Relocating To Montecito: 90-Day Plan

Thinking about a move to Montecito? The scenery and lifestyle are hard to beat, but success here starts with good planning. From insurance and defensible space to permits and utilities, there are a few local details you will want to nail in your first 90 days. This guide gives you a week-by-week plan, plus trusted resources, so you can settle in with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Why this 90-day plan matters

Montecito is an unincorporated community with county-level services, strong environmental protections, and a higher-than-average cost of living. You will see unique considerations like wildfire and debris-flow risk, coastal rules near the bluffs, and detailed county permitting. When you follow a clear timeline, you avoid delays, reduce insurance surprises, and build the right local contacts. Use the steps below and bookmark the linked agencies for the latest requirements.

Pre-move: Weeks −4 to 0

Housing and access

• Confirm closing or lease, keys, gate codes, and any HOA or CC&R rules. Some estates have move-in restrictions, narrow drives, or private-road coordination.
• If buying, review seller disclosures on wildfire, flood, and slope or erosion. Ask your agent for any required retrofits or encumbrances that affect timing.

Insurance readiness

• Start early on homeowners or renters insurance. Ask about wildfire and flood options and pricing for your specific address.
• If coverage is limited, review guidance from the California Department of Insurance. Ask insurers about endorsements for wildfire or flood as needed.

Utilities and internet

• Set up electricity, water, sewer, trash, and broadband before move day. For water, contact the Montecito Water District. For sewer, check the Montecito Sanitary District or county system based on your address.
• Confirm mover access for gated entries and narrow roads. Share site maps, parking plans, and any local restrictions with your moving crew.

Schools and medical records

• Gather school records and immunizations. Montecito students attend local elementary schools, with secondary placements through Santa Barbara County districts.
• Collect medical, dental, and veterinary records. Identify preferred clinics and the nearest hospital in the Santa Barbara area.

Emergency planning

• Build a family evacuation plan and go-bag. Review your zone, routes, and alerts through the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management.
• Note that defensible space and vegetation management are required in many areas. The Montecito Fire Protection District offers guidance on best practices.

Days 1–30: Establish essentials

Utilities and accounts

• Confirm account transfers and final meter readings for electricity, water, sewer, trash, and internet. Verify billing emails and mailing addresses.
• Test Wi-Fi, cell signal, gate openers, and any smart-home devices. Set up backups for outages if you rely on remote work.

Mail and registrations

• Submit a change of address with USPS. Forward mail to your new home and update critical accounts.
• Transfer vehicle registration and your driver’s license with the California DMV. Note timelines and proof of residency requirements.
• Register to vote if desired through Santa Barbara County elections.

Safety and risk mitigation

• Walk your property to plan defensible space. Clean roofs and gutters, trim vegetation, and clear around structures according to local guidance from the Montecito Fire Protection District.
• Check your evacuation routes and subscribe to alerts with the County Office of Emergency Management.
• If you are on a slope or near creeks or washes, review your risk on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Follow county debris-flow updates during storm season.

Insurance follow-up

• Finalize your homeowners policy and riders. Keep proof of insurance handy for lenders or HOAs.
• Ask your insurer about credits for mitigation work, such as documented defensible space.

Local orientation

• Drive primary routes to US-101 and Santa Barbara. Time your typical commute windows and school drop-offs.
• Identify nearby groceries, pharmacies, and delivery options. Learn trash and green-waste schedules and container rules.

Days 31–60: Build routines and local support

Contractors and maintenance

• Line up trusted local pros: fire-smart landscaping, arborist, pool service, HVAC, pest control, and a handyman. Verify references and insurance.
• Create a preventive maintenance calendar for roofs, gutters, drainage, and any septic or sewer checks.

Schools and childcare

• Complete enrollments and meet administrators. If you are considering private schools, ask about application timelines and waitlists.

Healthcare

• Select a primary care physician, dentist, and urgent care. Identify the nearest hospital through local systems such as Cottage Health or Sansum Clinic.
• Transfer medical and vaccination records as needed.

Community and local rules

• If you have an HOA or are connecting with the Montecito Association, attend an orientation or meeting to learn neighborhood expectations, parking, and coastal-access rules.
• Review county regulations on noise, construction hours, and tree work. When in doubt, confirm rules before scheduling crews.

Property taxes and admin

• Set up your property tax account with the Santa Barbara County Assessor. Confirm mailing preferences and any homeowner exemptions you may qualify for.
• Organize a secure folder for deeds, insurance, IDs, and an inventory of valuables.

Emergency kits and drills

• Build or restock emergency kits. Include water, food, medications, pet supplies, and copies of key documents in a fireproof container.
• Practice a family evacuation drill and a communications plan.

Days 61–90: Permits, projects, and long-term prep

Permits and projects

• Before you start renovations, contact Santa Barbara County Planning & Development to confirm permit requirements. Hillside or coastal properties may trigger added reviews.
• If your property is in the coastal zone, check the California Coastal Commission for coastal permitting guidance before you design or bid.

Insurance check-in

• Revisit coverage after you settle in. Ask about mitigation credits for wildfire-resilient materials or documented defensible space.
• Keep photos of improvements and receipts handy in your insurance file.

Security and privacy

• Evaluate gate, camera, and alarm systems. Register alarms if required by local public safety agencies.
• Review delivery and service access to protect privacy on narrow or private roads.

Community integration

• Attend local events and connect with neighborhood groups. Introduce yourself to nearby neighbors and share contact info for emergencies.
• Set reminders for seasonal prep: clearing drains before the rainy season and vegetation work before peak fire weather.

Neighborhoods and lifestyle essentials

Montecito has “Lower” areas closer to the coast and shopping, and “Upper” areas in the foothills with larger estates and mountain views. Micro-neighborhoods like San Ysidro, Cold Spring, and East Valley each offer their own setting and access patterns. Coastal properties have special considerations such as bluff stability and coastal permitting. Inland properties may have more pronounced wildfire and debris-flow planning needs.

For daily errands, you will find groceries, boutiques, and services around Montecito Country Mart and Coast Village Road, with larger stores in nearby Santa Barbara. Outdoor options include Butterfly Beach, Miramar Beach, local foothill trails, and regional golf and equestrian facilities. Lotusland operates ticketed garden tours that are popular with residents and visitors.

Safety and compliance quick notes

• Wildfire: Defensible space is required and often inspected. Start early on vegetation management and keep clear access for responders.
• Flood and debris flow: Check FEMA maps and county debris-flow zones, especially after wildfire seasons.
• Coastal and hillside permits: Expect structured reviews for grading, structural work, and shoreline protection. Confirm requirements before you design.
• Short-term rentals: Rules are limited in parts of the county. Verify permits and occupancy limits before listing any property.

One-page checklist

• Before move: confirm closing or lease; insurance quotes; movers scheduled; utilities ordered; school and medical records gathered; evacuation plan drafted.
• Days 1–30: transfer utilities; change address; DMV updates; start defensible space; set alerts through county OEM; finalize insurance; confirm trash and green-waste schedule.
• Days 31–60: complete school and healthcare setup; hire maintenance pros; set tax account with the county; attend local association or HOA meetings; build emergency kits.
• Days 61–90: verify permits for any projects; reassess insurance; tune security and privacy; join community groups; set seasonal maintenance reminders.

Helpful local resources

• County alerts and evacuation zones: Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management
• Defensible space and wildfire prep: Montecito Fire Protection District
• Flood maps and insurance program: FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• Permits and planning guidance: Santa Barbara County Planning & Development
• Coastal zone rules: California Coastal Commission
• Insurance consumer guidance: California Department of Insurance
• Water service: Montecito Water District
• Sewer service: Montecito Sanitary District
• Property tax accounts: Santa Barbara County Assessor
• Licenses and vehicle registration: California DMV

Ready to make your Montecito move feel manageable and calm? If you would like steady guidance from a local broker who understands Central Coast logistics, permits, and timing, reach out to Jan Sanderlin for a thoughtful, concierge-level consultation.

FAQs

How should I prepare for Montecito’s wildfire risk?

• Start defensible space in your first 30 days, keep roofs and gutters clear, and follow guidance from the Montecito Fire Protection District. Sign up for county alerts and know your evacuation routes.

Do I need flood insurance in Montecito if I am not near a creek?

• It depends on your site and watershed. Check FEMA flood maps and county debris-flow resources, then decide with your insurer if a flood policy makes sense for your address.

What permits do I need for a remodel in Montecito’s coastal zone?

• Most structural work, grading, and shoreline-related projects require county review and may need Coastal Commission oversight. Contact county Planning & Development before you design or bid.

Is public transit practical for daily commuting in Montecito?

• Regional buses serve the area, but service is limited compared to large cities. Most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily travel.

Which utilities typically serve Montecito homes?

• Water is through Montecito Water District, sewer through Montecito Sanitary District or county systems, and a mix of providers for electricity, trash, and internet depending on address.