Opal Cliffs New Blufftop House with Seawall
From ActCoastal
| Month | May |
|---|---|
| Year | 2023 |
| Summary | The Coastal Commission denied a County of Santa Cruz permit for the demolition of a home at Opal Cliffs Drive and construction of a new 8,200 square foot house reliant on a shoreline armoring structure. The LCP requires that new blufftop development demonstrate site stability and structural integrity over a 100-year period by establishing a 100-year erosion setback from the blufftop edge, without consideration of shoreline armoring. Addressing the unpermitted sea cave fill at this location was not included in the application. Approving a new home in this location would perpetuate the existing shoreline armoring which is currently contributing to an impassable section of coast on popular Opal Cliff beaches on all but the lowest of tides. |
| Outcome | 
|
| Outcome Description | The Commission unanimously denied the permit due to its straightforward lack of consistency with the LCP and Coastal Act. |
| Why You Should Care | By denying this permit, the Commission upheld key Coastal Act and County LCP policies designed to protect coastal resources, including the beach and surfing waves, while also considering the long-term impacts of climate change and rising seas. It demonstrates a commitment to coastal resilience, sustainability, and the well-being of both the natural environment and the community. |
| Image | 
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| Decision Type | Appeal |
| Staff Recommendation | Denial |
| Staff Report | https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/reports/2023/5/Th12a/Th12a-5-2023-report.pdf |
| Lobbyist/Agent | |
| Opposition to Project | Surfrider Foundation |
| Coastal Act Policies | 30253, LCP |
Voting Detail for Opal Cliffs New Blufftop House with Seawall
| Commissioner | Vote |
|---|---|
| Caryl Hart | |
| Paloma Aguirre | |
| Mike Wilson | |
| Meagan Harmon | |
| Dayna Bochco | |
| Justin Cummings | |
| Roberto Uranga | |
| Linda Escalante | |
| Katie Rice | |
| Donne Brownsey | |
| Effie Turnbull-Sanders | |
| Ann Notthoff | |
Meeting Page
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