The renovation of the Sandpiper Golf Course and the construction of a new clubhouse in Goleta is deemed to have no significant unavoidable environmental impacts. However, it could have potentially significant but mitigable impacts, according to a report released last week.   

The draft environmental impact report published on Oct. 16 details the potential impacts the project could have on wildlife, geology and soils, hazardous materials, water quality, land use, noise, Tribal Cultural Resources, and utilities systems. Mitigation measures for each potential impact are also detailed in the report.

The draft will be available for public review until Dec.1, and members of the public can submit comments through the city of Goleta.

The construction project, spearheaded by Beanie Babies CEO and hotelier Ty Warner, focuses on a 19.3-acre site that will host a renovation of the golf course and construction of a new two-story clubhouse at 7925 Hollister Ave. The current clubhouse will be demolished and rebuilt to have two stories, a basement, and parking. The bathrooms and maintenance facilities will also be getting a new look. 

Alongside modifying the 18-hole golf course, fixing up landscaping and irrigation, the project also includes construction of the Rio Grande Coffee shop. The coffee shop will be adjacent to Barnsdall Rio Gas Station, which will also undergo restoration to create seating and bicycle amenities for the coffee shop.

The Barnsdall Rio Grande Gas Station, Goleta’s beloved historical structure, could be impacted by the vibrations of construction. But, the report details mitigation measures to reduce that risk to less than significant, according to the DEIR. The Goleta Historic Preservation Commission previously met in 2024 to discuss the project, and members supported the historic building renovation.   

The environmental impact report details mitigation measures prior to construction of the gas station that would require a qualified historian to review the plans and conduct weekly checks.

For the golf course renovation and clubhouse project, the DEIR found less than significant impacts for most areas.

Special-status plants and wildlife species could have potential direct and indirect impacts from construction, the report said, including the Crotch’s bumble bee and the Monarch butterfly.

To mitigate these concerns, a biologist will assess the habitat before any ground disturbing occurs during the bee’s active colony period, according to the DEIR. As for the Monarch butterflies, construction is to be scheduled between April to September to account for any overwintering butterflies. After mitigation, the construction impacts would be less than significant. 

Native trees in the area also have a potential to be impacted, but mitigation efforts prior and during construction will reduce the risk to less than significant, the report says.

Impacts to Devereux Creek and Golf Course Pond, after mitigation efforts, will reduce impacts to less than significant.  

Impacts from construction noise and vibration are predicted to be less than significant.

The project may also have potentially significant impacts to Native American tribal cultural resources during construction. However, as a mitigation measure, the report details the project applicant should have an agreement in which a Native American tribe monitors the project and has authority to potentially halt construction activity if a cultural resource is found.   

Following the release of the DEIR, the Goleta Environmental Hearing Officer will meet to receive comments on the adequacy of the analysis of the environmental issue areas as outlined in the draft report and any proposed alternatives. 

The meeting will take place at 5 p.m. on Nov. 6 at the Goleta City Hall Chambers, 130 Cremona Drive.

Ultimately, the City Council will make a decision regarding the adequacy of the analysis in the report and on the merits of this project after hearing recommendations from the Historic Preservation Commission, the Design Review Board and the Planning Commission.