California Supplemental (CSE) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the California Supplemental Exam (CSE) with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to prepare you and enhance your understanding for the exam.

Practice this question and more.

What must happen before development can commence within the coastal zone?

A coastal development permit must be issued
The project must be publicly announced
A local public vote is required
Environmental impact studies must be completed

The correct answer is: A coastal development permit must be issued

Before any development can take place within the coastal zone, it is essential for a coastal development permit to be issued. This requirement is in place to ensure that all projects comply with local, state, and federal regulations designed to protect coastal resources and sustain the environmental integrity of these sensitive areas. The coastal development permit process evaluates proposed projects for their potential impacts on the coastal environment, public access, and overall community welfare. It includes considerations of California’s Coastal Act, which emphasizes protecting coastal ecosystems while allowing for responsible development. While the other options may play a role in different contexts or projects, they are not prerequisites for development to commence in the coastal zone. Public announcements and local votes can be part of community engagement, and environmental impact studies, while important for identifying potential ecological consequences, do not override the necessity for the coastal development permit itself. Thus, obtaining this permit is the foundational step before any development activities begin.