ARTICLE 1. Local Coastal Program [30500. - 30504.]

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC 1.
in effect

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 30500. Section 30500.

(a) Each local government lying, in whole or in part, within the coastal zone shall prepare a local coastal program for that portion of the coastal zone within its jurisdiction. However, any local government may request, in writing, the commission to prepare a local coastal program, or a portion thereof, for the local government. Each local coastal program prepared pursuant to this chapter shall contain a specific public access component to assure that maximum public access to the coast and public recreation areas is provided. (b) Amendments to a local general plan for the purpose of developing a certified local coastal program shall not constitute an amendment of a general plan for purposes of Section 65358 of the Government Code. (c) The precise content of each local coastal program shall be determined by the local government, consistent with Section 30501, in full consultation with the commission and with full public participation.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 30500.5. Section 30500.5.

(a) By July 1, 2026, the commission shall, in coordination with the Department of Housing and Community Development, develop and provide guidance for local governments to facilitate the preparation of amendments to a local coastal program to clarify and simplify the permitting process for accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units, as defined in Section 66313 of the Government Code, within the coastal zone. (b) The commission shall, in coordination with the Department of Housing and Community Development, convene at least one public workshop to receive and consider public comments on the draft guidance before the finalization of the guidance document. The commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development shall post the draft guidance on their respective internet websites at least 30 days before the public workshop. The commission shall provide notice of the public workshop to all cities and counties within the coastal zone. The final guidance document shall be posted on the commission’s and the Department of Housing and Community Development’s respective internet websites.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 30501. Section 30501.

The commission shall adopt, after public hearing, procedures for the preparation, submission, approval, appeal, certification, and amendment of a local coastal program, including, but not limited to, all of the following: (a) A common methodology for the preparation of, and the determination of the scope of, the local coastal programs, taking into account the fact that local governments have differing needs and characteristics. (b) Recommended uses that are of more than local importance that should be considered in the preparation of local coastal programs. Those uses may be listed generally or the commission may, from time to time, recommend specific uses for consideration by a local government. (c) Recommendations and guidelines, which shall be periodically updated by the commission to incorporate new information as it becomes available, for the identification, assessment, minimization, and mitigation of sea level rise within each local coastal program, taking into account local and regional conditions and the differing capacities and funding available to local governments.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 30502. Section 30502.

(a) The commission, in consultation with affected local governments and the appropriate regional commissions, shall, not later than September 1, 1977, after public hearing, designate sensitive coastal resource areas within the coastal zone where the protection of coastal resources and public access requires, in addition to the review and approval of zoning ordinances, and the review and approval by the regional commissions and commission of other implementing actions. (b) The designation of each sensitive coastal resource area shall be based upon a separate report prepared and adopted by the commission which shall contain all of the following: (1) A description of the coastal resources to be protected and the reasons why the area has been designated as a sensitive coastal resource area. (2) A specific determination that the designated area is of regional or statewide significance. (3) A specific list of significant adverse impacts that could result from development where zoning regulations alone may not adequately protect coastal resources or access. (4) A map of the area indicating its size and location. (c) In sensitive coastal resource areas designated pursuant to this section, a local coastal program shall include the implementing actions adequate to protect the coastal resources enumerated in the findings of the sensitive coastal resource area report in conformity with the policies of this division.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 30502.5. Section 30502.5.

The commission shall recommend to the Legislature for designation by statute those sensitive coastal resource areas designated by the commission pursuant to Section 30502. Recommendation by the commission to the Legislature shall place the described area in the sensitive coastal resource area category for no more than two years, or a shorter period if the Legislature specifically rejects the recommendation. If two years pass and a recommended area has not been designated by statute, it shall no longer be designated as a sensitive coastal resource area. A bill proposing such a statute may not be held in committee, but shall be reported from committee to the floor of each respective house with its recommendation within 60 days of referral to committee.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 30503. Section 30503.

During the preparation, approval, certification, and amendment of any local coastal program, the public, as well as all affected governmental agencies, including special districts, shall be provided maximum opportunities to participate. Prior to submission of a local coastal program for approval, local governments shall hold a public hearing or hearings on that portion of the program which has not been subjected to public hearings within four years of such submission.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 30504. Section 30504.

Special districts, which issue permits or otherwise grant approval for development or which conduct development activities that may affect coastal resources, shall submit their development plans to the affected local government pursuant to Section 65401 of the Government Code. Such plans shall be considered by the affected local government in the preparation of its local coastal program.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026

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