Summary
This project would have involved maintaining and expanding the five existing sea cave infills with an additional 75-foot long notch in the coastal bluff. According to the applicant, the action was not currently critical to the structures on the coastal bluff, but was intended to protect beachgoers.
Commissioner Dayna Bochco asked the applicant to withdraw the application and resubmit a scaled-down test project version. Commissioner Greg Cox moved to approve the project and Commissioner Eric Howell seconded. Discussion continued with Commissioner Martha McClure strongly supporting Commissioner Bochco’s request. The applicant opted not to withdraw and thus the application was denied in a vote of 9:2.
Why You Should Care
Seacave infills can have negative effects on the surrounding bluffs that they become a part of, with bluffs continuing to erode around and behind the infill. The proposed infill material was “erodible” in theory, but no evidence supported that claim – and 75 feet of coastal bluff should not be used as a test subject. As climate change causes waves and weather to gain in intensity resulting in growing coastal impacts, hard-structures must not be our default response, but viewed with a critical eye.
Outcome
Pro-Coast Vote
Anti-Coast Vote
Following discussion that circled from Commissioner Cox acknowledging that a “real time” test was needed to see how “erodible” the erodible concrete actually is and how it would affect the bluff to Commissioners Bochco and McClure agreeing there should be a test, but on a significantly smaller scale in order to minimize potential impacts, the CDP was denied in a 9:2 vote.
Organizations Opposed
San Diego County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation
Decision Type
Coastal Development Permit
Staff Recommendation
Approval with Conditions