Coastal Development: Midway City vs Santa Ana
How do coastal development rules compare between Midway City, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Santa Ana has fewer restrictions than Midway City.
Midway City, CA
Orange County
Development within the coastal zone of unincorporated Orange County requires a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) under OCCO §7-9-127 and the California Coastal Act. The County has certified Local Coastal Programs for the Newport Coast, Emerald Bay, and Aliso Viejo segments, with the California Coastal Commission retaining jurisdiction over uncertified segments.
View full Midway City rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana is an inland city in Orange County, located approximately 10 miles from the Pacific coast. The California Coastal Act and Coastal Commission jurisdiction do not extend to Santa Ana. There are no local coastal development permit requirements. Coastal regulations apply only to cities within the designated coastal zone.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Midway City | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | OCCO §7-9-127 | - |
| State Law | CA Coastal Act (PRC §30600) | - |
| Certified LCPs | Newport Coast, Emerald Bay, Aliso Viejo | - |
| Appeal Zone | Within 300 ft of beach/mean high tide | - |
| Max Penalty | $15,000/day (Coastal Commission) | - |
| Applicability | - | Not applicable — Santa Ana is inland |
| Distance to Coast | - | Approximately 10 miles |
| Coastal Commission | - | No jurisdiction in Santa Ana |
| Local Regulation | - | None — outside coastal zone |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Midway City FAQ
Do I need a coastal development permit in unincorporated Orange County?
If your property is within the designated coastal zone, any new development or significant alteration likely requires a Coastal Development Permit under OCCO §7-9-127. Check with OC Development Services to determine if your parcel is in the coastal zone.
Who issues coastal development permits in unincorporated Orange County?
The County issues CDPs in areas with certified Local Coastal Programs (Newport Coast, Emerald Bay, Aliso Viejo). In uncertified segments, the California Coastal Commission retains jurisdiction. Decisions in the appeals zone can be appealed to the Commission.
Santa Ana FAQ
Does Santa Ana have coastal development regulations?
No. Santa Ana is an inland city approximately 10 miles from the coast. The California Coastal Act does not apply to Santa Ana.
Are there waterfront regulations in Santa Ana?
Santa Ana regulates development near the Santa Ana River through floodplain and stormwater ordinances rather than coastal development rules.
Compare other topics
See how Midway City and Santa Ana compare on other ordinance categories.
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