CITY OF PACIFICA
COUNCIL AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
2/9/2026
1 SUBJECT:
One Shoreline Grant Application Support Letter for Concept Feasibility Study of Offshore Artificial Reef
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support for the San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District’s (OneShoreline) application to the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways’ FY 2027-28 Shoreline Erosion Control Program seeking funding to lead a concept-level feasibility study of an offshore artificial reef near Beach Boulevard.
STAFF CONTACT:
Kevin Woodhouse, City Manager
(650) 738-7409
[email protected]
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
The City of Pacifica continues to experience significant and accelerating coastal erosion and storm-related flooding along Beach Boulevard, a critical transportation and coastal access corridor and promenade serving residents, businesses, and visitors. Increasingly frequent storm-driven wave runup and overtopping events threaten public safety, critical infrastructure along the roadway, and public access to the shoreline. These impacts are projected to intensify over time as sea levels rise and storms become more intense.
The City has previously received funding from the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways for the Beach Boulevard Infrastructure Resiliency Project. That effort advanced the City’s understanding of coastal hazards and informed the development of seawall improvement and beach nourishment strategies. However, the pace and magnitude of erosion in this area warrant evaluation of additional measures that could complement the Beach Boulevard Infrastructure Resiliency Project.
On February 2, 2026, the San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District (OneShoreline) submitted a grant application to the Division of Boating and Waterways’ FY 2027-28 Shoreline Erosion Control Program to conduct a concept-level feasibility study evaluating the potential use of an offshore artificial reef to reduce flood risks along Beach Boulevard. Offshore artificial reefs are designed to dissipate wave energy before it reaches the shoreline, which can improve sand retention, extend the service life of existing and planned seawalls, and reduce wave runup and overtopping of shoreline infrastructure.
Led by OneShoreline and conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of California, Santa Cruz Center for Coastal Climate Resilience, the proposed study would identify potential reef design alternatives and evaluate their effectiveness in reducing flood risk using advanced coastal modeling tools. The study would determine whether an offshore artificial reef could serve as a viable shoreline protection strategy to complement the Beach Boulevard Infrastructure Resiliency Project and provide the City and partner organizations with critical Pacifica City Council 2
February 09, 2026
information to inform future decision-making and long-term coastal resilience investments.
A draft of the support letter is provided as Attachment A. A similar support letter was submitted by the City Manager on January 29, 2026, but OneShoreline’s request is to also receive a support letter from the City Council.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION:
The City Council could decide to not submit a support letter, or could make specified revisions to the letter.
RELATION TO CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND WORK PLAN:
A concept-level feasibility study of an offshore artificial reef would benefit the City’s Shoreline Adaptation Planning process and supports the City’s goal related to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with approving the letter of support.
ORIGINATED BY:
City Manager's Office
ATTACHMENT LIST:
Attachment A: Draft City Support Letter for One Shoreline Grant Application (PDF) Attachment B: Support Letter from City Manager (PDF)