Newsom Signed Bill Shifting Coastal Permit Control
The new legislation impacts coastal management authority across California cities.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in City Hall
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Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1740, a law that transfers coastal permitting control to Santa Monica and streamlines statewide coastal access projects. The move concludes a long-standing policy impasse between the city and the California Coastal Commission.
Why it matters
This law resolves years of negotiation regarding local versus state control over coastal development, aiming to expedite pedestrian and transit-focused infrastructure. It sets a new regulatory timeline for cities to manage their own coastal programs.
The California Coastal Commission now has 45 days to provide feedback once a program is submitted, with a six-month window allowed for both parties to reach an agreement on modifications.
The players
Gavin Newsom
He is the Governor of California who signed AB 1740 into law.
California Coastal Commission
This state agency has managed coastal permitting in Santa Monica for over 50 years.
City of Santa Monica
This municipality is navigating a new legal framework to reclaim local control over its coastal development.
The details
Santa Monica must submit its proposed Local Coastal Program by December 31, 2027, to satisfy requirements established by AB 1740. While the city has worked toward this goal since 2014 and adopted a Land Use Plan in 2018, this legislation codifies a new, accelerated process for development.
Timeline
In 2014, Santa Monica began developing a certified Local Coastal Program.
The city adopted its Land Use Plan in 2018.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1740 into law on September 30, 2026.
Santa Monica must submit its proposed coastal program by December 31, 2027.
Political Context
Critics of the move often express concern that local control could weaken statewide environmental protections mandated by the California Coastal Act. Opponents argue that state oversight is necessary to ensure consistent public access standards across the entire coastline.
Residents may see expedited timelines for local bike, pedestrian, and transit projects as the city assumes more control over permitting. The legislation changes the regulatory landscape for future coastal construction and infrastructure projects.
The takeaway
This legislation marks a major shift toward localized coastal management in California. Cities looking to streamline infrastructure should track these new submission timelines closely as they prepare their own land use proposals.
What happens next
The City of Santa Monica is required to submit its proposed Local Coastal Program to the California Coastal Commission by the December 31, 2027, deadline.
Further reading
Learn more about local governance and coastal policy on the City Hall section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Surfsantamonica.
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Should local cities have final authority over their own coastal permitting and development decisions?
