California SB 1318

The California Coastal Act of 1976 generally requires each local government lying in whole or in part within the coastal zone to prepare a local coastal program for that portion of the coastal zone within its jurisdiction. The act establishes the California Coastal Commission and prescribes procedures for the preparation, approval, and certification of local coastal programs. The act requires any proposed amendments to a certified local coastal program to be submitted to, and processed by, the commission in accordance with specified procedures. The act generally requires anyone wishing to perform or undertake any development in the coastal zone to obtain a coastal development permit from the commission before certification of the local coastal program or to a local government after certification of a local coastal program, as provided. The act finds and declares that it is important for the commission to encourage the protection of existing and the provision of new affordable housing opportunities for persons of low and moderate income in the coastal zone and requires the commission to encourage housing opportunities for persons of low and moderate income. This bill would, notwithstanding specific provisions of the act, require the commission to approve a coastal development permit or a local coastal program amendment submitted by a local government restricting or prohibiting non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, regardless of the availability of other visitor-serving accommodations, if the local agency made findings that it was necessary to address significant local housing needs and the commission determines that the permit or amendment strikes a reasonable balance between local housing needs and public access to the coast.