Zbur Coastal Permitting Bill Passes Legislature, Heads to Governor's Desk

AB 1740 Advances Santa Monica Local Coastal Planning While Improving Coastal Access for Bike, Pedestrian, and Transit Projects

SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Santa Monica) announced today that AB 1740, legislation establishing a clear path for Santa Monica to complete its Local Coastal Program (LCP) certification while improving the approval process for bike, pedestrian, and transit projects in California's coastal zone, passed the Senate and received its final, unanimous concurrence vote in the Assembly. The bill now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk.

Sponsored by the City of Santa Monica and Streets For All, AB 1740 reflects an agreement reached earlier this year among Assemblymember Zbur, the City of Santa Monica, the California Coastal Commission, and housing, environmental, and mobility advocates to address longstanding coastal permitting challenges while maintaining California's strong coastal protections.

"AB 1740 shows what we can accomplish when we bring people together around the shared goals of protecting our coast, expanding public access, and helping coastal communities thrive," said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. "This bill puts Santa Monica on a clear and accountable path toward regaining local permitting authority while making it easier for communities across California's coastal zone to advance bike, pedestrian, and transit improvements that connect more people to our coast. I'm proud of the collaborative work that got us here, and I urge Governor Newsom to sign AB 1740 into law."

Under AB 1740, Santa Monica will move forward with completing a certified LCP, which will allow most Coastal Development Permits to be processed locally rather than requiring separate approval by the Coastal Commission. The bill establishes timelines, accountability measures, and reporting requirements for both the City and the Coastal Commission to help ensure the LCP is completed and implemented while preserving the Commission's oversight and California's coastal protections.

The legislation also establishes a statewide expedited process for bike, pedestrian, and transit improvements that enhance public access to and within the coastal zone. The Coastal Commission will collect and report data on approvals, denials, and pending applications under the new process, providing greater transparency into how these projects move forward. The bill also authorizes the Coastal Commission to grant di minimus, expedited approvals, across the state, for bicycle, transit, or pedestrian right of way projects, if the director finds that the project will provide enhanced access to the coast.

"For far too long, multimodal projects have been too difficult to build in the coastal zone." said Michael Schneider, Founder and CEO of Streets For All. "Thanks to the leadership of Assemblymember Zbur, there's now a streamlined process, which will allow cities to more easily install bike lanes, bus lanes, and pedestrian safety improvements."

Since the Coastal Act's passage 50 years ago, Santa Monica has never had a certified coastal program," said Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis. "AB 1740 changes that. By 2029, Santa Monica will submit the plan that brings decisions about housing, transportation, and public space back home where they belong. In February, I said Santa Monica needs modern tools that match how people access the coast today. And thanks to Assemblymember Zbur's leadership, those tools are heading to the Governor's desk, one signature away from coming home."

"The Coastal Commission is all-in on its commitment to the city and the public to complete this plan," said Kate Huckelbridge, Executive Director of the Coastal Commission. "This bill puts us on an ambitious but achievable path to success."

AB 1740 now heads to Governor Newsom for consideration.

Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur serves as the Democratic Caucus Chair for the California State Assembly and represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes Universal City, Hollywood, Hancock Park, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and other portions of Los Angeles.

CONTACT: Vienna Montague, (916) 319-2051, [email protected]