San Diego County, CA Environmental Rules: Coastal Development (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit Required
- Coastal Development Permit
- Authority
- County PDS + CA Coastal Commission
- Governing Law
- CA Coastal Act (PRC §30000+)
- Local Plan
- County Local Coastal Program
- Habitat Protection
- ESHA protections apply
Summary
Development in the unincorporated coastal zone of San Diego County requires a Coastal Development Permit per the California Coastal Act. The County's Local Coastal Program governs land use in coastal areas. The Coastal Commission has appellate authority over most coastal permits.
ate the need for a formal boundary determination. Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 30103(a) specifically defines California's Coastal Zone as that land and water area of the State of California from the Oregon border to the border of the Republic of Mexico depicted on maps identified and set forth in Section 17 of that chapter of the Statutes of the 1975-76 Regular Session enacting PRC Division 20 (the Coastal Act of 1976). PRC Section 30103(b) directed the Coastal Commission to prepare and adopt more detailed 1:24,000 scale Coastal Zone Boundary (CZB) maps, which occurred March 1, 1977. These 161 adopted maps provide the official basis for all other representations of the landward CZB.
Full Breakdown
The California Coastal Act (Public Resources Code §30000 et seq.) requires Coastal Development Permits for most development within the coastal zone of unincorporated San Diego County. The County's certified Local Coastal Program (LCP) guides development decisions in the coastal zone, protecting coastal access, sensitive habitats, scenic resources, and agricultural lands. Projects within the coastal zone must demonstrate consistency with LCP policies. The California Coastal Commission has appellate authority over County permit decisions in certain areas and retains original permit jurisdiction over tidelands and submerged lands. Environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHAs) have additional protections. Public access to coastal resources must be preserved and enhanced.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted development in the coastal zone may result in Coastal Commission enforcement action including restoration orders, cease-and-desist orders, and substantial fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Coastal Development Permit in San Diego County?
What is the Local Coastal Program?
Can the Coastal Commission override county permits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
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