CPOA ANNUAL MEETING 9/15/19, Seascape Resort 2 – 4 P.m
CPOA-SC will hold it’s Annual Meeting on Sunday September 15, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. at the Seascape Resort – Seascape Room. Featured Speaker: Professor Gary Griggs, noted expert on Sea Level Rise, Coastal Erosion, and Sand Migration
Notes From CCC Local Government Workshop 7/12/19
Notes taken by Steve Forer, President, CPOA-SC, do not necessarily represent the proceedings of the workshop or views of the participants. Audio Transcripts can be obtained from CCC, upon written request.
There were 12 CC Commissioners and 13 County and City officials from all over CA present, along with over 120 public and special interest organization representatives. Surfrider’s Association has over 12 representatives from different chapters present to provide public comment. There was only one hour allowed for public comment and each person was allowed only 1 minute. The rest of the workshop was dedicated to an exchange of issues and concerns between the CCC and local government officials. There were three topics on the Agenda: 1) Short Term Vacation Rentals (STRs), 2) Sea Level Rise (SLR), and 3) Local Coastal Program (LCP) Development Process. Below is a summary of the issues raised and identified goals for next steps.
Supreme Court Gives Land Owners Freedom To Sue On Federal Level
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that property owners can go straight to federal court to fight claims that local or state government prevented them from using their land as they see fit. The decision overturned a long-held precedent that trapped property owners in what Chief Justice John Roberts described as a Catch-22.
Coastal Commission – Local Government Workshop July 12, 2019, San Luis Obispo
The California Coastal Commission will be holding a joint workshop with the League of Cities and California State Association of Counties to discuss City and County issues and concerns related to interactions with the Commission on Short-Term Rentals, Sea Level Rise, and the Local Coastal Program process.
California Coastal Commission Fines Ritz-Carlton $1.6 Million For Sins Of Omissi
“Half Moon Bay hotel gets $1.6M fine for blocking beach access,” headlines an Associated Press report, but how such “blocking” took place is not exactly clear. As the June 14 piece explains, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) has fined the Ritz-Carlton hotel $1.6 million for “failing to provide public access to its nearby beaches.” The hotel “failed to display signs informing the public that beaches are free and open to anyone” and may have come up short on what the Commission wanted by way of free parking for beachgoers not staying at the hotel. So the $1.6 million fine was for what the Ritz-Carlton did not do, not for any actual “blocking” of beachgoers.
Santa Barbara Posts Updated LCP Information
Commission certified the updated Coastal LUP, with suggested modifications. The updated Coastal LUP modernizes the 1981 Coastal LUP, builds upon the 2011 General Plan, and implements standards that clarify the coastal development review process and align with the California Coastal Act. The updated Coastal LUP demonstrates the City’s continued commitment to providing access for all to the beach, protection of the natural resources and the built environment, and appropriate uses of land including our vibrant waterfront, all of which make Santa Barbara so special.
Sea Level Rise is occurring and will continue to increase in the future. The physical risks to Santa Barbara’s Coastal Zone include shoreline erosion and degradation, decreased beach widths, amplified storm surges, and inundation of coastal flood waters. There is a need for the City and the community to understand this emerging issue, analyze the risks, and consider possible actions to prepare and adapt to the impacts of sea level rise.
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Request To Defer Vote On LCP Until 9/24/19 PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND
Staff is now requesting a
deferral of the public hearing and consideration of the materials on two dates: a public
hearing to occur on August 27, 2019 for Noise and Airports amendments, and a public
hearing to occur on September 24, 2019 for the Safety Element and implementing
hazard/resource ordinances. This approach is proposed based on recent productive
working sessions/input with coastal staff and stakeholders, and will allow additional time
to refine the proposed policy amendments to address concerns of Coastal Commission
staff and local property owners. Staff would present the Planning Commission
recommendations to the Board at the public hearings, but would also expect to present
alternate policy/ordinance materials for the Board’s consideration.
County Supervisors Set To Review Proposed LCP On 9/24/19
County Planning Staff is now requesting a deferral of the public hearing and consideration of the materials on two dates: a public hearing to occur on August 27, 2019 for Noise and Airports amendments, and a public hearing to occur on September 24, 2019 for the Safety Element and implementing hazard/resource ordinances. This approach is proposed based on recent productive working sessions with coastal staff and stakeholders, and will allow additional time to refine the proposed policy amendments to address concerns of Coastal Commission staff and local property owners.
Calif. Uses Untested Powers For ‘managed Retreat’
The commission, in response to the growing confidence of scientists, wants beach cities and counties to plan for climate impacts. One of its most controversial policies could force homeowners to abandon their seaside houses.