Delta Protection Act

    The Delta Protection Commission was created by the Delta Protection Act of 1992 (Act), codified in the Public Resources Code (PRC) beginning with section 29700, and most recently amended by SBX7-1 in November 2009. The Act declared that the Delta is a natural resource of statewide, national, and international significance, containing irreplaceable resources, and that it is the policy of the State to recognize, preserve, and protect those resources of the Delta for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations, in a manner that protects and enhances the unique values of the Delta as an evolving place (PRC sections 29701-2).  The Commission is a forum for Delta residents to engage in decisions regarding actions to recognize and enhance the unique cultural, recreational, and agricultural resources of the Delta [PRC section 29703.5(a)]. The Commission is also guided by regulations found in the California Code of Regulations, Title XIV, Division 9.

    In September of 1992, the California Legislature declared that the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, consisting of approximately 738,000 acres, is a natural resource of statewide, national, and international significance, containing irreplaceable resources and that it is the policy of the State to recognize, preserve, and protect those resources for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations.

    Recognizing the possible threat to Delta resources from urban encroachment, with the potential to significantly impact agriculture, wildlife habitat, and recreation uses, former Senator Patrick Johnston sponsored legislation (SB 1866) leading to the adoption of the Delta Protection Act. The Act was signed by the Governor on September 23, 1992, with subsequent amendments in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 and renamed the Delta Reform Act in 2009. It is codified in the State Public Resources Code beginning with Sections 297000.

    The Act includes mandates for the designation of primary and secondary zones within the legal Delta, creation of a Delta Protection Commission, and completion of a Land Use and Resource Management Plan for the Primary Zone of the Delta.

    Delta Protection Act of 1992

    Chapters: 

    1. Findings and Declarations
    2. Definitions
    3. Organization
    4. Powers and duties of the Commission
    5. Resource Management Plan
    6. Appeal and Judicial Review
    7. Financial Provisions
    8. Annual Report