Planning commission approves coastal permit to convert vacant Moss Beach lot into small parklet

The San Mateo County Planning Commission on March 26 approved a coastal development permit (County file PLN2024-00124) to convert a vacant residential parcel at 999 Ocean Boulevard in the Seal Cove area of Moss Beach into a small neighborhood parklet, voting 4-0. Commissioner Ramirez moved approval and Commissioner Hansen seconded.

Project planner Mike Schaller told the commission the applicant — listed in the staff report as Blue Sky Designs Inc. and a property owner name that was recorded inconsistently in the transcript — proposes passive recreation features, not a playground. "The project before you today is a request for a coastal development permit to convert a vacant previously developed residential parcel into a neighborhood parklet," Schaller said. The plan calls for approximately half the lot to be covered with decomposed granite, a concrete walkway to Ocean Boulevard, two circular terraces built of rough-cut granite boulders about 2 feet high, and a low seat wall atop the second terrace. Landscaping will use native trees, plants and grasses, including Ceanothus, coffeeberry and golden cypress.

Schaller said the highest hardscape on the lot would be about 116 feet above sea level compared with the demolished residence's maximum building height of about 135 feet above sea level. He said a demolition permit was issued Jan. 17 and the residence has already been removed. The planner also noted the usual requirement for a bluff stability report under policy 9.8 of the county Local Coastal Program was waived for this project but that standard coastal-hazard conditions were added to the permit.

A nearby resident, Sid Young, spoke in support of the donation but asked whether the site would include a receptacle and regular collection for dog waste. "We do get a lot of people with dogs... I'm wondering if this particular parklet will have a... container for canine feces and also if there's going to be a regular collection of said container," Young said. Schaller and county staff confirmed the applicant's submitted plans do not show trash receptacles and noted the county may require the property owner to obtain garbage service if the site generates persistent refuse. County staff pointed to Condition 10 in Attachment A of the staff report, which says it is the sole responsibility of the property owner to maintain the subject park, that trash and other debris shall be removed on a regular basis, and that landscaping and irrigation shall be maintained to avoid weeds, flammable vegetation, erosion and off‑site deposition.

Commissioners discussed whether to add an explicit requirement for on‑site trash service; staff indicated the maintenance requirement in Condition 10 already addresses refuse removal and that the county can require garbage service if problems develop. Commissioners also confirmed the county parks department will not accept maintenance responsibility for the site; ownership and maintenance will fall to the landowner or the land trust that will receive the donation.

The commission adopted the required findings and conditions of approval contained in Attachment A and approved the coastal development permit by voice vote. The file will reflect the Planning Commission's action; the property will be owned and maintained by the Coastside Land Trust according to the staff report.