The California Coastal Act was created to preserve, protect and enhance
California's 1,100 miles of spectacular coastline for the benefit of our entire state and of future generations.
The Act requires:
- Protection and expansion of public access to the shoreline and recreational opportunities
- Protection, enhancement and restoration of environmentally sensitive habitats
- Protection of productive agricultural lands and commercial fisheries
- Directing new housing and other development into areas with adequate services to avoid wasteful urban
sprawl and leapfrog development
Background.
The California Coastal Initiative (Proposition 20), overwhelmingly passed by the voters in 1972, was made permanent by the California Coastal Act of 1976.
The Coastal Act is administered by the California Coastal Commission, and is supplemented by Local Coastal Programs (LCPs), which are approved by the
Commission and administered by our local governments. In San Mateo County, we have two LCPs, one for Half Moon Bay, and one for the rest of the county's coastside.
Our Mission.
The League defends the coast by supporting those who uphold the spirit and substance of the California Coastal Act. We work to elect responsible public
officials who will preserve and enhance the quality of life on the coast for residents and visitors, protecting the coastside environment, agriculture and fisheries.
