Public Resources: California Coastal Act of 1976: California Coastal Planning Fund: sea level rise plans.

Assembly Member Pellerin's coastal resources legislation establishes the California Coastal Planning Fund to support local governments' coastal protection and public access planning efforts. The fund, housed in the State Treasury, would provide financial assistance to cities and counties for developing local coastal programs and sea level rise plans, with up to 20% allocated for regulatory review costs.

The bill modifies requirements for sea level rise planning in coastal zones and San Francisco Bay areas. Local governments must incorporate best available science, equity-focused vulnerability assessments, adaptation strategies, and implementation timelines into their plans by January 1, 2034. The California Coastal Commission and San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission may accept existing sea level rise documentation that meets the specified criteria.

To facilitate compliance, the legislation creates a voluntary early consultation process through January 1, 2029. Local governments can receive preliminary feedback from commission staff on draft plans and programs before formal submission. The consultation framework includes written recommendations from commission staff within mutually agreed timeframes, allowing jurisdictions to address potential issues early in the planning process.