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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De Anza NaturalCalifornia Coastal Commission23d agoAugust 14, 2026
Commission Approves Landmark De Anza Natural Plan to Restore 140 Acres of Mission Bay Wetlands
San Diego's De Anza Natural plan was certified with staff modifications converting advisory 'should' language to mandatory 'shall,' ensuring enforceable habitat and water quality protections.
Why it matters: The plan represents one of the largest coastal wetland restoration efforts in Southern California, but the city resisted mandatory policy language, raising fundamental questions about whether land use plans can rely on advisory guidance.
Commission Maintains Five-Foot Beach Setback for New Sunset Beach Homes Despite Applicant Objections
Harmony Bridge LLC's plan to demolish a quadplex and build two homes was approved 8-1, with the Commission requiring a five-foot seaward setback at all levels to protect public beach access.
Why it matters: The decision reinforces the Commission's 2018 precedent that beachfront development must maintain setbacks at every floor level to prevent the 'shy zone' effect and preserve public beach as sea levels rise.
Commission Finds No Substantial Issue in Laguna Beach Paid Parking Appeal
Commission unanimously upheld a one-year pilot program installing 501 delineated parking spaces along Coast Highway, with roughly half remaining free.
Why it matters: The decision signals that modest paid parking programs with free alternatives and trolley funding are consistent with coastal access requirements, potentially influencing other cities.
California Coastal Commission
Dana PointCalifornia Coastal Commission23d agoAugust 14, 2026
Dana Point Reconciles 18 Uncertified Zoning Ordinances with Coastal Commission Approval
Commission certified Dana Point's comprehensive LCP cleanup but deferred the city's request to require garages instead of carports on flood-prone Beach Road.
Why it matters: The garage vs. carport distinction for Beach Road is critical because enclosed garages in the floodplain create marine debris and safety hazards during storm events and high tides.
California Coastal Commission
Point LobosCalifornia Coastal Commission23d agoAugust 14, 2026
Point Lobos Foundation Urges Commission Support for Reservation System to Manage Overcrowding
Betty Maruto and Sherry Hasty argued that unmanaged access to Point Lobos creates safety hazards and excludes mobility-impaired visitors, supporting a reservation and shuttle system.
Why it matters: The proposed Parkett plan would fundamentally change access to California's 'crown jewel' state park, balancing resource protection with equitable public access.
California Coastal Commission
La Jolla CoveCalifornia Coastal Commission23d agoAugust 14, 2026
Commissioners Demand San Diego Fix Sea Lion Protection Failures at La Jolla Cove
Multiple commissioners expressed anger at the City of San Diego's failure to implement agreed-upon sea lion protection measures at La Jolla Cove, with 43% pup mortality reported.
Why it matters: Despite a joint city-Sierra Club plan presented in June, lifeguards undermine ranger enforcement and pup deaths continue rising, prompting commissioners to consider partial beach closure.
Newport Beach Accused of Secretly Halting Liveaboard Permits and Pricing Out Middle-Class Boaters
Multiple speakers revealed Newport Beach has not issued liveaboard permits since September 2024, withholding at least seven affordable housing opportunities while proposing mooring fee hikes of up to 474%.
Why it matters: Speakers argue the city is systematically eliminating affordable coastal access through rate increases and permit freezes without required public process or CDP review.
Advocates Warn Commission That Plastic Playing Fields Are Polluting Coastal Waters
Robert Hall and Diane Wolke urged the Commission to deny permits for plastic turf replacements that shed microplastics and PFAS into coastal waterways.
Why it matters: Beach Chalet soccer fields in San Francisco's coastal zone are scheduled for plastic turf replacement in 2028, requiring a Commission permit.
California Coastal Commission
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