Santa Monica City Council
May 26, 2026

Framework to Complete the
City’s Local Coastal Program Update
City Council
May 26, 2026
Item 4-I
May 26, 2026
Item 4-I
May 26, 2026
Summary
• Council direction received from May 12, 2026 on issues to be considered in staff’s discussions with Coastal Commission • MOU memorializes shared understanding between City and Coastal Commission on path towards Local Coastal
Program certification
• Target timeline
• Process kickoff July 2026
• Goal of LCP certification by end of 2027
Item 4-I
May 26, 2026
Item 4-I
May 26, 2026
What is the Local Coastal Program?
• California Coastal Act of 1976
• Planning tool for local
governments
• Protect coastal resources for the
access and enjoyment of all
• California Coastal Commission
must certify to transfer coastal
development permit (CDP)
authority to City
City
Policies
Land Use
Plan (LUP)
Implemen
-tation
Plan (IP)
City uses for
CDP review
CCC uses for
CDP review
Local Coastal Program
Item 4-I
May 26, 2026
Item 4-I
May 26, 2026
Key Elements
• Coordination & communication protocols between City and Coastal Commission staff
• Guiding Principles
• Good faith cooperation to find creative solutions with shared goal of protecting coastal resources and ensuring public coastal access • Use 2018 draft LUP as foundation for updates accounting for changed circumstances (e.g. Sea Level Rise, Environmental Justice, Realignment Plan)
• Incorporate language of City’s existing land use framework to maximum extent feasible and consistent with Coastal Act with acknowledgement of adopted City regulations
Item 4-I
May 26, 2026
Item 4-I
May 26, 2026
Key Elements
• Explore policies and processes designed to streamline permitting, provide for programmatic management, and facilitate sustainable and economically vibrant development within existing urbanized areas of City coastal zone including but limited to:
• Temporary events – nearest term priority
• Outdoor dining
• Commercial tenant improvements
• Home-sharing and vacation rental ordinance
• Residential development
• Transportation improvements
• Parking management
• Management of public safety issues
Item 4-I
May 26, 2026
Item 4-I
May 26, 2026