The California Coastal Act of 1976 requires any person wishing to perform or undertake any development in the coastal zone, as defined, in addition to obtaining any other permit required by law from any local government or from any state, regional, or local agency, to obtain a coastal development permit, as provided. The act requires the issuance of a coastal development permit if the proposed development is in conformity with the certified local coastal program. The act provides for the certification of local coastal programs by the California Coastal Commission. The act authorizes the requirement of having to obtain a permit to be waived when immediate action by a person or public agency performing a public service is required to protect life and public property from imminent danger, or to restore, repair, or maintain public works, utilities, or services destroyed, damaged, or interrupted by natural disaster, serious accident, or in other cases of emergency, as specified. The act provides that this waiver provision does not authorize the permanent erection of structures valued at more than $25,000.

This bill would increase the above-described amount to $125,000, adjusted annually for inflation pursuant to the consumer price index.