There’s not a single small-business owner who hasn’t had to navigate the tricky waters of government regulations and the permitting process.

For those trying to do business along California’s coast, however, the difficulties are greatly exacerbated by that forever present sea monster known as the California Coastal Commission.

NFIB members Beth and Marshall Booth, owners of Oceanside-based Spaces Renewed, build and renovate homes and have many customers with coastal property. The contortions they and their clients must go through even to install a basement or fortify a sea wall can only make you wonder why anyone would do business in California.

“What Coastal wants is for the coastline to become natural again, so if every single house falls into the ocean, they’re actually happy with that,” said Beth Booth. “Even if you’re allowed to do something per law, they will punitively say ‘don’t think so.’ Well show me why I can’t do that. ‘Nope, don’t have to. Sorry, move along. Next!’”

Add rising costs to bureaucratic intransigence, and cloudy along the coast has become the permanent economic forecast. “The only thing surpassing inflation right now is the cost of construction in our industry,” said Marshall Booth, who is having to restructure some of his businesses’ contracts. “Even with deep pockets, you have a breaking point. This is your home you’re talking about and the difference of 15% can literally ruin everything you’ve saved your entirely life to be able to do.”

Click the arrow below to listen to this very interesting podcast with Beth and Marshall Booth and click here to listen to all past podcasts.