Residents of a affluent neighborhood in Santa Barbara County are once again facing scrutiny for their attempts to limit public access to popular trails and hot springs.
Recently, the county’s public works department sent letters to at least six Montecito residents, instructing them to remove boulders and plants that were blocking public parking areas frequently used by hikers on East Mountain Drive and Riven Rock Road. These parking areas are essential for visitors to access the Montecito Hot Springs trailhead, as the small trailhead parking area fills up quickly.
This isn’t the first time the county has addressed issues of obstructing public right-of-way in the area. Similar letters were sent out to residents on East Mountain Drive in 2022, according to SFGate.
The letters, sent on March 18, demanded that the obstructions be removed by March 28. Failure to comply could result in civil litigation, criminal prosecution, fines, and penalties amounting to $850 per day. The public works department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Residents seeking to do landscaping on public right-of-way legally can apply for an encroachment permit, as outlined in the public works’ letter. Many homes in Montecito are situated on large properties that are not visible from the street.
One resident, Michael Healy, living near the trailhead, believes the public works department is working to find a resolution with residents to protect parking spaces. He noted that parked cars on the street could pose safety risks by potentially obstructing emergency vehicles or evacuation routes.
With a median home price of nearly $7.5 million, Montecito is home to notable residents like Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle.
These incidents in Montecito are not isolated cases of affluent Californians attempting to block public access. Earlier this year, Bay Area homeowners erected a chain-link fence to block beach access despite facing significant fines. Similarly, in 2023, Malibu residents faced penalties for obstructing access to a public beach.
