Enforcement

Report a potential violation

Anyone can report alleged violations to BCDC staff for investigation. Highest priority is given to reports that allege the most harm to the Bay’s natural resources, or the greatest failure to provide public access or mitigation required by a BCDC permit.

If you believe you have witnessed a violation, please fill out an online enforcement report form or contact us to speak with a staff member. Be prepared to share your contact information, a detailed description and location of the alleged violation, and photographs of the alleged violation (if possible) to aid in our investigation. If you provide an e-mail address, we will send you a follow-up e-mail to confirm that we have received your report. Feel free to e-mail any additional information or follow-up questions to info@bcdc.ca.gov.

Once Enforcement staff confirms that a violation exists, they work with the alleged violator to resolve the violation. The majority of violations are resolved at the staff level using the standardized fines provided in BCDC’s regulations. However, the most serious violations are referred to the Commission’s Enforcement Committee or to the State Attorney General’s Office for prosecution.