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.
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.
Unpermitted development in the coastal zone may result in Coastal Commission enforcement action including restoration orders, cease-and-desist orders, and substantial fines.
San Diego County, CA
San Diego County Code Chapter 6 (Animal Control) and the noise ordinance address barking dogs. Persistently barking dogs that disturb neighbors violate Secti...
San Diego County, CA
San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances Section 36.404 sets noise limits by property zone and time of day. Residential zones: 50 dBA daytime (7 AM–10 ...
San Diego County, CA
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San Diego County, CA
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San Diego County, CA
Unincorporated San Diego County enforces the 2022 California Residential Code Section R314 (adopted under County Code Title 9, Division 1) for smoke alarms. ...
San Diego County, CA
Tree trimming in unincorporated San Diego County is required for defensible space maintenance (branches pruned to 6 feet above ground), utility clearance, an...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle coastal development.
See how Elfin Forest's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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