Ventura, CA Environmental Rules: Coastal Development (2026)

Ventura is a Coastal Act city with a Coastal Commission-certified LCP. The Coastal Zoning Ordinance (SBMC Title 24, including Chapter 24.515 — Coastal Development Permits, and Chapter 24.560 — Noticing and Hearings) parallels the inland zoning code for parcels seaward of the coastal-zone boundary. Public Resources Code §30106 broadly defines 'development' to include placement of structures, grading, change in density/intensity, water/vegetation removal, and on-shore support for offshore activity — meaning even minor work (fences over 6 ft, accessory structures, replacement seawalls, vegetation clearing) can require a CDP. Categorical exclusions and de minimis waivers exist for limited interior remodels and like-for-like repairs. Appealable projects include any development between the sea and the first through public road paralleling the sea, on tidelands/submerged lands/public trust lands, within 100 feet of any wetland/stream, and within 300 feet of the inland extent of any beach or top of seaward face of any coastal bluff. The City is updating its LCP to address sea level rise with grant funding from the Coastal Commission and Ocean Protection Council; an LCP Amendment for public-noticing procedures is currently before the Commission.