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.
Under OCCO §7-9-127, all uses and structures within the designated coastal zone of unincorporated Orange County may be subject to a Coastal Development Permit. The County administers CDPs in areas with certified Local Coastal Programs (LCPs), including the Newport Coast, Emerald Bay, and Aliso Viejo segments. In uncertified coastal segments, the California Coastal Commission retains original permit jurisdiction. CDPs require findings of consistency with the LCP or Coastal Act policies regarding public access, scenic views, habitat protection, and hazard avoidance. Specific plans such as the Newport Coast Planned Community and Foothill/Trabuco Specific Plan contain coastal resource protection standards. The County's CDP process includes environmental review, public notice, and potential appeal to the Coastal Commission for projects in the appeals jurisdiction zone (within 300 feet of the beach or mean high tide line).
Development without a required CDP is a violation of the California Coastal Act (Public Resources Code §30600), subject to penalties up to $15,000 per day. The Coastal Commission may issue cease-and-desist orders and restoration orders. Local zoning violations are enforced by OC Development Services through code enforcement actions.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle coastal development.
See how Fullerton's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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