The California Coastal Act, Public Resources Code sections 30000 through 30900, requires Coastal Development Permits for nearly all work in the coastal zone and gives the Coastal Commission appeal jurisdiction over local decisions.
Public Resources Code 30600 requires a Coastal Development Permit for any development in the coastal zone. Section 30603 gives the California Coastal Commission appellate authority over locally issued CDPs in specified geographic areas, including the area between the sea and the first public road. Section 30519 conditions local permitting authority on having a certified Local Coastal Program. The Coastal Commission retains original jurisdiction over tidelands, submerged lands, and public trust lands under section 30519(b). Statewide policies on public access (30210), wetlands (30233), and visual resources (30251) bind every coastal city and county.
Public Resources Code 30820 imposes civil penalties up to $30,000 per violation plus $15,000 per day for intentional, knowing violations under section 30821. Restoration orders, criminal misdemeanor charges, and triple-damage exposure are available remedies.
See how Eureka's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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