Some Santa Monica projects could skip coastal permits

Assemblymember Rick Zbur’s AB 1740 would give Santa Monica a more specific hand on coastal development, changing who gets to decide which projects move and which stall. The bill is aimed at coastal resources in the city and would amend Section 30610.91 of the Public Resources Code while adding Sections 30512.5 and 30610.55.

In California, the Coastal Act generally requires local governments to prepare local coastal programs, or LCPs, for certification by the California Coastal Commission. Once that program is certified and implemented, the commission generally steps back from coastal development permit review in the covered area. AB 1740 would create a Santa Monica-specific lane inside that system.

The city has to bring its own map

AB 1740 would require Santa Monica to submit a complete proposed local coastal program by Jan. 1, 2029. After that, the city and the commission would have a limited review window to work through suggested changes.

That structure reflects a familiar bargain in California coastal law. The state keeps the shoreline protections, but a certified local program gives the city more day-to-day control over what gets built and how it is reviewed.

What could move without the permit gate

For residents, property owners and developers, the practical issue is not legal theory. It is whether a project faces one decision-maker or several, and how long that takes. Coastal permitting can decide whether housing, renovations or public improvements move forward on schedule.

The bill would also create a temporary exemption path if certification has not happened by July 1, 2029.

• Certain building renovations would not need a coastal development permit before certification.
• Accessibility upgrades and electric vehicle charging stations in existing paved areas would also be exempt.
• Some housing projects near Wilshire Boulevard or Pico Boulevard could qualify for a temporary exemption if certification lags past July 1, 2029.