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Planning commission approves safety railing at Capistrano Beach Park entrance
Summary
The planning commission approved Coastal Development Permit CDP25‑0022 to install an approximately 140‑foot, 42‑inch high open‑cable safety railing along the sidewalk at the Capistrano Beach Park entrance to address a 30‑inch drop to riprap; the County will permit and ensure CBC compliance.
The Dana Point Planning Commission on Dec. 8 approved a coastal development permit (CDP25‑0022) to construct an open‑cable pedestrian safety railing along the sidewalk at the Capistrano Beach Park entrance at 35005 Beach Road.
Senior planner Danny Giamatti and staff explained that, following storm damage and riprap placement, the sidewalk in places drops roughly 30 inches to riprap and that a safety railing is needed for pedestrian safety and ADA considerations. Staff described the proposed railing as an open‑cable design with metal posts that would be installed on top of the sidewalk (not on the beach) and would span about 140 linear feet in the area immediately north of the beach entrance. “So from pedestrian safety standpoint and ADA compliance requirements, it was required that, you know, that they install a safety railing,” Giamatti said.
Commissioners asked about the spacing between horizontal cables and child safety. Commissioner Dhingra noted concerns about younger children getting their necks caught in certain rail designs: “There have been instances where some younger kids, you know, 10 years or younger, they've had their neck stuck in them.” County representatives and staff indicated the horizontal spacing in the design is 4 inches and that the County will pull permits and ensure the installation complies with the California Building Code.
Makana Nova, coastal resource manager with Orange County Parks, said the county reviewed and agreed with the conditions of approval and was available to answer questions. Commissioners said the railing is a straightforward safety improvement that preserves public access and addresses a documented hazard; a motion to approve CDP25‑0022 was made and seconded and passed by voice vote with all present voting “Aye.”
The approval allows the County to proceed with permit applications and installation; plan review and permitting through the County will ensure final spacing and compliance with building codes.
