CP&DR

Are "Subjective Standards" Embedded in the Coastal Act?

by William Fulton on Nov 27, 2023

Coastal Act, Equal Protection, Mobile Homes, Objective Standards, San Clemente

A property owner who built without a permit claimed the Coastal Commission didn't review the project with objective standards. An appellate court said subjective standards are embedded in the law -- especially with regard to views.

Builder's Remedy Battle Brewing in Redondo Beach

by William Fulton on Aug 20, 2023

Builder's Remedy, Coastal Act, Redondo Beach

As in other cities, Redondo claims it "self-certified" its housing element, thus protecting it from a builder's remedy claim. The developer of the city's former beachfront power plant claims HCD approval was required.

Lesser Streamlining Act Notice Is Sufficient

by William Fulton on Jul 5, 2021

Coastal Act, Mobile Homes, Permit Streamlining Act, San Juan Capistrano

Court Upholds "Deemed Approved" Status for Mobile Home Expansions in San Juan Capistrano.

Short-Term Vacation Rental Regulation Subject To Coastal Act

by William Fulton on May 16, 2021

Coastal Act, Santa Barbara, Vacation Rentals

In a case from Santa Barbara, an appellate court ruled that such regulations are a "development" that must be dealt with in the Local Coastal Plan or through a Coastal Development Permit.

Coastal Act Trumps Density Bonus Act

by William Fulton on Oct 3, 2016

Coastal Act, Density Bonus, Housing, Los Angeles

Neighborhood character in Venice was a legitimate coastal issue, appellate court rules. >>read more

Tide Turns at Coastal Commission With Douglas' Retirement

by Josh Stephens on Sep 20, 2011

California, California Coastal Commission, Coastal Act, Coastal development, Featured Articles, Peter Douglas, Vol. 26 No. 16 August 15, 2011

The retirement of Peter Douglas, the 26-year executive director of the California Coastal Commission, has unleashed a tsunami of superlatives from admirers: "legend," "tremendous," "staunch advocate." For decades, Douglas has been a lighting rod of both praise and criticism for the Coastal Commission. Some say that, under his direction, the commission has protected coastal resources that otherwise would have been lost. Others say that during his tenure the commission has been too strict, too capricious, and too dismissive of property rights.