Administrative
Report
N.2., File # 23-5609 Meeting Date: 2/21/2023
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 EMERGENCY COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE
ACCESS TO COASTAL AREAS IMPACTED BY THE EMERGENCY DEMOLITION OF THE
SPORTS FISHING PIER TO PROTECT PUBLIC SAFETY
RECEIVE AND FILE THE REPORT REGARDING EMERGENCY COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Community Development Department received an application from the City of Redondo Beach Public Works Department for an Emergency Coastal Development Permit to temporarily close access to the waterfront in the vicinity of the Sports Fishing Pier due to public safety concerns associated with the demolition of the Sports Fishing Pier. As the Sports Fishing Pier is located in the water and in the original jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission (CCC), a separate Emergency Coastal Development Permit was also submitted to the CCC for the actual demolition of the pier.
The Community Development Director issued the emergency permit for a period of 60 days, subject to Redondo Beach Municipal Code (RBMC) Section 10-5.2228. 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.
This project qualifies as an exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and a CEQA Exemption Determination was issued (see attached).
BACKGROUND
The Redondo Beach Public Works Department submitted an application to the Planning Division of the City’s Community Development Department for an Emergency Coastal Development Permit to temporarily close access to the area in the vicinity of the Sports Fishing Pier along the waterfront due to public safety concerns related to the demolition of the Sports Fishing Pier.
The wave event and storms of January 6, 2023 deteriorated the existing pier. A pier inspection indicated that sections of the pier could fail. Thus, it is necessary to immediately remove the existing Sports Fishing Pier. Removal of the pier is required to keep debris from discharging into the water and to ensure public safety. The existing pier, including the pier deck, piles, buildings, utilities, and
N.2., File # 23-5609 Meeting Date: 2/21/2023
appurtenances will be demolished.
The demolition will be completed using both barge and landside cranes and requires a laydown and staging area at the foot of the pier in the Marina Parking Lot. Access to the walkway in front of the hand launch may also be limited at times during the demolition, which is expected to last eight to ten weeks once mobilized.
Subject to RBMC Section 10-5.2228 Emergency Coastal Development Permit, the Community Development Director may grant an emergency permit if an emergency exists the requires action more quickly than permitted by the procedures for a Coastal Development Permit. Although this action will temporarily affect waterfront access at this location, it is needed to protect public safety.
The emergency permit may be granted for up to 60 days. The Community Development Director has issued this emergency permit for the landside work and staging.
Due to the Sports Fishing Pier being located in the water and in the original jurisdiction of the CCC, a separate Emergency Coastal Development Permit was also submitted to the CCC for the actual demolition of the pier.
A public notice of the emergency permit issuance has been posted at the location.
COORDINATION
The issuance of 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
· Application for Emergency Coastal Development Permit
· Emergency Coastal Development Permit
· Notice of CEQA Exemption
· RBMC Section 10-5.2228