Body of News Release
APRIL 6 UPDATE: The agenda item was continued to a date to be determined later.
Marin County, CA – Updates to Marin County’s Local Coastal Program (LCP) are in the works, and the County’s Planning Commission will take a close look at the recommended changes during a public hearing on Monday, April 6.
The commission’s agenda item is a follow-up to several public learning sessions in 2025 during which West Marin residents were briefed on proposed amendments to land use and housing rules within the coastal zone. The goal is to implement the County’s Housing Element updates, approved in 2023, including an updated land-use plan, zoning requirements, and implementing design requirements specific to the coastal area. Staff will be proposing new design guidelines in the form of a Form-Based Code specifically for multifamily developments in the coastal areas.
Following the April 6 Planning Commission hearing, Marin County Community Development Agency (CDA) will bring the LCP updates to the Marin County Board of Supervisors for potential approval this fall. With Board approval, the amendments would be considered next spring by the California Coastal Commission, which oversees development along the state’s coastline areas.
Created more than 40 years ago, Marin’s LCP is the key document used by the County to manage conservation, beach access, and development in the coastal zone. As mandated by state housing laws, the proposed LCP amendments are essential for implementing long-term housing plans and synchronized policies from recent state housing laws affecting the coastal areas. Without those changes, Marin County would risk being found out of compliance with state housing law. Even with the proposed changes, coastal resources protection policies will continue to apply.
CDA staff members will make presentations to the Planning Commission and go over the proposed amendments that are detailed on the County’s website. The amendments are designed to implement the Housing Element policies adopted by the Board in 2023, along with various existing state mandates. It's important to note that the amendments do not introduce any new policies.
Some minor changes would incorporate state mandates for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs. CDA seeks to add transparency and streamlining to the permitting processes for multi-unit, residential developments and simplify complex zoning language.
In Marin, LCP amendments only affect residents who live within the unincorporated Coastal Zone. The zone is defined as the area generally located between the first coastal ridgeline and a point 3 miles past the line of mean high tide. That area includes:
- Muir Beach
- Stinson Beach
- Bolinas
- Olema
- Point Reyes Station
- Inverness
- Marshall
- Tomales
- Dillon Beach
Federal property – notably the Point Reyes National Seashore and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area – is not subject to LCP regulations.
CDA is keeping coastal residents and stakeholder groups apprised through learning sessions, in-person learning session, webinars, webpage updates, and e-mailed notifications to clarify the reasons why the development-related changes are necessary. Anyone may sign up to receive emailed notifications about the LCP amendments.
Planning Commission agendas and associated documents are found on the County website within 72 hours of the scheduled meeting.
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For disability accommodations, please phone 415-473-4381 (voice), CA Relay 711, or email the Community Development Agency at least five business days in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.