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Dana Point council clears language change to allow replacement of out-of-service funicular
Summary
The City Council voted to advance a local coastal program amendment that replaces the word “funicular” with “strand transit system” in the Headlands Development and Conservation Plan, a step staff says will let the city pursue modern replacement options after the funicular fell into disrepair.
The Dana Point City Council voted Jan. 21 to advance amendments to the Headlands Development and Conservation Plan that replace the terms “funicular” and “inclined elevator” with the broader term “strand transit system,” clearing the way to pursue modern replacement technologies for the system that has been out of service for years.
The measure moves forward as part of a local coastal program amendment (LCPA 24-00001) staff intends to submit to the California Coastal Commission for certification. City planner John Ciampa said the change is limited to terminology and would not alter hours or access requirements in the Headlands plan.
"The proposed amendments are to replace the terms funicular and inclined elevator with a more general term, strand transit system," Ciampa said during the staff presentation, adding that the change is intended to preserve the original intent of the Headlands Development and Conservation Plan while giving the city flexibility to use newer, supported technology. He noted the original system was subject to corrosion and obsolescence and that parts are no longer available.
The LCPA follows the city's earlier use of a temporary shuttle to meet Coastal Commission requirements while the funicular has been out of operation. Residents from the Strands neighborhood urged quicker action. "The funicular has been out of service for years," Strand resident Swati Patel told council, saying residents had been told the estimated replacement cost is roughly $10,000,000 and asking the city to set a clear timeline and improved communication with the Strand subcommittee.
Another Strand resident, Vincent Giovinazzo, said the funicular serves people with mobility limitations and called for a cost-effective replacement or alternative that restores public access.
City staff said they have coordinated with Coastal Commission staff and are pursuing an engineered feasibility study and subsequent coastal development permit; Planning Commission review is the identified local review step before construction and termination of the temporary shuttle service.
Council members discussed the city's historical role in operating the funicular and noted the system was originally a developer and HOA obligation that the city later assumed. Councilmember Tim Gabbard urged selecting technology that accounts for long-term maintenance and parts availability to avoid repeating past issues.
The council approved the staff recommendation to submit the amendment for certification and to proceed toward a second reading and formal submittal to the Coastal Commission. The vote was recorded as in favor and the motion carried.
Staff will complete the feasibility study, pursue a coastal development permit if feasible, and return to the council with design and entitlement steps.
Why it matters: The language change removes a regulatory barrier that has limited the city to legacy technology. If a modern transit solution is approved, it would restore an access route used by elderly residents and people with disabilities and terminate the temporary shuttle arrangement the city currently operates to meet coastal access requirements.
