Whom do you contact to obtain a permit for building in a coastal area?

Whom do you contact to obtain a permit for building in a coastal area?

• A. City Planning Department
• B. Coastal Commission and Building Department
• C. Environmental Protection Agency
• D. Harbor Authority

Answer: (B)

Building in the coastal zone requires coordinating permits from the state coastal agency and the local building authority. The California Coastal Commission reviews and approves coastal development to protect coastal resources and ensure compliance with the Coastal Act. After that approval, you still need a building permit from the local Building Department (the city or county) to ensure the construction meets local codes, safety standards, and zoning requirements. The Environmental Protection Agency doesn’t issue building permits for coastal projects, and Harbor Authorities focus on harbor operations rather than general construction. Planning departments may review zoning and land-use, but the actual construction permit comes from the Building Department following coastal approval. Hence, you typically contact both the Coastal Commission and the Building Department.

Building in the coastal zone requires coordinating permits from the state coastal agency and the local building authority. The California Coastal Commission reviews and approves coastal development to protect coastal resources and ensure compliance with the Coastal Act. After that approval, you still need a building permit from the local Building Department (the city or county) to ensure the construction meets local codes, safety standards, and zoning requirements. The Environmental Protection Agency doesn’t issue building permits for coastal projects, and Harbor Authorities focus on harbor operations rather than general construction. Planning departments may review zoning and land-use, but the actual construction permit comes from the Building Department following coastal approval. Hence, you typically contact both the Coastal Commission and the Building Department.