Santa Cruz County, CA Environmental Rules: Coastal Development (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- SCCC Ch. 13.20 & 18.60
- Authority
- Cal. Coastal Act 1976
- Zone Reach
- ~5 mi inland from Pacific
- Permit
- Coastal Development Permit
- Coastal Commission Penalty
- Up to $15,000/day
Summary
Most development in Santa Cruz County's Coastal Zone (extending roughly five miles inland from the Pacific along the North Coast and along Highway 1) requires a Coastal Development Permit under SCCC Chapter 13.20 (Coastal Zone Regulations) and Chapter 18.60 (Local Coastal Program Administration). The County's certified Local Coastal Program implements the California Coastal Act of 1976.
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
60 (Local Coastal Program Administration) implement the California Coastal Act of 1976 in unincorporated portions of the Coastal Zone. The Coastal Zone extends about five miles inland from the Pacific along the North Coast (from the San Mateo County line south through Davenport, Bonny Doon coast, and west of Highway 1) and along the Highway 1 corridor through Aptos, La Selva Beach, and the Pajaro coast. The County has a California Coastal Commission-certified Local Coastal Program (LCP) consisting of a Land Use Plan and an Implementation Plan.
Within the Coastal Zone, most new development - including new homes, additions over certain thresholds, demolitions, grading, fences/walls over 6 ft, septic systems, accessory structures, and significant tree removal - requires a Coastal Development Permit (CDP). Every project must meet the zone-district standards, Coastal Zone Design Criteria (minimum grading and tree-cutting, suitable landscaping, harmonious appearance, no ridgetop development), and LCP policies on public access, visual resources, sensitive habitat, and bluff/sea-level-rise hazards. CDPs in the appealable zone (typically within 300 ft of the mean high tide, in tidelands, near major coastal roads, or in sensitive habitats) can be appealed to the California Coastal Commission within 10 working days.
Violations & Fines
Development without a required CDP is a violation under SCCC 13.20 and the Coastal Act. The California Coastal Commission has independent enforcement authority and can impose civil fines up to $15,000 per day per violation under Cal. PRC 30820-30822, plus restoration orders. County Code Compliance also pursues administrative citations and abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Coastal Development Permit for my project?
Can my coastal project be appealed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Cruz County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Cruz County to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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