A representative of Supervisor Gregg Lee's office updated the Carpinteria City Council Nov. 24 on county-level zoning changes and local projects that could affect city residents.

The speaker said the Coastal Commission approved a rezone affecting four county parcels, including three near Carpinteria, and that the Board of Supervisors will consider technical modifications in February. The principal substantive changes for Carpinteria parcels are an increase in the required share of affordable units at Baylard and Van Wingerden from 20% to 32% (described as 20% lower-income plus 12% lower-to-moderate income) and an extension of affordability terms from 90 years to the project's lifetime.

County staff are coordinating with the Housing Authority of Santa Barbara County and the project developer on public outreach; the supervisor's representative said a public meeting is being planned for January and that the county is trying to maximize transparency and public input. The representative also noted a December 18 deadline for cannabis operators to file an extension related to carbon-scrubber equipment, after which county-imposed deadlines may apply.

Council members raised concerns about traffic, parking and infrastructure impacts for proposed housing parcels, including Baylor Avenue and Cravens Lane, and asked the county representative to pursue impact studies and coordination with the city. The supervisor's office said it will follow up on parking and potential planning-review pathways and meet with the city and developers to address public concerns.

The update also included multi-million-dollar public-works projects: the Santa Claus Lane beach-side phase (phase 2) is funded by Caltrans (approximately $12.5 million) and is expected to start construction next summer; flood-control staff reported debris basins performed well in recent storms and referenced the BeachSmart county resiliency program.