Local Sea Level Rise Plans
The San Francisco Bay Area must take a regional approach to adapt to rising sea levels and flooding. The Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan (RSAP) lays out how local government and communities must work together to develop Plans for a more resilient shoreline.
About the RSAP & Subregional Shoreline Adaptation Plans
What is the Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan?
The Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan (RSAP) is a regional plan to address rising sea levels in San Francisco Bay, adopted by the Commission in 2024. Local governments in the Bay Area are required by law to develop Subregional Shoreline Adaptation Plans (Plans). The RSAP includes a region-wide vision and priorities for a resilient San Francisco Bay shoreline. It also contains Guidelines that local governments must follow when developing Plans.
What must local governments do to plan for rising sea levels?
California law (SB 272) requires all local governments in California’s coastal zones and along the San Francisco Bay shoreline to address sea level rise. Local governments along the outer coast must adopt Local Coastal Programs while local governments along the San Francisco Bay must create Subregional Shoreline Adaptation Plans (Plans). BCDC is responsible for creating Guidelines for Plans and has the authority to approve or deny Plans based on consistency with the Guidelines. Plans must be submitted for approval by January 1, 2034. Adaptation projects and strategies within approved Plans will be prioritized for state funding.
What is a Subregional Shoreline Adaptation Plan?
Subregional Shoreline Adaptation Plans are locally created sea level rise adaptation plans along San Francisco Bay shoreline. Local governments must create Plans under California law, following the Guidelines in the RSAP. A Plan can be for a single city or county or can cover multiple jurisdictions.
The Guidelines describe how to develop:
- A description of the planning process
- Local existing conditions
- A vulnerability assessment
- Adaptation strategies and pathways
- Land use policies
- Implementation plans
- A project list
Plans must also meet Minimum Standards to ensure planning across the region follow standard methods and achieve consistent outcomes.
Minimum Standards include:
- Coastal Flood Hazards and Sea Level Rise Scenario Standard
- Minimum Categories and Assets Standard
- Equity Assessment Standard
- Adaptation Strategy Standards
We encourage local governments within a county or subregion to work together on sea level rise planning. Planning should also involve coordination with stakeholders, special districts, and landowners. See the Guidelines for details on what Plans must include.
Contact your Subregional liaison for questions related to developing Plans.
What is the deadline for Plans?
January 1, 2034 is the deadline to submit your Plans, though earlier submissions are encouraged.
See the Guidelines for details on what Plans must include.
Who is required to create a Plan?
California law requires all local governments within the BCDC’s jurisdiction to create a Plan.
Get started on a Plan
Creating a Plan may feel overwhelming, below are clear steps to get going.
- Understand the approval process for a Plan
The RSAP guides local governments in creating plans. Learn more about the steps for Plan approval.
See steps for Plan approval - Have a question? Get in touch with your BCDC subregional liaison
Each city and county is supported by a dedicated staff member serving as a subregional liaison, offering tailored assistance based on each area’s unique needs. For questions about the RSAP or Plans, contact your subregional liaison. Subregional liaisons are listed in the “Need Help? Meet your Subregional Liaison” section.
View your subregional liaisons - Ready to start a Plan? Submit a notice to initiate
If a local government is ready to begin the process, they must submit a notice of intent to initiate a Plan. We will respond within 30 days to schedule a consultation meeting. Prior to submitting a notice of intent, please review the required information for a notice of intent in the RSAP.
See steps for Plan approval
Need help? Meet your subregional liaison
Each city and county is supported by a dedicated staff member serving as a subregional liaison, offering tailored assistance based on each area’s unique needs.
For questions about the RSAP or Plans, contact your subregional liaison.
Resources
Explore Plan Resources
The Plan Resources page offers tools and support for creating Plans, securing funding, and advancing adaptation strategies. These resources will be updated regularly.
Plan Progress Tracker
The Progress Tracker shows the progress each city or county is making in creating their Plans and will be updated regularly as new data is available.
RSAP Atlas
The RSAP Atlas is an online mapping tool built to support local governments, communities, and consultants in creating Plans. The Atlas provides access to regionally consistent datasets on existing conditions, coastal hazards, Strategic Regional Priorities, assets at risk of flood exposure, and support for adaptation strategies. The RSAP Atlas allows users to:
- Explore coastal hazards
- Export jurisdiction-specific submittals and summaries
- Download GIS datasets
The Atlas provides access to the majority of data required to complete a Plan. However, users are responsible for reviewing, validating, and supplementing this regional analysis with local data to ensure compliance with the RSAP Guidelines.
The RSAP Altas is currently under development.