Clean water and scenic beauty for Santa Barbara’s creeks may come at a cost to the city’s homeowners. At least, that’s how creekside residents see it. Many are not happy about the city’s proposed creek buffer ordinance, which would require any and all new developments to stay away from a creek’s edge.  The city has 16 creeks. They zigzag through neighborhoods, showing off bare bottoms that host only a trickle of water for most of the year.  Right now, the city is working on a draft ordinance that prohibits new development within 50 feet of any of these creeks. That includes buildings, patios, and non-native gardens (yes, even tomato plants).  The only development that would be allowed in buffer zones without city approval would be the planting of native vegetation and debris removal for flood control purposes. Existing development would be allowed to stay where it is, as well as be repaired and remodeled without city approval.