On November 9, the Carpinteria City Council reviewed and voted to approve a proposal to draft a site plan for the Rincon Bluffs property. These plans are the first step towards being able to apply for a Coastal Development Permit, which is required for all new developments in Carpinteria and the coastal zone—including trails and larger-scale restoration work.

Consistent with the community’s wishes, the Rincon Bluffs vision calls for passive recreational use. Initial improvements to the preserve will include:

  • Construction of a small unpaved public parking lot
  • Building public restroom
  • 3,500 linear feet of improved trails
  • Installation of an information kiosk and donor marker
  • 2.5 acres of native plant restoration 

Once the design phase is complete—hopefully by summer 2021—we will begin the permitting process. It’s an intricate and important process, which can take a number of months and includes environmental and public review. We hope to complete the improvements outlined in the proposal by summer 2025.

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