The agreement marks a major shift from the bill’s original proposal, which drew criticism from environmental organizations and beach access advocates who argued it would reduce Coastal Commission oversight within Santa Monica’s coastal zone.
A state bill that initially sought to exempt some Santa Monica projects from California Coastal Commission review has been significantly revised following an agreement between state officials, the commission and the city.
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur announced this week that Assembly Bill 1740 has been amended after negotiations between his office, the California Coastal Commission, the City of Santa Monica and advocacy groups. The revised legislation would no longer create the broad permitting exemptions proposed earlier this year. Instead, it establishes a framework intended to help Santa Monica complete and implement a certified Local Coastal Program, or LCP.
Under California law, cities with certified Local Coastal Programs can approve most coastal development permits locally rather than requiring separate approval from the Coastal Commission, while remaining subject to state oversight and appeals procedures.
The agreement marks a major shift from the bill’s original proposal, which drew criticism from environmental organizations and beach access advocates who argued it would reduce Coastal Commission oversight within Santa Monica’s coastal zone.
When introduced, AB 1740 would have allowed qualifying “urban multimodal communities” to approve certain projects without individual coastal development permits from the commission. The exemptions included some transportation projects, outdoor dining expansions, temporary events and certain housing developments.
Supporters argued the measure would reduce permitting delays that have affected projects in Santa Monica, including transportation improvements and business investments. Critics, including the Surfrider Foundation, warned the bill could weaken environmental review and public oversight of coastal development.
Under the revised bill, Santa Monica would instead be placed on a timeline toward completing a certified Local Coastal Program. The legislation includes reporting requirements and accountability measures intended to track the city’s progress.
The measure also creates a statewide expedited approval process for bicycle, pedestrian and transit projects designed to improve public access to coastal areas. The Coastal Commission would be required to collect and report data on approvals, denials and pending applications under the new process.
As part of the agreement, the California Coastal Commission has withdrawn its opposition to AB 1740 and is expected to consider a support position at its July meeting.
