Santa Barbara County Parks - Park Commission

Dog Off-Leash Program

As we all know, parks are for people and they provide opportunities for many different types of recreation. Cooperation and compromise are always necessary when balancing the various types of use requested by park visitors. Providing recreational opportunity to park users and their dogs is one of many demands made on our limited resources.

In the fall of 2002, based on constituent requests and staff recommendations, the Santa Barbara County Park Commission discussed and supported the idea of exploring an off-leash hours pilot program at various south coast County parks and developed open spaces.

This one year pilot program was implemented and was a success. On March 22, 2005 the County Board of Supervisors approved five County park locations as permanent sites where dogs may be off leash on posted days at posted times under certain rules and restrictions.

Sites and Hours

Toro Canyon Park Meadow

Monday - Sunday

8:00am to 10:00am and

4:00pm to sunset

Patterson Open Space (Lawn Area)
Monday - Friday	8:00am to 10:00am

Tucker's Grove at Kiwanis Meadow

Monday - Friday

8:00am to 10:00am and

4:00pm to sunset

No off-leash hours will be permitted
when the group area is reserved.

Tabano Hollow (Lawn Area)
Monday - Sunday	4:00pm to sunset

Isla Vista Park/Sea Lookout

Monday - Friday

8:00am to 10:00am and

4:00pm to sunset

Off-Leash Area Rules

NOTE: These rules may change as circumstances require. They will be prominently posted at each site.

All of the rules in Santa Barbara County Code 26-49 and 49.1 apply to the use of any designated off-leash area.
Dogs must be under the voice control of their caretaker.
Leaving dogs unattended is prohibited. Owner/caretaker must be with dogs.
No more than 3 dogs per responsible adult (caretaker) allowed per visit.
Owners must carry a six-foot leash at all times, one for each dog.
Young children must be closely supervised.
Owners must clean up after their dogs.
Dogs with a known history of dangerous behavior are prohibited.
Aggressive dogs must be muzzled or removed.
Dogs must be leashed until they are in the posted off-leash area & upon leaving the posted off-leash area, using a six-foot leash.Park users & dog owners assume all risk related to park use.
The park is open to all park users.
Puppies less than 4 months of age are prohibited.
Dogs in heat are prohibited.
Off-leash usage will be monitored with the assistance of local volunteers, DogPAC members, and County Parks staff.
Each dog must wear a collar with identification and valid license attached at all times while in an off-leash area.
Dogs must have current vaccinations.

SB Co. Ord. 26-49.1