Santa Cruz City Council
November 18, 2025

Housing Element Objectives

5.5b. Adopt anti-displacement policies, programs, or code amendments, such as additional antiretaliation policies and programs or a revised first right of refusal to tenants displaced due to development, after evaluating the
effectiveness of existing anti-displacement strategies and tools and engaging with the community to develop a list of best practices and recommendations.

6.4b. Amend the City’s Relocation Ordinance to include
Right of First Refusal requirements for existing, low-income households who are vacated from their housing situation due to redevelopment.

36.57 Residential Demolition: Proposed Amendments
• Consistency with state law for relocation assistance, replacement housing, and right of first refusal
• Adding objective findings in place of subjective
findings that cannot be legally made for housing
development projects
• Staff level approval for demolition of three or more
units
• Language clarifications

36.58

Short-term displacement:
dangerous conditions
• Existing relocation assistance: 4 months, regardless of duration
• Code Compliance cases with shorter-term displacements:
• Utility repairs or replacements
• Mold remediation or water damage repairs
• Roof replacement or leak repair
• New tiered requirements:
• 0-14 Days: 1 month rent plus $300
• 15-59 days: 3 months rent plus $300
• 60 days or more: 4 months rent plus $300

36.59 December
9 City Council 2nd
reading
Early 2026
CA Coastal
Commission
Next
Steps

36.60 Recommendation
Motion to:
1) Introduce for publication an ordinance amending Titles 21 and 24 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) related to relocation assistance associated with substandard housing cases and right of first refusal and other minor changes related to demolition of housing;
2) Introduce for publication an ordinance amending the Local Coastal Program (LCP) Implementation Plan (IP) and Title 24 of the Municipal Code related to the approving body for demolition of three or more dwellings; and
3) Acknowledge the determination that the proposed amendments are exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) as they can be seen with certainty to have no possibility for causing a significant effect on the environment.

36.61 City Council

AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 11/13/2025
AGENDA OF: 11/18/2025
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Community Development
SUBJECT: Update to the City of Santa Cruz Local Coastal Program to Incorporate the Previously Approved General Plan 2030 Sensitive Habitat and Vegetation Types Maps and to Add a New Chapter Titled “Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation” (PL)
LOCATION: Districts 2, 3, 4, and 6
RECOMMENDATION: Motion to:
1) Approve the proposed amendments to the City of Santa Cruz Local Coastal Program; and 2) Acknowledge the determination that the proposed amendments are exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15265 and Public Resources Code Section 21080.9.

BACKGROUND: In 1972, California voters passed Proposition 20, the Coastal Conservation Initiative, which established the Coastal Commission and tasked it with making decisions about development within the Coastal Zone. The California Coastal Act was then adopted in 1976 to ensure that the public has access to the coast and coastal resources and to protect sensitive marine and coastal habitats. Under the Coastal Act, coastal cities and counties are required to adopt a Local Coastal Program (LCP) to guide development in the Coastal Zone.

The City of Santa Cruz adopted its current Local Coastal Program in 1994 following adoption of General Plan 1990-2005. Since the 2012 adoption of the current General Plan 2030, there has been a desire to update the LCP to bring these policy documents into alignment. Additionally, Coastal Commission guidance documents since 2015 recommend that LCPs be updated to address resiliency and climate change. While additional LCP amendments are forthcoming to better align the LCP with the General Plan 2030, the proposed LCP amendment under consideration is to add a new chapter to the LCP called Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaption, which features eighteen policies related to coastal resource protection, management, adaptation, and resilience. This new chapter, commonly referred to as “Beaches and Bluffs,” is the culmination of six years of partnership with Coastal Commission staff at the local and state level, coordination across multiple City departments, and engagement with the community. The

37.1 proposed Beaches and Bluffs chapter, as attached, also includes a supplemental glossary and Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area maps.

As part of aligning the LCP with General Plan 2030, the proposed amendments will also incorporate the previously approved General Plan 2030 Sensitive Habitat and Vegetation Types Maps into the LCP.

DISCUSSION: The current LCP is comprised of five policy chapters and a land use chapter, essentially functioning as a General Plan for the City of Santa Cruz Coastal Zone area. During the ongoing process of updating the entire LCP, in consultation with Coastal Commission staff, this work was broken into two parts in 2022 for ease of review and processing. The first part is to create this proposed Beaches and Bluffs chapter to address climate change and sea level rise impacts in the Coastal Zone. Because this is a new chapter addressing these vital issues that are not covered in the current LCP, it was most important that this chapter be the first phase of work.

The significant 2022-23 winter storm damage to West Cliff further heightened the need for these policies to be prioritized and aligned with new City documents, as discussed below in more detail.

The second part of this LCP update is modernizing the existing document and aligning it with the current General Plan 2030. This includes updates to the five existing policy chapters and the land use chapter. This second part of the update is ongoing and anticipated to be completed in 2027.

Beaches and Bluffs Policy Development
Because the LCP is essentially a General Plan for Santa Cruz’ Coastal Zone, its policies are intended to be broad. Still, followers of this work note that there have been significant changes in the form and function of this LCP update during the course of its revisions. The first draft LCP update released to the public for review in late 2021 featured the entire document and broader resiliency policies. There were more narrative elements too, intended to be read in a longer format similar to General Plan 2030. Further discussions with Coastal Commission staff led to the desire for a streamlined document that focused on the policies. There was also a desire for more specifics in the policies, and where specific efforts desired by the Coastal Commission needed a separate planning process, policies were developed to outline this future work. These changes could be seen when the draft Beaches and Bluffs chapter was released for public review in the summer of 2025. The proposed Beaches and Bluffs chapter now has some introductory language, but the focus of the new chapter is the hazard adaptation policies.

The Beaches and Bluffs policies were influenced early on by development of the goals and objectives of the City’s Resilient Coast Initiative effort, which was completed in 2022. The Resilient Coast Initiative assessed the potential effects of sea level rise on the City’s coastline and took steps to develop appropriate climate change adaptation strategies and policies to address those effects. Those goals were developed and reviewed by the City, governmental, quasi-governmental, and non-profit stakeholders, a technical advisory committee, local Coastal Commission staff, and the community, and the goals provided a starting point for the adaptation policies included in the proposed Beaches and Bluffs chapter.

37.2 As these policies were beginning to take shape, the severe winter storms of 2022-2023 damaged parts of the West Cliff coastline and added another layer of policy emphasis. Not only would the Beaches and Bluffs chapter need to more specifically address the future of West Cliff and its recovery, it would also need to align with new community-focused initiatives. The damage to West Cliff set off a wave of community coordination and City projects, culminating in the 50- Year Community Vision for West Cliff adopted in April 2024 and the West Cliff Five-Year Roadmap adopted in March 2025. Countless interdepartmental staff meetings sought to ensure the Beaches and Bluffs chapter would work in tandem with these new documents.

Through this policy development, the overall goals of the Beaches and Bluffs chapter are:
1) Keep public beaches and access open and safe;
2) Use science to guide decisions and update hazard maps regularly; 3) Avoid or limit new construction in high-risk areas;
4) Monitor erosion and coastal changes each year and after storms; 5) Prioritize nature-based solutions like beach replenishment or living shorelines over harder engineered approaches such as concrete seawalls, where appropriate; and 6) Align with the Local Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan and the West Cliff 50-year Vision and Five-year Roadmap.

Beaches and Bluffs Hazard Adaptation Policies
The proposed new chapter includes eighteen policies related to coastal resource protection, management, adaptation, and resilience. Some policies are straightforward and short while others are complex and lengthy. Each policy plays an important role in this chapter, but below are synopses of six key policies that deserve additional attention.

BB-5. Shoreline and Bluffs Change Monitoring
This policy requires the implementation of a coastal change monitoring program. A key feature of adaptation planning is to establish triggers and thresholds that result in a desired set of actions (e.g., if “x” number of feet of bluff erosion occurs, action “y” should take place). Monitoring is a vital aspect of adaptation planning, because it provides the data needed to determine when a trigger point or threshold is reached.

BB-6. Shoreline Adaptation Management Plans
This policy establishes the development of Shoreline Adaptation Management Plans (SAMPs) for three portions of Santa Cruz (West Cliff, Main-Cowell Beaches, and East Cliff shoreline areas) within five years of Coastal Commission adoption of this policy. While the LCP sets broader policies regarding adaptation planning, the SAMPs will develop a more specific vision for the shoreline area to guide the development and implementation of near-, mid-, and long-term adaptation strategies. As such, this policy lays the groundwork for much of the future planning actions along Santa Cruz’s coast. These strategies will be developed through broad community engagement and more detailed scientific analyses of existing and future conditions of those areas. This SAMP work has already begun with funding by the Ocean Protection Council, and initial community engagement opportunities have commenced with community and Advisory Committee conversations having occurred earlier this month.

37.3 BB-7. Public Projects along West Cliff
While a detailed SAMP will be developed for West Cliff over the next year and a half, given the amount of work happening along West Cliff, especially to repair storm damage, there was a desire to include a set of West Cliff-specific policies to direct these activities in the interim.

These policies seek to avoid the use of hard armoring where possible and to mitigate the use of allowed/required hard armoring when feasible. Mitigation efforts could consider adaptive strategies like realignment of infrastructure in specific areas where more space is available (e.g., Lighthouse Point, Lighthouse Field, and Natural Bridges State Beaches). This policy and its subpolicies were also developed to align the Beaches and Bluffs chapter with the 50-Year Community Vision for West Cliff and West Cliff Five-Year Roadmap.

BB-8. Private Development in the Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area This policy establishes a Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area, detailed in the maps included after the Beaches and Bluff policies. This area is largely within 100 feet of the bluff top, with a few areas slightly greater than 100 feet of the bluff top based on best available science determining coastal hazard zones. Proposed development within this area would require a site-specific coastal hazards analysis to evaluate shoreline hazard risks over the anticipated life of the proposed development. Development within this Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area must be designed and sited to be safe from erosion, bluff failure, wave run-up, flooding, and other long-term coastal hazards for its anticipated lifetime without relying on existing shoreline protection or new or enhanced shoreline protection of any kind.

BB-11. Nature-based Shoreline Protection
Different types of adaptation strategies can be used to address coastal hazards. Low-impact, nature-based solutions such as landscaping and drainage control seek to work with natural environmental systems and are to be prioritized over high-impact, non-nature-based solutions (e.g., seawalls). Hybrid solutions would also be supported over fully non-nature-based solutions when possible. While the SAMP process will further detail preferred solutions and adaptation priorities, this policy serves to still prioritize nature-based solutions prior to the SAMPs being adopted.

BB-12. Shoreline Protective Devices
Shoreline protective devices are solutions to coastal hazards that are non-nature-based, such as seawalls, revetments, and other forms of hard armoring. Efforts to protect development with shoreline protective devices can directly result in loss and diminution of natural resources. This policy sets out how and when a shoreline protective device can be implemented and how its impact can be mitigated.

General Plan 2030 Sensitive Habitat and Vegetation Types Maps The City updated its Sensitive Habitat and Vegetation Types maps as part of General Plan 2030.

However, within the Coastal Zone, the City still uses habitat maps from the previous General Plan 1990-2005, because the current maps have not been adopted into the LCP yet. As a minor cleanup to reflect the more current information from the General Plan 2030, the updated Sensitive Habitat and Vegetation Types maps are included as part of this proposed LCP amendment package.

37.4 LCP and Coastal Act Consistency
The primary purpose of the proposed Beaches and Bluffs chapter is to identify and integrate shoreline adaptation strategies and supportive policies that respond to climate change, sea level rise, and related hazards to update the land use planning and program requirements for the Coastal Zone within Santa Cruz city limits. This approach is consistent with the California Coastal Act and the California Coastal Commission Sea Level Rise Policy Guidance, first adopted on August 12, 2015, with subsequent science updates adopted on November 7, 2018 and November 13, 2024, with that guidance calling for jurisdictions to address sea level rise through the use of best available science and other relevant policies. Protection of environmentally sensitive habitat is a key policy of the Coastal Act, and the proposed Sensitive Habitat and Vegetation Types maps are consistent with the Coastal Act in that they update the existing maps using more recent and best available science.

Community Outreach
Coordination with stakeholders was done through each step of the process in developing this new chapter and the underway, but not yet completed, work to update the entire existing LCP document. Two major public review drafts and comment periods were provided, one in late 2021 and one in the summer of 2025. The most recent edits staff made based on the comments on the 2025 public review draft are left in track changes in the proposed Beaches and Bluffs chapter attached. The comments received on the Summer 2025 draft chapter are also attached. Key edits made in response to the recent public review draft were to add more discussion around surfing’s vital role in the City’s coastline based on Save the Waves’ comments. While there was a desire in the comments to develop a monitoring and maintenance program specifically for surfing conditions, the City does not have the technical ability or funding to perform such a task at this time. Edits to Policy BB-5 regarding monitoring leave this option open as a future work item should the opportunity arise. Sub-policies (f) and (g) of Policy BB-7 regarding projects along West Cliff were amended to more closely align with the language in the Council-adopted West Cliff Five-Year Roadmap. The desire for greater consistency between the two documents regarding pedestrian, bicycle, and recreational uses on West Cliff was noted by a few commentors. Finally, a takings clause policy was also added based on comments received from Smart Coast California.

Planning Commission Summary
This item was heard by the Planning Commission on October 16, 2025. Planning Commission only had concerns about the Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area process. Staff confirmed that only development within the Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area is subject to additional hazards analysis, and development outside of the area is exempt from the additional analysis, even if it is on property that is partially within the area. Staff were also asked to clarify the hazards analysis process, including which jurisdiction does the review. Staff have since coordinated further with the local Coastal Commission staff to ensure aligned efforts. Typically, the applicant hires a qualified engineer to perform the hazards analysis which would then be reviewed by the City. In instances where the Coastal Commission is the permitting authority, it would undertake the final review of the hazards analysis. Finally, Planning Commission was interested in knowing more details regarding the differences between the first public draft of the Beaches and Bluffs chapter and this current one. That question was answered in the meeting, and those additional details are provided in the Beaches and Bluffs Policy Development section of this report.

37.5 Next Steps
Following action by the City Council, the proposed amendments will be submitted to the California Coastal Commission late this year, with the Commission’s approval likely to take place in early 2026. The forthcoming development of the Shoreline Adaptation Management Plans (SAMPs) for West Cliff, Main-Cowell Beaches, and East Cliff represents a direct extension of these policies, as do other coastal resilience planning efforts by the City regarding monitoring, living shorelines and nature-based solution implementation, and sand management feasibility studies. As noted previously, this proposed Beaches and Bluffs chapter represents adding a new policy section to the LCP. The effort to update the rest of the existing LCP is ongoing and expected to be completed in 2027.

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) DETERMINATION: The proposed amendments are exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15265 and Public Resources Code Section 21080.9 in that CEQA does not apply to activities and approvals pursuant to the California Coastal Act such as preparation and adoption of an LCP by a local government.

HEALTH IN ALL POLICIES (HiAP): In 2019, the City adopted a Health in All Policies strategy to eliminate inequities in health and well-being and attain equity for all residents. The proposed amendments further the City’s Health in All Policies by developing policies that respond to climate change, sea level rise, and related hazards. These policies bolster the City’s sustainability and resiliency efforts and support the well-being for all residents.

FISCAL IMPACT:

1. The recommendation in this report impacts the General Fund: Yes

2. This recommendation requires a budget adjustment: No

3. The recommendation creates an on-going expenditure commitment: No FISCAL IMPACT DESCRIPTION: The proposed changes to the LCP are anticipated to have some fiscal impact in the years ahead. While the proposed new Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation policy chapter is broad in nature, it outlines several programs such as monitoring, Shoreline Adaptation Management Plans, and shoreline protection device mitigation that would likely be implemented with some General Fund spending. Some of these programs already have state and federal grant funding that will supplement a portion of these additional costs. While the resiliency efforts outlined in the proposed new LCP chapter would have upfront costs, they are also intended to address long-term expenses that would be even more costly if alternative paths were chosen. For example, under current policies, coastal impacts brought by sea level rise and climate change would be expected to cost the City an estimated one billion dollars over the next 100 years, and some of the Beaches and Bluffs policies aim to mitigate sea level rise impacts and reduce City costs over the long-term.

Prepared By:

Matt VanHua, AICP
Principal Planner
Submitted By:

Lee Butler, AICP
Director of Planning &
Community Development
Approved By:

Matt Huffaker
City Manager

37.6 ATTACHMENTS:

1. PROPOSED BEACHES AND BLUFFS HAZARDS ADAPTATION CHAPTER.PDF

2. PUBLIC REVIEW COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT BEACHES AND BLUFFS HAZARDS ADAPTATION CHAPTER.PDF

3. GENERAL PLAN 2030 SENSITIVE HABITAT AND VEGETATION MAPS.PDF

4. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT OF AGENDA OCTOBER 16, 2025.PDF

37.7 C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N

C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation
LCP BEACHES AND BLUFFS FINAL DRAFT: October 2025
1 B EAC HE S AND B LUFFS HAZARDS A DAPTAT IO N
Coastal Act Policy and Guidance Overview

C O M M I S S I O N G U I D A N C E R E L A T E D T O C L I M A T E C H A N G E A N D S E A L E V E L R I S E ( A D O P T E D 8 / 2 0 1 5 ; S C I E N C E U P D A T E 1 1 / 2 0 2 4 C R I T I C A L I N F R A S T R U C T U R E P L A N N I N G 8 / 1 1 / 2 0 2 1 )  Use Science to Guide Decisions (PRC 30006.5, 30335.5)  Address sea level rise as necessary in planning and permitting decisions.  Use best available science to determine locally relevant and context-specific projections for all stages of planning, project design, and permitting review.  Recognize scientific uncertainty by using scenario planning and adaptive management techniques.
 Use a precautionary approach by planning and providing adaptive capacity for the higher range of possible sea level rise.
 Design adaptation strategies according to local conditions and existing development patterns.
 Minimize Coastal Hazards Through Planning & Development Standards (PRC 30253, 30235, 30001, 30002.5)
 Avoid significant coastal hazard risks where feasible.  Minimize coastal hazard risks to development and redevelopment over the expected life of authorized development.
 Use a precautionary approach by planning and providing adaptive capacity for the higher range of possible sea level rise.
 Ensure property owners understand and assume all risks and mitigate the coastal resource impacts of development and redevelopment in hazardous areas.  Only allow shoreline armoring to be utilized to abate coastal hazards risk in limited situations and when associated impacts are mitigated.  Maximize Protection of Access, Recreation, and Other Key Coastal Resources (Chapter 3 Policies)
 Provide maximum protection of coastal resources in planning and regulation.

I N T H I S S E C T I O N :
 Coastal Act Policy and Guidance Overview
 Introduction
 Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation Policies & Actions

37.8 C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N

C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation
LCP BEACHES AND BLUFFS FINAL DRAFT: October 2025
2  Maximize natural shoreline processes; minimize perpetuation of shoreline armoring.
 Recognize that sea level rise will move the public trust boundary inland; protect against the loss of public trust areas and/or loss of or damage to their public use and enjoyment
 Avoid coastal resource impacts associated with shoreline decisions and mitigate for unavoidable impacts.
 Address cumulative impacts and regional context of planning and permitting decisions.
 Use the best available information on resource valuation when mitigating coastal resource impacts.
 Maximize Agency Coordination and Public Participation (Chap 5 Policies: PRC 30006, 30339, 30500, 30503, 30711)
 Coordinate planning and regulatory decision-making with other appropriate local, state, and federal agencies; support research and monitoring efforts.  Consider doing vulnerability assessments and adaptation planning at regional level.
 Allow for maximum public participation in all planning and regulatory processes.  Protect and Provide Public Recreational Coastal Access (Chapter 3 Policies)  Protect, provide, and maximize public access and recreational opportunities, including access to surfing and other water recreation.  Distribute public facilities (including parking) throughout the area to mitigate the impacts, social or otherwise, of overcrowding or overuse by the public of any single area.
 Regulate the time, place, and manner of public access considering topography, sensitive resources, and to protect the privacy of adjacent property owners.  Maintain and enhance multi-modal means of transportation, including transit service and non-automotive alternatives.
 Manage Maintenance and Improvement of Critical Infrastructure at Risk (Infrastructure Guidance)
 Support cross-jurisdictional infrastructure coordination.  Address environmental justice at all stages weighing equitable distribution of benefits and burdens.
 Phase adaptation strategies to reduce upfront costs and allow time for longer term strategies and planning.
 Evaluate costs and benefits of adaptation strategies over life cycle of infrastructure.
 PEncourage prioritizeation of nature-based strategies.  Prioritize Environmental Justice Communities
 Consider environmental justice when making planning and permitting decisions.

Evaluate and address any disproportionate environmental and public health burdens these communities may experience as a result of sea level rise impacts.

37.9 C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N

C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation
LCP BEACHES AND BLUFFS FINAL DRAFT: October 2025
3 Introduction
Coastal bluff and other forms of shoreline erosion and retreat are the result of weathering, physical disturbance, drainage, geologic, and seismic characteristics, and the continuous and forceful actions of waves, tides, and storms. Such erosion can be both gradual and episodic in nature, the latter often coinciding with winter storm events, and is expected to be exacerbated by rising sea levels over time. In particular, winter storm waves are larger, steeper, contain more energy, and typically move significant amounts of sand from the beaches to offshore sand bars, creating steep, narrow beaches at the shore. In the summer, lower, less energetic waves typically allow the gradual return of the sand to the shoreline, making for wider sandy beaches. During the winter months when many sandy beaches are narrow or absent altogether, the storm waves can affect the bluffs more frequently and with greater force.

In the City of Santa Cruz, coastal bluff erosion and retreat is prevalent and easily noticeable along the ocean bluff tops of West Cliff. The retreat rates for these coastal bluffs in particular locations are influenced by the orientation of the bluff relative to the prevailing storm wave direction, coastline geometry, rock type, and beach width and depth. Several studies were performed by the City and scientific consultants on coastal bluff retreat rates in the Santa Cruz area including both area-wide studies and sitespecific studies for individual coastal development projects. Data collection for the City’s General Plan 2030 EIR found that average annualized retreat rates along the coastline within the City of Santa Cruz have been measured at 2.75 to 5.9 inches per year for the portion of the shoreline studied. The more recent West Cliff Drive Adaptation and Management Plan adopted by the City Council in April 2021 contains historical erosion rates between 1956 and 2018 for 4 zones along West Cliff that show erosion rates of up to 3.8 inches per year in some locations, generally consistent with the earlier rate studies. In the years following the approval of the City’s General Plan 2030, more recent studies on climate change, global warming, and the increasing rate of sea level rise, including work by the City of Santa Cruz to develop its 2025 to 2030 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, Climate Adaptation Plan, and the West Cliff Drive Adaptation and Management Plan suggest that there is potential for a greater number of larger, more serious weather and erosion events in the coming decades.

Coastal erosion can be gradual, as suggested by the annualized rates above; however, it can also be quite episodic, resulting in occasional losses of larger sections of the bluffs, in addition to the more gradual wearing away of the bluffs over time. Significant portions of the City’s coastline are protected by shoreline protective devices, most typically rock revetments. In these areas, bluff erosion may not occur until an event damages the armoring, reducing its protection and contributing to the episodic losses of cliff bluff.

Thus, these average annualized erosion rates should not be considered solely as a slow and gradual process but represent averages over longer periods of time where a significant portion of the erosion may have happened mostly in intermittent larger events, such as the series of atmospheric river storms between December 2022 and January 2023. As a result, while such average annualized erosion rates are useful in the planning context, there is the potential for larger bluff failures at any one time.

The primary purpose of this section is to identify and integrate shoreline adaptation strategies and supportive policies that respond to climate change, sea level rise, and related hazards to update the land use planning and program requirements for the coastal zone within Santa Cruz city limits. This approach

37.10 C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N

C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation
LCP BEACHES AND BLUFFS FINAL DRAFT: October 2025
4 is consistent with the California Coastal Act and the California Coastal Commission Sea Level Rise Policy Guidance, first adopted on August 12, 2015, with subsequent science updates adopted on November 7, 2018, and November 13, 2024. Additional context regarding shoreline sea level rise hazards and adaptation options in the City can be found in the goals and objectives developed during the City’s Resilient Coast Initiative effort completed in 2022. The Resilient Coast Initiative assessed the potential effects of sea level rise on the City’s coastline and took steps to develop appropriate climate change adaptation strategies and policies to address those effects. Those goals were developed and reviewed by the City, stakeholders, local Coastal Commission staff and the community, and provided a starting point for the beaches and bluffs adaptation policies included in this Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan (LCP LUP).

These beaches and bluffs hazards adaptation policies are therefore an outgrowth of the City’s Resilient Coast Initiative, partially funded through grants from the California Department of Transportation and the California Coastal Commission and undertaken in partnership with both state agencies. Key staff members in these agencies continue to express strong interest in working together with the local Santa Cruz community and stakeholders to develop improved sea level rise monitoring and adaptation policy tools.

The City is also aligning other internal, local and regional plans with evolving coastal adaptation strategies as these plans are periodically revised and updated, to ensure a unified policy direction.

Beaches, Bluffs, and Shoreline Area Resource Protection The City’s beaches, bluffs, and shoreline, and coastal areas are all resources of great public importance under constant and evolving threat. Residents and visitors from around the world enjoy the City’s coastline, including offshore resources, which are part of the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve, dedicated in 2012. Although there is much uncertainty, particularly related to sea level rise projections, efforts to protect development with shoreline protective devices (e.g., through the use of seawalls, revetments, and other forms of hard armoring- terms often used interchangeably in this document) can directly result in loss and diminution of natural resources. Adaptation at the shoreline interface necessarily involves tradeoffs. The policies below acknowledge and address these facts and reflect ways for the City to adapt in the face of sea level rise, bluff erosion and other coastal hazards.

The City’s Coastal Resource Protection, Management, Adaptation, and Resilience policies below support the City’s coastal objectives and adaptation priorities and are sufficiently supported by science, collected data, and community engagement. Additionally, direction for future refinement of the policies is also accounted for through City commitments to develop more focused Shoreline Adaptation Management Plans (SAMPs) for the West Cliff, Main/Cowell Beach, and East Cliff sections of the City’s shoreline. The intent is that these SAMPs will be added to the LCP through future LCP amendments, and that they can provide even more specific adaptation strategies for addressing the unique challenges posed in each area, consistent with the overarching policies of the LCP’s LUP and the Coastal Act.

37.11 C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N

C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation
LCP BEACHES AND BLUFFS FINAL DRAFT: October 2025
5 Coastal Resource Protection, Management, Adaptation, and Resilience Policies BB-1 Overall Coastal Hazards Objective. Protect and enhance bluff, shoreline, offshore, and sandy beach recreational areas for public use and enjoyment while ensuring all development (including private structures and public infrastructure) is safe from coastal hazards to the maximum extent feasible, both now and in the future. Ensure that otherwise allowable development is sited, designed, and conditioned to minimize risks to life and property consistent with Coastal Act Section 30253, and, where development cannot entirely avoid coastal hazards, to appropriately minimize and mitigate for all adverse impacts to coastal resources, including to bluff, shoreline, offshore, and sandy beach recreational areas.

BB-2 Beaches and Bluffs Chapter Policy Interpretation. Conflicts, if any, between the policies of this chapter and other policies of the LCP shall be resolved in favor of the policies of this chapter.

BB-3 Sea Level Rise Response. Study and develop policies and actions to respond to climate change and adapt to sea level rise and undertake projects to comprehensively identify and coordinate coastline-specific adaptation strategies.

BB-4. Best Available Science. Use of these policies or any update or amendment to these policies shall use the best available, professionally accepted science and scientific guidance (e.g., the most recent iterations of the State Sea Level Rise Guidance (Ocean Protection Council) and Coastal Commission Sea Level Rise Policy Guidance), about projected sea level rise and other climatechange related coastal and environmental changes when addressing coastal erosion, bluff failure, flooding, and other coastal hazards. Update coastal hazards maps as may be required, but at least every 10 years, based on the best available science.

BB-5. Shoreline and Bluffs Change Monitoring. Implement a coastal change monitoring program for:
sea-level rise, beach width, bluff erosion, flooding, storm damage, large wave events, traffic patterns, recreational uses (including loss of access temporarily or permanently), and other potential measures or triggers for guiding implementation of sea-level rise and climate change adaptation policies. A monitoring program should include monitoring after significant storms as well as shoreline and bluff edge observation surveys yearly (at a minimum). The program should also document annual maintenance costs, include adaptation action thresholds in coordination with Policy BB-6, and should engage the stakeholder community. Other aspects of a comprehensive monitoring program (such as changes to surfing and other shoreline recreational resources) could be further explored or refined during development of a coastal adaptation plan, or in stages as funding is available, or in concert with other organizations or agencies. Ongoing monitoring results would inform future coastal adaptation planning and should be reported periodically to the City Council. Any monitoring program should be frequently reviewed to determine the ongoing appropriateness of the adaptation pathway triggers and thresholds and resulting desired actions.

37.12 C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N

C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation
LCP BEACHES AND BLUFFS FINAL DRAFT: October 2025
6 BB-6. Shoreline Adaptation Management Plans (SAMPs). The City shall complete shoreline adaptation management plans (blueprints) for the West Cliff, Main-Cowell Beaches, and East Cliff shoreline areas, to be submitted to the Coastal Commission as Land Use Plan amendments (and Implementation Plan amendments as may be appropriate) within 5 years of Commission certification of this LUP policy. Each management plan shall address the following components:
a. Consistency with LUP Objectives and Policies. SAMPs shall be consistent with and implement LUP objectives and policies, including protecting and enhancing natural shoreline resources and public shoreline, offshore, and sandy beach recreational areas for public use and enjoyment; minimize shoreline hazard risks to life, property, and public infrastructure; and assure the stability of new developments while avoiding the substantial alteration of natural bluff and cliff landforms.
b. Broad Community Engagement. The City will work with affected property owners, residents, visitors, the Coastal Commission, tribal interests, NGOs, and other interested parties to develop each SAMP, including the components required by this policy. c. Adaptation Pathway Vision. Each SAMP shall include a vision for the shoreline area to guide the development and implementation of near-, mid-, and long-term adaptation strategies as described below. The City shall consider the individual and potential cumulative consequences of each SAMP vision to assure compatibility with each other and consistency with the LUP, including addressing the balance between public access and recreation, resource protection, hazard reduction, and other management objectives for the entire City shoreline through such mechanisms as minimum city-wide requirements and/or mitigation strategies.
d. Analysis of Existing and Future Area Conditions. SAMPs shall include an assessment of existing and projected shoreline conditions assuming 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 meters of sea level rise, and with and without shoreline protective devices including but not limited to the following:

1. Existing and reasonably foreseeable public and private development, including shoreline protection structures and other infrastructure.

2. Upland, shoreline, sandy beach, and offshore public access and recreational areas, including accessways, surfing resources, and parking areas.

3. Natural shoreline, aesthetic, and cultural resources, such as sensitive habitat areas, rocky intertidal zones, dunes, important public views and scenic resources, and significant tribal cultural areas.

4. Existing and projected average sandy beach area widths throughout tidal and seasonal ranges.
e. Adaptation Pathways Strategies, Programs, and Actions. SAMPs shall identify adaptation strategies, programs, lead departments, and actions designed to achieve the SAMP vision and consistency with the LUP. Strategies shall consider adaptation pathway methodologies, including but not limited to:

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LCP BEACHES AND BLUFFS FINAL DRAFT: October 2025
7 1. Identification of thresholds or standards, the exceedance of which may trigger specific adaptation actions and interventions necessary to maintain or protect coastal resources or otherwise address LUP requirements.

2. Phased adaptation sequences of action as appropriate, including approximate timelines to achieve short, medium, and long-term outcomes consistent with the SAMP vision and LUP.

3. New scientific, technical, and other targeted studies and research as required to identify and refine future adaptation actions.

4. Refined LUP policies as applied in each special management area.

5. Recommendations for Implementation Plan amendments addressing LUP/SAMP policies, such as new or updated zoning ordinances.

6. Implementation programs, including specific measures incorporated into the City’s Capital Investment Program.

7. Design guidelines or requirements for specific project types, such as shoreline protection, beach replenishment and living shorelines.

8. Specific projects or adaptation interventions with relevant timelines, phasing, and action triggers necessary for both existing and future shoreline management and adaptation consistent with the LCP, including but not limited to, sediment management, beach nourishment, “green” or nature-based soft infrastructure, shoreline hard armoring, raising the elevation of development, structural modifications, removal of armoring, acquisition of development and property, and relocation of development and/or infrastructure.

9. Monitoring programs, including metrics and standards for periodic review of SAMP implementation.

10. Financing mechanisms or programs to support SAMP implementation such as in-lieu fees, grants, climate resilience districts, or other state or federal funds. f. Sandy Beach Adaptation Strategies. SAMPs shall address the potential loss of sandy beaches, including:

1. Evaluation of minimum beach width(s) necessary to maintain preferred public recreational access and habitat use, considering daily tidal range, seasonal erosion, and short term, storm driven erosion.

2. Strategies for maintaining minimum beach widths, including sand replenishment and retention and removal of development/armoring to allow for natural beach migration processes (i.e., managed retreat).

3. Monitoring of beach width, availability of recreational access, beach use, and habitat values throughout the year and over time relative to LUP and SAMP objectives. g. Cliff and Bluff Erosion. SAMPs shall consider bluff stabilization strategies and locations for potential managed retreat, and criteria for near term maintenance of riprap and other shoreline protection, consistent with protection of paleontological resources, bird nesting areas, marine resources and habitat protection, maintenance of coastal access (e.g., multi-use trail), and mechanisms to enhance public recreational access (e.g., riprap removal, consolidation, reconfiguration, or other modifications to minimize beach encroachment) and visual resources

37.14 C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N

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LCP BEACHES AND BLUFFS FINAL DRAFT: October 2025
8 (e.g., visual screening using camouflaging, vegetation, etc.). Strategies shall minimize and mitigate adverse impacts on coastal resources and beach sand supply from protection devices such as sea walls and revetments.
h. Blufftop and Alternative Access/Mitigation. SAMPs shall identify potential alternative public shoreline access and mitigation for any loss of sandy beach and other recreational access.

Such options may include, but are not limited to, vertical access to rocky shorelines or directly to the water (such as surf access), lateral access (e.g., trails or pathways) along blufftops or as part of shared vertical seawalls, viewing platforms, and parks. SAMPs will consider preferred locations for such features and potential tools for promoting construction of such features (e.g., public projects, design requirements for any shoreline armoring, conditions on private development, acquisition of easements, or removal of structures). Planning efforts should also consider how such features should be adapted and modified over time as sea levels rise to ensure access is maintained over time.
i. Environmental Justice. SAMPs shall include an assessment of environmental justice, including the potential distribution of coastal resource benefits and impacts to disadvantaged and other members of the community; and strategies to address any disparate or inequitable impacts. j. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Updating. Each SAMP shall address monitoring of plan implementation and periodic updating.

BB-7. Public Projects along West Cliff. In addition to other policies in this section that may be applicable in any particular case (e.g., related to development in the Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area, shoreline armoring, etc.), the following provisions also apply to projects in the vicinity of West Cliff Drive in an interim manner until certification of a West Cliff Shoreline Adaptation Management Plan pursuant to Policy BB-6, which shall provide a more detailed set of policies. a. Avoid the use of shoreline armoring to the maximum extent feasible. Where unavoidable, minimize the scope, extent, and impacts associated with shoreline armoring to the maximum extent feasible. As part of any Coastal Development Permit (CDP) evaluation for proposed armoring (including modifications/expansions of any extant armoring, replacement armoring, and altogether new armoring), the City shall evaluate the feasibility of either relocating the structure that needs protection away from such hazards to avoid needed armoring (e.g., relocating portions of West Cliff Drive inland of or through portions of Lighthouse Field State Beach), or eliminating the structure, provided public recreational access will not be significantly adversely impacted. Limit any allowed/required armoring to areas where critical infrastructure (e.g., public roads, sidewalks, and public utilities, and coastal-dependent development) meets the requirements of Policy BB-12is in danger from erosion. Any allowed/required armoring shall be sited and designed to avoid covering natural landforms and to mimic natural landforms to the maximum extent feasible. b. MiƟgate all coastal resource impacts associated with allowed/required armoring, including pursuing a hybrid strategy that could include accommodating natural bluff/shoreline retreat

37.15 C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N

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9 through moving at risk infrastructure inland. Coordinate with partners like the California Coastal Commission, State Parks, and the community to consider adaptive strategies that could include realignment of infrastructure, including in terms of potenƟal impacts to public recreational trails, parking faciliƟes, and other infrastructure, as well as more broadly in terms of specific areas (e.g., Lighthouse Point, and Lighthouse Field and Natural Bridges State Beaches).
c. Where armoring is allowed/required, explore and prioriƟze nature-based/living shoreline soluƟons and consider engineered natural feature restoraƟon management strategies consistent with other LCP policies. Natural feature restoraƟon is defined as man-made features constructed and engineered to replicate previously present natural features that may have eroded or been lost over Ɵme to mimic natural condiƟons. d. Maintain blufftop space seaward and landward of infrastructure (e.g., recreational trail, water/sewer lines, etc.) in a natural state to the maximum extent feasible to maximize options for adaptaƟon over Ɵme. Apply appropriate drainage and native landscaping measures to help protect such areas against increased erosion.
e. Monitor armoring in terms of its ongoing impacts on coastal resources, including on public recreaƟonal resources, including surfing, and implement measures to offset such impacts (e.g., removal of rock on beaches that is displaced from revetments, incorporation of new access features (such as public benches, overlooks, and/or interpretive elements) into infrastructure/armoring structures, exploration of upgrades to vertical access, etc.). f. PrioriƟze Explore consideraƟon of separated pedestrian and bicycle access when making decisions regarding public recreational access management along West Cliff. Explore future West Cliff Drive alignment options to allow for continued support of enhanced multimodal coastal access.
g. SupportPrioritize through access for recreational users and emergency responders through trail realignment inland, where feasible, which may involve permanent removal of parking and reconfiguration of roadway.

BB-8. Private Development in the Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area. The Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area is land located within 100 feet of the bluff edge or within a coastal hazard zone mapped in Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area figure. Except as may be authorized by a Shoreline Area Management Plan (SAMP) developed pursuant to Policy BB-6, development within the Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area must be designed and sited to be safe from erosion, bluff failure, wave run-up, flooding, and other long-term coastal hazards for its anticipated lifetime without relying on existing shoreline protection or new or enhanced shoreline protection of any kind, including seawalls, revetments, upper bluff retaining walls, deep caisson foundations, groins, offshore reefs, or other such artificial bluff erosion interventions (exclusive of development along the San Lorenzo River and protected by levees). All such development within the defined Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area shall also comply with the following:

37.16 C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N

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10 a. Shoreline Hazards Analysis. Require a site-specific coastal hazards analysis to evaluate shoreline hazard risks over the anticipated life of the proposed development. Analyses shall be conducted by a qualified professional with expertise in coastal processes and shall establish the development requirements and setback from the beach or blufftop edge based on the anticipated life of the structure (minimum 75 years for residential development), best available science including high sea level rise projections (as may be identified by the Ocean Protection Council or equivalent) and a 100-year storm event, and in addition for blufftop development, a demonstrated factor of safety greater than or equal to 1.5 for static conditions and greater than or equal to 1.1 for seismic conditions, or an equivalent best available scientific analysis.
b. Shoreline Hazards Risk Disclosure and Assumption of Risk. As a condition of approval for all coastal development permits, require a deed restriction to ensure that property owners understand and assume the risks and mitigate the coastal resource impacts of development in a hazardous area. Recorded assumptions of risk shall include a waiver of claim of damage or liability against the permitting authority, waiver of rights to future shoreline armoring, acknowledgement that the development may need to be removed and the site restored in response to future hazard conditions or inland migration of the public trust, and any other acknowledgements and mitigation measures necessary to internalize risk decisions. If development is threatened by shoreline erosion or other hazards and needs to be removed or relocated, the owner shall bear full responsibility for all costs and must work with the City to implement the mitigation in a timely manner.
c. Infrastructure Limitations. Require property owners to acknowledge, in a recorded deed restriction, that public funds may not be available, and coastal erosion conditions may limit the ability to repair, maintain and/or continue to provide infrastructure and related services to the property (e.g., roadways and utilities) in the future and that the occupancy of structures may be prohibited if such services are no longer able to be provided including sewer and water systems that may be rendered inoperable.
d. Maintenance of Public Access Rights. Require the property owner to acknowledge that coastal development approval (i.e., CDP) does not constitute a waiver of any public rights that may exist on the property, and that a CDP approval may not be used as evidence of a waiver of any public rights that may exist on the affected property now or in the future. e. Landscaping and Drainage. Require removal of non-native and invasive plants and replacement with native bluff plants as well as upgrades to drainage infrastructure sited and designed to protect coastal resources for the area of impact of any development in areas subject to coastal hazards as a condition of approval for that development. Development in coastal hazard areas shall collect and direct drainage flow, including water from landscaping and irrigation to inland drainage systems so drainage does not contribute to coastal bluff or other shoreline erosion. All drainage elements shall be camouflaged to be hidden from public view.
f. Future Armoring Restrictions. Shoreline armoring shall not be constructed to protect the development, including if the development is threatened with damage or destruction from coastal hazards in the future. As part of any CDP for development not otherwise exempt or excluded from CDP requirements, the City shall require the property owners to record a deed restriction waiving, on behalf of themselves and any successors and assigns, any rights to

37.17 C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N

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11 construct armoring that may exist under applicable law. Any shoreline armoring shall be limited to that which is authorized by a CDP and is deemed necessary to protect other structures, development, or public beaches permitted to obtain armoring. g. Future Coastal Hazards Adaptation. Require property owners to acknowledge that development on affected properties, and any shoreline protective devices on- or off-site protecting such property, may need to be modified in the future to address coastal hazards, including as may be anticipated by a shoreline area management plan developed pursuant to Policy BB-6. This could include removal or relocation (in whole or in part) consistent with future LCP policies or applicable future shoreline management plans, and that the development may be required to be relocated/removed and the site restored in response to certain defined adaptation strategies, such as when the development is deemed unsafe, comes to be located on public trust lands, when no longer served by necessary utilities/infrastructure, when coastal hazards would necessitate shoreline armoring, and/or as part of armoring repair/maintenance if not entitled to armoring.

BB-9. Minor Public Development in the Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Areas. New minor public facilities or improvement of public facilities (e.g., restroom buildings, beach access staircases, signage and wayfinding materials, wharf maintenance, and other facilities that enhance public access and safety) shown within the shoreline hazard evaluation areas shown inthe Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area figure Figure BB-XX may be considered and approved when they support coastal dependent uses, enhance coastal access, or provide necessary amenities for public recreational access. Allowable minor public development shall be sited and designed to protect and enhance coastal resources over the course of its anticipated life.

BB-10. Efficacy of Shoreline Protection. Require an applicant for development, including redevelopment of an existing structure, to assess the continued efficacy of any onsite shoreline protective devices to protect the development or structure, including evaluation of future conditions such as projected sea level rise. This includes evaluation of the condition of the devices, and whether devices can be removed or modified to allow affected areas to be returned to more natural conditions and/or to minimize the armoring’s footprint and coastal resource impacts. If such assessment does show shoreline protective devices can be removed or modified, and affected areas returned to more natural conditions, include such actions in the conditions of approval for authorized development. Where necessary, require a removal and restoration plan, including financial bonding, for large projects to address potential shoreline protection or project failure at some future date.

BB-11. Nature-based Shoreline Protection. Non-structural nature-based adaptation strategies (e.g., relocation, drainage control, and landscaping, etc.) shall be prioritized over and used in tandem with any hybrid nature-based shoreline protection (e.g., projects that introduce structural elements, sediment/hydrological manipulation, etc.). Nature-based shoreline protection shall be prioritized over non-nature-based shoreline protection (e.g., seawalls) to the maximum extent feasible. Any hard armoring features used in combination with nature-based adaptation strategies or similar hybrid approaches shall be consistent with Policy BB-11 below. Nature-based

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12 shoreline protection will be prioritized even if a SAMP for that area has not been adopted yet. It is assumed that the process for adoption of a SAMP will hone nature-based solution decisionmaking.

BB-12. Shoreline Protective Devices. Shoreline protective devices shall only be allowed if they meet all the following criteria:

a. Allowable Shoreline Protective Devices. The shoreline protective device is required to: (1) serve a coastal-dependent use; or (2) protect a public beach; or (3) protect an existing principal structure that was legally constructed on or before January 1, 1977 (and that has not been changed in a way that constitutes redevelopment), and the use, beach, or structure is in danger from erosion (e.g., a structure would be unsafe to use or occupy within two storm seasons as deemed by the Building Official based on geotechnical analysis). b. Least Damaging Alternative. The shoreline protective device is the least environmentally damaging feasible alternative. Hard armoring (such as seawalls, etc.) shall only be allowed if nature-based adaptation strategies (such as relocation; nature-based adaptation strategies like dune/reef enhancement projects, beach nourishment, vegetative planting, drainage control and landscape improvements; and hybrid strategies, etc.) cannot meet the above least environmentally damaging feasible alternative criteria, and if limited to avoid coastal resource impacts to the maximum extent feasible. Consideration of new shoreline protection shall require review of any already-existing protective devices to assess the need for their removal or minimization, or for restoration of those sites, to be required as a condition of approval of any new shoreline protective device.
c. Design Standards. All shoreline protective devices shall be sited and designed to both avoid coastal resource impacts and enhance coastal resources to the maximum extent feasible, including by reducing the footprint of the structure as much as possible, designing for sea level rise conditions expected over the life of the protected development while recognizing the potential for phased adaptation approaches, enhancing visually blighted conditions, increasing beach width, and restoring/enhancing habitat value, and integrating new access features/opportunities as much as possible.
d. Mitigation. All shoreline protective devices shall be accompanied by proportional mitigation for all unavoidable coastal resource impacts, including with respect to impacts on shoreline sand supply, sandy beaches, public recreational access, including surfing and other waterbased recreation, landscaping, public views, natural landforms, and water quality for the anticipated life of the development. Proportional “in lieu” fees may be used as a tool for impact mitigation if in-kind options (e.g., developing new public access facilities commensurate to offset the access impacts identified) are infeasible, and if such fees are deposited into an interest-bearing account managed by the City and used for coastal adaptation projects and programs, including public coastal recreational access improvements. e. Monitoring. Shoreline protective devices shall be regularly monitored (at least once every 3 years and after any significant storms) by a civil engineer and/or engineering geologist familiar and experienced with shoreline protective devices and processes, and monitoring reports reflecting such evaluation shall be completed every five years and shall at a minimum cover

37.19 C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N

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13 all aspects of the armoring reevaluation and repair and maintenance provisions specified below.
f. Armoring Reevaluation. For shoreline protective devices that are proposed to be reconstructed, expanded, and/or replaced (where, at a minimum, 50% or more replacement constitutes replacement of the entire structure), and in addition to the other requirements of this policy, the CDP application shall include a reassessment of the need for the device, the need for any repair or maintenance of the device, and the potential for removal based on changed conditions and circumstances, including whether the shoreline protective device meets the criteria of this policy. The CDP application shall at a minimum include an evaluation of the age and condition of the principal structure being protected (or evaluation of the coastal-dependent use being served or public beach being protected, if applicable); changed geologic site conditions including but not limited to changes relative to erosion and sea level rise; and impacts to coastal resources.
g. Repair and Maintenance. The shoreline protective device shall be repaired and maintained as necessary to ensure that it continues to exist in its approved and/or required state (including CDP requirements pertaining thereto), particularly in relation to ensuring the continued utility and function of the design standard requirements above. Repair and maintenance of a shoreline protective device that is not protecting an existing structure (or any structure that is ineligible for armoring under this Chapter) shall be limited to the minimum amount of maintenance needed to maintain the functionality of the device, but in no case shall include its expansion or extend its useful life.
h. Armoring Duration. The shoreline protective device shall only be authorized until the time when the existing principal structure that is protected by such a device: (1) is no longer present; (2) no longer requires armoring; or (3) is redeveloped, or in the case of approved/required public recreational access areas and features, those areas and features remain in good condition and available for public use. Permittees shall be required to submit a CDP application to remove the authorized shoreline protective device within six months of a determination by the City or the Coastal Commission’s Executive Director that the shoreline protective device is no longer authorized to protect the structure it was designed to protect because the structure is no longer present or no longer requires armoring. In the case of coastal redevelopment, removal of the authorized shoreline protective device and restoration of the affected area shall be required as part of construction of the redeveloped structure. i. Emergency Authorization. In cases of emergency, a shoreline protective device may be approved on a temporary basis, and only under the condition that the device is required to be removed unless a regular CDP is approved for retention of the structure. In such cases, a complete CDP application shall be required to be submitted within 60 days following construction of the temporary emergency shoreline protective device, unless an alternate deadline is authorized by the City of Santa Cruz Planning Director for good cause, including continued good faith efforts toward submittal of such application. Any such emergency shoreline protective device shall be sited and designed to be the minimum necessary to abate the identified emergency, and to be consistent with all LCP shoreline protective device standards to the maximum extent feasible, including requirements to avoid coastal resource impacts. Mitigation for impacts will be required through the regular CDP process, including mitigation commensurate with the duration of impacts caused by the emergency device. The

37.20 C I T Y O F S A N T A C R U Z L O C A L C O A S T A L P L A N

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14 City shall notify the Executive Director upon receipt of a request for an emergency shoreline protective device within the City’s CDP jurisdiction.
j. Proposed Development Protected by Existing Armoring. If proposed development is currently protected by armoring, then it shall only be approved if allowable pursuant to subsections a and i above and the armoring is modified to reduce its coastal resource impacts (e.g., restacking/removing riprap/rock revetments so as to open up additional beach space, contouring seawalls to improve public views, etc.) to the maximum extent feasible.

BB-13. Materials for Beach Replenishment. When considering implementation of a sand nourishment or management program (e.g., possible augmentation of West Cliff pocket beaches), consider the possible future materials dredged from the San Lorenzo River or the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor (in consultation with the Santa Cruz Port District), or other materials compatible with those in the Monterey Bay area. Scientific sand accretion studies and biological resource assessments shall be required as part of consideration of any sand management program, among other factors, to address the feasibility and potential ecological impacts of any beach replenishment strategy.

BB-14. Alignment of Adaptation Policies. Align coastal climate change adaptation policies during development of and future updates of any coastal hazard adaptation plan, or other coastal adaptation policies (or corresponding Implementation Plan sections) to reflect progress in the City’s adaptation and shoreline management planning to remain consistent throughout all City climate change and hazard risk documents.

BB-15. Beach Outfalls. Seek and pursue opportunities to consolidate and/or eliminate reliance on storm water outfalls that convey stormwater toward and/or directly onto the beach and/or into Monterey Bay or the Pacific Ocean in areas impacted by development or maintenance/upgrade of public infrastructure, to minimize impacts from coastal hazards as well as to avoid impacts to water quality, public access, and scenic and visual resources. Ongoing coastal bluffs erosion has required and will likely require modifications to public infrastructure, including roadway and culvert grading and alignment, necessitating reassessment of stormwater flows and possible adjustment of outfall locations. Siting of new or realignment of existing storm water outfalls should result in no net increase in outfall volumes, shall consider and minimize erosion, water quality and visual impacts, and for bluff outfalls, any non-native and invasive plants in the project area shall be removed and replaced with native bluff plants. Outfalls that are or are likely to be below sea level with sea level rise and/or high storm seas should be designed to prevent the entry of sea water and sand to an extent practical and be regularly monitored and maintained. Outfalls should be sited and designed to minimize public view impacts including as seen from the beach and other shoreline public viewing areas, including through potential use of screening and camouflaging materials, and use of natural storm and energy dissipaters to reduce erosion and improve visual appearance. Finally, new and/or substantially upgraded drainage infrastructure shall be sited and designed to filter and treat runoff prior to outfall.

BB-16. Plans by Neighboring Jurisdictions and Authorities. Review and integrate City plans with plans and policies of adjacent jurisdictions and authorities to the extent feasible. Specifically, the City should

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15 consult with Santa Cruz County, the City of Capitola, and the Santa Cruz Port District wherever possible to create partnerships to implement beach management planning and maintain continued seamless, safe public access and healthy beach ecosystems.

BB-17. California Department of Parks and Recreation. Coordinate coastal adaptation planning along West Cliff and other portions of the City’s coastline with State Parks, as State Parks manages Natural Bridges State Beach, Lighthouse Field State Beach, portions of West Cliff near Lighthouse Field State Beach, and Seabright (Twin Lakes) State Beach within the City. In addition to this coordination, consider an update to the guidance and potential projects included in the State’s beach-specific general plans for both Seabright, and Natural Bridges, and Lighthouse Field beaches. Policies that provide coastal resource management guidance for these State beach areas should be developed in partnership with State Parks and reflect the priorities within any relevant State beach general or management plans, consistent with the California Coastal Act.

BB-18. Protection of Private Property in Hazardous Areas. Where full adherence with all LCP policies, including for setbacks and other Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation policies and avoidance measures, would preclude a reasonable economic use of the property to the extent that it would likely constitute a taking of private property, the City may allow the minimum economic use and/or development of the property necessary to avoid an unconstitutional taking of private property under the California or U.S. Constitutions. If development is allowed pursuant to this policy, it must be consistent with all LCP policies to the maximum extent feasible.

37.22 Coastal Hazards Coastal hazards include but are not limited to episodic and long-term shoreline retreat and coastal erosion, high seas, ocean waves, runup and overtopping, storms,
tsunami, coastal flooding, landslides, bluƯ and geologic instability, seismic events, liquefaction, their interaction, and all as may be impacted by sea level rise.

Existing Structure A structure in existence prior to the eƯective date of the Coastal Act (i.e., development legally authorized and
built prior to January 1, 1977) and that has not been
redeveloped since.

Development As used in these policies, “development”, “new development,” and qualifying redevelopment are
synonymous, and defined per Coastal Act Section 30106.

Nature-Based Adaptation
Strategy
A coastal adaptation and/or erosion control method that comprised natural elements, which contributes to the
persistence and enhancement of coastal processes and
ecological benefits while also oƯering protection
services to inshore areas. Nature-Based Adaptation
strategies include both “soft solutions”, which avoid
fixing the shoreline with hard structures and instead rely on the use of dynamic systems to attenuate coastal
hazards, such as dune or wetland restoration, or sand
replenishment and “hybrid armoring”, which fixes the
shoreline, such as with a buried revetment or other
shoreline protective device and includes a nature-based feature to provide ecological and other benefits.

Beaches and BluƯ Chapter Supplemental Glossary

37.23 Redevelopment Redevelopment of a structure consists of: (1) Interior and/or exterior remodeling and renovations or demolition or partial demolition, or other alterations that change 50% or more of any one major structural component
(including exterior walls, floor and roof structures, and foundations) of the structure in question; or (2) additions and alterations to the structure that lead to more than a 50% increase in floor area of the development. Changes
to floor area and individual major structural components are measured cumulatively over time from January 1,
1977. A structure that is redeveloped shall no longer be considered an existing structure for purposes of other
LCP policies.

Shoreline Protective
Devices
Shoreline protective devices are synonymous with
“armoring,” “shoreline armoring,” and “coastal armoring,” and include structures along the ocean-land interface
that are used to protect development from coastal
hazards, including but not limited to seawalls, riprap/rock revetments, gunite/shotcrete, sheet piles, breakwaters, groins, bluƯ retention devices, retaining walls,
pier/caisson foundation (or other form of atypical deep foundation) and/or wall systems.

Natural Feature
Restoration
Human made features constructed and engineered to
replicate natural features and mimic natural conditions, including formerly present features that may have eroded or been lost over time.

37.24 37.25

37.26 37.27

37.28 37.29

37.30 37.31

37.32 February 9, 2024
Lee Butler
Planning Director
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
RE: Save The Waves Coalition Comments on City of Santa Cruz Local Coastal Program 2021 Amendment Public Review Draft, November 2021 version
Dear Mr. Butler,
Save The Waves Coalition is pleased to submit the following comments on the City of Santa Cruz Local Coastal Program (LCP) 2021 Amendment Public Review Draft (November 2021 version). It is our understanding that the City of Santa Cruz is accepting comments on this version of the Public Review Draft LCP while undergoing review at the staff level with California Coastal Commission staff. We appreciate the iterative process the City of Santa Cruz is taking with LCP Amendments.

About Save The Waves
Save The Waves Coalition (STW) is a Santa Cruz-based nongovernmental organization whose mission is to protect surf ecosystems across the globe. We build coalitions to protect, steward, and defend surf ecosystems through a unique combination of protected area creation, stewardship, and conservation marketing. A surf ecosystem is more than a wave: it’s the geophysical components, the plants and animals, and the human interactions that make a place special. Protecting surf ecosystems in turn protects marine habitats, maintains the integrity of the wave, and safeguards local livelihoods. STW defines surf ecosystems as “the land to sea interface that creates the conditions for breaking, rideable waves, and the flora and fauna and human communities that are dependent upon it.”
Launched in 2003, we are the only organization dedicated to protecting surf ecosystems on an international scale. Our greatest strength lies in our ability to build strong coalitions starting at 1 37.33
the grassroots level in surf communities where there is high coastal and marine biodiversity.

Supporting this work is our deep knowledge of economics in surf communities and the potential for innovative long-term financing, supported directly by the surf economy.

The combination of these has supported our 12 World Surfing Reserves (WSRs) - a network of voluntary protected areas around the world’s best surfing locations - and our Surf Protected Area Networks (SPANs) to protect thousands of acres of biodiverse coastal and marine ecosystems. Our core pillars of Protect, Steward, and Defend integrate with one another to achieve our goals of creating legally protected areas, implementing effective stewardship, and mobilizing a constituency that results in healthy and protected surf ecosystems.

The Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve and Relevance to the LCP On April 28, 2012 STW, with support from the City of Santa Cruz, dedicated the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve (Santa Cruz WSR) which stretches from Natural Bridges State Park to Opal Cliffs. The Santa Cruz WSR was the 4th designated reserve in the world. It includes 34 consistent surf breaks along the coast of Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz WSR surf breaks represent some of the best surfing waves in California and provide surfing access for a range of surfers from beginners to experts. The 16 surf breaks within the City of Santa Cruz LCP area are all accessible from public access ways available along City coastal trails, neighborhoods, and California State Parks.

The attached map and table of the surf breaks is provided as part of our comments to provide location and functional descriptions for each surf break. The Santa Cruz WSR provides community-based protection and stewardship of some of the most iconic and high-quality waves in California.

The Santa Cruz WSR is managed through a Local Stewardship Council (LSC) of community members. The LSC develops and updates the Local Management Plan (LMP) for the WSR annually. The City of Santa Cruz Park and Recreation Director is a member of the LSC. The LMP includes priority activities in the WSR and LMP goals include:

Goal 1: Enhancing Safety, Access, and Inclusion
Goal 2: Improving Water Quality and Reducing Beach Trash Goal 3: Strengthen Adaptation Response and Coastal Resilience of Surf Breaks More information about the Santa Cruz WSR can be found at https://www.savethewaves.org/santa-cruz/
Save the Waves is currently working with local coastal cities and counties to recognize the unique recreational resource that surf breaks represent. Surfing waves or surfing resources, while not formally recognized uniquely in the California Coastal Act, do represent a “sensitive coastal resource area” as surf breaks are “identifiable and geographically bounded by land and water areas within the coastal zone of vital interest and sensitivity” (see California Coastal Act Chapter 2. Definitions). A surf break exists because of the unique physical characteristics and location along the coastline in relation to swell direction and other oceanographic factors. No two surf breaks are alike, and no two waves are the same. Surfing takes place in a dynamic 2 37.34
environment where the surfer is recreating on the ocean under unique and variable conditions.

These characteristics, along with locations adjacent to beaches, nearshore reefs, offshore reefs, and transitory sandbars place surf breaks in areas of high coastal biodiversity and habitats which STW’s recognizes as the surf ecosystem unique to the surf break.

Surf breaks further meet the definition of being in areas of “significant recreational value” as “features that provide recreational opportunities for low and moderate-income persons”.

Additionally, under Article 3. Recreation in the California Coastal Act, Section 30220 Protection, “certain water-oriented activities” such as surf breaks can be said to meet the definition of a “Coastal Area suited for water-oriented recreational activities that cannot readily be provided at inland water areas and shall be protected for such uses.” Finally, we note that in establishing a Local Coastal Program at the city level, the California Coastal Act states that “recommended uses that are of more than local importance should be considered in preparation of local coastal programs and that those uses may be listed generally” (Section 30501 Procedures). The surf breaks in the City of Santa Cruz certainly draw visitation internationally and are known globally within the surfing community.

Requested additions to Local Coastal Program (LCP) 2021 Public Review Draft, November 2021 version
Broadly our requested changes to the Draft LCP Amendment include the following:

1. Include a paragraph description of the surf breaks in the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve in appropriate chapters of the LCP to include Community Setting - Regional Setting and recognize surfing as an important ocean-based activity that warrants access considerations including future damages of access points for surfing resources, environmental stewardship actions including water quality improvement and trash and litter controls, and review of impact to surfing resources from development and repair activities through appropriate wave quality impact assessments and mitigation.

2. Recognize the uniqueness of the World Surfing Reserve in the City of Santa Cruz LCP by including a Surfing Resources Map that details locations of surfing waves. We have prepared such a map for your information and include it with this letter. The wave resources in the City of Santa Cruz can be physically characterized to describe wave function and character based on geology and coastal morphology. A list of the 16 surf spots with pertinent physical characteristics is included with this letter. The Surfing Resources Map designates “uses that are of more than local importance” in accordance with California Coastal Act Chapter 6 Implementation; Article 1 Local Coastal Program; Section 30501 Procedures (b). The map identifies surfing waves in an effort to establish necessary impact assessment to wave quality from proposed development, responses to coastal erosion, and future changes from sea level rise. The Surfing Resources Map also designates “areas possessing significant recreational value” according to California Coastal Act Chapter 2. Definitions; Section 30116 Sensitive Coastal Resource Areas (b). 3 37.35
The surfing resources within the City LCP boundary are considered unique and irreplaceable resources that should be considered significant for their recreational value not only locally but also worldwide. We offer the Surfing Resources Map and table of surfing resources characteristics for use by the City to complete this request.

3. We also suggest language changes to specific LCP policies offered in italics cited by page number for reference and Chapter, Policy, and Section.

4. Add definitions for “surf break” and “surf ecosystem” into the LCP definitions section.

Specific LCP Policy Comments:

Page II-1. Chapter II-Community Setting – Section on Regional Setting: We request that the Regional Setting include recognition of the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve and a brief discussion of the WSR Local Management Program goals and the history of surfing in Santa Cruz.

Page II-2. Chapter II-Community Setting – Section on Regional Setting: Add beach accesses and surf breaks to discussion of visitor serving elements.

Page II-3. Chapter II-Community Setting – Section on Overview of Adopted Plans: We would request that the Santa Cruz WSR Local Management Plan be included in this section. Further we would request a Surfing Resources Map be included in the LCP and a table of surf spots by name and defining physical features be referenced in this section.

We recognize the Surfing Resources Map and table of surf spots may be in an Appendix to the LCP as needed. STW is happy to provide necessary information to create the Surfing Resources Map and index of surf spots within the City LCP boundary.

Page II-3. Chapter II-Community Setting – Section on overview of Adopted Plans Table II-1:

While the Santa Cruz WSR is not a locally adopted plan created by the City or other agency we would request the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve Local Management Plan be listed as a plan on Table II-1, and STW can help draft a paragraph describing the Plan.

Chapter III LCP Policies – Section III-A Coastal Public Access Existing Access Descriptions: Suggesting following descriptions be expanded with information provided.

Existing access 4. Description of access at Lighthouse Point/ Steamer Lane does not capture current access patterns. Access is often over irregularly placed shoreline protective devices (revetments) as well as at two staircases (Surf statue and by the restrooms). The Surf Statue staircase is dangerous when covered in moss at lower steps near the ocean. 4 37.36
Existing access 5. Description of Cowells staircase fails to mention the dilapidated stairs that surfers use to access the surf break. Recommend identifying regular maintenance and possible widening could improve this heavily used access stairway.

Existing Access 8. Description should state that this is used by visitors accessing the beach and surf break. The surf break has historic significance as the location of the first surfing conducted on the U.S. Mainland.

Page III-A-15. Coastal Access Policies & Actions/Programs:

Save The Waves supports policies 3A-1.3 (b), 3A-3.2 (c) as drafted.

Page III-A-16. Policy 3A-1.1 (b): Work with the Port District to maintain and enhance public access, beaches, surf breaks and other recreational opportunities around the Harbor as it is managed, redeveloped or improved.

Page III-A-16. Policy 3A-1.1(e): Consider adding details about maintaining coastal access in the context of sea level rise including maintenance of mossy areas on staircases and support grouting of access paths over existing revetments to promote safer access.

Page III-A-16. Policy 3A-1.2 add (d): Maintain and widen vertical access staircases to account for increasing visitation.

Page III-A-17. Policy 3A-2.1 (a): we request a revision to the first sentence to public works projects and repairs…
Page III-A-19. Policy 3A-4.1: We request the following italic revision to the policy: Repair, maintain, and maximize public access to and enjoyment of recreational areas along the coastline including widening access to surfing areas consistent with consideration of resource conservation principles, increasing visitation, safety, impacts from sea level rise and large wave events, and rights of private property owners.

Chapter III LCP Policies – Section III-B Recreation and Visitor-Serving Uses:

Page III-B-10. Policy 3.B-1.4 West Cliff Drive: Add a (d.) to this policy – Maintain litter and trash control along West Cliff Drive.

Page III-B-10. Policy 3.B-1.6 Enhancement of Outdoor Recreational and Education Opportunities: Add a (g.) to this policy – Recognize and support the surfing history of Santa Cruz by supporting the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, surfing related historical programs and places, and surfing-related events along the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve.
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Page III-B-12. Section 3B-3: Boating and Water-Related Activities: Add new 3.4 under this section as follows: 3.4 Maintain and do not reduce access to surfing waves in the Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve. Maintain critical elements that characterize the wave quality to include sand supply, reef integrity, intertidal biodiversity, and safe and maintained access.

Page III-B-12. Section 3B-4 Visitor Serving Opportunities – Revise Policy 3B-4.6 to add b.

Work to maintain surf contests as core visitor attractions including the O’Neill Cold Water Classic.

Page III-C-1. Section III-C: Marine Environment – Overview of Marine, Water and Shoreline Conditions – Add language regarding existence of the Santa Cruz WSR and the Cowells Working Group in this section.

Page III-C-8. Section III-C: Marine Environment Policies & Actions/Program – Add new 3C-1.2:

Recognize the Santa Cruz Work Surfing Reserve as an important marine and recreational resource. Continue support through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Santa Cruz the value of surfing within the City of Santa Cruz. a. Cooperate on surfing heritage, surf area protection and enhancement, and access. b. Continue to monitor and manage water quality conditions. c. Work to reduce trash sources from beaches and other visitor facilities.d Cooperate with Save the Waves to maintain Local Management Plan for the Santa Cruz WSR.

Page III-C-8. Section III-C: Marine Environment Policies & Actions/Program Section 3-C Water Quality.

Policy 3C-2.1 – Add suggested language in italic to the policy - Marine Water Quality Protection. Add new last sentence: Utilize the Cowells Working Group to maintain consistent management of water quality at Cowell’s Beach and other beach management issues including land-based trash and marine debris impacts to local beaches.

Page III-C-10. Section III-C: Marine Environmental Policies & Actions/ Program Section 3C-4 Shoreline Protection
Page III-C-10. Policy 3C-4.1 - Add (b) Require coastal protective structures to be assessed to protect surfing resources including analyzing impacts to wave quality and coastal access and to include mitigation to offset negative impacts 6 37.38
Section III - E. Development
Section Development Policies & Actions/Programs
Section 3E-3.1 Geologic and Seismic Hazards
Page III-E-8 Policy 3E-3.4 (a) - add language in italics: New development shall ensure stability and structural integrity, and neither create nor contribute significantly to erosion or geologic instability of the surrounding area or to ocean resources including nearshore habitats and surfing ecosystems or in any way require the construction of protective devices that would substantially alter natural landforms along bluff and cliffs.

Section III-F. Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation
Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation Policies & Actions/Programs Page III-F-14 Coastal Resource Goals
Save The Waves supports Goals 1-9.

Goal 9 - Suggested revision to Goal 9: Encourage, enhance, and maintain regional sediment supply to the coast including sand management programs that enhance beach and coastal recreation, including surfing resources, while partially mitigating some impacts from coastal armoring.

Page III-F-15 Coastal Resource Management Goals
Save the Waves supports Goals 1-4 without changes.

Page III-F-16 Resilient Coast Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation Policies Policy 3F-7 - Save The Waves is supportive of this policy.

Policy 3F-8. - Save The Waves is supportive of this policy.

Policy 3F- 9 - Save The Waves is supportive of this policy.

Policy 3F-12 - Requested addition in italic to the first sentence of this policy.

Implement a monitoring program for sea-level rise, beach width, bluff offset, flooding, erosion, and storm damage including large wave event characteristics, traffic patterns, recreational uses including loss of access temporarily and permanently, and other potential measures or triggers for guiding implementation of sea-level rise and climate change adaptation policies.
7 37.39
We are available at any time to review these comments with you and your staff and appreciate the opportunity to submit these comments. We look forward to additional public hearings on the LCP during 2024.

Sincerely,
Shaun Burns
Coordinator, Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve
Save The Waves Coalition
8 37.40
Appendix
City of Santa Cruz Surfing Resources Map
City of Santa Cruz Surfing Resources Table
9 37.41
January 18, 2022
Katherine Dovovan
City of Santa Cruz, Senior Planner
809 Center Street, Rm 10
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
RE: Public Review Draft of the Local Coastal Program Update Dear Ms. Donovan:

We are Smart Coast California (SCCa), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the collaborative stewardship of the coast, community sustainability, property rights and the environment. Our statewide membership of over 90,000 acknowledges the imperative planning effort underway and appreciate the opportunity to provide comment on several this guidance document.

SCCa would like to commend you and your staff for both the quality and sheer volume of work you have completed to date. The uniqueness of your coastline warrants a customized approach, and we recognize and appreciate your efforts to plan for sea level rise in a responsible manner that allows for immediate action as well as phased adaptation based on observed thresholds rather than relying solely on long-range predictions. The following summary provides comment on both the Policies which are included in the Draft LCPA Land Use Plan2021 Amendment as well as the Policy Concepts envisioned for the forthcoming Resilient Coast Adaptation Plan.

Smart Coast California would like to express support for the following policies:

Best Available Science
SCCa supports the following policies that integrate the best available science on sea level rise and acknowledges that the current best projections may change in the future.

Chapter III-E LCP Policies: Development
- Page III E-9 Policy 3E-3.12 (b.) Sea Level Rise “Use a reasonably foreseeable projection” Chapter III-F LCP Policies: Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation - Page III F-16 Policy 3F-2 Best Available Science
- Page III F-18 Policy 3F-13 Resilient Coast Adaptation Plan (RCAP) Update Tiered Response
SCCa supports the definition of “Adaptation Pathway,” particularly the phased adaptation approach that utilizes triggers and thresholds.

Chapter III-F LCP Policies: Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation - Page III F-18 Policy 3F-11 Resilient Coast Adaptation Plan - Page III F-18 Policy 3F-12 Shoreline Change Monitoring - Page III F-29 RCAP-WC Policy Concept. Sea Level Rise Monitoring Program - Page III F-29 RCAP-WC Policy Concept. Beach Profile and Use Monitoring www.smartcoastca.org

37.42 Managed Retreat
The West Cliff Drive Adaptation and Management Plan characterizes managed retreat not as an evacuation, but rather a long-term phased strategy. SCCa supports this position and believes active shoreline protection is a viable option for many years to come. SCCa supports the LCPA’s strategy of preparing a Resilient Coast Adaptation Plan (RCAP) and encourages an accelerated timeframe rather than the 3-5 years noted in Policy 3F11.

Chapter III-E LCP Policies: Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation - Page III F-18 Policy 3F-10 Adaptation Measures in CIP - Page III F-18 Policy 3F-11 Resilient Coast Adaptation Plan Shoreline Protective Devices
SCCa strongly supports the inclusion of cliff stabilization measures and permitting shoreline protective devices for West Cliff and East Cliff drives to protect the existing development along those roads. SCCa strongly supports using varied adaptation strategies where effective, including beach nourishment and living shorelines, for Main and Cowell beaches as provided for in the following policies:

Chapter III-B LCP Policies: Recreation and Visitor-Serving Uses - Page III B-10 Policy 3B-1.4 West Cliff Drive
Chapter III-C LCP Policies: Marine Environment
- Page III C-10 Policy 3C-4.2 West Cliff and East Cliff Coastal Bluff Erosion SCCa also supports the following Resilient Coast Adaptation Plan policy concepts for new shoreline protective devices, replacement, or upgrades when necessary to protect existing development:

Chapter III-F LCP Policies: Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation - Page III F-25 RCAP-WC Policy Concept. New shoreline protective devices - Page III F-25 RCAP-WC Policy Concept. Revetment Replacement/Hard Structure (Cave Fill or Bedrock Platform)
- Page III F-33 RCAP-MC Policy Concept: Hip Walls
- Page III F-34 RCAP-MC Policy Concept: Short-term armoring upgrade strategy SCCa supports the balanced inclusion of the need for public access, environmental protection, and protection of private property rights provided in policies:

Chapter III-A LCP Policies: Coastal Public Access
- Page III A-19 Policy 3A-4.1 Repair & Maintenance of Coastal Accessways Chapter III-B LCP Policies: Recreation and Visitor-Serving Uses - Page III B-9 Policy 3B-1.1 Protection and Enhancement of Coastal Recreational Areas Shoreline Protection Adaptation Measures
SCCa supports strategies to enhance the City’s beaches. SCCa strongly suggests utilizing artificial reefs as an adaptation policy to accomplish this goal as sea level rises.

Chapter III-B LCP Policies: Recreation and Visitor-Servin Uses - Page III B-9 Policy 3B-1.2 Enhancement of Public Enjoyment of Coastal Recreational Areas

37.43 SCCa supports using dredged material for beach nourishment projects, as outlined in the following policies:

Chapter III-C LCP Policies: Marine Environment
- Page III C-10 Policy 3C-5.3 Use of Dredged Materials
Chapter III-E LCP Policies: Development
- Page III E-10 Policy 3E-4.1 Public Works Projects
Chapter III-F LCP Policies: Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation - Page III F-18 Policy 3F-9 Dredged Materials for Beach Replenishment Chapter V LCP Policies: Area Plan Coastal Policies
- Page V-26 Policy 5-HDP-3.7 Harbor Dredging
SCCa urges that the following policy be revised to use stronger language than “consider” to read, for example:
“Utilize dredged materials from the San Lorenzo River for beach replenishment, where suitable.” Chapter III-C LCP Policies: Marine Environment
- Page III C-10 Policy 3C-5.3 Use of Dredged Materials
SCCa also supports beach nourishment along West Cliff Drive:

Chapter III-F LCP Policies: Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation - Page III F-27 RCAP-WC Policy Concept. Revetment Monitoring - Page III F-27 RCAP-WC Policy Concept. Revetment Maintenance and Repair - Page III F-28 RCAP-WC Policy Concept. Sand Management/Beach Nourishment Program - Page III F-28 RCAP-WC Policy Concept. Beach Nourishment Materials - Page III F-28 RCAP-WC Policy Concept. Sand Retention Structure/Groin - Page III F-28 RCAP-WC Policy Concept. Equitable Beach Nourishment Funding SCCa strongly supports using varied adaptation strategies where effective, including beach nourishment and living shorelines, for Main and Cowell beaches as outlined in the policy below. SCCa suggests also considering artificial reefs as an effective, multi-beneficial means of protecting against beach erosion and severe storm waves, as well as reiterates that soil-nail walls or other hard protection will be necessary solutions to protect existing development along parts of Main and Cowell.

Chapter III-F LCP Policies: Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation - Page III F-33 RCAP-MC Policy Concept: Living Shoreline Regulatory Takings
Chapter III-A Coastal Public Access
− Page III-A-17 Policy 3A-2.2 Acquisition of Property Rights to Provide Access. SCCa supports the acknowledgement that the City of Santa Cruz consider acquisition of property rights (“when economically feasible”).

37.44 Smart Coast California would like to express concern for the following policies and suggests modifications:

Existing Development
SCCa rejects the provision of the below policy that defines “existing principal structures” as including structures legally authorized prior to January 1, 1977, only. This interpretation of what qualifies as existing development is not constituted by law or regulation and would preclude private property owners or groups of property owners of structures legally authorized after January 1, 1977, from installing shoreline protective devices pursuant to Coastal Act Section 30235. Such an exclusion raises serious concerns of a regulatory taking requiring just compensation.

Chapter III-F LCP Policies: Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation - Page III F-17 Policy 3F-7 Permitted New Shoreline Structures SCCa supports the Cities of Carlsbad and Del Mar as well as the County of Santa Barbara, among others, for their specific definition of existing development and suggests the City of Santa Cruz model its definition on the following adopted policy language:
- “’Existing’ in the context of this policy refers to structures that existed prior to Coastal Commission certification of this policy ([insert date after certification]).” Carlsbad LCPA Policy LCP-7-P.20 A. - “Existing Structure: A structure that was legally established on or before [effective date of the proposed sea level rise/coastal hazard LCP amendment].” Santa Barbara County LCPA Chapter 3, 3.3 Hazards, definition section.
- “’Existing Development’ shall mean any structure or development that was lawfully established, altered, and maintained pursuant to the Del Mar Municipal Code (or preceding San Diego County ordinances).” Del Mar LCPA, section 30.56.030 Definitions.

Shoreline Protective Devices
Shoreline Protection Exception Area
SCCa recommends the City of Santa Cruz designate the portion of West Cliff Drive from Swanton Boulevard to Cowell Street a Shoreline Protection Exception Area (SPEA) as defined by the County of Santa Cruz LCPA as follows:
- “The goal for this geographic area is to maintain, rehabilitate and/or replace existing shoreline protection structures, and allow new shoreline protection structures, in a coordinated manner, largely at private expense, so that impacts on public coastal resources are reduced.” [Adopted Santa Cruz County Local Coastal Program, Public Safety Element Amendments, page 27]. ▫ SPEA will enable the Formation of Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts (GHAD) to fund communitywide protection options (as discussed on page 5 of Appendix A in the City of Santa Cruz Beach Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategy).
▫ The formation of GHAD’s will be an especially effective tool when constructing community artificial reefs that provide significant, uniform protection along a stretch of coastline and would enable a combination of public and private funding.

SCCa suggests adding “and private property” to the end of Policy 3F-8 Adaptation Infrastructure Funding (Page III-F-18) in order to apply the tool of GHADs to protecting the extensive private development along the City’s coast, not only to public infrastructure.

37.45 Other Shoreline Protection-related Policies
Chapter III-F LCP Policies: Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation SCCa supports RCAP-WC Policy Concept. Revetment Monitoring and Revetment Maintenance and Repair, Page III F-27, but suggests adding the following language:
- “Allow partial or total replacement of an existing, legally established shoreline protective device to qualify as repair/maintenance if it is clearly demonstrated that a replacement is necessary to maintain the service and level of protection for which that device was originally permitted, provided the replacement does not increase any negative impacts to coastal resources beyond what was originally approved for that device.”
Chapter III-F LCP Policies: Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation, - SCCa recommends revising the following policy to read: “Initiate design and implementation process for a sand retention plan that may include groins, artificial reefs, and other sand retention structures to retain sand within priority beach areas...” Artificial Reefs should be considered for the associated sand retention/accretion benefits as demonstrated on the
Gold Coast of Australia and many other coastal areas. Both the City of Chula Vista and The Port of San Diego have recently initiated efforts to create artificial reefs by installing a series of reef balls to protect their coastline. The San Diego Port project is a collaborative effort with USFWS and the Coastal Conservancy and is funded with grants from USFWS.
- Page III F-28 RCAP-WC Policy Concept. Sand Retention Structure/Groin SCCa also suggests expressly including a discussion of hard shoreline protective devices when needed to protect public access and an environmental justice consideration into the policy language.

SCCa suggests adding a new RCAP Policy Concept addressing the study of Artificial Reefs. “Wide crested submerged breakwaters can provide shoreline stabilization by mimicking the functionality of natural reefs. Recent submerged breakwater projects constructed using artificial reefs in shallow water reduce wave energy reaching the shore, while also providing the environmental and recreational benefits associated with artificial reefs. These benefits include marine habitat, mitigation of damages, and recreational benefits such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing and surfing.” Harris, 2009,Artificial_Reefs_for_Ecosystem_Restoration_and_Coastal_Erosion_Protection_with_Aquaculture_and_Rec reational_Amenities.

SCCa suggests changing the land use designation of the Boardwalk and Pier from “Regional Visitor Commercial” to “Coastal Dependent Commercial (or Industrial) Uses” to explicitly provide for the shoreline protection exception defined in Coastal Act section 30235. Morro Bay for example created the following land use designations that make it clear:

Waterfront Commercial/ Industrial A mixture of visitor-serving commercial uses and harbor-dependent land uses located in the coastal zone.

Coastal-Dependent Industrial Uses within the coastal zone which must be located on or adjacent to the sea to function at all, and are thereby given priority pursuant to the California Coastal Act.

Armoring beyond 2030: SCCa emphasizes that hard armoring will need to remain in place beyond 2030, and calls attention to the example adaptation pathway on page 52 of the City of Santa Cruz Beach Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategy, which shows a strategy for continuing armoring beyond 2060.

37.46 Shoreline Protection Adaptation Measures
The Coastal Resource and Management Goals section includes a goal to “minimize coastal armoring” on page IIIF-15. SCCa suggests adding “to the extent feasible” in order to qualify the minimization of armoring to be consistent with the Coastal Act and state and federal constitutions, which provide for the protection of private property. SCCa suggests adding alongside the goal of minimizing coastal armoring impacts a discussion in this section that explicitly acknowledges that many areas of the City’s coastline will nonetheless require shoreline protection, including hard armoring, to protect both public and private properties as well as public access.

Regulatory Takings
SCCa supports the acknowledgement (“when economically feasible”) in Policy 3A-2.2 Acquisition of Property Rights to Provide Access (page III A-17), however, a number of other policies in the LCPA may limit the ability of private property owners to protect their properties from sea level rise:

Chapter III-F LCP Policies: Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation - Page III F-17 Policy 3F-7 Permitted New Shoreline Structures - Page III F-26 RCAP-WC Policy Concept. Managed Retreat Areas - Page III F-37 RCAP-SB Policy Concept: “Soft” Adaptation Strategies - Page III F-37 RCAP-SB Policy Concept: Use Limits on Private Property Protective Devices -
These policies raise serious concerns of regulatory takings of private property for public use without just compensation. Any such regulations must comport with the following Constitutional principles and the Coastal Act itself:

Constitution of the State of California Article I - Declaration of Rights - Section 1 - All people are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights. Among these are enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy.

The “Takings Clause” of the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that government cannot take private property without just compensation:
- No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Takings reference in the Coastal Act, Section 30010
- The Legislature hereby finds and declares that this division is not intended, and shall not be construed as authorizing the commission, port governing body, or local government acting pursuant to this division to exercise their power to grant or deny a permit in a manner which will take or damage private property for public use, without the payment of just compensation therefor. This section is not intended to increase or decrease the rights of any owner of property under the Constitution of the State of California or the United States.
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SCCa suggests the LCPA include explicit provisions for just compensation at fair market value in the event the City of Santa Cruz implements a policy that results in the damage, destruction, or forfeit of private property, as well as a policy that establishes the funding mechanism for paying that compensation. The funding mechanism must be in place before regulations that may trigger just compensation become effective.

The following is an example of such a policy adopted by a local jurisdiction regarding regulatory takings:

37.47 - “Should the city implement policies which result in the destruction of private property, the city should pay fair market value for the land which they are taking by regulation.” Plan Morro Bay, Local Coastal Plan, Policy C 1.8.

While SCCa supports the use of an array of adaptation options and inclusion of hard armoring when “necessary” to protect existing development, SCCa reiterates that if the City limits the use of shoreline protective devices below the “minimum necessary to protect private properties” this would constitute a regulatory taking subject to just compensation. SCCa suggests revising the below policy’s language to resemble that of Policy 3C-4.1 Shoreline Protection (page III C-10), which conveys the same constraints and requirements for shoreline protective devices that both protect private property and do not significantly impair public trust resources without using the potentially overly restrictive language of “limit the use of protective devices and armoring to the minimum necessary...”
Chapter III-F LCP Policies: Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation - Page III F-37 RCAP-SB Policy Concept: Use Limits on Private Property Protective Devices Managed Retreat
While SCCa supports alternative adaptation strategies to hard armoring when and where they can be effective, any restriction on hard armoring brought by the policy below, when such armoring is necessary to protect the private properties above Seabright Beach, raises serious concerns pertaining to a regulatory taking of private property for public use without just compensation. For this reason, SCCa objects to the prioritization of managed retreat over hard adaptation strategies. Managed retreat is not a feasible strategy when existing development has nowhere to retreat. Hard armoring must be prioritized when soft strategies are inadequate to protect existing development.

Chapter III-F LCP Policies: Beaches and Bluffs Adaptation - Page III F-37 RCAP-SB Policy Concept: “Soft” Adaptation Strategies In conclusion, with the combined efforts of the CCC and local governments, and the support of organizations like SCCa, we can create a framework for Local Coastal Plan Amendments to prepare us for Sea Level Rise, protecting both our cherished communities and precious environment.

Sincerely,
Joe Prian
President
Smart Coast California

37.48 www.smartcoastca.or
July 14, 2025
MaƩhew VanHua
City of Santa Cruz
Via comment link: Advance Planning Division
Via email: [email protected]
RE: Public Review DraŌ of the Beaches and Bluffs Hazard AdaptaƟon Chapter of the LCP Dear MaƩhew,
Smart Coast California (SCCa) is a 501(c)3 organizaƟon established in 2019 to promote and advocate for smart land use policies affecƟng California’s 1,271 miles of coastline. Smart Coast California is dedicated to community sustainability, property rights and the environment. Thank you for the opportunity to review the Public Review DraŌ of the Beaches and Bluffs Hazard AdaptaƟon Chapter of the LCP for the City of Santa Cruz.

SCCa appreciates the diligence of City Staff over the past several years to prepare and then modify the Public Review DraŌ that was published in late 2021. The 2021 Public Review DraŌ included many sound policies that SCCa supported as evidenced by our comment leƩer dated January 18, 2022 (aƩached for reference).

Our comments on the Public Review DraŌ of the Beaches and Bluffs Hazard AdaptaƟon Chapter of the LCP for the City of Santa Cruz are as follows:

A. SCCa would like to express concern with both the Ɵming and the direcƟon the City of Santa Cruz is now taking with the Local Coastal Plan. Releasing the Public Review DraŌ of the Beaches and Bluffs Hazard AdaptaƟon Chapter of the LCP without the full context of the enƟre document makes it difficult for the community to conduct a thorough review and provide meaningful feedback. We also would like recogniƟon that giving the public 30 days to review and comment on complicated subject maƩer that has been underway for the past several years is insufficient. The Public needs a complete document for review and more Ɵme to study and comment on the Local Coastal Plan.

B. SCCa would also like to convey that More Time Should Be Taken To Ensure The Update Complies With SB 272. City staff should take addiƟonal Ɵme to ensure that the proposed changes comply with the amendments to the Coastal Act on sea-level rise enacted in 2024 (SB 272, adding Public Resources Code 88 30985 et seq.). Those amendments give counƟes and other local governments ten years to update their LCPs (by January 1, 2034) to include a "sea level rise plan" (Public Resources Code § 30985(d).) Because Santa Cruz sƟll has nine years leŌ before this deadline to adopt a sea level rise plan,

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there is no urgency to consider or approve the current proposed amendments. This new legislaƟon requires that the sea level rise plan be consistent with "guidelines" established by the Coastal Commission (Public Resources Code § 30985(a)(1)). The Coastal Commission only finalized its sea level rise guidelines November 13, 2024. The City should take the Ɵme it needs to ensure that its proposed LCP update is consistent with the Coastal Commission's new guidelines and complies with the new law.

In one criƟcal respect, the City's proposed LCP amendments do not comply with this new law. The new law requires "economic impact analyses of, at a minimum, costs to criƟcal public infrastructure and recommended approaches for implemenƟng the sea level rise adaptaƟon strategies and recommended projects" (Public Resources Code § 30985(c)). The City's proposed amendment (Beaches and Bluffs Chapter) contains no economic impact analysis of any kind. The City should slow down to ensure that its proposed LCP update actually complies with the new law.

C. The City Should Await Further Guidance From the Casa Mira Case Third, the California Court of Appeal has recently issued its decision in the Casa Mira case, interpreƟng SecƟon 30235 of the Coastal Act. That decision contains important guidance on when seawalls and other coastal protecƟon structures must be permiƩed. A peƟƟon for review to the California Supreme Court is expected to be filed. The City should slow this process down to give the courts in the Casa Mira case a full opportunity to provide an authoritaƟve interpretaƟon of SecƟon 30235 of the Coastal Act.

D. Managed Retreat/Regulatory Takings. With the possible excepƟon of West Cliff Drive (Zone 3 - Lighthouse Park State Beach), we do not see a viable path for retreat for West Cliff Drive Zones 1, 2 and 4, Cowell-Main Beaches and East Cliff. There is no place to retreat to, meaning the private property along this shorefront would need to be abandoned, yet there is no discussion of regulatory takings and just compensaƟon, which is mandated by law, summarized as follows (Refer to Appendix A for specific references):
5th Amendment - US ConsƟtuƟon:
“nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensaƟon.” Art.1, Sec. 19 – California ConsƟtuƟon
“Private property may be taken or damaged for a public use and only when just compensaƟon, ascertained by a jury unless waived, has first been paid to, or into court for, the owner. “

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Coastal Act Sec. 30010
“The Legislature hereby finds and declares that this division is not intended, and shall not be construed as authorizing the commission…or local government…to exercise their power to grant or deny a permit in a manner which will take or damage private property for public use, without the payment of just compensaƟon therefor.”
An LCP is legislaƟve enactment subject to the Takings Clause (see Sheetz, supra). This LCP amendment may not require the removal of structures that were legal when built, even in the name of adaptaƟon planning, without paying just compensaƟon. SCCa is concerned that within the language that defines SAMP’s there is reference to allowing for natural beach migraƟon and idenƟfying areas for potenƟal managed retreat in areas which to our knowledge have no opƟon for such strategies.

Specific policies found in Beaches and Bluffs Hazard AdaptaƟon Chapter of the LCP which address managed retreat:

BB-6 Shoreline AdaptaƟon Management Plans (SAMP)’s
(f) “Sandy Beach AdaptaƟon Strategies (2) Strategies for maintaining minimum beach widths, including sand replenishment and retenƟon and removal of development/armoring to allow for natural beach migraƟon processes (i.e., managed retreat).”
(g) “Cliff and Bluff Erosion. SAMPs shall consider bluff stabilizaƟon strategies and locaƟons for potenƟal managed retreat,”
BB-7 Public projects along Westcliff Drive.

Although this policy is labeled “public projects” it appears to be addressing private property. This policy includes language indicaƟng managed retreat (evaluate the feasibility of either relocaƟng the structure that needs protecƟon away from hazards to avoid needed armoring…or eliminaƟng the structure) without addressing the mechanism for accomplishing such a path. Please see comments above addressing the issue of managed retreat and regulatory takings.

Language which has been included in other jurisdicƟon’s cerƟfied LCP’s which addresses the issue of regulatory takings and just compensaƟon includes:
 Half Moon Bay (cerƟfied April 15, 2021)
 “ConsƟtuƟonal Use of Property. Nothing in this Land Use Plan is intended to nor shall be construed as authorizing the City of Half Moon Bay to grant or deny a permit in a manner which will take or damage private property for public use without the payment of just compensaƟon.” Policy 2-13, pg. 2-20

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 City of Morro Bay (cerƟfied August 12, 2021)

allowable to avoid a regulatory taking.

Pacifica: In
essence, the concept of "just compensaƟon" in the context of Pacifica's LCP means that if the city's acƟons, whether direct or indirect, result in a taking of private property or a significant reducƟon in its value, the property owner is enƟtled to receive fair and adequate compensaƟon.

ImplemenƟng Policies

and special-status species through implementaƟon of the following measures: The City should discourage development and/or buildout in criƟcal habitat of special status species during the development review process in a manner that is consistent with LD-I-5 to avoid takings.

adaptaƟon policies but does not include or dictate the ulƟmate policies selected by the City. Although managed retreat alternaƟves are analyzed in the AdaptaƟon Plan in accordance with the City’s grant agreement with the CCC, these analyses do not, in themselves, equate to a managed retreat policy. The City uses other sea level rise adaptaƟon policy in this LCP and any future changes to policy will require an amendment to this LCP

including for setbacks and other Coastal Resilience and Natural Hazard avoidance measures, would preclude a reasonable economic use of the property as a whole, the City may allow the minimum economic use and/or development of the property necessary to avoid an unconsƟtuƟonal taking of private property without just compensaƟon. There is no taking that needs to be avoided if the proposed development consƟtutes a nuisance

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or is otherwise prohibited pursuant to other background principles of property law (e.g., public trust doctrine).

If development is allowed pursuant to this policy, it must be consistent with all LCP policies to the maximum extent feasible.

E. SCCa expresses concern regarding Neighborhood-scale adaptaƟon planning is only evident to the extent that the plan introduces the concept of SAMP’s. SCCa would like to have language added that states the goals of Neighborhood scale adaptaƟon planning as defined by the CCC Local Government Working Group. SCCa has parƟcipated in the Coastal Commission Local Government Working Group on Neighborhood Scale Approaches to AdaptaƟon Planning since its incepƟon in 2019. This working group, formed to develop soluƟons to beƩer address sea level rise adaptaƟon planning, consists of representaƟves from numerous coastal ciƟes and counƟes, the California State AssociaƟon of Governments, the League of California CiƟes, and Coastal Commission Staff. For example, requiring the removal of shoreline protecƟon on a lot-by-lot basis is not consistent with the findings of the CCC Local Government Sea Level Rise Working Group.

F. AddiƟonal policies found in the Beaches and Bluffs Hazard AdaptaƟon Chapter for which SCCa expresses concern include:
 BB-8 Private Development in the Shoreline Hazard EvaluaƟon Area. It appears this secƟon is addressing new development (or perhaps it is also intended to address an over 50% remodel). Please clarify and if so, add the word “New” to the Ɵtle of the policy and throughout the text.  BB-10 Efficacy of Shoreline ProtecƟon. Again, specify that this policy applies to new development.  BB-12 (a) January 1, 1977. Please add a specific definiƟon of redevelopment to this chapter. (f) again, call out as new development
(h) Armoring duraƟon paragraph should include language addressing the importance of evaluaƟng the community wide impacts of said armoring per the CCC Local Government Working Group findings. Shoreline protecƟon is not accomplished on a lot-by-lot basis.
 Shoreline Hazard EvaluaƟon Area Exhibits:

SCCa is unclear on the intended purpose and funcƟon of the “Housing Year Built” exhibits for the homes along East Cliff Drive/Seabright only in the groupings idenƟfied. Also, it is unclear if these reported dates incorporated remodels beyond the 50% threshold.

SCCa is supporƟve of the following policies:

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 BB-3 Sea Level Rise Response, “…undertake projects to comprehensively idenƟfy and coordinate coastline-specific adaptaƟon strategies.”
 BB-4 Best Available Science “update maps as required but at least every 10 years, based on the best available science.”
 BB-5 Shoreline and Bluffs Change Monitoring “Implement a coastal change monitoring program…”  BB-6 Shoreline AdaptaƟon Management Plans (SAMP)’s: SCCa supports the proposed concept of creaƟng more specific Shoreline AdaptaƟon Management Plans (SAMP)’s for West Cliff, Main/Cowell, and East Cliff secƟons of the coastline. Developing SAMP’s is consistent with SCCa policy Tiered Response, a planning principle that insƟtutes certain defined policies if, and only if, there are specific thresholds of sea level rise that are observed, measured, and documented, as opposed to relying only upon projecƟons. The concept of SAMP’s is also consistent with the guidelines put forth by the California Coastal Commission Sea Level Rise Local Government Working Group.  (j) Monitoring, EvaluaƟon and UpdaƟng. Each SAMP shall address monitoring of plan implementaƟon and periodic updaƟng.
 BB-12(g) SCCa appreciates the specific language that allows for shoreline protecƟve devices to be repaired and maintained.
 BB-16 Plans by Neighboring JurisdicƟons. SCCa commends the City of Santa Cruz for including this policy in their draŌ document. We would, however, suggest that the planning principle of “Neighborhood Scale SLR AdaptaƟon Planning” be further incorporated in this document.

SCCa appreciates the opportunity to comment on the proposed LCP amendments. We look forward to meeƟng with you to discuss these crucially important amendments.

We want to reiterate that SCCa is a support resource for the City as it moves towards local adopƟon and Coastal Commission cerƟficaƟon of the Local Coastal Program Amendment and its component parts. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to comment.

Respecƞully,
Marta Golding Brown
Co-Founder and Chief ExecuƟve Officer
[email protected]

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Appendix A – References
ConsƟtuƟon/Coastal Act CitaƟons (emphasis added) United States ConsƟtuƟon, FiŌh Amendment “Takings Clause”
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the MiliƟa, when in actual service in Ɵme of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensaƟon (emphasis added).

ConsƟtuƟon of the State of California, ArƟcle I, SecƟon 1.

All people are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights. Among these are enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecƟng property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy (emphasis added).

ConsƟtuƟon of the State of California, ArƟcle 1, SecƟon 19(a) Private property may be taken or damaged for a public use and only when just compensaƟon, ascertained by a jury unless waived, has first been paid to, or into court for, the owner. The Legislature may provide for possession by the condemn or following commencement of eminent domain proceedings upon deposit in court and prompt release to the owner of money determined by the court to be the probable amount of just compensaƟon (emphasis added).

California Coastal Act, SecƟon 30010
The Legislature hereby finds and declares that this division is not intended, and shall not be construed as authorizing the commission, port governing body, or local government acƟng pursuant to this division to exercise their power to grant or deny a permit in a manner which will take or damage private property for public use, without the payment of just compensaƟon therefor. This secƟon is not intended to increase or decrease the rights of any owner of property under the ConsƟtuƟon of the State of California or the United States (emphasis added).

California Coastal Act, SecƟon 30235
Revetments, breakwaters, groins, harbor channels, seawalls, cliff retaining walls, and other such construcƟon that alters natural shoreline processes shall be permiƩed when required to serve coastal37.55 www.smartcoastca.or
dependent uses or to protect exisƟng structures or public beaches in danger from erosion, and when designed to eliminate or miƟgate adverse impacts on local shoreline sand supply. ExisƟng marine structures causing water stagnaƟon contribuƟng to polluƟon problems and fishkills should be phased out or upgraded where feasible (emphasis added).

California Coastal Act, SecƟon 30004(a):
"To achieve maximum responsiveness to local condiƟons, accountability, and public accessibility, it is necessary to rely heavily on local government and local land use planning procedures and enforcement."
California Coastal Act, SecƟon 30500(c):
“The precise content of each local coastal program shall be determined by the local government, consistent with SecƟon 30501, in full consultaƟon with the commission and with full public parƟcipaƟon” (emphasis added).

37.56 City of Santa Cruz Dra� Local Coastal Plan Beaches and Bluff Review Comments on Dra� Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adapta�on
Submited by Gillian Greensite 7/14/25.
[email protected]
Section BB-7 f and g of the draft has the following entry (emphasis added):
f. Priori�ze considera�on of separated pedestrian and bicycle access when making decisions regarding public recrea�onal access management along West Cliff. Explore future West Cliff Drive alignment op�ons to allow for con�nued support of enhanced mul�modal coastal access. g. Priori�ze through access for recrea�onal users and emergency responders through trail realignment inland which may involve permanent removal of parking and reconfigura�on of roadway.

Defining these ac�ons as “priori�es” directly contradicts the city council mo�on adopted by unanimous vote at the April 9, 2024, council mee�ng and copied below. Note that in the mo�on the word “priority” has been crossed out and replaced with the word “explore.”
This LCP dra� entry needs to be altered to align with city council direc�on. --------------------------------------------------------------------- MOTION: Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Golder, to:
1) Adopt the 50-year vision, with the following amendments, and any other necessary edits to clarify that adoption of the 50-Year vision and application for grant funding do not commit the City to implementation of one-way traffic on West Cliff without further Council action:
• page 5: Access and Traffic
To address the balance required to provide access while working with nature, the City will protect critical infrastructure while considering implementing separate pedestrian and bicycle lanes, and one-way vehicle access along West Cliff Drive supported by traffic control measures in the surrounding neighborhood. Based upon

37.57 the data gathered in the last eight months of community engagement, the City will prioritize will explore separated pedestrian and bicycle access over other forms of access along West Cliff. Without private property acquisition, separated pedestrian and bicycle lanes are not feasible while maintaining two-way vehicle traffic.

ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.

AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner,
Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

DISQUALIFIED: None.

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PLANNING COMMISSION

AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 10/9/2025
AGENDA OF: 10/16/2025
ITEM NO: FP25-0006: Update to the City of Santa Cruz Local Coastal Program to add a new chapter titled “Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation.” This new chapter addresses California Coastal Commission guidance recommending that each jurisdiction’s Local Coastal Program be updated to address resiliency and climate change. This update to the Local Coastal Program will also incorporate previously approved General Plan 2030 Sensitive Habitat and Vegetation Types Maps into the Local Coastal Program.

District: Citywide
Applicant: City of Santa Cruz
RECOMMENDATION: Motion to recommend that the City Council:
1) Approve the proposed amendments to the City of Santa Cruz Local Coastal Program; and 2) Acknowledge the determination that the proposed amendments are exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15265 and Public Resources Code Section 21080.9.

BACKGROUND: In 1972, California voters passed Proposition 20, the Coastal Conservation Initiative, which established the Coastal Commission and tasked it with making decisions about development within the Coastal Zone. The California Coastal Act was then adopted in 1976 to ensure that the public has access to the coast and coastal resources and to protect sensitive marine and coastal habitats. Under the Coastal Act, coastal cities and counties are required to adopt a Local Coastal Program (LCP) to guide development in the Coastal Zone.

The City of Santa Cruz adopted its current Local Coastal Program in 1994 following adoption of General Plan 1990-2005. Since the 2012 adoption of the current General Plan 2030, there has been a desire to update the LCP to bring these policy documents into alignment. Additionally, Coastal Commission guidance documents since 2015 recommend that LCPs be updated to address resiliency and climate change. While additional LCP amendments are forthcoming, the proposed LCP amendment before this body is to add a new chapter to the LCP called Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaption, which features eighteen policies related to coastal resource protection, management, adaptation, and resilience. This new chapter, commonly referred to as “Beaches and Bluffs,” is the culmination of six years of partnership with Coastal Commission staff at the local and state level, coordination across multiple City departments, and engagement

37.64 with the community. The proposed Beaches and Bluffs chapter, as attached, also includes a supplemental glossary and a Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area map figure.

As part of aligning the LCP with General Plan 2030, the proposed amendments will also incorporate the previously approved General Plan 2030 Sensitive Habitat and Vegetation Types Maps into the LCP.

DISCUSSION: The current LCP is comprised of five policy chapters and a land use chapter, essentially functioning as a General Plan for the City of Santa Cruz Coastal Zone area. Staff began the process of updating the entire LCP in late 2019. Following discussions with Coastal Commission staff, this work was broken into two parts in 2022 for ease of review and processing. The first part is to create this proposed Beaches and Bluffs chapter to address climate change and sea level rise impacts in the Coastal Zone. Because this is a new chapter addressing these vital issues that are not covered in the current LCP, it was most important that this chapter be the first phase of work. The significant 2022-23 winter storm damage to West Cliff further heightened the need for these policies to be prioritized and aligned with new City documents, as discussed in more detail below.

The second part of this LCP update is modernizing the existing document and aligning it with the current General Plan 2030. This includes updates to the five existing policy chapters and the land use chapter. This second part of the update is ongoing and anticipated to be completed by late 2027.

Beaches and Bluffs Policy Development
Because the LCP is essentially a General Plan for Santa Cruz’ Coastal Zone, its policies are intended to be broad. Still, followers of this work note that there have been significant changes in the form and function of this LCP update since work began in 2019. The first draft LCP update released to the public for review in late 2021 featured the entire document and broader resiliency policies. There were more narrative elements too, intended to be read in a longer form similar to General Plan 2030. Further discussions with Coastal Commission staff led to the desire for a streamlined document that focused largely on the policies. This shift could be seen when the draft chapter was released for public review in the summer of 2025. The proposed Beaches and Bluffs chapter now has some introductory language, but the focus of the new chapter is the hazard adaptation policies.

The Beaches and Bluffs policies were influenced early on by development of the goals and objectives of the City’s Resilient Coast Initiative effort, which was completed in 2022. The Resilient Coast Initiative assessed the potential effects of sea level rise on the City’s coastline and took steps to develop appropriate climate change adaptation strategies and policies to address those effects. Those goals were developed and reviewed by the City, stakeholders, local Coastal Commission staff, and the community, and provided a starting point for the adaptation policies included in the proposed Beaches and Bluffs chapter.

As these policies were beginning to take shape, the severe winter storms of 2022-2023 damaged parts of the West Cliff coastline and added another layer of policy emphasis. Not only would the Beaches and Bluffs chapter need to more specifically address the future of West Cliff and its recovery, it would also need to align with new community-focused initiatives. The damage to West Cliff set off a wave of community coordination and City projects, culminating in the 50-

37.65 Year Community Vision for West Cliff adopted in April 2024 and the West Cliff 5-Year Roadmap adopted in March 2025. Countless interdepartmental staff meetings sought to ensure the Beaches and Bluffs chapter would work in tandem with these new documents.

The overall goals of the Beaches and Bluffs policies are: 1) Keep public beaches and access open and safe; 2) Use science to guide decisions and update hazard maps regularly; 3) Avoid or limit new construction in high-risk areas; 4) Monitor erosion and coastal changes each year and after storms; 5) Prioritize nature-based solutions like beach replenishment or living shorelines over harder engineered approaches such as concrete seawalls, where appropriate; and 6) Align with the Local Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan and the West Cliff 50-year Vision and 5-year Roadmap.

Beaches and Bluffs Hazard Adaptation Policies
The proposed new chapter includes eighteen policies related to coastal resource protection, management, adaptation, and resilience. Some policies are straightforward and short while others are complex and lengthy. Each policy plays an important role in this chapter, but below are synopses of six key policies that deserve additional attention.

BB-5. Shoreline and Bluffs Change Monitoring
This policy requires the implementation of a coastal change monitoring program. A key feature of adaptation planning is to establish triggers and thresholds that result in a desired set of actions (e.g. if “x” number of feet of bluff erosion occurs, action “y” should take place). Monitoring is a vital aspect of adaptation planning because it provides the data needed to determine when a trigger point or threshold is reached.

BB-6. Shoreline Adaptation Management Plans
This policy establishes the development of Shoreline Adaptation Management Plans (SAMPs) for three portions of Santa Cruz (West Cliff, Main-Cowell Beaches, and East Cliff shoreline areas) within five years of Coastal Commission adoption of this policy. While the LCP sets broader policies regarding adaptation planning, the SAMPs will develop a more specific vision for the shoreline area to guide the development and implementation of near-, mid-, and long-term adaptation strategies. As such, this policy lays the groundwork for much of the future planning actions along Santa Cruz’ coast. These strategies will be developed through broad community engagement and more detailed scientific analyses of existing and future conditions of those areas. This SAMP work has already begun with funding by the Ocean Protection Council, and community engagement opportunities will happen in the coming months.

BB-7. Public Projects along West Cliff
While a detailed SAMP will be developed for West Cliff over the next year and a half, given the amount of work happening along West Cliff, especially to repair storm damage, there was a desire to include a set of West Cliff-specific policies to direct these activities in the interim.

These policies seek to avoid the use of hard armoring where possible and to mitigate the use of allowed/required hard armoring when feasible. Mitigation efforts could consider adaptive strategies like realignment of infrastructure in specific areas where more space is available (e.g., Lighthouse Point, Lighthouse Field, and Natural Bridges State Beaches). This policy and its subpolicies were also developed to align the Beaches and Bluffs chapter with the 50-Year Community Vision for West Cliff and West Cliff 5-Year Roadmap.

37.66 BB-8. Private Development in the Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area This policy establishes a Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area, detailed in the figure after the Beaches and Bluff policies. This area is largely within 100 feet of the bluff top, with a few areas slightly greater than 100 feet of the bluff top based on best available science determining coastal hazard zones. Proposed development within this area would require a site-specific coastal hazards analysis to evaluate shoreline hazard risks over the anticipated life of the proposed development. Development within this Shoreline Hazard Evaluation Area must be designed and sited to be safe from erosion, bluff failure, wave run-up, flooding, and other long-term coastal hazards for its anticipated lifetime without relying on existing shoreline protection or new or enhanced shoreline protection of any kind.

BB-11. Nature-based Shoreline Protection
There are different types of adaptation strategies in the face of coastal hazards. Low-impact, nature-based solutions such as landscaping and drainage control seek to work with natural environmental systems and are to be prioritized over high-impact, non-nature-based solutions (e.g., seawalls). Hybrid solutions would also be supported over fully non-nature-based solutions when possible. While the SAMP process will further detail preferred solutions and adaptation priorities, this policy serves to still prioritize nature-based solutions prior to the SAMPs being adopted.

BB-12. Shoreline Protective Devices
Shoreline protective devices are solutions to coastal hazards that are non-nature-based, such as seawalls, revetments, and other forms of hard armoring. Efforts to protect development with shoreline protective devices can directly result in loss and diminution of natural resources. This policy sets out how and when a shoreline protective device can be implemented and how its impact can be mitigated.

General Plan 2030 Sensitive Habitat and Vegetation Types Maps The City updated its Sensitive Habitat and Vegetation Types maps as part of General Plan 2030.

However, within the Coastal Zone, the City still uses habitat maps from the previous General Plan 1990-2005 because the current maps have not been adopted into the LCP yet. As a minor clean up, the updated Sensitive Habitat and Vegetation Types maps are included as part of this proposed LCP amendment package.

LCP and Coastal Act Consistency
The primary purpose of the proposed Beaches and Bluffs chapter is to identify and integrate shoreline adaptation strategies and supportive policies that respond to climate change, sea level rise, and related hazards to update the land use planning and program requirements for the Coastal Zone within Santa Cruz city limits. This approach is consistent with the California Coastal Act and the California Coastal Commission Sea Level Rise Policy Guidance, first adopted on August 12, 2015, with subsequent science updates adopted on November 7, 2018, and November 13, 2024. The proposed Sensitive Habitat and Vegetation Types maps are also consistent with the Coastal Act in that they update the existing maps using more recent and best available science.

37.67 Community Outreach
Coordination with stakeholders was done through each step of the process in developing this new chapter and the underway, but not yet completed, work to update the entire existing LCP document. Two major public review drafts and comment periods were provided, one in late 2021 and one in the summer of 2025. The most recent edits staff made based on the comments on the 2025 public review draft are left in track changes in the proposed Beaches and Bluffs chapter attached. Those comments received are also attached. Key edits made in response to the recent public review draft were to add more discussion around surfing’s vital role in the City’s coastline based on Save the Waves’ comments. While there was a desire in the comments to develop a monitoring and maintenance program specifically for surfing conditions, the City does not have the technical ability or funding to perform such a task at this time. It is something of interest to the City though and the edits to Policy BB-5 regarding monitoring leave this option open as a future work item should the opportunity arise. Sub-policies (f) and (g) of Policy BB-7 regarding projects along West Cliff were amended to more closely align with the adopted language in the West Cliff 5-Year Roadmap. The desire for greater consistency between the two documents regarding pedestrian, bicycle, and recreational uses on West Cliff was noted by a few commentors. Finally, a takings clause policy was also added based on comments received from Smart Coast California.

Next Steps
Following action by the Planning Commission, the proposed amendments will proceed to City Council, anticipated for November 18, 2025. Should Council approve these proposed LCP amendments, the amendments would then be submitted to the California Coastal Commission for final adoption. The forthcoming development of the Shoreline Adaptation Management Plans (SAMPs) for the West Cliff, Main-Cowell Beaches, and East Cliff represents a direct extension of these policies, as do other coastal resilience planning efforts by the City regarding monitoring, living shorelines and nature-based solution implementation, and sand management feasibility studies. As noted previously, this proposed Beaches and Bluffs chapter represents adding a new policy section to the LCP. The effort to update the rest of the existing LCP is ongoing and expected to be completed by late 2027.

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) DETERMINATION: The proposed amendments are exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15265 and Public Resources Code Section 21080.9 in that CEQA does not apply to activities and approvals pursuant to the California Coastal Act such as preparation and adoption of an LCP by a local government.

HEALTH IN ALL POLICIES (HiAP): In 2019, the City adopted a Health in All Policies strategy to eliminate inequities in health and well-being and attain equity for all residents. The proposed amendments further the City’s Health in All Policies be developing policies that respond to climate change, sea level rise, and related hazards. These policies bolster the City’s sustainability and resiliency efforts and support the well-being for all residents.

FINDINGS: The Local Coastal Program requires that prior to making a recommendation for approval of amendments to the City Council, the Planning Commission shall make the following findings: (1) the proposed amendment is deemed to be in the public interest; (2) the proposed General Plan and/or Local Coastal Program amendment is consistent and compatible with the

37.68 rest of the General Plan and LCP and any implementation programs that may be affected; (3) the potential impacts of the proposed amendment have been assessed and have been determined not to be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare; and (4) the proposed amendment has been processed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the California Government Code and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The proposed LCP amendments serve and further public interest, necessity, and general community welfare by conforming with the Coastal Act and Coastal Commission Guidance documents, furthering the City’s resiliency in the face of coastal hazards spurred by climate change and sea level rise, and supporting coastal access for all. The proposed amendments are in general conformance with the principles, policies, and land use designations set forth in the General Plan and Local Coastal Plan and are consistent with the provisions of CEQA as discussed above.

Approved By:

Matt VanHua, AICP
Principal Planner, Advance Planning Division
ATTACHMENTS:
 Proposed Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation Chapter  Public Review Comments on the Draft Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation Chapter  General Plan 2030 Sensitive Habitat and Vegetation Types Maps

37.69 Brittany Inclan
From: Gillian Greensite <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2025 2:12 PM
To: Fred Keeley; Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson; Renee Golder; Scott Newsome; Gabriela Trigueiro; Sonja Brunner; Susie O'Hara; City Council
Subject: Public Hearing Item 37. LCP. Staff ignoring council policy Attachments: Comments on draft LCP.docx
Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor and Council,
I am deeply concerned at what appears to be an attempt by staff to alter your policy ruling made on April 9, 2024 for the 50 Year Vision for West Cliff Drive. The issue at stake, both in the 50 Year Vision and now in the LCP update, concerns plans for "trail re-alignment which may involve permanent removal of parking and reconfiguration of the roadway.” This entry is under BB-7 g of the new chapter titled Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation.

Your 2024 motion (attached) struck out the staff recommendation to “prioritize” this plan and replaced it with “explore.” There is a world of difference between “prioritize" and “explore.” When the draft LCP document was made available for public comment in July 2025, I was surprised to see that staff again used the word “prioritize” with respect to this issue. I submitted my comments pointing out the discrepancy between council policy to “explore" and staff proposed policy to “prioritize" and requested that council policy be followed (attached).

I assumed for this final LCP document that staff would correct the wording and align it with council policy. Therefore I was surprised and concerned to see that staff has again inserted its own wording.

While section f has been removed, section g remains with “Prioritize” struck out and replaced with “support.”
There is a world of difference between your policy of “explore” and staff recommendation to “support.” The former may or may not lead to support while the latter bypasses any exploration. I apologize if I am stating the obvious. I understand how this one word in a long document may have escaped notice at the Planning commission. Had I realized the draft LCP was on their agenda I would have attended and made these comments.

There was massive public input that lead to the council policy passed in April 9, 2024. This one word change to your policy has enormous ramifications. I sincerely hope the community can trust you to reinstate your policy on this item for the final Local Coastal Program by striking out staff’s word “support” and replacing it with your policy of “explore.” Thank you,
Gillian

37.70 City of Santa Cruz Dra� Local Coastal Plan Beaches and Bluff Review Comments on Dra� Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adapta�on
Submited by Gillian Greensite 7/14/25.
[email protected]
Section BB-7 f and g of the draft has the following entry (emphasis added):
f. Priori�ze considera�on of separated pedestrian and bicycle access when making decisions regarding public recrea�onal access management along West Cliff. Explore future West Cliff Drive alignment op�ons to allow for con�nued support of enhanced mul�modal coastal access. g. Priori�ze through access for recrea�onal users and emergency responders through trail realignment inland which may involve permanent removal of parking and reconfigura�on of roadway.

Defining these ac�ons as “priori�es” directly contradicts the city council mo�on adopted by unanimous vote at the April 9, 2024, council mee�ng and copied below. Note that in the mo�on the word “priority” has been crossed out and replaced with the word “explore.”
This LCP dra� entry needs to be altered to align with city council direc�on. --------------------------------------------------------------------- MOTION: Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Golder, to:
1) Adopt the 50-year vision, with the following amendments, and any other necessary edits to clarify that adoption of the 50-Year vision and application for grant funding do not commit the City to implementation of one-way traffic on West Cliff without further Council action:
• page 5: Access and Traffic
To address the balance required to provide access while working with nature, the City will protect critical infrastructure while considering implementing separate pedestrian and bicycle lanes, and one-way vehicle access along West Cliff Drive supported by traffic control measures in the surrounding neighborhood. Based upon

37.71 the data gathered in the last eight months of community engagement, the City will prioritize will explore separated pedestrian and bicycle access over other forms of access along West Cliff. Without private property acquisition, separated pedestrian and bicycle lanes are not feasible while maintaining two-way vehicle traffic.

ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.

AYES: Councilmembers Newsome, Brown, Watkins, Brunner,
Kalantari-Johnson; Vice Mayor Golder; Mayor Keeley.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

DISQUALIFIED: None.

37.72 Local Coastal
Program Update:

Beaches and
Bluffs Hazards
Adaptation
November 18, 2025 City Council

37.73 Local Coastal Program (LCP)

37.74 LCP Contents
- Guides development decisions in the Coastal Zone
- Adopted in 1994 under General Plan 1990-2005
- Current Policy Chapters:
- Coastal Access
- Recreation and Visitor Serving Uses
- Marine Environment
- Land Resources
- Development Policies
- Plus Land Use in separate chapter
- Updates to these chapters forthcoming

37.75 Need for LCP update to address coastal
resiliency, climate change, and sea level rise
The coast is the frontline of the climate crisis

37.76 Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation
Policy Development
- Extensive Coastal Commission coordination
- LCP update phasing
- Shoreline Adaptation Management Plans
- West Cliff
- Main/Cowell
- East Cliff
- 50-Year Community Vision for West Cliff alignment
- West Cliff 5-Year Roadmap alignment
- Ongoing community engagement and City department
coordination

37.77 Beaches and Bluffs Hazards Adaptation Goals

37.78 - Additional surfing language added throughout
- Alignment of West Cliff policies with the 5-Year
Roadmap
- Takings clause added to help protect private
property
- Coastal Commission staff recommendations
incorporated
Response to Public Comments

37.79 KEY
Sea Level
Rise
Vulnerability
Assessment
(adopted
with Climate
Adaptation
Plan Update)
Resilient Coast Santa Cruz 1.0 -
Funded by CA Coastal Commission +
CA Department of Transportation
WCD
Existing
Conditions
Inventory +
Future
Vulnerabilit
y
Assessment
Beach
Vulnerabilit
y and
Adaptation
Strategy
WCD
Adaptation
Alternatives
Analysis
Beaches
Urban
Climate
Adaptation
Policy
Implication +
Response
Strategy
Evaluation
Technical
Report
Synthesis
Summary of
Outreach
and
Engagemen
t
WCD
Alternativ
e CostBenefit
Analysis
West Cliff
5-Year Roadmap
West Cliff
50-Year Vision
WCD
Adaptatio
n +
Managem
ent Plan –
Public
Works
Plan
LCP Beaches + Bluffs Chapter funded by CA Coastal Commission Revised Triggers + Thresholds
for Management
Coastal Change Monitoring Network Design/Deployment
Partially funded by National Science Foundation
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Living Shorelines, NBS, Sand
Management Feasibility
Funded by State Coastal
Conservancy
West Cliff, East Cliff
and Main/Cowell
Beaches Shoreline
Adaptation Mgmt
Plans funded by
Ocean Protection
Council
2026
USACE Silver
Jackets Assistance
w/Federal + State
Partners in Coastal
Management
3 Coastal Restoration Projects
Design + Permitting funded by National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Tidal
gaug
e
insta
ll at
whar
f
Lighthouse
Pt Hazard
Analysis

COMPLETED WORK

FUTURE WORK

CURRENT WORK

PENDING
GRANT

ACCEPTANC
E
LACKS

FUNDING
Coastal Resilience Planning + Policy Development (updated 10.15.25) 2027+
Revision
of LCP Beaches
+ Bluffs
Policies
Coastal
Infrastructure
Funding +
Financing Study

37.80 Recommendation
Motion to:
1) Approve the proposed amendments to the City of Santa Cruz Local Coastal Program; and
2) Acknowledge the determination that the proposed
amendments are exempt from environmental review under
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
Section 15265 and Public Resources Code Section 21080.9.

37.81 City Council

AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 10/30/2025
AGENDA OF: 11/18/2025
DEPARTMENT: Fire
SUBJECT: Adoption of the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code and Fire Code Standards, including Annual Supplements and State Amendments and Errata (FD)
LOCATION: Citywide
RECOMMENDATION: Motion to introduce for publication an ordinance to amend Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 19.05 to adopt and incorporate by reference the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code and make other amendments and amend Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 19.10.

BACKGROUND: The proposed ordinance will adopt the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition and make other amendments as further described below.

The California Fire Code is adopted on a triennial basis and is modified from the International Codes – a set of model codes that develop standards that regulate building, plumbing, gas, mechanical, electrical, energy, fire, accessibility and other related areas. These model codes include the International Fire Code (model code). The California Building Standards Commission is charged with developing the minimum building standards for the State of California on a three-year cycle. This includes developing the California Fire Code.

The California Health and Safety Code lays out a specific process for adoption of the Fire Code locally with specific actions and timelines. The California Building Standards Commission is charged with developing the minimum building standards for the State of California on a threeyear cycle or when a new model code is available. With each code cycle the City must update its own ordinance and adopt the current model code with amendments.

Members of the Santa Cruz County Fire Prevention Officers have collectively prepared much of the proposed ordinance text. By working cooperatively, the members have been able to bring forth a fire code that is substantially consistent throughout the county. The Santa Cruz County Fire Chiefs’ and Fire Prevention Officers’ Associations recognize that regulatory consistency between the various fire agencies minimizes confusion and lessens the impact on the public.

While there may be a few minor differences based on individual needs or other ordinances that are already in place, on the whole, the proposed code meets this goal.

38.1 DISCUSSION: The proposed revision to SCMC Title 19 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code includes the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code and the City of Santa Cruz’s local amendments to the model Fire Code.

The proposed ordinance contains the amended code sections, with changes highlighted via document track changes. A majority of the changes shown are necessary for administrative clarification and do not modify the California Fire Code.

Additional changes include modifying distance requirements that apply to dead-end fire apparatus roads from 150 feet to 200 feet and requiring any road between 150 and 200 feet to be straight for the entire distance. This will allow fire access to deeper lots with the same safety and level of service. Current department driving policies ensure safe backing operations for the additional 50 feet of distance.

The proposed ordinance also removes Section 4901.3 “Requirements for Wildland Urban Interface Fire Areas.” This section on Wildland Urban Interface Fire Areas was removed from the California Fire Code and adopted as Part 7 of the California Building Code Standards.

SCMC Chapter 19.10 establishes geographical limits for the storage of flammable and combustible liquids. There were no significant changes to this chapter.

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) DETERMINATION: The proposed Council action is not a “project” under CEQA because it will not cause a physical change in the environment directly or indirectly. (Pub. Resources Code, § 21065.) HEALTH IN ALL POLICIES (HiAP): The proposed amendments are consistent with the Health in All Policies pillars as adoption and enforcement of standards in the California Fire Code will help ensure public safety and directly support public health for all members of the community.

FISCAL IMPACT:

1. The recommendation in this report impacts the General Fund: No

2. This recommendation requires a budget adjustment: No

3. The recommendation creates an on-going expenditure commitment: No FISCAL IMPACT DESCRIPTION: No impact.

Prepared By:

Tim Shields
Division Chief - Prevention /
Fire Marshal
Submitted By:

Rob Oatey
Fire Chief
Approved By:

Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:

1. FIRE CODE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT_CLEAN.DOCX

2. FIRE CODE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT_REDLINE.DOCX

38.2 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-XX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ TO:
(1) AMEND SANTA CRUZ MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 19.05 TO ADOPT AND INCORPORATE BY REFERENCE THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE AND MAKE OTHER AMENDMENTS; AND
(2) AMEND SANTA CRUZ MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 19.10
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Cruz (“City”) proposes to adopt and incorporate by reference the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code and Fire Code Standards, including annual supplements and State amendments and errata; and
WHEREAS, the City proposes to make certain changes in the requirements of the 2022 California Fire Code, which will make certain parts the City’s Fire Code more restrictive than state law; and
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 requires the Santa Cruz City Council make express findings that changes or modifications to the requirements contained in the provisions published in the California Building Standards Code and the other regulations adopted pursuant to Section 17922 (including, but not limited to, green building standards) are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 further requires that a copy of the above referenced findings “together with the modification or change expressly marked and identified to which each finding refers, shall be filed with the California Building Standards Commission”; and
WHEREAS, the Santa Cruz City Council finds that the proposed amendments to Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) section 19.05.190, modifying distance regulations applying to “dead-end” fire apparatus roads from 150 feet to 200 feet, will allow fire access to deeper lots with the same safety and level of service. These edits establish a more restrictive local provision and do not conflict with the California Fire Code; and
WHEREAS, the Santa Cruz City Council finds that all remaining changes shown in the proposed ordinance are necessary for administrative clarification and do not modify the California Fire Code; and
WHEREAS, Santa Cruz City Council hereby approves all of the below-noted additions, amendments and deletions to the following chapters of the 2025 California Fire Code: Chapter 1, 2, 3, and 9. The below-noted modifications have been proposed by the Santa Cruz Fire Department, in consultation with the City Attorney’s Office; and WHEREAS, Staff is directed to file a copy of the findings included in this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7.

38.3 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
2 BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Santa Cruz as follows:

SECTION 1. Recitals Incorporated. The recitals set forth in the preamble of this Ordinance are hereby incorporated into this Ordinance as if fully set forth herein.

SECTION 2. 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code Adopted. The City of Santa Cruz hereby adopts the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code (including Appendix Chapters B, BB, C, CC, D, O, I and P), as the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz. The 2022 edition of the California Fire Code shall no longer be in force and effect.

The City of Santa Cruz also adopts local amendments to 2025 edition of the California Fire Code, as set forth in this Ordinance and the Santa Cruz Municipal Code.

SECTION 3. Amendments to Portions of Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 19.05 A. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.010 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.010 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE ADOPTED
An ordinance of the City of Santa Cruz adopting the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code with local amendments, regulating and governing the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings and premises in the City of Santa Cruz; providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor; repealing Ordinance No. 2022-14 (part) 2022 of the City of Santa Cruz and all other ordinances and parts of the ordinances in conflict therewith.

The City Council of the City of Santa Cruz does ordain that a certain document, three (3) copies of which are on file in the office of the Santa Cruz City Clerk of the City of Santa Cruz, being marked and designated as the California Fire Code, 2025 edition including “Appendix Chapters (B, BB, C, CC, D, O, I and P) as published by the International Code Council, be and is hereby adopted as the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz, in the State of California regulating and governing the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings and premises as herein provided; for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said Fire Code on file in the office of the City of Santa Cruz are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this ordinance, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, set forth in this Chapter.” B. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.030 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.030 Section [A] 104.1 IS ADDED– GENERAL
Section [A] 104.1 and 104.2 of Chapter 1 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz are added to read as follows:

38.4 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
3 [A] 104.1 – General. The fire code official is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this code.
[A] 104.2 – Determination of Compliance. The fire code official shall have the authority to determine compliance with this code, to render interpretations of this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the applications of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies and procedures:

1. Shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code.

2. Shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.” C. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.040 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.040 SECTION [A] 105.1.1 IS AMENDED – PERMITS REQUIRED Section [A] 105.1.1 of Chapter 1 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz is amended to read as follows:
[A] 105.1.1 – Permits required. Any property owner or owner’s authorized agent who intends to conduct an operation or business, or install or modify systems and equipment which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the fire code official and obtain the required permit.

When required by the fire code official, a permit shall be obtained. Permit fees, if any, shall be paid prior to issuance of the permit. Issued permits shall be kept on the premises designated therein at all times and shall be readily available for inspection by the fire code official.” D. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.050 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.050 SECTION [A] 109.1 IS ADDED– INSPECTION AUTHORITY Section [A] 109.1 of Chapter 1 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz is added to read as follows:
[A] 109.1 – Inspection authority. The fire code official is authorized to enter and examine any building, structure, marine vessel, vehicle or premises in accordance with Section 104.4 for the purpose of enforcing this code.”
E. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.060 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.060 SECTION [A] 110.6 IS ADDED– OVERCROWDING
Section [A] 110.6 of Chapter 1 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz is added to read as follows:
[A] 110.6 – Overcrowding. Overcrowding or admittance of any person beyond the approved capacity of a building or a portion thereof shall not be allowed. The fire code official, upon

38.5 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
4 finding any overcrowding conditions or obstructions in aisles, passageways or other means of egress, or upon finding any condition which constitutes a life safety hazard, shall be authorized to cause the event to be stopped until such condition or obstruction is corrected.” F. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.070 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.070 SECTION [A] 113.4 IS ADDED– VIOLATION PENALTIES.

Section [A] 113.4 of Chapter 1 of the Fire Code of the city of Santa Cruz is added to read as follows:
[A] 113.4 – Violation Penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of an infraction.

Acts denominated as infractions shall not be punishable by imprisonment. Every violation determined to be an infraction is punishable by:

1. A fine not exceeding one hundred dollars for a first violation;

2. A fine not exceeding two hundred dollars for a second violation of the same provision of this code within one year;

3. A fine not exceeding five hundred dollars for each additional violation of the same provision of this code within one year.

A person charged with an infraction shall not be entitled to a trial by jury. A judgment that a person convicted of an infraction be punished by fine may also provide for the payment to be made within a specified time or in specified installments, contingent upon the person giving his written promise to either pay the fine as provided or to appear in court on the due date. Any person who willfully violates any such written promise is guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit the City’s authority to enforce the provisions of this Chapter pursuant to any other authority specified in the municipal code, or any other applicable state law.”
G. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.080 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.080 SECTION [A] 113.4.1 AMENDED AND 112.4.2 ADDED—ABATEMENT OF VIOLATION; FAILURE TO COMPLY.

Section [A] 113.4.1 Chapter 1 of the Fire Code of the city of Santa Cruz is hereby amended and Section 113.4.2 is hereby added to read as follows:
[A] 113.4.1 –Abatement of violation. In addition to the imposition of the penalties herein described, the fire code official is authorized to institute appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct or abate a violation; or to prevent illegal occupancy of a

38.6 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
5 structure or premises; or to stop an illegal act, conduct of business or occupancy of a structure on or about a premises.
113.4.2– Failure to comply. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to violate or fail to comply with any lawful order of the fire code official; fail to comply with an order by the Board of Building and Fire Appeals; or, fail to comply with an order of the court of competent jurisdiction within the time fixed therein. Every such violation shall be deemed a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00 plus court assigned fees or by imprisonment not exceeding 1 year in the county jail, or both such fine and imprisonment.” H. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.090 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.090 SECTION 202 IS AMENDED – GENERAL DEFINITIONS Section 202 of Chapter 2 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz is hereby amended as follows:

A. “Driveway” is added after “Draft Stop” to read as follows:

DRIVEWAY is vehicular ingress and egress routes that serve no more than 2 residential buildings or structures, not including accessory structures, on one parcel, containing no more than 3 dwelling units.
(a) All driveways shall provide a minimum unobstructed width of 12 feet and minimum unobstructed vertical clearance of 15 feet. Exception: Driveways serving parcels which are not considered a flag lot by the City Planning Department may be 10 feet wide when approved by the Fire Code Official.
(b) All curb cuts at entrances to driveways or other private ways shall be of sufficient width to permit safe travel by emergency vehicles at all times of the year. (c) Turnouts shall be designed and constructed every 400 feet along the driveway’s length or at the midpoint when the driveway is over 400 but not more than 800 feet in length.
(d) A turnaround shall be provided at all building or structure sites on driveways over 300 feet in length and shall be at 50 feet from the structure. Fire vehicle access road turnaround shall meet minimum requirement provisions listed in the 2025 California Fire Code Appendix D.
(e) In addition, where applicable, all driveways shall conform to N.F.P.A. Standard 1141, the standard for planned building groups.

B. “Imposed Loads” is added after “Impairment Coordinator” to read as follows:

IMPOSED LOADS OF APPARATUS is a minimum of 40,000 pounds for a fire engine and 75,000 pounds for an aerial ladder fire truck.

38.7 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
6 C. “State Responsibility Area (SRA)” is added after “State-Owned/Leased Building” to read as follows:

STATE RESPONSIBILITY AREA (SRA) shall mean lands that are classified by the Board of Forestry pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 4125 to 4127; and the California Code of Regulations, Title14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Article 1, Sections 1220-1220.5 where the financial responsibility of preventing and suppressing forest fires is primarily the responsibility of the State of California.

I. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.100 is hereby amended to read as follows:

19.05.100 SECTION 304.1.3 IS AMENDED – VEGETATION.

Section 304.1.3 of Chapter 3 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz is amended to read as follows:
304.1.2 – Vegetation. Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises.

Vegetation clearance requirements in urban-wildland interface areas shall be maintained around and adjacent to buildings and structures in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 3.07(b) Clearances, 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Title 24 Part 7, Public Resources Code Section 4291 requirements and the following: A firebreak shall be made by removing and clearing away, for a distance of not less than 30 feet on each side of the building or structure or to the property line, whichever is nearer, all flammable vegetation or other combustible growth. This does not apply to single specimens of trees or other vegetation that is well-pruned and maintained so as to effectively manage fuels and not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to any building or structure.

When required by state law, or local ordinance, rule or regulation, an additional fire protection zone or firebreak may be made by removing all brush, flammable vegetation, or combustible growth that is located within 100 feet from the building or structure or to the property line. This section does not prevent an insurance company that insures a building or structure from requiring the owner of the building or structure to maintain a firebreak of more than 100 feet around the building or structure. Grass and other vegetation located more than 30 feet from the building or structure and less than 18 inches in height above the ground may be maintained where necessary to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. This does not apply to single specimens of trees or other vegetation that is well-pruned and maintained so as to effectively manage fuels and not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to a dwelling or structure.

No owner, agent, lessee or other person occupying or having charge or control of any building, lot or premises within the city shall permit weeds to remain upon said premises or public sidewalk, or street or alleys between said premises and the centerline of any public street or alley after May 15th.

Whenever any such weeds are growing upon any private property or properties or in any street or alley within the city, the chief of the fire department shall give notice to the owner, agent, lessee

38.8 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
7 or other person occupying or having charge or control of any building, lot or premises within the city, that unless such nuisance be abated without delay by the destruction or removal of such weeds, the work of abating such nuisance will be done by the city authorities, and the cost thereof assessed upon the lots and lands from which weeds shall have been destroyed or removed.

Method of Abatement
(a) The chief of the fire department shall cause weeds to be abated through mowing, cutting, disking, removal or any other approved method except spraying. (b) When the chief determines that total removal of weed growth is impractical due to size or environmental factors, approved fuel breaks shall be established. Designated areas shall be cleared of combustible vegetation to establish fuel breaks. (c) The chief of the fire department, and its deputies, assistants, employees, contracting agents, or other representatives are hereby expressly authorized to enter upon private property for the purpose of destroying weeds.
(d) Any property owner shall have the right to abate such weeds themselves, or have the same abated at their own expense provided that such weeds shall have been destroyed or removed prior to May 15th and the arrival of the chief of the fire department or his/her agents or representative to abate them.
(e) Combustible rubbish which hampers or otherwise obstructs city weed abatement efforts may also be removed by the chief of the fire department or his/her agents or authorized representative at the owner’s expense under the reimbursement and collection provisions of this chapter.

J. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.140 is hereby amended to read as follows:

19.05.140 SECTION 308.1.7 IS ADDED– SKY LANTERNS
Section 308.1.7 of Chapter 3 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz is amended to read as follows:
308.1.7 – Sky lanterns. A person shall not release or cause to be released a sky lantern.

K. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.150 is hereby amended to read as follows:

19.05.150 SECTION 308.1.8 IS ADDED – RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES Section 308.1.8 of Chapter 3 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz is added to read as follows:
308.1.8 – Religious ceremonies. When, in the opinion of the fire code official, adequate safeguards have been taken, participants in religious ceremonies are allowed to carry hand-held candles. Hand-held candles shall not be passed from one person to another while lighted.

38.9 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
8 L. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.190 is hereby amended to read as follows:

19.05.190 SECTION 503 IS AMENDED - FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS Section 503 of Chapter 3 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz is amended to read as follows:
503 Fire apparatus access roads.
503.1 Where required.

Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.3.
503.1.1 Buildings and facilities.

Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility.

Exception: The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45,720 mm)where:

1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.

2. Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided.

3. There are not more than two Group R-3 or Group U occupancies. 503.1.2 Additional access.

The fire code official is authorized to require more than one fire apparatus access road based on the potential for impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditions or other factors that could limit access.
503.1.3 High-piled storage.

Fire department vehicle access to buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 32.
503.2 Specifications.

Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1 through503.2.8.

38.10 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
9 503.2.1 Dimensions.

Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm), except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 15 feet (4572 mm).
503.2.2 Authority.

The fire official shall have the authority to require or permit modifications to the required access widths where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations or where necessary to meet the public safety objectives of the jurisdiction.
503.2.3 Surface.

Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be surfaced so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities. 503.2.4 Turning radius.

The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be 28 feet (8,534 mm) inside radius and 48 feet (14,630 mm) outside radius on all turns in the fire apparatus access road, unless otherwise approved by the fire code official.
503.2.5 Dead ends.

Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 200 feet (60,960) in length shall be provided with an approved area for turning around fire apparatus. Access roads between 150 feet and 200 feet shall be straight for the entire distance.
503.2.6 Bridges and elevated surfaces.

Where a bridge or an elevated surface is part of a fire apparatus access road, the bridge shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with AASHTO HB-17. Bridges and elevated surfaces shall be designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus. Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges when required by the fire code official.

Where elevated surfaces designed for emergency vehicle use are adjacent to surfaces which are not designed for such use, approved barriers, approved signs or both shall be installed and maintained when required by the fire code official.
503.2.7 Grade.

The grade of the fire apparatus access road shall be within the limits established by the fire code official based on the fire department's apparatus.
503.2.8 Angles of approach and departure
The angles of approach and departure for fire apparatus access roads shall be within the limits established by the fire code official based on the fire departments apparatus.

38.11 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
10 503.3 Marking.

Where required by the fire code official approved signs or other approved notices or markings that include the words NO PARKING – FIRE LANE shall be provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof. The means by which fire lanes are designated shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility. 503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads.

Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths and clearances established in Section 503.2.1 and 503.2.2 shall be maintained at all times.
503.4.1. Traffic calming devices
Traffic calming devices shall be prohibited unless approved by the fire code official. 503.4.2 Vegetation clearance along access roads.

Areas within 10 feet (3048) horizontal and 15 feet (4572 mm) vertical on each side of portions of highways, public and private streets, roads and driveways which are ordinarily used for vehicular traffic shall be cleared of flammable vegetation and other combustible growth.

Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or cultivated ground cover such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants sued as ground covers, are exempt provided that they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire. 503.5 Required gates or barricades.

The fire code official is authorized to require the installation and maintenance of gates or the approved barricades across fire apparatus access roads, trails or other access ways, not including public streets, alleys or highways.
503.5.1 Secured gates and barricades.

Where required, gates and barricades shall be secured in an approved manner. Roads, trails and other access ways that have been closed and obstructed in the manner prescribed by Section 503.5 shall not be trespassed on or used unless authorized by the owner and the fire code official.

Exception: The restriction on use shall not apply to public officers acting within the scope of duty.
[B] 503.5.2 Fences and gates.

School grounds may be fenced and gates therein may be equipped with locks, provided that safe dispersal areas based on 3 square feet (0.28 m2) per occupant are located between the school and

38.12 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
11 the fence. Such required safe dispersal areas shall not be located less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from school buildings.

Every public and private school shall conform with Section 32020 of the Education Code which states:

The governing board of every public school district, and the governing authority of every private school, which maintains any building used for the instruction or housing of school pupils on land entirely enclosed (except for building walls) by fences, or walls, shall, through cooperation with the local law enforcement and fire protection agencies having jurisdiction of the area, make provision for the erection of gates in such fences or walls. The gates shall be of sufficient size to permit the entrance of the ambulances, police equipment and fire-fighting apparatus used by the law enforcement and fire protection agencies. There shall be no less than one such access gate and there shall be as many such gates as needed to ensure access to all major buildings and ground areas. If such gates are to be equipped with locks, the locking devices shall be designed to permit ready entrance by the use of the chain or bolt-cutting devices with which the local law enforcement and fire protection agencies may be equipped. 503.6 Security gates.

The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the fire chief. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times.

M. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.220 is hereby amended to read as follows:

19.05.220 CFC SECTIONS 903.1 THROUGH 903.2.10.2 ARE DELETED AND REPLACED – AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.

Sections 903.1 through 903.2.10.2 of Chapter 9 of the Fire Code of the city of Santa Cruz are deleted and replaced to read as follows:
903.1 General. Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section. 903.1.1 Alternative Protection. Alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems complying with Section 904 shall be permitted in lieu of automatic sprinkler protection where recognized by the applicable standard and approved by the fire code official. 903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in this section. 903.2.1 New Structures. An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be provided in all new occupancies as defined in Chapter 3 of the California Building Code, regardless of type of construction and/or floor area, unless otherwise pre-empted by the California Health and Safety Code. Any occupancy not specifically mentioned shall be included in the group that it most nearly resembles based on the proposed life and fire hazard.

38.13 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
12 EXCEPTIONS: 1. Private garages, carports, workshops, office, art studio, and/or sheds not more than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) of total floor area shall not require fire sprinklers where they are detached and separate from other structures and provided with exterior wall and opening protection as per the California Building Code.

2. Sheds exceeding 1,000 square feet, (93 m2) but not exceeding 3,000 square feet (278 m2) shall not require fire sprinklers at the discretion of the Fire Chief when the applicant demonstrates that the applicant’s proposal does not increase the fire hazard or fire load.

3. Agricultural buildings as defined in Appendix Chapter C, of the California Building Code having a clear unobstructed side yard exceeding 60 feet (18,280 mm) in all directions, not exceeding 25 feet (7620 mm) in height and located within an Agricultural zoned district, as defined in the Santa Cruz County Planning Code.
a. Not exceeding 2,000 square feet (186 m2) or as exempted by the fire chief, shall not require fire sprinklers.
b. Exceeding 2,000 square feet (186 m2) but not exceeding 5,000 square feet, shall not require fire sprinklers at the discretion of the fire chief when the applicant demonstrates the applicant’s proposal does not increase the fire hazard or fire load. c. Greenhouses of non-combustible construction shall not require fire sprinklers.

4. Group B and Group M Occupancies not more than 500 square feet (46.5 m2) shall not require fire sprinklers where they are detached and separate from other structures and provided with exterior wall and opening protection as per the 2025 California Building Code, Tables 508.4 and 508.9.

5. For public school state-funded construction projects see CFC Section 903.2.19. 903.2.2 Existing Structures. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing structures when, after the effective date of this code, a building permit is issued to allow additions to be made to existing structures which either:

1. Are already six thousand (6,000) square feet or greater in total floor area; or

2. Will increase the existing square footage to greater than > (6,000) square feet in total floor area; or

3. Will increase the total floor area of a structure by 10% or more; or

4. When there is a change in the character of the occupancy or use of any building which in the opinion of the fire chief increases or may cause to increase the hazard of fire or threat to life or safety.

5. When additions are made to a structure which contains an existing fire sprinkler system. The fire sprinkler system shall be augmented, thus, creating fire sprinkler protection in the entire structure.

38.14 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
13 Exceptions:

1. Group U occupancies not more than one thousand (1,000) square feet.

2. Group B and Group M occupancies not more than five hundred (500) square feet.

3. Group R-3 dwellings:
a) Where additions do not increase the total existing square footage by more than 50%. Or, b) Where alterations and/or repairs result in the removal, alteration, modification, replacement and/or repair of fifty percent or more of the external walls of a building, or result in the removal, modification, replacement and/or repair of fifty percent or more of the existing internal structural and/or non-structural framework, independently or in combination thereof, within a five year period, the entire building shall be made to conform to the current provisions of this chapter. The determination under this section of the requirement for upgrading any existing structure to full conformance with current provisions of this Chapter shall be at the sole discretion of the Fire Code Official.

4. Accessory Dwelling Unit constructed on lots with an existing sprinklered primary residence:
a) Attached to main residence – fire sprinklers required. b) Detached from main residence, fire sprinklers required.

5. Accessory Dwelling Unit constructed on lots with an existing non-sprinklered primary residence:
a) Attached to main residence and is less than or equal to 50% of the existing sq-ft. of the primary residence – fire sprinklers not required.
b) Detached from main residence– fire sprinklers not required.

N. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.290 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.290 [reserved]”
SECTION 4. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.10.020 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.10.020 GEOGRAPHIC LIMITS REFERRED TO IN CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE.

The geographic limits referred to in certain sections of the 2025 California Fire Code are hereby established as follows:

Section 5704.2.9.6.1 (geographic limits in which the storage of Class I and Class II liquids in above-ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited): City of Santa Cruz.

Section 5706.2.4.4 (geographic limits in which the storage of Class I and Class II liquids in above-ground tanks is prohibited): City of Santa Cruz.

38.15 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
14 Section 5806.2 (geographic limits in which the storage of flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers is prohibited): City of Santa Cruz.

Section 6104.2 (geographic limits in which the storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted for the protection of heavily populated or congested areas): City of Santa Cruz.” SECTION 5. Interpretation.

Nothing in this ordinance or in the Fire Code hereby adopted shall be construed to affect any suit or proceeding pending in any court or liability incurred under any prior version of this ordinance.

SECTION 6. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after final adoption but not prior to January 1, 2026.

PASSED FOR PUBLICATION this 28th day of October, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
PASSED FOR FINAL ADOPTION this 18th day of November, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator

38.16 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
15 This is to certify that the above and
foregoing document is the original
of Ordinance No. 2025-xx and that
it has been published or posted in
accordance with the Charter of the
City of Santa Cruz.
________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator

38.17 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-XX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ TO:
(1) AMEND SANTA CRUZ MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 19.05 TO ADOPT AND INCORPORATE BY REFERENCE THE 2025 EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE AND MAKE OTHER AMENDMENTS; AND
(2) AMEND SANTA CRUZ MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 19.10
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Cruz (“City”) proposes to adopt and incorporate by reference the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code and Fire Code Standards, including annual supplements and State amendments and errata; and
WHEREAS, the City proposes to make certain changes in the requirements of the 2022 California Fire Code, which will make certain parts the City’s Fire Code more restrictive than state law; and
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 requires the Santa Cruz City Council make express findings that changes or modifications to the requirements contained in the provisions published in the California Building Standards Code and the other regulations adopted pursuant to Section 17922 (including, but not limited to, green building standards) are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 further requires that a copy of the above referenced findings “together with the modification or change expressly marked and identified to which each finding refers, shall be filed with the California Building Standards Commission”; and
WHEREAS, the Santa Cruz City Council finds that the proposed amendments to Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) section 19.05.190, modifying distance regulations applying to “dead-end” fire apparatus roads from 150 feet to 200 feet, will allow fire access to deeper lots with the same safety and level of service. These edits establish a more restrictive local provision and do not conflict with the California Fire Code; and
WHEREAS, the Santa Cruz City Council finds that all remaining changes shown in the proposed ordinance are necessary for administrative clarification and do not modify the California Fire Code; and
WHEREAS, Santa Cruz City Council hereby approves all of the below-noted additions, amendments and deletions to the following chapters of the 2025 California Fire Code: Chapter 1, 2, 3, and 9. The below-noted modifications have been proposed by the Santa Cruz Fire Department, in consultation with the City Attorney’s Office; and WHEREAS, Staff is directed to file a copy of the findings included in this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7.

38.18 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
2 BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Santa Cruz as follows:

SECTION 1. Recitals Incorporated. The recitals set forth in the preamble of this Ordinance are hereby incorporated into this Ordinance as if fully set forth herein.

SECTION 2. 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code Adopted. The City of Santa Cruz hereby adopts the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code (including Appendix Chapters B, BB, C, CC, D, O, I and P), as the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz. The 2022 edition of the California Fire Code shall no longer be in force and effect.

The City of Santa Cruz also adopts local amendments to 2025 edition of the California Fire Code, as set forth in this Ordinance and the Santa Cruz Municipal Code.

SECTION 3. Amendments to Portions of Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 19.05 A. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.010 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.010 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE ADOPTED
An ordinance of the City of Santa Cruz adopting the 20252 edition of the California Fire Code with local amendments, regulating and governing the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings and premises in the City of Santa Cruz; providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor; repealing Ordinance No. 202219-149 (part) 202219 of the City of Santa Cruz and all other ordinances and parts of the ordinances in conflict therewith.

The City Council of the City of Santa Cruz does ordain that a certain document, three (3) copies of which are on file in the office of the Santa Cruz City Clerk of the City of Santa Cruz, being marked and designated as the California Fire Code, 20252 edition including “Appendix Chapters (, B, BB, C, CC, D, O, I and P) as published by the International Code Council, be and is hereby adopted as the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz, in the State of California regulating and governing the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings and premises as herein provided; for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said Fire Code on file in the office of the City of Santa Cruz are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this ordinance, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, set forth in this Chapter.” B. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.030 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.030 Section [A] 104.1 IS ADDED– GENERAL
Section [A] 104.1 and 104.2 of Chapter 1 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz areis added to read as follows:

38.19 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
3 [A] 104.1 – General. The fire code official is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this code. and shall have the authority to render interpretations of this code, and to adopt policies, procedures, rules and regulations in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, procedures, rules and regulations shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code and shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.
[A] 104.2 – Determination of Compliance. The fire code official shall have the authority to determine compliance with this code, to render interpretations of this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the applications of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies and procedures:

1. Shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code.

1.2. Shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.”
C. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.040 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.040 SECTION [A] 105.1.1 IS AMENDED – PERMITS REQUIRED Section [A] 105.1.1 of Chapter 1 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz is amended to read as follows:
[A] 105.1.1 – Permits required. Any property owner or owner’s authorized agent who intends to conduct an operation or business, or install or modify systems and equipment which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the fire code official and obtain the required permit.

When required by the fire code official, a permit shall be obtained. Permit fees, if any, shall be paid prior to issuance of the permit. Issued permits shall be kept on the premises designated therein at all times and shall be readily available for inspection by the fire code official.” D. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.050 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.050 SECTION [A] 1098.1 IS ADDED– INSPECTION AUTHORITY Section [A] 1098.1 of Chapter 1 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz is added to read as follows:
[A] 1098.1 – Inspection authority. The fire code official is authorized to enter and examine any building, structure, marine vessel, vehicle or premises in accordance with Section 104.43 for the purpose of enforcing this code.”
E. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.060 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.060 SECTION [A] 11009.6 IS ADDED– OVERCROWDING

38.20 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
4 Section [A] 11009.6 of Chapter 1 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz is added to read as follows:
[A] 11009.6 – Overcrowding. Overcrowding or admittance of any person beyond the approved capacity of a building or a portion thereof shall not be allowed. The fire code official, upon finding any overcrowding conditions or obstructions in aisles, passageways or other means of egress, or upon finding any condition which constitutes a life safety hazard, shall be authorized to cause the event to be stopped until such condition or obstruction is corrected.” F. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.070 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.070 SECTION [A] 1132.4 IS ADDED– VIOLATION PENALTIES.

Section [A] 1132.4 of Chapter 1 of the Fire Code of the city of Santa Cruz is added to read as follows:
[A] 1132.4 – Violation Penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of an infraction.

Acts denominated as infractions shall not be punishable by imprisonment. Every violation determined to be an infraction is punishable by:

1. A fine not exceeding one hundred dollars for a first violation;

2. A fine not exceeding two hundred dollars for a second violation of the same provision of this code within one year;

3. A fine not exceeding five hundred dollars for each additional violation of the same provision of this code within one year.

A person charged with an infraction shall not be entitled to a trial by jury. A judgment that a person convicted of an infraction be punished by fine may also provide for the payment to be made within a specified time or in specified installments, contingent upon the person giving his written promise to either pay the fine as provided or to appear in court on the due date. Any person who willfully violates any such written promise is guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit the City’s authority to enforce the provisions of this Chapter pursuant to any other authority specified in the municipal code, or any other applicable state law.”
G. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.080 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.080 SECTION [A] 1132.4.1 AMENDED AND 112.4.2 ADDED—ABATEMENT OF VIOLATION; FAILURE TO COMPLY.

38.21 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
5 Section [A] 1132.4.1 Chapter 1 of the Fire Code of the city of Santa Cruz is hereby amended and Section 11309.4.2 is hereby added to read as follows:
[A] 1132.4.1 –Abatement of violation. In addition to the imposition of the penalties herein described, the fire code official is authorized to institute appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct or abate a violation; or to prevent illegal occupancy of a structure or premises; or to stop an illegal act, conduct of business or occupancy of a structure on or about a premises.
1132.4.2– Failure to comply. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to violate or fail to comply with any lawful order of the fire code official; fail to comply with an order by the Board of Building and Fire Appeals; or, fail to comply with an order of the court of competent jurisdiction within the time fixed therein. Every such violation shall be deemed a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00 plus court assigned fees or by imprisonment not exceeding 1 year in the county jail, or both such fine and imprisonment.” H. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.090 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.090 SECTION 202 IS AMENDED – GENERAL DEFINITIONS Section 202 of Chapter 2 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz is hereby amended as follows:

A. “Driveway” is added after “Draft Stop” to read as follows:

DRIVEWAY is vehicular ingress and egress routes that serve no more than 2 residential buildings or structures, not including accessory structures, on one parcel, containing no more than 3 dwelling units.
(a) All driveways shall provide a minimum unobstructed width of 12 feet and minimum unobstructed vertical clearance of 15 feet. Exception: Driveways serving parcels which are not considered a flag lot by the City Planning Department may be 10 feet wide when approved by the Fire Code Official.
(b) All curb cuts at entrances to driveways or other private ways shall be of sufficient width to permit safe travel by emergency vehicles at all times of the year. (c) Turnouts shall be designed and constructed every 400 feet along the driveway’s length or at the midpoint when the driveway is over 400 but not more than 800 feet in length.
(d) A turnaround shall be provided at all building or structure sites on driveways over 300 feet in length and shall be at 50 feet from the structure. Fire vehicle access road turnaround shall meet minimum requirement provisions listed in the 20252 California Fire Code Appendix D.
(e) In addition, where applicable, all driveways shall conform to N.F.P.A. Standard 1141, the standard for planned building groups.

38.22 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
6 B. “Imposed Loads” is added after “Impairment Coordinator” to read as follows:

IMPOSED LOADS OF APPARATUS is a minimum of 40,000 pounds for a fire engine and 75,000 pounds for an aerial ladder fire truck.

C. “State Responsibility Area (SRA)” is added after “State-Owned/Leased Building” to read as follows:

STATE RESPONSIBILITY AREA (SRA) shall mean lands that are classified by the Board of Forestry pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 4125 to 4127; and the California Code of Regulations, Title14, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Article 1, Sections 1220-1220.5 where the financial responsibility of preventing and suppressing forest fires is primarily the responsibility of the State of California.

I. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.100 is hereby amended to read as follows:

19.05.100 SECTION 304.1.32 IS AMENDED – VEGETATION.

Section 304.1.32 of Chapter 3 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz is amended to read as follows:
304.1.2 – Vegetation. Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises.

Vegetation clearance requirements in urban-wildland interface areas shall be maintained around and adjacent to buildings and structures in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 3.07(b) Clearances, 20252 California Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Code Title 24 Part 7Chapter 49, Public Resources Code Section 4291 requirements and the following: A firebreak shall be made by removing and clearing away, for a distance of not less than 30 feet on each side of the building or structure or to the property line, whichever is nearer, all flammable vegetation or other combustible growth. This does not apply to single specimens of trees or other vegetation that is well-pruned and maintained so as to effectively manage fuels and not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to any building or structure.

When required by state law, or local ordinance, rule or regulation, an additional fire protection zone or firebreak may be made by removing all brush, flammable vegetation, or combustible growth that is located within 100 feet from the building or structure or to the property line. This section does not prevent an insurance company that insures a building or structure from requiring the owner of the building or structure to maintain a firebreak of more than 100 feet around the building or structure. Grass and other vegetation located more than 30 feet from the building or structure and less than 18 inches in height above the ground may be maintained where necessary to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. This does not apply to single specimens of trees or other vegetation that is well-pruned and maintained so as to effectively manage fuels and not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from other nearby vegetation to a dwelling or structure.

38.23 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
7 No owner, agent, lessee or other person occupying or having charge or control of any building, lot or premises within the city shall permit weeds to remain upon said premises or public sidewalk, or street or alleys between said premises and the centerline of any public street or alley after May 15th.

Whenever any such weeds are growing upon any private property or properties or in any street or alley within the city, the chief of the fire department shall give notice to the owner, agent, lessee or other person occupying or having charge or control of any building, lot or premises within the city, that unless such nuisance be abated without delay by the destruction or removal of such weeds, the work of abating such nuisance will be done by the city authorities, and the cost thereof assessed upon the lots and lands from which weeds shall have been destroyed or removed.

Method of Abatement
(a) The chief of the fire department shall cause weeds to be abated through mowing, cutting, disking, removal or any other approved method except spraying. (b) When the chief determines that total removal of weed growth is impractical due to size or environmental factors, approved fuel breaks shall be established. Designated areas shall be cleared of combustible vegetation to establish fuel breaks. (c) The chief of the fire department, and its deputies, assistants, employees, contracting agents, or other representatives are hereby expressly authorized to enter upon private property for the purpose of destroying weeds.
(d) Any property owner shall have the right to abate such weeds themselves, or have the same abated at their own expense provided that such weeds shall have been destroyed or removed prior to May 15th and the arrival of the chief of the fire department or his/her agents or representative to abate them.
(e) Combustible rubbish which hampers or otherwise obstructs city weed abatement efforts may also be removed by the chief of the fire department or his/her agents or authorized representative at the owner’s expense under the reimbursement and collection provisions of this chapter.

J. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.140 is hereby amended to read as follows:

19.05.140 SECTION 308.1.76.3 IS ADDED– SKY LANTERNS
Section 308.1.76.3 of Chapter 3 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz is amended to read as follows:
308.1.76.3 – Sky lanterns. A person shall not release or cause to be released a sky lantern.

K. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.150 is hereby amended to read as follows:

19.05.150 SECTION 308.1.87 IS ADDED – RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES

38.24 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
8 Section 308.1.87 of Chapter 3 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz is added to read as follows:
308.1.87 – Religious ceremonies. When, in the opinion of the fire code official, adequate safeguards have been taken, participants in religious ceremonies are allowed to carry hand-held candles. Hand-held candles shall not be passed from one person to another while lighted.

L. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.190 is hereby amended to read as follows:

19.05.190 SECTION 503 IS AMENDED - FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS Section 503 of Chapter 3 of the Fire Code of the City of Santa Cruz is amended to read as follows:
503 Fire apparatus access roads.
503.1 Where required.

Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.3.
503.1.1 Buildings and facilities.

Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility.

Exception: The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45,720 mm) where:

1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.

2. Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided.

3. There are not more than two Group R-3 or Group U occupancies. 503.1.2 Additional access.

The fire code official is authorized to require more than one fire apparatus access road based on the potential for impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditions or other factors that could limit access.
503.1.3 High-piled storage.

38.25 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
9 Fire department vehicle access to buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 32.
503.2 Specifications.

Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1 through503.2.8.
503.2.1 Dimensions.

Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm), except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 15 feet (4572 mm).
503.2.2 Authority.

The fire official shall have the authority to require or permit modifications to the required access widths where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations or where necessary to meet the public safety objectives of the jurisdiction.
503.2.3 Surface.

Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be surfaced so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities. 503.2.4 Turning radius.

The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be 28 feet (8,534 mm) inside radius and 48 feet (14,630 mm) outside radius on all turns in the fire apparatus access road, unless otherwise approved by the fire code official.
503.2.5 Dead ends.

Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet (45 720 mm)200 feet (60,960) in length shall be provided with an approved area for turning around fire apparatus. Access roads between 150 feet and 200 feet shall be straight for the entire distance. 503.2.6 Bridges and elevated surfaces.

Where a bridge or an elevated surface is part of a fire apparatus access road, the bridge shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with AASHTO HB-17. Bridges and elevated surfaces shall be designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus. Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges when required by the fire code official.

Where elevated surfaces designed for emergency vehicle use are adjacent to surfaces which are not designed for such use, approved barriers, approved signs or both shall be installed and maintained when required by the fire code official.
503.2.7 Grade.

38.26 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
10 The grade of the fire apparatus access road shall be within the limits established by the fire code official based on the fire department's apparatus.
503.2.8 Angles of approach and departure
The angles of approach and departure for fire apparatus access roads shall be within the limits established by the fire code official based on the fire departments apparatus. 503.3 Marking.

Where required by the fire code official approved signs or other approved notices or markings that include the words NO PARKING – FIRE LANE shall be provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof. The means by which fire lanes are designated shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility. 503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads.

Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths and clearances established in Section 503.2.1 and 503.2.2 shall be maintained at all times.
503.4.1. Traffic calming devices
Traffic calming devices shall be prohibited unless approved by the fire code official. 503.4.2 Vegetation clearance along access roads.

Areas within 10 feet (3048) horizontal and 15 feet (4572 mm) vertical on each side of portions of highways, public and private streets, roads and driveways which are ordinarily used for vehicular traffic shall be cleared of flammable vegetation and other combustible growth.

Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or cultivated ground cover such as green grass, ivy, succulents or similar plants sued as ground covers, are exempt provided that they do not form a means of readily transmitting fire. 503.5 Required gates or barricades.

The fire code official is authorized to require the installation and maintenance of gates or the approved barricades across fire apparatus access roads, trails or other access ways, not including public streets, alleys or highways.
503.5.1 Secured gates and barricades.

Where required, gates and barricades shall be secured in an approved manner. Roads, trails and other access ways that have been closed and obstructed in the manner prescribed by Section 503.5 shall not be trespassed on or used unless authorized by the owner and the fire code official.

38.27 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
11 Exception: The restriction on use shall not apply to public officers acting within the scope of duty.
[B] 503.5.2 Fences and gates.

School grounds may be fenced and gates therein may be equipped with locks, provided that safe dispersal areas based on 3 square feet (0.28 m2) per occupant are located between the school and the fence. Such required safe dispersal areas shall not be located less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from school buildings.

Every public and private school shall conform with Section 32020 of the Education Code which states:

The governing board of every public school district, and the governing authority of every private school, which maintains any building used for the instruction or housing of school pupils on land entirely enclosed (except for building walls) by fences, or walls, shall, through cooperation with the local law enforcement and fire protection agencies having jurisdiction of the area, make provision for the erection of gates in such fences or walls. The gates shall be of sufficient size to permit the entrance of the ambulances, police equipment and fire-fighting apparatus used by the law enforcement and fire protection agencies. There shall be no less than one such access gate and there shall be as many such gates as needed to ensure access to all major buildings and ground areas. If such gates are to be equipped with locks, the locking devices shall be designed to permit ready entrance by the use of the chain or bolt-cutting devices with which the local law enforcement and fire protection agencies may be equipped. 503.6 Security gates.

The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the fire chief. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times.

M. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.220 is hereby amended to read as follows:

19.05.220 CFC SECTIONS 903.1 THROUGH 903.2.10.2 ARE DELETED AND REPLACED – AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.

Sections 903.1 through 903.2.10.2 of Chapter 9 of the Fire Code of the city of Santa Cruz are deleted and replaced to read as follows:
903.1 General. Automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section. 903.1.1 Alternative Protection. Alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems complying with Section 904 shall be permitted in lieu of automatic sprinkler protection where recognized by the applicable standard and approved by the fire code official. 903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in this section.

38.28 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
12 903.2.1 New Structures. An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be provided in all new occupancies as defined in Chapter 3 of the California Building Code, regardless of type of construction and/or floor area, unless otherwise pre-empted by the California Health and Safety Code. Any occupancy not specifically mentioned shall be included in the group that it most nearly resembles based on the proposed life and fire hazard.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Private garages, carports, workshops, office, art studio, and/or sheds not more than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) of total floor area shall not require fire sprinklers where they are detached and separate from other structures and provided with exterior wall and opening protection as per the California Building Code.

2. Sheds exceeding 1,000 square feet, (93 m2) but not exceeding 3,000 square feet (278 m2) shall not require fire sprinklers at the discretion of the Fire Chief when the applicant demonstrates that the applicant’s proposal does not increase the fire hazard or fire load.

3. Agricultural buildings as defined in Appendix Chapter C, of the California Building Code having a clear unobstructed side yard exceeding 60 feet (18,280 mm) in all directions, not exceeding 25 feet (7620 mm) in height and located within an Agricultural zoned district, as defined in the Santa Cruz County Planning Code.
a. Not exceeding 2,000 square feet (186 m2) or as exempted by the fire chief, shall not require fire sprinklers.
b. Exceeding 2,000 square feet (186 m2) but not exceeding 5,000 square feet, shall not require fire sprinklers at the discretion of the fire chief when the applicant demonstrates the applicant’s proposal does not increase the fire hazard or fire load. c. Greenhouses of non-combustible construction shall not require fire sprinklers.

4. Group B and Group M Occupancies not more than 500 square feet (46.5 m2) shall not require fire sprinklers where they are detached and separate from other structures and provided with exterior wall and opening protection as per the 202516 California Building Code, Tables 508.4 and 508.9.

5. For public school state-funded construction projects see CFC Section 903.2.19. 903.2.2 Existing Structures. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing structures when, after the effective date of this code, a building permit is issued to allow additions to be made to existing structures which either:

1. Are already six thousand (6,000) square feet or greater in total floor area; or

2. Will increase the existing square footage to greater than > (6,000) square feet in total floor area; or

3. Will increase the total floor area of a structure by 10% or more; or

38.29 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
13 4. When there is a change in the character of the occupancy or use of any building which in the opinion of the fire chief increases or may cause to increase the hazard of fire or threat to life or safety.

5. When additions are made to a structure which contains an existing fire sprinkler system. The fire sprinkler system shall be augmented, thus, creating fire sprinkler protection in the entire structure.

Exceptions:

1. Group U occupancies not more than one thousand (1,000) square feet.

2. Group B and Group M occupancies not more than five hundred (500) square feet.

3. Group R-3 dwellings:
a) Where additions do not increase the total existing square footage by more than 50%. Or, b) Where alterations and/or repairs result in the removal, alteration, modification, replacement and/or repair of fifty percent or more of the external walls of a building, or result in the removal, modification, replacement and/or repair of fifty percent or more of the existing internal structural and/or non-structural framework, independently or in combination thereof, within a five year period, the entire building shall be made to conform to the current provisions of this chapter. The determination under this section of the requirement for upgrading any existing structure to full conformance with current provisions of this Chapter shall be at the sole discretion of the Fire Code Official.

4. Accessory Dwelling Unit constructed on lots with an existing sprinklered primary residence:
a) Attached to main residence – fire sprinklers required. b) Detached from main residence, fire sprinklers required.

5. Accessory Dwelling Unit constructed on lots with an existing non-sprinklered primary residence:
a) Attached to main residence and is less than or equal to 50% of the existing sq-ft. of the primary residence – fire sprinklers not required.
b) Detached from main residence– fire sprinklers not required.

N. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.290 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.05.290 [reserved]” SECTION 4901.3 IS ADDED – REQUIREMENTS FOR WILDLANDURBAN INTERFACE FIRE AREAS.

Section 4901.3 of Chapter 49 of the Fire Code of the city of Santa Cruz is added to read as follows:
4901.3 General. Areas identified within the Wildland-Urban Interface, as determined by the Fire Code Official, shall be held to all requirements as defined in Sections 4902.1 through 4910.4.

38.30 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
14 1. As determined by the Fire Code Official, construction requirements as identified in California Building Code, Chapter 7A, California Residential Code, Section R337 and California Referenced Standards Code, Chapter 12-7A shall apply to:

All new construction
All new materials used for additions and remodels.

SECTION 4. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.10.020 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“19.10.020 GEOGRAPHIC LIMITS REFERRED TO IN CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE 20252 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE.

The geographic limits referred to in certain sections of the 20252 California Fire Code are hereby established as follows:

Section 5704.2.9.6.1 (geographic limits in which the storage of Class I and Class II liquids in above-ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited): City of Santa Cruz.

Section 5706.2.4.4 (geographic limits in which the storage of Class I and Class II liquids in above-ground tanks is prohibited): City of Santa Cruz.

Section 5806.2 (geographic limits in which the storage of flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers is prohibited): City of Santa Cruz.

Section 6104.2 (geographic limits in which the storage of liquefied petroleum gas is restricted for the protection of heavily populated or congested areas): City of Santa Cruz.” SECTION 5. Interpretation.

Nothing in this ordinance or in the Fire Code hereby adopted shall be construed to affect any suit or proceeding pending in any court or liability incurred under any prior version of this ordinance.

SECTION 6. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after final adoption but not prior to January 1, 2026.

PASSED FOR PUBLICATION this 28th day of October, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

38.31 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-xx
15 APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
PASSED FOR FINAL ADOPTION this 18th day of November, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
This is to certify that the above and
foregoing document is the original
of Ordinance No. 2025-xx and that
it has been published or posted in
accordance with the Charter of the
City of Santa Cruz.
________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator

38.32 +
City Council

AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 10/30/2025
AGENDA OF: 11/18/2025
DEPARTMENT: Fire
SUBJECT: Adoption of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, including Annual Supplements and State Amendments and Errata (FD) LOCATION: Citywide
RECOMMENDATION: Motion to introduce for publication an ordinance to add Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 19.30 to adopt and incorporate by reference the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code and make other amendments.

BACKGROUND: The proposed ordinance will add Chapter 19.30 to Title 19 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code (“SCMC”), adopting the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (the “WUI Code”) and making other amendments as further described below.

On February 26, 2025, the State of California adopted Title 24, Part 7, the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, relocating chapters from the California Building Code, California Residential Code, and the California Fire Code and incorporating sections from Title 14 and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, effective January 1, 2026. The WUI Code establishes minimum requirements to reduce the likelihood of life and property loss due to wildfires through the use of performance and prescriptive requirements for construction and development in fire hazard severity zones.

The WUI Code is modified from the International Codes – a set of model codes that develop standards that regulate building, plumbing, gas, mechanical, electrical, energy, fire, accessibility and other related areas. These model codes include the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code. The California Health and Safety Code identifies a specific process for adoption of the WUI Code locally with specific actions and timelines. California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 requires the governing body of a city to make express findings that changes or modifications to the requirements contained in the provisions published in the California Building Standards Code and the other regulations adopted pursuant to Section 17922 are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions.

DISCUSSION: The proposed addition of Chapter 19.30 to the Santa Cruz Municipal Code adopts the WUI Code. Adoption of the WUI Code enables the City to make local amendments to

39.1 the WUI Code and to utilize administrative and criminal enforcement measures as may be necessary to enforce provisions of the WUI Code.

Additionally, the proposed ordinance modifies section 503.1 of the WUI Code by removing the exception to compliance for additions to and remodels of buildings constructed prior to July 1, 2008. This amendment will ensure that all new construction in Wildland-Urban Interface areas adheres to the highest fire safety standards. The amendment is reasonably necessary due to the increase of wildfire intensity and frequency as a result of local climatic conditions.

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) DETERMINATION: The proposed Council action is not a “project” under CEQA because it will not cause physical change in the environment directly or indirectly. (Pub. Resources Code, § 21065.) HEALTH IN ALL POLICIES (HiAP): The proposed amendments are consistent with the Health in All Policies pillars as adoption and enforcement of standards in the WUI Code directly support public health and sustainability equitably for all members of our community as the standards aim to reduce the likelihood of life and property loss due to wildfires.

FISCAL IMPACT:

1. The recommendation in this report impacts the General Fund: No

2. This recommendation requires a budget adjustment: No

3. The recommendation creates an on-going expenditure commitment: No FISCAL IMPACT DESCRIPTION: No impact.

Prepared By:

Tim Shields
Division Chief – Prevention /
Fire Marshal
Submitted By:

Rob Oatey
Fire Chief
Approved By:

Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:

1. WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE ORDINANCE.DOCX

39.2 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-XX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ ADDING CHAPTER 19.30 “WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE” TO THE SANTA CRUZ MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT AND INCORPORATE BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA

WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE AND MAKE OTHER AMENDMENTS WHEREAS, the State of California enacted Title 24, Part 7, the California WildlandUrban Interface Code, relocating chapters from the California Building Code, California Residential Code, and the California Fire Code and incorporating sections from Title 14 and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, effective January 1, 2026; and WHEREAS, the unrestricted use of property in wildland-urban interface areas presents a significant risk to human life and property due to wildfires; and WHEREAS, the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code establishes minimum requirements to reduce the likelihood of life and property loss due to wildfires through the use of performance and prescriptive requirements for construction and development in high fire hazard severity zones; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Cruz (“City”) proposes to adopt and incorporate by reference the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, including annual supplements and State amendments and errata; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code by this Ordinance enables the City to make future modifications or changes to the California WildlandUrban Interface Code to address specific local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code by this Ordinance enables the City to utilize administrative and criminal enforcement measures as may be necessary to enforce provisions of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code; and WHEREAS, the City proposes to make certain modifications in the requirements of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, which will make certain parts of the City’s Wildland-Urban Interface Code more restrictive than state law; and WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 requires the Santa Cruz City Council to make express findings that changes or modifications to the requirements contained in the provisions published in the California Building Standards Code and the other regulations adopted pursuant to Section 17922 (including, but not limited to, green building standards) are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions; and

39.3 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-XX
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 further requires that a copy of the above referenced findings “together with the modification or change expressly marked and identified to which each finding refers, shall be filed with the California Building Standards Commission”; and
WHEREAS, the Santa Cruz City Council finds that the proposed addition of Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 19.30, modifying California Wildland-Urban Interface Code section 503.1, to remove the exception to compliance for additions to and remodels of buildings constructed prior to July 1, 2008 will ensure that all new construction in Wildland-Urban Interface areas adheres to the highest fire safety standards, and is reasonably necessary due to the increase of wildfire intensity and frequency as a result of local climatic conditions. This modification establishes a more restrictive local provision and does not conflict with the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code; and
WHEREAS, the Santa Cruz City Council further finds that, consistent with Health and Safety Code Section 18941.5, the modification to California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Section 503.1, to remove the exception to compliance for additions to and remodels of buildings constructed prior to July 1, 2008, is substantially equivalent to changes or modifications previously filed by the Santa Cruz City Council and were in effect as of September 30, 2025.

More specifically, the City of Santa Cruz previously adopted Ordinance No. 2022-14, modifying California Fire Code Section 4901.3 in Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 19.05.270 so that construction requirements in the 2022 California Building Code, Chapter 7A (applicable to buildings in the Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area) applied consistently to all new construction and all new materials used for additions and remodels; and WHEREAS, Santa Cruz City Council hereby approves the below noted amendment to Chapter 5 of the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. The below-noted modification has been proposed by the Santa Cruz Fire Department, in consultation with the City Attorney’s Office; and
WHEREAS, Staff is directed to file a copy of the findings included in this Ordinance with the California Buildings Standards Commission pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7.

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Santa Cruz as follows:

SECTION 1. Recitals Incorporated. The recitals set forth in the preamble of this Ordinance are hereby incorporated into this Ordinance as if fully set forth herein.

SECTION 2. 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code Adopted. The City of Santa Cruz hereby adopts the 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code as the Wildland-Urban Interface Code of the City of Santa Cruz.

39.4 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-XX
SECTION 3. Chapter 19.30 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code is added as follows:
“Chapter 19.30 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE.

19.30.010 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ.

This chapter constitutes the Wildland-Urban Interface Code of the City of Santa Cruz.

19.30.020 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE ADOPTED.

The following documents are hereby adopted as part of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code of the City of Santa Cruz:

California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 7, The 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

One complete and up to date copy of the above document is and shall be maintained in the office of the building official, for use and examination by the public.

19.30.030 WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE DELETIONS AND
MODIFICATIONS.

The following section of the Wildland-Urban Interface Code as adopted in Section 19.30.020 is hereby modified as follows:

Section 503.1 of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code is amended to read as follows:

Buildings and structures hereafter constructed, modified, or relocated into or within wildland-urban interface areas shall meet the construction requirements in accordance with Chapter 5. Materials required to be ignition-resistant building materials shall comply with the requirements of Section 503.2.

Exceptions:

1. New accessory buildings and miscellaneous structures complying with Section 504.11.

2. Group C occupancy special buildings conforming to the limitations specified in Section 450.4.1 of the California Building Code.

19.30.040 GENERAL.
(a) General. The Fire Marshal, the Chief Building Official, or their respective designees are hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this code. (b) Determination of Compliance. The Fire Marshal, the Chief Building Official, or their respective designees shall have authority to determine compliance with this code, to render interpretations of this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify

39.5 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-XX
the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies and procedures shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code and shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code. (c) Applications and permits. The Fire Marshal, the Chief Building Official, or their respective designees are authorized to receive applications, review construction documents and issue permits for construction regulated by this code, issue permits for operations regulated by this code, inspect the premises for which such permits have been issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of this code.

19.30.050 PENALTIES.

Any person, firm, or corporation violating any provisions of this chapter shall be subject to the penalties provided in Title 4 or alternatively delineated in the Santa Cruz County superior court uniform bail and penalty schedule for the City of Santa Cruz.” SECTION 4. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after final adoption.

PASSED FOR PUBLICATION this 18th day of November, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator

39.6 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-XX
PASSED FOR FINAL ADOPTION this 13th day of January, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
This is to certify that the above and
foregoing document is the original
of Ordinance No. 2025-xx and that
it has been published or posted in
accordance with the Charter of the
City of Santa Cruz.
________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator

39.7 City Council

AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 10/29/2025
AGENDA OF: 11/18/2025
DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: Harvey West Park Design and Program Assessment (PR) LOCATION: District 5
RECOMMENDATION: Motion to:
1) Accept the Harvey West Park Design and Program Assessment; and 2) Adopt findings for categorical exemption pursuant to sections 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies), 15306 (Information Collection), and 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.

BACKGROUND: In June, 2024, the City engaged CMG Landscape Architects to assist with the Harvey West Park Design and Program Assessment (Assessment). The purpose was to evaluate the park’s existing facilities and programming and develop recommendations for future improvements. This process provided an opportunity to conduct a comprehensive review of the park and identify potential areas for enhancement. The focus was on the developed portions of the park.

The Assessment was completed in three stages: Discovery, Exploration, and Recommendations.

The Discovery phase included evaluating existing conditions, conducting site visits, performing site analyses, and collecting input from staff and key stakeholder user groups. Goals were developed to address long-standing issues and support new opportunities.

During the Exploration phase, staff worked with the consulting team to develop preliminary concepts for circulation, facilities, sports fields, and programming. On April 2, 2025, a community meeting was held to collect feedback on the preliminary concepts.

The Recommendations phase included further refining the concepts, evaluating phasing strategies, and developing a rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost estimate.

On October 13, 2025, the Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council: (1) accept the Harvey West Park Design and Program Assessment, integrating environmental appreciation, direct discussion of access, security measures and cost recovery measures; (2) adopt a finding of categorical exemption; and (3) request that the City Attorney

40.1 provide advice regarding the applicability of exemption 15061(b)(3). The CEQA findings, below, have been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney’s Office.

DISCUSSION: As described above, the he Assessment provides recommendations to improve Harvey West Park and address long-standing issues. It outlines an overall vision and goals based on staff expertise, consultant analysis, and community input. The Assessment includes concepts for new facilities and programs to enhance the park. Staff intends to further use the Assessment to facilitate community discussion and explore additional concepts through future planning efforts.

Harvey West Park is a community park which is intended to serve the community and provide unique facilities. The 45-acre park truly meets the definition of a community park. It contains, among other facilities, sports fields with lights, large group picnic areas, a swimming pool, an indoor reservable area, playgrounds, nature trails that connect to a regional trail system, a pump track, and bocce ball courts.

The park is aging, and many of its larger facilities require significant investment. Several conditions limit its ability to meet current and future recreation needs, including circulation challenges, inconsistent use, public safety concerns, limited restroom capacity, buildings not designed for their current uses, outdated thematic elements, and poor drainage. The Assessment includes the following goals to guide future improvements:
 Activate the park throughout the day and year;
 Upgrade building facilities to improve capacity and function;  Remove outdated and underused buildings and elements to allow for new opportunities;  Introduce new activities and experiences which align with park identity and community needs;
 Improve park organization for enhanced safety, accessibility, and connectivity; and  Explore opportunities to generate revenue from increased usability of the park to offset the costs for new facilities.

Key recommendations to achieve these goals include the following:
 Sports Field Improvements: Replace artificial turf on fields 2 – 6 to improve usability, accommodate more matches and games, and decrease closure times after extended periods of rain. Update and expand the existing restroom and add a new one.

Provide/update support facilities.
 Park Heart Improvements – Create a central, flexible-use lawn area as a central gathering space with complementary uses surrounding it.
 Forest Edge Activation – Activate areas along the forest edge with an expanded pump track/jump line and bocce/pickleball courts.
 Buildings and Facilities – Remove outdated buildings and consider removal or relocation of thematic elements such as the steam engine, stage coach house, and Native Americanthemed totem pole and statues. Consolidate buildings in a new community center with a gymnasium, pool, and indoor rental space to improve programming. The community center and summer outpost building allow for more efficient and effective summer youth programming that many community members rely on over the summer months when children are out of school.

40.2  Playgrounds & Picnic Areas – Relocate and modernize play areas and provide, ADAcompliant picnic spaces with lawn space.  Circulation & Access – Create a park promenade for pedestrians and bicyclists to connect to major park features. Allow for two-way vehicular access from Harvey West Park Blvd., with safe pedestrian crossings within the park. Create a safe, ADA-accessible forest walk along the forest edge of the park.

On April 2, 2025, a community meeting was held to discuss some of the recommended concepts in the plan. Approximately 80 community members participated. Community members were very supportive of the concepts, especially with regard to the Harvey West Pump Track improvements, pickleball courts, and pool renovation. Improving sports fields conditions and increasing the number of restrooms also received positive feedback.

On October 13, 2025, Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the item. Some of their comments focused on the challenging location of the park within the City, with driving being the dominant mode of transportation to the park. Comments were also received to include more emphasis on environmental appreciation, the desire for a safety and security plan, and the need to look into cost recovery measures. Additionally, there was a question regarding the CEQA exemption 15061 (b)(3), and why CEQA review was not performed. The Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously recommended the City Council: (1) accept the Harvey West Park Design and Program Assessment, integrating environmental appreciation, direct discussion of access, security measures and cost recovery measures; (2) adopt a finding of categorical exemption; and (3) request that the City Attorney provide advice regarding the applicability of exemption 15061(b)(3).

The Parks and Recreation Commission’s comments will be important to explore during future planning and design phases.

In terms of access, the Assessment includes recommendations that primarily focus on improvements within the park itself. Ideas include creating a safe, accessible network of pathways throughout the park, featuring a wide promenade connecting major park features, accessible forest walks, and secondary pathways. The assessment also recommends safe pedestrian crossings and designated loading and drop-off areas within the parking lots, as well as a two-way vehicular entry and exit on Harvey West Boulevard to improve circulation. In addition, it emphasizes improving access to neighborhoods and open spaces to the west and northwest, and linking bicycle routes to neighborhoods, regional trails, and key park entrances.

The Assessment does not provide specific recommendations for improving connectivity beyond the park boundaries. These broader connectivity discussions are important but fall beyond the scope of this planning effort. The Public Works Department is currently updating the City’s Active Transportation Plan, and it will include actions to improve pedestrian and bicycle connections to Harvey West Park.

Environmental appreciation is also an important factor. The Assessment primarily focuses on the developed areas of the park; however, the natural forested area along the north and west defines much of the park’s character. The Assessment includes a recommendation to create an ADAaccessible forest walk to expand opportunities to experience this area. Additional opportunities for native plantings and other sustainable design features will be considered as future projects move forward.

40.3 Security improvements and measures will continue to be an ongoing discussion. The Assessment focuses on creating active park engagement year round. Security measures will continue to be evaluated as concepts advance through future stages of planning and design. Similarly, cost recovery efforts will be considered as specific projects are developed.

With respect to CEQA Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption), the Assessment does not have the potential to cause a physical change in the environment either directly or indirectly in that it is a summary of design goals, concepts, and recommendations for the park and acceptance of the Assessment does not commit the City to any particular action.

The Assessment is not a prescriptive document. Rather, it provides direction for addressing longstanding challenges and identifying new opportunities to meet community recreation needs. It highlights potential improvement areas to facilitate continued community discussion. Additional planning, site development, outreach, environmental review, and funding will be required before any projects can proceed. The rough order-of-magnitude cost estimate for the recommended improvements is approximately $140 million (excluding the gymnasium facility).

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) DETERMINATION: The proposed City Council action is not a “project” under CEQA because acceptance of the Harvey West Park Design and Program Assessment does not have the potential to cause a physical change in the environment either directly or indirectly in that it is a summary of design goals, concepts, and recommendations for the park and acceptance of the assessment does not commit the City to any particular action. (Pub. Resources Code § 21065.) In the alternative, if acceptance of the report is considered a “project” for purposes of CEQA, the following categorical exemptions apply: 14 CCR § 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies), § 15306 (Information Collection), and § 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) because the report consists of data collection and resource evaluation, is not legally binding on later activities, and it can be seen with certainty that there will be no possibility of a significant effect on the environment resulting from accepting the assessment as it is only a summary of design goals, concepts, and recommendations for the park and acceptance of the assessment does not commit the City to any particular action. Furthermore, none of the exceptions to categorical exemptions set forth in § 15300.2 apply.

HEALTH IN ALL POLICIES (HiAP): The Assessment includes a vision, goals, and concepts for the park. It identifies strategies to enhance equity by improving access and upgrading facilities that support youth summer programs, which also help address aschild care needs during the summer months when children are out of school. The Assessment promotes health, learning, and community connection by evaluating opportunities to expand recreational offerings community-wide.

40.4 FISCAL IMPACT:

1. The recommendation in this report impacts the General Fund: No

2. This recommendation requires a budget adjustment: No

3. The recommendation creates an on-going expenditure commitment: No FISCAL IMPACT DESCRIPTION: None at this time.

Prepared By:

Noah Downing
Park Planner
Submitted By:

Tony Elliot
Parks and Recreation Director
Approved By:

Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:

1. HARVEY WEST PARK DESIGN AND PROGRAM ASSESSMENT.PDF

2. HW PARK DISCOVERY REPORT.PDF

3. HW PARK COMMUNITY OUTREACH SUMMARY.PDF

40.5 HARVEY WEST PARK

DESIGN AND PROGRAM ASSESSMENT

PARK ASSESSMENT & RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT
September 17, 2025

40.6 • EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - Page 3
• SUMMARY OF THE PROCESS - Page 4
• PARK VISION AND GOALS - Page 5

PART I - EXISTING CONDITIONS, NEEDS, & CHALLENGES
• EXISTING NEEDS AND CHALLENGES - Pages 7-8
• EXISTING PARK PLAN - Page 9

PART II- OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT - Pages 11-12
• OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW USES AND FEATURES - Page 13

PART III - DESIGN AND PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS
• SPORTS FIELD IMPROVEMENTS - Pages 15-16
• PARK HEART IMPROVEMENTS - Pages 17-23
• FOREST EDGE IMPROVEMENTS - Pages 24-25
• BUILDING AND FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS - Pages 26-29
• PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS - Page 30-31
• PICNIC AREA IMPROVEMENTS - Pages 32-33
• PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE ACCESS CIRCULATION IMPROVEMENTS - Pages 34-40 • VEHICLE CIRCULATION AND PARKING IMPROVEMENTS - Pages 41-44 • PARK ENTRY AND ARRIVAL IMPROVEMENTS - Pages 45-46
• LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS - Pages 47-48

PART IV - POOL, POOL HOUSE, AND COMMUNITY CENTER

SCHEMES
• COMMUNITY CENTER AND POOL IMPROVEMENTS - Pages 50-51

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART V - PHASING
• PHASING - PAGES 53-54

PART VI- ROUGH ORDER OF MAGNITUDE (ROM)

COST ESTIMATE
• ROM COST ESTIMATE - Page 56

40.7 2
Harvey West Park is a well-loved park that serves all of Santa Cruz. It is the premier Santa Cruz destination for youth sports; an essential resource for recreational camps, classes, and swimming; and a cherished setting for community gathering and social events.

Many of the current facilities are outdated and in need of upgrades. While still in use, they do not make the most efficient use of space to support the community’s recreational and programming needs. In addition, the park has faced long-standing challenges, including limited circulation, poor drainage, low usage during certain times, restricted access to sports fields during wet seasons, and occasional illegal activities. These issues could be significantly improved through more comprehensive park renovations.

The Harvey West Park Design and Program Assessment evaluates current conditions and offers recommendations for improvement. It outlines a long-term vision to address existing challenges, strengthen valued programs, and explore new revenue opportunities. This assessment serves as an initial step in identifying and shaping future possibilities for the park.

As funding becomes available, further design studies and additional opportunities for public input will help guide park development.

This report includes concepts and recommendations that provide a potential vision for the park. However, rather than recommend a large scale, comprehensive re-design of the entire park, the report identifies several distinct design and program improvement opportunities that can be prioritized and studied further as separate phases.

The report provides a ROM cost estimate for these design and program opportunity areas.

These high-level cost estimates can help the City identify which projects to prioritize as resources become available.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

40.8 3

SUMMARY OF THE PROCESS
The City of Santa Cruz engaged CMG Landscape
Architecture to develop a Design and Program Assessment for Harvey West Park. This effort evaluates the park’s existing design, features, facilities, and programming in order to generate recommendations for future park improvements.

The work progressed in three tasks:
1) Discovery
2) Exploration
3) Recommendations
1) Discovery
During the first task, CMG worked closely with Parks and Recreation staff to assess the current conditions of Harvey West Park, develop priorities to guide potential park
improvements, and make programming recommendations
for a revitalized future park. CMG gathered and reviewed existing data and reports, conducted a site visit with Parks and Recreation staff, and attended outreach meetings
with sports field user groups. Parks and Recreation staff held additional meetings with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe. These outreach
meetings, along with an existing conditions inventory and analysis, informed the development of a park vision and goals statement, and a preliminary park program list. See Attachment 1 for a summary report for the Discovery task. 2) Exploration
Building on the existing conditions analysis and the stakeholder feedback, CMG developed studies, diagrams, and plans that examined options for improving park design and programming.

Study options included concepts for new facilities, new park uses, parking and circulation, sports fields improvements, and potential buildings to renovate or target for removal. Through biweekly meetings with CMG and the City, the team narrowed the list of potential park programming and targeted focus areas for updates and improvement. CMG developed two preliminary park concepts to illustrate potential options for organizing improved programming, facilities, and park design.
3) Recommendations
During the Recommendations phase of work CMG refined the park concepts, incorporating City Feedback. The team identified opportunity zones within the park and developed concepts for phasing park improvements . A rough order of magnitude cost estimate assigned preliminary costs to the proposed improvements.

Community Outreach
CMG and Parks and Recreation staff hosted a community
workshop at Londen Nelson Community Center on April 2, 2025 to gather public input on the park improvement recommendations.

The event included a variety of activities designed to gather input from attendees. More than 80 community members attended the event. Additionally, virtual stakeholder outreach meetings were held with sports field user group representatives, as well as representatives from the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe. See Attachment 2 for a summary of workshop feedback.

40.9 4

PARK VISION AND GOALS

PARK VISION
Beloved by Santa Cruz, Harvey West Park serves as the heart of recreation and community—where youth sports, play, programs, events, gatherings, and everyday connections thrive alongside its cherished natural landscapes. Future improvements will honor its traditions and ensure it continues to flourish as a treasured park for generations to come.

PARK GOALS
To support the long-term success and sustainability of Harvey West Park, CMG and the Parks and Recreation Department developed key goals to guide future improvements. These goals are designed to create a cohesive vision for the park’s future—addressing existing challenges, enhancing the functionality of core programs and facilities, and identifying new opportunities for revenue generation.

1. ACTIVATE THE PARK THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND YEAR.

2. UPGRADE BUILDING FACILITIES TO IMPROVE CAPACITY AND FUNCTION.

3. REMOVE OUTDATED AND UNDERUSED BUILDINGS AND ELEMENTS TO ALLOW FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES.

4. INTRODUCE NEW ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES WHICH ALIGN WITH PARK IDENTITY AND COMMUNITY NEEDS.

5. IMPROVE PARK ORGANIZATION FOR ENHANCED SAFETY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND CONNECTIVITY.

6. EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES TO GENERATE REVENUE FROM THE INCREASED USABILITY OF THE PARK TO OFFSET THE COSTS FOR NEW FACILITIES.

40.10 5
PART I:

EXISTING CONDITIONS, NEEDS, & CHALLENGES

40.11 EXISTING NEEDS AND CHALLENGES
Harvey West Park, while well-loved and well-used, faces significant challenges. Through community and stakeholder outreach and discussions with Parks and Recreation staff, several primary challenges and needs were identified:

Sports Fields: Harvey West’s sports fields and facilities face high demand and have aging infrastructure and outdated irrigation systems. Field drainage is poor in wet seasons, and some fields cannot be used for extended periods after rains. Ancillary facilities such as scoring booths and snack shacks also need to be updated.

Restrooms: The single restroom does not meet the needs of the number of park users on a busy weekend.

Vehicular Circulation and Loading: The one way exit at Harvey West Boulevard hinders easy access and circulation. Lack of clear loading areas causes backups during drop-off times. Pedestrian crossings at driveways and parking should be made safer.

Pedestrian Circulation: Not all pedestrian walkways are ADA accessible. Some sidewalks are too narrow. Some pedestrian crossing at vehicular areas do not feel safe and are not well-defined.

Park safety: Some parts of the park feel unsafe. In particular the forest edges around the Friendship Garden at the northwest corner of the park do not feel welcoming.

Outdated Infrastructure at Sport Fields
Outdated Sport Field Facilities
Park Needs More Restrooms
Parking & Loading Needs Improvement
Narrow Pedestrian Paths
Non-Accessible Pedestrian Paths
7 40.12

EXISTING NEEDS AND CHALLENGES
Activities and Programs: Activities and programs are busy during certain times of the day and year but relatively quiet during other times. The group picnic areas are an important feature during the warmer months but are not used during the colder months.

Similarly, the pool (when operable) and summer programs run on seasonal schedules during the warmer months. The sports fields are busy during the evenings and weekends, but quiet at other times.

There are times, particularly during the winter months, when areas of the park, such as Friendship Garden, receive very limited park use.

Buildings and Facilities: The outpost buildings were not designed to be programmed and have limited functionality. There is a need for more indoor classroom space, programmable spaces, and multi-purpose gymnasium facilities.

Outdated Thematic Elements: The Native American themed
statues and totem poles are not culturally sensitive. The train and carriage house occupy a central location that could better serve other uses. The theme has gradually lost its presence over time as key elements have been relocated and/or removed.

Playgrounds: The current playground features are generic and underwhelming for a large community park.

Multi-use Lawn: The lawn at the Friendship Garden can feel isolated and disconnected from the rest of the park, making it prone to illegal activity.

Pool Infrastructure: The pool needs major investment and updating. The pool location cuts the Friendship Garden area off from the remainder of the park.

Under-used Lawn Area
Aging Pool and Pool Facilities
Unremarkable Playgrounds
Outdated Building Facilities
Outdated Thematic Features
Inactive Park Areas

40.13 8

EXISTING PARK PLAN

40.14 9
PART II:

OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT

40.15 OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT
Harvey West Park offers a rich combination of athletic facilities, natural landscapes, and community gathering spaces, yet much of its potential remains untapped. The design and program assessment identified opportunities to strengthen these assets by enhancing what already works well, while transforming underutilized areas into vibrant, connected destinations. Building on the park’s existing successes, the recommendations aim to improve year-round field conditions, upgrade restrooms and support facilities, and reimagine the pool and community center to better serve a wide range of users.

Opportunities also extend beyond improving the existing facilities, such as creating a central “park heart” to bring together flexible lawns, play areas, and picnicking spaces, while activating the forest edge with ADA accessible trails, walking loops, and new program elements that are complimentary to the existing uses in the park.

Upgrades to pedestrian and vehicular circulation will improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity throughout the park.

Together, these opportunities provide a vision for Harvey West Park to evolve into a more functional, inclusive, and engaging destination for the Santa Cruz community.

Improve sports fields to allow for year-round use and efficient layouts Create new flexible-use lawn spaces for large and small events Create new activity areas at under-used parts of the park Renovate, expand, or replace existing buildings
11 40.16
Relocate and update playgrounds
Provide safe, clear , and accessible pedestrian circulation Create a new active heart of the park Improve park entry and arrival experience Re-organize vehicle circulation, parking, and loading to make it functional and safe Improve landscaping

OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT

40.17 12

OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW USES AND FEATURES

POTENTIAL NEW AND EXPANDED USES AND FEATURES
ACTIVE:
• Improved sports field organization
• Improved sports field drainage
• Sports field turf and grass
improvements
• Wi-Fi at sports fields
• Collapsible sports goal equipment
• Sports field warm-up areas
• Improved concessions stands
• Renovated score booths
• Additional sports storage
• Expanded bleacher seating
• Playground expansion/improvement
• Tot lot expansion/improvement
• Expanded indoor reservable event
spaces
• Indoor classroom spaces
• Indoor gym and fitness facilities
• Amphitheater/outdoor stage
• Pickleball courts
• Mountain bike jump line
• Indoor basketball courts
• New playground equipment
PASSIVE:
• Paved walking loop
• Formalized trail entrances/signage
• Improved trail conditions and access
• Seating along paths and trails
• Mountain biking trail connections
• Nature interpretation/education
• History interpretation/education
• Expanded flexible lawn space
• Re-configured improved reservable picnic areas
• Improve landscaping around key
features
SPECIAL EVENTS:
• Weddings
• Retractable fences for large events on
sports fields
• Trail running races
• Mountain biking races
• Sports tournaments
• Corporate events
• Community cook outs
• Events with amplified sound
• Fourth of July BBQ
• Ducky Derby
• AIDS/Life Cycle

40.18 13
PART III:

DESIGN AND PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS

40.19 Harvey West Park is Santa Cruz’s premier
destination for youth sports. Soccer, baseball,
and football organizations rely on the park
for their vitality. Though the fields are wellused, improvements could allow year round use and more efficient field layouts that would
accommodate more matches and games. Fields
5 and 6 are poorly drained and cannot be used
for extended periods after rains. Additionally,
the one restroom is not enough for the number of
park users on a busy weekend.

The consulting team assessed various
configurations to optimize field space, including
a minor expansion of the footprint, but identified
no significant benefits—particularly when
factoring in the expected cost implications of
reconfiguring the existing infrastructure and the
impacts to existing trees.

The following design and program
recommendations would maintain the essential
function and character of the existing fields, while
greatly improving field amenities, year-round use,
drainage, and safety:

SPORTS FIELD IMPROVEMENTS • Update and expand the existing restroom. • Add a second restroom close to Fields 5 and 6. • Keep Field 1 as a natural grass field. • Consider artificial turf at Fields 2-6 to improve play conditions year-round and add additional
field striping for more multiple, efficient
field layouts. Future improvements could be
designed to allow flexible spacing of mound
and base dimensions so multiple age groups
can use the same field.
• Improve field drainage to extend seasonal use
of fields.
• Add a small playground/tot lot between Fields
1 and 2/3.
• Preserve existing locations and use of
concessions stands.
• Add Wi-Fi connections at fields for sports
broadcasting and score-keeping.
• Add safety improvements to the concrete wall
at Field 2/3.
• Add additional equipment storage. • Maintain lawn areas in the group picnic areas to accommodate baseball warm-ups.
• Ensure vehicular access to the fields to bring in
goals, field goals, or other related equipment.
• Provide lighting for dugouts and batting
cages as well as electrical outlets for pitching
machine use.
• Add support facilities such as batting cages
and practice pitching areas.

TO ALLOW FOR YEAR-ROUND USE AND EFFICIENT LAYOUTS

40.20 15
TURF
PRIORITY 1
TURF
PRIORITY 2
TURF
PRIORITY 2

NATURAL
GRASS
FIELD
#5
FIELD
#6
FIELD
#4
FIELD
#2
FIELD
#3
FIELD
#1

NATURAL GRASS FIELD
POTENTIAL ARTIFICIAL TURF FIELDS AT FIELDS 2-6

NEW WIFI FOR SPORTS BROADCASTING

IMPROVE DRAINAGE /NEW DRAINAGE

INFRASTRUCTURE

SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS TO CONCRETE WALL

UPDATED AND EXPANDED RESTROOM

EXISTING SNACK SHACK

NEW TOT LOT

NEW CONNECTION TO HARVEY

WEST BLVD FOR EQUIPMENT

NEW RESTROOM

SPORTS FIELD IMPROVEMENTS
TOTAL

BASEBALL

FOOTBALL
SOCCER
13 6
1 6

EXISTING PROPOSED
18 8
1 9
# OF FIELDS

40.21 16

FLEXIBLE-USE LAWN SPACE
Reorganizing program spaces at the center
of Harvey West Park creates the opportunity
for a larger, contiguous flexible-use lawn—an
adaptable space that can host events of
various sizes as well as informal recreation
and everyday gathering.

Two design schemes were developed to
achieve this goal. The first envisions a new
“great lawn,” forming a large, central heart
for the park that connects many of its major
activity areas in its adjacency. The second
scheme proposes an “active heart,” a more
consolidated, yet still very generous, flexibleuse lawn integrated with linked spaces for play, picnicking, pickleball, and additional
smaller lawn areas. In both concepts,
consolidating flexible-use space in the
center of the park, and near the sports fields,
would transform an area once dominated by
vehicular circulation into an inviting, active
hub for Harvey West Park.

The central lawn in either scheme would
be large enough to accommodate outdoor
movies, medium-sized concerts, and
community festivals. The “great lawn” option,
with its scale and flexibility, could also create
new revenue-generating opportunities for the
City of Santa Cruz by supporting a variety of
ticketed or programmed events.

PARK HEART IMPROVEMENTS
Beyond the central feature, flexible lawn
spaces would be interwoven throughout
Harvey West Park. Smaller lawns adjacent
to group picnic areas would provide room
for games, bounce houses, and intimate
gatherings.

Additionally lawn areas near Field 1, as well
as across the drop-off and parking areas,
are planned to remain—reflecting community
feedback that highlighted their popular use for
player warm-ups and informal play.
17 40.22
PARK HEART IMPROVEMENTS - SCHEME A: “GREAT LAWN”

A LARGER FLEXIBLE-USE HEART FOR THE PARK
The “Great Lawn” scheme envisions a generous, continuous meadow at the heart of Harvey West Park—an open, flexible space with existing trees both within the lawn and framing it along its edge. This central space would serve as a daily gathering place and a venue for community events, offering ample room for informal recreation, picnicking, and large-scale activities. Tree-lined edges create a defined, welcoming character while preserving open views across the meadow, reinforcing its role as the park’s central hub.

The Great Lawn is flanked by active and complementary park uses. A new, large, modern playground anchors the lawn with family-friendly activity, while adjacent picnic areas provide shaded spaces for gatherings. Just to the west, nestled within the forested area, the well-loved pump track would be retained with the potential for expansion. To the north, five new pickleball courts would transform a previously underutilized area into a lively recreation zone. Together, these features form a dynamic, interconnected edge of activity around the Great Lawn, encouraging movement and exploration throughout the park.

GREAT LAWN

SUMMER CAMP BUILDING

PLAYGROUND
5 PICKLEBALL COURTS

PICNIC AREAS

PUMP TRACK AND POTENTIAL

JUMP LINE

40.23 18
PARK HEART IMPROVEMENTS - SCHEME A: “GREAT LAWN”

GREAT LAWN

NEW COMMUNITY CENTER WITH GYM

RAISED CROSSINGS, PASSENGER PICK-UP/DROP-OFF

NEW PARKING LAYOUT

UPGRADED POOLS

PARK PROMENADE

PLAYGROUND
5 PICKLEBALL COURTS
BOCCE

IMPROVED PICNIC AREAS WITH LAWN SPACES

PUMP TRACK EXPANSION AND JUMP LINE

SUMMER CAMP OUTPOST BUILDING

NEW TOT LOT

NEW CONNECTION TO HARVEY

WEST BLVD FOR EQUIPMENT

PEDESTRIAN PARK ENTRANCE

NEW ENTRANCE FEATURES / TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FLOW

NEW ENTRANCE FEATURES / TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FLOW

NEW RESTROOM

40.24 19
PARK HEART IMPROVEMENTS - SCHEME A: “GREAT LAWN”

LARGE CENTRAL LAWN SPACE

PICKLEBALL COURTS

EVENTS IN THE GREAT LAWN

NATURAL PLAYGROUND AT FOREST EDGE

PUMPTRACK AND JUMP LINE

SUMMER CAMP OUTPOST BUILDING

40.25 20

PLAYGROUND
8 PICKLEBALL COURTS

PICNIC AREA

SUMMER CAMP OUTPOST BUILDING

PUMP TRACK EXPANSION AND JUMP LINE

FLEXIBLE LAWN SPACE
PARK HEART IMPROVEMENTS - SCHEME B: “ACTIVE HEART”
The “Active Heart” concept shapes the park’s core into a more compact, rounded arrangement of flexible-use lawns, linked by a network of pathways that connect seamlessly to surrounding amenities. This form creates a sense of enclosure while preserving openness for a variety of events and everyday activities. A new destination playground, positioned for high visibility and easy access, anchors the central space, while picnic areas are integrated into the landscape to encourage casual gatherings and social interaction.

This scheme places a stronger emphasis on active recreation. The pickleball facility expands to eight courts, providing greater capacity for league play, tournaments, and casual matches. Its location—slightly farther south than in the Great Lawn scheme—invigorates an underutilized park edge while maintaining a comfortable relationship with nearby uses. The pump track remains in its wooded setting to the west, with opportunities for enhancements that improve circulation, rider experience, and its connection to the wider park network.

DISTINCT ACTIVITY ZONES WITH MEANINGFUL ADJACENCIES
21 40.26
PARK HEART IMPROVEMENTS - SCHEME B: “ACTIVE HEART”

NEW COMMUNITY CENTER WITH GYM

RAISED CROSSINGS, PASSENGER PICK-UP/DROP-OFF

NEW PARKING LAYOUT

UPGRADED POOLS

PARK PROMENADE

PLAYGROUND

LARGE CENTRAL LAWN
8 PICKLEBALL COURTS
BOCCE

IMPROVED PICNIC AREAS WITH LAWN SPACES

PUMP TRACK EXPANSION AND JUMP LINE

SUMMER CAMP OUTPOST BUILDING

NEW TOT LOT

NEW CONNECTION TO HARVEY

WEST BLVD FOR EQUIPMENT

PEDESTRIAN PARK ENTRANCE

NEW ENTRANCE FEATURES / TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FLOW

NEW ENTRANCE FEATURES / TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FLOW

NEW RESTROOM

40.27 22
PARK HEART IMPROVEMENTS - SCHEME B: “ACTIVE HEART”

PICKLEBALL LEAGUES

FLEXIBLE-USE LAWN AREAS

CENTRAL PLAYGROUND PUMPTRACK AND JUMP LINE

SUMMER CAMP OUTPOST BUILDING PARK HEART ADJACENT TO SPORTS

40.28 23

ACTIVE PROGRAM
The forested west edge of Harvey West Park is a great natural asset for the park that could be improved as a location for enhanced and new park amenities, as well as for improved paths and transitions to the broader trail network. Current safety concerns at this area of the park are exacerbated by the lack of park program and activity along this edge. The location is somewhat disconnected from the ball field and central areas of the park and receives marginal use outside of summer youth programming and group picnic reservations.

The northern side of the park could accommodate an expanded pump track and jumpline, as well as the addition of pickleball courts. These two activities, combined with clear and accessible pedestrian access to the area, would bring new life and energy to this part of the park.

FOREST EDGE IMPROVEMENTS

40.29 24

ACTIVE PROGRAM

CREATE NEW ACTIVITY AREAS AT THE FOREST EDGE
BOCCE

EXPANDED PUMP TRACK & JUMPLINE

PICKLEBALL COURTS
“ACTIVE HEART” SCHEME
“GREAT LAWN” SCHEME

40.30 25

NEW BUILDINGS
Harvey West Park is a beloved destination for recreation, summer camps, and community events. The park could greatly enhance its ability to serve the community by undertaking a comprehensive strategy to improve the buildings and facilities within the park.

Restrooms
The existing public restroom between Fields 1 and 2 is not big enough to serve the entire park. It should be renovated or replaced to increase capacity.

An additional public restroom could be added between Fields 5 and 6. This additional restroom building could also incorporate concessions to serve the southern fields. Schemes in this report identify a potential location for this restroom.

Sports Storage, Scoring Booths, and Concessions
Sports user groups have expressed the need for additional storage.

Opportunities for adding more sports storage should be explored. Scoring booths and concessions buildings should be renovated and updated. As future designs progress, incorporate desired support features and amenities where space permits.

BUILDING AND FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS

40.31 26

NEW BUILDINGS
Poolhouse and Community Center
With the anticipated replacement of the pool facility, pool house, and community center, there is a great opportunity to add capacity for indoor recreation, class spaces, an updated community center, and state of the art swimming facilities. This new center should include a multi-purpose gymnasium with full court basketball and bleachers. The multi-purpose gymnasium could accommodate basketball, classes, futsal, dance, and other indoor activities.

Additionally, a new community center building could provide reservable event space for weddings, receptions, and other community events and gatherings.

Within the community center and poolhouse, space should be allocated for administrative offices, storage, and additional classrooms. Additional parking should be included in the development of this area.

Buildings Recommended for Removal or Replacement
Some underutilized features in the park were identified as candidates for removal and replacement with new buildings or more in-demand activities.

Wagner Cottage, Ranger Station and Kids Cottage should be phased-out and replaced with a new Camp Outpost and program spaces within a new Community Center. The stagecoach carriage house should be removed.

Parks Maintenance Yard
Future consideration should be given to relocating or updating the existing parks maintenance yard. The Citywide parks maintenance needs have outgrown the space in its current configuration.

BUILDING AND FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS
27 40.32

REMOVE AND RELOCATE EXISTING CULTURAL FEATURES
There are several features within the park that were donated to the park by Harvey West. The native American wood carvings were part of an “Indian Village” play area in the park. The City should evaluate their current relevance within the park because the thematic experience has been lost as the park has changed over time. The Native American elements are not culturally appropriate. Also, the stagecoach carriage house and totem pole occupy a central area that could be more effectively repurposed for community use. Additionally, the Southern Pacific steam engine is located next to the existing playgrounds and remains an inviting, yet unsafe, structure to climb on—despite clear signage and fencing intended to discourage such activity. While the park used to have a miniature train track with a station and concession stand, the steam engine is little less relevant to the experiences found at the park today.

The following features in the park should be considered for removal and/or relocation:
1) Replica stagecoach and stagecoach house.
2) Totem pole and carved wooden statues.
3) Southern Pacific steam engine.

Park renovations could incorporate collaboration with local Native American tribal communities in honoring and sharing the cultural heritage of the historic Uypi tribe.

Examples include interpretive elements, renaming trails, and ceremonial gatherings.

BUILDING AND FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS

40.33 28

RENOVATE, REPLACE, OR EXPAND EXISTING BUILDINGS & FEATURES

NEW RESTROOM, CONCESSIONS

AND STORAGE

REMOVE WAGNER COTTAGE

REMOVE RANGER STATION

RENOVATED/EXPANDED

RESTROOM AND STORAGE

REMOVE KIDS COTTAGE AND

STAGECOACH HOUSE

SUMMER CAMP BUILDING

WITH RESTROOM

NEW POOL HOUSE, COMMUNITY

CENTER AND GYM

RELOCATE TRAIN ENGINE TO A DIFFERENT FACILITY / PARK,

REMOVE WOOD STATUES

40.34 29

PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS

RELOCATE AND UPDATE PLAYGROUNDS
As Harvey West Park is updated and reorganized, the character and location of playgrounds should be evaluated. The natural forested edge at Harvey West is a defining character element of the park. There is a great opportunity to create new play areas that take inspiration from and work with the park’s natural setting. New play areas could incorporate natural materials and finishes, work with existing grade changes, and provide fun and unique experiences for all ages and abilities. Picnic areas should be located adjacent to play areas.

40.35 30

RELOCATE AND UPDATE PLAYGROUNDS

PLAYGROUND

TOT LOT
“ACTIVE HEART” SCHEME
“GREAT LAWN” SCHEME
31 40.36

UPDATE PICNIC AREAS AND PICNIC FACILITIES
Harvey West Park’s reservable picnic areas are a popular amenity, providing significant social space for gatherings and parties. Park renovations should not reduce the capacity of reservable picnic areas, should be improved with new furnishings, grills, and paving and all be ADA accessible. In addition, renovated lawn areas adjacent to each picnic area would make the areas more functional for parties and groups, providing areas for free play and games as well as pads for rented bounce houses. Consideration should be provided to creating lawn areas which could also serve as “warm-up” areas for baseball. Limited field availability requires efficient scheduling, and team warm-ups often need to begin off the fields.

PICNIC AREA IMPROVEMENTS

40.37 32

UPDATE PICNIC AREAS AND PICNIC FACILITIES

MIX OF RESERVABLE AND

DROP-IN PICNIC AREAS

LAWN SPACES FOR PICNIC

ACTIVITIES / BOUNCE HOUSE
SET-UP
“ACTIVE HEART” SCHEME
“GREAT LAWN” SCHEME

40.38 33

PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE ACCESS CIRCULATION IMPROVEMENTS

PROVIDE SAFE, CLEAR, ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION
Improvements to pedestrian circulation at
Harvey West Park are key to making the park
a functional, safe, and enjoyable place for
all. Many of the existing pedestrian paths and
road crossings do not meet current standards
of safety and accessibility and do not provide
a generous experience to park users. Any park
improvement plans should include the creation
of more accessible paths to all park features,
wider paths along primary circulation routes,
and safer crossings at vehicular drives and
parking areas. To make pedestrian wayfinding
intuitive and safe, it is also important to create
a legible hierarchy of circulation routes within
the park. It is recommended that circulation
improvements include: 1) a wide promenade
that connects the major features of the park;
2) a paved, accessible Forest Walk path along
the forest edge; 3) accessible secondary
paths; 3) raised, and clearly marked pedestrian
crossing at vehicular drives.

In addition, an updated pedestrian circulation
network could combine to allow for a variety
of options for exercise loops. In the proposed
concept plans various loops could be made
using the Park Promenade, Forest Walk, and
secondary pedestrian paths.

Access to neighborhoods and open space to
the west and northwest should be improved.

Trails within the park are an important part
of this access and be improved and wellmaintained to allow safe and welcoming access.

Enhancing bicycle access is equally important
for creating a park that is well connected and
easy to navigate without a car. Safe, clearly
marked bike routes should link surrounding
neighborhoods, regional trails, and key park
entrances. Within the park, designated bike
lanes or shared-use paths can connect cyclists
to major destinations such as the playgrounds,
sports fields, and picnic areas, while minimizing
conflicts with pedestrians. Ample and secure
bike parking at activity hubs will encourage
visitors to arrive by bike. Improved connections
to adjacent open space areas, particularly to
the west and northwest, can position the park
as a central node in the city’s larger bike and
trail network, promoting active transportation
and expanding access to surrounding natural
areas.

40.39 34

CREATE A GENEROUS PROMENADE
A wide Park Promenade that connects major park features and programs will foster an active and vibrant pedestrian heart for Harvey West Park. A promenade that spans the length of the park will create generous pedestrian entries at the northwest and southwest ends of the park, enhancing the arrival experience. The Promenade should connect parking areas, sports fields, play areas, and proposed flexible-use lawn areas.

A wide promenade will allow multiple people to walk side by side and create conditions for both pedestrians and cyclists to use the path safely. A minimum 12 foot width is recommended for the Promenade. The Park Promenade, combined with the Forest Walk and secondary paths, will create options for a variety of walking and jogging loops.

PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE ACCESS CIRCULATION IMPROVEMENTS

40.40 35

CREATE A SAFE, ACCESSIBLE FOREST WALK
The natural forest at the west edge of Harvey West Park is a defining feature of the park; it helps make the park special, and it should be celebrated and made accessible to all. A wide, paved, wheel-chair-accessible path should be created at the base of the slope at the forest edge. The Forest Walk will help activate the forest edge and create clear access points to the opens space trail system.

Combined with the Promenade and other proposed paths, the Forest Walk will allow for a variety of walking and jogging loops within the park.

PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE ACCESS CIRCULATION IMPROVEMENTS

40.41 36

SECONDARY PATHS - CONNECT ALL USE AREAS
Any circulation improvements at Harvey West Park should include the renovation of the secondary pedestrian path network. Pedestrian paths should be laid out in a clear and legible organization to intuitively accommodate desired ADA accessible pathways.

PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE ACCESS CIRCULATION IMPROVEMENTS
37 40.42

PROVIDE SAFE, CLEAR, ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION

PARK PROMENADE

SECONDARY

CIRCULATION

RAISED PEDESTRIAN

CROSSING

FOREST WALK
TRAIL
“ACTIVE HEART” SCHEME
“GREAT LAWN” SCHEME

40.43 38

MAKE SAFE CROSSINGS AT VEHICULAR ZONES
It is vital that pedestrians and bicyclists can safely cross driveways and parking areas in Harvey West Park. Since vehicular circulation will likely remain through the center of the park, new park plans should create multiple safe crossings that prioritize pedestrians over vehicles. New crossings should be wide, plazalike spaces that are raised to be flush with adjacent pedestrian areas. To further distinguish these pedestrian areas the crossing should be paved with distinct materials, colors and/or patterns. These generous, pedestrian-first crossings will prioritize safety while creating clear connections across the park between the sports fields and the rest of the park. Raised crossings that are flush with adjacent pedestrian paths, should be separated from drive aisles with detectable warning pavers.

PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE ACCESS CIRCULATION IMPROVEMENTS

40.44 39

MAKE SAFE PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS AT VEHICULAR ZONES

PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS

RAISED PEDESTRIAN

CROSSING

RAISED PEDESTRIAN

CROSSING

RAISED PEDESTRIAN

CROSSING
“ACTIVE HEART” SCHEME
“GREAT LAWN” SCHEME

40.45 40

RE-ORGANIZE VEHICLE CIRCULATION, PARKING

AND LOADING
Vehicular access is essential to the success of Harvey West Park. Current oneway driveways and the one-way entry at the north end of the park should be converted to two-way access, making vehicular traffic two-way throughout the park. This will allow users more options for turning and finding parking and loading areas without having to make a loop around the outside of the park.

Parking can be consolidated into a central location in a way that maintains existing parking counts and convenient access to all of the park features, while opening up space for an expanded park “heart” at the north end of the park.

Any parking and vehicular circulation improvements should improve pedestrian safety. This includes raised pedestrian crossings that slow vehicles at primary crossing zones.

Perpendicular or angled on-street parking could be considered on the park side of Harvey West Blvd to increase parking along the park frontage.

VEHICLE CIRCULATION AND PARKING IMPROVEMENTS
41 40.46

RE-ORGANIZE VEHICLE CIRCULATION, PARKING, AND LOADING

TO MAKE IT FUNCTIONAL, EFFICIENT, AND SAFE

RAISED PEDESTRIAN

CROSSING

LOADING ZONE

LOADING ZONE

TWO-WAY ENTRY DRIVE

POTENTIAL NEW

PARKING

RAISED PEDESTRIAN

CROSSING

RAISED PEDESTRIAN

CROSSING

LOADING ZONE

TWO-WAY ENTRY DRIVE

TWO-WAY TRAFFIC

THROUGHOUT

CONSOLIDATED

PARKING

40.47 42

LOADING AND DROP-OFF ZONES
Loading zones should be located for convenient passenger and equipment loading throughout the park to serve sporting events, special events, picnicking, and other programs. Each of the three zones shown on the concept plans include a loading zone with two car capacity on each side of the vehicular drive, for a total of six loading zones. The loading zones are incorporated into the special raised pedestrian areas, flush with adjacent pedestrian paving. The loading zones should be separated from pedestrianonly areas with bollards and detectable warning pavers.

VEHICLE CIRCULATION AND PARKING IMPROVEMENTS

40.48 43

CREATE LOADING ZONES FOR CONVENIENT PASSENGER

AND EQUIPMENT LOADING

LOADING ZONE

LOADING ZONE

LOADING ZONE

40.49 44

IMPROVE PARK ENTRY AND ARRIVAL EXPERIENCE
Future park improvements should include efforts to clarify and improve the pedestrian and vehicular arrival experience. Entries should be well-signed with clear thresholds into the park. Large entry signage should be combined with wayfinding signage at a pedestrian scale.

Vehicular entry should accommodate two-way traffic at the north and south entrances to the park. The pedestrian entrance at the intersection of Dubois Street and Harvey West Boulevard should also be improved and clarified with signage, paving treatments, and landscaping.

PARK ENTRY AND ARRIVAL IMPROVEMENTS

40.50 45

IMPROVE PARK ENTRY AND ARRIVAL EXPERIENCE

NEW CONNECTION TO HARVEY

WEST BLVD FOR EQUIPMENT

PEDESTRIAN PARK ENTRANCE

NEW ENTRANCE FEATURES / TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FLOW

NEW ENTRANCE FEATURES / TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FLOW

40.51 46

ADD PEDESTRIAN LIGHTING
Construction of new program areas, pedestrian paths, promenades, parking areas, and vehicular circulation, brings with it the opportunity to add new lighting, especially to pedestrian areas of the park. New low-level pedestrian lighting can provide safety while preventing light pollution and retaining the natural ambiance of the park. New lighting should be “Dark-sky” compliant.

LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS
47 40.52

ADD PEDESTRIAN LIGHTING
“ACTIVE HEART” SCHEME

40.53 48
PART IV:

POOL, POOL HOUSE, AND COMMUNITY CENTER SCHEMES

40.54 COMMUNITY CENTER AND POOL IMPROVEMENTS

RENOVATE OR REBUILD THE COMMUNITY CENTER AND POOL
The existing pool and building facilities do not satisfy the demand for recreational and competitive swimming, indoor recreation and classes, community activities and receptions.

The existing pool, pool building, and clubhouse could be replaced with a new community center with rentable space, indoor class rooms, and administrative offices.

A new multi-purpose gymnasium facility should be considered. There is high demand for indoor classes, basketball, futsal, and other indoor sports.

The new community center spaces, indoor classrooms, and multi-purpose gymnasium should be studied further for revenue and programming opportunities, staffing, partnerships, and longterm budgetary impacts.

40.55 50

POOL AND COMMUNITY CENTER SCHEMES

SCHEME A
PROS:
• Includes gym amenity
CONS:
• Most expensive to build
• No Parking

SCHEME B
PROS:
• Includes gym amenity
• Gym placement lessens
park activity around
roadway
CONS:
• Heritage Tree Loss

SCHEME C
PROS:
• Less expensive to
construct
CONS:
• No gym amenity

SCHEME D
PROS:
• Preserves Friendship
Garden
• Least expensive to
construct
CONS:
• No gym amenity
• No Parking
GYM

POOLHOUSE CLUBHOUSE POOLHOUSE POOLHOUSE CLUBHOUSE POOLHOUSE CLUBHOUSE LAP
POOL
LAP
POOL
LAP
POOL
LAP
POOL

CLUBHOUSE

PARKING PARKING
GYM
The Pool and Community Center area is large enough to accommodate a multi-purpose facility. The following schemes illustrate some of the many possible configurations, with consideration given to avoiding the loss of Heritage trees.
51 40.56
PART V:

PHASING

40.57 PHASING
The improvement concepts outlined in this report can be built in separate phases and allow for flexibility regarding the sequence of construction; there is not a prescribed order for the improvements. The sequence of implementation should be determined by the City based on available budgets and with consideration of community and stakeholder feedback.

The following Park Zone diagram indicates improvement areas that could be constructed separately without disrupting the function of other parts of the park. Given the multitude of popular programs and activities in the park, this report does not recommend closing the entire park for a significant period of time.

40.58 53
PARK ZONES : “ACTIVE HEART” SCHEME
A1
I
H
F
G
B
C
E1
J
A2
A3
A4
D1
D2
D3
E2
A1
H
I
F
G
B
C
E1
J
A2 A3 A4
D1 D2
D3
E2

SPORTS FIELD IMPROVEMENTS

PICKLE BALL, PARKING, LAWN

FOREST WALK

RESTROOMS

CAMP AND RANGER

PLAYGROUNDS

FLEX-USE LAWN

PUMP TRACK AND JUMP LINE

PARKING AND VEHICULAR CIRCULATION

PICNIC AREA UPDATES

POOL AND COMMUNITY CENTER

40.59 54
PART VI:

ROUGH ORDER OF MAGNITUDE (ROM) COST ESTIMATE

40.60 ROM COST ESTIMATE
ROM COST ESTIMATE SUMMARY : “ACTIVE HEART” SCHEME
A1
I
H
F
G
B
C
E1
J
A2
A3
A4
D1
D2
D3
E2
Date: 09/17/25 DRAFT
SUBTOTAL DIRECT COST $ 14,507,598
SUBTOTAL DIRECT COST - $ 3,017,055
SUBTOTAL DIRECT COST $ 261,620
SUBTOTAL DIRECT COST $ 905,000
SUBTOTAL DIRECT COST 2,052,633
SUBTOTAL DIRECT COST 2,299,933
SUBTOTAL DIRECT COST 487,390
SUBTOTAL DIRECT COST 2,487,197
SUBTOTAL DIRECT COST 1,476,938
SUBTOTAL DIRECT COST (EXCLUDED FROM LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE ROM COSTS 62,700,000 CONSTRUCTION COST TOTAL $ 90,195,364
Professional Services for 100% Design and Estimatin 10.0% $ 9,019,536 General Admin 4.0% $ 3,607,815
Fees and Permits 2.0% $ 1,803,907
General Conditions 7.0% $ 6,313,675
Contractor Fees and Insurance 4.0% $ 3,607,815
SUBTOTAL $ 114,548,112
Contingency 20% 22,909,622 $
TOTAL $ 137,457,735
Profit
Design and estimating buffer
I. Picnic Area Updates
J. Pool & Community Center (excludes indoor gym facilitiy) F. Flex-Use Lawn
G. Pump Track & Jump Line
H. Parking & Vehicular Circulation
Design services
Contractor services
Buiding permits
Fencing and other temporary controls
C. Forest Walk
D. Restrooms
E. Playgrounds
HARVEY WEST PARK - ACTIVE HEART SCHEME: SUMMARY
Design & Improvements Assessment
Rought Order of Magnitude Cost Estimate
A. SPORT FIELD IMPROVEMENTS
B. PICKLE BALL, PARKING, LAWN (NORTHEND IMPROVEMENTS)
NOTES:
1) Cost estimate areas A-J correspond to phases identified in phasing diagrams. 2) ROM costs are intended to facilitate implementation phasing and should not be used for bidding or construction purposes.
3) The Pool & Community Center costs in the table are referenced from the 2023 Feasibility Study titled “Reimagining the Harvey West Aquatic Center “, by ELS Architecture and Urban Design.

The study includes four concept ideas, plus a community center idea. For this study, CMG is using the costs of the third concept (Development Level 3), which is a complete reconstruction of the aquatics center, including the construction of new aquatics support buildings plus two new pools (a 30m x 25-yard competition pool and a 4,500 sf activity pool) with a ROM construction cost of $25.7MM. The Community Center was estimated to be a construction cost of $37MM. 4) The potential addition of an indoor gym or parking structure, is not currently included in this cost estimate.

40.61 56

HARVEY WEST PARK

DESIGN AND PROGRAM ASSESSMENT
TASK 1 - DISCOVERY

SUMMARY REPORT
September 23, 2024
Attachment 1

40.62 TASK 1 SUMMARY: CONTENTS
PART I - PROCESS + GOALS
• SUMMARY OF PROCESS
• OVERALL DESIGN AND PROGRAM ASSESSMENT PROCESS
• PARK VISION AND GOALS

PART II - INVENTORY & ANALYSIS
• SITE CONTEXT DIAGRAMS
• FEATURES & RESOURCES DIAGRAMS
• EXISTING PROGRAM DIAGRAMS
• EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE DIAGRAMS

PART III - IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
• STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK SUMMARY
• NEW PROGRAM LIST
• NEXT STEPS

40.63 PART I:

PROCESS & GOALS

40.64 SUMMARY OF PROCESS
The Discovery phase is the first step in a three task process to develop preliminary design recommendations for an improved Harvey West Park. During this phase of work CMG Landscape Architecture worked closely with the City of Santa Cruz to assess the current conditions of Harvey West Park, develop priorities to guide potential park improvements, and make programming recommendations for a revitalized future park.

To begin the Discovery phase, CMG assessed the current conditions of Harvey West Park by gathering and reviewing existing data. Additionally, the team attended a site visit with Parks and Recreation Department staff to assess the site in-person.

Discussions with key stakeholders, including the parks management team, maintenance team, and recreation team, provided valuable insights into the current challenges, assets, and operations of Harvey West Park. Focused outreach discussions with sports field user groups clarified the priorities of key community members in improving Harvey West Park.

The collective insights gained from the inventory and analysis studies and stakeholder outreach discussions informed the development of a park vision statement and park program list. These products will guide the continued study of Harvey West Park’s improvement potential. During the second task the team will develop alternatives for park programming and improvements. The third and final task will refine these alternatives and make final recommendations, including potential improvement phasing strategies.

40.65 OVERALL DESIGN AND PROGRAM ASSESSMENT PROCESS
TASK 1 - DISCOVERY
TASK 1 - DISCOVERY
TASK 2 - EXPLORATION
TASK 2 - EXPLORATION
Meetings and Presentations
TASK 3 - RECOMMENDATIONS
TASK 3 - RECOMMENDATIONS
July 2024August 2024

CURRENT TASK
September 2024
October 2024
• PARK VISION AND GOALS
• PARK STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
PLAN
• PARK INVENTORY & ANALYSIS
• IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
• POTENTIAL NEW PROGRAM LIST
• IMPROVEMENT BUDGET
• KICK-OFF MEETING - SITE WALK AND

VISIONING WORKSHOP
• BI-WEEKLY PROJECT MGMT CALLS
• STAKEHOLDER FOCUS GROUPS AND

DISCUSSIONS
• BI-WEEKLY PROJECT MGMT CALLS • BI-WEEKLY PROJECT MGMT CALLS • ALTERNATIVES FOR PARK IMPROVEMENTS
• PARK PROGRAM
• ARCHITECTURE AND FACILITIES
• HYDROLOGY AND DRAINAGE
• HISTORIC RESOURCES
• ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
• PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICLE CIRCULATION
• DEVELOP + REFINE PARK IMPROVEMENT AND

PROGRAM CONCEPTS
• ROM COST ESTIMATES
• PROJECT PRIORITIZATION + PHASING

STRATEGIES
• FINAL PARK ASSESSMENT AND

RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT

DESIGN AND PROGRAM ASSESSMENT - EXPECTED PROCESS

40.66 PARK VISION AND GOALS
Harvey West Park is a well-loved park with a strong legacy in Santa Cruz. It is a premier destination for youth sports and active recreation, an essential resource for recreational camps and classes, and a cherished setting for community gathering and social events. To help guide its future success and sustainability, CMG and the City of Santa Cruz have outlined key goals aimed at guiding future improvements. These goals focus on creating a long-term vision for the park’s future which will enhance community value, address current challenges, and create revenue opportunities for the park.

1. ACTIVATE THE PARK THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND YEAR.

2. UPGRADE AND CONSOLIDATE BUILDING FACILITIES TO IMPROVE CAPACITY AND FUNCTION.

3. REMOVE OUTDATED AND UNDER-USED BUILDINGS AND PROGRAMS TO ALLOW FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES.

4. INTRODUCE NEW PROGRAMS AND EXPERIENCES WHICH ALIGN WITH PARK IDENTITY AND COMMUNITY NEEDS.

5. IMPROVE PARK ORGANIZATION FOR ENHANCED SAFETY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND CONNECTIVITY.

6. EXPLORE METHODS TO GENERATE REVENUE TO OFFSET THE COSTS FOR NEW FACILITIES.

40.67 PARK VISION AND GOALS

1. ACTIVATE THE PARK THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND YEAR.

40.68 PARK VISION AND GOALS

2. INCREASE CAPACITY FOR NEW AND EXISTING USES, INCLUDING SPORTS, CLASSES, AND SOCIAL EVENTS.

40.69 PARK VISION AND GOALS

3. UPGRADE AND CONSOLIDATE BUILDING FACILITIES TO IMPROVE CAPACITY AND FUNCTION.

40.70 PARK VISION AND GOALS

4. IMPROVE PARK ORGANIZATION FOR ENHANCED SAFETY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND CONNECTIVITY.

40.71 PARK VISION AND GOALS

5. INTRODUCE NEW PROGRAMS AND EXPERIENCES WHICH ALIGN WITH PARK IDENTITY.

40.72 PART II:

INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

40.73 SITE CONTEXT

40.74 GETTING TO HARVEY WEST PARK

40.75 PARK SUCCESSES

ALL-AGES ACTIVITIES DESTINATION PROGRAMMING IMMERSION IN NATURE

PARK CHALLENGES

UNDERUTILIZED PROGRAMMING CONNECTIVITY, CIRCULATION, AND SAFETY

AGING FACILITIES

40.76 EXISTING FEATURES + RESOURCES

40.77 EXISTING LANDSCAPE
Goals

1. Improve conditions and configurations of
Sports Fields and Lawn Spaces.

2. Activate forest areas to improve safety/
visitor experience.

40.78 PARK ZONES
Goals

1. Simplify park zones and consolidate
related uses.

2. Increase use throughout the day and year

40.79 PARK CIRCULATION
Goals

1. Enhance park arrival experience.

2. Improve pedestrian circulation & ADA
accessibility.

3. Improve use of trails in natural open
space areas.

4. Improve connections to neighborhoods to
the west and Pogonip

40.80 EXISTING BUILDINGS
Goals

1. Simplify and consolidate park facilities.

2. Increase restroom locations and consider
safety and security when siting them.

3. Increase recreational programming such
as camps, multi-use rooms, event space,
and indoor gym.

40.81 13. WAGNER COTTAGE
Hosts camp programs in the summer.

EXISTING BUILDINGS

4. CONCESSIONS/

SCOREKEEPING STAND
Operated by leagues during sports games.

1. BOCCE STORAGE SHED
Houses Bocce Equipment, not frequently used.

2. POOL COMPLEX
Contains a 25m lap pool open June - August,
and a wading pool open for swim lessons
March - October. Currently closed for maintenance. The City will be seeking an operator to run the facility

3. CLUB HOUSE/SCOUT
HOUSE
Reservable indoor event space for private
use. Contains kitchen, wet bar, fireplace, and
restrooms.

5. KID’S KOTTAGE
Hosts alternative education program during
the school year and camp programs in the
summer.

7. STAGECOACH HOUSE
Holds a replica of a “Great Western Overland
Stagecoach” and display.

8. RESTROOM
Public restroom facility which serves entire
park.

9. PARKS MAINTENANCE
SHOP

10. PARKS & REC

MAINTENANCE YARD
City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation maintenance Yard.

6. RANGER STATION
Hosts the Open Space Team unit.

12. PARKS STORAGE SHED
Holds parks equipment.

14. SPORTS STORAGE
Holds sports field equipment.

15. CONCESSIONS
STAND
Operated by leagues during sports games.

16. SCORE-KEEPING SHED
Operated by leagues during sports games.

11. CONCESSIONS/

SCOREKEEPING STAND
Operated by leagues during sports games.

40.82 EXISTING PICNIC AREAS
Goals

1. Improve synergy between park uses and
picnic areas

2. Maintain current picnic capacity.

40.83 1. UPPER GLEN PICNIC AREA
90 Capacity
3 BBQs
5 tables

2. FRIENDSHIP GARDEN PICNIC AREA
66 Capacity
1 BBQ
4 Tables
2 Power Outlets

3. CLUBHOUSE PICNIC AREA
152 Capacity
2 BBQs
8 Tables

4. HERB GARDEN
20 Capacity
1 BBQs
4 Tables

4. OVERLOOK PICNIC AREA
20 Capacity
1 BBQs
4 Tables

4. BAY PICNIC AREA
20 Capacity
1 BBQs
4 Tables

5. EVERGREEN PICNIC AREA
275 Capacity
2 BBQs
12 Tables
8 Power Outlet
Space for 1 Bounce House

6. MILLENNIUM CIRCLE
50 Capacity
1 BBQ
6 Tables
Space for 1 Bounce House

7. REDWOOD PICNIC AREA
70 Capacity
1 BBQ
10 Tables
1 Outlet
Space for 1 Bounce House

8. BUCKEYE PICNIC AREA
50 Capacity
2 BBQs
6 Tables
1 Outlet
Space for 1 Bounce House

EXISTING PICNIC AREAS

40.84 EXISTING SPORTS PROGRAMS
Goals

1. Improve field conditions to make safe
use of fields possible year-round.

2. Improve field to reduce maintenance
requirements.

3. Consider new layout of sports fields
to increase usage and optimize
functionality of individual fields.

4. Modernize the facilities to improve
the experience for players and
spectators.

40.85 EXISTING PROGRAM + FEATURES
Goals

1. Consolidate and group complimentary
park programs.

2. Expand popular programs, include new
programs that are compatible and
remove underutilized programs.

3. Re-envision and update park’s themes
and features.

POTENTIAL PROGRAM TO
EXPAND
• Expand playground
• Expand pump track
• Expand pool complex
• Additional bleachers

POTENTIAL NEW PROGRAM
• Small amphitheater
• Pickle ball courts

UNDERUTILIZED PROGRAM
• Bocce Court
• Horseshoe Court
• Volleyball Court
• Dance floor

40.86 1. WEST OVERLAND STAGECOACH
Year Constructed: 1967
Year Placed in Harvey West Park: 1967
History:
• The West Overland Stagecoach house holds a replica of a 1890 Concord express U.S. Mail stagecoach.
• The stagecoach was commissioned by Harvey West,
who later donated it to the City of Santa Cruz to have a permanent home in Harvey West Park.

Notes: The stagecoach’s current relevancy at the park may be re-evaluated.

2. TOTEM POLE & FIGURES
Year Constructed: Unknown
Year Placed in Harvey West Park: Unknown
History:
• The totem pole and figures accompany the stagecoach
at the West Overland Stagecoach House.
• The figures were paid for by Harvey West, who
commissioned a local sculptor, Jim Gallagher, to carve
the pieces for the park.
• The intention was to create a themed “Indian Village” play area for the park.

Notes: Evaluating the current relevancy of the figures at the park is recommended to respect cultural sensitivities.

The city has received a few comments from the public
regarding the offensiveness of the figures.

CULTURAL FEATURES

3. SOUTHERN PACIFIC STEAM ENGINE
Year Constructed: 1917
Year Placed in Harvey West Park: 1963
History:
• The Southern Pacific Steam Engine was constructed in
1917 and ran until 1956.
• Harvey West acquired the engine as well as a historic jet engine to be used as play equipment in Harvey West
Park.
• In 1987, the city council of Santa Cruz voted to sell the train, which prompted push-back from the community.

Notes: Its proximity to the kids play area presents a safety hazard. The city has received at least one offer to sell the engine. There is also potential to relocate the locomotive to a more relevant location.

40.87 EXISTING PARKING
Goals

1. Improve parking layout, ADA accessibility
and vehicular circulation.

2. Create well-defined vehicular

3. Maintain or increase current parking
capacity.

40.88 EXISTING DRAINAGE
Goals

1. Reduce impacts of stormwater runoff.

2. Consider turf alternatives to improve
drainage issues and reduce irrigation/
maintenance costs.

40.89 INFRASTRUCTURE + UTILITIES
Goals

1. Leverage projects and elements recently
installed.

2. Identify opportunities for new utilities and
improved layouts.

40.90 SURVEYED TREES
Goals

1. Observe City of Santa Cruz’s Heritage
Tree preservation ordinance.

2. Preserve amount of trees in good health
on site, replace or relocate trees where
necessary.

40.91 PART III:

IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

40.92 SUMMARY OF STAKEHOLDER DISCUSSION PROCESS
CMG attended meetings with City of Santa Cruz team members and key stakeholder groups to learn more about current operations of the park and to discuss opportunities for future improvements. CMG met with Parks and Recreation Department staff to understand park operations, programming, and maintenance regimes. Additionally, CMG attended outreach discussions with park user groups including Santa Cruz Little League, Santa Cruz City Youth Soccer, Kirby School, and Santa Cruz Pop Warner. The different sports organizations, while each having specific wishes, they were all supportive and respectful of each other’s needs. From these discussions four overall takeaways emerged:

1. EXISTING EXPERIENCES AT HARVEY WEST ARE WELL-LOVED.

2. EXISTING BUILDING FACILITIES ARE OUTDATED AND THERE IS A NEED FOR BETTER INDOOR CLASSROOMS, ACTIVITY SPACES, AND PUBLIC RESTROOMS.

3. SPORTS FIELDS WOULD BE USED YEAR-ROUND IF FIELD SURFACE AND DRAINAGE COULD BE IMPROVED.

4. PARK USERS HAVE SAFETY CONCERNS.

5. SPORTS GROUPS WANT INTERNET CONNECTIVITY.

5. HARVEY WEST HAS POTENTIAL FOR NEW EXPERIENCES.

STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK

40.93 WHAT WE HEARD:

1. EXISTING EXPERIENCES AT HARVEY WEST ARE
WELL-LOVED.
• Harvey West Park features many existing amenities that provide a lot of value to the community.
• Preserving access to these experiences is important to the community.
• Enhancing these experiences could significantly benefit park users.

STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK
Pump Track
Field #1
Picnic Areas at Friendship Garden

40.94 WHAT WE HEARD:

2. EXISTING BUILDING FACILITIES ARE OUTDATED AND THERE

IS A NEED FOR BETTER INDOOR CLASSROOMS, ACTIVITY
SPACES, AND PUBLIC RESTROOMS.
• Stakeholders expressed concerns about aging infrastructure and maintenance difficulties in the park.
• Park buildings are not sufficient to conduct indoor classes. • Notable issues include deteriorating office buildings, inadequate restroom facilities, and seasonal field closures. • Upgrading these elements is desired to improve the park’s overall functionality.
• Internet connectivity is very important to sports fields user groups.

STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK
Kids Kottage
Restroom at Sports Fields
Concessions Stand at Field #7

40.95 WHAT WE HEARD:

3. SPORTS FIELDS WOULD BE USED YEAR-ROUND IF FIELD
SURFACE AND DRAINAGE COULD BE IMPROVED.
• Due to maintenance and drainage difficulties during winter rain season, all Harvey West sports fields are closed from November to March.
• Stakeholders unanimously expressed that if the fields were open year-round they would be consistently booked, which could contribute to park activation in slower winter months. • Most stakeholder groups were in favor of replacing the field grass with artificial turf, highlighting benefits such as improved playing conditions, lower maintenance effort/cost, increased playing time throughout the year, and lower water cost.

STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK
Field #1
Drainage at Field #6
Bleachers at Field #3

40.96 STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK
WHAT WE HEARD:

4. PARK USERS HAVE SAFETY CONCERNS
• Park visitors tend to stay in well-populated, visible areas due to safety concerns.
• Many currently avoid trails and forested areas.
• Strategies to activate more areas of the park could help park visitors feel welcome while utilizing the entire park footprint.

Wagner Grove
Friendship Garden Sign
Friendship Picnic Area

40.97 STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK
WHAT WE HEARD:

5. HARVEY WEST HAS POTENTIAL FOR NEW EXPERIENCES
• Given its location and size, stakeholders see Harvey West Park as an ideal site for introducing new programs that address gaps in the Santa Cruz Park System.
• Popular suggestions for new program include, indoor
spaces for classes and events, pickle ball courts, and
artificially turfed sports fields.
• Some underutilized features in the park were identified as candidates for replacement with more in-demand
activities. Features identified for removal include the beach volleyball court, horse-shoe rings, concrete “dance floor,” par course equipment, western stage coach and
Native American wooden statues, and outdated buildings.

Stagecoach House
Bocce Court
Horseshoe Pit

40.98 NEW PROGRAM LIST

POTENTIAL NEW AND EXPANDED USES AND FEATURES
ACTIVE:
• Improved sports field organization
• Improved sports field drainage
• Sports field turf and grass
improvements
• Collapsible sports goal equipment
• Sports field warm-up areas
• Improved concessions stands
• Additional score booths
• Expanded bleacher seating
• Playground expansion/improvement
• Tot lot expansion/improvement
• Expanded indoor reservable event
spaces
• Indoor classroom spaces
• Indoor Gym
• Amphitheater/outdoor stage
• Pickleball courts
• Mountain bike jump line
• Indoor Basketball courts
PASSIVE:
• Paved walking loop
• Formalized trail entrances/signage
• Seating along paths and trails
• Bridged trail connections
• Mountain biking trail connections
• Demonstration garden
• Sensory garden
• Nature interpretation/education
• History interpretation/education
• Expanded flexible lawn space
• Re-configured improved reservable picnic areas
SPECIAL EVENTS:
• Weddings at amphitheater/outdoor
stage
• Retractable fences for large events on
sports fields
• Trail running races
• Mountain biking races
• Sports tournaments
• Corporate events
• Community cook outs
• Events with amplified sound
• Events with alcohol
• Fourth of July BBQ
• Ducky derby
• Aids life cycle event

40.99 Harvey West Park
Design & Program Assessment
Community Engagement Summary
April 2nd, 2025 Community Workshop
Attachment 2

40.100
Table of Contents
Community Engagement Summary
• Event Summary
• Event Activity Summary
• Written Comments Summary
Results
• Question 1: Harvey West Park Today
• Question 2: Concept Preference
• Question 3: Activities and Features
• Question 4: Prioritization
• Written Comments Sample
• Activity Photos
Appendix
• Record of Written Comments: Meeting Comments
• Record of Written Comments: Email

40.101
Part I
Community Engagement Summary

40.102
Event Summary
April 2nd, 2025 Community Workshop
The CMG and City of Santa Cruz Team hosted a
community workshop at Londen Nelson Community
Center on April 2nd, 2025 to gather public input on the potential park improvements the team is assessing.

The event began with a 30 minute presentation of
the Harvey West Design and Program Assessment
by CMG Principal Patricia Fonseca Flores. After the
presentation, attendees were invited to share their
input on the potential upgrades, opportunities and
preliminary concepts presented through a series of
activities. The activities involved sharing preferences through placing colored stickers on display boards,
participating in a prioritization activity with cards,
and finally, writing comments and questions on post it
notes.

The presentation and printed materials were
developed both in English and Spanish to reach a
diverse group of community members. The event was
well attended with roughly 80 participants sharing
feedback with the team.

40.103
Event Activity Results Summary
The results of the community meeting activities provided clear direction on which Harvey West Park improvements are most important to the Santa Cruz community.

Community members participated in 4 in-person activities designed to collect feedback on the community’s preferences and priorities in improving Harvey West Park. The questions posed to event attendees were as follows:

1. What do you value most about Harvey West Park?

2. Which concept do you prefer? Great Lawn or Active Heart?

3. Which activities and features are most critical for the future of the park? Share what is most critical, somewhat critical, and least critical.

4.Which improvements are most critical for the future of the park? Rank your priorities.

Community Feedback from Question 2 indicated an even preference for either the Great Lawn or Active Heart concept. The design concepts presented proved to be uncontroversial, with no opposition recorded.

The results were more decisive in opinions on which program improvements are desired by the community.

For example, across all relevant questions, strong community preference was expressed for mountain biking improvements, sports fields improvements, and new pickleball courts. It is important to note that these groups were strongly represented at the workshop. The next most popular options included new and expanded restrooms, indoor basketball courts and gym, and trail improvements. Design concepts such as pedestrian circulation improvements, improved lawn spaces, and safer vehicular circulation also received support, but ranked as less of a priority as the improvements to activities.

Generally the community showed overwhelming support for the project to improve Harvey West Park. Event attendees were enthusiastic to share support for improvements to their particular activity interests, and were additionally in favor of more general park improvements.

40.104
Written Comments Summary
The team recorded 95 written comments at the community workshop, and an additional 58 comments received through email.

Both event and email comments largely expressed support for 3 main interests:

1. Harvey West Pump Track improvements

2. New pickleball courts

3. Harvey West Pool expansion
Supporters of the Harvey West Pump Track expressed interest in seeing an expansion to the existing pump track footprint, adding new progressive jumplines which would cater to skill levels from beginner to expert, and creating bike trail connections up to Pogonip Open Space.

Supporters of pickleball courts expressed interest in seeing enough new courts to establish tournaments (8+ courts) with a North-South alignment, as well as ensuring lighting, restrooms, parking, and seating areas are nearby to any new courts so people may rest and gather.

Supporters of pool improvements expressed interest in seeing a larger 50m x 25yd lap pool which could accommodate events like swim meets and concurrent recreational programs such as water polo, swim teams, and swim classes, as well as an additional smaller pool suitable for families and swimmers with disabilities.

Additionally, there was support for more bathrooms in the park, and improving sports field conditions. Comments also indicated interest in activating underused areas of the park for safety. Many commentors suggested popular activities such as mountain biking, pickleball, and swimming, as a solution for bringing more consistent year round activity into the park.

Generally, the community expressed excitement for improvements to Harvey West, and indicated strong support for improvements to activities that are important to the Santa Cruz community.

40.105
Part II
Community Engagement Results

40.106
Question 1: Harvey West Park Today
What do you value most about
Harvey West Park?
Add a sticker to your top 3

40.107
What do you value most about
Harvey West Park?
The existing Harvey West Park elements
which were most appreciated by
attendees were: Sports & Recreation
(including pumptrack), Nature and Trails
(including trail connections to Pogonip),
and the pool.
*Green indicates options with most support
Question 1: Results

40.108
Question 2: Concept Preference
Which concept
do you prefer?
Great Lawn or
Active Heart

40.109
Which concept do you prefer?
Results indicate an even community
preference for Concept 1 and 2.

Question 2: Results

40.110
Which activities and features
are most critical for the future
of the park?
Put a green sticker on things that are
most critical for the park.

Put a yellow sticker on things that are
somewhat critical for the future of the
park.

Put a red sticker on things that are the
least critical for the future of the park.

Question 3: Activities and Features

40.111
Which activities and features
are most critical for the future
of the park?
Mountain Bike improvements received
the most votes. Pickleball courts were
most contested, receiving many votes
in favor of but also many votes against.

Improved sports fields were also popular
with attendees.
*Green indicates items with most support
Red indicates options with most opposition.

Question 3: Results

40.112
Which improvements are most
critical for the future of the
park?
Rank your top 3 priorities by placing the
cards marked 1, 2, & 3 in the jars labeled
with each improvement area
Question 4: Prioritization

40.113
Which improvements are most
critical for the future of the
park?
Attendees indicated Central Lawn
and Park Heart Improvements are
a top priority. These improvements
include a new central lawn, pump
track, playground improvements, and
new pickleball courts. Sports Field
Improvements and Repairs, and Pool
and Community Center Improvements
were next most prioritized.
*Green indicates items with most support
Question 4: Results

40.114
Share Additional Input Here
If you have additional comments or
suggestions, please write on a post-it
note and place it on this board
Community Comments

40.115
Sample of Community Comments
*Comprehensive list of comments included in appendix
“Pickleball is a social game and
older people need a place to
mingle after the game. Perhaps
outdoor tables to hang out in.

Don’t forget restrooms near the
pickleball courts!”
“Another large swim center like
Simpkin would be wonderful! A
larger - 50m x 25m pool would
allow large events, swim meets,
water polo.”
“Make baseball fields turf
please”
“An indoor basketball multi-use
gym would be amazing”
“Please plan at least 10 pickleball
courts. They will be the busiest
part of the park by far!”
“A progressive ---- will become
a communal destination for
mountain bikers and make new
mountain bikers!”
“Bike park expansion would be
awesome and cheaper than other
improvements. We especially
need more expert features.”
“Build features that can be multi
purpose. This will help ensure all
spaces stay activated”
“Don’t skimp on size of pool!”

40.116
Activity Photos: Question 1
What do you value most about
Harvey West Park?
Add a sticker to your top 3

40.117
Which concept
do you prefer?
Great Lawn or
Active Heart
Activity Photos: Question 2

40.118
Activity Photos: Question 3
Which activities and features
are most critical for the future
of the park?
Put a green sticker on things that are
most critical for the park.

Put a yellow sticker on things that are
somewhat critical for the future of the
park.

Put a red sticker on things that are the
least critical for the future of the park.

40.119
Activity Photos: Question 4
Which improvements are most
critical for the future of the
park?
Rank your top 3 priorities by placing the
cards marked 1, 2, & 3 in the jars labeled
with each improvement area

40.120
Activity Photos: Comments
Share Additional Input Here
If you have additional comments and
suggestions, please write a post-it note
and place it on this board.

40.121
Appendix
Record of Written Comments

40.122
Record of Written Comments
Comments Recorded at April 2nd, 2025 Community Workshop

40.123
Record of Written Comments
Comments Recorded at April 2nd, 2025 Community Workshop

40.124
Record of Written Comments
Comments Recorded at April 2nd, 2025 Community Workshop

40.125
Record of Written Comments
Comments Recorded at April 2nd, 2025 Community Workshop

40.126
Record of Written Comments
Email Comments Recorded April 1st-30th, 2025

40.127
Record of Written Comments
Email Comments Recorded April 1st-30th, 2025

40.128
Record of Written Comments
Email Comments Recorded April 1st-30th, 2025

40.129
Record of Written Comments
Email Comments Recorded April 1st-30th, 2025

40.130
Record of Written Comments
Email Comments Recorded April 1st-30th, 2025

40.131
Record of Written Comments
Email Comments Recorded April 1st-30th, 2025

40.132
Record of Written Comments
Email Comments Recorded April 1st-30th, 2025

40.133
Record of Written Comments
Email Comments Recorded April 1st-30th, 2025

40.134
Record of Written Comments
Email Comments Recorded April 1st-30th, 2025

40.135
Record of Written Comments
Email Comments Recorded April 1st-30th, 2025

40.136
Brittany Inclan
From: Alida Canale <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2025 11:26 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Harvey West Pool improvemnets
Dear Council members:

The proposed improvements at Harvey West Park, including the pool and poolhouse are very heartening. Our community lacks an updated city pool, which would serve swimmers and potential swimmers alike. I am a member of Santa Cruz Masters, and one of many community members who benefit from the frequent Master's workouts offered many times per week. Fitness and the social benefits of the program promote healthy living and loving our Santa Cruz environment. How lucky that we can have outdoor pools! Access to existing pools has been very limited and a true challenge for our club officers to arrange, It would be so nice to enjoy the beauty of Harvey West on a regular basis.

Thank you for your efforts and support.

Respectfully yours,
Alida Canale

40.137
Brittany Inclan
From: Robert Orrizzi <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2025 12:26 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Council Meeting 11/18/25 - HWP Rebuild - Agenda Item #40 November 15, 2025
Honorable Mayor & Commissioners,
I am writing on behalf of Santa Cruz Masters Aquatics (a.k.a. CRUZ). Our swim club incorporated in 1987, and we have utilized the UCSC pool for our daily workouts since it was built in 1988. Before the pandemic, our membership was well over 300 swimmers. Today our members (ages 18 and up, way up like me!) total just over 200. We are continually working to get our numbers back up. We offer coached swim sessions 7 days a week at the University. However; access to UC’s pool is not possible during swim meets, special events and semester breaks. We are in need of a more reliable, centrally located facility. Our current monthly fees to UC average $2,850 or $34,000 per year.

We applaud the City’s efforts to redesign our aging Harvey West Park. Generations of residents have utilized the park over the decades. We acknowledge all facilities including the sports fields, picnic areas and buildings are in dire need of upgrades. However; I am speaking to you today focusing on the most expensive component: The Community Pool.

Several CRUZ Board members have met with Director Tony Elliot & Parks & Rec staff over the past year. We have appreciated their willingness to sit down with us on several occasions to discuss our desire for a City Aquatics Center (somewhat similar to the County’s Simpkins Swim Center.) I met with Mayor Keeley as well as several Council Members (both past & present) regarding a new pool. All agree that our City needs such a facility.

I have spoken with Hollie Locatelli of Friends of Parks & Rec. Hollie was delighted to welcome us as partners in advocating for a new pool.

We also reached out to Fire Chief Rob Oatey. Chief Oatey’s comments included: “SCFD provides pool access to all fire department employees for rescue swimmer training as well as overall health & wellness.”
We asked Rob Would a new City pool be beneficial for your Lifeguard programs? His reply: “Yes, as it would allow for physical fitness training throughout the year, physical rehab, as well as basic training. It’d also be a place for those interested in lifeguarding but not cut out or able to be beach lifeguards. It would allow real Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility (DEIA) in our community. It would also allow for increased swim and overall safety training that prepares children for the ocean environment and decrease the risk for the overall community.” We contacted Dominican Hospital’s PEP Coordinator Terri Primavera who informed us that their program needs more space especially in the summer months as Simpkins can only rent their pool 1 day per week. Terri did say she’s is unsure if funding could be available to rent space at a new facility. It would be cost dependent.

40.138
We also contacted Doris Jay, a Water Aerobics Instructor at Simpkins. Her remarks:
“Harvey West Pool is a favorite among water exercise instructors. I am certain you would have no trouble recruiting instructors to teach classes there 6 times a week, probably a morning and noon class.”
I’m relaying all of this information to assure you that the need for an improved pool complex is badly needed and would be well utilized. Wait times for lap swimming at Simpkins are commonplace. We have a very active swimming community and feel it’s essential for the City to provide a top rate facility. Revenue options need to be maximized.

Although it has not been offered as an option, we would still ask that you consider a 50 meter pool. In the past CRUZ has hosted long course swim meets. These popular competitions attract hundreds of entrants along with their families which is obviously a big boost for our local economy. We would be happy to team up with the City soliciting funds for such a pool.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent over the last decade repairing various failures at the current pool and more problems are still arising. It was built in 1960. Are any of us still driving a 1960 car? The time for a new pool is now.

We would ask that the gymnasium component be separated from the pool plan. CRUZ would like to focus solely on the development of a new pool.

The people of Santa Cruz deserve it.

Thank you for your consideration.

Robert Orrizzi

40.139
Brittany Inclan
From: Bonnie Bush
Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2025 9:01 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Fwd: Letter to SC City Council 11.16.25: Agenda Item #40, 11/18/25 Council Meeting Attachments: Letter to SC City Council 11.16.25.pdf
Bonnie Bush, CMC
City Clerk
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center St., Room 8, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 831-420-5035
Email:[email protected]
Web: santacruzca.gov
Begin forwarded message:

From: Orry Korb <[email protected]>
Date: November 16, 2025 at 8:09:26 PM PST
To: Bonnie Bush <[email protected]>
Subject: Letter to SC City Council 11.16.25: Agenda Item #40, 11/18/25 Council Meeting

****CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.**** Dear Ms. Bush:

Please accept the attached correspondence in regard to the above agenda item.

Thank you.

Orry Korb

40.140
November 16, 2025
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council,
As a life long swimmer and 35 year member of Santa Cruz Masters Aquatics, I write in support of the rapid replacement of the antiquated pool facility at Harvey West Park (HWP). While I applaud the ambitious plan for the complete and necessary rehabilitation of HWP, I’m concerned that a new aquatic facility may be given low priority in project phasing due to the high cost resulting from combining it with the unrelated and more expensive community center project. A new aquatic facility serving the Santa Cruz community deserves to be considered on its own merits.

The existing HWP pool was built in the late 1950s and is closed much of the year due to its failed operating infrastructure. It operates only to a limited extent after costly repairs which are at best temporary. It’s the only community pool in this seaside city, but has been largely unavailable to the community for years.

Without a working aquatic facility the city cannot provide swim instruction to children and adults, aquatic skills training and valuable fitness opportunities to emergency first responders, and aquatic recreation and fitness programs to community members.

The city also forfeits the opportunity to host regional aquatic events such as masters swim meets that can draw thousands of participants, friends and family members to Santa Cruz while also generating revenue to support park operations.

While not diminishing the value of a new community center, it’s not necessary to the pool replacement and shouldn’t be factored into the overall cost of that project. In fact, according to the HWP Design and Program Assessment the proposed community
center adds $37mm to the aquatic facility project, which is

40.141
otherwise estimated to cost $25.7mm. Assuming cost is a significant factor, there’s no reason why a community center can’t be added in a later phase when funding is available. But whatever priority is given to the community center project, it shouldn’t be the reason to delay a much needed aquatic facility.

Separating the aquatic facility project from the community center project also allows your Council to better assess its options for the former. For example, the additional construction costs for a larger 50 meter pool are far less significant when considered against a $25.7mm project versus a $63mm project. This option should be fully considered because a larger pool is exponentially more programmable, versatile and attractive as a venue for regional competitions. More programming means greater
revenue opportunities and increased cost recovery over the life of the facility.

I urge your Council to consider a new aquatic on its own merits independent of the community center project and to give it the highest possible priority in the rehabilitation of HWP.

Thank you.

Orry Korb

40.142
Brittany Inclan
From: Linda Locklin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2025 8:06 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Agenda item # 40 - Harvey West Park - Support Pool Dear Mayor Keely and City Council Members:

I strongly support construction of a new pool at Harvey West Park. Pools are for everyone and everyone deserves the opportunity to learn to swim and to be able to swim for life. I am a life long swimmer and a decades long member of the Santa Cruz Masters Aquatics. Through our program, hundreds of residents have been able to improve their swimming skills which benefit not only their physical but also mental health. Our County needs another aquatics facility, just look at the over subscribed and much loved Simpkins Swim Center.

When evaluating the proposed improvements to Harvey West Park, please separate off the new pool facility.

Santa Cruz Masters Aquatics members are ready and willing to help with any aspect of the pool development.

And also consider deleting or at least postponing the community center, it is not needed at this time.

Our residents, particularly the kids, need and deserve a reliable and modern pool facility. Swimming is an important life skill, especially in a seaside town.

Thank You.

Linda Locklin

40.143
Brittany Inclan
From: Orry Korb <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2025 8:26 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Item #40, 11/18/25 Council Meeting—Harvey West Pool November 16, 2025
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council,
As a life long swimmer and 35 year member of Santa Cruz Masters Aquatics, I write in support of the rapid replacement of the antiquated pool facility at Harvey West Park (HWP). While I applaud the ambitious plan for the complete and necessary rehabilitation of HWP, I’m concerned a new aquatic facility may be given low priority in project phasing due to the high cost of combining it with the unrelated and more expensive community center project. A new aquatic facility serving the Santa Cruz community deserves to be considered on its own merits.

The existing HWP pool was built in the late 1950s and is closed much of the year due to its failed operating infrastructure. It operates only to a limited extent after costly repairs which are at best temporary. It’s the only community pool in this seaside city, but has been largely unavailable to the community for years.

Without a working aquatic facility the city cannot provide swim instruction to children and adults, aquatic skills training and valuable fitness opportunities to emergency first responders, and aquatic recreation and fitness programs to community members. The city also forfeits the opportunity to host regional aquatic events such as masters swim meets that can draw thousands of participants, friends and family members to Santa Cruz while also generating revenue to support park operations.

While not diminishing the value of a new community center, it’s not necessary to the pool replacement and shouldn’t be factored into the overall cost of that project. In fact, according to the HWP Design and Program Assessment the proposed community center adds $37mm to the aquatic facility project, which is otherwise estimated to cost $25.7mm. Assuming cost is a significant factor, there’s no reason why a community center can’t be added in a later phase when funding is available. But whatever priority is given to the community center project, it shouldn’t be the reason to delay a much needed aquatic facility.

Separating the aquatic facility project from the community center project also allows your Council to better assess its options for the former. For example, the additional construction costs for a larger 50 meter pool are far less significant when considered against a $25.7mm project versus a $63mm project. This option should be fully considered because a larger pool is exponentially more programmable, versatile and attractive as a venue for regional events. More programming means greater revenue opportunities and increased cost recovery over the life of the facility.

I urge your Council to consider a new aquatic on its own merits independent of the community center project and to give it the highest possible priority in the rehabilitation of HWP.

Thank you.

40.144
Orry Korb

40.145
Brittany Inclan
From: Julia Davenport <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2025 11:18 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Re: Item #40, 11/18/25 Council Meeting—Harvey West Pool Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Dear Honorable Mayor and Santa Cruz City Council Members, This letter is in support of a new pool at Harvey West Park.

I started swimming at Harvey West over fifty years ago, and have been a member of Santa Cruz Masters Aquatics since it began at Harvey West Pool in the 80s. The pool was small, shallow, and busy then, but served our smaller community just fine. As our community has grown, it has outgrown the small, aged pool which no longer serves the larger community’s needs. A larger replacement pool would be the logical next step.

The popularity of the Simpkins Swim Center is a testament to the number of community members, young and old, who enjoy swimming for family recreation, exercise, competitive team swimming and water polo, water aerobics, and water safety. Being safe in the water is as essential as breathing, especially for our young children living near the ocean. Low cost swim programs available at Harvey West would do a wonderful job of creating water-safe kids.

Having a larger centrally located pool facility that serves the City of Santa Cruz keeps cars off the roads going south to Simpkins in mid-county. Minor point but still.

I am concerned that the pool planning will get lost in the bigger picture of park redevelopment. When evaluating the proposed improvements to Harvey West Park, is it possible to separate off the pool facility for planning purposes? Then our swim community can assist with fundraising and other aspects of the pool development.

I appreciate the opportunity to weigh in on the Harvey West Park plan and have high hopes that there is some flexibility in looking at each key issue separately so all community interests are served.

Many thanks for your work on the City Council, making important decisions for the people of Santa Cruz.

Julia Davenport

40.146
Brittany Inclan
From: C.J. Hertzer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2025 3:44 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Please Build a Multi-Purpose, Energy-Efficient 50m Pool at Harvey West Park Dear Honorable Mayor and Members of the Santa Cruz City Council, I am writing as a 30-year resident and board member of the Santa Cruz Masters Aquatics club. We are dedicated to promoting aquatics in our community through daily workouts, competitions, and social events.

I urge the City to replace the existing, outdated pool at Harvey West Park with a state-of-the-art, energyefficient facility. Specifically, we must build a 50-meter by 25-yard main pool along with an instructional family pool (similar to the popular Simpkins Swim Center).

The argument for a 50-meter design is one of capacity and fiscal foresight, not just competition:
 Capacity for Growth: Santa Cruz’s growing population requires a pool that can simultaneously support multiple activities for all ages — including lessons, water polo recreational and competitive swimming and diving.
 Versatility & Revenue: A larger, multi-purpose pool equipped with bulkheads is a powerful revenue generator. Its versatility allows for a denser calendar of programs, with greater potential to offset operating costs for the City over the facility's lifespan.

Our club is prepared to help fundraise. We hope that the pool rebuild project can be decoupled from the larger Harvey West renovation to help accelerate the project (and minimize money wasted on maintaining the old pool).

The infrastructure we build now will define our city's aquatics capacity for decades. Let's make a forwardthinking investment that ensures accessibility and opportunity for future generations.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Hertzer

40.147

HARVEY WEST PARK

DESIGN AND PROGRAM ASSESSMENT

CITY COUNCIL
November 18, 2025

40.148
Agenda

1. Introduction

2. Process Overview

3. Heart of the Park System

4. Existing Conditions

5. Vision & Goals

6. Design & Program Recommendations

7. Community Feedback Summary

8. October 13, 2025 Parks & Recreation
Commission Meeting

9. Phasing & Implementation

10. Closing

11. Recommendation

40.149
• An evaluation of current
conditions
• A long-term vision
• A set of goals and
recommendations for
improvements
• Facilitates community
discussions and helps
advance future projects
• Focused on design and
use within the developed
portions of the park
Introduction: What is the Harvey West Design & Program Assessment?

40.150

1. Discovery
Assess current conditions
Stakeholder outreach meetings

2. Exploration
Study options / potential improvements
Develop park concepts

3. Recommendations
Refine the park concepts
Develop ROM costs
Develop potential phasing implementation

4. Community Outreach
Gather community input on the recommendations
Hold additional stakeholder meetings
Process Overview

40.151
• Youth Summer Camps
• Youth Sports and others
• Pool
• Events
• Large Gatherings
Heart of the Park System

40.152
Existing Conditions: Needs & Challenges
Outdated Infrastructure at Sport Fields
Park Needs More Restrooms Outdated Sport Field Facilities Parking & Loading Needs Improvement
Narrow Pedestrian Paths
Under-used Lawn Area Non-Accessible Pedestrian Paths
Aging Pool and Pool Facilities
Unremarkable Playgrounds
Outdated Building Facilities
Outdated Thematic Features
Inactive Park Areas

40.153
Park Vision
Beloved by Santa Cruz, Harvey West Park serves as the heart of recreation and community—where youth sports, play, programs, events, gatherings, and everyday connections thrive alongside its cherished natural landscapes.

Future improvements will honor its traditions and ensure it continues to flourish as a treasured park for generations to come.

Lawn In Front Of Scout House Field #4 Playground

40.154
Park Goals

1. Activate the park throughout the day and
year

2.Upgrade building facilities to improve
capacity and function

3.Remove outdated and underused buildings
and elements to allow for new opportunities

4.Introduce new activities and experiences
which align with park identity and community
needs

5.Improve park organization for enhanced
safety, accessibility, and connectivity

6.Explore opportunities to generate revenue
from the increased usability of the park to
offset the costs for new facilities

40.155
Park Heart Improvements: Scheme A: “Great Lawn”

GREAT LAWN

NEW COMMUNITY CENTER WITH GYM

RAISED CROSSINGS, PASSENGER PICK-UP/DROP-OFF

NEW PARKING LAYOUT

UPGRADED POOLS

PARK PROMENADE

PLAYGROUND
5 PICKLEBALL COURTS
BOCCE

IMPROVED PICNIC AREAS WITH LAWN SPACES

PUMP TRACK EXPANSION AND JUMP LINE

SUMMER CAMP OUTPOST BUILDING

NEW TOT LOT

NEW CONNECTION TO HARVEY

WEST BLVD FOR EQUIPMENT

LOADING

PEDESTRIAN PARK ENTRANCE

NEW ENTRANCE FEATURES / TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FLOW

NEW ENTRANCE FEATURES / TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FLOW

NEW RESTROOM

40.156
Park Heart Improvements: Scheme A: “Great Lawn”

LARGE CENTRAL LAWN SPACE

PICKLEBALL COURTS

EVENTS IN THE GREAT LAWN

NATURAL PLAYGROUND AT FOREST EDGE

PUMPTRACK AND JUMP LINE

SUMMER CAMP OUTPOST BUILDING

40.157
Park Heart Improvements: Scheme B: “Active Heart”

NEW COMMUNITY CENTER WITH GYM

RAISED CROSSINGS, PASSENGER PICK-UP/DROP-OFF

NEW PARKING LAYOUT

UPGRADED POOLS

PARK PROMENADE

PLAYGROUND

LARGE CENTRAL LAWN
8 PICKLEBALL COURTS
BOCCE

IMPROVED PICNIC AREAS WITH LAWN SPACES

PUMP TRACK EXPANSION AND JUMP LINE

SUMMER CAMP OUTPOST BUILDING

NEW TOT LOT

NEW CONNECTION TO HARVEY

WEST BLVD FOR EQUIPMENT

LOADING

PEDESTRIAN PARK ENTRANCE

NEW ENTRANCE FEATURES / TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FLOW

NEW ENTRANCE FEATURES / TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FLOW

NEW RESTROOM

40.158
Park Heart Improvements: Scheme B: “Active Heart”

PICKLEBALL LEAGUES

FLEXIBLE-USE LAWN AREAS

CENTRAL PLAYGROUND PUMPTRACK AND JUMP LINE

SUMMER CAMP OUTPOST BUILDING PARK HEART ADJACENT TO SPORTS

40.159
Sports Field Improvements
TURF
PRIORITY 1
TURF
PRIORITY 2
TURF
PRIORITY 2

NATURAL
GRASS
FIELD
#5
FIELD
#6
FIELD
#4
FIELD
#2
FIELD
#3
FIELD
#1

NATURAL GRASS FIELD

NEW WIFI FOR SPORTS BROADCASTING

IMPROVE DRAINAGE /NEW DRAINAGE

INFRASTRUCTURE

SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS TO CONCRETE WALL

UPDATED AND EXPANDED RESTROOM

EXISTING SNACK SHACK

NEW TOT LOT

NEW CONNECTION TO HARVEY WEST

BLVD FOR EQUIPMENT LOADING

NEW RESTROOM
TOTAL

BASEBALL

FOOTBALL
SOCCER
13 6
1 6

EXISTING PROPOSED
18 8
1 9
# OF FIELDS
POTENTIAL ARTIFICIAL TURF FIELDS AT FIELDS 6

40.160
Existing Fields Turf and Efficient Layout
Sports Field Improvements

40.161
Forest Edge Improvements: Active Program
BOCCE

EXPANDED PUMP TRACK & JUMPLINE

PICKLEBALL COURTS
“ACTIVE HEART” SCHEME
“GREAT LAWN” SCHEME

40.162

NEW RESTROOM, CONCESSIONS

AND STORAGE

REMOVE WAGNER COTTAGE

REMOVE RANGER STATION
RENOVATED/EXPANDED RESTROOM AND STORAGE

REMOVE KIDS COTTAGE AND

STAGECOACH HOUSE

SUMMER CAMP BUILDING

WITH RESTROOM

NEW POOL HOUSE, COMMUNITY

CENTER AND GYM

ASSESS RELEVANCE OF TRAIN ENGINE

REMOVE WOOD STATUES
Building & Facilities Improvements

40.163
Building & Facilities Improvements
Restrooms - Storage - Concessions - Poolhouse -
Community Center - Indoor Gym

40.164

PLAYGROUND

TOT LOT
“ACTIVE HEART” SCHEME
“GREAT LAWN” SCHEME
Playground Improvements

40.165

MIX OF RESERVABLE AND

DROP-IN PICNIC AREAS

LAWN SPACES FOR PICNIC

ACTIVITIES / BOUNCE HOUSE
SET-UP
“ACTIVE HEART” SCHEME
“GREAT LAWN” SCHEME
Picnic Areas & Facilities Improvements

40.166

PARK PROMENADE

SECONDARY

CIRCULATION

RAISED PEDESTRIAN

CROSSING

FOREST WALK
TRAIL
“ACTIVE HEART” SCHEME
“GREAT LAWN” SCHEME
Pedestrian Circulation Improvements

PEDESTRIAN PARK

ENTRANCE

NEW ENTRANCE

FEATURE

NEW ENTRANCE

FEATURE

40.167
Pedestrian & Bike Circulation Improvements
Promenade Accessible Forest Walk Secondary Paths

40.168

RAISED PEDESTRIAN

CROSSING

LOADING ZONE

LOADING ZONE

TWO-WAY ENTRY DRIVE

POTENTIAL NEW

PARKING

RAISED PEDESTRIAN

CROSSING

RAISED PEDESTRIAN

CROSSING

LOADING ZONE

TWO-WAY ENTRY DRIVE

TWO-WAY TRAFFIC

THROUGHOUT

CONSOLIDATED

PARKING
Vehicular Circulation Improvements

NEW CONNECTION TO HARVEY WEST BLVD

FOR EQUIPMENT LOADING

40.169

SCHEME A
PROS:
• Includes gym amenity
CONS:
• Most expensive to build
• No Parking

SCHEME B
PROS:
• Includes gym amenity
• Gym placement lessens
park activity around
roadway
CONS:
• Heritage Tree Loss

SCHEME C
PROS:
• Less expensive to
construct
CONS:
• No gym amenity

SCHEME D
PROS:
• Preserves Friendship
Garden
• Least expensive to
construct
CONS:
• No gym amenity
• No Parking
GYM

POOLHOUSE CLUBHOUSE POOLHOUSE POOLHOUSE CLUBHOUSE POOLHOUSE CLUBHOUSE LAP
POOL
LAP
POOL
LAP
POOL
LAP
POOL

CLUBHOUSE

PARKING PARKING
GYM
Community Center & Pool Improvements

40.170
Community Center & Pool Improvements

40.171
Cultural and Thematic Features Improvements
Remove existing cultural / thematic features
Assess relevance & popularity
of the stream engine

40.172
Community Feedback Summary

1. Existing experiences at Harvey West are wellloved.

2. Existing building facilities are outdated and there
is a need for better indoor classrooms, activity
spaces, and public restrooms.

3. Sports fields would be used year-round if field
surface and drainage could be improved.

4. Park users have safety concerns.

5. Sports groups want internet connectivity.

5. Harvey west has potential for new experiences.
“Pickleball is a social game and
older people need a place to
mingle after the game. Perhaps
outdoor tables to hang out in.

Don’t forget restrooms near the
pickleball courts!”
“Another large swim center like
Simpkin would be wonderful! A
larger - 50m x 25m pool would
allow large events, swim meets,
water polo.” “Make baseball fields turf please”
“An indoor basketball multi-use
gym would be amazing”
“Please plan at least 10 pickleball
courts. They will be the busiest
part of the park by far!”
“A progressive jumpline will
become a communal destination
for mountain bikers and make new
mountain bikers!”
“Bike park expansion would be
awesome and cheaper than other
improvements. We especially need
more expert features.”
“Build features that can be multi
purpose. This will help ensure all
spaces stay activated”
“Don’t skimp on size of pool!”

40.173
Parks & Recreation Commission Feedback Summary
Commission Feedback:

1. Support and interest in a 50 meter pool for
Community Center & Pool facility.

2. Preserve historic features, such as the steam
engine train, as culturally appropriate.

3. Incorporate resilience considerations to gym/
pool facility to serve during emergency events.

4. Foster access and connectivity improvements,
including public transit, bike and pedestrian arrivals.

5. Incorporate security and safety improvements.

6. Study cost recovery opportunities.

7. Integrate and protect the forested area and
natural assets, seek opportunities to improve urban
ecology and habitat.
“Dark skies and controlled
lighting is important, and can still
ensure safety.”
“Pickleball is increasing in
popularity and across all ages.

New courts will help activate the
park.”
“Design represents a positive
vision for the park. Strong support
for turf fields to ensure play during
rainy seasons.”
“I find the design is biased
against nature. I don’t support a
new gym.”
“Harvey West Park is one of my
favorite parks”
“Pump track is well used and an
update is overdue”
“Enhancing the park is vital to our
community. I grew up playing at
Harvey West, my daughters grew
up playing at Harvey West ”
“New city pool benefits safety
training for children and
firefighters, as well as health and
wellness for all”
“We acknowledge the need of
improvements for all the facilities”
Public Comment:

40.174
Phasing & Implementation
A1
I
H
F
G
B
C
E1
J
A2
A3
A4
D1
D2
D3
E2
A1
H
I
F
G
B
C
E1
J
A2 A3 A4
D1 D2
D3
E2

SPORTS FIELD IMPROVEMENTS

PICKLE BALL, PARKING, LAWN

FOREST WALK

RESTROOMS

CAMP AND RANGER BUILDING

PLAYGROUNDS

FLEX-USE LAWN

PUMP TRACK AND JUMP LINE

PARKING AND VEHICULAR CIRCULATION

PICNIC AREA UPDATES

POOL AND COMMUNITY CENTER

40.175
Closing / Next Steps
• Establishes a Vision for
the park
• Additional planning,
design, and permitting
will be necessary to
define projects
• Move projects forward
to be poised for
funding

40.176

RECOMMENDATION

1. Accept the Harvey West Park Design and Program
Assessment

2. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant
to sections 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies),
15306 (Information Collection), and 15061(b)(3)
(Common Sense Exemption) of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines

40.177
Goals

1. Observe City of Santa Cruz’s Heritage Tree
preservation ordinance.

2. Preserve amount of trees in good health on site,
replace or relocate trees where necessary.

Surveyed Trees

40.178

SPORTS FIELD ORGANIZATION SCHEME B SPORTS FIELD ORGANIZATION SCHEME C

SPORTS FIELD ORGANIZATION EXISTING SPORTS FIELD ORGANIZATION SCHEME A TOTAL

BASEBALL

FOOTBALL
SOCCER
13 6
1 6

EXISTING SCHEME C
23 9
1 13
# OF FIELDS
TOTAL

BASEBALL

FOOTBALL
SOCCER
13 6
1 6

EXISTING SCHEME B
22 8
1 13
# OF FIELDS
TOTAL

BASEBALL

FOOTBALL
SOCCER
13 6
1 6

EXISTING SCHEME A
18 8
1 9
# OF FIELDS
-ASSUMES TURF FIELDS FOR ALL FIELDS EXCEPT FIELD #1

REPLACES SERVICE YARD WITH WARM-UP SPACE, SPORTS
STORAGE AND T-BALL FIELD.
-MAXIMIZED AMOUNT OF SPORTS FIELDS IN PARK.
-SPORTS STORAGE MOVING INTO PARKS SERVICE YARD
OPENS UP SPACE IN SPECTATOR AREAS.
-ASSUMES TURF FIELDS FOR ALL FIELDS EXCEPT FIELD #1
-OVERLAPPING FIELD LAYOUTS INCREASES AMOUNT OF FIELD
TYPES.
-FIELD 4 TO SHIFTS EAST INTO PARKING LOT, WIDENING
FIELDS 2,3 TO FIT AN ADDITIONAL 11V11 SOCCER FIELD AND
IMPROVE SAFETY CONDITIONS.
-ASSUMES TURF FIELDS FOR ALL FIELDS EXCEPT FIELD #1
-ARTIFICIAL TURF ALLOWS FOR A FEW ADDITIONAL FIELDS
TO BE ADDED WITHIN ORIGINAL FOOTPRINT.
-CURRENT SERVICE YARD AND VEHICLE ACCESS
PRESERVED.

REMOVE THIS LOT REMOVE THIS LOT
Sports Field Organization Schemes

40.179
City Council

AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 10/30/2025
AGENDA OF: 11/18/2025
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
SUBJECT: Murray Street Bridge Project Temporary Pedestrian Path (PW) LOCATION: District 2
RECOMMENDATION: Motion to receive information and provide direction on funding for a temporary pedestrian path across the harbor rail bridge.

BACKGROUND: On August 26, 2025, the City Council (Council) directed staff to implement several actions intended to support Harbor and Seabright businesses along with the general public during the construction of the Murray Street Bridge Project. Many of the 19 items contained in the motion related to mitigating the impacts of traffic detours. The City of Santa Cruz (City) funded Harbor Taxi service which continued to operate two additional months through October. Staff continued to advocate for Metro to restore service to the Seabright area, and staff investigated alternative two-way/one-lane closure configurations.

Regular updates have been provided during monthly ad-hoc meetings. Finally, the August 26 motion directed staff “to continue next steps with the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) and other appropriate bodies on the implementation of a temporary access path across the rail bridge adjacent to the Murray Street Bridge, in the most expedited manner, and pursue additional funding through Congressional and State Representatives’ offices and other sources to support the Harbor Rail Bridge Project (i.e., community project funds).” As directed by Council, staff advanced the technical, environmental, legal and funding areas.

Staff prepared drawings in-house to expedite design of the temporary path and submitted those drawings to the RTC for review. After receiving feedback from the RTC, a second draft design was submitted later in September, as part of a full Right of Entry package for RTC consideration.

The RTC generated significant additional comments and questions related to the path design, signage, and restoration of RTC facilities as part of a second review in mid-October. However, at the November 6th RTC meeting, the Commission authorized the Executive Director to enter into a Right-of-Entry agreement with the City. Staff will continue to work with to finalize an acceptable design for the RTC and secure right-of-entry documents.

Both the RTC and Progressive Rail have expressed concerns about the safety, liability and risk implications of repurposing the rail bridge as a pedestrian path. A letter outlining Progressive Rail’s opposition to the temporary path was received on October 27, 2025. Discussions regarding

41.1 insurance requirements and risk allocation among the City, RTC, and Progressive Rail are ongoing. The City is investigating the possibility of purchasing a special limited term policy for coverage of the temporary path. Attempts by city staff to secure a quote for a special limited term policy were denied by all underwriters.

As presented in August, a temporary path is estimated at $1,700,000 to install and remove, depending on field conditions and whether it is paved or left as base rock. Staff explored several funding sources including Highway Bridge Program funding (current Murray St Bridge project funding) local transportation block grant funding, and Congressional and State support, as well as City funding options. Caltrans Local Assistance confirmed that federal highway bridge and state funding are not available to support the construction of a temporary trail, and that use of existing project contingency would not be permissible for this purpose. Staff applied for RTC “block grant” funding in September and due to the significant transportation funding needs for other projects in the region, the temporary path was not awarded funding at the November 6 RTC meeting. Staff also submitted funding requests to Senator Laird, Assemblymember Pellerin, and Congressman Panetta’s offices, and as of the date of this staff report no response has been received.

Finally, staff reviewed other existing project budgets and fund balances. Potential funding sources include: Gas Tax reallocation of General Funds from existing CIP projects, and use of new appropriations of General Funds. The Gas Tax (Fund 221) is currently oversubscribed as it is the matching source of funds for Murray St. Bridge and West Cliff storm recovery repairs.

Available funds eligible for reprogramming to fund the installation of the path, estimated at $1,150,00, include the following CIP projects:
 Neighborhood Traffic Calming c402404,
 West Cliff Stair Maintenance m401402,
 Lighthouse Point Geologic Study c402305)
 City Hall Campus Lot 13 EV Charging Infrastructure c402606  Public Facilities Upgrades and Repairs c402604 (De LaVeaga Golf Course Roof Repairs)
 City Hall Space Renovation c402605
A budget adjustment would need to be brought forward to reprogram funds from these projects for the installation of a temporary access path. This does not cover the eventual cost of removal.

A future additional budget allocation would be required for removal of the temporary path.

Alternatively, in addition to the projects identified above, the City Council could consider using General Fund emergency reserves to fund or partially fund this project.

DISCUSSION: Staff will continue to work as quickly as possible with RTC staff to finalize a Right of Entry agreement and temporary trail design. In order to proceed with installation of the path, Council direction is needed on which combination of funds to use, and Council approval of a budget adjustment will be needed in December to cover the cost of installation, estimated at $1,150,000. A similar action will be required in 2028 to address removal of the temporary path, estimated at $550,000.

The temporary path is estimated to take six to eight weeks to construct and would likely coincide with the reopening of the Murray St. bridge to one lane traffic. Staff continue to refine a traffic control concept to permit alternating two-way traffic when one lane is open and one lane is closed.

41.2 The estimated bridge closure dates are provided for reference. A schedule and sequencing plan has also been included for reference in the MSB Sequencing and Schedule.  Full Closure #1: June 2025 – January 2026
 Open One Lane: February 2026 – May 2026
 Full Closure #2: June 2026 – August 2026
 Open One Lane: September 2026
 Several other small closures planned (five days or less) dates: TBD CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) DETERMINATION: At this time, staff is seeking further direction from Council, especially given the funding shortfall described in this Agenda Report. Should Council identify funding and direct staff to move forward with a temporary trail, staff will bring this item back to Council for final approval and a final Council CEQA determination.

It is worth noting that a temporary trail option was analyzed within the Rail Trail 8/9 Environmental Impact Report. Staff reviewed existing project environmental permits and prior environmental impact analysis and has made a preliminary determination that a temporary path does not constitute a new impact not previously analyzed. Additionally, Pub. Resources Code § 21080.25(b)(1) provides for a CEQA exemption for “pedestrian and bicycle facilities that improve safety, access, or mobility, including new facilities, within the public right-of-way.” Additional CEQA exemptions may apply.

Coastal Commission staff have indicated support for the concept and have indicated a willingness to work with City staff to amend the existing project adaptive transportation management plan approved as part of the Coastal Development Permit.

HEALTH IN ALL POLICIES (HiAP): The proposed actions will support businesses in the Seabright and Harbor areas and provide greater pedestrian and bicycle access to the Seabright area through improved alternative transportation connections. This potential new pathway will benefit the health and wellbeing of the entire community which supports positive outcomes of the social determinants of health. A temporary pedestrian and bicycle pathway will further reduce emission and pollution impacts, while improving visitor health and the vitality of the local economy.

FISCAL IMPACT:

1. The recommendation in this report impacts the General Fund: Yes

2. This recommendation requires a budget adjustment: No

3. The recommendation creates an on-going expenditure commitment: Yes FISCAL IMPACT DESCRIPTION: There are not enough funds in the Murray Street BridgeConstruction Phase (c402519) project available to construct a temporary path on the RTC rail bridge. Some Public Works CIP projects that received FY 2026 General Fund funding in the adopted budget could be defunded and reprogrammed for this purpose. There remains a deficit of at least $456,000 to fully fund the temporary path installation but not its removal. There is a potential impact to the General Fund, or additional General CIP projects could be defunded instead. This would also impact City Hall electrical and facility renovation projects as well as the DeLaveaga Golf Course, which received funding for roof and beam replacements this fiscal year.

41.3 A budget adjustment would be brought for Council approval in December if direction and approval are given to move forward with the project.

Prepared By:

Kevin Crossley
Assistant Public Works
Director/City Engineer
Submitted By:

Nathan Nguyen, P.E.

Director of Public Works
Approved By:

Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:

1. LETTER FROM PROGRESSIVE RAIL.PDF

2. MSB SEQUENCING AND SCHEDULE.PDF

41.4 PROGRESSIVE RAIL

INCORPORATED
21778 Highview Avenue
Lakeville, MN 55044
Sarah Christensen
Santa Cruz County Regional Transp01iation Commission
1101 Pacific Ave. #250
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
October 24, 2025
Dear Ms. Christensen,
I am in receipt of your letter dated October 20, 2025 and the City's construction plans regarding its proposal for temporary use of the railroad bridge at Santa Cruz Harbor during the ongoing construction of the Munay Street Bridge. Thank you for providing us with copies of the plans to assist us in evaluating the City's request.

After a detailed review of the plans, and further discussions with our legal team and insurance broker, I regret to inform you that we are not able to proceed with the project. Given the significant safety risks associated with the use of an active rail line by pedestrians and cyclists, we simply cannot find a path forward that would provide parties on our end with the liability assurances required for us to take on the risk.

We understand and appreciate the community's desire for increased connectivity during this time and regret that we are unable to assist. We wish the City the best in finding another way to help ease the burden of the Murray Street Bridge closure on the Santa Cruz community.

Sincerely,
Andrea Dobbelmann
Chief Executive Officer
Progressive Rail Inc.

41.5 SCHEDULE

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
• Allowable in-water work windows (sturgeon, steelhead) | 06/2025–10/2025, 06/2026–10/2026 • Work stops when mammals are encountered (otters, seals, sea lions) • Must maintain marine navigational channel during construction Activity 2025 2026 2027 ‘28
Notice to Proceed (NTP) | 03/2025
Utility Relocation | 03/2025–06/2025
Bridge Closures | 06/2025–01/2026, 06/2026–08/2026, 02/2027 (1 week), 12/2027 (2 weeks) North Substructure | 06/2025–12/2025
Cast-In Drilled Hole (CIDH) Pile | 10/2025–01/2026
Sanitary Sewer Force Main | 01/2026–09/2026
South Substructure | 06/2026–12/2026
Girders, Guardrail, Misc. Superstructure | 02/2027–09/2027 Retaining Walls, Landscaping, Final Overlay | 06/2027–01/2028 Project Completion | 01/2028
Closure #1 Closure #2
Murray Street Bridge Seismic
Retrofit and Barrier Rail Project

PROJECT PHASING
 Safety, seismic resilience, accessibility
6-foot bike lanes and a 7.5-foot sidewalk
Upsized and relocated county sewer line
On schedule for January 2028 completion
For more information, scan the QR code
or visit cityofsantacruz.com/msb

PROJECT OBJECTIVES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



15 13
12 11
10 9
1 PG&E Electrical and Comcast
Infrastructure
2 Foundation Piles (In Water) 3 Pile Cap Extension (In Water) 4 New Column 5 Extend and Widen Pier Cap 6 CIDH Pile (Not Shown in Model) Steel Truss Bridge &
New Sanitary Sewer Force Main
8 New Barrier on Bridge, Gas Line,
and Deck Drain
9 Foundation Piles (In Water) 10 Pile Cap Extension (In Water) 11 New Column 12 Extend and Widen Bent Cap 13 Precast Prestressed Girders 14 Water Line and Deck Drainage 15 Construct New Sidewalk, Barrier, & Widen Bridge Deck 16 Roadway Improvements:

Polyester Overlay, Striping, Signage 17 Soldier Pile Wall & Concrete Retaining wall 18 Westside Land Improvements 19 Concrete Retaining Wall & Eastside Land Improvements 14 5
4 3
2 8
1 2025 2026 2027
19 16 18
17 7
N
N N
7 41.6
Brittany Inclan
From: Carolyn Coleman <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2025 9:24 AM
To: Fred Keeley; Sonja Brunner; Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson; Gabriela Trigueiro; Scott Newsome; Susie O'Hara; Renee Golder; City Council
Subject: Opposed to Murray Street Bridge Pedestrian Path Hello,
We have been fortunate to live in our home in the Seabright neighborhood for 45 years, a few blocks from the businesses affected by the Murray Street bridge closure. We walk, bike, or drive by there frequently. We get drinks at Verve, Java Junction, eat at Seabreeze Cafe, La Posta and Tramonti.

While we have great sympathy for the plight of our neighborhood businesses, we are opposed to spending $1.1M (plus another $500+K to remove) or really any amount on creating a temporary pedestrian (bikes too?) path across the bridge during construction.

To think that this would make a difference in the business traffic for the affected Seabright businesses is highly improbable in our opinion.

The bridge is scheduled to open to one-way car and bike traffic in February 2026. It is dark in the early evening; we are in the rainy season - who is going to be walking (from where?) to Seabright to have dinner at our "little Italy" restaurants. When we talk to neighbors, people don't think this is going to make a difference to get more people to shop/dine at businesses in our area.

It is very disappointing that these impacts on our local businesses were not considered in light of the length of the bridge closure. This proposal in response to business owners' justifiable outcry, feels like a too late, stop-gap measure with no evidence that it will have a positive outcome for businesses' economic survival.

In addition this project has no clear funding source; sounds like it will divert funds from other general fund and capital improvements. We have no idea what is possible, but wouldn't it be more directly beneficial to give businesses grants or forgivable loans to help them get through this long period of the bridge closure if that is what they need.

Thank you for considering our comments and your service to our City.

Carolyn and Curt Coleman
Santa Cruz

41.7 Brittany Inclan
From: Linda Wilshusen <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2025 4:04 PM
To: City Council
Subject: 11.18.2025 City Council Agenda Item 41, Murray Street Bridge Project Temporary Pedestrian Path
Date: November 16, 2025
To: Santa Cruz City Council [email protected] From: Linda Wilshusen
Re: 11.18.2025 Agenda Item 41
Murray Street Bridge Project Temporary Pedestrian Path
Dear Mayor Keeley & Members of the Santa Cruz City Council:

I am writing to encourage you to decline to take further action on the concept of constructing a temporary pedestrian path across the Harbor rail bridge by paving or otherwise covering over the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line, an active rail line that is part of the National Rail Network.

Pedestrians can already walk across the rail bridge at the Harbor. We can currently access this pedestrian walkway via both the lower and upper West Harbor as well as via the Frederick Street neighborhood and the railroad tracks from both 7th & Seabright Avenues. The Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line is currently classified as “out of service” due to inadequate maintenance by the owner, so there’s no risk of conflict between pedestrians and moving vehicles along the rail line.

City staff has done a good job exploring the options and developing an initial design.

Aside from Progressive Rail's unsurprising position about the matter, and because pedestrian access across the Harbor is already available, there’s no need for the City to move forward with the concept, nor to move funds from other capital improvement projects in order to fund an expensive and controversial project that won’t solve identified problems. We seem to have enough of those kinds of transportation projects around already.

Thank you for your consideration.

41.8 - Linda Wilshusen, Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Executive Director 1985-2005

41.9 Brittany Inclan
From: Karen Madura <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2025 11:16 AM
To: City Council; Patrice Boyle; [email protected] mike java; [email protected]; [email protected] tramonti; Marcie Bei <[email protected]>; [email protected]; [email protected]; Laurie Negro; Claudia Chatha <[email protected]>
Subject: Agenda item 41- Murray Street Bridge
Hello City Council Members,
I am writing to encourage a yes vote and full support of the proposal to build a pedestrian walkway on the Murray Street Bridge.

The pedestrian walkway would be a fantastic way to get more people to the area and try to keep Lower Seabright alive. We need all the people we can get.

The situation in Lower Seabright is dire. We have already seen a devastating business closure- in an anchor space that had been occupied and serving the community for over 35 years. There are potential more closures coming down the pipeline as we business owners hang on by a thread and plead for help and support. We are seeing that all of the small piecemeal efforts made so far are combining to help us, and I encourage you to continue to support us in every way you can.

The Bridge retrofit project is impacting us in ways that we have absolutely no control over and that we could not foresee. The 3-year timeline is a death blow to us, and we are trying to navigate this and survive by any means possible. We ask you to please do anything and everything you can to help us and to represent our needs to City Staff. This pedestrian access on the bridge is one way to help keep people coming to our neighborhood.

As a resident of lower Seabright, I would like a safe way to walk and ride my bike to get to the Harbor and 7 th Avenue businesses as well. In an emergency, we should be swift and creative to solve our problems and fixing this walkway is a positive step in the right direction and demonstrates the City cares for us, for our employees, for our customers, and community.

Thank you for exploring every avenue to help us with this crisis and for continuing to be responsive. I know we can come together to help our valued businesses survive this devastating closure and get our bridge retrofitted for safety.

Kind regards,
Karen Madura
Brady's Yacht Club

41.10 Brittany Inclan
From: Marcie Bei Magdaleno <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2025 3:06 PM
To: City Council
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Sonja Brunner; Gabriela Trigueiro
Subject: Murray Bridge

TO COUNCIL MEMBER AND STAFF,
I'M WRITING TO YOU BECAUSE OF THE EFFECTS OF THE CLOSURE OF MURRAY BRIDGE. MY HUSBAND AND I RECENTLY BOUGHT LINDA'S SEABREEZE CAFE IN 2024. WHEN WE FOUND OUT IT MURRAY

BRIDGE WENT OUT FOR BID FOR THE FIRST TIME AND THEN A SECOND TIME WITHOUT ANY NOTIFICATION TO THE BUSINESS AROUND THE AREA OF THE PROJECT.OUR HEARTS SUNK. HERE WE JUST BOUGHT A BUSINESS EVEN IF IT WAS ESTABLISHED . IT WAS VERY NEW TO US AND ALL THE PROBLEMS OWNING LOCAL BUSINESS. THEN FINDING OUT THAT THE BRIDGE WOULD CLOSE ADDED WEIGH MORE PRESSURE TO KEEP IT GOING. RESTAURANTS ALREADY WERE FEELING THE DOMINO EFFECT ON CERTAIN PRODUCTS AND NOW TARIFS. TIME FRAMES CHANGED MULTIPLE TIMES ETC.

MANY BUSINESSES AROUND MURRAY BRIDGE RELY ON SEASONAL BUSINESS LIKE SPRING AND SUMMER. THIS SUMMER WE FELT THE JOLT FROM THE CLOSURE. I HAVE BEEN VERY STRESSED DUE TO THIS MURRAY BRIDGE PROJECT. SO MUCH THAT I HAD A STROKE. YOU NEED TO OPEN A LANE FOR TWO WAY LIGHT SO PEOPLE CAN GO BOTH WAYS . WINTER IS COMING AND IT'S HARD ENOUGH TO

GET THROUGH WINTER SEASON AND LOOK FORWARD TO HAVE A BUSY SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON.WE NEED ALL HANDS ON DECK. THIS TOWN/CITY WAS MADE ON LOCAL BUSINESS AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE FORGOTTEN. I'M PLEADING TO FIND A SOLUTION TO HELP BUSINESS GET THROUGH THIS.

SINCERELY

MARCIE MAGDALENO
831-212-9140

41.11 Murray St Bridge
Temporary Path Update
City Council| November 18, 2025
Crane and Grillage, Murray Street Bridge.

41.12 41.13
Murray St Bridge

41.14 WE ARE HERE

41.15 Temporary Trail Update
• RTC Approved temp. use November 6, 2025
• Progressive Rail has not approved
• Multiple Funding Options Explored
• Direction Needed for Funding

41.16 Two Way One Lane Signal
• Matt to fill in text/image
• Significant queuing expected in Seabright and Twin Lakes • Traffic expected to continue using Soquel
• Contractor premiums to modify workzone and monitor signals

41.17 City Council

AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 11/7/2025
AGENDA OF: 11/18/2025
DEPARTMENT: City Council
SUBJECT: Amendment to Santa Cruz Municipal Code § 10.36.040 Pertaining to Medians (CN)
LOCATION: Citywide
RECOMMENDATION: Motion to:
1) Introduce for publication an ordinance amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) §

10.36.040 pertaining to medians; and
2) Direct staff to: (a) collect information related to “Average Daily Trips” (ADT) of busy thoroughfares and arterial corridors in the City, and (b) report that information to the sponsoring Councilmembers. If an amendment to SCMC § 10.36.040 is warranted based on ADT data, the sponsoring Councilmembers will return to the Council with a proposed amendment to SCMC §

10.36.040.

BACKGROUND: The sponsoring Councilmembers are concerned about the safety impacts associated with individuals lingering on medians, particularly along high-speed, high-volume, or narrow median locations where pedestrians are especially vulnerable to collisions.

The City’s existing SCMC § 10.36.040 currently prohibits “remaining” on any median citywide.

However, the City Attorney’s Office has identified legal vulnerabilities in that language, which may expose the City to constitutional challenges and potential liability.

In consultation with the City Attorney’s Office and the Public Works Department, the sponsoring Councilmembers propose narrowing the ordinance to focus on medians where there is a clear, objective public-safety risk, while ensuring the regulation is content-neutral and consistent with free-speech protections.

DISCUSSION: Medians are an important tool for increasing street safety and meeting the City’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating severe traffic injuries and fatalities. Medians enhance safety by physically separating opposing traffic, reducing head-on collisions and cross-over accidents, providing pedestrian refuge islands, and shortening crossing distances.

42.1 Nevertheless, medians, especially narrow medians that primarily serve to divide traffic, are not designed as pedestrian gathering spaces. Individuals lingering on medians risk being struck by vehicles, obstruct traffic sightlines, and distract drivers who must focus on the safe operation of fast-moving vehicles.

The sponsoring Councilmembers, in consultation with the City Engineer, find that increased exposure to vehicles from lingering on medians creates safety risks where the median is narrow (four feet wide or less), adjacent to a roadway with high traffic volume, or on or adjacent to a high-speed corridor such as the River Street/Highway 1 intersection.

Such medians provide little refuge for pedestrians, particularly from large or commercial vehicles whose mirrors or accessories extend into adjacent lanes. Even wider medians adjacent to high-speed or high-volume roadways place pedestrians at significant risk of being struck or inadvertently entering the roadway. Narrow medians further limit the ability of pedestrians to safely avoid vehicles, increasing both the likelihood and potential severity of collisions.

The sponsoring councilmembers wish to align enforcement of SCMC § 10.36.040 with three measurable safety factors:
 High Traffic Volume – Increased vehicle counts elevate exposure risk for pedestrians.  High Speed – Roadways with posted speeds 35 mph or above significantly increase injury severity.
 Narrow Medians – Medians under four feet in width provide insufficient pedestrian refuge.

To address these risks, the amendment would prohibit lingering or remaining on medians:
 four feet wide or less;
 in a way that obstructs traffic control devices; and
 within 100 feet of roadway where the speed limit is 35 mph or higher.

Because the City does not yet have up-to-date ADT data to identify additional high-volume arterial corridors, staff will collect that information and report back. If warranted, sponsoring Councilmembers may bring forward future amendments to SCMC § 10.36.040 targeting other high-risk corridors.

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) DETERMINATION: The proposed Council action is not a “project” under Public Resources Code section 21065 because it does not have the potential to cause a direct or indirect physical change in the environment.

HEALTH IN ALL POLICIES (HiAP): These proposed Municipal Code amendments support the City’s HiAP pillar of Public Health, given that individuals lingering on the specified medians risk being hit by a vehicle or unintentionally entering the roadway, may obstruct traffic and motorists’ line-of-sight, and may distract drivers.

42.2 FISCAL IMPACT:

1. The recommendation in this report impacts the General Fund: No

2. This recommendation requires a budget adjustment: No

3. The recommendation creates an on-going expenditure commitment: No FISCAL IMPACT DESCRIPTION: No impact.

Submitted By:

Fred Keeley
Mayor
Susie O’Hara
Councilmember, District 5
ATTACHMENTS:

1. DRAFT ORDINANCE – CLEAN.DOC

2. DRAFT ORDINANCE – TRACKED CHANGES.DOC

42.3 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-XX

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ AMENDING SANTA CRUZ MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 10.36.040 PERTAINING TO MEDIANS
WHEREAS, the City has a substantial and compelling interest in promoting traffic safety and reducing hazards to bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians. The Council is concerned about the safety impacts associated with individuals lingering on medians, particularly along high-speed, high-volume, or narrow median locations where pedestrians are especially vulnerable to collisions.

WHEREAS, the City’s existing Santa Cruz Municipal Code (“SCMC”) § 10.36.040 currently prohibits “remaining” on any median citywide. This ordinance narrows SCMC §

10.36.040 to focus on medians where there is a clear, objective public-safety risk, while ensuring the regulation is content-neutral and consistent with free-speech protections.

WHEREAS, the City Council desires to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries and increase safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. In furtherance of that goal, in August of 2019, the City of Santa Cruz adopted a Vision Zero policy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries on City streets by 2030.

WHEREAS, medians are an important tool for increasing street safety and meeting the City’s Vision Zero goal. Medians enhance street safety by physically separating opposing traffic, reducing head-on collisions and cross-over accidents, providing pedestrian refuge islands, and shortening crossing distances. Nevertheless, medians, and especially narrow medians that often simply serve to divide traffic, are not designed as pedestrian gathering spaces. Individuals lingering on medians risk being struck by vehicles, obstruct traffic sightlines, and distract drivers who must focus on the safe operation of fast-moving vehicles.

WHEREAS, the City Council, in consultation with the City Engineer, finds that increased exposure to vehicles from lingering on medians creates safety risks where the median is narrow four feet wide or less), adjacent to a roadway with high traffic volume, or on or adjacent to a high-speed corridor such as the River Street/Highway 1 intersection. Such medians provide little refuge for pedestrians, particularly from large or commercial vehicles whose mirrors or accessories extend into adjacent lanes. Even wider medians adjacent to high-speed or highvolume roadways place pedestrians at significant risk of being struck or inadvertently entering the roadway. Narrow medians further limit the ability of pedestrians to safely avoid vehicles, increasing both the likelihood and potential severity of collisions.

WHEREAS, the City Engineer has also found that sometimes pedestrians who linger on medians obstruct traffic signs or signals, which is another public safety issue. Traffic devices sometimes installed on medians include regulatory signs and equipment such as turn prohibitions and signal indications, which, if blocked, creates a traffic safety concern.

WHEREAS, the City Council hereby enacts the following amendments to Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 10.36.040.

42.4 ORDINANCE NO. 202X-XX
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Santa Cruz as follows:

SECTION 1. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 10.36.040 is amended as follows:
“LINGERING ON CERTAIN MEDIANS
(a) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section:
“Linger” means to remain for longer than two traffic signal cycles, or, for locations without a traffic signal, for longer than three minutes. “Median” means a raised paved or planted strip of ground dividing a street, roadway, or highway into lanes according to the direction of travel. (b)
(1) No person may linger on any median within the City of Santa Cruz at a location on the median that is four feet wide or narrower.
(2) No person may block traffic signs or signals located on or within any median in the City of Santa Cruz for more than two traffic signal cycles, or, for locations without a traffic signal, for longer than three minutes.
(3) No person may linger on any median within the City of Santa Cruz at a location that is within 100 feet of any roadway where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or higher. (c) The prohibitions contained in subdivision (b) above shall not apply to public employees, employees of public utilities, or employees of public contractors when it is necessary to be upon a median in connection with their employment duties. Nor shall subdivision (b) prohibit anyone from being present on a median as may be necessary to cross a roadway or respond to an emergency.

(d) Any violation of this section is punishable as either an infraction or a misdemeanor.” SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after final adoption.

42.5 ORDINANCE NO. 202X-XX
PASSED FOR PUBLICATION this 18th day of November, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
PASSED FOR FINAL ADOPTION this XX day of XX, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
This is to certify that the above and
foregoing document is the original
of Ordinance No. 202x-xx and that
it has been published or posted in
accordance with the Charter of the
City of Santa Cruz.
________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator

42.6 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-XX

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ AMENDING SANTA CRUZ MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 10.36.040 PERTAINING TO MEDIANS
WHEREAS, the City has a substantial and compelling interest in promoting traffic safety and reducing hazards to bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians. The Council is concerned about the safety impacts associated with individuals lingering on medians, particularly along high-speed, high-volume, or narrow median locations where pedestrians are especially vulnerable to collisions.

WHEREAS, the City’s existing Santa Cruz Municipal Code (“SCMC”) § 10.36.040 currently prohibits “remaining” on any median citywide. This ordinance narrows SCMC §

10.36.040 to focus on medians where there is a clear, objective public-safety risk, while ensuring the regulation is content-neutral and consistent with free-speech protections.

WHEREAS, the City Council desires to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries and increase safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. In furtherance of that goal, in August of 2019, the City of Santa Cruz adopted a Vision Zero policy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries on City streets by 2030.

WHEREAS, medians are an important tool for increasing street safety and meeting the City’s Vision Zero goal. Medians enhance street safety by physically separating opposing traffic, reducing head-on collisions and cross-over accidents, providing pedestrian refuge islands, and shortening crossing distances. Nevertheless, medians, and especially narrow medians that often simply serve to divide traffic, are not designed as pedestrian gathering spaces. Individuals lingering on medians risk being struck by vehicles, obstruct traffic sightlines, and distract drivers who must focus on the safe operation of fast-moving vehicles.

WHEREAS, the City Council, in consultation with the City Engineer, finds that increased exposure to vehicles from lingering on medians creates safety risks where the median is narrow four feet wide or less), adjacent to a roadway with high traffic volume, or on or adjacent to a high-speed corridor such as the River Street/Highway 1 intersection. Such medians provide little refuge for pedestrians, particularly from large or commercial vehicles whose mirrors or accessories extend into adjacent lanes. Even wider medians adjacent to high-speed or highvolume roadways place pedestrians at significant risk of being struck or inadvertently entering the roadway. Narrow medians further limit the ability of pedestrians to safely avoid vehicles, increasing both the likelihood and potential severity of collisions.

WHEREAS, the City Engineer has also found that sometimes pedestrians who linger on medians obstruct traffic signs or signals, which is another public safety issue. Traffic devices sometimes installed on medians include regulatory signs and equipment such as turn prohibitions and signal indications, which, if blocked, creates a traffic safety concern.

42.7 ORDINANCE NO. 202X-XX
WHEREAS, the City Council hereby enacts the following amendments to Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 10.36.040.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Santa Cruz as follows:

SECTION 1. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 10.36.040 is amended as follows:
“LINGERING ON CERTAIN MEDIANS
(a) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section:
“Linger” means to remain for longer than two traffic signal cycles, or, for locations without a traffic signal, for longer than three minutes.
“Median” means a raised paved or planted strip of ground dividing a street, roadway, or highway into lanes according to the direction of travel. (b)
(1) No person may linger on any median within the City of Santa Cruz at a location on the median that is four feet wide or narrower.
(2) No person may block traffic signs or signals located on or within any median in the City of Santa Cruz for more than two traffic signal cycles, or, for locations without a traffic signal, for longer than three minutes.
(3) No person may linger on any median within the City of Santa Cruz at a location that is within 100 feet of any roadway where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or higher. (c) The prohibitions contained in subdivision (b) above shall not apply to public employees, employees of public utilities, or employees of public contractors when it is necessary to be upon a median in connection with their employment duties. Nor shall subdivision (b) prohibit anyone from being present on a median as may be necessary to cross a roadway or respond to an emergency.

(d) Any violation of this section is punishable as either an infraction or a misdemeanor.” (a) Purpose. The city council finds that when persons remain on public medians and roundabouts in the city for purposes other than the purpose of assisting pedestrians to safely cross the street, including using the medians and roundabouts for, among other purposes, disorderly conduct, solicitation of money, solicitation of prostitution, consumption of alcoholic beverages, or other activity not related to crossing the street, they obstruct traffic and distract drivers, thereby threatening both their own safety and the safety of the community. This regulation is therefore necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

42.8 ORDINANCE NO. 202X-XX
(b) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, “remain” means using a median or roundabout for a purpose other than assistance in crossing the street including the purposes of disorderly conduct, solicitation of money, solicitation of prostitution, consumption of alcoholic beverages, or other activity not related to crossing the street. When intersections that contain roundabouts also contain crosswalks that connect the intersection’s streets, “remain” shall also include using the roundabout for street-crossing purposes. For purposes of this section, “median strip” means a raised nonlandscaped, paved, planted, or otherwise landscaped strip of ground dividing a street, roadway or highway into lanes according to the direction of travel. These traffic fixtures are also referred to as median islands, chokers, curb bulb outs, diverter islands, traffic calming devices and traffic circles. “Roundabout” means a raised circular shaped, nonlandscaped, paved, planted, or otherwise landscaped piece of ground located within the intersection of two or more streets, roadways or highways around which vehicular traffic streams for the purpose of continuing through the intersection or moving from one of the intersection’s streets onto another of the intersection’s streets. The roundabout fixture includes the roundabout median, splitter islands and truck aprons.
(c) Remaining on Medians and Roundabouts Prohibited. It is unlawful for any individual to remain on a median or roundabout within a street, roadway or highway located in the city. This section shall not apply to public employees, employees of public utilities or employees of public contractors when it is necessary for them to be upon a median strip or roundabout in connection with their employment duties.
(d) Subsequent Offense within Six Months. Any person who violates this section and is cited for such a violation, and who within six months after receiving such a citation again violates this section, is guilty of a misdemeanor. A person is cited for a violation when he or she is issued and signs an infraction or misdemeanor citation, or when he or she is arrested and booked, or when a complaint is filed and the person is notified of the filing of such a complaint.

SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after final adoption.

PASSED FOR PUBLICATION this 18th day of November, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator

42.9 ORDINANCE NO. 202X-XX
PASSED FOR FINAL ADOPTION this XX day of XX, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
This is to certify that the above and
foregoing document is the original
of Ordinance No. 202x-xx and that
it has been published or posted in
accordance with the Charter of the
City of Santa Cruz.
________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator

42.10 High-Risk Median Criteria
• Speed ≥ 35 mph — demonstrably exponential increase in pedestrian fatality risk (American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety, 2011)
• Width < 6 feet — incompatible with refuge-island safety standards (Federal Highway Administration, 2010; National Association of City Transportation Officials, 2013)
• Traffic volumes ≥ 15,000 Average Daily Traffic — arterial-level throughput with high crash exposure (North Carolina
Department of Transportation Research Report RP2022-11) • Within ~200 ft of arterial or complex intersections — Federal Highway Administration / North Carolina Department of
Transportation systemic risk-factor consensus

42.11 City Council

AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 11/03/2025
AGENDA OF: 11/18/2025
DEPARTMENT: City Attorney
SUBJECT: Amendment to Santa Cruz Municipal Code 5.82.120 Pertaining to Sidewalk Vending (CA)
LOCATION: Citywide
RECOMMENDATION: Motion to introduce for publication an ordinance amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC) 5.82.120 pertaining to sidewalk vending.

BACKGROUND: The City Attorney’s Office (CAO) has identified certain opportunities to update the City’s sidewalk vending ordinance as it relates to impounding sidewalk vending items.

DISCUSSION: SCMC 5.82.120 currently allows impoundment for several reasons. The CAO recommends limiting impoundment to cases where the items are abandoned or where the items constitute an imminent and substantial safety or environmental hazard. All other scenarios currently justifying potential impoundment in the current SCMC 5.82.120 could be handled through other code enforcement procedures (e.g., SCMC 4.18, Abatement of a Public Nuisance in the City).

Additionally, SCMC 5.82 does not presently have a provision explicitly allowing the City to seek a court order to enjoin a sidewalk vendor who is operating in violation of the ordinance. To make the public and potential vendors aware of this possibility, the CAO recommends adding it to the code as 5.82.150 “Nuisance.”
The proposed amendments to SCMC 5.82.120 and the addition of 5.82.150 will allow the City to continue to impound either where the sidewalk vending items have been abandoned or where they present an imminent and substantial safety or environmental hazard. Note that the City does not impound vending items very often, and most of the impoundments that staff or contractors have undertaken were because the items were abandoned.

Additionally, while the potential legal remedy to enjoin a vendor who operates in violation of the local ordinance was always a possibility, it was not explicitly referenced in Chapter 5.82. Adding section 5.82.150 will alert the public and potential vendors of this remedy.

43.1 At a later date, the CAO or City staff may recommend further changes to Chapter 5.82 as the law develops, in response to enforcement experience, and/or to make the Municipal Code more uniform.

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) DETERMINATION: The proposed Council action is not a “project” under Public Resources Code section 21065 because it does not have the potential to cause a direct or indirect physical change in the environment.

HEALTH IN ALL POLICIES (HiAP): The goal of Health in All Policies (HiAP) is to ensure that decision-makers are informed about the impacts on the three HiAP pillars of public health, equity, and sustainability when reviewing projects and policy options. The proposed changes to the City’s Municipal Code are intended to balance public health with economic opportunities for vendors. The City’s vending regulations are needed to support public health and safety.

FISCAL IMPACT:

1. The recommendation in this report impacts the General Fund: No

2. This recommendation requires a budget adjustment: No

3. The recommendation creates an on-going expenditure commitment: No FISCAL IMPACT DESCRIPTION: No impact.

Prepared By:

Cassie Bronson
Assistant City Attorney
Submitted By:

Tony Condotti
City Attorney
Approved By:

Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:

1. DRAFT ORDINANCE -CLEAN.DOCX

2. DRAFT ORDINANCE -TRACKED CHANGES.DOCX

43.2 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-XX

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ AMENDING SANTA CRUZ MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 5.82 PERTAINING TO SIDEWALK VENDING

WHEREAS, in 2019, California Senate Bill ("SB") 946 (Sidewalk Vendors) became law, decriminalizing commercial sidewalk vending and limiting local governments' ability to restrict sidewalk vending;
WHEREAS, on April 12, 2022, the City passed Ordinance No. 2022-03, which created the Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 5.82, “Sidewalk Vending;” to promote public health, safety, and welfare, through a comprehensive City-wide dedicated sidewalk vending permitting and regulation scheme that was intended to both comply with state law and be effective at regulating sidewalk vending in public spaces;
WHEREAS, on February 12, 2023, the City amended the Ordinance via Ordinance No. 2023-04;
WHEREAS, on March 25, 2025, the City amended the Ordinance via Ordinance No. 2025-06;

WHEREAS, the intent of this ordinance is to update the current sidewalk vending permitting and regulation scheme to effectively regulate sidewalk vending in a way that both complies with state and federal law, while at the same time effectively addressing objective public health, safety, and welfare concerns.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED By the City of Santa Cruz as follows:

Section 1. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 5.82.120 “IMPOUNDMENT” is hereby amended as follows:

5.82.120 IMPOUNDMENT.
a) The city may impound vending display devices, food, goods, and/or merchandise that:
1) Reasonably appear to be abandoned on public property; or 2) Is (A) creating an imminent and substantial safety or environmental hazard by the location of the vending display device or the nature of the goods being offered for sale, and (B) refuses to remove their vending display device, food for sale, and/or goods/merchandise for sale after being instructed to do so by a city enforcement official.
b) The city may immediately dispose of impounded materials that are perishable or cannot be safely stored.

43.3 c) An individual may recover impounded materials upon demonstrating proper proof of ownership.
d) Any unclaimed items will be considered abandoned and forfeited to the city after ninety days following impoundment.

Section 2. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 5.82.150 “NUISANCE” is hereby added as follows:
“5.82.150 NUISANCE.

The city council hereby finds and declares that repeated violations of this chapter constitute a public nuisance which may be enjoined under all applicable law, including but not limited to Municipal Code Section 4.04.020.”
Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force thirty (30) days after final adoption.

PASSED FOR PUBLICATION this 18th day of November 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

APPROVED: __________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor

ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
PASSED FOR FINAL ADOPTION this XX day of XX, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator

43.4 This is to certify that the above and
foregoing document is the original
of Ordinance No. 2025-xx and that
it has been published or posted in
accordance with the Charter of the
City of Santa Cruz.
________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator

43.5 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-XX

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ AMENDING SANTA CRUZ MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 5.82 PERTAINING TO SIDEWALK VENDING

WHEREAS, in 2019, California Senate Bill ("SB") 946 (Sidewalk Vendors) became law, decriminalizing commercial sidewalk vending and limiting local governments' ability to restrict sidewalk vending;
WHEREAS, on April 12, 2022, the City passed Ordinance No. 2022-03, which created the Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 5.82, “Sidewalk Vending;” to promote public health, safety, and welfare, through a comprehensive City-wide dedicated sidewalk vending permitting and regulation scheme that was intended to both comply with state law and be effective at regulating sidewalk vending in public spaces;
WHEREAS, on February 12, 2023, the City amended the Ordinance via Ordinance No. 2023-04;
WHEREAS, on March 25, 2025, the City amended the Ordinance via Ordinance No. 2025-06;

WHEREAS, the intent of this ordinance is to update the current sidewalk vending permitting and regulation scheme to effectively regulate sidewalk vending in a way that both complies with state and federal law, while at the same time effectively addressing objective public health, safety, and welfare concerns.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED By the City of Santa Cruz as follows:

Section 1. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 5.82.120 “IMPOUNDMENT” is hereby amended as follows:

5.82.120 IMPOUNDMENT.
a) The city may impound vending display devices, food, goods, and/or merchandise that:
1) Reasonably appear to be abandoned on public property; or

2. Are displayed, offered, or made available for rent or sale by a sidewalk vendor who (A) operates in violation of this chapter; and (B) refuses or fails to provide identification, as required by Section 5.82.110(f); and (C) refuses to remove their vending display device, food for sale, and/or goods/merchandise for sale after being instructed to do so by a city enforcement official; or

3. Are displayed, offered, or made available for rent or sale by a sidewalk vendor who (A) does not possess a valid applicable sidewalk vending permit (and/or, if applicable, a valid applicable parks vending permit); and (B) also

43.6 refuses to remove their vending display device, food for sale, and/or goods/merchandise for sale after being instructed to do so by a city enforcement official; or
42) Is (A) creating an imminent and substantial safety or environmental hazard by the location of the vending display device or the nature of the goods being offered for sale, and (B) refuses to remove their vending display device, food for sale, and/or goods/merchandise for sale after being instructed to do so by a city enforcement official.; or

5. Are displayed, offered, or made available for rent or sale by a sidewalk vendor who has, within a twenty-four-month period, been issued three or more administrative citations for violations of this chapter. b) The city may immediately dispose of impounded materials that are perishable or cannot be safely stored.
c) An aggrieved vendor may, within ten days, appeal the impoundment of their property by requesting an administrative hearing before a hearing officer appointed by the city under Title 4, and if successful in their appeal, may have their property returned without paying an impound fee. The appeal hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the administrative enforcement hearing procedure contained in Title 4. Any appeal fee paid by the sidewalk vendor shall be returned to the sidewalk vendor if they are successful on appeal.
cd) An individual may recover impounded materials upon paying applicable impound fees and demonstrating proper proof of ownership.
e) The city council may by resolution adopt impound fees, which shall reflect the city’s enforcement, investigation, storage, and impound costs. df) Any unclaimed items will be considered abandoned and forfeited to the city after ninety days following impoundment.

Section 2. Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 5.82.150 “NUISANCE” is hereby added as follows:
“5.82.150 NUISANCE.

The city council hereby finds and declares that repeated violations of this chapter constitute a public nuisance which may be enjoined under all applicable law, including but not limited to Municipal Code Section 4.04.020.”
Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force thirty (30) days after final adoption.

PASSED FOR PUBLICATION this 18th day of November 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

43.7 NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

APPROVED: __________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor

ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator

43.8 44.1

44.2 45.1

46.1 46.2

46.3 46.4

46.5 46.6

46.7 COMMITTED TO PUBLIC SAFETY THROUGH EXEMPLARY SERVICE Automated License Plate Reader Annual Report

46.8 At the December 12, 2023, City Council meeting, the Santa Cruz Police Department (SCPD) sought approval to use FY 2024 State Homeland Security Grant funds (SHSG) toward the lease and installation of fourteen (14) automated license plate readers (ALPRs).

Three (3) motions received City Council approval.

1. Approve a FY 2024 SHSG proposal letter.

2. Approve the installation of ALPRs within Santa Cruz city limits, purchased with funds received through the FY 2024 SHSG.

3. Review the SCPD ALPR Policy and provide comment.

A friendly amendment was requested and accepted to: Direct staff to submit an annual report to the City Council on the use and effectiveness of the ALPRs, including but not limited to total number of scans, total number of hits generated, total number of arrests as a result of ALPR use, total number of vehicles recovered, and an equity assessment that explains what populations have been affected Automated License Plate Reader Annual Report

46.9 Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs)
What ALPRs Can Do What ALPRs Can’t Do
Take and store photos of the rear of a
vehicle, including its license plate
X Collect personally identifiable information (PII)
X Facial recognition
X Video surveillance
X Traffic enforcement
X Camera cannot rotate, zoom, or move
Collect data on the time and location
of captured photos
Flock database will run a plate
against known law enforcement
databases – stolen vehicles, missing
persons, hotlists

46.10 SCPD Policy 415 – Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) Officer MUST visually confirm a license plate before proceeding.

Officer MUST verify license plate status on a hotlist before proceeding.

Need to Know & Right to Know criteria required to access ALPR data.

Prohibits ALPRs from being used for:

1. Immigration enforcement (Senate Bill 54)

2. Harassment or intimidation of protected classes

3. Reproductive or gender-affirming care enforcement

4. Personal use
Non-evidential ALPR data can be stored for a maximum of 30 days.

Cannot share data with private, federal, and out-of-state entities (Senate Bill 34).

46.11 SCPD
Transparency Portal

46.12 December
2023
March
2024
November
2024 01 02 03 04
November
2025
05 City Council Motion
 Approval to use State
Homeland Security Grant
to lease 14x ALPR
cameras
 Approval of SCPD ALPR
Policy
#1-7 Cameras Installed
 ALPR data collection
starts on May 29th
#8 Camera Installed
City Council Annual Report
 The SCPD will provide City
Council with its annual ALPR
report to
Flock Contract
 Started a 2-year
contract with
Flock Safety
May-July
2024
ALPR Milestones

46.13 ALPR Scan Data
Reporting Period: June 10, 2024-September 30, 2025
23,615,215
ALPR Scans
8 Cameras
11,040
Hits
6,823
Stolen or Lost
Plate(s) 3,843
Allied Agency
Custom Hotlist
Alerts
183
Stolen
Vehicles
174
SCPD
Hotlist
17 DOJ
Felony
Vehicles
27 Cases
Generated
13 Recovered
Vehicles
35 Suspects
28 Suspects
Contacted
26 Suspects
Arrested

46.14 ALPR Scan Data
Reporting Period: June 10, 2024-September 30, 2025
23,615,215
ALPR Scans 11,040
Hits
6,823
Stolen or Lost
Plate(s) 3,843
Allied Agency
Custom Hotlist
Alerts
183
Stolen
Vehicles
174
SCPD
Hotlist
17 DOJ
Felony
Vehicles

46.15 ALPR Scan Data
Reporting Period: June 10, 2024-September 30, 2025
23,615,215
ALPR Scans
27 Cases
Generated
13 Recovered
Vehicles
35 Suspects
28 Suspects
Contacted
26 Suspects
Arrested

46.16 Populations Affected
Reporting Period: June 10, 2024-September 30, 2025
15 9
3 8 8
6 10
2 3
6 7
22 6
0 5
10 15
20 25

46.17 Parish Pub
Shooting
Investigation
Hit-And-Run
Investigations
Infant Death
Investigation
Stalking
Investigation
Crows Nest
Shooting
Investigation
Assault w/ a
Deadly Weapon
Investigations
Stolen Vehicles
Recovered
Downtown
Santa Cruz
Jewelry Theft
Investigation
Armed Robbery
Investigation
Grand Theft
Investigation
Burglary Spree
Investigation
SCPD ALPR Success Stories
Firearms
Possession
Investigation
Reporting Period: June 10, 2024-September 30, 2025 46.18

COMMITTED TO PUBLIC SAFETY THROUGH EXEMPLARY SERVICE
Automated License Plate Reader Annual Report

46.19