Pacifica planning commission finds 2025–2030 capital improvement program consistent with general plan

Pacifica Planning Commission members on June 2 voted to find the City of Pacifica’s draft 2025–2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) consistent with the city’s 2040 General Plan, and separately approved a consistency finding for the Lower Linda Mar sewer rehabilitation project.

The commission’s formal role is to determine general-plan consistency before the City Council considers the CIP; budget appropriations are decided by the council. “The issue that’s before you tonight is whether it’s consistent with the general plan, and the funding is a matter decided by the city council,” Deputy Director of Community Development Brianne Herkucha told commissioners during her staff report.

The commission first took public comment and then handled a recusal and separate vote on the Lower Linda Mar rehabilitation project because Commissioner Godwin said the project directly benefits him and stepped out for that item. Commissioners then adopted a separate resolution finding that the Lower Linda Mar project is consistent with the general plan. That motion passed by roll call vote with five commissioners present and Commissioner Godwin absent. After Commissioner Godwin returned, the commission voted to find the remainder of the 2025–2030 CIP consistent with the general plan.

What the commission decided and why The Planning Commission’s action does not appropriate funds; it forwards a finding of general-plan consistency to the City Council, which will consider funding and final adoption. Staff told the commission that the CIP is a five-year planning tool listing new and ongoing capital projects; the packet included a draft CIP and financial attachments. Deputy Director of Public Works Roland Yip told the public where to find budget details in the packet: “If you look at our packet page 77, that’s gonna have a breakdown of those projects.”

Commissioners asked procedural and timing questions, and one commissioner asked that the CIP not be scheduled on a meeting with another major item in future so the commission can give it more attention. Staff replied the CIP must follow a constrained calendar tied to council and budget deadlines.

Key procedural details and next steps - Lower Linda Mar rehabilitation: the commission voted to adopt a resolution finding that the specific project is consistent with the 2040 General Plan (separate staff-prepared resolution). Vote: unanimous among present commissioners; Commissioner Godwin recused for that item. - Remainder of the CIP: after Godwin returned the commission adopted a resolution finding the draft 2025–2030 CIP consistent with the 2040 General Plan. That finding will go to the City Council, which has authority over funding and appropriations.

What was raised in public comment Resident Mike Wallman asked where the public could find the CIP financials and said the commission lacked a visual about suggested spending. Staff and the public works deputy directed him to the meeting packet and to prior council materials where the budget breakdown and new projects are listed.

Why it matters The commission’s consistency finding is a required step under California law before council action. The CIP contains planned public-works projects that affect streets, sewers, parks and other infrastructure. Council approval will determine which projects are funded and when work will proceed.

What’s next The Planning Commission’s consistency findings and the draft CIP will go to the City Council for review, budget decisions and potential appropriation of funds. Public hearings and council decisions will address funding and project priorities.