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- -ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
The Shoreline Management Division administers comprehensive local, state and federal efforts to maintain and improve the City’s shoreline and beach re-nourishment programs. These programs remain a top priority for Solana Beach in order to provide recreational opportunities for the City’s residents and visitors and to protect the City’s bluff properties and structures. Funding for these programs is comprised of local, state and federal resources.
- Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project
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Final Integrated Feasibility Study and Final EIS/EIR
Encinitas and Solana Beach Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project
The Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) was prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, City of Solana Beach & City of Encinitas Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project to identify and evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project. The EIS/EIR was filed with the State Clearinghouse, County Clerk and Environmental Protection Agency and was available to interested parties for review and comment from May 22, 2015 through June 22, 2015 pursuant to regulations of the President's Council on Environmental Quality for implementing NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508 and in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) [Public Resources Code §21000, et seq.] and the 2015 State CEQA Guidelines [California Code of Regulations §15000, et seq.]. The USACE is the Lead Agency for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Cities of Encinitas and Solana Beach are the Lead Agencies for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
More information, including a link to the Integrated Report and Final EIS/EIR, may be found on the following website:
http://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/ProjectsStudies/SolanaEncinitasShorelineStudy.aspxSolana Beach-Encinitas Shoreline Study
Notice of Completion and Availability Final EIR & EIS
- Final Master Environmental Impact Report - Solana Beach Shoreline Ordinance
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In 1994 the City of Solana Beach adopted a Shoreline and Coastal Bluff Ordinance superseding the previously existing and inherited County standards. Since then, in response to increased rates of bluff erosion and loss of beach sand associated with El Nino, concern has also increased over balancing public safety, property rights and environmental resources.
In 2002, the City prepared an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to revisit the issue as to how, if at all, it may be appropriate to modify the existing Ordinance or seek other policy alternatives for managing the 1.7 mile City coastline. The EIR also addresses geology, soils, land use, biology, recreation, public access, population, housing, aesthetics and utilities. The EIR is also intended to be helpful to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the preparation of their much larger and more encompassing studies of the Solana Beach and Encinitas coastline. In 2007, the City recertified the Master EIR for another five years continuing to make the EIR suitable for tiering certain identified subsequent projects identified in the Master EIR including non-emergency bluff retention device projects. The recertified Final EIR can be downloaded and viewed from this website by selecting the appropriate link below.Final Solana Beach Shoreline and Coastal Bluff Management Strategies Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
Appendices that accompany the Final EIR - Land Use Plan
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(Updated February 2019)
At a public hearing of Solana Beach City Council on February 27, 2013, the City Council adopted the California Coastal Commission (CCC) modified and approved Local Coastal Program (LCP) Land Use Plan (LUP) under Solana Beach City Council Resolution 2013-018. The adopted LUP incorporates all of the CCC-staff Suggested Modifications approved by the CCC.
At the public hearing held on February 27, 2013, the City Council also directed City Staff to begin preparing a Land Use Plan Amendment (LUPA) to modify some of the key provisions in the LUP relating primarily to bluff top development and shoreline protection. This LUPA was developed in conjunction with CCC staff and interested stakeholders and was issued for a six-week public review and comment period in March 2013.
Following the closure of the public review period, the City Council approved Resolution 2013-047 on May 22, 2013, allowing the draft LUPA to be finalized for submittal to the CCC. The LUPA was approved by the CCC with modifications on January 9, 2014. Subsequently, at the April 11, 2014 meeting, the CCC approved revised findings.
A public hearing was held on June 11, 2014, and the City Council approved the CCC modified LUPA. The updated LUP with all Amendments as adopted by the City Council under Resolution 2014-060 on June 11, 2014, is provided below.The City of Solana Beach has been actively engaged in the preparation of a Local Coastal Program (LCP) Land Use Plan (LUP) since 2000. In October 2011, the City of Solana Beach submitted its 7th draft Local Coastal Program (LCP) Land Use Plan (LUP) to the California Coastal Commission (CCC). In March 2012, the CCC rejected the City’s LUP and instead approved a modified version of the LUP incorporating approximately 150 CCC staff-initiated changes to the City’s LUP. The City Council adopted this LUP on February 27, 2013.
The LCP LUP contains key strategies and policies to provide comprehensive citywide land use planning and sustainable development and shoreline protection policies focused on local conditions, goals, and interests. The LCP is a planning document prepared by cities and counties for areas within the coastal zone as required by the California Coastal Act of 1976. The Coastal Act is intended to ensure that the coastal areas of California are utilized and/or developed in a manner responsive to Statewide public objectives.
The City's LCP consists of the adopted Land Use Plan (LUP) and will include a future Local Implementation Plan (LIP) (i.e., the implementing zoning ordinances and maps) which together meet the Coastal Act requirements and implement its provisions and policies within the City. California Coastal Commission (CCC) certification of an LCP, followed by the City's adoption, is required to implement an LCP fully.
The LCP LUP can be viewed online on the City’s website and in person at the Community Development Department at the City of Solana Beach City Hall, 635 South Highway 101, Solana Beach, California, 92075.
The electronic version of the LUP (as Amended through February 2019) is provided below.
City of Solana Beach Local Coastal Plan - complete document (large file)LUP Certification Letter Cover
Amendment Tracking Table
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Public Access and Recreation
Chapter 3 Marine and Land Resources
Chapter 4 Hazards Shoreline Bluff Development
Chapter 5 New Development
Chapter 6 Scenic and Visual Resources
Chapter 7 Public Works
Chapter 8 Definitions
Chapter 9 References
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Glossary of Terms - Regional Beach Sand Projects
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The second Regional Beach Sand Project (RBSP) is moving forward and will begin placing sand on local beaches between August to November 2012. Additional detail on the timing of the placement of sand on the City's beaches is expected to be available in January 2012 following contractor selection. Solana Beach is expecting to receive approximately 140,000 cubic yards of sand from the RBSP #2. SANDAG is currently in the process of securing the necessary regulatory permits needed to implement the project. The Final EIR/EA was adopted by the SANDAG Board of Directors on May 27, 2011 following a 45-day public review and comment period. A copy of the document is available for public review at the Planning Counter at City Hall and can be viewed electronically here.
In 2001 SANDAG initiated the first RBSP and placed 140,000 cubic yards of sand on the City's beaches. Coastal cities that are participating in the second RBSP include Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside and Imperial Beach, Solana Beach and other coastal cities are working together with SANDAG to advance a repeat of the successful 2001 project which brought more than 2 million cubic yards of sand to beaches in the region. The Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was certified by the SANDAG Board of Directors on May 27, 2011 and can be viewed at the link below. SANDAG has initiated the process of obtaining the required regulatory permits from the California Coastal Commission, Regional Water Quality Control Board, California State Lands Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. SANDAG has received funding from the State Department of Boating and Waterways to fund 85% of the project cost for the RBSP 2. These funds come from the Public Beach Restoration Act Fund and require a 15% match from the local cities participating in the RBSP 2 (which include Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Imperial Beach).
For further details please visit the SANDAG website. - Regional Coastal Sediment Management Plan
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Solana Beach is an active participant with SANDAG in developing the Regional Coastal Sediment Management Plan. The SANDAG RSMP is part of a larger statewide effort underway to more effectively manage coastal sediments which began in 2007. The Management Plan builds upon what has been developed for the California Coastal Sediment Management Master Plan, which has a goal of developing a process that facilitates the management of sand on a regional basis. The Regional Management Plan is a guidance and policy document that will discuss how management of sediment targeted at coastal erosion can be implemented in an expeditious, cost-effective, and resource-protective manner throughout the San Diego region. The sediment sources identified as part of the Regional Management Plan can be placed on regional beaches under the SCOOP and regional projects.
On April 2, 2009, the SANDAG Shoreline Working Group recommended approval of the RSMP to the Regional Planning Committee (RPC). On April 3, the RPC approved the RSMP and on April 24, 2009 the RSMP was approved by the SANDAG Board of Directors. A link to SANDAG and Statewide Coastal Sediment Management Plan is provided below:http://www.dbw.ca.gov/csmw/crsmp.aspx
- San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project
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The City of Solana Beach is working with the City of Encinitas as well as other regional, state and federal stakeholders to implement the San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project (SELRP). The San Elijo Lagoon forms the boundary between Solana Beach and Encinitas and is a coastal wetland with significant biological and ecological resources. Over the past several decades, the ecological system has gradually degraded due to urban development that has altered the hydrology and increased sedimentation within the lagoon. The goal of the SELRP is to enhance and restore the biological functions and values of the San Elijo Lagoon Reserve with a balance of habitat types. A restoration plan has been developed that would restore habitat functions and values of the lagoon consistent with the strategies identified in the San Elijo Lagoon Enhancement Plan (County of San Diego 1996) and the San Elijo Lagoon Action Plan (San Elijo Conservancy 1998). The Sand Elijo Lagoon Conservancy website can be viewed at:
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT/ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
The United States Army Corps of Engineers, in conjunction with the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation, has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for the proposed San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project (SELRP). San Elijo Lagoon is located in the city of Encinitas, San Diego County, California. The lagoon is the terminus of the Escondido Creek and La Orilla Creek watersheds at the Pacific Ocean. The SELRP is an effort to restore estuarine functions and services to the greatest extent practicable in light of permanent constraints. The Proposed Project would create a more connected gradient of habitat types relative to existing conditions through modifications to channels and habitat areas within the lagoon. The existing tidal inlet would remain in place, but hydraulic inefficiencies in the lagoon would be addressed through channel improvements. The Proposed Project has the potential to generate approximately 920,000 cubic yards of excess material through excavation. Beach quality materials would be placed as follows:
Onshore at Cardiff - 300,000 cubic yards Onshore at Fletcher Cove – 146,000 cubic yards Nearshore at Cardiff – 300,000 cubic yards Offshore Borrow Site SO6 – 174,000 cubic yardsThe SELRP is currently in the permitting stage with construction anticipated to begin in 2017-2018.
- Sand Compatibility And Opportunistic Use Program (SCOUP)
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The City of Solana Beach and other cities are working with SANDAG to promote the placement of opportunistically available beach-quality sand on our local beaches. The City of Solana Beach was the first City to obtain all of the federal, state and regional regulatory permits necessary to begin implementing this beach restoration program.
Permits were obtained from the California State Lands Commission, California Coastal Commission, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board. The City has identified several approved development projects in the City that will be generating beach quality sands in the next few years and is actively working with the property owners to encourage and promote the use of the opportunistically available material for placement on the City's beaches.
Please click for additional information from SANDAG.Existing Regulatory Approvals
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Permit
Regional Water Quality Control Board Permit
- Shoreline Protective Device
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In February 2013, the Solana Beach City Council adopted the California Coastal Commission (CCC) modified and approved Local Coastal Program (LCP) Land Use Plan (LUP) under Solana Beach City Council Resolution 2013-018. In conjunction with the on-going LCP certification process with the CCC, the City agreed to update the 2010 Land Lease/Recreation Impact Mitigation Fee Study that was initiated in 2008. The purpose of establishing the land lease/recreation fee is to compensate the public for the potential loss of recreational use of the public beach due to the installation of shoreline protective devices such as seawalls on public lands.
On May 28, 2014, the City Council approved an agreement with the CCC for an LCP Planning Grant (Round #1) in the amount of $120,000 to support the preparation of an update to the 2010 Land Lease/Recreation Impact Mitigation Fee Study for shoreline protection devices. The update was initiated in June 2014 to incorporate and reflect certified LUP policies and to review and address comments on the draft mitigation fee study received by the City in 2010.
At a meeting of the Solana Beach City Council on November 18, 2015, the City Council adopted Resolution 2015-123 issuing the updated Draft Public Recreation Fee Report/Study for a 60-day public review and comment period through January 19, 2015.In response to public comments, a revised 2016 Public Recreation Fee Study and the accompanying Land Use Plan Amendment have been published for a 6-week public review period, running from February 25, 2016 to April 7, 2016. The public notice is linked below.
At a public hearing held by the Solana Beach City Council held on April 13, 2016, the City Council adopted Resolution 2016-039 which directed City Staff to submit the 2016 Draft Fee Study and Draft LCP Land Use Plan Amendment (LUPA) to the CCC for review and processing. City Staff submitted both documents to the CCC on April 29, 2016 consistent with the terms of the LCP Planning Grant.
The CCC typically has 90- days to review and take action on LUPA’s; however, at the July 2016 meeting of the CCC in San Diego, the Commissioners voted to extend the CCC staff processing deadline by up to one year. Therefore, the CCC now has until April 29, 2017 to act on the City’s pending Draft Fee Study and related LUPA.
Additional information will be posted here when it becomes available.
Notice of Public Hearing and Availability
2016 Draft Fee Study (Submitted to the CCC on April 29, 2016)
2016 Draft Fee Study Technical Appendices (Submitted to the CCC on April 29, 2016)
(Note the Technical Appendix is just over 1,000 pages and make take a few minutes to download.)Draft Land Use Plan Amendment (Submitted to the CCC on April 29, 2016)
2015 Draft Fee Study Technical Appendices
(Note the Technical Appendix is 43 MB and is just over 1,000 pages and make take a few minutes to download.)January 12, 2016 Public Workshop Presentation
Copies of the Fee Study are also available for review at City Hall and the Solana Beach Public Library.
Fee Study Background and History
In 2008, the City initiated the Fee Study in an effort to establish a reliable methodology to accurately, and fairly determine net mitigation fees associated with shoreline protective devices to mitigate for the potential impacts on sand supply and public recreation. The City also evaluated the potential for offsetting factors relating to potential public safety benefits associated with shoreline protective devices. The City conducted various public information workshops on these fees in 2008 through 2010 and again in 2014.
In the interim, and in the absence of having established the fee, the City has been assessing new shoreline protective devices a $1,000 per linear foot fee deposit that will be applied to the actual fees once adopted by the City. At the urging of the CCC, in 2009 the City agreed to rely on the CCC methodology for assessing sand supply impacts associated with seawalls. The CCC methodology was adopted by the City Council and is contained in Appendix A to the Certified LUP.
As a result, the City redirected the efforts of the mitigation fee study to focus on identifying the potential public recreation effects of seawalls including identifying the value of the sandy beach. Initial data collection efforts were completed in July 2009. In April 2010, the Solana Beach City Council directed the release the draft report to the public for a 60-day review and comment period. In July 2010, the City issued a revised Land Lease/Recreation Fee Study which contains corrections and changes to the original report. The corrections and changes to the report are shown in redline/strikeout to facilitate and streamline public review. The public comment period concluded in October 2010.
The City received a variety of comment letters on the updated fee study prepared in 2010. The comments can be found below. The Draft 2015 Fee Study addressed/incorporated public comments received on the 2010 report. Below is the draft report that was prepared in 2010.
2010 Draft Land Lease / Recreation Fee Study
- Southern California Reef Technology Study At Fletcher Cove
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The City hosted a public roundtable discussion at City Hall on December 7, 2011 from 2-5pm to discuss the status and future of this project study and to identify and discuss both challenges and opportunities associated with building a sand retention reef. More than 30 people participated in this meeting including residents, surfers, biologists, engineers, and scientists and joined City Staff and Councilmembers in the productive discussion. In addition federal, state and regional regulatory agency staff from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Game, Regional Water Quality Control Board and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration also participated in this roundtable discussion.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Solana Beach have been working together since 2007 to develop the conceptual engineering design for an artificial reef located offshore from Fletcher Cove. The primary goal of the reef would be to retain sand to create a wider beach and reduce direct wave attack on the City's coastal bluffs. Secondary but important goals of the project are to provide recreational enhancement and biological resource value immediately offshore. The conceptual project is based on the multi-purpose conceptual reef planned for Ventura County (Oil Piers Reef). In April 2010, the USACE and the City completed the conceptual engineering design study for a submerged reef at Fletcher Cove. In January 2011, the City retained the firm of ASR to conduct a peer review of the techniques, methodologies and conclusions contained in the April 2010 report. In June 2011, the City retained Dr. Richard Seymour of Scripps Institution of Oceanography to independently evaluate both of the earlier technical reports. Copies of all three reports are available below.
Federal, State and local funding commitments for future phases of the project are being pursued to support the initiation of necessary environmental review, design and permitting activities.
Please check back for future updates.USACE Regional Sediment Management Demonstration Program
Fletcher Cove Reef Conceptual Design - March 2010
Peer Review Fletcher Cove Reef Conceptual Design - January 2011
Review of ASR and EIC Reports - June 2011
Fletcher Cove Reef Roundtable Meeting Summary - December 2011
Contact the Community Development Director
By phone 858-720-2434
By email jlim@cosb.org