Tentative Ruling: Friends of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh vs California Coastal Commission

Case Number

25CV03560

Case Type

Hearing Date / Time

Wed, 07/08/2026 - 10:00

Nature of Proceedings

Hearing re Administrative Record

Tentative Ruling

Marc Chytilo, Doug Carstens, for Petitioner

Andrew Contreras, Patrick Tuck, Claire Wilkens, for Coastal Commission

Beth Collins, Daniel Brunton, Cameron, for Real Party in Interest

RULING

This is a petition for writ of mandate involving a coastal development permit approval by the Coastal Commission for a residential development under unusual circumstances. There are both procedural and substantive issues. The approval process was by the Commission alone (not the County of Santa Barbara) through a consolidated process that is itself a subject of this challenge. The Commission’s approval was based on the Takings Exception, which involves an overlay of constitutional law, and is also a subject of the challenge. There is a CEQA challenge in addition to claims made under the Coastal Act. There is a 4,300+ page administrative record. The Court needs more time and continues the matter to July 29, 2026, at 10 am in order to give sufficient time to address these numerous and nuanced issues. No appearances required on July 8, 2026.