AB 1129 – Coastal Access and Preservation Act

This bill would amend PRC 30235 to define “existing structure” as structures built prior to January 1, 1977, and to specify that shoreline protection devices must be approved consistent with the Coastal Act policies protecting public access, shoreline ecology, natural landforms and other impacts on coastal resources. The bill would specify that emergency permits issued for shoreline protective devices are intended to allow the minimum amount of temporary development necessary to address the emergency situation. The bill would also amend PRC 30821 to allow for the imposition of administrative penalties for unpermitted shoreline protective devices.

Staff recommended support of the bill and the need for close analysis of seawalls, especially given the extremely pressing issue of sea level rise and the need to appropriately address its impacts while preserving public resources.

Commissioners approved support of the bill on a vote of 11-1.

AB 1129 would help the Commission better enforce existing laws by allowing for penalties and fines for illegal development, including shoreline protective structures. The measure also ensures that emergency permits for any coastal development include a plan for removal. Coastal armoring fixes the shore in place and lead to loss of public beaches and can have detrimental impacts to shoreline habitat. Given impending impacts from sea level rise, all shoreline protective devices should receive extremely careful analysis.