SAN DIEGO -- The state Coastal Commission approved a revised land-use plan for La Jolla intended to better protect open space, views and coastal bluffs, it was reported Thursday.

"This is a great day for La Jolla," Sherri Lightner of the La Jolla Town Council told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "It represents the culmination of 20 years of work."

Coastal Commissioner and San Diego City Councilman Scott Peters told the newspaper that the approval of the plan would replace a cumbersome set of conflicting plans and zoning regulations and promote more sensitive development.

Joanne Pearson, a longtime La Jolla activist, said the revised land-use plan would greatly enhance protections for hillsides, which are increasingly facing development pressure.

In addition, the plan would also make it more difficult to tear down cottage-style, ocean-front homes and replace them with larger dwellings.

The plan would require ocean-front construction to remain at least 40 feet away from the edge of a bluff. Additionally, anyone building an ocean-front home would be required to sign a deed restriction waiving their right to seek a permit for a sea wall or other shoreline protection.

Property owners who wish to do remodeling requiring demolition of 50 percent or more of the existing structure would be subjected to the more restrictive development rules and setback requirements.

Not everyone was happy with the commission's decision.

Land-use attorney Matt Peterson said the new restrictions would impinge on the rights of property owners.

"Your staff has taken away a significant chunk of private property rights," Peterson said.

The plan must now be approved by the San Diego City Council.