Santa Barbara County APCD

In 1970, the California Legislature passed a law that gave local governments primary responsibility for controlling air pollution from all sources except motor vehicles. In response, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors formed the Air Pollution Control District (APCD). Our staff includes meteorologists, engineers, environmental scientists, planners, inspectors, and administrative personnel.
The District was originally part of the county government. In 1994, we became an independent agency because state legislation added city representatives to our governing Board. The District Board consists of each of the five county supervisors plus a city council member or mayor from each of the county's eight incorporated cities. The Board meets at locations in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria (see calendar) and is sometimes advised by the Community Advisory Council.