Demolition in Montecito is rarely just knocking a building down. Estates have mature landscaping to protect, narrow and winding roads, neighbors who notice every truck, and rebuilds that are often going through design review. BRG Demolition is a licensed demolition contractor (CSLB #1096336) based in Camarillo, a little under an hour south on the 101. We work with Montecito homeowners, architects, general contractors and developers on teardowns, interior strip-outs and site prep, with one owner-led crew that bids and runs every job.

Demolition services in Montecito

House demolition for rebuilds, including guest houses, garages, pool houses and outbuildings.
Interior demolition and soft strip for major remodels, with protection for finishes and areas that stay.
Concrete, hardscape and driveway removal, including old patios, walls and pool decks.
Site clearing and lot prep and construction cleanup for the builder taking over.

What to know before demolition in Montecito

Montecito is unincorporated. There’s no City of Montecito. Planning, zoning and building permits come from the County of Santa Barbara Planning & Development department.
Montecito Board of Architectural Review (MBAR). Projects in the Montecito Planning Area generally need MBAR review before the County issues zoning and building permits for the new work. Demolition is usually tied to the rebuild’s approvals, so the timing of demo often depends on where your project is in that process. Your architect will know. We’ll schedule around it.
Thomas Fire and the 2018 debris flow. The December 2017 Thomas Fire and the January 9, 2018 debris flow destroyed and damaged homes across Montecito. The County set up streamlined “like-for-like” rebuild rules afterward. If your property was affected, ask County staff what still applies today. Creek setbacks, flood elevations and drainage can affect where a new house sits and what has to come out.
Coastal zone. Parts of Montecito near the coast are in the Coastal Zone, where a County Coastal Development Permit may be needed. Rules vary by parcel; we’ll check with the County before we start.
Asbestos. Montecito is under the Santa Barbara County APCD. Older estates often have asbestos in flooring, plaster, roofing or pipe insulation, so a certified asbestos survey comes first and any regulated material is abated before demolition. For single-family homes, the APCD asks you to contact them before work starts.
Utilities and 811. Water usually comes from the Montecito Water District and sewer from the Montecito Sanitary District, though some properties are on septic. Providers vary by address, so we’ll confirm yours before disconnects. We call DigAlert (811) before any excavation.

How we work on Montecito estates

We walk the site with you or your architect to mark trees, walls and features that stay. We plan truck routes and staging for tight roads and keep debris off neighbors’ frontage. Your written bid spells out scope and haul-off line by line. Licensed California contractor, CSLB #1096336. Fully insured, COI available on request.

Nearby areas we serve: Santa Barbara, Summerland, Carpinteria, Goleta. → All service areas

Montecito demolition FAQ

Who issues demolition permits in Montecito?

The County of Santa Barbara Planning & Development, since Montecito is unincorporated. Projects in the Montecito Planning Area also typically go through the Montecito Board of Architectural Review.

Can you protect landscaping and hardscape we’re keeping?

Yes. We mark and fence what stays before equipment moves, and plan access so trucks stay clear of it.

My property was affected by the 2018 debris flow. Does that change anything?

It can. Creek setbacks, flood elevations and drainage requirements may affect the rebuild. Check with the County before demolition so the site is prepared for the approved plan.

Do you work with architects and GCs?

Yes. We’re often the demolition sub to the builder. See our For Contractors page for COIs and prequal details.

Planning demolition in Montecito?

Call (805) 800-8159 or request a free bid. Send the address, photos and your architect’s or GC’s contact, and we’ll coordinate from there.