Laws, Enforcement, and 2026 Ordinance Update

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is sharing important information about Deltopia weekend, including what the event is, how laws will be enforced, and significant ordinance changes that take effect in 2026.

This information applies to Isla Vista and The Cove (Ocean Meadows Lane).

What Is Deltopia?

Deltopia is an unsanctioned street party. It is not permitted or licensed, except for the single, permitted event hosted by the Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD).

Historically, Deltopia results in:

• Dozens of preventable medical emergencies, most often alcohol- and drug-related
• A significant strain on emergency and law enforcement resources, impacting other communities countywide
• Increased risk of interpersonal violence and serious injuries

Zero-Tolerance Enforcement During Deltopia

During Deltopia weekend, the Sheriff’s Office will maintain a large law enforcement presence and enforce a zero-tolerance policy.

What that means:

• If you violate the law, you will be cited or arrested
• Warnings should not be expected
• Enforcement will be proactive and consistent

Restorative Justice Is Suspended

The Isla Vista Foot Patrol Restorative Justice Program will be suspended for the entire Deltopia weekend.

• All citations and arrests will be forwarded directly to the District Attorney
• Deltopia violations do not qualify for Restorative Justice consideration
• Restorative Justice will not function as a “second chance” during this weekend

Common Alcohol- and Drug-Related Violations

Minor in Possession of Alcohol

Business & Professions Code §25662(a)

• If you are under 21, you may not possess alcohol at all, even if it is unopened
• Misdemeanor — citable or arrestable

Fake ID

Business & Professions Code §25661

• Possessing a fake ID is a misdemeanor
• Citable or arrestable

Open Container / Public Drinking

Santa Barbara County Ordinances §36-2 and §36-3

• No open containers or alcohol consumption in public places
• Applies even if you are 21 or older
• Infraction — citable

Providing False Information to Law Enforcement

Penal Code §148.9(a)

• Giving a fake ID or false identifying information is a misdemeanor
• Likely to result in arrest

Resisting or Delaying Law Enforcement

Penal Code §148(a)(1)

• Running from deputies, interfering with investigations, or fighting law enforcement
• Misdemeanor — arrestable

Other Common Violations

• Penal Code §374.3(a) – Urinating in public
• Penal Code §374.4(a) – Littering
• Business & Professions Code §25658(a) – Furnishing alcohol to minors
• Penal Code §647(a) – Lewd conduct in public
• County Ordinance §24-15 – Public nudity

🚨 MAJOR ORDINANCE UPDATE — NEW FOR 2026

Expanded Amplified Music Ban

On January 13, 2026, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors approved updates to the Outdoor Festival Ordinance (§6-70.01).

What Changed?

Amplified music is now banned for a full 72 hours during Deltopia weekend.

• Start: Friday, April 3 at 12:00 a.m.
• End: Sunday, April 5 at 11:59 p.m.
• Applies to all residential and commercial properties in:
  • Isla Vista
  • The Cove (Ocean Meadows Lane)

What This Means in Plain Language

If amplified music can be heard from the property line, it is a violation — regardless of:

• Time of day
• Size of the gathering
• Whether alcohol is present

Violations are infractions and will be strictly enforced.

Important Exception

The only exception is the permitted IVCSD event on Saturday, April 4, 2026, which has authorization for amplified music within its permitted footprint only.

Enforcement Authority

• Music equipment used during a violation may be seized
• Equipment will be held as evidence until court proceedings are complete

🚨 NEW FOR 2026

Public Nuisance Ordinance Expansion

The Board of Supervisors also updated the Public Nuisance / Social Host Ordinance (§36-6).

What Changed?

• The ordinance now applies to The Cove (Ocean Meadows Lane) in addition to Isla Vista
• Law enforcement may shut down a party immediately when certain violations occur

Grounds for Immediate Party Shutdown Include:

Serious offenses connected to a gathering, including:

• Battery on a peace officer, firefighter, or EMT
• Sexual battery
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Furnishing alcohol to minors
• Lewd conduct
• Resisting law enforcement
• Arson or attempted arson
• Brandishing a weapon

Single-Incident Violations That Can End a Party

A party may be shut down for one instance of:

• Throwing objects that could cause injury
• Stage diving or jumping from balconies or rooftops
• Rooftop parties or allowing roof access
• Accessing bluffs by climbing over safety barriers
• Charging admission or collecting donations at a residence
• Selling alcohol without a permit
• Blocking streets or sidewalks

Penalties

• Violations of §36-6: Misdemeanor
• Failure to disperse (§36-7): Infraction

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be held responsible?
Owners, tenants, occupants, organizers, promoters, performers, or anyone who assisted in the violation.

Is Restorative Justice available for these violations?
No. Restorative Justice is suspended for Deltopia weekend.

Can my speakers or DJ equipment be taken?
Yes. Equipment used in a festival ordinance violations may be confiscated and held as evidence.

Questions?

Contact Community Resource Deputy Morrell
📞 805-681-4602
📧 ddm5596@sbsheriff.org