Los Angeles County, CA Environmental Rules: Coastal Development (2026)
Key Facts
- Coastal Zone
- Parts of unincorporated county included
- Permit
- Coastal development permit may be needed
- CCC
- California Coastal Commission oversight
- Local Program
- LA County DRP administers
Summary
Several unincorporated LA County areas fall within the California Coastal Zone, including communities near Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains. Coastal development permits from the California Coastal Commission may be required. LA County DRP administers local coastal programs for unincorporated coastal areas.
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
Unincorporated LA County areas within the California Coastal Zone require Coastal Development Permits (CDPs) under the California Coastal Act. The LA County Department of Regional Planning administers the Local Coastal Program (LCP) for areas like Marina del Rey, Santa Monica Mountains, and Malibu-area unincorporated communities. Most development within 1,000 feet of the shoreline or in environmentally sensitive habitat areas requires a CDP. Appeals of local CDP decisions go to the California Coastal Commission. Public access to the coast must be maintained under the Coastal Act.
Violations & Fines
Developing in the Coastal Zone without a CDP is a serious violation of the California Coastal Act. The Coastal Commission can issue cease-and-desist orders and restoration orders. Administrative penalties up to $11,250 per day per violation apply. The county may also issue stop-work orders and withhold permits for other improvements. Violators may be required to restore the site to pre-development conditions at their own expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Coastal Development Permit in LA County?
How long does a Coastal Development Permit take?
Can I appeal a CDP decision?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
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