Preparing for El Niño or dealing with storm damage?

Find guidance and resources for protecting your property, responding to storm damage, and navigating coastal permitting, including emergency permits on our El Niño page. In the event of an emergency, please contact the nearest District Office and staff will respond as quickly as possible.

Regular Commission Hours

All Commission offices are open weekdays (excluding listed state holidays) from 8am to 5pm. Please make an appointment with the appropriate Commission staff member before coming to one of our offices to make sure they will be available to address your concerns. Commission staff is also available by phone, email, and regular mail. Please make sure to email send a copy of all correspondence or other documents to the relevant staff, in addition to the regular means required by regulations or statute. If you are not sure who the correct staff member is, please consult the District and Programs Contact list. Thank you.

Our Mission
Protecting & Enhancing California's Coast

The Commission is committed to protecting and enhancing California’s coast and ocean for present and future generations. It does so through careful planning and regulation of environmentally-sustainable development, rigorous use of science, strong public participation, education, and effective intergovernmental coordination.

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NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO AWARD

In accordance with provisions of RFP 26-01, the State Contracting Manual, and State contracting/competitive bidding law, the California Coastal Commission intends to award a contract to Zephyr Collaboration for submitting the highest-scoring proposal in response to RFP 26-01, as allowed for requests for proposals (RFP) utilizing the secondary method.

This Notification of Intent to Award should not be considered as a binding commitment by the California Coastal Commission. Please consult Section F of RFP 26-01 and Section 6.10 of the State Contracting Manual for more information regarding applicable award and protest procedures. The last day to protest this award is September 30, 2026.

Inquiries should be addressed to Vickie Tse, Fiscal & Business Services Analyst, by email at vickie.tse@coastal.ca.gov. Thank you for your continued interest in responding to the needs of the California Coastal Commission.

CCC Staff September 23, 2026

Preparing for El Niño or dealing with storm damage?

CCC Staff September 11, 2026

Come celebrate 50 years of coastal access in California!

More than half a century ago, California declared that its coast belongs to everyone! Please join a public celebration of the 50th anniversary of California's Coastal Act at 1 pm on October 10, 2026 at Junipero Beach.

Enjoy live DJs, music, food, and fun along with special guest speakers and people like you who have helped keep California's coast open, healthy, and accessible to all!

Your Coast. Your Voice: Celebrating 50 Years of Coastal Protection! Tickets, Saturday, October 10 • 1 PM - 6 PM | Eventbrite.

CCC Staff September 9, 2026

Revised LUP Update Guide Sections for Public Review

The Coastal Commission invites comments on the revised Introduction, Public Access, and Fire Hazards sections of its Land Use Plan (LUP) Update Guide. Last revised in 2017, these guides are intended to support efforts to update Local Coastal Programs (LCPs) to address emerging challenges in these areas and reflect current laws, science, and community needs.

Written comments may be submitted via email to StatewidePlanning@coastal.ca.gov. The draft materials will be available for review until Monday, October 5, 2026.

CCC Staff September 4, 2026

Explore 50 years of the Coastal Act

This new, interactive website will take you through the history of the Coastal Act, from its origins in the 1960s and early 1970s, through 50 years of accomplishments, and looking ahead to future challenges facing California. Browse through history and celebrate the coastal access and environmental protection that the Coastal Act has enabled!

CCC Staff June 10, 2026

Notice of Public Meeting on the Evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program

On May 20, 2026, the Department of Commerce issued a press release announcing its intent to conduct a new full, formal review of California’s Coastal Management Program, which includes the California Coastal Commission, the California Coastal Conservancy, and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission. Under this review, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration will open a public comment period to gather information from stakeholders that will be used to determine next steps related to the certification of California’s coastal management program under the federal Coastal Zone Management Act.

Written comments may be submitted to NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management by email at czma.california-evaluation@noaa.gov. Include ‘‘Comments on Performance Evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program’’ in the subject line. Written comments received by 11:59 pm PT on August 22, 2026, will be accepted. Please direct any questions to czma.california-evaluation@noaa.gov.

In addition, for those wanting to simultaneously share copies of written comments with the Coastal Commission, please also cc those comments to CZMA@coastal.ca.gov.

CCC Staff June 26, 2026

Final SB 1077 Guidance on Processing Local Coastal Program (LCP) Amendments for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Senate Bill 1077 requires the California Coastal Commission to develop written guidance, in coordination with the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), for local governments to facilitate the preparation of local coastal program amendments that clarify and simplify the permitting process for accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units in the coastal zone. The Final Guidance is now posted here.

CCC Staff July 1, 2026

2026 Whale Tail Grants

The Commission has just approved $2 million in Whale Tail Grants for schools, nonprofits, and tribes, to advance public education, stewardship, and access to the coast. 47 projects were selected for funding from a record-breaking 434 applications requesting a total of nearly $17 million. This year’s grants are funded through a partnership with the Ocean Protection Council with funds from California Climate Investments. Read about all the new grants.

CCC Staff April 24, 2026

2026 Coastal Art & Poetry Contest Results

From nearly 2,200 entries from students across California, 10 winners and 41 honorable mentions were selected. The recognized artwork and poetry will be part of a traveling exhibit throughout California for the remainder of the year.

CCC Staff April 9, 2026

Adopted Nature-Based Adaptation Strategies Guidance

The final Nature-Based Adaptation Strategies Guidance was adopted by the Commission at the March 11, 2026 hearing. Nature-based adaptation strategies capitalize on the natural ability of coastal ecosystems to protect coastlines from hazards while also contributing to habitat enhancement, recreation and scenic resource preservation, and carbon sequestration and storage. The Guidance describes how to consider these strategies through a Coastal Act lens, including a set of principles to guide Commission actions on nature-based adaptation strategies as well as a discussion on permitting pathways, Coastal Act analysis, and key considerations for implementing these strategies.

CCC Staff March 20, 2026

Spotlight on Public Access

Roll out of the public access video campaign that highlights the many accomplishments the Commission has achieved through the permitting program. This month’s feature focuses on the Ritz Carlton Resort in the City of Half Moon Bay.

CCC Staff February 4, 2026

Shifting the Current

Advancing Environmental Justice at the California Coastal Commission is a retrospective report on the ongoing implementation of the 2019 Environmental Justice Policy at the Commission. It covers key actions, outcomes, and reflections as well as next steps.

CCC Staff January 30, 2026

Guidance on Preventing Plastic Pollution in Coastal Development

The Coastal Commission’s “Guidance for Addressing Plastic Pollution in Coastal Development Permits and Local Coastal Programs,” approved by the Commission on 11/5/2025, describes the environmental and social impacts of plastic pollution and provides guidance on ways to prevent plastic pollution in numerous types of development projects. Email suggestions for future additions to the guidance to plastics@coastal.ca.gov.

CCC Staff November 6, 2025

2024 Year in Review

The Coastal Commission has published its 2024 Year in Review, highlighting key accomplishments across all program areas. The report showcases our continued commitment to protecting California’s coast while advancing responsible development, equity, and climate resilience. more

CCC Staff October 1, 2025

Climate Storytelling Contest

For the Coastal Commission's 2025 Climate Storytelling Contest, we invited middle and high school students to answer the following prompt: What are your feelings towards climate change? How can those feelings be turned into action?
Students responded through photo essays, narrative essays, and podcasts. See, read, and listen to the winners here.

CCC Staff August 27, 2025

California Coastal Art & Poetry Contest

The winners and honorable mentions of the 2025 Coastal Art & Poetry Contest for K-12 students have been announced and you can enjoy them here. With 2,177 entries received, five winners each in art and poetry and 40 honorable mentions were selected. (Artwork by Alahkye De Jesus, Grade 7, Moreno Valley).

CCC Staff April 7, 2025

California Coastal Commission awards new Whale Tail grants amid surge in popularity

The Coastal Commission’s Whale Tail Grant program, which boosts public education and access to the state’s iconic shoreline, has experienced a huge growth in demand in recent years. In February, the Coastal Commission approved 53 Whale Tail grant applications totaling $1.7 million to nonprofit organizations and schools as well as local and tribal governments for programs focused on coastal education, conservation and public access. more

CCC Staff Feb 18, 2025

Venice Dell Community Housing Project

The Venice Dell Community Housing Project proposes 120 affordable housing units and small-scale mixed-use retail space in Venice, California, 800 feet from Venice beach. The project would replace a four-unit apartment building and a city-owned, 196-space public parking lot. The new development would provide 100% deed restricted affordable units, while maintaining the same number of public beach parking spaces within a new parking garage. It would also maintain boater access to the Grand Canal public boat launch, as well as accessible pedestrian access.

CCC Staff Nov 27, 2024

Coastal Commission Awards $2.3 Million in Whale Tail Grants

On February 7, 2024, the Commission approved 60 Whale Tail Grants totaling $2.3 million to non-profit organizations, local and tribal governments, and schools, for projects and programs that provide experiential education and stewardship of the California coast and its watersheds.

CCC Staff February 7, 2024

Nature-Based Adaptation Strategies in the Coastal Zone

Commission staff recently developed a StoryMap titled “Nature-Based Adaptation Strategies in the Coastal Zone” that explains what these types of projects are, their benefits, presents examples of permitted projects implemented to adapt to coastal erosion and flooding, and encourages their use when and where appropriate. The StoryMap was developed using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration federal grant funds pursuant to the Commission’s five-year 309 Assessment and Strategy under the Coastal Zone Management Act. This work is part of a project to develop guidance on the regulatory and permitting pathways to support implementation of nature-based adaptation strategies and other sea level rise related projects.

CCC Staff February 2, 2024

Tijuana River Trans-boundary Pollution Crisis Update

At its October hearing the Commission hosted a field trip to the Tijuana River Valley followed by an informational briefing on the trans-boundary pollution crisis where Commissioners heard about the environmental, public health, and economic impacts in south San Diego County. Following the hearing, Chair Donne Brownsey sent a letter to Congress asking that they include $310 million in the emergency supplement spending bill for essential upgrades and expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant. At its November hearing, the Commission unanimously approved and sent three additional letters to President Biden, Governor Newsom and U.S. Secretary of State Blinken requesting further urgent action.

CCC Staff October 27, 2023

Guardians of the Coast: How the California Coastal Commission Was Born and Carries Out Its Mission

California’s 840 miles of coastline may be the most beautiful in the country, and with 362 miles of beach fully open to the public the state ranks among the best at sharing its coastal scenery with its people. One of the main reasons for that bounty is the California Coastal Commission, a 51-year-old state agency whose mission is to regulate development in the Coastal Zone, and who, according to the Los Angeles Times, plays “a key role in improving public access to beaches and has pushed back on numerous planned developments.” Learn more

CCC Staff October 19, 2023

Final Sustainability Principles Adopted

The final “Sustainability Principles: A Framework for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Coastal Zone” was adopted by the Commission at their August 9, 2023 hearing. The document provides the Commission, local governments, and other stakeholders with a set of guiding principles and next implementation steps for taking actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through land use policy and permitting decisions.

CCC Staff September 27, 2023

Informational Briefing on Smart Growth in the Coastal Zone

The Commission received an informational briefing on smart growth in the coastal zone at their August 2023 hearing. The purpose of this briefing was to give an overview of the benefits and challenges of implementing smart growth strategies in the coastal zone and to highlight the connections between smart growth, the Coastal Act, and the Commission’s Sustainability Principles. The recording of the briefing can be viewed at the link above.

CCC Staff August 21, 2023

Year In Review 2022

2022 was the year when we collectively decided it was finally time to get back in the water. After a 24-month hiatus from public hearings, the Coastal Commission resumed in-person meetings in April, reuniting Commissioners, staff, and the general public at the Ventura County Government Center. Learn More.

CCC Staff February 6, 2023

Story Map for Understanding the Public Trust Doctrine

In partnership with staff of the California State Lands Commission, the Commission’s Statewide Planning Program recently developed a story map called “Who owns the beach?” that explains the Public Trust Doctrine. The modern Public Trust Doctrine refers to the principle that the State of California holds certain lands for the benefit of the public. While there is private property ownership along some beaches and bluffs, the state owns most tidelands, in trust for the benefit, use, and enjoyment of the public. Presently, uses that may be considered consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine on these Public Trust lands include maritime commerce, navigation, fishing, boating, water-oriented recreation, public access, and environmental preservation and restoration. .

CCC Staff September 1, 2022

Announcing the release of the Coastal Commission Public Data Portal

Announcing the release of the Coastal Commission Public Data Portal providing online access to our Coastal Data Management System and information related to the Commission’s local coastal planning, development permitting, and other related activities along California’s coast.

CCC Staff May 31, 2022

NOAA 'Coastal County Snapshots' Offer New Tools for Climate Resilience Planning

In early 2022 NOAA updated their Coastal County Snapshots, an online tool used to inform planning and decision-making in coastal communities. Each coastal county level snapshot turns complex data into charts, graphics, and information on climate change resilience topics related to flooding, sea level rise, and economics. Local communities can use this tool to easily create printable handouts that help articulate their community resilience messages.

CCC Staff March 21, 2022

Storymap of Transportation Infrastructure

Storymap of Coastal Commission and Caltrans Interagency Partnership Fostering Resilient Transportation Infrastructure

The Coastal Commission partnered with Caltrans, NOAA, and FHWA, to create a Resilient Coastal Roads Storymap that showcases emerging transportation adaptation efforts in California. Using examples along the coast from the Commission’s work with Caltrans, the storymap highlights forward-thinking responses to increasing flooding and erosion due to rising seas and changing precipitation patterns. Insights highlighted in the storymap can help move coastal transportation plans and projects beyond an asset and repair focus towards longer term, proactive, and holistic corridor management strategies.

See: NOAA Press Release; Resilient Coastal Roads Storymap

CCC Staff March 16, 2022

Coastal Commission is pleased to announce the availability grant

LCP Grant Program Funding Available.

The Coastal Commission is pleased to announce the availability of grant funding to support local government coastal resiliency efforts. Funding is provided by the Budget Act of 2021, which appropriates $31 million to the Coastal Commission to support its LCP Local Assistance Grant Program. The grant program is intended to provide assistance to local governments responsible for developing and amending Local Coastal Programs. Funds may be used for projects that are designed to assist local governments in planning for coastal resiliency, including adapting to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, and which contain an LCP planning component. More information, including an application form for the non-competitive grants, can be found on the Commission’s LCP Grants website

CCC Staff February 8, 2022

2021 Year In Review

The 21st year of the 21st Century was extraordinary in the extreme, ushered in by a violent insurrection in our Nation’s Capital, and concluding with the new Omicron variant reminding us all that pandemic-life will be continuing into the New Year, regardless of vaccine status. In California, the 2021 culture wars crystallized in the form of a spectacularly failed bid to recall Governor Newsom; the Commission saw an unprecedented number of bills seeking to eliminate its authority over specified types of projects; and an October oil spill off of Newport Beach slicked the waters and fouled the beaches from Ventura to San Diego.

CCC Staff January 31, 2022

Announcing the release of three new slide shows about the pivotal California Coastal Act of 1976!

Coastal Act Overview describes the coastal protection goals and core regulatory functions of this law.

Coastal Zone Overview illustrates the legislatively-defined geographical area of the coast where the Coastal Act applies.

Coastal Act Chapter 3 details the coastal resource protection and management policies contained in Chapter 3 of the Coastal Act.

CCC Staff January 25, 2022

Guidance Memorandum Regarding Implementation of New SB 9 Housing Laws in Sea Level Rise Vulnerable Areas.

As of January 1, 2022, SB 9 (Atkins) changed the way that local governments can regulate new residential development and lot splits in single-family residential zones within designated urban areas, with the goal of increasing housing density in those areas.

Updated Memorandum Regarding the Implementation of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Laws in the Coastal Zone.

Commission staff have developed an updated memo that will supersede and replace three previously circulated memos regarding ADU implementation.

CCC Staff January 21, 2022

CDP Application Guidance for Aquaculture and Marine Restoration

As required by Senate Bill 262 (McGuire), Commission staff have developed guidance for CDP applicants proposing marine aquaculture or restoration projects. The guidance provides applicants with information needed to effectively navigate the CDP application process and complete a CDP application. We also hope the guidance provides partner agencies and other stakeholders a better understanding of the Commission’s CDP process and opportunities for coordination.

CCC Staff January 7, 2022

Property Owners

Property owners can apply for a Coastal Development Permit to legally develop their property within the California Coastal Zone

Local Governments

Many local governments are empowered to issue Coastal Development Permits through Local Coastal Plans

Informed Citizens

Everyone can learn about our coast & how to protect it. Join a beach cleanup, get teacher resources & grants, help out & have fun

California Coastal Trail

Find inspiration in the stories that shaped the iconic California Coastal Trail.

California Coastal Access Guide

The fully revised 7^th Edition has information on more than 1,150 public access areas.

Whale Tail^® License Plate

Help protect & restore the priceless resources of California's coast & ocean

Beach Wheelchair

Access the coast with ease in a free beach wheelchair, available throughout California

Check the Coast

Donate to the Protect Our Coast & Oceans Fund on your California Tax Form

Dr. Kate Huckelbridge was recently appointed to serve as the Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission. Before this appointment, Dr. Huckelbridge served as the Commission’s Senior Deputy Director and has worked for the agency since 2009 in a number of different roles, including as a senior environmental scientist and as the Deputy Director over the Energy, Ocean Resources and Federal Consistency Unit, Transportation Unit, and the North Coast District. She also served as the Tribal Liaison for the Commission.

Born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Dr. Huckelbridge completed her undergraduate studies at Northwestern University with an environmental engineering degree. After working briefly as a consultant, she went on to earn a masters and a PhD in environmental engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focused on water quality dynamics and modeling in managed wetland systems. Since coming to the Commission, she has worked on a wide range of projects related to oil and gas development, power plants, wind energy, wetland and marine habitat restoration and mitigation, mitigation banking, and transportation, and more. In addition to her technical work, Dr. Huckelbridge served as one of the Commission’s representatives at the Government Alliance on Race and Equity, which was a two-year state agency training on advancing racial equity in California government. In her spare time, Kate enjoys hiking, kayaking, skiing, and playing and listening to music of all kinds.

Preparing for El Niño or dealing with storm damage?

Regular Commission Hours

The April 2020 Coastal Commission Meeting is Cancelled

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Our Mission Protecting & Enhancing California's Coast

California Governor

Gavin Newsom

Commissioners

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Executive Director

Kate Huckelbridge

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Stay up to date on all the work being done by the Commission to protect & enhance the California Coast

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NOTIFICATION OF INTENT TO AWARD

Preparing for El Niño or dealing with storm damage?

Come celebrate 50 years of coastal access in California!

Revised LUP Update Guide Sections for Public Review

Explore 50 years of the Coastal Act

Notice of Public Meeting on the Evaluation of the California Coastal Management Program

Final SB 1077 Guidance on Processing Local Coastal Program (LCP) Amendments for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

2026 Whale Tail Grants

2026 Coastal Art & Poetry Contest Results

Adopted Nature-Based Adaptation Strategies Guidance

Spotlight on Public Access

Shifting the Current

Guidance on Preventing Plastic Pollution in Coastal Development

2024 Year in Review

Climate Storytelling Contest

California Coastal Art & Poetry Contest

California Coastal Commission awards new Whale Tail grants amid surge in popularity

Venice Dell Community Housing Project

Coastal Commission Awards $2.3 Million in Whale Tail Grants

Nature-Based Adaptation Strategies in the Coastal Zone

Tijuana River Trans-boundary Pollution Crisis Update

Guardians of the Coast: How the California Coastal Commission Was Born and Carries Out Its Mission

Final Sustainability Principles Adopted

Informational Briefing on Smart Growth in the Coastal Zone

Year In Review 2022

Story Map for Understanding the Public Trust Doctrine

Announcing the release of the Coastal Commission Public Data Portal

NOAA 'Coastal County Snapshots' Offer New Tools for Climate Resilience Planning

Storymap of Coastal Commission and Caltrans Interagency Partnership Fostering Resilient Transportation Infrastructure

LCP Grant Program Funding Available.

2021 Year In Review

Announcing the release of three new slide shows about the pivotal California Coastal Act of 1976!

Guidance Memorandum Regarding Implementation of New SB 9 Housing Laws in Sea Level Rise Vulnerable Areas.

Updated Memorandum Regarding the Implementation of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Laws in the Coastal Zone.

CDP Application Guidance for Aquaculture and Marine Restoration

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YourCoast

Find and explore California's public coastal access with the YourCoast map

California Coastal Trail

Explore the California Coastal Trail

California Coastal Access Guide

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Whale Tail® License Plate

Buy a Whale Tail ® License Plate

Beach Wheelchair

Borrow a Beach Wheelchair

Check the Coast

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California Opposes Trump Oil Leasing Plan

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