Cal Supremes reject opportunity to check Coastal Commission's power-grab

May 14, 2008 | By PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION

The California Supreme Court denied review in a case called Douda v. California Coastal Commission. In this case, the Doudas sued the California Coastal Commission, after the Commission denied their permit to build a house on property located in the Santa Monica Mountains.  Over Los Angeles's objections, the Coastal Commission unilaterally designated the Doudas' property as "Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area," rendering the lot undevelopable.  The Coastal Commission also asserted that the Doudas' home would negatively impact coastal views.  Never mind the fact that the lot is five miles inland and has no visual connection whatsoever to the ocean or coastal areas. 

After the court of appeal sided with the Coastal Commission, the Doudas petitioned the supreme court to consider the scope of the state bureaucracy's powers.  PLF attorneys filed an amicus brief in support of the Doudas, urging the supreme court to take the case.  But the supreme court declined to do so.