Summary
Unpermitted development by HMBAP, LLC has impacted public access, coastal resources, and environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHA) in the Pacific Palisades. These violations occurred along a public right of way near Paseo Miramar, which serves as a popular trail with views of Topanga State Park and the Pacific Ocean. Unregulated grading, vegetation removal, and stockpiling of soil on steep slopes with a history of landslides pose significant threats to ecological stability, water quality, and public safety. Protecting this site ensures the integrity of coastal resources and upholds public access rights guaranteed under the Coastal Act. HMBAP agreed to full restoration, public access signage installation, dedication of a parcel adjacent to Topanga State Park for public use and a $500,000 fine to further mitigate damages.
Why You Should Care
HMBAP LLC’s unpermitted actions not only damaged environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHA) and altered natural landforms with a history of landslides, but also compromised public access to a historic trail connecting visitors with breathtaking views of Topanga State Park and the Pacific Ocean. This enforcement action highlights the Commission’s role in holding violators accountable, safeguarding public trust lands, and ensuring coastal access protections are enforced equitably.
Outcome
Pro-Coast Vote
Anti-Coast Vote
The resolution of this violation includes a mitigation package consisting of the dedication of a parcel for public use and a monetary penalty. Commissioners applauded this approach, emphasizing the tangible public benefit as a meaningful offset for the damages caused to public resources.
Commissioner Susan Lowenberg, a San Francisco-based developer, expressed her frustration directly to the violator, saying, “This drives me crazy that developers do this because it gives all of us a bad name. I hope they've learned a good lesson. It's less expensive to do it right the first time.”
Commissioner Rice suggested including educational signage at the site to inform the public about the violation and its consequences.She added, "You can’t mess with nature - or the Commission."
Organizations Opposed
Decision Type
Enforcement Orders
Staff Recommendation
Approval