Unincorporated coastal areas including Marina del Rey and Topanga lie within the California Coastal Zone, requiring Coastal Development Permits under LACO Title 22.46 and concurrent California Coastal Commission review for projects affecting public access, views, or sensitive habitat.
LACO Title 22.46 implements the California Coastal Act inside the unincorporated coastal zone, which includes Marina del Rey, Topanga, the Santa Monica Mountains coastal slope, and parts of Catalina Island. Most development - including new construction, additions, grading, vegetation removal, and changes in intensity of use - requires a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) issued by the Department of Regional Planning. Where the county has a certified Local Coastal Program (LCP), the county acts as primary permitting agency; in areas of deferred certification (much of Santa Monica Mountains), the California Coastal Commission has concurrent or sole jurisdiction. CDPs may be appealed to the Commission within 10 working days.
Unpermitted coastal development triggers cease-and-desist orders, restoration mandates, daily civil penalties up to $15,000 per violation under Public Resources Code 30820, and recordation of violations against title.
See how Santa Monica's coastal zone permits rules stack up against other locations.
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