California Supplemental (CSE) Practice Exam

How is the Coastal Act administered on a local level?

1. It is solely managed by state agencies

2. Local governments review coastal development permits under their certified local coastal program

3. There are no local government roles in its administration

4. Local governments can ignore state guidelines if they choose

The correct answer is: Local governments review coastal development permits under their certified local coastal program

The Coastal Act is administered at the local level primarily through the mechanism of a certified local coastal program (LCP). This means that local governments have the authority to review and approve coastal development permits based on their adopted LCP, which outlines specific policies and requirements for coastal management in accordance with the broader goals of the Coastal Act. The LCP serves as a framework that integrates local priorities with state mandates, allowing for tailored approaches to coastal development that reflect the unique environmental and community contexts of each area. Local governments play a crucial role in ensuring that coastal development aligns with the preservation of coastal resources and public access to the coast. By participating in this process, local governments not only help manage coastal development effectively but also contribute to the collaborative relationship between state and local authorities in enforcing coastal conservation policies.