ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

WHY SAND CITY?

Click on the images below to find out why Sand City is the Central Coast’s up and coming development location.

Location

Location

Sand City, a window to the beautiful Monterey Bay, is an artistic enclave by the sea and home to a variety of artisans and tradespeople. Located approximately 120 miles south of San Francisco, this unique coastal community encompasses approximately 320 acres of land that is accessible to retail shopping and recreational amenities.

Forward-Thinking City Government

Forward-Thinking City Government

The City prides itself being open, flexible, and easy to work with. This includes promoting permit streamlining and flexible parking standards, and maintaining a solution-oriented approach to problem solving. The City invites and encourages land owners and developers to approach the City about development opportunities as the City transitions from an industrial base to a vibrant mixed-use and arts influenced community.

Development Opportunities

Development Opportunities

Historically, an industrial based hub for the Monterey Peninsula, the City has a clear vision of its future as a progressive and sustainable community that encourages economic development which enables businesses to flourish and increases housing opportunities, while maintaining the City's artistic flare and character. The City invites land owners and developers to approach the City about development and repurposing opportunities as it transitions to a vibrant, mixed-use arts community.

Vibrant Arts Community

Vibrant Arts Community

Sand City has a colorful and lively arts district where a number of festivals and monthly night markets occur. Adorned by murals on every corner, it is also home to an array of artisans and musicians whose work spans all styles and genres. Some of the artistic events include the West End Festival, Night Market 831, and the mural festival known as the we. Mural Fest.

Tourist Destination

Tourist Destination

Located on the popular Monterey Peninsula, which draws over 4 million tourists each year, Sand City is home to two of the region's largest shopping centers, the Sand Dollar Shopping Center and the Edgewater Shopping Center, which are widely patronized by locals and tourists alike. In January 2026, a dual-branded Marriott Courtyard and Residence Inn opened which is just minutes away from popular tourist spots such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium and other regional destinations.

Regional Amenities

Regional Amenities

Sand City is planning a multi-use trail that will connect a 1-mile gap in the 18-mile long Monterey Bay Recreation Trail system on the TAMC (Transit Agency of Monterey County) former railway corridor. Development of this multi-use trail will create a safer, more enjoyable route for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation. The City Council has also approved draft conceptual plans for a coastal trail project that will connect the city center to the coast. Project improvements include an ADA accessible boardwalk along the bluff, parking on Tioga Avenue, 0.7-miles of trail, a new viewing platform, a restroom on West Bay Street, and dune habitat restoration.

SAND CITY HAS WATER!

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CURRENT DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

VACANT PARCEL MAP

REPURPOSE & REVITALIZATION SITES

PENDING DEVELOPMENT SITES

6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT SITES

ENVISIONED DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The conceptual renderings shown below are examples of mixed-use and residential developments as envisioned by the City with assistance from ELS Architecture and Urban Design. Click on the images below to find out more information.

Orange Avenue

Orange Avenue

This is not a planned development. The intent of this floor plan and rendering is to show an example of the type of mixed-use/ residential development that is possible on an average site in the City’s MU-P zoning district.

Setbacks: 6’0” front and side.

Density: Zoning maximum of 81 dwelling units per acre. With 20% affordable units, 50% density bonus resulting in 122 dwelling units per acre.

Parking: 11 parking spaces provided. 24 parking spaces required. 13 parking space deficits can be met via payment of in-lieu parking fees.

Height: Maximum allowed: 85 feet, including roof equipment. Rendering is 5 floors at 10’ per floor. 50 feet to top of roof and 60 feet to top of elevator penthouse and shade structure.

Sand City Art Park

Sand City Art Park

A conceptual rendering of the potential transformation of the Art Park into a vibrant mixed-use community space. The concept includes artist live-work housing, food and beverage areas, workshop and gallery spaces, and a public park with green space, landscaping, and outdoor seating. The City Council directed staff to begin working with a developer to advance the project. The City anticipates releasing a Request for Proposals in early 2026.

Sand City COURTYARD MARRIOTT & RESIDENCE INN

An envisioned development opportunity becomes a reality.

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Live Construction Web Cam

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TESTIMONIALS

Todd Scheller

Vice President, Lyles Diversified Inc.

Todd Scheller

Vice President, Lyles Diversified Inc.

"On behalf of the entire Lyles organization, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the City of Sand City's support with the West End (California/Tioga) development project. Their responsiveness was invaluable and greatly contributed to the success of the entire development. From pre-planning, design, development, construction activities, and street dedication, City leadership and staff were partners at every step. An active partnership with mutual goals is what sets Sand City apart from other municipalities that we work with. The City is solution-oriented and as a developer, that is our sweet-spot in looking for additional opportunities for investment and long-term growth. "

Tom Jacobson

SVP, EKN Development

Tom Jacobson

SVP, EKN Development

"Sand City is an incredible place to work and grow. The City is a relative newcomer to the California landscape, but it has quickly become a popular destination for beachgoers, surfers, and outdoor adventurers. Bordered by Monterey Bay to the west and surrounded by Seaside, Sand City blends opportunity with lifestyle. Once an industrial hub, it has evolved into a center for creativity with great prospects. The city’s forward-thinking leadership and welcoming staff provide strong support to new businesses, fostering growth and innovation. Whether you're catching a wave, exploring the dunes, or biking along the coast, Sand City offers an unbeatable environment for both businesses and individuals to thrive.”

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

WHY SAND CITY?

Location

Forward-Thinking City Government

Development Opportunities

Vibrant Arts Community

Tourist Destination

Regional Amenities

SAND CITY HAS WATER!

CURRENT DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

VACANT PARCEL MAP

REPURPOSE & REVITALIZATION SITES

PENDING DEVELOPMENT SITES

6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT SITES

ENVISIONED DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Orange Avenue

Sand City Art Park

Sand City COURTYARD MARRIOTT & RESIDENCE INN

Live Construction Web Cam

TESTIMONIALS

Todd Scheller

Tom Jacobson

ZONING & PLANNING INFORMATION

ZONING MAP

ZONING CODE

CITY FORMS

PLANNING DEPARTMENT

About Sand City

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