Public Counter Update

Please note all Commission offices are open weekdays from 8am to 5pm, but public counter hours may be limited to appointment only. Please make an appointment with the appropriate Commission staff member before coming to one of our offices; this will ensure that the appropriate staff member will be available to address your concerns. In addition to appointments in our offices, Commission staff is available by phone, email, and regular mail (see staff contact information at www.coastal.ca.gov/contact). Please make sure to send a copy of all correspondence or other documents electronically by email to the relevant Commission 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 at www.coastal.ca.gov/contact. 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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Property Owners

Property Owners
© Josh Edelson

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

Local Governments

Local Governments
© Kesma Rauf

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

Informed Citizens

Informed Citizens
© US Army Corps of Engineers

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
California Coastal Trail

California Coastal Trail

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


California Coastal Access Guide

California Coastal Access Guide

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


California Coastal Access Guide
Whale Tail License Plate
Whale Tail License Plate

Whale Tail® License Plate

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


Beach Wheelchair
© De-Bug Beach Wheelchair

Beach Wheelchair

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


Beach Wheelchair
Check the Coast
Check the Coast

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.

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