Does a Rising Tide Lift All Boats? Sea Level Rise, Land Use and Property Rights

This Article considers sea level rise and land use adaptation strategies which balance safety and well-being with private property rights. Following the introduction in Part I, Part II provides background on the sea level rise problem and its projected acceleration. Part III describes physical and economic impacts of sea level rise. Part IV explains a range of adaptation responses, including an innovative model that can be tested in San Diego. Part V explores expected legal challenges to sea level rise adaptation strategies and likely outcomes. The Article focuses on California, but the problems, solutions and challenges pervade coastal communities everywhere.