By LE Construction · Published October 6, 2026
California’s Coastal Act requires a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for many kinds of development in the Coastal Zone. In Ventura County’s beach neighborhoods, that can mean an extra approval before a building permit for additions, second stories and exterior changes. Here is how it works in practice.
This is general information. The city or County decides what each project needs.
Where it applies
The Coastal Zone covers land near the shoreline. In our service area, that includes beach neighborhoods in:
- Oxnard: Oxnard Shores and areas near Channel Islands Harbor.
- Unincorporated County beaches: Silver Strand and Hollywood Beach, which look like Oxnard but are County land.
- Ventura: Pierpont, the Ventura Keys and other beach-area streets.
- Port Hueneme: beach-area properties.
- Carpinteria and Santa Barbara: much of the area near the water.
Whether your parcel is in the Coastal Zone is a mapping question, so check the parcel, not the neighborhood name.
What usually triggers coastal review
- Additions and second stories.
- Changes to the exterior, height or footprint.
- New structures, such as larger patio covers or decks.
- Some demolition and rebuilds.
Interior remodels that do not change the exterior generally do not, though the local agency makes the determination.
Who issues it
Cities with certified local coastal programs, such as Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme and Carpinteria, issue Coastal Development Permits within their limits. The County of Ventura issues them in unincorporated areas like Silver Strand and Hollywood Beach. Some decisions can be appealed, including to the California Coastal Commission in certain cases.
How it affects your project
- Schedule: Coastal review comes before the building permit and can add weeks or months.
- Design: Height limits, setbacks, and neighborhood character standards shape what is approved.
- Cost: Application fees and design time add to soft costs.
Planning tips
- Decide on exterior changes early. Put them all in one submittal instead of adding them later.
- Keep interior work separate in your planning. It can often proceed on a building permit alone.
- Use materials suited to the coast. Salt air shortens the life of standard hardware and fasteners.
We handle coastal and building permits for beach-area projects. See our pages for Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme and Carpinteria.
Frequently asked questions
Does an interior kitchen remodel near the beach need a Coastal Development Permit?
Usually not. Coastal review generally focuses on development that changes the exterior, footprint, height or use. An interior remodel normally goes straight to the building permit, though the city or County makes the call for each project.
Who issues Coastal Development Permits for Silver Strand?
Silver Strand and Hollywood Beach are unincorporated Ventura County, so the County of Ventura handles coastal and building permits there under its Coastal Zoning Ordinance, not the City of Oxnard.
How much time does coastal review add?
It varies by jurisdiction and project, from weeks to months. Coastal review happens before the building permit, so it should be in your schedule from the start rather than discovered after design.
Can a coastal permit decision be appealed?
Coastal permit decisions can be appealed in some circumstances, including in certain cases to the California Coastal Commission. Appeals add time. Designing within the local coastal program's standards reduces the risk.