Affordable housing and coastal resource protection can and should work together. Urban infill housing is consistent with many Coastal Act policies, including reducing vehicle miles travelled; siting new development in areas with existing public services; and avoiding sensitive habitat and agricultural lands. Increasing allowable density and height limits in these areas can accommodate a range of housing choices while also providing for public access and community cohesiveness. But it's important to recognize that climate change is re-shaping our coastlines. In the narrow strip of land that defines the coastal zone in urban areas, the Coastal Commission makes sure that the housing we build today will be safe from rising sea levels and eroding bluffs for decades to come.

Fifty years ago, the Legislature recognized that coastal conservation could contribute to gentrification and a general increase in home values. To mitigate that, and to help ensure coastal communities remained affordable for a variety of income levels, the original Coastal Act contained policies to protect and provide for affordable housing.

From 1977-1981, the Coastal Commission prevented the demolition of approximately 1,200 existing affordable units, and required an additional 5,000 deed-restricted units to be constructed within newly approved market rate housing developments. But in 1981 the Legislature repealed the Commission’s authority over affordable housing, severely limiting the Commission’s ability to address the growing inequities in the coastal housing market. Today, even though the Commission can no longer directly protect and provide for affordable housing, it still continues to find ways to support and encourage all types of housing consistent with other Coastal Act policies. Through permit approvals, LCP updates, litigation and legislative initiatives, the Commission remains committed to finding new opportunities to protect and promote more equitable and affordable housing outcomes along California’s coast.