Coastal protection: findings and declarations.

Existing law, the California Coastal Act of 1976, provides for the protection of California's coast and requires any person wishing to perform or undertake any development in the coastal zone, as defined, to obtain a coastal development permit, except as specified. The act makes various findings and declarations regarding the need to preserve the state's natural and scenic resources along the coast and ensure that development in the coastal zone is carefully planned and developed.