The California Coastal Commission is an independent state agency created by the California Coastal Act of 1976, to protect and enhance California’s coast and ocean for present and future generations through planning, regulation and permitting supported by science, public participation, and coordination with other state agencies and local, regional and Tribal governments.

The Commission is composed of 12 voting members (and up to 12 alternate members), and three non-voting ex officio members. The Commission meets monthly in different coastal communities from Del Norte to San Diego counties. They deliberate on the merits, drawbacks and compliance with existing laws and policies of proposed coastal development projects and land use plans within the 1.5-million acre, 1,100-mile long California coastal zone.

California’s Governor and the leaders of the California Senate and Assembly each appoint four Commissioners, two each from the general public and two local elected officials from across the state’s six coastal regions to ensure statewide local government representation.