Seal Beach council accepts EIR for Hellman Ranch solar, remands approval to planning commission
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Summary
After extensive public comment from tribal representatives, environmental advocates and neighbors, the council accepted the applicant’s request to prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the Hellman Ranch solar proposal and remanded the project to the Planning Commission and Environmental Quality Control Board; the applicant will pay EIR costs.
The Seal Beach City Council on Feb. 23 accepted the Hellman Ranch solar project applicant’s decision to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and remanded the matter to the Planning Commission and the Environmental Quality Control Board for further review, with the applicant to bear the cost of the EIR. The council voted 5-0 to set aside the Planning Commission’s prior minor use permit approval pending completion of the EIR.
The decision followed more than an hour of public comment during which tribal leaders, environmental groups and neighborhood residents urged thorough environmental review and consideration of alternatives. Jamie Rocha of the Gabrielino Shoshone Nation asked the city to “include and uplift indigenous voices” in decisions affecting the Los Cerritos Wetlands. Environmental advocate Anna Christensen said she supported an EIR “to study alternatives,” and Susan Perel, who reviewed the project’s initial study, said she was “really happy” the proponent chose to prepare an EIR and encouraged participation in the Notice of Preparation scoping process.
City staff told the council the applicant notified the city it intends to prepare an EIR and that no final action on the project would be taken until the EIR is prepared and processed through the planning commission and environmental review board. Community Director Temple recommended the council accept the request, set aside the planning commission approval, and remand the case; Council Member Sinegal moved the recommendation and Mayor Pro Tem Wong seconded it. Council members voted unanimously to accept the recommendation.
Why it matters: The Hellman property borders fragile coastal wetlands that speakers said provide habitat, flood buffering and cultural resources. Several commenters urged the city to require an alternatives analysis under CEQA that meaningfully evaluates rooftop and distributed-generation options to avoid ecological conflict and litigation risk. Staff and environmental speakers noted that adjacency effects—construction vibration, fencing, lighting and maintenance—can degrade wetland function even if panels are not placed directly in a wetland.
What happens next: The city will proceed with the EIR process (Notice of Preparation and scoping) and remand the project to the Planning Commission and Environmental Quality Control Board for further action should the applicant proceed. Several speakers and staff encouraged broad participation in the EIR scoping phase so the study addresses concerns about wildlife, cultural resources and alternatives.
Quotes (from the hearing): “We just want to sit at the seat with Hellman and see what their vision is,” said Nicholas Rocha of the Gabrielino Shoshone Nation. “I’m also really happy that the project proponent has decided to do an EIR,” said Susan Perel, who had reviewed the initial study. Community Director Temple recommended the remand and explained the Planning Commission approval would be set aside unless and until an EIR is prepared and certified.
Authorities and process notes: The council’s action initiates CEQA-level environmental review (EIR). Staff referenced tribal consultation under Assembly Bill 52 and the planned roles of California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Army Corps of Engineers in delineating wetlands. The cost of the EIR was stated on the record as the applicant’s responsibility.
The council’s motion carried 5-0. The city will publish the Notice of Preparation and notify interested parties and tribes about scoping opportunities.
