§126.0718 Procedures for Emergency Coastal Development Permits — San Diego Zoning Code

(a) Coastal Emergency. A coastal emergency is a sudden, unexpected occurrence within the Coastal Overlay Zone that demands immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of or damage to life, health, property, or essential public services.
(b) Application. When a coastal emergency exists, an applicant may use the procedures of this section instead of the standard application and decision procedures for a Coastal Development Permit. However, all emergency Coastal Development Permits shall authorize only the minimum necessary to stabilize the emergency. In addition, emergency development requires the subsequent processing of a standard Coastal Development Permit application for any work authorized on an emergency basis by these procedures. The applicant may apply for an emergency Coastal Development Permit in person, by letter to the City Manager, or by telephone.
(c) Contents of Application. The application shall include the following information:
- (1) The nature of the coastal emergency;
- (2) The cause of the coastal emergency;
- (3) The location of the coastal emergency;

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San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 12: Land Development Reviews

(2-2025)

(4) The remedial, protective, or preventive work required to deal with the coastal emergency;
(5) The circumstances during the coastal emergency that justify the course of action taken or to be taken, including the probable consequences of failing to take emergency action; and
(6) Identification of options for addressing the coastal emergency, including the least environmentally damaging alternative.
(d) Verification. The City Manager shall verify the facts, including the existence and nature of the coastal emergency, to the extent that time allows.
(e) Decision on Permit. A decision to approve, conditionally approve, or deny the emergency Coastal Development Permit shall be made by the City Manager.
(f) Findings . An emergency Coastal Development Permit may be approved or conditionally approved only if the City Manager makes the following findings :
- (1) A coastal emergency exists that requires action more quickly than would be permitted by the normal procedures for acquiring a Coastal Development Permit and the development can and will be completed within 30 days unless otherwise specified in the permit;
- (2) Public comment on the proposed coastal emergency action has been solicited and reviewed to the extent feasible; and
- (3) The proposed emergency work is consistent with the Local Coastal Program .
(g) Conditions. The City Manager may approve an emergency Coastal Development Permit with conditions, including an expiration date. All emergency Coastal Development Permits shall include a condition requiring the processing of a regular Coastal Development Permit application for any work authorized by the City Manager.
(h) Notice. The City Manager shall provide public notice of the emergency work, with the extent and type of notice determined by the nature and time constraints of the coastal emergency. Notice of the issuance of an emergency Coastal Development Permit shall always be provided to the Coastal Commission.

(Added 12-9-1997 by O-18451 N.S.; amended 10-18-1999 by O-18691 N.S.; effective 1-1-2000.)

Ch. Art. Div. 12 6 7 16

San Diego Municipal Code (2-2025)

Chapter 12: Land Development Reviews