Coastal Commission Approves San Luis Obispo County Seawalls

The California Coastal Commission approved seawall applications for two San Luis Obispo County properties on October 10, 2025, as part of the consent calendar.

The two items that moved to the consent calendar include Pismo Beach (Item 14A) and Cayucos (Item 14B).

Public comment included concerns from environmental groups regarding potential impacts of seawall construction on sensitive coastal habitats and public access.

A public commenter argued the project could threaten local ecosystems and accelerate coastal erosion, citing concerns over limited access to the site.

Both Item 14A and Item 14B were among six items moved to the consent calendar at the beginning of the Friday session.

Previously, the Commission has denied seawall applications in Pismo Beach, citing requirements under the California Coastal Act to protect natural beach processes and public access.

Application and California Coastal Act

The property owner’s CDP application was a proposal to construct “shoreline protective works,” including a seawall, to defend against coastal erosion.

The Commission’s decision to deny the permit was based on the requirements of the California Coastal Act, which regulates development activities to protect environmental resources and public access.

One of the Commission’s primary objectives is to prevent “coastal armoring,” such as seawalls, to protect sandy beaches and maintain natural coastal processes. The Commission argues that seawalls can reduce or eliminate public beach access.

The Commission’s action was cited as an example of how Pismo Beach homeowners must “heed” the state’s Coastal Act when seeking to protect their properties from erosion.

On June 25, 2025, Edhat reported that Pismo Beach was listed among six other beaches on USA TODAY’s 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best California Beach.

Pismo Beach and Cayucos Beach

Pismo Beach boasts some of the most spectacular coastal views in California, offering sweeping vistas of the shoreline and countless outdoor adventures like paddleboarding, surfing, and ATV rides across its famous dunes.

On the other hand, Cayucos Beach is a laid-back coastal spot in the San Luis Obispo County of California, known for its uncrowded surf, vintage pier, and nearby dog-friendly opportunities.

About San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo County (SLO County) is situated along California’s Pacific coast, roughly midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Encompassing about 3,300 square miles, the county is bordered by Monterey County to the north, Kern County to the east, and Santa Barbara County to the south, and it features approximately 100 miles of Pacific coastline on the west.

According to 2016 estimates from the California Department of Finance, SLO County has a population of 277,977, ranking it as the 23rd most populous county in California. The county includes seven incorporated cities and numerous unincorporated communities, with San Luis Obispo serving as the county seat.