Coastal rules are strict. That's where we win.
The California Coastal Zone is the highest-difficulty entitlement environment in the state. It's also where finished projects command the strongest rents and resale. ADU PALS specializes in coastal design — CDPs, view corridors, height limits, and Coastal Commission navigation.
What's included
Coastal projects require a specialized process. The design has to satisfy the city, the neighbors, the Coastal Commission, and the LCP — all before construction.
- 01 Coastal overlay + LCP analysis
- 02 View corridor + height envelope studies
- 03 Coastal Development Permit (CDP) package
- 04 Coastal Commission substantial issue prep
- 05 Full architectural design + engineering
- 06 City + coastal permit coordination
How coastal projects work
Coastal read
LCP, CDP requirements, view corridors, height limits, appeal risk analysis.
Design
Design that satisfies coastal standards without compromising the client vision.
CDP + city permits
CDP submission, city plan check, potential Coastal Commission appeal.
Build
Optional in-house construction.
Common questions
01 What is a Coastal Development Permit (CDP)?
A CDP is a discretionary permit required for most construction inside the California Coastal Zone. It runs parallel to (and sometimes replaces) the standard city building permit. The city issues most CDPs; the Coastal Commission issues some and can appeal others.
02 How much longer does a coastal project take?
Add 3–6 months to a typical timeline. Cases with view corridor conflicts, Coastal Commission appeal, or LCP amendment can add 12–18 months.
03 What is a view corridor?
A protected sight line — usually to the ocean or to a public landmark. Coastal jurisdictions define view corridors in their LCP, and new construction cannot obstruct them.
04 Can the Coastal Commission override the city's approval?
On appealable projects, yes. The Commission has jurisdiction over certain lot types and can accept appeals of local decisions. We screen every project for appeal risk during design.
05 Which SD cities are in the coastal zone?
All or part of: Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, coastal San Diego (La Jolla through Ocean Beach), Coronado, Imperial Beach, and unincorporated coastal areas.
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