City and county staff updated the council on pending county rezonings that affect Carpinteria and on local housing projects. A county representative said the Coastal Commission approved rezoning of four county parcels (three affecting Carpinteria) and that the next step is a return to the Board of Supervisors in February for final action on the proposed modifications.

Staff said rezoning conditions include affordability requirements that translate to 20% low-income units and an additional 12% for moderate-income households, for a combined 32% affordable set-aside in the affected parcels. The countys housing authority and city staff are coordinating public outreach and an expected public meeting in January so residents can comment before any hearings.

Council members raised concerns about traffic, parking and impacts on city services. City staff said standard development-review processes and traffic studies will apply and noted some projects might require remediation or additional planning review before construction. Staff reiterated that many decisions rest with the county on parcels outside city property but stressed the city will coordinate on mitigation and outreach.

Council also received an update on the Santa Claus Lane multi-phase public-works project funded by Caltrans; the first phases will include bike lanes, angled parking and beach-adjacent improvements with construction beginning in late spring and later phases extending into 2027.