The California Coastal Commission (CCC) was established in 1972 by voter initiative via Proposition 20 based upon the Public Trust Doctrine and a widespread appreciation for coastal resources; the California Coastal Act made this a permanent part of our state government. Composed of twelve commissioners, the CCC created the Local Coastal Plan or LCP which manages development in the coastal zone. The CCC mission includes increasing public access to beaches, maintaining functional ecosystems, maximizing aesthetic values and softening the impacts of development.
Local Coastal Plans
The City of Malibu has its own Local Coastal Plan. An LCP contains the ground rules for future development and protection of coastal resources; they specify appropriate location, type, and scale of new or changed uses of land and water. Los Angeles County also created an LCP for the Santa Monica Mountains. One of the outstanding innovations during this last effort resulted in limits to development on mountain tops to preserve natural ridgelines.
Areas of Special Biological Significance are monitored and maintained for clean water in ocean areas selected for their unusual variety of sea life to act as building blocks for a resilient coastal environment and economy.
Marine Protected Areas limit the allowable activities in designated coastal areas, primarily through fishing restrictions, to create a network of safe havens for wildlife to repopulate the coast.
Local Beach Jurisdiction
Local beaches are managed by LA County Beaches and Harbors 310-457-2525 or California State Parks 800-777-0369. Find out about beach hours and rules online.