Administrative
Report
N.2., File # 22-3690 Meeting Date: 2/8/2022
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: BRANDY FORBES, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
TITLE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR’S
ISSUANCE OF AN EXTENSION TO THE EMERGENCY COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
ISSUED FOR THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY BEACH ACCESS
RAMP AT ESPLANADE AND AVENUE A TO PROTECT PUBLIC SAFETY
RECEIVE AND FILE THE EXTENSION OF THE EMERGENCY COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
FOR THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF THE BEACH ACCESS RAMP AT ESPLANADE AND
AVENUE A TO PROTECT PUBLIC SAFETY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Community Development Department received an application from the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) to extend the Emergency Coastal Development Permit issued on November 30th, 2021, temporarily closing the beach access ramp at Esplanade and Avenue A. The emergency closure is a result of public safety concerns associated with the ramp’s degraded condition.
The Community Development Director issued the original emergency permit for a period of 60 days, subject to Redondo Beach Municipal Code (RBMC) Section 10-5.2228. The code allows the Director to approve extensions to the permit if a subsequent application is filed. DBH filed an application to extend the permit on January 27, 2022. The Municipal Code requires that the Community Development Director provide a written and verbal report on the action to the City Council at the next City Council meeting.
BACKGROUND
In November 2021, The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) submitted an application to the Planning Division of the City’s Community Development Department for an Emergency Coastal Development Permit to temporarily close the beach access ramp on at Esplanade and Avenue A due to public safety concerns. The County had completed an engineering study that found the existing path, railing, landings, and wall that compose the ramp to be in very poor condition. The study recommended closure of the ramp to protect public safety. Based on the engineering report, the County submitted an application to the City for an Emergency Coastal Development Permit for temporary closure of the ramp, which impacts beach access at the location.
Subject to RBMC Section 10-5.2228 Emergency Coastal Development Permit, the Community Development Director may grant an emergency permit if an emergency exists that requires action
N.2., File # 22-3690 Meeting Date: 2/8/2022
Development Director may grant an emergency permit if an emergency exists that requires action more quickly than permitted by the procedures for a traditional Coastal Development Permit.
Although this action will temporarily affect beach access at this location, it is needed to protect public safety. The emergency permit may be granted for up to 60 days, and requires that the applicant submit for a full Coastal Development Permit for the corrective work which is expected to take over a year to complete.
The Community Development Director issued the emergency permit on November 30, 2021 for a period of 60 days as allowed by code. A public notice of the emergency permit issuance was posted at the location, and a report was made to the City Council on December 7, 2021. The emergency permit would have expired on January 28, 2022, if not extended.
On January 27, 2022, DBH submitted an application to extend the emergency permit, noting that additional time was needed to complete the full construction drawings for the rehabilitation project.
The Zoning Code allows the Community Development Director to extend the emergency permit if a subsequent application is filed.
On January 31, 2022 the Community Development Director approved a 60-day extension to allow DBH additional time to complete the construction drawings for improvements to the access ramp.
The new expiration date of the emergency permit is now March 29, 2022. It is anticipated that ahead of the new expiration date, DBH will submit a full application for a Coastal Development Permit for ramp improvements, including drawings for the complete rehabilitation project.
Per the Emergency Coastal Development Permit procedures, Section 10-5.2228(a)(7) of the Redondo Beach Municipal Code, “The Community Development Director shall report in writing and orally, the granting of an Emergency Permit to the City Council at its next scheduled meeting, and to the Coastal Commission Executive Director.” The report is to include a description of the nature of the emergency, the development involved and the person or entity undertaking the development. This Administrative Report and corresponding presentation at the February 8, 2022 City Council meeting serve as that notice.
COORDINATION
The issuance of the extension to the Emergency Coastal Development Permit falls under the authority of the Community Development Director, per RBMC Section 10-5.2228(a).
FISCAL IMPACT
The processing of Coastal Development Permit applications is part of the Community Development Department’s annual budget and work plan.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
Extension to Emergency Coastal Development Permit
Emergency Coastal Development Permit
Public Notice of Extension of Emergency Coastal Development Permit Application for extension to Emergency Coastal Development Permit
N.2., File # 22-3690 Meeting Date: 2/8/2022
City Council Administrative Report December 7, 2021
RBMC Section 10-5.2228