SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 963, authored by Senator John Laird, into law. The legislation brings greater clarity and predictability to the coastal development permitting process by establishing consistent timelines for the California Coastal Commission to act on appeals of Coastal Development Permits.

“I appreciate Governor Newsom signing SB 963 into law,” said Laird. “This law creates a clearer, more predictable appeals process that will benefit local governments, applicants, and communities alike. It preserves the Coastal Commission’s authority and the protections of the Coastal Act while making the process easier to understand and navigate for everyone involved.”

Under current law, the Coastal Commission must act quickly to determine whether an appeal raises a “substantial issue,” but there were no deadlines for the steps that followed. SB 963 fills that gap by establishing standardized timelines for review and final decisions on appealed projects.

The new law requires the Coastal Commission to provide applicants with a complete list of any additional information needed within 30 days after determining that an appeal raises a substantial issue. The Commission must then review any additional information submitted within 30 days and hold a hearing and issue a final decision within 180 days after receiving all requested materials.

SB 963 passed the Legislature without opposition and earned support from a broad coalition of stakeholders, including environmental organizations, pro-housing groups, local governments, and the California Coastal Commission.

“SB 963 represents a masterclass in how through collaboration California can continue to protect its singular coastline as an economic engine and an environmental treasure for all, while simultaneously addressing California’s urgent housing needs,” said Susan Jordan, Executive Director of the California Coastal Protection Network. “By bringing environmental and housing advocates and other stakeholders to the table, Senator Laird has proven once again that responsible Coastal Act reform is possible and can deliver real wins for our state’s future. California Coastal Protection Network thanks Senator Laird for his leadership and Governor Newsom for signing this bill into law.”

“The passage of SB 963 reduces permitting uncertainty for housing in California’s coastal communities, where rents are among the least affordable in the state,” said Chione Lucina Muñoz Flegal, Executive Director of Housing California. “By setting clear timelines for Coastal Commission appeal review, the bill gives affordable housing providers more predictability to move approved projects toward construction while maintaining Coastal Act protections.”

SB 963 will take effect on January 1, 2027.