Coastal resources: coastal development permit: exemption: Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor.

Senator Blakespear's proposal to amend the California Coastal Act would exempt emergency railroad repairs along the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor from coastal development permit requirements. The exemption would apply to maintenance, repair, or restoration of existing tracks damaged by natural disasters, provided the work occurs within one year of the damage and remains within the existing right-of-way.

The bill maintains current restrictions on exempt projects, prohibiting expansion of railroad facilities or construction of new shoreline protection structures like seawalls or revetments. Public agencies undertaking exempt repairs must notify the California Coastal Commission within 14 days of starting work. The exemption parallels existing provisions for emergency highway repairs in the coastal zone, which exclude officially designated scenic highways.

The Legislature's findings cite the rail corridor's role in statewide passenger and freight transportation as justification for expedited emergency repairs while preserving constitutionally protected public coastal access. The measure requires a majority vote for passage and would take effect immediately upon enactment.