Avco Community Developers, Inc. v. South Coast Regional Commission
Supreme Court of California
553 P.2d 546 (Cal. 1976)
California's Coastal Zone Conservation Act of 1972 required a permit for coastal development after February 1, 1973, unless a developer had already obtained a building permit, begun construction, and done substantial work in reliance on it. Avco (plaintiff) owned coastal land zoned in 1971 for a planned community; a 1972 permit was issued but didn't specify any particular building. Avco did preliminary studies but hadn't started construction by the deadline. When the South Coast Regional Commission (defendant) denied Avco's exemption request, Avco unsuccessfully sought a writ of mandate and appealed.
Whether a vested right to continue construction under the California Coastal Zone Act exists when the developer has not obtained a permit tied to any identifiable buildings.