The Local Coastal Program will give the city greater decision-making authority over coastal development projects — including temporary events, commercial tenant improvements, and outdoor dining.
Santa Monica and the California Coastal Commission have entered into a memorandum of understanding to complete the city’s long-delayed Local Coastal Program, a key planning document governing development in the coastal zone.
The Santa Monica City Council voted last week to authorize the city manager to execute the MOU, which creates a formal framework for collaboration between the city and the commission. The goal is to produce a certified Land Use Plan and Implementation Plan (zoning ordinance) for Santa Monica’s coastal zone.
Once certified, the Local Coastal Program will give the city greater decision-making authority over coastal development projects — including temporary events, commercial tenant improvements, adaptive reuse, outdoor dining, residential development and transportation projects — while maintaining protections for coastal resources and public access as required by the California Coastal Act.
The agreement builds on a 2018 draft Land Use Plan and years of community outreach. Work under the new MOU is expected to begin in July, with a target for full certification by the end of 2027.
“Santa Monica’s economic recovery depends on our ability to move quickly and remove barriers for residents, small businesses, and the projects that bring jobs and investment to our city,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said in a statement. “By committing to work directly with the California Coastal Commission, we are building a faster, clearer path for projects in our coastal zone.”
The city’s coastal zone includes much of downtown Santa Monica, including the Third Street Promenade. Officials say completing the Local Coastal Program will reduce uncertainty and support broader revitalization efforts.
