Development News for Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica City Council Advances Local Coastal Program (LCP) Efforts and Explores MOU with Coastal Commission

The Santa Monica City Council held a special meeting to discuss progress on the Local Coastal Program (LCP) and provide direction to staff. The council aims to achieve LCP certification to gain local authority over coastal zone management, which has been a long-standing goal since 1992. Recent direct engagement with the California Coastal Commission has led to substantive discussions for a framework that could bring certification within reach on a defined timeline. The council considered principles for a potential Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Coastal Commission, focusing on aligning with Santa Monica's strong track record in coastal stewardship, public access, and environmental protection. Key considerations for the LCP update include incorporating existing policies like Proposition S (beach overlay district), allowing for adaptive reuse of buildings into housing, and potentially streamlining permitting for certain low-impact projects through a ministerial Coastal Development Permit (CDP) framework. The council also discussed the urgency of completing the LCP to address permitting delays and enhance economic recovery, particularly for businesses seeking renovations and changes in use. The council voted to move forward with staff's direction to continue exploring policies consistent with legislative platforms and projects, including prioritizing pedestrian safety at the Chelsea intersection, exploring vertical treatments like HAWK signals, and continuing efforts for the LCP update. Concerns were raised about the timing of the special meeting and its connection to state legislation (AB 1740), but the council emphasized the LCP's importance for local control and addressing the city's needs.