Marin County, CA Environmental Rules: Coastal Development (2026)
Key Facts
- LCP Code
- Marin County Code Title 20
- Coastal Zone
- West Marin
- BCDC Jurisdiction
- Within 100 ft of Bay
- SLR Plan Deadline
- 2034 (BCDC approval)
- Authority
- Coastal Commission + BCDC
Summary
Marin County's coastal areas are regulated by the Local Coastal Program (LCP) Implementation Plan, codified in Title 20 of the Marin County Code. Development within the Coastal Zone, including West Marin and Bay shoreline, requires a Coastal Permit. BCDC also regulates within 100 feet of the Bay shoreline.
ries: The original 1977 Coastal Zone Boundary maps were mylar (drafting film) copies of 161 USGS 7.5 minute topographic quadrangles with an inked boundary added. This digital version of the boundary was developed to provide a georeferenced, attributed (to explain the basis of the mapped Coastal Zone), cadastral (parcel-based) depiction of the adopted Coastal Zone Boundary for the planning and regulatory activities of the Coastal Commission, local governments and others.
Full Breakdown
Title 20 of the Marin County Code implements the Local Coastal Program for the Marin County Coastal Zone, covering West Marin towns from Muir Beach through Tomales and parts of Point Reyes. The LCP regulates development, vegetation removal, grading, and shoreline armoring; a Coastal Permit is required for most projects. Separately, the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) has permit jurisdiction within 100 feet of the Bay shoreline along eastern Marin. BCDC adopted the Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan in December 2024 under SB 272, and Marin must complete a local sea-level-rise plan approved by BCDC by 2034.
Violations & Fines
Construction in the Coastal Zone without a Coastal Permit violates Title 20 and is enforced by CDA with stop-work orders and restoration. BCDC adds civil penalties up to $30,000 per violation for unauthorized Bay shoreline work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Coastal Permit in Marin County?
Who regulates the Bay shoreline in Marin?
What is Marin's sea-level-rise plan?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marin County
California rules heatmap·Compare Marin County to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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