Welcome

Welcome to the City of Santa Cruz project page for 1305 East Cliff Drive. Here you will find information about this project including the projects description, plan set(s), and all future meeting details relating to this project. You can also contact the City Project Planner by using the Question or Comment section below.

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History: On February 25th, the Planning and Community Department received an application to renovate and expand the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, as well as make improvements involving the existing outdoor amphitheater in adjacent Tyrrell Park. The project proposes to restore the original historic Carnegie Library Building and remodel and expand the non-historic portions of the museum added in the 1960’s. The purpose of the project is to renovate and modernize the building while preserving the historic parts of the building and enhancing accessibility and functionality. The approximately 5,000 square foot addition includes a new community room, lobby, offices, restrooms, and collections storage. In regards to improvements to the adjacent park, the museum will continue to maintain the learning garden surrounding the building and the amphitheater will be rebuilt in the same location to improve accessibility around the park and to the iconic whale sculpture. The project requires approval of a Coastal Permit, Design Permit, Special Use Permit, and Historic Alteration Permit which includes a request for a Historic Variation to parking requirements. The application requires public hearings before both the Historic Preservation Commission, as well as the Planning Commission. Ryan Bane is the planner working on the project. 

Project Description

• Project Size: Significant Development Project
• City of Santa Cruz Project Number: CP24-0172
• Project Status: Visit Etrakit for Most Current Status and the Assigned Planner

Coastal Permit, Design Permit, Special Use Permit, and Historic Alteration Permit with a request for a Historic Variation to parking requirements for a renovation and expansion of the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History as well as park improvements involving the outdoor amphitheater and public amenities on a property located in the PK (Parks) and PF (Public Facilities) zone districts.

Community Meetings/Webinars

According to the City's Community Outreach Policy for Planning Projects, a community meeting is required. Feedback provided may contribute to alterations in the project design and additional project entitlements. Meeting information will be shown here once available.

PAST MEETING(S): On June 25, 2025, a virtual community meeting was held by the applicant to present the proposed project and gather public feedback. For those who were not able to attend, you will find the link to the recorded meeting below.

• June 25, 2025, Community Meeting Recording
• Q&A Report

Contact Information

Senior Planner, Ryan Bane
(831) 420-5141; rbane@santacruzca.gov

For media inquiries, visit the City’s Newsroom.

Question or Comment

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