The Santa Barbara County Social Services provides services, which assist the residents of California s Santa Barbara County in becoming productive and self-sufficient contributors to the well being of the community. The department does this by identifying the needs of residents and administering federal, state and county programs to meet those needs, while establishing partnerships with individuals and community groups to ensure collaborative solutions. It is involved with the planning and development of new communities, housing services, property tax assessment, waste services and water services. Other Santa Barbara County Social Services interests include public works programs, such as the Board of Architectural Review, Five-Year Work Program, Planning Commission and Surveyors Manual.