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Marina adopts resolution to submit sea-level-rise amendments to Local Coastal Program; council prepares to seek Coastal Commission certification
Summary
After multi-year technical studies and stakeholder outreach, the Marina City Council adopted sea-level-rise amendments to the city’s Local Coastal Program and authorized staff to submit the package to the California Coastal Commission for certification.
The Marina City Council voted unanimously to adopt Local Coastal Program (LCP) amendments addressing sea level rise and coastal hazards and authorized the city manager to submit the amendments to the California Coastal Commission for certification.
Staff and consultants presented the years-long process and technical work that informed the amendments. Planning Manager Lisonbee Hunter and consultant Dave Revel (Integral Consulting) summarized vulnerability assessments, social-vulnerability analyses, outreach with public agencies and property owners and a policy framework that emphasizes reducing dune erosion, opportunistic beach nourishment and “managed retreat” over hard shoreline armoring. The staff presentation stressed that most parcels in the hazard zone are publicly owned (Marina Coast Water District, regional park and state parks) and that several existing permits already restrict future armoring on specific parcels.
The proposed LCP language includes: (1) an explicit prohibition on future shoreline protection devices within the city’s mapped coastal dune erosion hazard zone; (2) a screening and report requirement for development in identified hazard zones, including a 75-year erosion setback methodology; (3) required coastal-hazard response plans and deed restrictions for new or redevelopment in higher-risk zones; and (4) an opportunistic beach-nourishment program to allow permitted, pre-reviewed sand placement projects to offset erosion hot spots when appropriate.
Council members raised technical and outreach questions and asked staff to ensure maps and appendices are clear and accessible. After discussion, Councilmember McCarthy moved to adopt the amendments and authorize submission to the Coastal Commission, including staff work to refine language about interagency coordination; the motion passed unanimously (4-0). Staff cautioned certification timing is controlled by the Coastal Commission; the council may be asked to consider the commission’s edits if the commission proposes modifications.
Ending: Staff said the coastal commission review may be lengthy and could result in changes; the city will work to refine maps and supportive technical appendices and to coordinate regionally on opportunistic nourishment and monitoring.
