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VENTURA — The City of Ventura is beginning an update to its Local Coastal Program (LCP), the long-range plan that guides land use, development, and resource protection within Ventura’s Coastal Zone. The update will help the City prepare for sea level rise and other coastal hazards while protecting Ventura’s beaches, natural habitats, and public access to the coast.
Ventura’s coastline is one of the community’s most valuable assets, supporting recreation, tourism, the local economy, marine ecosystems, and quality of life. First certified in 1989, the Local Coastal Program is being updated to incorporate current science, evolving state requirements, and community priorities, while helping the City prepare for long-term coastal challenges such as sea level rise. The City expects to complete the update in 2028.
Community input will play a central role in shaping the update. To support inclusive participation, the City is launching a Community-Based Organization Mini-Grant Program that will help local and Tribal organizations lead outreach and engagement within their communities.
Eligible organizations may apply for mini-grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, with a total of $10,000 available. Funding may support community discussions, outreach at local events, multilingual engagement, or other activities that draw on community knowledge and lived experience. Applications are due April 10, 2026, with recipients notified by May 1, 2026. Engagement activities will take place between May and July 2026.
The LCP update will help Ventura prepare for sea level rise and other coastal hazards while supporting sustainable development, protecting sensitive habitats, maintaining public beach access and recreation, and advancing environmental justice by ensuring underrepresented communities are included in the planning process.
“This update represents an important step in planning for the future of Ventura’s coastline,” said Rachel Dimond, Community Development Director. “By combining the latest coastal science with meaningful community input, we can protect our beaches and natural habitats while preparing for long-term coastal challenges.”
The City is using the latest coastal hazard science to guide the update, including NASA’s High Tide Flooding Analysis Tool and the U.S. Geological Survey’s Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS). These tools help identify areas vulnerable to sea level rise, flooding, and coastal storms, allowing the City to plan for long-term coastal resilience.
The project began with awareness and launch activities in 2025 and is currently moving through visioning and policy development, which will continue through summer 2026. The City expects to release a public draft plan in fall 2026, followed by public hearings and adoption in 2027.
Residents, businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to stay informed and participate throughout the planning process.
For more information, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/LCP