Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay Public Access Violation

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay opened in 2001 in a location that was historically used for public access to the coast. As a condition of the coastal development permit, the hotel was required to maintain public use and coastal access. Unfortunately, that condition was never met and public access was not provided for nearly two decades. As part of an enforcement settlement, the hotel operator agreed to consent cease and desist orders including a new management strategy for public coastal access parking spaces, improved coastal access signage and to pay increased stipulated penalties for any future noncompliance with this Consent Order. In addition, the hotel operators agreed to an administrative fine of $1.6 million, a portion of which will help develop a segment of the California Coastal Trail via the Peninsula Open Space Trust. The hotel was also directed to create a plastic waste reduction plan and a media campaign to advertise the access opportunity. Commissioners unanimously approved the consent orders.

In the past six years alone, the Ritz Carlton engaged in more than 100 violations related to public access. The Ritz-Carlton’s tactic of blocking the public from historical access trails – including a segment of the California Coastal Trail – and Cañada Verde beach is an affront to all residents of and visitors to our state. This action will improve public coastal access, including California Coastal trail expansion. Restoration is long overdue and the people of San Mateo County and visitors to that part of the coast deserve to regain what has belonged to them all this time.