Independent, quasi-judicial state agency established by the California Coastal Act of 1976, charged with protecting and enhancing California's coast and ocean for present and future generations. The Commission has quasi-judicial control of land use and public access along the state's 1,100-mile coastline, issuing coastal development permits, certifying Local Coastal Programs, reviewing appeals, conducting federal consistency reviews, and taking enforcement actions. Composed of 12 voting commissioners (6 public members and 6 local elected officials) appointed by the Governor, Senate Rules Committee, and Assembly Speaker, plus 3 non-voting ex officio members representing the Natural Resources Agency, State Transportation Agency, and State Lands Commission.
Rotating locations in coastal communities statewide. Headquarters office at 455 Market Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94105. Meetings are held in hybrid format with both in-person and virtual (Zoom) participation, live-streamed via Cal-Span.
Monthly, typically spanning 3 days (Wednesday through Friday), held in rotating coastal communities throughout California. No meeting in January. Meetings generally begin at 9:00 AM, with closed session on Wednesday at 8:00 AM followed by regular session at 1:30 PM, and regular sessions at 9:00 AM on Thursday and Friday.
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The deputy director's report certified Long Beach's new inclusionary housing ordinance and rejected objections to Pacific Palisades permit time extensions, finding no changed circumstances from the 2025 fire.
Why it matters: Long Beach's inclusionary housing requirement now applies in the coastal zone, mandating affordable units in new development; the Palisades extension ruling signals the Commission won't revisit approved projects based solely on post-fire conditions.
Commission Approves Redesigned Malibu Beachfront Home With Climate-Resilient Conditions
The Commission unanimously approved a de novo permit for a redesigned 5,254 sq. ft. Broad Beach residence after requiring the home be moved landward, eliminating pile-supported decking, and protecting a 10-foot public access path.
Why it matters: This case sets a template for beachfront development in hazard zones: the Commission forced structural redesign to comply with stringline requirements, removed permanent seaward structures, and safeguarded lateral beach access amid worsening coastal erosion documented just a third of a mile away.
California Coastal Commission
September 11California Coastal Commission21d agoSeptember 11, 2026
Commissioner Wilson Honors Humboldt Bay Wildlife Refuge Manager Killed on Flight 93
Commissioner Wilson paid tribute to Richard Gugno, manager of the Humboldt Bay Wildlife Refuge, believed to be among passengers who stormed the cockpit of Flight 93 on September 11, 2001.
Why it matters: The tribute connected the global tragedy to Humboldt's local conservation community; a visitor center and scholarships at Cal Poly Humboldt honor Gugno's legacy.
Speaker Asks Commission to Intervene on Newport Beach Minor Curfew Restricting Beach Access
Adam Leverens urged the Commission to request Newport Beach delay a proposed 6pm-to-6am minor curfew that could restrict children's beach access during summer evenings in violation of the local coastal program.
Why it matters: The LCP mandates beach hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; a curfew barring minors from the beach at 6 p.m. on summer holidays could require an LCP amendment.
Liveaboards Plead Against Newport Beach Mooring Fee Hikes Reaching 700%
Newport Beach liveaboard residents warned the Commission that proposed mooring fee increases of up to 700% would effectively evict retired seniors and working mariners from affordable waterfront housing.
Why it matters: With only 51 liveaboard permits among 700 moorings, the proposed fee structure could eliminate one of the last affordable paths to coastal living in Newport Beach.
Residents From Three Cities Urge Commission to Back Strong Short-Term Rental Rules
Speakers from Pacifica, Long Beach, and Santa Monica called on the Commission to support hosted-only STR models and respect local jurisdiction regulations that limit unhosted short-term rentals.
Why it matters: The Commission reviews more STR ordinances than perhaps any agency in the world, and multiple speakers warned that unhosted STRs displace residents, raise rents, and undermine community character along the coast.
Surf Rider Rep Documents Beach Destruction From Carlsbad to Malibu After Hurricane Swells
Mitch Silverstein of Surf Fighter Foundation presented photos of coastal damage from hurricane swells and high tides across Southern California, with 19 homes red-tagged in Dana Point alone.
Why it matters: The LA Times called this damage 'just a glimpse of what is coming this winter,' underscoring the urgency of the Commission's managed retreat and climate adaptation policies.
Environmental Justice Groups Urge Commission to Partner on Offshore Wind Terminal Review
IMPACT Project coalition members from Long Beach and Humboldt called on the Commission to scrutinize offshore wind terminal permitting and prioritize community well-being over industrial profit.
Why it matters: Offshore wind heavy-lift terminals proposed near residential communities in Samoa and Long Beach could repeat past environmental injustice patterns that plague port-adjacent neighborhoods with the nation's worst air quality.
California Coastal Commission
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