This section requires local governments located within the coastal zone to create a local coastal program for their area. They can ask the commission for help with this. This program must ensure there's plenty of public access to the coast and recreation areas. Updating the local plans to make this coastal program doesn't count as a general plan amendment under other rules. Finally, the local government decides the program details after consulting with the commission and getting public input.

This law states that local coastal programs in California are not obligated to have housing policies and programs as part of their requirements.

This law requires the commission, in cooperation with the Department of Housing and Community Development, to create guidance for local governments by July 1, 2026. This guidance will help simplify the permit process for building accessory and junior accessory dwelling units in coastal areas. The process includes a public workshop to discuss the draft guidance and gather public input before finalizing it.

The draft guidance will be available online 30 days before the workshop, and notice of the workshop will be given to all relevant cities and counties. Once finalized, the guidance will also be posted online by both the commission and the Department.

This law outlines that a commission must create procedures for managing local coastal programs, which help oversee the coastal areas. After a public hearing, these procedures will guide how these programs are prepared, submitted, approved, appealed, certified, and amended.

Particularly, the procedures should include a methodology that takes into account the unique needs of different local governments. The commission should also suggest uses of regional significance to be included in the local coastal programs. Furthermore, they must provide updated guidelines to manage and reduce the impact of sea level rise, considering local differences and available funding.

This section requires a commission, with input from local governments, to identify sensitive coastal resource areas by September 1, 1977. Preservation of these areas requires more than just zoning laws, necessitating a thorough review process. Each area designated must be backed by a detailed report explaining its significance, potential negative impacts of development, and include a map of the area.

Local coastal programs must incorporate actions to protect these resources, as outlined in the report, to conform with coastal protection policies. This ensures that important coastal areas are preserved and accessible to the public.

This law explains the process for designating sensitive coastal resource areas in California. The commission recommends areas to the Legislature for recognition. Once recommended, these areas hold the designation for up to two years unless the Legislature decides otherwise sooner. If not officially designated by then, they lose this status. Additionally, any related bill must be moved out of committee and to the house floor within 60 days.

This law requires that when creating, approving, or changing any local coastal program, the public and affected government agencies, like special districts, must get plenty of chances to take part in the process. Before a local coastal program is officially sent for approval, the local government needs to have at least one public hearing on any part of the program that hasn't been publicly discussed in the last four years.

This law requires special districts, which are local government entities involved in development activities that could impact coastal areas, to submit their development plans to the local government that is affected. The local government then uses these plans to help prepare its local coastal program, which is a plan for managing coastal resources.