Master Plan FAQ

What is the Master Plan?

A master plan is a document that provides a framework for all physical development on the college campus in future years. In addition to showing where future buildings will be built, the updated plan contains design guidelines for the character of future buildings, landscape, lighting and energy conservation. In summary, the purpose of the updated master plan is to guide the college and community as we seek to be responsible stewards of the grounds and facilities on the campus and provide measurable criteria for the college and government agencies for the evaluation of future projects.

The college already has an approved master plan that was adopted by Santa Barbara County in 1976. It was based on serving 1,200 students, which is what the college’s on-campus enrollment is today, but most of the buildings outlined in that 1976 plan have never been built.

The college, with encouragement from Santa Barbara County officials, embarked on a review of this plan a number of years ago, and in 2000 submitted an update to the already approved plan. The college hopes to build two of the academic buildings outlined in the plan right away, but it will take a lot of fund raising over many years before the rest of the campus buildings can be built.

Will there be more students on campus?

No. The 2000 Campus Master Plan Update calls for no increase in enrollment on campus from the approved 1976 plan, and the college has no plans to increase enrollment at any time in the future.

Will there be more cars on campus?

No. The 2000 Campus Master Plan Update will not change the number of cars allowed on campus. The county limits the number of vehicles with parking permits on the campus and that will not change.

What are the environmental impacts of the updated master plan?

The county has thoroughly and rigorously analyzed the 2000 Campus Master Plan Update and concluded there will be no significant environmental impacts from completing the campus if the county-recommended mitigations are implemented.

The 2000 Campus Master Plan update was designed so that it will not have any environmental impacts that cannot be addressed.
Here are just a few of the mitigating aspects of the plan:

• No public scenic views will be spoiled by the new buildings 81 percent of the campus will be preserved as landscaped or open green space
• The primary academic buildings will be moved farther away from neighbors than shown on the approved plan to create a safe pedestrian environment in the core of the campus
• The new residence hall near Cold Spring Road will be residential in character and will be sufficiently screened by foliage and trees
• Storm water from new parking areas will be controlled and treated before it reaches creeks
  Paved parking will be relocated to protect an environmentally sensitive area

Westmont’s plan will improve the existing environment by:

• Removing invasive non-native plants from creeks to increase the value of these habitats
• Retrofitting exterior lighting to non-glare fixtures
• Protecting three oak woodlands on campus

When are the new buildings scheduled to be completed?

Westmont hopes to begin construction on two new buildings – one for the sciences and one for the visual arts – soon after the 2000 Campus Master Plan Update gains approval from the county. Construction is expected to take about two years. Future building will depend on funds being available.

Will the new buildings have to go through additional review?

All buildings outlined in the 2000 Campus Master Plan Update will have to undergo individual review and meet zoning and planning regulations before building permits are issued.

How tall are the new buildings?

The two new buildings that are planned initially have an average height of 35 feet, which is allowed under Montecito zoning regulations. The only building that may exceed the 35-foot height, and the reason for the college’s request for an exemption, is because someday Westmont hopes to build a chapel/auditorium. That building will need to be up to 50 feet in height to accommodate the acoustic requirements of this use. However, it would be built closer to the center of campus, across from the gym, which is similarly massed.

What will the new buildings look like?

Westmont has agreed to develop Campus Design Guidelines for review and approval by the Historic Landmarks Advisory Committee and the Board of Architectural Review. These design guidelines will ensure that new structures will be compatible with each other and the estate heritage of the campus.

Westmont has agreed to submit all future construction plans to a rigorous review process that includes the community, requires review and approval of the Board of Architectural Review, and can be appealed to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.

What happens when the updated plan is approved?

Once the 2000 Campus Master Plan Update is approved, Westmont must show that each new building substantially conforms with this plan before it can be built. This process will include local community review of such things as the architecture, the treatment of historical landmarks and the energy conservation measures.

The approval of this environmental document and the 2000 Campus Master Plan Update is only the first step of the review process for each new building.