Coastal Commission rezones three county sites; Carpinteria official says affordability requirement increased to 32%

Carpinteria staff reported that the California Coastal Commission voted last week to rezone three county properties adjacent to the city (the Baylard and Van Wingerden sites) to multifamily residential, overruling local opposition. The commission's action included raising the affordability requirement to 32% for future projects on those sites, up from the 20% standard staff had cited.

Community Development Director Nick Bobroff said the commission relied in part on the more generous affordability requirement and statewide housing need when supporting the rezones. "Included in the commission's action was a requirement to increase the affordability requirement for future projects on those sites from 20% up to 32%," he said.

Staff told the council the next step is for the county Board of Supervisors to accept the Coastal Commission action, which staff expects to be procedural. Bobroff and council members also discussed the developer option to pursue a 'builder's remedy' application versus proceeding under the new zoning; if a parcel is rezoned, a developer may withdraw a builder's remedy application and pursue a project under the new designation.

Public commenters who had attended the Coastal Commission hearing expressed disappointment but thanked city officials for their attendance and advocacy.