C.A. 1st;
A144268

The First Appellate District affirmed a judgment. The court held that landowners' conduct in blocking public access to a beach constituted “development” for purposes of the California Coastal Act, and thus could not be undertaken without a coastal development permit.

In 2008, Martins Beach 1, LLC, and Martins Beach 2, LLC, purchased Martins Beach and adjacent land, including Martins Beach Road, which provided access to the beach. A year or two later, the LLCs closed off the road, denying public access to the beach. Surfrider Foundation filed suit, challenging the restriction of public access.