Coastal resources: coastal development permit: local emergency declaration.

Senator Blakespear's coastal development permit legislation expands local governments' authority to expedite building approvals during officially declared emergencies along California's coastline. The measure amends the California Coastal Act of 1976 to allow municipalities, counties, and special districts to bypass standard coastal permit procedures when they have formally declared a local emergency.

The bill maintains existing provisions that enable streamlined permits for certain non-emergency projects, including improvements to existing structures, single-family homes, and developments of four or fewer dwelling units that don't require demolition. These expedited permits remain subject to public notice requirements and review periods. Projects valued under $100,000, except land divisions, also qualify for accelerated processing when proposed in areas with certified local coastal programs.

To preserve oversight, the legislation requires local governing bodies to review expedited permits at their next scheduled meeting. One-third of the members may halt a permit's implementation and require standard processing under local coastal program rules. Similarly, one-third of California Coastal Commission members retain authority to require full commission review of permits issued by the executive director. The bill removes monetary limits on emergency-related permits while maintaining these procedural safeguards.