General Plan/Local Coastal Plan Update Phase 1
Phase 1: Building the Foundation
Phase 1 updated four key parts of the General Plan/Local Coastal Program: land use, circulation, conservation and open space and noise. Together these elements establish the foundation for how Pismo Beach grows over the coming decades: where housing and businesses belong, how people move through town, how the coastline and open spaces stay protected, and how the community keeps its quality of life as it changes. Updating these four first gives the City a current, legally sound framework to guide development decisions and sets the stage for the remaining phases of the update.
On May 19, 2026, the Pismo Beach City Council unanimously adopted the General Plan (GP)/Local Coastal Program (LCP) Coastal Land Use Plan update and certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR), including Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations.
The California Coastal Commission approved the City's Land Use Plan section of the Local Coastal Program on Oct. 9, with a few updates. The Local Coastal Program amendment and updated policies will take effect after the following are complete:
- City Council formally reviews and accepts the California Coastal Commission's updates by adopting and revising the local resolution. A council meeting has not been scheduled for this yet.
- The City submits an updated resolution to the California Coastal Commission where it'll be taken to a public meeting for the commission's final approval.
Read more: General Plan-LCP_City Council Adopted 2026
Click here Version Options General Plan/Local Coastal Plan Update Phase 1 Headlineto view the Final Program Environment Impact Report certified by City Council on May 19, 2026.
What was updated?
Adopted by City Council in May 2026, Phase 1 of the General Plan/Local Coastal Program update refreshed four core elements and set the City's vision through 2040.
It covers four elements:
- Land Use – Guides where and how development occurs through 2040, with policies tailored to Pismo Beach’s 10 neighborhood planning areas, coastal resources, visitor accommodations and historic character.
- Conservation and Open Space – Protects natural, scenic and cultural resources and addresses conservation areas, scenic vistas and climate change.
- Noise – Identifies today's and 2040's noise levels and sets standards for promoting compatible land uses designed to keep homes and schools out of the loudest places.
- Circulation –Plans for how people will move around Pismo Beach through 2040, including roadway improvements, the Frady Lane extension, a new Pismo Creek crossing and expanded bike and pedestrian facilities.
Read more: General Plan and Local Coastal Plan (Adopted May 2026)
What comes next?
Phase 1 established an important foundation for Pismo Beach’s future. Phase 2 builds on that work by focusing on community safety and resilience, parks and recreation, coastal access and planning for changing coastal conditions.
Phase 2 is underway now, with new technical studies and opportunities for the community to help shape future policies and strategies.