Coastal Commission & Development Oversignt

Makes technical changes to provisions governing the California Sea Level Rise State and Regional Support Collaborative.

Strengthens oversight of coastal oil and gas operations by requiring new permits for facilities idle over 3 years. Mandates use of best available pipeline technology for transporting oil from offshore to processing facilities. Expands environmental review criteria for oil lease transfers and modifications in state waters. Requires public hearings before approving any lease changes that would increase oil transport volumes.

Establishes a producer responsibility program requiring companies to manage collection of waste oil and lubricants by 2028. Creates a producer organization to implement statewide collection systems at no cost to residents. Requires producers to fund program costs and reimburse local governments for illegal dumping cleanup. Authorizes penalties up to $50,000 per day for companies that violate program requirements.

Requires coastal cities to develop comprehensive sea level rise plans by January 2034. Establishes a voluntary early consultation process with the Coastal Commission by January 2029. Mandates vulnerability assessments that specifically address impacts on at-risk communities. Allows existing sea level rise plans to satisfy requirements if approved by state commissions.

Requires state agencies to report on contaminated sites vulnerable to sea level and groundwater rise by 2027. Mandates assessment timelines for vulnerable contaminated sites to be included in the legislative report. Automatically repeals these reporting requirements on January 1, 2031.

Authorizes the creation of marine artificial reefs as conservation and mitigation banks for environmental protection. Requires environmental review and ongoing monitoring to ensure reefs meet designated performance standards. Mandates a 1% trust fund from credit sales for long-term reef management on state lands. Allows both nonprofit and for-profit organizations to establish and operate marine artificial reef banks.

Requires state agencies to evaluate and update standards for copper-based boat paint by January 2028. Mandates completion of studies on copper pollution in marine waters by June 2027. Establishes new requirements for addressing elevated copper levels in California's harbors and marinas. Requires public posting of best practices for reducing copper pollution from boat paint.

Requires large outdoor events to offer drink spiking test kits and protective drink lids starting July 2026. Mandates event staff to contact authorities when drink spiking is suspected or reported. Requires venues to post warning signs about drink spiking at all alcohol service points. Establishes warnings instead of criminal penalties for first-time violations of these requirements.

Makes technical changes to provisions governing local coastal program submissions.

Requires local agencies to issue occupancy permits for ADUs in disaster areas even before primary homes are complete. Mandates 60-day approval timeline for ADU coastal development permits with automatic approval if deadline is missed. Takes effect immediately to address housing shortages and support disaster recovery efforts.

Establishes a process for designating protected surfing areas along California's coast as state surfing reserves. Requires the Coastal Conservancy to create criteria for surfing reserve designations by July 2026. Allows local governments to apply for surfing reserve status for coastlines within their jurisdiction. Integrates designated surfing reserves into California's goal to protect 30% of coastal waters by 2030.

Streamlines the coastal development amendment process by making minor changes effective upon meeting adjournment. Reduces reporting requirements for coastal violations from annual to every five years with expanded scope. Allows local governments to enforce building code violations within certified coastal programs. Maintains penalties up to 75% of maximum fines for coastal access and environmental violations.

Authorizes coastal restoration projects to demonstrate and measure carbon storage in marine ecosystems. Requires developers who impact coastal habitats to fund or build carbon-storing restoration projects. Mandates monitoring and public reporting of carbon sequestration data from each restoration project. Restricts restoration to historically degraded areas using native species.

Streamlines coastal development permits for university housing projects by deferring parking space decisions to universities. Establishes a fast-track 10-day review process for minor development plan changes that have no coastal impact. Requires the Coastal Commission to prioritize public transit over parking in university development plans. Mandates monthly public online tracking of all university coastal development plans and amendments.

Requires creation of a detailed inventory of abandoned vessels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta by 2027. Mandates tracking of vessel sizes, hazardous materials, and estimated removal costs for each abandoned boat. Aims to protect Delta's water supply and ecosystem from pollution caused by abandoned vessels. Requires legislative funding approval before inventory work can begin.

Expands a voluntary program to reduce ship speeds along California's coast to protect whales and reduce pollution. Requires large vessels over 300 gross tons to participate in speed reduction zones of 10 knots or less. Provides financial incentives to ships that maintain reduced speeds in designated coastal zones. Mandates participating air districts to report program results to the Legislature by December 2029.

Overturns the Coastal Commission's denial of SpaceX's request to increase launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Authorizes SpaceX to increase annual launches from 36 to 50 at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Takes effect immediately upon passage to support national security and aerospace industry growth. Declares the Commission's October 2024 objection null and void.