Coastal Development Permit

A permit required for development within California's coastal zone, administered by the California Coastal Commission or local governments with certified Local Coastal Programs, to protect coastal resources and public access.

What is a Coastal Development Permit?

A coastal development permit (CDP) is a regulatory approval required for nearly all development activity within California's coastal zone — a strip of land extending inland from the shoreline, varying in width from a few hundred feet to several miles. The CDP ensures that development is consistent with the policies of the California Coastal Act, which prioritizes protection of coastal resources, scenic values, public access to the coast, and environmentally sensitive habitat areas.

Who Issues CDPs

CDPs are issued either by local governments that have certified Local Coastal Programs (LCPs) or directly by the California Coastal Commission in areas where no LCP has been certified. Even in areas with certified LCPs, the Coastal Commission retains appeal authority over certain categories of permits, particularly those near the shoreline or in sensitive areas.

What CDPs Address

The CDP review evaluates: protection of public access to beaches and the coast, preservation of scenic views and visual resources, protection of environmentally sensitive habitat areas (wetlands, riparian corridors, rare species habitat), prevention of geologic hazards (coastal erosion, bluff instability), adequacy of water and sewer service, and consistency with the character of the surrounding community.

CDP and Development Timelines

The CDP adds a layer of review on top of the standard local planning and building permit process. For projects in the coastal zone, the CDP is typically the most complex and time-consuming entitlement. Coastal Commission review includes public hearing and can take 6-18 months. Appeals of local CDP decisions to the Coastal Commission add additional time and uncertainty.