Goleta is a mix of mid-century neighborhoods, a busy Hollister Avenue business corridor, and tech, research and light-industrial buildings that get re-tenanted often. That means demolition here runs from a single-family teardown to a full commercial interior strip-out. BRG Demolition is a licensed demolition contractor (CSLB #1096336) based in Camarillo, a little over an hour south. We work for Goleta homeowners, property owners, general contractors and developers, with one owner-led crew that bids and runs every job.
Demolition services in Goleta
- Commercial and TI demolition. Office, lab and industrial suites stripped back to shell for the next tenant, scheduled around neighboring businesses.
- House and garage demolition for rebuilds and ADU projects.
- Interior demolition and soft strip for kitchens, bathrooms and whole-home remodels.
- Concrete and driveway removal, site clearing and lot prep, and construction cleanup for builders and remodelers.
What to know before demolition in Goleta
- City vs. county. Goleta is its own city, so permits for properties inside city limits go through the City of Goleta’s Planning & Environmental Review department and its Building & Safety Division. Nearby areas like Isla Vista and the Eastern Goleta Valley are unincorporated and go through the County of Santa Barbara. Check which side of the line your address is on before anything else.
- Demolition permit rules. Goleta’s zoning code regulates demolition of structures in the city (Chapter 17.29). Demolishing a designated historic resource requires a Major Conditional Use Permit, so older or notable buildings deserve an early check with the City.
- Coastal zone: the Coastal Commission, not the City. This is unusual. Goleta doesn’t yet have a certified Local Coastal Program, so for properties in Goleta’s Coastal Zone, the California Coastal Commission issues the Coastal Development Permit. If your property is near the bluffs, Ellwood or the coast, plan for that extra approval and timeline.
- Asbestos. Goleta is under the Santa Barbara County APCD. A certified asbestos survey comes first. Commercial and multifamily demolitions require written notification (Form ENF-28) at least 10 working days ahead, and regulated asbestos must be removed by a licensed abatement contractor before demolition. That’s common for commercial suites from older construction eras.
- Utilities and 811. Water and sewer may come from Goleta Water District and the Goleta Sanitary District or Goleta West Sanitary District, depending on the address. Electric and gas must be disconnected before demolition. We call DigAlert (811) before any excavation or slab work.
Working with BRG in Goleta
For commercial work, we can work with your property manager’s access rules and COI requirements. For homeowners, we keep the site tidy and the neighbors informed. Your written bid lists exactly what’s included. Licensed California contractor, CSLB #1096336. Fully insured, COI available on request.
Nearby areas we serve: Santa Barbara, Montecito, Carpinteria. → All service areas
Goleta demolition FAQ
Who issues demolition permits in Goleta?
Inside city limits, the City of Goleta. Isla Vista and the unincorporated Goleta Valley go through the County of Santa Barbara Planning & Development.
Why would the Coastal Commission be involved in my Goleta project?
Goleta’s Local Coastal Program isn’t certified yet, so coastal development permits in the city’s Coastal Zone are issued by the California Coastal Commission. Inland properties usually aren’t affected.
Can you demo a commercial suite while the rest of the building stays open?
Usually, yes. We plan access, dust control, noise windows and debris routes with the property manager before we start.
Do I need an asbestos survey for a Goleta demolition?
Yes. A certified survey is the starting point. For commercial and multifamily buildings, the Santa Barbara County APCD also requires written notice at least 10 working days before demolition.
Planning demolition in Goleta?
Call (805) 800-8159 or request a free bid. Send the address, photos and, for commercial work, the landlord’s contractor requirements.