Special Coastal District Zoning Issues in Los Angeles County

Steve Schwarz
Apr 16
2 min read

Updated: Apr 25

Coastal districts create new challenges and regulations that must be navigated alongside the standard restrictions and permit requirements. California passed the California Coastal Act in Division 20 of the Public Resources Code to regulate development activities within the coastal zone.

Special Coastal District Zoning Issues in Los Angeles County

The five coastal areas within Los Angeles County

There are five coastal areas within Los Angeles County: Marina del Rey, Santa Catalina Island, Santa Monica Mountains, San Clemente Island, and Bellona Wetlands Area.

Los Angeles County Municipal Code

Los Angeles County Municipal Code Section 22.44.810 requires a special permit, alongside other standard permits, for developments in a Coastal Development Zone. Coastal Development Permits (CDPs) run for a fixed time.

Once they expire, a new permit process is required for any new development. If the development remains unchanged from the previous approval, a new permit may be issued—but only to the extent of that prior approval.

Coastal Development Permits

After completing an application, the proposed development is reviewed for the type of Coastal Development Permit that is required. The type of Coastal Development Permit required will determine the level of review that is required.

The types of Coastal Development Permits are the following; Administrative which is for development of a principal permitted use, Minor which is for a development of a principal permitted use which subsection A of Section 22.44.940 do not apply,

Major which is for certain uses other than a principal permitted use as set forth and requires a public hearing, and Oak Tree permits which are a specific type of minor permit regarding oak trees or shrubs.

To learn more, please contact Newport Beach Real Estate Attorneys today -- Go to NewportBeachRealEstateAttorney.com or call (800) 233-8521 for a complimentary phone consultation.