The Carpinteria General Plan/Coastal Plan Update Committee Meeting held on October 21, 2024, focused on significant changes to land use designations and development strategies within the city. The meeting aimed to discuss updates to the city's General Plan, which is essential for guiding future growth and development.

Key discussions included a series of proposed changes to land use classifications in various areas. Notably, the committee reviewed a transition from general industrial to general commercial designations in the downtown vicinity. Additionally, there was a proposal to convert former oil and gas sites into planned unit developments, as well as changes to open space and recreation areas along the bluffs south of the railroad.

The meeting also addressed the shift from visitor-serving commercial uses to open space in southeastern bluff areas and the conversion of agricultural land to medium-density residential zones. These changes align with the city's housing element goals. The Lagunitas project site is also set to transition from research and development to medium-density residential and open space.

The committee presented updated assessments of the city's job-housing balance, reflecting current trends and needs. Projections indicated a potential increase of 4,080 residential units over the next 20 years, including various types of housing and commercial spaces. The total commercial development capacity was estimated at 350,000 square feet.

During the meeting, committee members raised questions regarding the draft land use map's capacity for future growth and the need for additional policies to promote affordable housing. Concerns were also voiced about the clarity of the planning area diagram and the relevance of the statistics used in the plan, some of which were outdated.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for public comments and further discussion on how planned unit developments can effectively support community goals. The outcomes of this meeting will play a crucial role in shaping Carpinteria's development strategy and addressing housing needs in the coming years.