Carlsbad beach view
Aerial view of Carlsbad Village
Carlsbad coastline

Carlsbad’s seven miles of coastline provide residents and visitors with a beautiful natural resource. About 37% of the city is located in the coastal zone, a boundary established under the California Coastal Act. Properties within this zone are subject to specific development standards and zoning regulations designed to help protect and manage our coastal resources. This includes obtaining appropriate permits for most types of development projects.

Step 1: Find out if your property is in the coastal zone

You can check if a property is in the coastal zone one of three ways:

  • View a PDF of the city’s coastal zone map.
  • Use this easy online tool. Just type your address or assessor’s parcel number to find a quick result.   
  • Check the city’s interactive zoning map. Type your address or assessor’s parcel number to get a result. Besides coastal zone information, this map provides other useful land use information.

If you need more information, you can meet with a staff member in person at 1635 Faraday Ave., Monday - Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Scheduling an appointment is recommended, but walk-ins are also welcome. Want to avoid a trip? You can also email planning@carlsbadca.gov. Please include the property address and inquiry in your email.

Step 2: Verify permit approval authority

Once you’ve confirmed your property is in the coastal zone, follow these steps before starting your permit application.

  • Use this map to determine if your property is located within the coastal zone where either the city or the California Coastal Commission has authority to approve permits. This will help you identify which agency you need to submit a permit application to.
  • Email planning@carlsbadca.gov and provide your property address or assessor’s parcel number to verify coastal permit jurisdiction. 

Step 3: Access permit submittal information and forms

City of Carlsbad Coastal Development Permits

If you have a preliminary development plan or concept and would like written city feedback, you can submit a preliminary review via our online permit portal. You’ll receive information from city staff on possible permitting and other feedback. More information on preliminary reviews.

California Coastal Commission Permit Applications