Does SB 9 apply in the Coastal Zone? Yes. SB 9 doesn't override the California Coastal Act, so a split near the coast also needs a coastal development permit (or an exemption). But the law says the city doesn't have to hold a public hearing on that permit (Gov. Code §66411.7(n)).
| Encinitas | Much of the city is in the Coastal Zone. The city issues an administrative coastal development permit; projects in the Coastal Commission appeal zone can be appealed to the Commission. |
| Carlsbad | Western Carlsbad is in the Coastal Zone. A coastal development permit is still required ($8,304 on the 2026-27 schedule), without the public hearing. |
| Solana Beach | The whole city is in the Coastal Zone and its coastal rules aren't certified, so the code requires a Coastal Commission permit before the city accepts the SB 9 application. |
Our checker reads the Coastal Commission boundary for every address and tells you if the lot is in the Coastal Zone. Coastal Commission timing should be confirmed for each project.
Yes. SB 9 applies, but the Coastal Act still does too, so a coastal development permit or an exemption is needed.
No. State law says the local agency doesn't have to hold a public hearing on the coastal development permit for an SB 9 urban lot split.
Usually the city, under its certified coastal program. In Solana Beach, whose coastal rules aren't certified, the Coastal Commission does.
Type your address into our free checker. It reads the Coastal Commission boundary and tells you.
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General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. State law: Cal. Gov. Code §§65852.21, 66411.7. Last reviewed October 2026.