It is the intent of the Legislature, consistent with the provisions of Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 31400) of Division 21, that a program to maximize public access to and along the coastline be prepared and implemented in a manner that ensures coordination among and the most efficient use of limited fiscal resources by federal, state, and local agencies responsible for acquisition, development, and maintenance of public coastal accessways. There is a need to coordinate public access programs so as to minimize costly duplication and conflicts and to assure that, to the extent practicable, different access programs complement one another and are incorporated within an integrated system of public accessways to and along the state’s coastline. The Legislature recognizes that different public agencies are currently implementing public access programs and encourages such agencies to strengthen those programs in order to provide yet greater public benefits.
ImplementationCoastal Public Access Program
Section § 30530
This law section expresses the California Legislature's intent to create a program that maximizes public access to the coastline. It emphasizes the need for collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies to efficiently use limited financial resources for acquiring, developing, and maintaining public pathways to the coast.
The goal is to prevent duplication and conflicts while ensuring that access initiatives complement each other, forming an integrated system of coastal accessways. The Legislature urges these agencies to strengthen their programs to enhance public benefits.
public coastal access maximizing coastal access coordination among agencies
Section § 30531
This law requires the commission to develop a program for public access to the California coast. It involves creating an inventory of accessible lands and keeping it updated. The inventory must list lands available for public use, detailing their legal status and the type of access available. Maps should also be provided.
By June 1, 1980, the commission must recommend how state and local agencies should manage and develop public coastal access in line with protecting coastal resources.
By January 1, 1981, the commission is to identify which public agencies should manage these access points, estimate costs, and propose funding methods. If a state agency is chosen and refuses management, it must explain its decision by year-end. The State Coastal Conservancy is tasked with ensuring that management responsibility is accepted.
The commission shall be responsible for the preparation of a public coastal access program which includes the elements set forth in this section and which, to the maximum extent practicable, is incorporated into the local coastal programs prepared, approved, and implemented pursuant to this division.
(a)CA Public Resources Code § 30531(a) On or before January 1, 1981, the commission shall prepare a coastal access inventory. The coastal access inventory shall be updated on a continuing basis and shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 30531(a)(1) A list identifying lands held or operated for the purpose of providing public access to or along the coast. Each listing shall include a brief description of the type of access provided, access constraints, access facility ownership, and resources or uses for which access is provided or suitable.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 30531(a)(2) A list of known offers to dedicate, accepted dedications, and any other legally binding actions taken that provide opportunities for any type of public use of or access to or along the coast. Each listing shall include a brief description of the legal status of the instrument granting or otherwise providing public access, whether public access is physically available, and if not, what action is necessary to be taken to accomplish actual public use.
(3)CA Public Resources Code § 30531(a)(3) A map showing the precise location of the listings included pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subdivision.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 30531(b) On or before June 1, 1980, the commission shall, in consultation with the Department of Parks and Recreation, the State Coastal Conservancy, and other appropriate public agencies, make recommendations to guide state, local, and to the extent permitted by law federal public agencies in the identification, development, and management of public accessways to and along the coast. The recommendations made pursuant to this section shall be consistent with the public access policies of this division and, with respect to recommendations relating to development of public accessways, consistent with the policy of protecting coastal resources.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 30531(c) On or before January 1, 1981, and from time to time thereafter, the commission, in consultation with the State Coastal Conservancy and other affected public agencies, shall identify the public agency or agencies it deems the most appropriate agency or agencies to accept responsibility for the management of those public coastal accessways listed pursuant to subdivision (a) for which no public agency has accepted such management responsibilities. In identifying the agency or agencies most appropriate to accept public access management responsibilities, the commission shall include its best estimate of costs for the development, operation, and maintenance of such accessways and shall recommend to the Governor and the Legislature a method of funding such costs. In preparing its recommendations for funding public coastal accessway operation and maintenance costs, the commission shall develop alternative, innovative funding techniques that take into account the appropriateness of local funding for the operation and maintenance of accessways that serve primarily local needs. If the commission identifies a state agency as the appropriate agency to assume management responsibility and such agency does not accept such responsibility, the agency shall, by December 31 of the year in which the commission completes its report, advise the commission of its reasons why it did not or cannot accept such responsibility. The State Coastal Conservancy shall take those actions it deems appropriate, including necessary agreements, to negotiate or otherwise accomplish the acceptance of management responsibility by the agency identified by the commission.
public coastal access access inventory coastal lands management
Section § 30532
This section allows the commission to make deals or provide grants to public agencies to help fulfill the aims of the article. If there is money available, the commission is encouraged to partner with state agencies running public coastal access programs to finish a specific inventory. Additionally, the commission should agree with the State Coastal Conservancy to fund its tasks related to this article and other specific duties.
The commission may enter into agreements with or issue grants to any public agency for the purpose of assisting the commission in meeting the requirements of this article. The commission shall, to the extent available funding permits, enter into agreements with those state agencies that currently operate some form of public coastal access program for the purpose of completing the inventory required by subdivision (a) of Section 30531. The commission shall enter into an agreement with the State Coastal Conservancy to provide the funding necessary for the conservancy to carry out its responsibilities pursuant to this article and Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 31400) of Division 21.
agreements grants public agencies
Section § 30534
This law requires that when any real property is offered for public access to the coast as part of a development permit, the commission must send details about the property to the Department of Parks and Recreation, State Coastal Conservancy, and State Lands Commission within 10 days of receiving evidence of the offer.
The commission shall, within 10 days after receiving evidence of recordation of any offer to dedicate real property for access to or along the coast, which dedication was required as a condition to the issuance of a coastal development permit, forward a copy of such evidence and a description of such real property to the Department of Parks and Recreation, the State Coastal Conservancy, and the State Lands Commission.
coastal access offers real property dedication coastal development permit conditions
