Planning commission approves Westport trail access project with conditions on easements and accessibility

Mendocino County Planning Commission on a unanimous vote approved Coastal Development Use Permit U2023-0012 to establish a recreational segment of the California Coastal Trail near Westport, including a five‑space parking lot (one accessible stall), a stairway to the bluff, informational signage and a trail reroute set farther inland for safety.

The permit, presented by project planner Shelby Miller of Mendocino County Planning and Building Services, covers a lateral bluff‑top trail and a vertical connection from a small parking area to the lateral trail near 39000 North Highway 1, about 1.5 miles north of Westport. The staff report described a biological report and a management plan prepared by the applicant to avoid identified environmentally sensitive habitat areas.

The commission’s approval included edits to conditions requiring an offer to dedicate and to accessibility and signage conditions after extended discussion among…