California homeowners sue Coastal Commission over unconstitutional permit conditions
On May 7, the Seidenstickers filed a federal lawsuit challenging the California Coastal Commission’s unconstitutional permitting demands.
Seidensticker v. California Coastal Commission
The Seidenstickers’ plans were abruptly shut down when their project was appealed to the California Coastal Commission on February 7, 2023.
California Supreme Court reins in coastal agency’s permit power in unanimous opinion
Sacramento, California; April 23, 2026: A homebuilder won a major victory today when the California Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the California Coastal Commission unlawfully overrode a county-approved building permit. The decision sets limits on the Commission’s authority to second-guess local governments across the state’s coastal zone. Today’s ruling is one of the most significant […]
New report: California Coastal Commission has collected nearly $50 million from property owners since 2016
The California Coastal Commission has long been described as the most powerful land use authority in the United States. A new PLF report puts some hard numbers behind that reputation. The Power of Punishment: How the California Coastal Commission's Increased Enforcement Power Affects Property Rights examines the Commission's enforcement activity ...
PLF returns to CA Supreme Court in showdown over local coastal permits
Pacific Legal Foundation is back at the California Supreme Court to represent veteran builder Tim Shea in a high-stakes property rights case that could finally clarify how California's coastal permitting system works. On Dec. 3, PLF attorney Jeremy Talcott delivered oral arguments challenging the California Coastal Commission's attempt to override ...
California property owner challenges Coastal Commission’s power to levy crippling fines
“Americans have a constitutional right to significant due process protections when the government seeks to impose punitive financial penalties on them or their property,” said Jeremy Talcott, attorney with Pacific Legal Foundation. “By failing to provide procedural safeguards during its investigations or before imposing fines, the Coastal Commission is violating the Fourteenth Amendment rights of Californians like John Levy.”
John Levy v. California Coastal Commission
Mr. Levy argues that this method of operation makes the California Coastal Commission prosecutor, judge, and beneficiary—in violation of Americans’ Fourteenth Amendment rights.
Coastal Rhode Island property owner seeks preliminary injunction to stop state’s land grab
After filing a lawsuit earlier this month, a coastal property owner is seeking a preliminary injunction against Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) to stop the agency from taking his private property.
Stilts, LLC v. Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council
David Welch and Stilts, LLC are challenging whether the government can force property owners to choose between maintaining their homes and sacrificing their constitutional rights to private property and protection from unwarranted searches.
