Check the coastal zone and permit office before design work

First check whether the property is inside the mapped coastal zone. Then find the agency that has permit power. Do this before design work or changes to the site begin.

Development in the coastal zone generally cannot start until the required coastal development permit is issued. A normal building or grading permit does not replace it.

The Coastal Act uses a broad meaning of development. It can include construction, demolition, grading, and major vegetation removal. It can also include lot splits. A change in the density or intensity of land or water use may count too. The rule is not limited to a new building.

A city or county with a certified Local Coastal Program usually handles permits. The Coastal Commission still handles work in certain retained areas. These include tidelands and public-trust lands. It also handles permits where no certified program exists and hears certain appeals.

Emergency permits and waivers still use an agency process. They are not a reason to skip the first call. Use the Commission’s forms page and the local planning office. Ask them to confirm the permit path and any exemption.