CA Review TL
Meeting Date:
To:
From:
Staff Contact:
Subject:
District:
Jan. 13, 2026
Mayor and City Council
Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
David Edwards, Senior Engineer
[email protected], 442-339-5286
Ratifying the Proclamation of a Storm-Related Local Emergency to Repair Storm Drain Infrastructure in the Coastal Bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive and Authorizing Performance of Repair Work Using Emergency Construction Procurement Procedures
3 Reco
mmended Action
Adopt a resolution ratifying the proclamation of a storm-related local emergency to repair storm drain infrastructure in the coastal bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive and authorizing the City Manager to direct the repair work to be performed using emergency construction procurement procedures.
Executive Summary
In late December 2025 and early January 2026, Carlsbad experienced rainstorms that unexpectedly resulted in severe damage to storm drain infrastructure in and near the coastal bluffs along Carlsbad Boulevard north of Solamar Drive, as shown in Exhibit 3. This damage diminished the storm drain infrastructure’s ability to effectively and safely convey storm water and increased the risk of significant damage to nearby property and infrastructure. Emergency repairs are needed to ameliorate the risk.
The coastal bluffs are on property owned by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, or State Parks. After being notified of an adjacent sinkhole on Jan. 2, 2026, city staff took immediate action to cordon off the area to public access and alerted State Parks staff of their findings and actions. The City of Carlsbad holds a storm drain easement over this area of State Parks property.1
The Acting City Manager, in her role as Acting Director of Emergency Services, proclaimed a local emergency on Jan. 7, 2026, as shown in Attachment A to Exhibit 1, to expedite emergency repairs to the damaged storm drain infrastructure. Staff are now requesting that the City Council ratify the emergency proclamation so that the repairs can continue to be exempted 1 Easements provide the city with access to private property to install or maintain public infrastructure.
AMENDED 1-9-2026
Jan. 13, 2026
Item #7 Page 1 of 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 84C0A8B5-FD98-49AC-A605-F0923DD4933D
from the city’s normal bidding procedures and the necessary repairs can be completed as swiftly as possible.
The project will likely cost more than $220,000. California Public Contract Code Sections 22035 and 22050 and Carlsbad Municipal Code Sections 3.28.110(A) and 3.28.120 provide for an exemption from formal bidding procedures for emergency construction procurements. The emergency proclamation allows the city to use the exemption if ratified by a four-fifths vote of the City Council.
An emergency coastal development permit for the work was issued by the City Planner on Jan. 8, 2026, subject to the authority and requirements under Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 21.201.190.
Explanation & Analysis
Overview
On Dec. 24, 2025, California Gov. Gavin Newsom found that conditions of extreme peril exist in San Diego County and other counties due to the continuation of heavy rains and major risk of rockslides, mud slides, landslides, and overflowing rivers and streams resulting from the late December 2025 storms. He proclaimed a state of emergency to make additional resources available to local governments, formalize emergency actions, and help the state prepare for the impact of the storms.
Because of these rainstorm events, the
storm drain infrastructure near the coastal
bluffs at Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar
Drive was damaged on or about Jan. 2,
2026, and requires emergency repairs.
On Jan. 6, 2026, city staff determined that
the 18-inch foot diameter reinforced
concrete storm drain pipe decoupled near
a footpath on State Parks property and
resulted in an approximately 15-foot deep
sinkhole. The damage exposed the
underlying material and increased the risk
of erosion and undermining.
The r
einforced concrete pipe connects to an 18 - inch foot diameter corrugated metal pipe downstream that continues westward along the wall of the coastal bluffs. That corrugated metal pipe has also decoupled.
The storm drain infrastructure was originally constructed in the 1950s. (A l arger map showing the storm drain infrastructure in greater detail is provided as Exhibit 3.) While State Parks owns the property along the coastal bluffs, the city has a 10-foot wide utility easement at the stormwater drainage site.
City staff, with State Parks’ approval, have constructed a wider temporary footpath to direct walkers away from the area. City staff have been in discussions with State Parks staff and will lead the repair effort once State Parks has issued a right-of-entry permit.
Jan. 13, 2026
Item #7 Page 2 of 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 84C0A8B5-FD98-49AC-A605-F0923DD4933D
Emergency proclamation
Because the damage occurred near a frequently used and traveled public pathway, the damage poses a clear and imminent danger, requiring additional immediate repair work, including filling the hole, soil stabilization and structural remediation.
The estimated cost of this emergency repair work exceeds the formal bidding threshold of $220,000. The formal bidding process takes approximately four to six months. The emergency repair work requires prompter action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of life, health, property or essential public services.
Construction projects that cost less than $220,000 can be awarded by the City Manager using informal bidding procedures under Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 3.28.080 – Construction Projects, subsections (B) and (H), which implement California Public Contract Code Section 22032. Staff have met with contractors to obtain bids for the emergency work, which is estimated to cost $250,000-$350,000.
Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 3.28.110(A) implements California Public Contract Code Section 22035, which provides for an exemption from formal bidding procedures for emergency construction procurements. To use the emergency exemption, Carlsbad Municipal Code Section
3.28.120 and Public Contract Code Section 22050 require the City Manager, acting as the Director of Emergency Services, to proclaim a local emergency so that staff may then immediately proceed with the repair work without following the formal bidding procedures.
The proclamation is subject to confirmation by a four-fifths vote of the City Council at its next regular meeting.
Staff are requesting that the City Council ratify the proclamation of a storm-related local emergency to repair the storm drain infrastructure in the coastal bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive and authorize the City Manager to direct the emergency repairs to be performed using emergency construction procurement procedures.
Emergency coastal development permit
The proposed work is within the Coastal Zone and qualifies as development that requires a coastal development permit. Because of the location in proximity to the bluffs and the need to use mechanical equipment for the repairs, no exemptions to this permit requirement apply.
On Jan. 8, 2026, following a request from Public Works, the City Planner issued an emergency coastal development permit in accordance with Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 21.201.190.
Pursuant to the Municipal Code, the City Planner is required to report the issuance of the permit to the Executive Director of the California Coastal Commission and to the City Council.
The approved permit is provided for the City Council’s information as Exhibit 2.
Before any remediation work begins, a biological survey will be conducted by a biologist and an appropriate mitigation plan will be developed to be performed after the emergency repair work is completed.
Jan. 13, 2026
Item #7 Page 3 of 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 84C0A8B5-FD98-49AC-A605-F0923DD4933D
Fiscal Analysis
Sufficient funding is available for the work in the Infrastructure Replacement Fund for the Storm Drain System Rehabilitation and Repair Program, Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6607, as shown in the table below, so staff are not requesting any additional appropriation.
City staff will request reimbursement if the emergency work qualifies under federal or state emergency relief programs.
Next Steps
Upon ratification of the proclamation, staff will initiate the routing of a public works contract under emergency construction procurement procedures and authorize the contractor to proceed with performing emergency work once the appropriate permits from regulatory agencies have been obtained.
Staff will return to the City Council on Jan. 27, 2026, to review the emergency action and ask the City Council to determine by a four-fifths vote whether there is a need to continue it.
Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action is statutorily exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, pursuant to California Public Resources Code Sections 21080(b)(2)-(4) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15269(a), which apply to emergency activities undertaken, carried out, or approved by a public agency to maintain, repair, restore, demolish or replace property or facilities damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster in a disaster- stricken area in which the government has proclaimed a state of emergency. The statutory exemption covers both the proclamation of emergency and the emergency coastal development permit.
Exhibits
1. City Council resolution
2. Emergency coastal development permit dated Jan. 8, 2026
3. Location map
Storm Drain System Rehabilitation and Repair Program
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6607
Total appropriation to date $10,512,360
Total expenditures and encumbrances to date -$6,859,894 Total available funding $3,652,466
Construction contract (estimated) -$350,000
Construction contingency (estimated) -$88,000
Construction management, inspection, material testing and support services (estimated) -$88,000
Total estimated construction costs -$526,000
Remaining balance after total estimated construction costs $3,126,466 Additional appropriation needed $0
Jan. 13, 2026
Item #7 Page 4 of 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 84C0A8B5-FD98-49AC-A605-F0923DD4933D Exhibit 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-004 .
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA,
RATIFYING THE PROCLAMATION OF A STORM-RELATED LOCAL EMERGENCY TO
REPAIR STORM DRAIN INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE COASTAL BLUFFS NEAR
CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND SOLAMAR DRIVE AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO DIRECT THE REPAIR WORK TO BE PERFORMED USING
EMERGENCY CONSTRUCTION PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES
W
HEREAS, on December 24, 2025, the Governor of the State of California found that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of people and property exist in San Diego County and other counties due to the 2025 late December storms and related major risk for rockslides, mudslides, landslides, urban flooding, rapid rises in small streams, and significant river flooding and proclaimed a state of emergency to make additional resources available to local governments, formalize emergency actions, and help the state prepare for the impact of the storms; and
WHEREAS, in late December 2025 and early January 2026, the City of Carlsbad experienced rainstorm events that unexpectedly resulted in severe damage to storm drain infrastructure in an easement in the coastal bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive on property owned by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, or State Parks; and WHEREAS, the damage to the storm drain infrastructure diminishes the ability of the storm drain infrastructure to effectively and safely convey storm water, thereby creating and threatening to further exacerbate conditions of extreme peril to the safety of people and property near the damaged infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 6.04.100(A)(1) empowers the City Manager, as Director of Emergency Services, or in the City Manager’s absence, the Assistant City Manager, as Acting City Manager and Acting Director of Emergency Services, to proclaim the existence of a local emergency when the City Council is not in session and requires the City Council to ratify the proclamation within seven days thereafter or the proclamation shall have no further force or effect; and WHEREAS, the City Council was not in session and could not be immediately called into session on January 7, 2026; and
WHEREAS, on January 7, 2026, the Acting City Manager/Acting Director of Emergency Services proclaimed a storm -related local emergency for repair of storm drain infrastructure located in the coastal bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive (Attachment A); and Jan. 13, 2026
Item #7 Page 5 of 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 84C0A8B5-FD98-49AC-A605-F0923DD4933D W HEREAS, the unanticipated damage to the storm drain infrastructure in and near the coastal bluffs poses a clear and imminent danger, requiring immediate action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of life, health, property and essential public services; and WHEREAS, the immediate repair or replacement of the storm drain infrastructure is necessary to permit the safe operation of the storm drain infrastructure and provision of services to the public and to avoid danger to life or property; and
WHEREAS, the estimated cost of the emergency repair work exceeds the formal bidding threshold of $220,000, and the formal bidding process would take approximately four to six months; and
WHEREAS, the emergency conditions will not permit a delay to the repair or replacement of the storm drain infrastructure that would result from a competitive solicitation for bids for the repair or replacement of the damaged infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, in the case of an emergency, Public Contract Code Sections 22035 and 22050 and Carlsbad Municipal Code Sections 3.28.110(A) and 3.28.120 provide for an exemption from formal bidding procedures for emergency construction procurements, and the emergency proclamation allows the city to utilize the exemption; and
WHEREAS, the emergency proclamation must be ratified by a four-fifths vote of the City Council at its next regular meeting; and
WHEREAS, staff request that the City Council ratify the proclamation of a storm -related local emergency and authorize the City Manager to direct the necessary repair work performed using emergency procurement procedures; and
WHEREAS, the emergency repair is estimated to cost approximately $250,000 to $350,000, not including contingency and other construction support costs; and WHEREAS, sufficient funding is available in the Infrastructure Replacement Fund for the Storm Drain Rehabilitation and Repair Program, Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6607; and WHEREAS, on January 8, 2026, the City Planner issued an emergency coastal development permit subject to the authority and requirements under Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 21.201.190 and is reported through the staff report for City Council information.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
Jan. 13, 2026
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Docusign Envelope ID: 84C0A8B5-FD98-49AC-A605-F0923DD4933D
2. That the City Council has determined that the proposed action is statutorily exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, pursuant to California Public Resources Code Sections 21080(b)(2)-(4) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15269(a), which apply to emergency activities undertaken, carried out, or approved by a public agency to maintain, repair, restore, demolish or replace property or facilities damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster in a disaster -stricken area in which the government has proclaimed a state of emergency. The statutory exemption covers both the proclamation of emergency and the emergency coastal development permit.
3. That the Acting Director of Emergency Services’ Jan uary 7, 2026, proclamation of local emergency for storm-related emergency necessitating emergency repairs to storm drain infrastructure in bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive, attached as Attachment A, is ratified.
4. That the City Manager is authorized to direct the required emergency repairs to be performed, take any directly related and immediate action required by the emergency, and procure the necessary equipment, services, and supplies for these purposes, using emergency procurement procedures.
5. That the City Manager or designee is authorized to sign all other documents necessary for regulatory compliance, to extend funding opportunities, or to otherwise implement and finalize the emergency repair work, all of which are subject to review and approval as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
6. That the City Manager is directed to return to the City Council at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting for a determination by a four -fifths vote whether the emergency condition continues to exist.
7. That the City Council acknowledges receipt of the emergency coastal development permit for the emergency repair work that was issued by the City Planner.
Jan. 13, 2026
Item #7 Page 7 of 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 84C0A8B5-FD98-49AC-A605-F0923DD4933D PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City o
f Carlsbad on the 13th day of January, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
_____________
_________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
_____________
_________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
Jan. 13, 2026
Item #7 Page 8 of 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 84C0A8B5-FD98-49AC-A605-F0923DD4933D
Proclamation of
Local Emergency
City Hall
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
FOR STORM-RELATED EMERGENCY NECESSITATING EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO STORM DRAIN
INFRASTRUCTURE IN BLUFFS NEAR CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND SOLAMAR DRIVE WHEREAS, on December 24, 2025, the Governor of the State of California found that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist in San Diego County and other counties due to the 2025 late December storms caused by a series of atmospheric rivers and proclaimed a state of emergency to make additional resources available to local governments, formalize emergency actions and help the state prepare for the impact of the storms; and WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 8630 allows the City Council or an official designated by ordinance adopted by the City Council to proclaim a local emergency; and WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad's Emergency Services Ordinance, including Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 6.04.100(A)(1), empowers the City Manager, as the City of Carlsbad's Director of Emergency Services, or, in the City Manager's absence, the Assistant City Manager, as Acting City Manager and Acting Director of Emergency Services, to proclaim the existence of a local emergency, subject to ratification by the City Council, when there exists, or there is threatened to exist, conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property within the City of Carlsbad; and WHEREAS, in the case of an emergency, California Public Contract Code Section 22050 allows the City Council, or a person delegated the authority by the City Council, to repair or replace a public facility, take any directly related and immediate action required by that emergency, and procure the necessary equipment, services and supplies for those purposes without giving notice for bids to let contracts; and WHEREAS, under California Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(3) and Title 14, Section 15269(a) of the California Code of Regulations, referred to as the "State CEQA Guidelines", an emergency project is statutorily exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act if undertaken, carried out, or approved by a public agency to maintain, repair, restore, demolish or replace property or facilities damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster in a disaster-stricken area in which the government has proclaimed a state of emergency; and
WHEREAS, the Acting Director of Emergency Services/Acting City Manager finds:
1. In late December 2025 and early January 2026, the City of Carlsbad experienced rainstorm events that unexpectedly resulted in severe damage to storm drain infrastructure in and near the bluffs at Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive.
2. The damage to the storm drain infrastructure diminishes the ability of the storm drain infrastructure to effectively and safely convey storm water, thereby creating and threatening to further exacerbate conditions of extreme peril to the safety of people and property in the vicinity of the damaged infrastructure.
Attachment A
Jan. 13, 2026
Item #7 Page 9 of 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 84C0A8B5-FD98-49AC-A605-F0923DD4933D
3. The unanticipated damage to the storm drain infrastructure in and near the bluffs poses a clear and imminent danger, requiring immediate action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of life, health, property and essential public services.
4. The immediate repair or replacement of the storm drain infrastructure is necessary to permit the safe operation of the storm drain infrastructure and provision of services to the public and to avoid danger to life or property.
5. The emergency conditions will not permit a delay to the repair or replacement of the storm drain infrastructure that would result from a competitive solicitation for bids for the repair or replacement of the damaged infrastructure.
6. The City Council of the City of Carlsbad was not in session and could not be immediately called into session.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS PROCLAIMED that, subject to review and ratification by the City Council at its next regular meeting, a local emergency now exists in the City of Carlsbad, California, in and near the bluffs at Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive.
IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that during the existence of the Local Emergency the powers, functions, and duties of the Director of Emergency Services and the emergency organization of this city shall be those prescribed by state law, charter, ordinances, and resolutions of this jurisdiction.
IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that, under California Public Contract Code Section 22050 and Carlsbad Municipal Code Sections 3.28.110(A) and 3.28.120, city staff may proceed at once to obtain the necessary permits, equipment, services, and supplies to repair the storm drain infrastructure in and near the bluffs at Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive without giving notice for bids to let contracts.
IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that, if the Director of Emergency Services determines recovery assistance may be available under the California Disaster Assistance Act or other state or federal assistance program, a copy of this proclamation be forwarded to the State Director of Cal OES or the agency overseeing the assistance program with a request that the recovery assistance be made available to the City of Carlsbad.
IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that the Director of Emergency Services is designated as the authorized representative of the City of Carlsbad for the purpose of requesting, receiving, processing, and coordinating all requirements necessary to obtain available state and federal recovery assistance.
•
Dated: 1' r l *Mal() By: efte)
SHEILA BIAN
Acting City Manager / Acting Director of Emergency
Services
Jan. 13, 2026
Item #7 Page 10 of 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 84C0A8B5-FD98-49AC-A605-F0923DD4933D Community Development Department
EMERGENCY COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
NOTICE OF DECISION
January 8, 2026
David Edwards
City of Carlsbad Public Works Division
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008
RE: CDP 2026-0001 (PUB2026-0001) – Storm Drain Infrastructure Repair in the Coastal Bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive – EMERGENCY PERMIT
The City Planner has completed a review of the request for an Emergency Coastal Development Permit to address a storm drain failure associated with subsurface erosion and sinkholes located adjacent to a public trail on State Park land, south of Palomar Airport Road and west of Carlsbad Boulevard. The emergency condition resulted from recent storm events that caused separation and failure of existing storm drain infrastructure, including 18- inch reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) and corrugated metal pipe (CMP) segments, leading to the formation of sinkholes and voids that present an immediate risk to public safety, nearby infrastructure, and the stability of the coastal bluff area.
The proposed emergency work is limited to actions necessary to stabilize the failed storm drain system and prevent further erosion or ground loss. The authorized work includes repair, reconnection, or replacement of damaged 18 - inch storm drainpipe segments on a like-for-like basis; backfilling and compaction of voids and undermined areas to restore structural support; and internal lining of the repaired storm drain system to improve waterproofing and reduce the potential for future subsurface erosion. Grading and site restoration may occur as necessary to complete the emergency repairs. No expansion of storm drain capacity or system upgrades beyond restoration of existing conditions are proposed. The proposed work is located within the Coastal Zone and within the appealable jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission.
The proposed action is statutorily exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Sections 21080(b)(2) and (4), and CEQA Guidelines Section 15269(a), if undertaken, carried out, or approved by a public agency to maintain, repair, restore, demolish or replace property or facilities damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster in a disaster -stricken area in which the government has proclaimed a state of emergency. This statutory exemption applies to both the Proclamation of Emergency and the Emergency Coastal Development Permit.
The City Planner APPROVES this request for an Emergency Coastal Development Permit based upon the following:
Findings:
1. An emergency exists that meets the requirements of Carlsbad Municipal Code 21.201.190 requires action more quickly than permitted by the procedures for minor coastal development permits or for regular permits and the work can and will be completed within thirty days unless otherwise specified by the terms of the permit. Due to the complex nature of the work and access, work is estimated to be completed in sixty days ;
2. The work proposed will be consistent with the requirements of the certified land use plan ; and,
3. The Emergency Coastal Development Permit authorizes those actions necessary to address the immediate emergency condition. If subsequent evaluation identifies additional habitat impacts or remediation needs Exhibit 2
Jan. 13, 2026
Item #7 Page 11 of 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 84C0A8B5-FD98-49AC-A605-F0923DD4933D CDP 2026-0001 (PUB2026-0001) – Storm Drain Infrastructure Repair in the Coastal Bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive
January 8, 2026
beyond the scope of the emergency repairs, such work shall be subject to the separate Coastal Development Permit review, as required by Condition Number 2.
Conditions:
1. The Emergency Coastal Development Permit is granted subject to completion of the emergency repair work estimated to be within 60 days.
2. Submit a formal application for a regular Coastal Development Permit to the City of Carlsbad within 90 days of this letter for any follow -up or permanent storm drain repair work beyond the scope of this emergency authorization.
CITY OF CARLSBAD
ERIC LARDY, AICP
Assistant Director of Community Development
EL:AA:mh
Attachment: Public Works Department Letter dated January 7, 2026 (Request for Emergency Coastal Development Permit) c: Paz Gomez, Deputy City Manager
Jeff Murphy, Deputy City Manager
Tom Frank, Transportation Director
Mike Strong, Director of Community Development
Michael O’Brien, Public Works Superintendent
Mariel Cairns, Principal Engineer
John Kim, City Traffic Engineer
Rosanne Humphrey, Senior Program Manager
Robb Efird, Principal Planner
Scott Donnell, Senior Planner
Alex Alegre, Associate Planner
File Copy
Planning Division 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 442-339-2600 Jan. 13, 2026
Item #7 Page 12 of 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 84C0A8B5-FD98-49AC-A605-F0923DD4933D Public Works Branch
Transportation Department
1635 Faraday Avenue | Carlsbad, CA 92008 | 442-339-2746 January 7, 2026
Subject: Request for Emergency Coastal Development Permit for Storm Drain Infrastructure Repair in the Coastal Bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive Dear City of Carlsbad Planning Division:
This letter is submitted to request an Emergency Coastal Development Permit (CDP) to proceed with emergency storm drain repair work in response to rainstorm events that damaged storm drain infrastructure in at least two or three sections and resulted in sinkhole s adjacent to Carlsbad Boulevard and the coastal bluff area north of Solamar Drive.
Nature of the Emergency
A storm drain failure has caused subsurface erosion and the formation of two sinkholes immediately adjacent to the Carlsbad Boulevard coastal bluffs and an associated nature footpath.
The sinkholes indicate an active loss of supporting material around the storm drain system and present a potential risk to public safety, nearby infrastructure, and the stability of the bluff area if left unaddressed.
Cause of the Emergency
Because of the late December 2025 rainstorm events, the storm drain infrastructure decoupled near the coastal bluffs at Carlsbad Boulevard north of Solamar Drive on or about January 2, 2026.
These rainfall events likely generated elevated stormwater flows within the storm drain systems resulting in joint separation and eventual failure of portions of the storm drain at two or three sections. This failure diminished the storm drain infrastructure’s capability and increased the risk of significant damage to nearby property and infrastructure. Emergency repairs are needed to ameliorate the risk.
Location of the Emergency
The emergency repair site is located within California Department of Parks & Recreation, or State Parks, property in the coastal bluff area and near a publicly accessible nature footpath , west of the southbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard north of Solamar Drive City staff ha ve been in communications with State Parks staff who have indicated support for the emergency repair work.
Attachment
Jan. 13, 2026
Item #7 Page 13 of 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 84C0A8B5-FD98-49AC-A605-F0923DD4933D Planning Division – Emergency CDP for Storm Drain Repair January 7, 2026
Proposed Remedial, Protective, or Preventive Work
The proposed emergency repair work is intended to stabilize the failed storm drain system and prevent further erosion or ground loss. The scope of work includes:
• Repair of the undermined 18-inch reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) storm drain. • Reconnection of existing 18-inch corrugated metal pipe (CMP) and/or high -density polyethylene (HDPE) storm drain segments that have become disconnected from their upstream connections.
The proposed repair approach includes inspection of the existing storm drain pipes to determine whether the displaced segments can be resituated to their original alignment or if replacement is required. Where replacement is necessary, pipe segments will be replaced on a for -like basis, same size diameter, consistent with the existing system.
It is proposed that the existing 18-inch RCP storm drain pipe be reconnected to the upstream segment and mechanically clamped into position. The underlying void created by the failure will be filled with suitable local soils sourced from either the nearby Monroe Street Swimming Pool construction site or from another local source . These materials will have been tested and determined to be acceptable prior to use in the proposed repair. To complete the repairs, a small excavator is currently proposed for use within the limits of the existing footpath, east of the bluffs to repair the pipe separation.
Once this pipe segment is repaired, an inspection will be conducted to evaluate the condition of the next downstream pipe segment. Based on the findings, the pipe will either be reconnected to the existing system or replaced with a same size diameter pipe segment, if necessary. The downstream CMP or HDPE repair is located within the bluff itself; the pipe segment will be repositioned to its original alignment and backfilled beneath and around the pipe to provide adequate structural support and long -term stability. Access to the CMP or HDPE pipe segments located within the bluff will require the use of a larger excavator that will be located at the footpath above the bluffs.
Following restoration of the storm drain alignment and completion of structural repairs, the entire storm drain system - from the upstream 18-inch RCP through the downstream 18-inch CMP or HDPE - will be internally lined. The lining is intended to provide additional waterproofing, reduce the potential for infiltration and exfiltration, and minimize the risk of future subsurface erosion and ground loss.
Attachment
Jan. 13, 2026
Item #7 Page 14 of 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 84C0A8B5-FD98-49AC-A605-F0923DD4933D Planning Division – Emergency CDP for Storm Drain Repair January 7, 2026
Emergency Circumstances and Justification for Action
The condition of the storm drain system and the presence of sinkhole s indicate an unstable and potentially progressive failure of the bluffs and damage to nearby property. Delays in the storm drain repair would risk further erosion, enlarge the sinkholes and increase the likelihood of further subsurface collapse . This could ultimately threaten the integrity of Carlsbad Boulevard, the coastal bluffs, and the adjacent nature trail footpath, creating an elevated risk to public safety and the environment.
Immediate action is therefore necessary to stabilize the storm drain system, prevent additional ground loss, and reduce the risk of more extensive damage. Delaying repairs could result in more severe impacts, greater construction disturbance, and higher long-term repair costs.
Based on the conditions observed and the potential consequences of inaction, an emergency CDP authorization is requested to allow the city to proceed with the necessary storm drain repairs.
Please let me know if additional information or clarification is needed to support this request.
Sincerely,
David Edwards, P.E.
Senior Engineer
Attachment
Jan. 13, 2026
Item #7 Page 15 of 16
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LOCATION MAP
Jan. 13, 2026
Item #7 Page 16 of 16
Exhibit 3
Docusign Envelope ID: 84C0A8B5-FD98-49AC-A605-F0923DD4933D