Planning Commission approves height exception for Music Academy redevelopment at 901 State Street

The Santa Barbara Planning Commission on June 4 voted 6–0 to grant the Music Academy of the West an exception to the cityode5-foot height limit to allow tower elements as part of a three-story redevelopment at 901 State Street.

Case planner Karly Ernest told commissioners the project would convert the existing commercial building into a music education center with a basement, performance halls, teaching studios and a rooftop event space, adding 2,995 square feet of non-residential floor area. Ernest said the towers trigger the height-exception request because they include additional floor area beyond the minimum egress required for stair and elevator access to the rooftop. "Staff therefore finds that the requested height is directly related to the project's community benefit," Ernest said, and recommended the commission make the four required findings under Santa Barbara Municipal Code section 30.140.100.B.1.

Historic Landmarks Commission representative Cass Ensburg reported HLC had reviewed the project twice (Dec. 3, 2025, and April 8, 2026) and offered unanimous conceptual support, calling the design an "improved" approach that balances a light exterior touch with a substantial interior acoustic transformation. "The commission found the increased height to be supportable," Ensburg said, while asking that any rooftop palms be sited so they are not visible from the street.

Applicant leadership described programming and design goals. Shauna Quill, president and CEO of the Music Academy of the West, said the Academy envisions year-round activation including education programs for children and adults, artist residencies and coordination with downtown events such as the farmers market. "We're hopeful that, if people can see in, then they want to come in and engage," Quill said, adding that some rooftop access and programming would be provided free to the public.

Architect Michael Holiday reviewed exterior and interior plans, including a new rear stair/elevator tower, a restored State Street facade and an interior "aurora" performance volume with skylight and acoustics sized for large ensembles. Ernest told commissioners the staff-measured heights for zoning purposes were higher than some plan references: in the staff presentation the new southwest tower was reported at "59 ft 111 in" and the northeast tower at a maximum of 52 feet; staff explained the numbers reflect the ordinance's measurement method and that some plan documents use alternate figures.

Commissioners asked about procedure and next steps; staff confirmed the Planning Commission's action is a height exception and that the project will return to the Historic Landmarks Commission for design and development-plan approval (HLC is the decision maker for development plan approval in this case). Commissioners also pressed the applicant on accessibility (the primary accessible entry will be off State Street and the facility, including rooftop restrooms, will be accessible) and staffing (Quill said the Academy anticipates adding approximately five full-time employees plus part-time staff and volunteers depending on programming).

After deliberation, Commissioner Peterson moved to make findings A through D and grant the exception to the 45-foot height limit in the Commercial General zone; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote: Whiskam, Peterson, Balkkey, Wllo, Vice Chair Deluchio and Chair Boss voting yes. The chair noted the motion passed and later clarified the action is not appealable. The commission recorded that the project was designated an economic development project by the City Council on Dec. 16, 2025 and that the project will return to HLC for final design review.

The commission also heard a brief administrative update: agenda item 3B (3245 Cliff Drive) was postponed indefinitely and will be renoticed for future review. The meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.; the next Planning Commission meeting is tentatively scheduled for July 2, 2026.