CWIS -- Local Coastal Programs

Local Coastal Programs

The California Coastal Act (CCA) (Public Resources Code 30000 et seq.) requires each city or county within the "coastal zone" to prepare a Local Coastal Program (LCP) for Coastal Commission certification. Once an LCP has been certified, a local government may issue coastal development permits. In the absence of a LCP for a specific city or county, coastal development permits are issued by the Coastal Commission. It is important to note, coastal development permits issued by local governments are subject to appeal to the Coastal Commission.
Coastal development permits issued by the Coastal Commission prior to LCP certification must comply with wetland and other policies established under the CCA and the Coastal Commissions statewide interpretive guidelines for wetlands. Basically, these allow wetlands to be filled only for water-dependent activities when no feasible upland alternatives exist. They also require wetland impacts to be avoided or minimized. Coastal development permits issued by local governments following LCP certification must conform to wetland and other policies set forth in the certified LCP.
To obtain further information on Local Coastal Programs or to found out if a LCP has been certified for your area, contact either your California Coastal Commission Area Office or your local city or county government.