California Coastal Commission

The Coastal Commission was established by voter initiative in 1972 (Proposition 20) and made permanent by the Legislature in 1976. The mission of the Commission, as the lead agency responsible for carrying out California's coastal management program, is to plan for and regulate development in the coastal zone consistent with the policies of the California Coastal Act. The Commission is also one of two designated State coastal management agencies for the purpose of administering the federal Coastal Zone Management Act in California. The Bay Conservation and Development Commission has authority over federal activities and federally licensed or assisted activities within San Francisco Bay, many of which are not otherwise subject to state control; the Coastal Commission has the same authority over federal activities and federally licensed or assisted activities elsewhere in the California Coastal Zone. The policies of the Coastal Act deal with public access to the coast,coastal recreation, the marine environment, coastal land resources, and coastal development of various types, including energy facilities, ports, and other industrial development.