SEA means Significant Ecological Area. Los Angeles County designates these areas to conserve important biological resources. The SEA program includes development-review requirements and standards intended to protect habitat while allowing reasonable use of private property.
Understand the current rules and proposed updates
- Official County SEA program — program information and guidance.
- SEA program update, proposed maps, and FAQs — information about proposed boundary and ordinance changes and how to look up a property.
The existing SEA ordinance took effect January 16, 2020. The County’s program-update page describes proposed revisions separately. A proposed map is not the same as an adopted designation; consult the County for the status and requirements affecting a particular parcel.
For property-specific questions or current participation opportunities, contact the County SEA program at sea@planning.lacounty.gov. For Council correspondence, email atc@actontowncouncil.org.
Historical Council reference materials — 2018
The materials below were posted in 2018 and are retained for historical context. Use the official County links above for current maps and requirements.
Historical alternative to the draft SEA ordinance (PDF, posted 2018)
Overview and official resource links reviewed October 21, 2026.
