, the Board of Supervisors unanimously overturned a previous staff ruling, marking a pivotal moment for the controversial mixed-use development, and reaffirming California’s powerful Builder’s Remedy provision. Here's a breakdown of what the decision means and why it matters.