Major Coastal Development Rule Changes Reviewed In Marin County

MARIN COUNTY, CA — The Marin County Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on Monday to review some significant changes to the county's Local Coastal Program.

They're updating the rules for development and conservation in the coastal zone to meet new state housing laws, especially for multi-unit projects. The goal is to implement mandates for things like Accessory Dwelling Units and simplify the permitting process, officials said.

The county needs to make these updates, which include a new "Form-Based Code," to comply with state housing law, though coastal resource protections aren't going anywhere.

After the Planning Commission reviews it, the changes will head to the County Board of Supervisors this fall and then to the California Coastal Commission next spring.

This affects properties in the unincorporated Coastal Zone — areas like Stinson Beach, Bolinas and Point Reyes Station.

County staff have been holding workshops to help locals understand the new zoning and permitting language. You can find meeting agendas and sign up for email updates on the County's website.