The Carpinteria City Council recognizes that both the State of California and City of Carpinteria face affordable housing challenges and that the lack of affordable housing has a direct impact on the welfare of City residents, employees and businesses.
The City of Carpinteria encourages and, in some cases, requires the development of affordable housing. The Inclusionary Housing program requires developers of for-sale housing projects (of five or more units) to provide a number of for-sale units at prices affordable to above-moderate income households. A lottery is held to select eligible purchasers for these units. The Density Bonus program encourages housing developers to provide rental or ownership units at levels affordable to moderate and/or lower-income persons, or units for senior housing, by offering an increase in density (units/acre) and/or other incentives.
The Housing Element outlines how the City will plan for and incentivize the development of affordable housing. Housing Element questions can be directed to City long-range planning staff: Mindy Fogg, Principal Planner (MindyF@CarpinteriaCA.gov) and Megan Musolf, Assistant Planner (MeganM@CarpinteriaCA.gov).
The City’s Affordable Housing Program
The links below provide information on the process for developing affordable housing in Carpinteria.
Affordable housing at Casas de las Flores Apartments is managed by People’s Self-Help Housing.
To be added to our mailing list please email your name, address, phone number, and email address to: LorenaE@carpinteriaca.gov
The City does not operate or provide any housing itself. If you are interested in affordable rental housing in the area, please consider the following resources:
Workforce Homebuyer Down Payment Loan Program
The Workforce Homebuyer Down Payment Loan Program is a program of the City of Carpinteria, in collaboration with the Housing Trust Fund of Santa Barbara County (HTF), to expand homeownership opportunities in Carpinteria. Click below to learn more about the program.
Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development agency provides Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants to very low income homeowners. Carpinteria is an area generally considered eligible for these loans and grants. Please visit the USDA Rural Development website to learn more about their programs and assistance.
© 2026 City of Carpinteria. All Rights Reserved.