Sponsored sea level planning bill heads to appropriations

By Brian Hendershot, Cal Cities Advocate managing editor, and Melissa Sparks-Kranz, legislative advocate

A measure sponsored by Cal Cities that would make it easier for cities to develop mandated sea level rise plans now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The bill would create an early consultation process between cities developing sea level rise plans and the California Coastal Commission, as well as a state fund to support planning efforts.

Under current law, coastal and bay cities must develop sea level rise plans by 2034 and get those plans approved by the state. The 61 cities in the coastal zone must incorporate these plans into their Local Coastal Plans (LCP) for approval by the commission. Coastal cities must have a certified LCP to retain permitting authority for coastal developments.

AB 996 (Pellerin) would create the California Coastal Planning Fund in the state treasury to fund sea level rise plan development by the 61 coastal cities and 55 bay cities. Part of the fund would be set aside for the state to review and approve sea level rise plans. Additionally, AB 966 would allow cities to engage the commission early about new or amended LCPs to ensure a complete and timely formal review.

The bill also states that existing sea level rise information or plans may meet one or all the components of the mandated sea level rise plans. Some cities have already done extensive work to assess sea level rise vulnerability. The provision clarifies that cities do not need to undertake duplicative planning if the existing materials meet the requirements. This aligns with the bill's intent to encourage early consultation to ensure timely compliance for sea level rise plan updates as part of the LCP certification process.

What can my city do to support AB 996's passage?

The Assembly Natural Resources Committee approved AB 996 with unanimous support in late April. The bill now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, where it will be heard on May 14 and is a likely candidate for the suspense file. Coastal and bay cities can voice their support to the Assembly Appropriations by submitting a letter based on Cal Cities' sample letter by Monday, May 12.

Please contact your regional public affairs managers with questions on how to make your voice heard.