Surfliner Inn Project Faces Environmental Scrutiny in Carpinteria

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) - One of the biggest hurdles for the Surfliner Inn project in Carpinteria takes place tonight after years of reviews and public meetings.

It will be before the Carpinteria Planning Commission at 7 p.m. in City Hall.

This is a 36-room boutique hotel in the parking lot currently used for the Carpinteria AMTRAK station.

The city's Architectural Review Board recommended the design for approval for the two-story building in December 2024. 

Opponents are concerned about parking impacts and the loss of mountain views.

Supports say it is a good fit in the city where there was once a depot building. It is also said to have the potential to be a revenue generator on various levels – adding up to an estimated $1.42 million annually for the City of Carpinteria through Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), lease payments, and local sales tax from those visiting and staying at the hotel.

For those concerned about the loss of parking, the developers have a nearby site they will convert before constructing the inn. That will be a new $2 million parking lot and restroom to serve the beach, parks and downtown at no cost to taxpayers.

The Carpinteria Planning Commission project details can be found on the city's web page.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.