Local Coastal Program Update
Local Coastal Program Update
An update to the City's Local Coastal Program (LCP) is now underway! The Local Coastal Program will help shape the City's coast, protect natural resources, and improve coastal access.
This update will include changes to both components of the LCP: 1) the Land Use Plan (LUP) and 2) the Implementation Plan (IP). A fully certified LCP will allow applicants to get both local permits and a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) directly from the City, without the need to go to the Coastal Commission.
The Land Use Plan
The LUP describes existing coastal conditions and challenges, sets policy initiatives, and consolidates existing City policies, regulations, and goals for the coastal zone. The City's LUP was last updated and adopted by City Council in 2018. The LUP sets goals and policies for the following topics:
- Access
- Recreation
- Environmental Quality
- Scenic Resources
- Sea Level Rise
- Cultural and Historic Resources
- New Development
- Environmental Justice
The Coastal Commission will continue to use the certified LUP from 1992, along with the Coastal Act, as the basis for issuing CDPs until the updated draft is certified.
The Implementation Plan
The IP specifies the zoning rules for the City's Coastal Zone. Think of this as a Coastal Zoning Ordinance. The IP will maintain consistency with development standards already existing Citywide, but will further address LUP topics like access, recreation, and environmental justice. The City does not currently have an adopted IP.
Stay Tuned!
Public input and transparency are critical to the LCP update process. Check this page regularly for project updates, drafts, and ways to get involved. See the resources below to learn more about the LCP. Staff looks forward to hearing from you!