Capistrano Beach Interim Armoring Permit

On Wednesday, the Coastal Commission considered a two to five year permit request by Orange County Parks for the installation of new sandcube and riprap armoring to protect a parking lot and bike path at Capistrano Beach County Park in Dana Point. Included in the application was also after-the -fact authorization for removal work authorized under multiple emergency permits that were previously granted in response to damage caused by winter storms and high tide events at Capistrano Beach. Between 2004 and 2020, eight emergency permits were issued to OC Parks for work at this location, six of which were issued within the last five years. Coastal Commission staff recommended approval for two years with the condition that no new riprap armoring is allowed. The Surfrider Foundation raised concerns with approval of the permit stating the history of misuse of the emergency permit system and the need for a comprehensive retreat and living shoreline approach rather than perpetuating the unsafe conditions that continue to increase beach erosion. Commissioners approved the permit for a one year duration, with the possibility of extension for another one year based on OC Parks’ progress towards a long term shoreline management plan.

An additional two-to-five years delay will only cause further erosion and unsafe conditions at Capistrano Beach. OC Parks should be required to: 1.) submit their plan at this time for managed retreat and a living shoreline, and, 2.) remove the crumbling parking area and mitigate the loss of beach space once and for all. The Commission should have sent a clear message that emergency permits are not substitutes for long-term planning.