Public access

BCDC helps create and protect public access to the Bay and shoreline. Explore public access policies, guidance, permitting information, and resources for planning and designing shoreline access projects.

Image credit: Ben Botkin

How does public access work at BCDC?

Under the McAteer-Petris Act, most Bay shoreline development must include public access to the water. Most new development that BCDC permits along the Bay shoreline must include public access to the water. BCDC keeps these areas open and can take action if access is blocked.

If you are a permit applicant,  visit our permitting program to learn more about incorporating public access into your project and our public access design guidelines.

Current Efforts

Shoreline Plants Guide update

BCDC has a Shoreline Plants Guide. The Guide helps permit applicants, consultants, and the public to create shoreline landscapes that will:

  • Support wildlife habitat
  • Protect shorelines
  • Create thoughtful, inclusive outdoor spaces

We are updating the Guide to better serve users and to include the latest science and new ideas. The goal of this effort is to keep the San Francisco Bay shoreline healthy, attractive, and resilient over time.

How you can participate

illustration of a green willow branch

 

 

 

Partners

  • Bay Trail
    BCDC works closely with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, Caltrans, the State Coastal Conservancy, Save the Bay, and local partners to complete the San Francisco Bay Trail, a planned 500-mile trail around the Bay.
  • Bay Area Water Trail 
    In partnership with the State Coastal Conservancy and the San Francisco Estuary Partnership, BCDC helps create sites for water-based recreation all throughout the Bay.
  • Outdoors For All

    As part of the California Natural Resources Agency, BCDC supports the State of California’s efforts to make the outdoors more accessible for everyone.