This section explains that the definitions provided in this chapter should be used to understand the terms and concepts in this division, unless the situation clearly asks for a different interpretation.

This section defines what a "coastal county" is. It's a county or a city-county combination located either entirely or partially within the coastal zone.

This section defines "coastal-related development" as any activity or use that relies on a development or use that requires a coastal location.

This law defines what a "coastal development permit" is, which means it's a permit you need for any development projects within the coastal area, as required by another specific rule, Section 30600(a).

The term "coastal plan" refers to a conservation plan specifically for the California coastal zone, created by the California Coastal Zone Conservation Commission. This plan was submitted to both the Governor and the Legislature in 1975 and was established under the California Coastal Zone Conservation Act of 1972.

This law defines the "coastal zone" in California as the land and water area stretching from the Oregon border to Mexico, extending seaward to the state's jurisdiction limits. Inland, the zone generally extends 1,000 yards from the high tide line, but could reach the first major ridgeline or five miles inland in certain areas. Urban areas have a more restricted inland boundary. Notably, this zone excludes areas under the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission's jurisdiction.

This section also requires the creation of detailed maps for the coastal zone within 60 days of the commission's first meeting. The commission can slightly adjust boundaries to avoid splitting lots or to follow natural and manmade landmarks, with specific conditions for adjustments.

This section specifies the inland boundaries of the coastal zone in specific areas of Los Angeles County and Orange County, California. In Los Angeles County near Los Angeles International Airport, the coastal zone boundary follows the Pershing Drive built after January 1, 1970, not the earlier version. In Orange County's San Juan Capistrano area, the coastal zone does not include any part of the city and follows Camino Capistrano, Via Serra, and extends to the existing coastal boundary.

This section defines terms related to coastal management in California. When any law mentions the California Coastal Zone Conservation Commission, it actually refers to the California Coastal Commission. Similarly, any mention of a regional coastal zone conservation commission means it refers to a regional coastal commission.

This section explains that when analyzing a project's impact, its effects should be considered along with the impacts of past, present, and likely future projects. It's about understanding the combined impact over time rather than just looking at a single project in isolation.

This section defines what counts as "development" on land or water. It includes putting up structures, grading land, changing how land or water is used, constructing or altering buildings, digging up materials, and removing significant vegetation. It also covers changes in land use density and land division. Small-scale land division by public agencies for recreational use is not considered development. The term "structure" covers buildings, roads, pipes, and various utility lines.

An 'energy facility' is any place, whether owned by the public or a private entity, where activities related to electricity, natural gas, petroleum, coal, or any other energy source are conducted. This includes processing, producing, generating, storing, transmitting, or recovering energy.

This section defines 'environmental justice' as ensuring fair treatment for everyone, regardless of their background, in the creation and enforcement of environmental laws and policies. It emphasizes that everyone should have access to a healthy environment and that pollution should not disproportionately affect certain communities.

Additionally, the law outlines that government agencies are responsible for engaging with and providing resources to those communities most affected by pollution. These communities should be actively involved in decision-making processes related to the environment and land use, and their recommendations should be considered seriously.

An 'environmentally sensitive area' is a place where plant or animal life, or their habitats, are rare or particularly important due to their unique characteristics or function in an ecosystem. These areas are vulnerable and can be easily harmed by human actions and development.

This section defines "feasible" as something that can be achieved successfully within a reasonable time, considering economic, environmental, social, and technological aspects.

This section defines the term 'Federal coastal act' as referring to the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, along with any changes made to it over time.

A 'land use plan' refers to parts of a local government's planning documents, like a general plan or coastal element, that detail where and how much land can be used. It includes policies for protecting resources and developing land, and sometimes outlines specific actions to be carried out.

A "local coastal program" is a collection of plans, rules, and actions created by a local government to manage land use, zoning, and conservation in coastal areas. These programs ensure that local policies align with state coastal management laws and cover land use plans, zoning rules, zoning maps, and other actions for sensitive coastal resources.

The term "local coastal element" refers to parts of a city or county's general plan that apply specifically to coastal areas. Local governments can prepare these sections as part of their planning process, and they can add more details if they think it's necessary, following guidelines in another law.

This law section defines 'local government' as including chartered cities, general law cities, chartered counties, general law counties, and any city-county combinations.

A "permit" is defined as any kind of official permission, like a license or certificate, that a government agency can either grant or deny as part of this division's rules.

This law defines the word "person" to include not only individual people, but also organizations, partnerships, LLCs, corporations, utilities, and all levels of government and their agencies. Basically, it covers a wide range of entities.

This law section defines the term "port governing body" as the Board of Harbor Commissioners or the Board of Port Commissioners that oversees the Ports of Hueneme, Long Beach, Los Angeles, and the San Diego Unified Port District.

In simple terms, 'Prime agricultural land' refers to specific types of land as defined in another section of law, specifically Section 51201(c) of the Government Code. This section outlines what qualifies as prime agricultural land based on certain criteria.

This section defines what is considered 'public works' in California. Public works include facilities for water, sewerage, telephone, and other utilities owned by public agencies, excluding energy facilities. They also cover transportation infrastructure like roads, highways, and mass transit, but not certain port developments in specific areas. Additionally, public works include recreational facilities funded by the public, State Coastal Conservancy projects, and special district developments. Lastly, it includes community college facilities.

A "Residential development project" is defined as a multifamily housing project with only residential uses, consisting of at least four units or more.

This section defines what is meant by "Sea" in terms of geographic areas, specifically related to the Pacific Ocean and its connected parts. It includes various ocean-connected areas like harbors and bays but excludes nonestuarine waterways like rivers and creeks. Additionally, it specifically excludes the jurisdiction area of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, which covers certain connected waterways.

This section defines what "sensitive coastal resource areas" are within California's coastal zone. These are specific places that have significant ecological, recreational, or cultural value. They include special marine and land habitats, wetlands, important recreational areas, highly scenic sites, archaeological sites, notable visitor destinations, affordable coastal housing, and areas where land division could limit access to the coast.

A "special district" is a type of public agency created for government or service functions within specific boundaries. It's different from local government and includes areas like county service areas, maintenance districts, or improvement zones. These districts are set up to levy property taxes for services or improvements within designated areas.

This law describes a "special treatment area" as a specific forested area within the coastal zone that is important for its habitat, scenic beauty, and potential impact on public recreation areas or coastal ecosystems. These areas are significant because logging in them could harm recreational spaces or the biological health of wetlands, estuaries, or streams.

This section defines the term 'state university' as referring specifically to the University of California and the California State University.

In this section, 'treatment works' refers to the facilities and processes that are used to treat sewage and industrial waste as defined by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. This includes any updates or additional federal laws that modify this Act.

A zoning ordinance is a rule that a city or county creates to regulate land use, as allowed by specific government codes. For charter cities, which have their own governing charters, these ordinances are enacted based on their charter's authority.