Tulare, CA Environmental Rules: Coastal Development (2026)

The California Coastal Act of 1976 (Pub. Resources Code Division 20, §§ 30000-30900) regulates development within the 'coastal zone' — defined in § 30103 as the area extending from the Oregon border to the Mexico border, seaward to the state's outer jurisdictional limit and inland generally 1,000 yards from the mean high tide line (extending up to 5 miles or to the first major ridgeline in sensitive habitat/recreation areas, and less than 1,000 yards in developed urban areas). Tulare sits roughly 150 miles inland in the southern San Joaquin Valley (Tulare County), well outside any coastal zone boundary. As a result: no Coastal Development Permit (CDP) is required for any work in Tulare; the city is not required to maintain a Local Coastal Program (LCP); and no California Coastal Commission appeal jurisdiction exists. Other waterbody and wetland protections may still apply: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Clean Water Act § 404 permits for dredge/fill in 'waters of the United States,' Cal. Fish & Game Code §§ 1600-1616 streambed alteration agreements through CDFW, and Cal. Water Code § 13260 Waste Discharge Requirements / § 401 water quality certification from the Central Valley RWQCB. These are not 'coastal' programs but cover inland streams and wetlands.