California’s coastline is protected by a comprehensive law known as the California Coastal Act of 1976, which establishes foundational goals for managing and protecting the coastal zone. Section 30001.5 of the Act lays out six basic goals of the state for the coastal zone.
These goals reflect California’s commitment to sustainable coastal development, environmental stewardship, and public access. For architects and architectural students (especially those pursuing California licensure), understanding these goals is crucial. They inform coastal design, permitting, and development practices, ensuring that projects align with state regulations and policies. Below, we break down each of the six goals in plain language and discuss their relevance to coastal architecture and planning, with references to the official statute for further detail.
Protect and Enhance the Coastal Environment (Natural & Built)
One of the Coastal Act’s primary goals is to protect, maintain, and, where feasible, enhance and restore the quality of the coastal environment, including both its natural ecosystems and its built (artificial) resources.
In practice, this means architects must prioritize environmental preservation in their coastal projects. Designs should minimize harm to sensitive habitats (like wetlands, dunes, and marine life) and consider ways to restore or improve site ecology when possible.
The built environment – such as historic coastal structures or existing community resources – is also considered a “coastal resource” to be respected. By incorporating sustainable design features (e.g., erosion control, native landscaping, habitat restoration) and careful site planning, architects help fulfill this goal, ensuring that development enhances rather than degrades the coast’s natural and scenic quality.
Ensure Balanced Use and Conservation of Coastal Resources
The Coastal Act seeks an orderly, balanced utilization and conservation of resources, taking into account the social and economic needs of the people of California.
In other words, coastal resources should be used wisely and sustainably. For architects, this goal underscores the importance of sustainable development practices in the coastal zone. Projects should strike a balance between development and conservation – allowing for growth and necessary land uses (such as housing, recreation, or commerce) while protecting resources for future generations.
This might involve designing energy-efficient buildings, water-conserving landscapes, or low-impact site plans that preserve open space. It also means considering the community’s needs (economic opportunities, public services, etc.) so that development benefits society without exhausting or permanently damaging coastal resources. Balanced planning ensures that the coast remains viable and vibrant both environmentally and economically.
Maximize Public Access and Recreational Opportunities
Public access to the shoreline is a hallmark of California’s coastal policy.
Section 30001.5 directs the state to maximize public access to and along the coast, and maximize public recreational opportunities in the coastal zone, consistent with resource conservation and respecting private property rights. This goal means architects and planners must design projects that enhance the public’s ability to reach and enjoy the coast.
For example, a new waterfront development might be required to include a public walking trail to the beach or viewing platforms, or to avoid blocking existing beach access points. Providing amenities like parking for beachgoers, coastal bike paths, or parks and open space in site plans can help fulfill this objective. It’s also crucial to ensure that development does not unreasonably interfere with the public’s constitutional right to access navigable waters.
In the permitting process, the California Coastal Commission often conditions approvals on improving public access – so architects should proactively integrate recreational access opportunities into their coastal designs.
Prioritize Coastal-Dependent and Related Development
Because coastal land is limited and precious, the Coastal Act gives priority to coastal-dependent and coastal-related development over other types of development.
A coastal-dependent use is one that requires a location on the coast (for example, ports, harbors, fishing facilities, marine laboratories), and a coastal-related use is one that supports those coastal-dependent uses. For architects, this goal implies that if you are designing a project on the coast, uses that truly need to be there should take precedence. Projects like an aquarium, a public pier, or a beachfront visitor center would be favored over a generic office building or inland-type development that could be built elsewhere.
When planning a coastal project that isn’t inherently coast-dependent (say a residential or commercial building), architects must be mindful that regulators will question its appropriateness on the shoreline. Ensuring that such projects do not displace or preclude more critical coastal-dependent uses (or incorporating coastal-related features into them) will help in obtaining approvals.
In short, essential coastal uses come first – a principle architects should consider when proposing development in the coastal zone.
Coordinate Planning Between State and Local Governments
Effective coastal management requires coordination between state and local authorities.
The Coastal Act encourages state and local governments to work together by preparing procedures for coordinated planning and development of mutually beneficial uses in the coastal zone. For architects, this goal translates to navigating both state-level and local-level planning processes.
In California, coastal development often involves multiple layers of approval: local governments implement certified Local Coastal Programs (LCPs) consistent with state Coastal Act policies, and the California Coastal Commission provides oversight.
Architects should be aware that local plans (such as city or county coastal plans) are crafted in line with these state goals, and projects must comply with both the LCP and the Coastal Act. This coordinated planning goal also highlights the importance of early consultation with planning agencies – both city/county planning departments and the Coastal Commission – to ensure a project meets all requirements.
By understanding and following local coastal policies (which echo the state goals) and collaborating with regulators, architects can help streamline the permitting process and create projects that serve both community needs and state coastal objectives.
Plan for and Mitigate the Impacts of Sea Level Rise
In recent years, California has added a forward-looking goal to address climate challenges: anticipate, assess, and plan for sea level rise, and where feasible, avoid or mitigate its adverse effects.
Sea level rise (SLR) is an increasingly urgent concern for coastal development. Architects working on coastal projects must incorporate sea level rise adaptation and mitigation strategies into their designs. This can include situating structures outside of future hazard zones (through setbacks from eroding shorelines or elevated floor levels), using resilient construction methods, and planning for flood defenses or wetland buffers that can absorb rising tides. The Coastal Act’s inclusion of this goal (added in 2021) means that regulators will scrutinize how a proposed development will withstand long-term sea level rise and storm surges.
During permitting, architects may need to provide SLR vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans for their projects. By proactively addressing sea level rise – for example, by designing flexible structures or restoration of natural protective features like dunes and marshes – professionals not only comply with California’s regulations but also protect their clients’ investments and public safety in the face of climate change.
Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov