California Coastal Commission

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

© Josh Edelson

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

Local Governments

© Kesma Rauf

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

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

July Meeting

The Commission meets publicly to administer The Coastal Act

July 2018 Meeting Venue

Hilton Santa Cruz
Scotts Valley

July 11th - 13th

9am

6001 La Madrona Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Highlights

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

YourCoast

Explore thousands of California Coastal Access locations with the YourCoast Web app

Ocean Beach
Rodeo Beach - YourCoast

Rodeo Beach
Point St. George - YourCoast

Point St. George
Rockpile Beach - YourCoast

Rockpile Beach
Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park - YourCoast

Jedediah Smith Redwood
State Park
Venice City Beach - YourCoast

Venice City Beach
Ocean Beach City Beaches - YourCoast

Ocean Beach City Beaches
Pacifica Pier - YourCoast

Pacifica Pier

California Coastal Trail

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


California Coastal Access Guide

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


© Zachariah Moreno

Whale Tail® License Plate

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


© De-Bug Beach Wheelchair

Beach Wheelchair

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


© Nicholas Paoni

Check the Coast

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


John "Jack" Ainsworth, 58, came to the Coastal Commission from the private sector in 1989 as a Coastal Program Analyst. Over the past 27 years, he has shouldered a variety of responsibilities including overseeing the South Central and South Coast (LA County) district offices and as the agency's Senior Deputy Director beginning in May 2015. He was appointed Acting Executive Director in March 2016. Ainsworth has a BA in Environmental Studies & Geography and an MSc in Geography from the University of California, Riverside.

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