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MARINAS · SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Santa Barbara Harbor Marina, Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Harbor Marina is covered by the published rules of Santa Barbara Harbor. Here is what they mean for a service provider working on a boat at Santa Barbara Harbor Marina, and for the owner hiring one.

By the DockDash teamLast reviewed How we research
Motor yachts moored along a concrete dock on a sunny day, with palm trees and houses across the bay

Photo: Jaymantri on Pexels

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Illustrative photo; it may not show this marina.

At a glance

City
Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County
Region
Southern California
Listed as
Public
Vendor liability minimum
$500K for minor maintenance such as cleaning and detailing or $2M for major repair and commercial diving, per occurrence[City of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department]

For service providers

  1. Business license: A City of Santa Barbara Business Tax Certificate, obtained before the BAP.
  2. Insurance: general liability $500K for minor maintenance such as cleaning and detailing or $2M for major repair and commercial diving, per occurrence; an additional-insured endorsement naming “City of Santa Barbara, its officers, employees, and agents”; certificate holder “City of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department, 132-A Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109”.
  3. Business Activity Permit (BAP): $50 per year, including employee ID cards; $35 late fee; $5 replacement card.
  4. If you clean hulls: Hull cleaners must show proof of underwater hull cleaning BMP training completed within the previous five years.
Permit or registration

Business Activity Permit (BAP): $50 per year, including employee ID cards; $35 late fee; $5 replacement card

Renewal: Annual. The 2026 policy says it is due February 1; the City's rates page says by August 1. Check with the Waterfront office.

Staff: ID cards for each employee are included and must be worn in plain view.

[1][2]

Required for all businesses providing marine maintenance services in the harbor (cleaning, diving, electronics, electrical and plumbing, fiberglass, welding, rigging, canvas, towing, surveying, mobile mechanics, deliveries). Businesses with a harbor lease or fixed place of business are not eligible.

Last verified

Insurance

General liability: $500K for minor maintenance such as cleaning and detailing or $2M for major repair and commercial diving, per occurrence

Additional insured: City of Santa Barbara, its officers, employees, and agents

Certificate holder: City of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department, 132-A Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

  • $2,000,000 for major boat repair (engine, hull, canvas) and commercial diving, salvage and dredging
  • $500,000 for minor maintenance (boat cleaning, detailing, stenciling, sanding, varnishing, minor painting, oil/fluid/filter changes)
[1]

The $500K figure is the minor-maintenance tier. Hull cleaning appears to fall under “boat cleaning”, but the policy doesn't say so explicitly; ask which tier applies to you.

Last verified

Business license

A City of Santa Barbara Business Tax Certificate, obtained before the BAP.

[1]

Last verified

Hull cleaning and paint work
  • Hull cleaners must show proof of underwater hull cleaning BMP training completed within the previous five years.
  • Only EPA-approved, biodegradable soaps and disinfectants where wash water drains straight into the harbor.
[1]

Last verified

For boat owners

Slip fees

Charged monthly per foot of boat or slip length, whichever is longer: 40-ft berth $16.65/ft, 50-ft $19.55/ft, 60-ft $21.25/ft. Visitors under 65 ft: $2.00/ft per night for nights 1–14, 28 nights maximum. Effective July 1, 2026.

[3]

Last verified

Living aboard

Liveaboard fee $143/month (FY27).

[3]

Last verified

Also check with the marina

Full rules and notes for Santa Barbara Harbor

Other harbors in Southern California

Compare vendor requirements across California · How to hire a marine contractor

Sources

  1. City of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department. Business Activity Permit Policy (Revised 2026) (2026). Accessed November 11, 2026
  2. City of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department. Waterfront rates and fees. Accessed November 11, 2026
  3. City of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department. FY27 Waterfront Rate and Fee Summary (effective July 1, 2026) (July 1, 2026). Accessed November 11, 2026