I concur with Cristin’s comment. Please include information on acceptable thresholds of the pollutants and strategies for preventing their entering the watershed. This may not be the right location in the document, but this should be addressed somewhere. Sedimentation seems like a different category to me – not really a pollutant, and would require different types of solutions. Consider discussing it separately.
This is intended to bring the focus of policies to the three primary pollution sources. These three issues guide policy development and implementation. Clarification was added. Thresholds beyond what the State and RWQCB already require as suggested in the comment are outside the scope of this document. Excess sediment is a pollutant. OWTS and stormwater require different approaches too.
Does the City view “reviewing and implementing a progressive rate structure to reduce water consumption” (included earlier in this sentence) as a type of regulatory mechanism to reduce consumption? If so, this appears redundant. Otherwise organizationally, it might be clearer if the “consumption reduction measures” are grouped together.
Details on BMP selection should be a policy rather than a principle (and Site Design, Source Control, and Treatment Control BMPs should be defined in the LUP glossary). Consider a broader principle of minimizing impacts to water quality and hydrology from development.
Please see our “Model LCP Water Quality Guidance” Principles 2‐3 (https://www.coastal.ca.gov/water‐quality/local‐gov/).
We recommend using “minimize” rather than “mitigate.” “Mitigate” is too vague, and connotes making up for an unavoidable adverse impact.
Policies should address water quality impacts and hydrological impacts. Protection of water resources requires not only minimizing pollutants in runoff, but also minimizing alterations in a site’s pre‐ development hydrologic balance, measured in terms of the runoff volume, flow rate, timing, and duration.
I don’t think this should be a blanket policy. Soil stabilizers are still introducing a foreign substance into the ecosystem. I would reserve this BMP for steep slopes, or other areas with high erosion potential. Also, there are so many forms of possible disturbance, better to not mention specific disturbance activities than to mention but two.
Consider adding a policy to reduce/eliminate use of current stormwater outfalls and avoid construction of new stormwater outfalls. Until outfalls are eliminated, please also consider policy language to direct stormwater to existing facilities with appropriate treatment and filtration, where feasible.
Please remove the word “encourage” and restructure this sentence to set clear development requirements. We recommend that LID techniques be given precedence in all development projects and be required for Developments of Special Concern (not just encouraged), to the extent appropriate and feasible. We also recommend that development be required to be planned, sited, and designed to maintain or enhance onsite infiltration of runoff where appropriate and feasible. Please also clarify that these are techniques for stormwater management, and ensure that LID is defined in the LUP.
There are also LID techniques that do not involve infiltration (such as evapotranspiration, harvesting for later on‐site use, detention, or retention of stormwater). Flow‐through planter boxes and green roofs are examples.
This seems to contradict Policy CONS‐1c.3 below which states that the CASQA Stormwater BMP Handbook should be used to select BMPs – consider combining and harmonizing Program CONS‐1b.9.2 and Policy CONS‐1c.3.
Ic.3 does say “or equivalent,” so maybe not a direct conflict. In addition, BMPs do not equal LID, so these policies are talking about two different things that have some overlap. Will review again when cleaned up.
This appears to be a policy, not a program. Refer to Comment 2, page 2, of our 7/5/19 letter to the City.
Where is this document accessed? See Comment 3c, page 4 of our 7/5/19 letter to the City.
The LCP should be able to refer to industry standards and professional documents without having them need to be part of the LCP. Made a City policy, but this may need further discussion.
We recommend modifying this statement to say that an LID approach is required for Developments of Special Concern, and making this program a policy. We also recommend removing this incomplete list of example parameters that might indicate a project is a Development of Special Concern and instead rely on the comprehensive list included in proposed Policy CONS‐1e.2. See General Comment 3 in our 9/10/19 comments specific to the Conservation, Open Space & Recreation Element.
Because this is covered in more detail in CONS‐1e.2, I just deleted here to avoid confusion.
The City’s stormwater system infiltrates all stormwater and the outfall will be eliminated this summer. In certain areas, impacts to septic systems and bluff stability preclude infiltration.
To ensure consistency with Coastal Act §30230 & 30231, we recommend using the terms “maintain, enhance and where feasible, restore” when discussing the protection of the biological productivity and quality of coastal waters, streams, and wetlands.
Please expand to include planning, siting, and designing development
Detention/slowing of runoff is also important in addition to infiltration, treatment, and retention/storage.
This subsection is not phrased in a way that logically connects to the broader statement in CONS‐1b.12 (“site development in order to...”)
Will these areas be designated on a map of Trinidad? Will they be identified at the time of project initiation? The statement is very generic and therefore provides little guidance.
We recommend modifying this language consistent with our model water quality policies:
“maintain and, where feasible, restore hydrologic features such as stream corridors, drainage swales, topographical depressions, groundwater recharge areas, floodplains, and wetlands.”
How will these be preserved? Through BMPs? Through buffer establishment?
We recommend adding a definition in the glossary of what constitutes a “significant tree”
Please clarify that a site‐specific infiltration rate evaluation may be required of the project applicant to assist with the project’s stormwater management design (we also recommend restructuring this sentence with development as the subject).
CONS‐1b‐13 appears to be a program, not a policy. Refer to Comment 2, page 2, of our 7/5/19 letter to the City.
Please reword this policy so that it directly governs development with development as the subject – “development shall incorporate measures to…” We also recommend including separate policies for construction‐phase measures and post‐construction stormwater management. See General Comment 2 in our 9/10/19 comments specific to the Conservation, Open Space & Recreation Element.
I modified the language per Kristen’s suggestion, however, I think changing the wording per her suggestion would change the intent of the policy.
I added policies for pre and post construction above. I will review of active voice/implied subjects after clean‐up.
The following list seems redundant with other policies, including proposed Policies CONS‐1b.1, 1b.2, 1b.3, 1b.5 and 1b.12.
Please also mention protection of hydrology – see comment in the principles section on the principle “Best Management Practices Policies.”
Please clarify that a site‐specific infiltration rate evaluation may be required of the project applicant to assist with the project’s stormwater management design (we also recommend restructuring this sentence with development as the subject).
Please make this a policy to ensure it is part of the standard of review for CDPs.
Policies CONS‐1c.4, CONS‐1c.5, CONS‐1c.6, and CONS‐1d.1 seem to be programs. Refer to Comment 2, page 2, of our 7/5/19 letter to the City.
Changed the policies to programs, and developed policy language.
We can’t make people conserve water within the “City’s watershed” since we have no jurisdiction (and I’m not sure what watershed that would refer to) outside City limits. We can regulate water use for those connected to the system as was written.
I think it’s better as one program, but it might be better as a policy. We should relook at the Circulation element for more context.
The NPDES Permit addresses the City’s storm drainage system and is different than the ASBS Program. We therefore recommend moving this program under a policy on the City’s storm drain system.
But the only reason the City is subject to MS4 requirements is due to the ASBS.
“Development that results in” is a little unclear. We recommend “development that creates and/or replaces” instead.
How would a development with a higher density than called for in the LCP be approved consistent with the certified LCP?
Density bonuses for affordable housing? I lost track of where I copied these from, so I edited based on Fort Bragg and Crescent City instead.
Please clarify that this applies to areas identified as inappropriate for LID infiltration techniques.
We recommend adding any categories from our model LCP water quality guidance that are not covered by this list.
I don’t see any categories defining developments of special concern in that guidance document.
I edited based on Fort Bragg and Crescent City.
Please clarify that the map is only intended to serve as a repository of collated data for use as a screening tool in the review of future development proposals and is not a comprehensive inventory of all ESHA within the City, nor is it a delineation of sensitive habitat. See General Comment 1 on mapping resources in our 9/10/19 comments specific to the Conservation, Open Space & Recreation Element.
This list identifies areas in the City that are ESHAs, and Section 2 below identifies other ESHAs in the City. Consider adding a cross‐reference in each section or rewording to ensure internal consistency.
I deleted the defined ESHAs in the city to avoid constraining development beyond CCC policy.
Is this in reference to the City’s list above (which was deleted), or the CA definition? They’re listed together elsewhere in this document, so I left it in for consistency. Will review again once cleaned up.
The goal is not “limit”, but to prohibit development where ESHAs are found, except for acceptable uses, or where there is a takings issue.
See General Comment 1 on mapping resources in our 9/10/19 comments specific to the Conservation, Open Space & Recreation Element.
We also recommend including policy language disallowing the use of native cultivars (vs. locally native plants) to the extent feasible, due to problematic issues with native cultivars in the ecosystem.
That seems like something that would be in the definitions and/or the IP.
I’ll also add that we often allow non‐native plants in landscaping (not ESHA) that are not invasive. Invasive species are all those on the CALIPC list
Please change “landscaping” to “plantings.” The only development allowed in ESHA is resource‐ dependent, so there should be no landscaping in ESHA, but there may be plantings, for example, as part of a restoration project. Also, please see General Comment 5 in our 9/10/19 comments specific to the Conservation, Open Space & Recreation Element for recommendations on requirements for planting and vegetation maintenance in and adjacent to ESHA.
This policy included areas adjacent to ESHAs, but that should be in a different section.
This statement is misleading because the certified LCP includes policy language that directly regulate development in ESHA consistent with Coastal Act §30240 (instead of just deferring to other state and federal regulations). Under the Coastal Act's legislative scheme, the certified LCP embodies state policy [Pratt v. California Coastal Commission (2008) 162 Ca. App.4th1068.].
Rare plant habitat is ESHA, so standards for development in rare plant habitat are covered by CONS‐2a.3 and requirements for a rare plant survey are covered by CONS‐2a.11. Please review to ensure that these rare plant requirements are consistent with the more general requirements of development in ESHA found in the aforementioned policies.
We recommend requirements for separate (1) construction‐phase erosion and sediment control plans and (2) post‐construction stormwater management plans for all development that has the potential for adverse water quality and/or hydrologic impacts (not just for development on properties containing ESHA). See General Comment 2 in our 9/10/19 comments specific to the Conservation, Open Space & Recreation Element.
We recommend making this program a policy so that it can be part of the standard of review for CDPs.
This sentence appears to be prohibiting development in ESHA (unless such a prohibition results in the taking of private property) – this conflicts with proposed Policies CONS‐2a.1, 2a.2, and 2a.3 which allow certain types of development in wetlands, ESHAs, and streams. Consider instead avoiding development in ESHA if feasible; and if complete avoidance is not feasible, siting and designing allowable uses in ESHA to minimize impacts, including vegetation removal.
This sentence is alluding to a takings of private property. Please see General Comment 2d in our 7/16/19 letter on addressing takings in the LCP.
If disturbed areas are to be replanted, please clarify that this sentence applies to temporary disturbances. Also, please refer back to the allowable use provisions of Coastal Act §§30233, 30236, and 30240 (proposed Policies CONS‐2a.1, 2a.2, and 2a.3) to ensure this allowance for disturbance to ESHA in “special circumstances” is not read as a caveat to the allowable use provisions of the aforementioned policies.
Any application for development in an area where ESHA may be present must include a biological survey to identify and map potential ESHA, not just in areas identified on Figure 7 and areas identified by City staff. We recommend modifying this policy accordingly (e.g., changing “including” to “including, but not limited to”).
Please reword so that this policy directly governs development (e.g. “all exterior lighting shall be minimized…”). Please also ensure that this policy is consistent with proposed Policy CIRC‐
10.6 which also regulates exterior lighting. Consistent with proposed Policy CIRC‐10.6, we recommend limiting exterior lighting to what is necessary for safety, rather than minimizing all exterior lighting except safety lighting. Even public safety lighting can be minimized to reduce light pollution (see proposed Program CIRC‐10.6.3).
Proposed Policy CONS‐1b.12 calls for the preservation and protection of riparian corridors and creek channels and the minimization of disturbance of natural areas, and Proposed Policy CONS‐1c.2 calls for the maintenance of natural drainage conditions. To maintain consistency, this policy should mandate preservation/protection (i.e., move “to the extent feasible” so that it only modifies the verb “restore”).
We recommend making this a policy to ensure this requirement is part of the standard of review for CDPs. We recommend not only prohibiting planting, but requiring maintenance of the property free of these highly‐invasive plants (i.e., none of these species shall be planted or allowed to naturalize or persist on the project site). See General Comment 5 in our 9/10/19 comments specific to the Conservation, Open Space & Recreation Element.
Is ‘request’ the right posture? Also, removal does not ensure that reinvasion will not occur promptly – like, as soon as you turn your back. Without a very concerted, and well‐financed effort, these species will remain in the right‐of‐ways and continue to spread along these routes.
I believe the term used by the Council is “moderate”. Again, unless this is a coordinated and concerted effort and removal strategy, these plants will return.
Policies CONS‐4.2, CONS‐4.3, CONS‐4.[5], seem to be programs. Refer to Comment 2, page 2, of our 7/5/19 letter to the City.
Since permit requirements are referenced here, it may be helpful to include a policy indicating that timber removal and/or harvesting other than for timber operations (such as, but not limited to less‐than‐3‐acre conversions) constitutes major vegetation removal and requires a CDP.
Timber operations and timberland are defined by the Forest Practices Act (PRC 4527 & 4526) and timber harvesting plans are described (PRC 4582), but there does not seem to be a clear definition for timber harvesting in the Forest Practices Act. Please clarify what is meant by timber harvesting.
Does this refer to a Safety Element? We have not yet received this chapter for review.
I need to finish the coastal hazards assessment, then update the Safety Element.
What constitutes prime timber soils and prime agriculture soils? Are these mapped? Are these specific soil classifications?
I need to research what prime timber soils is referring to. But prime ag soils are well‐defined.
When would this be? What soil characteristics are you referring to here?
This is a general statement and can refer to any of several types of soil limitations that occur in the area.
Trails, yes; parking no (not beyond the street right‐of‐way). This is similar to current policy #74.
Trails are specifically included as allowable.
We recommend rewording so that this meets the definition of a policy (a specific mandatory statement binding the City’s action and establishing the standard of review for land use and development decisions). For example, “Coastal bluffs shall be managed to prevent unauthorized activities such as…”
Even reworded, I’m still not sure this governs the review of CDPs and LCP amendments. Should it be an “other initiative”?
We recommend rewording so that this meets the definition of a policy (a specific mandatory statement binding the City’s action and establishing the standard of review for land use and development decisions). For example, “Coastal bluffs shall be managed to prevent unauthorized activities such as…”
We recommend a goal of “maximum access” consistent with Coastal Act §30210. We also recommend that the City include language calling for public access parking to be retained as a free resource open 24 hours a day. If any potential fees or restrictions on hours of use are contemplated in the future, we recommend that the LCP clearly indicate that CDP authorization is required and potentially include provisions that enable objective evaluation of these restrictions consistent with the public access policies of the Coastal Act.
We recommend restructuring this policy with development as the clear subject consistent with Coastal Act §30251 (development shall be sited and designed to protect views to and along the ocean and scenic coastal areas…”).
I reviewed the referenced comment, and Coastal Act Public Access policies. I’m still unclear what deficiencies CC staff see in theses public access policies.
I added language from the referenced policies. But 30252 seems beyond what would ever be applicable to Trinidad; maybe draft a ‘lite’ version. Added rec policies to recreation section.
Those and other referenced policies in the comment are already included in the “priority use” section of the LU element.
Please see General Comment 6 in our 9/10/19 comments specific to the Conservation, Open Space & Recreation Element on the City’s inventory of existing and future public access.
Most of this comment is relative to Figure 10. The Trails Policy will cover some of the comments/recommendations. I do want to be careful about including too much info on the Figure (e.g. OTDs could be confusing, particularly if out of date).
It no longer exists, and there are no plans to rebuild. It would be good to encourage one at the park/museum/library property and possibly the Harbor and HSU.
Or other legal documents. We recommend reframing to preference towards recorded grants of easement over offers to dedicate.
These programs seem redundant with various policies included in this section (proposed Policies CONS‐10.6, CONS‐10.5, and CONS‐10.10). We recommend including these requirements in policies to ensure they are part of the standard of review for CDPs.
These programs read to me as city actions, versus the blow policies which are constraints on development projects. I left them separate for this reason.
The way this policy is written it indicates that the CA Coastal Trail (CCT) is separate from the City’s trail system when really the City’s system includes segments of the CCT. We recommend modifying this policy accordingly to clarify that the development of the City’s trail system includes the CCT through the City. Please see General Comment 8 in our 9/10/19 comments specific to the Conservation, Open Space & Recreation Element.
We recommend rewording this policy so that it directly governs development (e.g., “unobstructed access to all Trinidad Trails shall be maintained”).
Please add policy language directly regulating the development of the California Coastal Trail.
See General Comment 8 in our 9/10/19 comments specific to the Conservation, Open Space & Recreation Element.
I’m not sure how to respond to this and the below comment regarding further developing CCT support policies. To be, these, coupled with the other trail polices, do support the CCT.
We recommend rewording this policy to directly regulate temporary events. For policy guidance, please see the 1998 Commission staff letter to Planning Directors on the regulation of temporary events in the Coastal Zone (many temporary events do not raise issues and do not require a CDP). The City could require all development (including temporary events) with the potential to adversely impact public access, whether during construction or after, to develop a public access management plan to identify and limit impacts to public access. Plans could identify peak use times and measures to avoid disruption during those times, minimize road and trail closures, identify alternative access routes, and provide for public safety. Strategies for temporary events could include use of shuttles to off‐site parking locations.
PM
We recommend changing to “require” to ensure this is not misinterpreted to only apply in situations where there is already a public access easement in the public right of way.
AM
We also recommend a requirement to identify and remove all unauthorized structures, including signs and fences, which inhibit public access.
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210
CONSERVATION, OPEN SPACE & RECREATION ELEMENT
A. Introduction
1. Purpose
2. Statutory Requirements
3. Background
B. Water Resources and Water Quality
1. Principles for Water Protection
2. Goals and Policies
C. Biological Resources
1. Principals for Biological Resource Protection
2. Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas
3. Plants and Animals
D. Other Natural Resources
1. Timber
2. Soils
3. Minerals
E. Open Space Resources
F. Recreation
1. Public Recreation
2. Public Access
A. INTRODUCTION
1. Purpose
The Conservation, Open Space and Recreation Element of the Coastal General Plan combines two State-mandated elements, Conservation and Open Space. It also includes policies and programs addressing water quality and quantity, biological and other natural resources and protection of parks and open space. Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA), threatened and endangered species, water quality, In addition, this element addresses public access and recreation, an important component of the coastal Land Use Plan.
2. Statutory Requirements
California Government Code § 65302 (d) states that the requirements of a Conservation Element are: “for the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources, including water and its hydraulic force, forests, soils, rivers and other waters, harbors, fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and other natural resources. The conservation element shall consider the effect of development within the jurisdiction, as described in the land use element, on natural resources located on public lands, including military installations”.
Its requirements overlap those of the open-space, land use, safety, and circulation elements. The conservation element is distinguished by being primarily oriented toward natural resources.
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 The purpose of an Open Space Element is to develop a plan for comprehensive and long-range preservation and conservation of open-space land. Open-space land is defined in statute as any parcel or area of land or water that is devoted to open-space use.” (Government Code §65560(h)) The Legislature found that preservation of open space land serves several important purposes and is a matter of public interest (Government Code §65561). Government Code §65560 requires the Open Space element to address the following categories of open space: (1) for the preservation of natural resources, (2) used for the managed production of resources, (3) for outdoor recreation, (4) for the public health and safety, (5) for military support, or (6) for tribal resources. The Open Space Element has specific statutory requirements, but is generally broad in scope and so is often combined with other elements, such as Conservation.
Recreation is not a required General Plan Element. Recreational and park facilities are appropriately discussed in the Land Use and Conservation Elements, and in particular, the Open Space Element (OPR General Plan Guidelines, 2017). Trinidad has included recreational facilities under its own heading due to its importance in Trinidad and the fundamental protection of public coastal access mandated by the Coastal Act. Coastal Act §30500 requires that each LCP contain a specific coastal access component to “assure that the maximum public access to the coastal and public recreation areas is provided.” The recreation component of this element meets these requirements.
3. Background
The City of Trinidad and its Planning Area contain ample natural resources, and open spaces and recreational opportunities. These include, but are not limited to, a beautiful coastline, scenic offshore rocks, sheltered Trinidad Bay and harbor, coastal streams, rugged headlands, bountiful trails, viable timber stands, and rare, threatened and endangered plants and animals (aka special status species). Some of these lands qualify as Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHAs), which are provided special protections.
The kelp beds around Trinidad Head are designated as a State Water Quality Protection Area (SWQPA) – Area of Special Biological Significance (ASBS), and the watersheds draining into the ASBS are Critical Coastal Areas. The City has also been established as one of five twelve California Coastal National Monument Gateway Communitiess – defined as an area that offers the best shore-based opportunities to discover and view offshore rocks and islands and their inhabitants; and a portion of Trinidad Head is one of only six onshore units of the Monument. In addition, a portion of Trinidad State Beach lies within City limits. These designations and public lands within the small area of Trinidad highlight the importance of the City’s natural, open space and recreational resources.
The natural resources of the Trinidad area are described in more detail in Background Report: Biology and Environment of the Trinidad Area dated October 2009. In 2008, the City prepared the Trinidad-Westhaven Integrated Coastal Watershed Management Plan Commented [TP1]: This will be updated prior
to finalizing the GP/LUP.
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 that addresses a variety of water quality concerns and watershed management strategies. The following sections incorporate information and recommendations from these background reports among other sources.
The City wishes to create a sustainable environment by identifying and conserving natural resources. The City also wishes to preserve as much open space as feasible to provide habitat for native species of plants and wildlife, minimize sprawl, maintain the aesthetic benefits of undeveloped land, and provide its residents with a full range of recreational opportunities. The goals, policies and programs of this Element address these aims by establishing the framework for the protection and enhancement of natural resources, protection of water quality, enhancement of open space, and providing for coastal access and recreational opportunities for Trinidad residents and visitors.
B. WATER RESOURCES AND WATER QUALITY
The Trinidad Planning Area is 15.5 square miles (9,924 acres) in area and contains the watersheds of 13 coastal streams (See Figure 67). The major coastal streams that flow through City boundaries are Mill Creek, McConnahas Mill Creek, and Parker Creek.
Trinidad’s Planning Area has always been watershed-based and includes several coastal watersheds to the north and south of Trinidad. In 2008, the City Completed the Trinidad-Westhaven Integrated Coastal Watershed Management Plan. That process included water quality testing and public outreach, resulting in the creation of the Trinidad Bay Watershed Council. Three primary threats to water were identified through that watershed planning effort, which are: sediment, onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), and stormwater. The City has received several grants and implemented several projects to reduce these pollution sources. Efforts to reduce these threats are ongoing.
The State has listed several beaches in the Trinidad area as impaired under Clean Water Act §303(d) due to bacterial contamination, including Trinidad State Beach, Old Home Beach and Luffenholtz Beach. At least some of the contamination comes from old and malfunctioning onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), primarily septic systems. Both the City and the County have addressed this issue through projects to track bacterial sources and improve the condition of OWTS in the area. Clean Beaches Initiative funding was used to help property owners repair and replace problematic systems. The City has developed a regulatory OWTS Management Program that requires systems to be inspected and maintained, as well as upgraded or replaced with certain triggers. The County is implementing their Local Agency Management Program in accordance with the State OWTS Policy, which requires additional monitoring and oversight near impaired water bodies.
The largest watershed in the Planning Area is Luffenholtz Creek, which is the City’s sole source of drinking water. The City’s water treatment plant is particularly sensitive to high levels of sediment and turbidity, but fecal bacteria and pathogens are also a concern.
Luffenholtz Creek is located entirely outside of City boundaries. Therefore, the City has developed policies to help guide regulatory agencies in protecting this watershed.
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 Humboldt County has designated Luffenholtz and Creek as a “Critical Municipal Water Supply Area” in its general plan, which affords it more oversight for development projects. For more information regarding the City’s water system, please see Section C— ‘Planning Outside City Limits’—in the Land Use Element, and Section H— ‘Public Services’—in the Circulation Element.
The water quality and quantity in the Luffenholtz Creek watershed above the City's water withdrawal point warrant strict protections. Through the analysis for the Moss subdivision (County File No. 515-131-32 and 515-291-46; Case No. PMS-03-14), it was determined that Luffenholtz Creek is at least 95% allocated in terms of water rights in a dry year. The City has developed a Water Shortage Contingency Plan to help equitably distribute and ration water in times of drought and other water shortages.
In order to protect its water supply, the City opposes any further subdivision in the Luffenholtz Creek watershed. According to the Trinidad GIS, almost eighty -percent of the Luffenholtz watershed is in timber production. The City also opposes the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides in timber management practice within this watershed area and supports improvements to roads to reduce sediment delivery.
Commercial cannabis production has the potential to negatively impact both the water quality and quantity of coastal streams, and Luffenholtz is particularly sensitive due to its status as a Critical Municipal Water Supply. The City needs to work closely with the County to monitor and comment on projects within the Luffenholtz Creek Watershed.
The City should also work with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to monitor water rights on Luffenholtz. The City’s water system is discussed in more detail in the Circulation Element.
Trinidad’s fishing/crabbing, tourism/recreation industries and drinking water supplies are susceptible to non-point source (NPS) pollution. It is therefore in the best interest of the community to improve and safeguard its water resources in streams and the ocean. In addition to the statewide water quality standards of the CA Ocean Plan, the City must comply with additional requirements and prohibitions due to the presence of the Trinidad Kelp Beds SWQPA/ASBS. The CA Ocean Plan prohibits any discharges into a SWQPA/ASBS, including the City’s stormwater outfall. The City has obtained an exception for the outfall but is working towards eliminating stormwater discharge through infiltration. Because Trinidad Bay is designated as an ASBS (see next section), the City is subject to the State Water Resource Control BoardSWRCB’s MS4 waste discharge requirements that regulate stormwater runoff. The water quality in streams and seeps within the City’s planning area impact the ocean water quality as the streams and seeps empty into the ocean. Therefore, nearshore and offshore water quality issues are related.
According to the Climate Change Vulnerability Report and Adaption Response (GHD, 2016) prepared for the City, climate change modeling data suggests that total precipitation in the Trinidad area is likely to decrease slightly. However, the intensity of those events is predicted to increase, while the frequency may decrease. While uncertain, Tthis has implications for both water supply and stormwater runoff. An City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 increase in runoff volume during storm events can impact water quality and the capacity of the City’s stormwater system. It can also reduce groundwater storage and therefore late summer streamflows. These issues needs to be taken into account when planning infrastructure repairs and improvements.
Aquatic hazards, including floods and tsunamis, are discussed in the Noise and Safety Element.
1. Principles for Water Resource Protection
When interpreting and implementing the policies and programs of this section, the following principals shall be adhered to.
Watershed approach: Because the water quality of a body of water impacts other water bodies in the planning region, the City has adopted a watershed-based approach for the protection of its water resources. The watershed approach accounts for the impacts of human activities to the water resources of the planning region, not just on an individual parcel. Because most of the watersheds in the City’s Planning Area extend outside City limits, it is important for the City to respond to County application referrals based on watershed impacts and to encourage the County to do the same when reviewing projects within the City’s Planning Area. (LU-9.1.1)
Pollution targetsReduction: Three main types of pollutants have been identified that impact water resources in the City’s Planning Area. These are sediment, bacteria from malfunctioning OWTS, and urban pollution in stormwater runoff. The City will take these into account in its planning processes and review of development applications and will encourage the County to do the same within the City’s Planning Area.
Education and Regulation: Primary methods for protecting water resources are the implementation of public and industry education programs and the creation of ordinances to regulate activities that cause pollution.
Water Conservation: Efforts to conserve water will be focused on, but not limited to, , improving infrastructure to increase water reserves, implementing a capital improvement program to reduce water leakage, adopting regulatory and pricing mechanisms to reduce consumption, exploring and encouraging alternatives such as grey water irrigation and rainwater catchment, and utilizing public education to encourage overall water conservation.
Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Low Impact Development (LID) Utilize aAccepted BMPs and LID principles will be utilized to minimize the transport of pollutants in runoff from the development into coastal waters to and to minimize postdevelopment changes in the site’s runoff flow regime (i.e., volume, flow rate, timing, and duration), to preserve the pre-development hydrologic balance and prevent adverse changes in the hydrology of coastal waters (i.e., hydromodification). Select actions to minimize both construction-phase and post-construction impacts.
Commented [TP2]: I will go through and
verify all of these references once the drafts
are more final.
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210
2. Goals and Policies for Water Resource Conservation
Goal CONS-1: Actively protect and improve the quality and quantity of water in streams and seeps and the quality of ocean water within the City's planning area. a. Public Outreach Policies: Public education can be a very effective means of achieving the goals of reducing pollution, waste and disposal reduction and water conservation.
CONS-1a.1 Provide information, marketing, training, and education to support water efficiency, conservation, and water quality protection within the City's planning area.
Program CONS-1a.1.1 Develop and implement an effective public outreach and education program for issues that impact the quality and quantity of the City's water resources. Coordinate this effort and seek participation with relevant local interest and industry groups and agencies, including the Trinidad Bay Watershed Council, HSU Marine Lab, Trinidad Rancheria, Trinidad Chamber of Commerce Trinidad Elementary School, BLM, TCLT, State Parks, and the RWQCB.
Program CONS-1a.1.2 Use public education programs to promote environmentally responsible building designs and construction practices, including, but not limited to:
a) creation of permeable surfaces and more natural hydrology through the use of LID technologies and techniques; b) use of low-flow appliances and alternative landscaping methods to reduce water consumption and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides;, c) sustainable materials and appropriate technology; and d) appropriate use and care of OWTS.
b. Policies to eliminate/reduce aquatic pollution and hydrologic modification.
Sediment reduction: In the Trinidad area, the main causes of sedimentation are land disturbance from activities such as construction, road work and timber harvest and transportation, removal of riparian vegetation, as well as man-made or naturally occurring erosion. Gravel roads, in particular, have been found to be a primary contributor to high turbidity levels.
CONS-1b.1 New development shall Mminimize land disturbance activities from construction (e.g., clearing, grading, soil compaction, and cut-and-fill), and avoid development on steep slopes, unstable areas, and highly erosive soils to the extent feasible in order to minimize erosion. (CONS-5.2)
CONS-1b.2 New development shall Mminimize disturbance of natural vegetation during construction, including preservation of mature trees and native vegetation.
Where vegetation is removed, maintain the root structures shall be maintained, where possibleappropriate, to prevent erosion and sedimentation.
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 7
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210
CONS-1b.3 Address erosion and sedimentation during construction, as well as other potential pollutants from construction sites (e.g., paint, solvents, vehicle fluids, and debris). In order to minimize erosion and discharge of sediment and other pollutants (e.g., paint, solvents, vehicle fluids, and debris) during construction, a constructionphase erosion and sediment/pollution control plan shall be required for development that has the potential to adversely affect water quality. The level of detail required in such a plan shall be commensurate with the type and scale of the development, and the potential for adverse impacts to coastal water quality. (CIRC-8.6) Program CONS-1b.3.1 Develop an inventory system for construction projects to track sediment and erosion control plans in accordance with SWRCB Water Quality Order No. 2013-0001-DWQ and / or the City’s current MS4 Permit requirements.
CONS-1b.4 Prohibit grading during the rainy season (from October 15th through April 30th) in areas with slopes of 15 % or greater (as indicated on Figure 9), except in response to emergencies. Grading on slopes less than 15% is discouraged during the rainy season, but may be allowed on a case-by-case basis as long as any areas that are disturbed incorporate appropriate BMPs and monitoring to prevent water quality impacts. (CONS-5.3)
CONS-1b.5 Require stabilization of disturbed areas through revegetation or other appropriate means as soon as feasible. (CONS-5.5)
OWTS management: The entire City and surrounding community utilize OWTS for wastewater disposal, but dense development, older systems and some soil limitations warrant careful regulation and oversight of OWTS.
CONS-1b.6 Develop andContinue to maintain and implement an regulatory OWTS Management Program , consisting of an ordinance and guidelines, in compliance with the CA OWTS Guidelines Policy and the North Coast Basin Plan, that includes requirements for regular monitoring, maintenance, and pumping of OWTS to assure that State and federal water quality standards are met. (CIRC-101.1 / LU-1c.8) CONS-1b.7.a Require accurate and current septic information as part of any development application, including subdivisions. OWTS upgrades may be required based on the proposed development. Uses with large quantities or high strength discharges are subject to more stringent reviews and requirements. Encourage the County to adopt a similar program in the Trinidad-Westhaven area. (CIRC-10.2) CONS-1b.8 New development shall demonstrate the adequacy of the OWTS design and capacity. Upgrades shall be required as needed to provide adequate OWTS capacity and protect water quality. (CIRC-10.2.1)
Commented [TP3]: Superfluous.
Commented [TP4]: Program unnecessary,
because the City has to meet MS4
requirements, as long as it is subject to
them.
Commented [TP5]: Not needed with new
program.
Commented [TP6]: Moved to other
initiatives
Commented [TP7]: Moved and modified
from CONS‐6.3
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 8
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 CONS-1b.7 Base foundation and OWTS requirements on site specific soils studies to ensure that development and sewage disposal systems will not create direct or cumulative adverse impacts on soil or water resources. (CONS-6.3) Stormwater management: Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation falls on impervious surfaces, so minimizing hydrologic modifications also reduces the volume of stormwater runoff. A number of pollution constituents can be mobilized in stormwater runoff. Of particular concern in Trinidad are sediment, bacteria, oils and heavy metals.
CONS-1b.911 Minimize the area of impervious surfaces in new and existing development to the maximum extent practicable. Development shall be planned, sited, and designed to maintain or enhance onsite infiltration of runoff where appropriate and feasible. (CIRC-8.1)
CONS-1b.108 Minimize the volume and loading of stormwater-related pollutants entering the creeks and ocean within the City's planning area and minimize changes in drainage patterns by requiring a post-construction stormwater management plan for all development that has the potential to adversely affect water quality or hydrology. The level of detail required in such a plan shall be commensurate with the type and scale of the development, and the potential for adverse impacts to coastal water quality. (CIRC8.2) Program CONS-1b.8.1 Develop a comprehensive stormwater management program to minimize the volume and loading of pollutants entering coastal waters and Trinidad Bay. Stormwater drainage paths may be elongated to reduce erosion potential and decrease sediment transport.. Stormwater pipes may be replaced with meandering open vegetated swales to increase infiltration and to provide opportunities for pollutant attenuation and bioretention. (CIRC-8.1) CONS-1b.119 Require Low Impact Development techniques to manage stormwater, preserve hydrologic function, and maximize on-site infiltration of runoff to the extent practicable, except where it may negatively impact OWTS or slope stability.
ForIn development where infiltration is precluded by site conditions, implement appropriate treatment control BMPs, such as retention and filtration to attenuate peak flows and reduce the discharge of polluted runoff. (CIRC-8.39.2) Program CONS-1b.119.1 A site-specific infiltration rate evaluation may be required of an applicant to assist with the project’s stormwater management design and to facilitate the City’s review of the proposed development. (CIRC-8.3.19.4)
Program CONS-1b.119.21As funding allows, Ddevelop and/or promote existing incentives, regulations, design guidelines and/or educational materials that provide guidance to residents about appropriate LID methods for new and existing development that appropriately manage stormwater in a manner that does not negatively impact bluff stability or leachfields. (CIRC-8.3.2) Commented [TP8]: CCC comment suggests
this is a program. But it doesn’t implement
either of the other policies. It is also broader
than just OWTS.
Commented [TP9R8]: Included as Program
CONS‐5.1.1
Commented [TP10]: This doesn’t seem
applicable pending completion of the City’s
stormwater improvement project. And it
doesn’t implement the above policy. And the
City has already done what it can for its own
stormwater system (at least for the planning
horizon of this GP).
Commented [KC11]: Please remove the
word “encourage” and restructure this
sentence to set clear development
requirements. We recommend that LID
techniques be given precedence in all
development projects and be required for
Developments of Special Concern (not just
encouraged), to the extent appropriate and
feasible. We also recommend that
development be required to be planned,
sited, and designed to maintain or enhance
onsite infiltration of runoff where
appropriate and feasible. Please also clarify
that these are techniques for stormwater
management, and ensure that LID is defined
in the LUP.
Commented [TP12R11]: Added language to
new 1b.8
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 9
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 Program CONS-1b.119.2 3 Utilize the most recent version of the Humboldt Low Impact Development Stormwater Manual to determine as guidance for determining the most appropriate LID options for each site. (CIRC-8.3.3) Program CONS-1b.9.3 Incorporate fundamentals of low-impact-development (LID) technologies into the requirements of the City’s implementation plans and provide education and/or incentives to property owners to incorporate LID alternatives into new and existing development where it will not negatively impact any OWTS. (LU1c.3) CONS-1b.13 A site-specific infiltration rate evaluation may be required of the project applicant to assist with the project’s stormwater management design and to facilitate the City’s review of the proposed development. (CIRC-9.4)
CONS-1b.120 Avoid construction of new stormwater outfalls. For new development, if infiltration is infeasible, provide onsite treatment and filtration to the extent feasible and direct stormwater to existing facilities. (CIRC-8.4)
Program CONSI-1b.130.1 Limit the use of curb and street storm drains to avoid conveying runoff directly to the City’s stormwater conveyance system. (CIRC8.4.19.3) CONS-1b.11 Minimize the area of impervious surfaces in new and existing development to the maximum extent practicable.
CONS-1b.134 To the extent feasible, Eensure City stormwater infrastructure can accommodate potential increases in rainfall frequency and intensity during storm events due to climate change. Periodically reevaluate the stormwater system as new information becomes available.
Program CONS-1b.13.1 Periodically reevaluate the capacity of the City’s storm drainage system to ensure that capacity is adequate to accommodate potential increases in rainfall frequency and intensity during storm events due to climate change.
Other policies to maintain hydrologic function and eliminate/reduce pollution. The following policies address multiple issues or other types of pollution and hydromodification not included under sediment, OWTS or stormwater.
CONS-1b.142 To help maintain, enhance and, where feasible, restore water quality and hydrologic function, the City shall plan, site and design development in order to:
i. a. Preserve or improve the infiltration, purification, detention, and retention functions of natural drainage systems that exist on the site, to the maximum extent practicable. Where infiltration is precluded, incorporate stormwater detention as feasible.
ii. b. Protect areas that provide important water quality benefits, areas Commented [KC13]: This seems to
contradict Policy CONS‐1c.3 below which
states that the CASQA Stormwater BMP
Handbook should be used to select BMPs –
consider combining and harmonizing
Program CONS‐1b.9.2 and Policy CONS‐1c.3.
Commented [TP14R13]: BMPs do not equal
LID, so the policies are talking about two
different things that have some overlap.
Commented [TG15]: Where is this document
accessed? See Comment 3c, page 4 of our
7/5/19 letter to the City.
Commented [TP16R15]: Seems like I should
be able to refer to industry standards and
professional documents without having
them need to be part of the LCP. I made it a
City policy, but this issue may need further
discussion.
Commented [TP17R15]: In this particular
case, as an MS4, the City is required to use
this LID Manual, which has been approved by
the RWQCB.
Commented [TP18]: Will do this as part of
LCP update.
Commented [TP19]: Covered in Program
CONS‐1b.9.2
Commented [TP20]: Made a program under
CONS‐1b.9.
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 10
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 necessary to maintain riparian and aquatic biota, and/or that are susceptible to erosion and sediment loss.
iii. c. . Minimize disturbance of natural areas and maintain and, where feasible, restore hydrologic features such as stream corridors, drainage swales, topographical depressions, groundwater recharge areas, floodplains, and wetlands.
iv. d. ] Convey drainage from the developed areas of the a site in a non-erosive manner.
v. e. Promote clustering of development on portions of a site that are least impactful, taking into account geologic constraints, sensitive resources, and natural drainage features.
CONS-1b.15 Incorporate storm water runoff, erosion and sediment control, and water quality considerations into the staff recommendations or implementation regulationsand conditions of approval for all Coastal Development or other discretionary permit application reviews. Applicants shall be responsible for implementation and any required monitoring. Specific water quality goals include, but are not limited to (CIRC8.79.1):
i. (1) Limit erosion and sediment loss resulting from construction. ii. Limit the extent and duration of land disturbing activities. iii. Limit removal of existing vegetation to only what is necessary to construct projects. iv. Upon project completion, replace non-native and invasive speciesvegetation as soon as possible, preferably with native plants.
v. Maintain natural drainage conditions.
vi. Conform, wherever possible, to the natural topography of the area.
CONS-1b.162 The selection of appropriate BMPs to protect water quality and hydrology shall be guided by the most recent version of the California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) Stormwater BMP Handbooks, or an equivalent BMP manual, such as the Humboldt LID Manual, that describes the type, location, size, implementation, and maintenance of BMPs suitable to address the constituents of concern generated by the development. (CIRC-8.89.4)
CONS-1b.173. Development activity shall follow implement appropriate protocols to manage BMPs (including ongoing operation, maintenance, inspection and/or training, and installation and removal) will be implemented in all development, as needed to protect water quality for the life of the development.
CONS-1b.4 Reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides within City limits.
Program CONS-1b.4.1 Develop regulations and/or public educational materials to discourage the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
CONS-1b.5 Monitor water quality in and around Trinidad, including the Trinidad Head ASBS.
Commented [KC21]: Please reword this
policy so that it directly governs
development with development as the
subject – “development shall incorporate
measures to…” We also recommend
including separate policies for construction‐
phase measures and post‐construction
stormwater management. See General
Comment 2 in our 9/10/19 comments
specific to the Conservation, Open Space &
Recreation Element.
Commented [SW22R21]: I modified the
language per Kristen’s suggestion, however, I
think changing the wording per her
suggestion would change the intent of the
policy.
Commented [TP23R21]: I added policies for
pre and post construction above (CONS‐1b.3
and 1b‐9). I will review active voice/implied
subjects in a more final to avoid unnecessary
editing.
Commented [KC24]: The following list seems
redundant with other policies, including
proposed Policies CONS‐1b.1, 1b.2, 1b.3,
1b.5 and 1b.12.
Commented [SW25R24]: It is redundant
however I think it serves to clarify the policy.
Commented [TP26R25]: I’m undecided on
deleting this one. However, it does address a
broader range of issues than other policies,
and comes at it from a different angle
(project approval conditions). It could be
revised so it only covers things that aren’t
already explicit in other policies (conditions ... [1]
Commented [TP27]: Not really a BMP
manual.
Commented [TP28]: Moved to “other
initiatives”
Commented [TP29]: Moved to “other
initiatives”
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 11
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 Program CONS-1b.5.1 Continue to support monitoring of Trinidad Head ASBS with a focus on constituents that have shown previously elevated levels.
Program CONS-1b.5.2 As funding allows, continue to monitor water quality in and around Trinidad. Focus sampling efforts on identified constituents of concern in coastal streams, seeps and nearshore ocean waters. Ensure sampling meets applicable protocols, including quality control.
c. Water Conservation Policies: Water quantity issues are more fully addressed in the Circulation Element (section #)
CONS-1c.1 Promote Develop and implement an active, on-going water conservation program to minimize water consumption. Extend the City’s conservation program to properties outside the City that are connected to the City’s water system.. (CIRC-12.3)
Encourage the County and/or Watershed Council to provide education on and incentives for water conservation in the greater Trinidad-Westhaven area. (CIRC12.3) Program CONS-1c.1.1 Pursue implementation of a progressive water rate structure and other means to encourage water conservation. Periodically review and amend the water rate structure to ensure that it promotes water conservation and adequately covers the costs of providing water service. (CIRC-12.3.1)
Program CONS-1c.1.3 Adopt a water efficiency landscape standards and/or an ordinance in accordance with AB 1881 and Dept. of Water Resources requirements. (CIRC-12.3.2; CD-7.1.1)
Program CONS-1c.1.2 Identify where losses are occurring in the City’s water distribution system andDevelop a capital improvement program and pursue infrastructure improvements to reduce water lossleakage, and increase storage capacity in the system and improve the ability to withdraw water during low flows. (CIRC-12.3.2) CONS-1c.3 Review expected water use as part of development permit applications.
Monitor water use to ensure increases in water use are subject to appropriate approval procedures, including CDPs, if applicable. (CIRC-12.4)
d. Policies dealing with areas and development of special concerns: Water resources of significant value require special protection. Similarly, development that has a greater potential impact to the City's water resources warrant special policies and additional requirements.
CONS-1d.1 Area of Special Biological Significance: Ocean areas in and around Trinidad Head are designated by the State of California as an Area of Special Biological Significance (ASBS) / State Water Quality Protection Area (SWQPA) and the coastal Commented [TP30]: If a policy is denoted
with a City logo, does that automatically
equate to all the programs too? I think it
probably should, and be explained in the
Intro Chapter.
Commented [TP31]: Moved to “other
initiatives”
Commented [KL32]: This seems like a
separate and larger goal.
Commented [SW33R32]: Split 1d.1.2 apart
and made a new program to capture the
infrastructure improvement idea.
Commented [TP34R32]: Reworded.
Commented [TP35]: Not really a policy as
worded. And not a strong policy as edited.
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 12
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 watersheds draining into the ASBS are a Critical Coastal Area (CCA). The State Ocean Plan imposes special protection standards for the water quality in this ocean area and prohibits any discharge into this body of ocean water, and the City must Continue to protect the Trinidad Head ASBS/SWQPA by complying with theis California Ocean Pplan and any conditions of an exception to the discharge prohibition granted to the City by the State. Development proposals shall be reviewed to ensure compliance as well.
Program CONS-1d.1.1 Implement a comprehensive program to reduce / eliminate Continue to ensure that discharges into the Trinidad Head ASBS are eliminated and/or comply with the CA Ocean Plan that have been identified by the State Water Resource Control Board.
Program CONS-1d.1.2 Consistent with the California Ocean Plan and the City’s Discharge ExceptionAs funding allows, or as required by law, implement a comprehensive water quality monitoring plan for the Trinidad Head ASBS and its tributary streams as necessary needed to assess and reduce nonpoint source pollution entering the Trinidad Head ASBS and track improvements over time (CIRC
8.3).
Program CONS-1d.1.3 Continue to comply with the Discharge Exception as long as it is applicable.
CONS-1d.2 The categories of development listed below are classified as Developments of Water Quality Concern, because they have the potential for greater adverse coastal water quality impacts due to the extent of impervious surfaces, type of land use, and/or proximity to coastal waters. A development in one or more of the following categories shall be subject to the additional requirements set forth in CONS1d.3. Developments of Special Water Quality Concern include the following :
(1) any developments of five or more dwelling units;
(2) any development that creates and/or replaces 5,000 sq. ft. or greater area of impervious surfaces;
(3) hillside developments on slopes greater than 10% or located in unstable area as mapped…;
(4) any development that produces high amounts or strengths of wastewater such as restaurants, laundromats, service stations, etc.
(5) any development that results in direct discharges to a waterbody. (6) any development occurring within 125 feet of a coastal bluff, (or in the an area(s) identified as inappropriate or unknown for infiltration LID techniques). (7) any other development determined by the Planning Commission to be a Development of Special Water Quality Concern.
CONS-1d.3 Applicants for any Development of Special Water Quality Concern shall be required to provide the following as applicable, depending on the scope of the development:
Commented [TP36]: This should be moot
after the City’s stormwater project is
completed, unless additional discharges are
identified.
Commented [TP37]: This should be moot
after the City’s stormwater project is
completed. Do we still want to have a
monitoring plan?
Commented [TP38]: Required by law
anyway.
Commented [TP39]: Should we just add a
definition for “developments of water quality
concern” to the glossary and delete this
policy?
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 13
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 i. Submit a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP), certified by a California Registered Civil Engineer, Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), or Certified Professional in Stormwater Quality (CPSWQ); ii. Estimate increases in pollutant loads and runoff flows volume resulting from the proposed development in the 85th percentile, 24-hour storm event, if any, and; ii.iii. Groundwater modeling analysis and/or analysis of nitrate loading per Humboldt County OWTS Regulations;
iii.iv. Detail the BMPs that will be implemented to minimize both construction and postconstruction water quality impacts. Require, at a minimum, site Design and Source Control BMPs, and require treatment Control BMPs where appropriate to address the particular pollutants of concern based on the specific land use.
Utilize the 2-year, 24-hour storm event as the minimum85th percentile design storm.
Other Initiatives for Water Resources Protection
Encourage the County to adopt an OWTS Management Program similar to the City’s in the Trinidad-Westhaven area.
To reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides within City limits, develop regulations and/or public educational materials to discourage the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
As funding allows, continue to monitor water quality in and around Trinidad with an emphasis on the ASBS. Focus sampling efforts on identified constituents of concern in coastal streams, seeps and nearshore ocean waters. Ensure sampling meets applicable protocols, including quality control. Support similar efforts by others. Encourage the County and/or Watershed Council to provide education on and incentives for water conservation in the greater Trinidad-Westhaven area. (CIRC12.3) CONS-1d.3 The City supports the County’s designation of Luffenholtz Creek as a Critical Municipal Water Supply Area and encourages the County to also designate Mill Creek as such, recognizing that these watersheds are primary and emergency water sources respectively for the City and limited in area such that the streams are susceptible to potential risks of pollution and over-withdrawal resulting from development activities. (see LU-11.2)
Program CONS-1d.3.1 Ensure the County maintains the status of Luffenholtz Creek as a Critical Water Supply Area pursuant to Humboldt County General Plan Policy WR-P4.
Program CONS-1d.3.2 Maintain and ongoing request for notification from the County for any development projects within the Luffenholtz Creek watershed.
Commented [TP40]: Overlaps with Program
CONS‐1d.1.2
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 14
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 Program CONS-1d.3.3 Review and comment on applications for new development within the Luffenholtz Creek watershed to ensure protection of both water quality and quantity.
C. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The Trinidad Planning Area, and even the small area of the City itself, has a relatively high diversity of habitat types. Habitats vary considerably from conifer and hardwood forests to coastal scrub and sandy beaches, to kelp beds and offshore rocks that include both intertidal and subtidal areas. Riparian vegetation is located along portions of all thirteen of the coastal streams in the planning area. This vegetation protects the quality of the water, minimizes soil erosion and sedimentation, and provides valuable habitat for a wide variety of animals. There are a number of special status habitat types and plants and animals within the Planning Area (SHN, date). Figure 8 (a-c) shows the known occurrences of special status species in the planning area at the time of creation.
The map is only intended to serve as a repository of collated data for use as a screening tool in the review of future development proposals and is not a comprehensive inventory of all special status species within the City, nor is it a delineation of sensitive habitat. Riparian vegetation is located along portions of all thirteen of the coastal streams in the planning area. This vegetation protects the quality of the water, minimizes soil erosion and sedimentation, and provides valuable habitat for a wide variety of animals.
Kelp beds to the east and west of Trinidad Head, including Trinidad Bay, are a biological resource of import to the local fisheries and the State, as demonstrated by its CCA, ASBS, and SWQPA designations. Offshore rocks, inter-tidal areas, and beaches provide habitat for marine plankton and invertebrates, seabirds and marine mammals.
Offshore rocks are now protected as part of the California Coastal National Monument, sections of the coast managed by the BLM. Management will coincide with the regulations enacted by the MLPA.
With respect to the land use regulations, the City’s Open Space (OS) and Special Environment (SE) designations encompass the City’s major EHSAs, including creeks, wetlands, riparian habitat, and shoreline areas. Because development in OS and SE areas is very restricted, land use designations help to protect these sensitive coastal resources. Smaller areas may not be specifically designated OS or SE or even identified on resource maps, but will be protected by policies contained in this section when identified during development proposals.
Plans for navigational aids and harbor improvements should take into consideration possible impacts to near-shore habitats. The Harbor Area is discussed more specifically in the Land Use Element.
1. Principles for Biological Resource Protection
Commented [TP41]: Reference bio report.
Commented [TP42]: Moved from first
principle
Commented [TG43]: It appears from Fig. 1
(Aug. 2018) that the area designated SE was
reduced on a number of parcels. What was
the basis for these changes and how do the
changes align with this statement?
Commented [TP44R43]: In general, that is
not the case. On the 1976 map, it is very
difficult to determine exactly where those
lines fall (I’ve tried). The primary difference is
that Plate 1B includes zoning on land
seaward of the U.S. meander line, where the
Aug 2018 Figure 1 is based on assessor
parcels, which end at the meander line.
Actual distances were used for certain
boundaries (e.g. 100 ft. from creeks). The
new draft figures include the land between
the meander line and MHW. Otherwise,
please point out specific discrepancies.
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 15
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 Identify sensitive or important habitats and special status species. Figure 87 (a, b and cb) serves to identify those areas generally known to or that potentially contain ESHAs within the City and within the Planning Area respectivelyknown occurrences of special status species; habitat for special status species is considered ESHA. The map is only intended to serve as a repository of collated data for use as a screening tool in the review of future development proposals and is not a comprehensive inventory of all ESHA special status species within the City, nor is it a delineation of sensitive habitat.
Many areas that contain potential for ESHA (e.g. riparian corridors) are designated as Open Space or Special Environment on the Land Use Map (Figure 2). There is always the potential for ESHA’s and special status species to exist that are not currently mapped, or for areas that are mapped as ESHA’s to not actually contain any ESHA’s. A biological report may be required, consistent with Policy CONS-2a.11, to substantiate the presence or absence of ESHAs prior to any development.
Limit development and habitat alteration within ESHAs, including where special status species are found. Most ESHA’s and special status species are protected by various laws, and the policies found herein are intended to implement and comply with those laws and to provide additional specificity applicable to Trinidad.
Maintain appropriate buffers to protect ESHAs and special status species from impacts from adjacent development. Appropriate space between ESHA’s and/or special status species and adjacent development helps to limit any impacts from development on these important resources.
Protect and improve native habitat and minimize impacts to native species. Native habitat and species are the ecological backbone of Trinidad and are afforded special considerations to protect and restore their natural form and function to create health ecosystems.
2. Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHAs)
An Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area is an “area in which plant or animal life or their habitats are either rare orf especially valuable because of their special nature or role in an ecosystem and which could be easily disturbed or degraded by human activities and developments” (PRC Division 20 CCA § 30107.5). Protection of ESHAs is one of the essential aspects of the Coastal Act. Trinidad has several ESHAs including, but not limited to, portions of coastal bluffs, biologically rich tide pools, nesting grounds, kelp beds, streams, riparian habitats, and rare, threatened, or endangered plants or plant communities. The City will recognize and utilize ESHA definitions and designations in accordance with current Coastal Act regulations, CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife requirements and CA Native Plant Society policies and recommendations.
Humboldt County is home to a variety of rare, threatened and endangered (RT&E) plant and animal species. The Background Report on Biology and Environment of the Trinidad Area describes the biological resources more thoroughly. The RT&E species Commented [TP45]: Should principles be
numbered (throughout document)?
Commented [TP46]: Moved from next
section (3. Plants and Animals)
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 16
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 list changes year to year, and an updated list from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) California Natural Diversity Database (CNNDB) should be generated and kept on file at City Hall. However, each developer or applicant is responsible for assuring they have the most current information. In addition to the CNDDB, the California Native Plant Society has created five lists in an effort to categorize degrees of concern for plant species. Plants on lists 1 and 2 are considered “special status” species in California for the purposes of development reviews. As of ____, wWithin the Trinidad Planning Area, there are a number of special status including plants, birds, amphibians, fish, and mammals with known occurrences (see Figure 8).
Areas that may contain ESHAs include, but are not limited to, areas indicated by Figure 7a and 7b: Open Space and ESHAs, a – inside the City, and b – in the City’s Planning Area. The ESHAs shown on Figure 7 are based on the best information available at the time mapping was done in 2020. The boundaries of ESHAs identified this map are not intended to be definitive, but to identify the general location of known sensitive environmental resources. Detailed locations and boundaries of these resources shall be verified and refined by the preparation of Biological Reports for individual development projects.
Goal CONS-2: Preserve and Enhance the City’s Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHAs), including habitat for special status species.
a. Policies to limit development in ESHA’s and/or near special status species.
CONS-2a.1 Diking, Filling, and Dredging of open coastal waters, wetlands, estuaries, creeks and other bodies of water and shall maintain or enhance the functional capacity of any impacted wetland or estuary. In addition, these activities will only be permitted where there is no feasible less environmentally damaging alternative, and where feasible mitigation measures have been provided to minimize adverse environmental effects and shall be limited to the following:
(a) New or expanded port, energy, and coastal-dependent industrial facilities, including commercial fishing facilities.
(b) Maintaining existing, or restoring previously dredged, depths in existing navigational channels, turning basins, vessel berthing and mooring areas, and boat launching ramps.
(c) In open coastal waters, other than wetlands, including streams, estuaries, and lakes, new or expanded boating facilities and the placement of structural pilings for public recreational piers that provide public access and recreational opportunities.
(d) Incidental public service purposes, including, but not limited to, burying cables and pipes or inspection of piers and maintenance of existing intake and outfall lines.
(e) Mineral extraction, including sand for restoring beaches, except in environmentally sensitive areas.
(f) Restoration purposes.
(g) Nature study, aquaculture, or similar resource-dependent activities.
Commented [TP47]: This was very similar to
the first bio principle.
Commented [TP48]: CCA § 30233(a and c)
Commented [TP49]: City staff will make sure
numbering/lettering hierarchy and formats
are consistent in the next draft.
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 17
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 Program CONS-2a.1.1: Ensure that Trinidad’s Grading and / or Zoning ordinance contain provisions and standards regulating these types of activities and that they are limited to specific uses and situations consistent with the Coastal Act.
CONS-2a.2 Consistent with Coastal Act §30236, channelization, dams, or other substantial alterations of coastal streams, shall incorporate the best mitigation measures feasible for and be limited to:
a. Necessary water supply projects, or
b. Flood control projects where no other method for protecting existing structures in the flood plain is feasible and where such protection is necessary for public safety or to protect existing development, or
c. Developments where the primary function is the improvement of fish and wildlife habitat.
CONS-2a.3 Protect ESHAs against any significant disruption of their habitat values, and allow only uses dependent on those resources, as defined in the City’s Zoning Ordinance, within ESHAs consistent with Coastal Act §30240.
CONS-2a.43.6: The City shall require the establishment of Oopen space or conservation easements shall be established for all ESHA and ESHA buffers as a condition of approval for development on properties containing ESHA. identified as a result of an approved project.
CONS-2a.54 Condition all landscaping, revegetation, and other plantings associated with new development located within or adjacent to ESHAs shall to require all plantings to be from locally native stock (not cultivars) to the extent feasible. At a minimum, prohibit the use of plants listed by CNPS or DFWG to be invasive, problematic or noxious shall be prohibited, and remove any existing such plants shall be removed.
Maintenance requirements over the life of the development may also be includedrequired.
CONS-2a.5 Maintain up to date resource information regarding special status species to the extent feasible.
CONS-2a.6 Prohibit new land divisions creating new parcels located entirely within an ESHA or Buffer Areas unless the parcel to be created is restricted at the time of its creation solely for open space, public recreation, or conservation.
CONS-2a.7 Require the preparation and approval of a drainage and erosion control plan that addresses both 1) construction-phase erosion and sediment control and (2) post-construction stormwater management for permissible development on all properties containing environmentally sensitive habitat, including but not limited to those areas identified as ESHAs on Figure 7.
Commented [TP50]: Seems unnecessary. We
will have to do this as part of the overall LCP
amendment anyway.
Commented [KC51]: Please modify the
allowable uses to make this policy consistent
with Coastal Act §30236 [i.e., remove (b) and
(d)]. We can discuss how to find micro‐hydro
power consistent with the Chapter 3 policies
of the Coastal Act.
Commented [TP52R51]: Micro‐hydro should
not result in “substantial alterations,” so
maybe not be subject to §30236?
Commented [TP53]: CCA § 30236
Commented [TP54]: The Coastal Act is
generally not referenced in other policies;
it’s a given.
Commented [TP55]: We don’t have flood
plains in Trinidad, so maybe this one isn’t
necessary.
Commented [TP56]: § 30240(a)
Commented [TP57]: Unsure whether to
reference ESHA buffers here in the ESHA
section, or include a similar policy for buffers
in the next section.
Commented [TP58]: Made an “other
initiative.”
Commented [TP59]: This seems to be
covered by 1b.3 and 1b.8.
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 18
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 CONS-2a.78 Require review of any changes in runoff volume, pollutant load, velocity, or duration for development that may affect sensitive plant and animal populations, habitatsESHAs, or their Buffer Areas for those populations or habitats, by a qualified biologist to ensure that there will not be adverse hydrologic, erosion, nutrient, pollutantbased or sedimentation impacts on sensitive species or habitatsresources. Identify and adopt mitigation measures and compliance monitoring standards to minimize potential adverse runoff impacts.
CONS-2a.89 Preserve, enhance and restore native vegetation within ESHAs, including riparian corridors. Locate allowable new structures and activities outside ESHAs whenever feasible to protect native vegetation. Ensure that areas that must temporarily be disturbed due to special circumstances be kept to a minimum, be carefully reviewed by the City, and be replanted with appropriate native vegetation.
CONS-2a.910 Require permit applications for development in areas that may contain ESHAs within or adjacent to ESHAs, including, but not limited to areas identified in Figure 7 or other sites identified by City staff, either through a site visit or other evidence, which have the possibility of containing environmentally sensitive habitat and/or special status species, to include a Biological Report prepared by a qualified biologist which identifies any resources and provides recommended measures to ensure that the requirements of the Coastal Act and LCP are fully met. b. Policies for development in ESHA buffer areas.
CONS-2b.1 Site and design development in areas adjacent to ESHAs and parks and recreation areas to prevent impacts that would significantly degrade such areas, and to be compatible with the continuance of such habitat areas through the use of appropriate buffers.
CONS-2b.2 Limit development in Bbuffer Aareas to certain resource dependent and compatible uses allowed in the adjacent ESHA consistent with Coastal Act §30240(a), §30233(a) and §30236, along with any and other uses that are sited and designed to prevent impacts which would significantly degrade the ESHA and which are compatible with the sustainable continuance of the adjacent ESHA pursuant to §30240(b).
CONS-2b.31.2: Require a setback separating development from identified ESHAs.
The minimum width ofIn general, ESHA buffers shall be 100 feet unless the designated setback would eliminate all reasonable use of the property. A larger buffer width, adequate to protect the resource from degradation and allow for the continuance of the ESHA, shall be applied if information collected in an analysis of potential adverse impacts of development on adjacent ESHA shows one is necessary. Conversely, analysis by a qualified professional may justify a reduced setback based on specific findings that the development would not significantly degrade the ESHA and would be compatible with the with the continuance of the ESHA..
Commented [TP60]: CCA § 30240(b)
Commented [TP61]: CONS‐2a.1
Commented [TP62]: CONS‐2a.2
Commented [TP63]: CONS‐2b.1
Commented [KC64]: This sentence is alluding
to a takings of private property. Please see
our 7/16/19 letter, General Comment 2d on
addressing takings in the LCP.
Commented [TP65R64]: The suggested
language was added to the Introduction
Chapter. So, that may adequately address
the issue. Otherwise, we could take out the
reference or include the language suggested
for the intro again?
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 19
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 CONS-2b.42 Prohibit native vegetation removal in Buffer Areas except for the following.
Such activities, which are also subject to other applicable standards and policies and may be subject to additional standards or restrictions to protect ESHA. a. Vegetation removal authorized through coastal development permit approval to accommodate permissible development;
b. Removal of trees that are diseased or pose a hazard to structures or people as documented by an arborist or other qualified professional; c. Vegetation removal for public safety purposes to abate a nuisance consistent with Coastal Act Section 30005;
d. Removal of firewood for the personal use of the property owner at his or her residence to the extent that such removal does not constitute major vegetation removal as defined herein;pursuant to Coastal Act Section 30106; e. Minor vegetation maintenance to preserve existing yards and viewsheds to the extent that such maintenance does not constitute major vegetation removal; f. Vegetation removal to restore or enhance habitat values as recommended by a qualified professional.
CONS-2b.53 In addition to complying with City lighting requirements (e.g. CIRC10.4), Aall exterior lighting in buffer areas shall be the minimum necessary for safety, and to the extent feasible, restricted to low intensity fixtures, directed downward (downcast), and shielded so that no light or glare shines beyond the boundary of the property or into an ESHA. (CD-5.1; CIRC-10.6.3)
Other Initiatives for ESHA
Maintain up to date resource information regarding special status species and ESHA to the extent feasible.
3. Plants and Animals
The Trinidad Planning Area has a relatively high diversity of habitat types. Habitats vary considerably from conifer and hardwood forests to coastal scrub and sandy beaches, to kelp beds and offshore rocks, that include both intertidal and subtidal areas. In terms of vegetation communities, Trinidad and the surrounding area are primarily composed of Northern (Franciscan) Coastal Scrub, Northern Coastal Bluff Scrub, Non-Native Grassland, Sitka Spruce-Douglas Fir Forest, Red Alder Riparian Forest and Riparian Scrub. ESHAs are discussed in more detail in the previous section.
Because of the varied habitat, wildlife is also varied. Within the limited area within City limits, wildlife generally consists of species that adapt well to human presence and disturbance. However, there are exceptions, and rare, threatened and endangered Commented [TP66]: Major vegetation
removal is not defined in 30106.
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 20
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 species are further discussed in the pervious section. One of the best ways to preserve species health and diversity is by preserving native habitats.
Within City limits, there is a high proportion of non-native species, many of which are considered invasive. Some non-native species, such as pampas grass (Cortaderia jubata), Himalaya berry (Rubus discolor), Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), English ivy (Hedera helix), English holly (Ilex aquifolium), and cotoneaster (Cotoneaster sp.), to name a few, are invasive exotics that can and do displace native species, reducing the area's natural diversity, biological integrity and aesthetics.
Goal CONS-3: Identify and protect native plants, animals and their habitats in and around the City.
a. Policies to protect and improve native habitat and minimize impacts to native species.
CONS-3.1: Preserve, protect, and to the extent feasible restore streams and ripariannative habitat areas to their natural state.
Program CONS-3.1.1: Work with organizations and private property owners to enhance, preserve and restore the City’s watercourses for habitat preservation and recreation.
Program CONS-3.1.12: Develop additional guidelines for the maintenance of watercourses to further assure that native vegetation is not unnecessarily removed and that maintenance minimizes disruption of wildlife breeding activities and wildlife movement. Incorporate these guidelines, where appropriate, into development approvals and the City's maintenance procedures.
Program CONS-3.1.23: Seek Federal and State funding, as feasible, for the repair of stream bank erosion, planting of riparian vegetation to stabilize creek banks, and removal of debris obstructing water flow.
Program CONS-3.1.37 Pursue development of a management plan for aquatic and marine recreation in and around Trinidad Bay to minimize the ecological impacts of those activities.
Program CONS-3.8 Support efforts to restore and improve salmonid habitat throughout the Planning Area.
CONS-3.2 Marine resources shall be maintained, enhanced, and, where feasible, restored. Special protection shall be given to areas and species of special biological or economic significance. Uses of the marine environment shall be carried out in a manner that will sustain the biological productivity of coastal waters and that will maintain healthy populations of all species of marine organisms adequate for long-term commercial, recreational, scientific, and educational purposes.
Commented [TP67]: Because that’s what this
section is about, and streams and riparian
habitat has already been addressed.
Commented [TP68]: Moved to “other
initiatives.”
Commented [TP69]: The City really doesn’t
own enough stream corridor to warrant a
program.
Commented [TP70]: Moved to “other
initiatives”
Commented [TP71]: CCA §30230
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 21
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 Program CONS-3.2.17 Consistent with other applicable policies, place and maintain signs prohibiting the collection of marine life from tide pools, inter-tidal rocks, or other near shore environments without the necessary permits or license, on all City trails leading to and from the beach. This would allow only activities such as fishing for game fish with proper fishing licenses or authorized Native American use.
CONS-3.3 The biological productivity and the quality of coastal waters, streams, wetlands, estuaries, and lakes appropriate to maintain optimum populations of marine organisms and for the protection of human health shall be maintained and, where feasible, restored through, among other means, minimizing adverse effects of waste water discharges and entrainment, controlling runoff, preventing depletion of ground water supplies and substantial interference with surface waterflow, encouraging waste water reclamation, maintaining natural vegetation buffer areas that protect riparian habitats, and minimizing alteration of natural streams.Marine resources shall be maintained, enhanced, and, where feasible, restored. Special protection shall be given to areas and species of special biological or economic significance. Uses of the marine environment shall be carried out in a manner that will sustain the biological productivity of coastal waters and that will maintain healthy populations of all species of marine organisms adequate for long-term commercial, recreational, scientific, and educational purposes.
CONS-3.4 Dredging and spoils disposal shall be planned and carried out to avoid significant disruption to marine and wildlife habitats and water circulation.
CONS-3.54 To the extent feasible and balanced with permitted use, require that site planning, construction, and maintenance of development preserve trees and native vegetation on the siteMinimize disturbance of natural vegetation during site planning, construction and maintenance of development, including preservation of mature trees and native vegetation. (CONS-1b.2 partial; CD-7.5))
CONS-3.65 Outside of the core urbanized area, Rrequire site planning and constructiondevelopment to maintain adequate open space to permit effective plant and wildlife corridors for animal movement between open spaces.
CONS-3.6: Open space or conservation easements shall be established for all ESHA and ESHA buffers identified as a result of an approved project.
CONS-3.75: Timing of cConstruction timing and extent may shall be limited as necessary by the wet season as well asto avoid impacts to sensitive species during nesting and breeding seasons of sensitive species.
CONS-3.7 Consistent with other applicable policies, place and maintain signs prohibiting the collection of marine life from tide pools, inter-tidal rocks, or other near shore environments without the necessary permits or license, on all City trails leading to Commented [TP72]: Seems like a program.
Commented [TP73]: CCA § 30231
Commented [TP74]: §30233(b)
Commented [TP75]: This needed a modifier,
because it would not make sense in UR areas
for example. I’m not sure what the best
modifier is though.
Commented [TP76]: Moved to ESHA section.
Commented [TP77]: Should this be limited to
(noise) sensitive species? And does that need
a definition?
Commented [TP78]: Moved to a program
under CONS‐3.2
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 22
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 and from the beach. This would allow only activities such as fishing for game fish with proper fishing licenses or authorized Native American use.
CONS-3.8 Some non-native species, such as pampas grass (Cortaderia jubata), Himalaya berry (Rubus discolor), Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), English ivy (Hedera helix), English holly (Ilex aquifolium), and cotoneaster (Cotoneaster sp.), are invasive exotics that can and do displace native species, reducing the area's natural diversity, biological integrity and aesthetics. Use only native species, or species demonstrated to be non-invasive, in public landscapes and strongly encourage their use in private landscapes. Condition development projects that require discretionary approval to prohibit the New development shall not be allowed to utilize of any species of invasive non-native plants or native cultivars deemed undesirable by the City, including but not limited species rated as “high” or “moderate” on the Cal-IPC Inventory. Require mMaintenance of the property to prevent identified species from naturalizing or persisting on the project site shall be required.
Program CONS-3.8.1: Provide, or make available, public information materials that explain why invasive species are a problematic. Maintain a program that recommends effective but non-toxic eradication measures.
Program CONS-3.8.2: To the extent feasible, Eeradicate non-native species where they are displacing native species on City-owned property. Work to remove and control plants rated as “high” or “moderate” on the California Invasive Plant Council’s California Invasive Plan Inventory Database from City-owned rights-of-way.
Program CONS-3.8.3 Use only native species, or species demonstrated to be noninvasive, in public landscapes and strongly encourage their use in existing private landscapesProgram CONS-3.8.3: Request that Caltrans, PG&E, and the County of Humboldt remove pampas grass broom, and any other plants rated as “high” on the California Invasive Plant Council’s California Invasive Plan Inventory Database from their rights-of-way.
Program CONS-3.8.4: Work to remove and control plants rated as “high” or “moderate” on the California Invasive Plant Council’s California Invasive Plan Inventory Database from City-owned rights-of-way.
CONS-3.9 Only permit “major vegetation removal” where both habitat values and viewsheds can be adequately protected.
CONS-3.109.: Ensure that major vegetation removal occurs outside the nesting season (March 1 – August 15) or that an appropriate survey occurs prior to vegetation removal if work occurs during the nesting season.
CONS-3.10 Condition development projects that require discretionary approval to prohibit the planting of any species of broom, gorse, pampas grass, ivy, cotoneaster or Commented [TP79]: Moved to text.
Commented [KL80]: May want to refer to
the Cal‐IPC list.
Commented [TP81R80]: The list is for
invasives, so doesn’t include non‐native,
non‐invasives. But the policy could be
reworded.
Commented [TP82]: Moved to program
CONS‐3.7.3.
Commented [KL83]: May want to refer to
the Cal‐IPC list.
Commented [TP84R83]: That list is for
invasives, so doesn’t include non‐native,
non‐invasives. New CONS‐3.8 prohibits.
Commented [TP85]: Moved to “other
initiatives”
Commented [TP86]: Combined with CONS‐
3.8.2 Commented [TP87]: Combined with 3.8; it
seems redundant.
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 23
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 other species of invasive non-native plants deemed undesirable by the City. Require maintenance of the property to prevent identified species from naturalizing or persisting on the project site.
CONS-3.11 A planting plan shall be required for proposed development that requires plantings to mitigate adverse impacts, such as to protect the visual character or an area, address erosion and runoff control and/or protect adjacent ESHA from development impacts. Such planting plans shall prioritize native drought-tolerant plants and shall not include invasive plants. Maintenance provisions may also be required depending on the proposed development and related impacts.
Other initiatives to protect native habitat and species Program CONS-3.1.1: Work with organizations and private property owners to enhance, preserve and restore the City’s watercourses for habitat preservation and recreation.
Program CONS-3.8 Support efforts to restore and improve salmonid habitat throughout the Planning Area.
Encourage Caltrans, PG&E, and the County of Humboldt remove pampas grass broom, and any other plants rated as “high” on the Cal-IPC Inventory from their rights-of-way.
Pursue development of a management plan for aquatic and marine recreation in and around Trinidad Bay to minimize the ecological impacts of those activities.
D. OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES
1. Timber
Within Trinidad City Limits, there are no viable commercial timber stands. However, most of the upper areas of Trinidad’s Planning Area watersheds are commercial timberland. These timberlands, if appropriately and sustainably managed contribute to the City’s viewshed, provide habitat for native plants and animals and sequester carbon from the atmosphere. If improperly managed or overharvested, there are impacts to aesthetics, habitat, water quality and air quality. The County is encouraged to preserve economically viable timber stands for sustainable commercial use. Additional related policies can be found in section D.3 – Planning Area – of the Land Use Element.
Most of the trees within the town are within the State Park, Open Space lands or exist as private landscaping. Within the City, the balance of the value of trees is often in conflict with the important coastal views they may block. The City has adopted a Views and Vegetation ordinance that addresses these issues. The ordinance allows for the protection of important “heritage trees” if so designated by the City Council.
Commented [TP88]: Moved from CONS‐
3.1.3 City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 24
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 Goal CONS-4: Preserve economically viable timber stands for use as sustainably harvested commercial timber while protecting water quality, special status species and sensitive habitats.
Timber Policies
Because no commercial timber lands exist in the City, there are no binding timber related policies regulating development in the City.
Other Initiatives for Timber
CONS-4.1 The sustainable management of timber resources, and related uses, is encouraged, so that the long-term economic return from productive timber production will provide sufficient incentives to prevent urban conversions. Program CONS-4.1.1 In cooperation with California Department of Forestry, request review of all Timber Harvest Plans (THP) within the Planning Area. Review THPs for measures that protect water quality, control erosion, and preserve the City viewshed. Recommend that THPs which do not include these measures not be approved.
Program CONS-4.1.2 Encourage the management of private timberlands to use current principles of sustainable forestry for all aspects of forest use and function:
recreation; timber production; biodiversity; air and water quality; and carbon storage.
Timber owners are encouraged to apply for conservation easements, certified forestry, or compensation for carbon storage.
Program CONS-4.1.3 County Zoning Ordinances should require a use permit for timber operations (as defined by the Forest Practice Act) within or nearby unstable lands or lands of questionable stability. (SAF-1.8)
Program CONS-4.1.4 Continue to work with Green Diamond, and other larger timber land holders, on protecting and restoring planning area watersheds from negative impacts of timber harvest past and present.
2. Soils
Soils are a resource essential to raising timber, crops and forage. There are few areas of that constitute prime soils for crops or forage in the planning area that don’t require substantial management (e.g. draining or irrigation), but much of the land in the planning area is considered prime timberland (Figure 9a). Some prime timber soils have been converted to residential development and others are located so near to development that they are no longer manageable timber sites. Because of the importance of the regional economy, large tracts of timberland with prime timber soils in manageable units should be protected from development. Due to the small amount of prime soils for crops and forage, these areas should be protected as well.
Commented [TP89]: The City doesn’t have
any timberland, but the text mentions views
and heritage trees. Do we want a tree
preservation policy? (It’s probably already
covered under the native plants and animals
section.)
Commented [TP90]: Should these be added
to the Planning Area section of the LU
Element?
Commented [TP91]: Are other initiatives
part of the LCP (I would say no, and I would
add that to the description in the Intro), or
should they all be designated with a City
symbol.
Commented [TP92]: Not sure this is needed,
seems outside the City’s purview.
Commented [TP93]: Get documentation
from Sam if this is a thing. Otherwise, move
to Timber section.
Commented [KL94]: What constitutes prime
timber soils and prime agriculture soils? Are
these mapped? Are these specific soil
classifications?
Commented [TP95R94]: Prime ag soils are
well‐defined; I'm not sure if prime timber
soils are a different category. But even with
management, the wind, salt and slopes are
not conducive for large‐scale ag. Reworded.
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 25
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 Soils also act as constraints on development when they will not adequately support structures or other improvements including OWTS. For long range planning purposes, development may be able to occur in areas with soils limitations without degradation of water quality and public health if land divisions and developments are only allowed after thorough site investigations and necessary design and maintenance standards are enforced. Therefore, soil limitations are not in themselves a sufficient constraint to justify development prohibitions. In areas with soil limitations, more specific site analysis is needed to determine how a foundation or OWTS can be designed to work and how much land area is needed to accommodate the system and proposed development, and to provide necessary protective buffers. Related factors such as hydrology, stability and topography must also be considered. It is expected that this site-specific evaluation process in areas with soils limitations will result in a lower average density of development than can be expected in areas with only slight soils limitations.
Refer to Figure 9 for existing soils limitations information. Because the available soils information is much generalized, site-specific studies should be undertaken to confirm the degree of limitation in any area proposed for intensive development. Soils suitability for OWTS varies throughout the planning area. Since OWTS are to continue to serve as the long-range wastewater disposal system, each development and its wastewater disposal system will have to be conformed to the capabilities of the site. Regular maintenance monitoring and pumping is required by the City’s OWTS Management Program in order to protect public health, water quality and property values.
Where developable areas have a high percentage of soils with OWTS limitations, the areas are designated Rural Residential, Resource Production (County designation), or Special Environment to allow development appropriate to the soil limitations of each development site. Areas with slight limitations are designated Suburban Residential or Urban Residential to allow higher density development consistent with the preference of neighborhood residents and the density constraints identified in soil suitability studies.
Note that soils are closely related to geology, but geology has its greatest implications in terms of public safety. Therefore, a discussion of Trinidad’s geology and related limitations are included in the Public Safety Element.
Soil Conservation Principles
CONS-5.1 Minimize soil erosion to prevent loss of productive soils, preserve soil carbon stocks, prevent landslides, protect water quality, and maintain infiltration capacity and soil structure.
Goal CONS-5: Protect and preserve soil as a natural resource.
Soil Conservation Policies
Commented [KC96]: Please add policy
language mandating that the long‐term
productivity of soils shall be protected
consistent with Coastal Act §30243.
Commented [SW97R96]: Policy added as
Cons 5.7
Commented [TP98R97]: (Now CONS‐5.4) But
the City has no commercial timberland (or ag
land), so is that policy really necessary?
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 26
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 CONS-5.1 Minimize soil erosion to prevent loss of productive soils, preserve soil carbon stocks, prevent landslides, protect water quality, and maintain infiltration capacity and soil structure.
CONS-5.12 Minimize land disturbance activities from construction (e.g., clearing, grading, soil compaction and cut-and-fill), and avoid development on steep slopes, unstable areas, and highly erosive soils in order to minimize erosion. (CONS-1b.1) CONS-5.23 Prohibit grading during the rainy season (from October 15th through April 30th) in areas with slopes of 15 % or greater (as indicated on Figure 9), except in response to emergencies. Grading on slopes less than 15% is discouraged during the rainy season, but may be allowed on a case-by-case basis as long as any areas that are disturbed incorporate appropriate BMPs and monitoring to prevent water quality impacts. (CONS-1b.4)
CONS-5.4 Encourage the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for erosion and sediment control in construction and road maintenance throughout the Planning Area in order to reduce the impacts of erosion, sedimentation and stormwater runoff. Provide developers and other interested citizens with educational materials regarding BMPs as part of application materials or upon request.
CONS-5.35 Require stabilization of disturbed areas through revegetation or other appropriate means as soon as feasible. (CONS-1b.5)
CONS-5.46 The long-term productivity of soils and timberlands shall be protected, and conversions of coastal commercial timberlands in units of commercial size to other uses or their division into units of noncommercial size shall be limited to providing for necessary timber processing and related facilities.
GOAL CONS-6: Protect landscapes and waterways based on necessary soil studies for development and landscape modification.
Soil Limitations Policies
CONS-5.56.1 Require detailed studies of soil characteristics and hydrology for developments in areas with soil limitations (such as instability, clay content or high groundwater) to ensure that the lot size, foundation requirements, stormwater control and OWTS design are adequate to prevent direct or cumulative adverse impacts on soil stability or water resources.
Program CONS-5.16..13 Foundation, LID and OWTS design shall be consistent with the recommendations of any site-specific soils studies required as needed to ensure that development and sewage disposal systems will not create direct or cumulative adverse impacts on soil or water resources.
Commented [TP99]: Moved to a “principle”
Commented [TP100]: Moved to “other
initiative.”
Commented [TP101]: CCA § 30423
Commented [TP102]: This is more specific
than most of the other goals (and there are 2
for soils and not for other topics). And
there's only 1 policy, so I combined.
Commented [KC103]: Proposed Policy CONS‐
6.1 requires soil studies for development in
areas with soil limitations, while Policy
CONS‐6.3 seems to require soil studies for
development that involves the construction
of foundations or that affects OWTS
requirements. Is this the full spectrum of
projects that require soil studies?
Commented [TP104R103]: Primarily. Also
added LID. But the intent of 6.3 I think is to
ensure compliance with regulations already
in place (e.g. building code requirements for
an R‐1 report. So maybe the policy is
unnecessary.
Commented [TP105]: Soil limitations also
include stability I think. Should we bring that
into this section. Or maybe this whole
section is covered in other areas.
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 27
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 CONS-6.2 Ensure adequacy of the OWTS design and capacity prior to approving any new development. Require upgrades as needed to provide adequate OWTS capacity.
Other Initiatives to Conserve Soil
CONS-5. 4 Encourage the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for erosion and sediment control in construction and road maintenance throughout the Planning Area in order to reduce the impacts of erosion, sedimentation and stormwater runoff. Provide developers and other interested citizens with educational materials regarding BMPs as part of application materials or upon request.
3. Mineral Resources
The Conservation Element is “required to include policies to address the conservation and development of identified mineral deposits designated by the State as being of Statewide or regional significance.” Humboldt County has not yet been so designated by the State. There are no mining operations within the City limits. The only nearby activities include hard rock quarries: one exists off Quarry Road (Mercer, Fraser Co.); several others are located on Simpson Timber land to the East. These quarries provide a source of jetty-quality rock, which is in short supply along California’s coast. The Trinidad quarry has provided jetty materials from Fort Bragg to Crescent City and North to Oregon.
Land use conflicts can occur from these quarries particularly since they are operated on an intermittent basis. Years of inactivity may suddenly be followed by a season of intense activity to meet a particular contract need. Such activity can produce noise (from both blasting and operations) and truck traffic. The surrounding neighborhood, particularly new residents, can grow accustomed to the inactive periods and can be frustrated by new activity. This activity subsides again after a period of time. Eventually these quarries diminish on-site supplies and are closed. State law requires that each mine site have a mining and reclamation plan identifying the final reclaimed use and requirements for achieving it. The City supports the County’s designation of the majority of the quarry site as “Resource Production.” Policies related to mineral resources near the City can be found in section D.3 – Planning Area – of the La1nd Use Element.
Goal CONS-7: Ensure existing quarries within the Trinidad Planning Area are protected from incompatible land uses, and permitted and operated to prevent significant environmental impacts and to satisfy long-term demand for mineral resources and construction materials.
Mineral Resource Policies
Because no mineral resources exist in the City, there are no binding mineral related policies regulating development in the City.
Other Initiatives for Mineral Resources
Commented [TP106]: Moved to CONS‐
1b.6.1.
Commented [TP107]: I need to renumber
again, but I'm going to hold off, because it
will be more efficient to update all the
numbering and cross‐references at the end.
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 28
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 CONS-7.1 Encourage the County and mine operators to minimize the impact of mineral extraction activities on the surrounding natural and built environment through the application of appropriate management practices including, but not limited to, minimizing surface disturbance, air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, vibration, and traffic impacts.
CONS-7.2 Discourage the County from approving incompatible development nearby existing quarries.
E. OPEN SPACE RESOURCES
Trinidad’s Open Space areas provide a variety of benefits such as: 1) preservation of natural resources, including water quality; 2) managed production of natural resources; 3) outdoor recreation and; 4) viewshed protection; and 45) public health and safety; 5) military support (Coast Guard); and 6) protection of Tribal resources.
Open Space issues are addressed throughout this General Plan document, as well as being discussed in the various background documents. Open Space related policies are contained in the Land Use, Conservation, Noise & Safety, Circulation, Community Design and Historic and Cultural & Historic Resources Elements. The reader is referenced to discussion and policies in those sections for additional information.
The coastal bluffs behind the beaches are generally unstable and provide a scenic backdrop for the beachfront environment. Except for a few residences located on small benches or behind the bluff tops, these beachfront areas have been kept in a natural state. Protection of open space areas and retention of scenic and natural characteristics along the Trinidad shoreline is a matter of continuing public concern. With few exceptions, these lands and unstable bluffs are unsuitable for intensive park development or intensive public recreational use.
Sea level rise, an increase in mean sea level (MSL), is the result of global climate change and is an important factor when considering the conservation of public open spaces. Currently, the best available science and climate modeling data suggests a range of between 0.26 ft. to 2.9 ft. (in the most extreme scenario) of sea level rise is possible in Trinidad by 2050 (SHN 20210; OPC 2018) This could potentially affect beach widths and erosion on beaches and along bluffs. More intense management strategies to stabilize the coastline and maintain open space and public access may be necessary.
Government ownership is one means for protecting these natural hazard and scenic beachfront areas; this places the burden of management and maintenance within the public sector. There are other effective means of gaining the desired protection, such as open space easements, which would reduce public costs and still control the potential for inappropriate use..
Commented [TP108]: Military support?
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 29
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 Trinidad Bay and the bay bordering Trinidad on the west, including all their islands, offer two of the most uniquely beautiful views, combining ocean, islands, bay and rugged, timber shorelines that can be found nowhere else along the California coast. The islands provide habitats for marine organizations and serve as refuges or rookeries for birds and marine mammals, including sea lions and harbor seals. They are also protected as part of the California Coastal National Monument.
Areas in the City designated Open Space include: a portion of the Tsurai Study Area, Trinidad Head, Little Head, near-shore and off-shore rocks, beaches, Trinidad State Beach, Trinidad School playing field. Areas north of the City include Trinidad State Beach at College Cove/Elks Head, Simpson Demonstration Forest. South of the City includes Baker Beach, and County Parks (Houda Point, Luffenholtz Creek Parks). Tribal and Ccultural resources are discussed in detail in the Cultural Resources Element.
GOAL CONS-8: Protect the open space and its environment and natural resources of Trinidad, Trinidad Head and the surrounding areas Open Space Policies
CONS-8.1 Preserve the beaches and sea cliffscoastal bluffs which border the southern and western sides of the City (identified as Open Space) from development and allow them to remain in their essentially natural state. Resource-dependent uses such as Ppassive recreation, trails, vista points, and vegetation management for to improve habitat or scenic vistas are allowable uses.
Program CONS-8.1.15 Ensure that the unparalleled views to the south, seaward of Edwards and Van Wycke Streets, are maintained and, where feasible, restored the lands designated as Open Space lying seaward of Edwards and Van Wycke Streets remain undeveloped, except for appropriate resource-depended uses, including trails and vista points, and managed such that the unparalleled views to the south are maintained and, where feasible, restored.
Program CONS-8.1.2 Coastal bluffs shall be managed to address vegetation growth, scenic vistas, trail maintenance, and to prevent unauthorized activities such as piped discharges’ of stormwater runoff, disposal of grass and yard wastes over the bank, carving into bluff faces and trespass onto sensitive areas. Public education in combination with ordinance provisions are the best methods for addressing these concerns.
CONS-8.2 Keep development on Trinidad Head to a minimum to protect the resources located there. Passive recreation such as hiking trails and vista points are allowable uses. (CIRC-10.5)
Program CONS-8.2.1 Develop and adopt a Management Plan for Trinidad Head that addresses trails, benches and interpretive elements and their maintenance, City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 30
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 management of federally-owned parcels, reduction of impacts of existing uses, and eventual phase-out of commercial usesand other concerns and recommendations highlighted in the Trinidad Head Study Committee Final Report (October 2013, or more recent update).
CONS-8.3 Preserve Trinidad Bay and the bay bordering Trinidad on the west, including all their islands, in their essentially natural state. Encourage near shore developments to be unobtrusive and visually compatible with the bay vista.
CONS-8.4 Require open space easements or similar agreement to protect the natural character of Open Space, Special Environment areas and ESHAs when approving discretionary permits for allowable development within or adjacent to these areas.
Program CONS-8.4.1 If funds are available, obtain such agreements on already developed lots in these Special Environment areas to obtain the degree of public control over lands designated as ESHA, Open Space and Special Environment needed to protect scenic, cultural and natural resources.
CONS-8.5 Ensure that the lands designated as Open Space lying seaward of Edwards and Van Wycke Streets remain undeveloped, except for appropriate resourcedepended uses, including trails and vista points, and managed such that the unparalleled views to the south are maintained and, where feasible, restored.
CONS-8.5 The scenic and visual qualities of coastal areas shall be considered and protected as a resource of public importance. Development shall be sited and designed to protect views to and along the ocean and scenic coastal areas, to minimize the alteration of natural land forms, to be visually compatible with the character of surrounding areas, and, where feasible, to restore and enhance visual quality in visually degraded areas.
CONS-8.6 Coastal bluffs shall be managed to address vegetation management, scenic vistas, trail maintenance, and to prevent unauthorized activities such as piped discharges’ of stormwater runoff, disposal of grass and yard wastes over the bank, carving into bluff faces and trespass onto sensitive areas. Public education in combination with ordinance provisions are the best methods for addressing these concerns.
CONS-8.7 For the entire Planning Area including within City Limits, the areas generally within 100 feet of the centerline of perennial streams and 50 feet from the centerline of intermittent streams are placed in the Open Space or Special Environment designations and by definition are to be designated as a Riparian Corridor. These corridors may vary in width depending on site specific criteria and the existence/absence of naturally occurring (not artificially manipulated) riparian habitat.
Other Open Space Initiatives
Program CONS-8.7.1 Adopt a public education programDisseminate information that educates residents and visitors how and why to minimize impacts on Open Space Commented [TP109]: Combined with CONS‐
8.1 Commented [TP110]: §30251
Commented [TP111]: Moved to Program
CONS‐8.1.2
Commented [TP112]: LK commented: “I
think this policy would be much more
consistent, more protective, and more in line
with other LCPs, if it defined the riparian
area either to encompass the full observed
riparian vegetation, or set from edge of
bank. Then riparian buffers (50’ is typical)
could be established as starting at the edge
of riparian vegetation, or at the edge of
bank, where no vegetation is present.”
Commented [TP113R112]: The 50 to 100 ft.
in this policy is specifically for mapping OS
and SE zones. But the suggested language
should be included in ESHA policies or the
glossary. How would a corridor plus buffer
affect the developability of parcels near
creeks? Most Trinidad lots would not be big
enough to accommodate both.
Commented [TP114]: This doesn’t seem to
be written as a policy. It is simply stating how
certain zoning boundaries were drawn,
which would be more applicable in the LU
Element. Riparian corridors are already
protected as ESHA.
Commented [TP115]: This does not
implement CONS‐8.7.
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 31
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 resources. This includes, but is not limited to, landscaping and chemical use, water use, OWTS maintenance, tide pool etiquette, etc.
Program CONS-8.7.2 Monitor beach and bluff erosion for impacts from sea level rise.
F. RECREATION AND PUBLIC ACCESS
1. Public Recreation
Activities available to local residents include recreational and educational programs at the elementary school, social events, sport fishing, hiking, beachcombing and a myriad of other activities. Tourists primarily come to Trinidad to enjoy the coastal resources and the local lifestyle. Visitors are able to enjoy sport fishing shopping, sightseeing, berry picking, eating out, beachcombing, hiking, picnicking, visiting the marine lab, whale or bird watching, and just relaxing at their lodgings or campsites.
Publicly accessible recreation areas, other than beaches and coastal trails (see Public Access section), include the Trinidad Elementary School and its playground and track areas, the Town Hall (which is used for social and fraternal functions), and the adjacent tennis court, Trinidad Cultural Center, which includes the Museum (the BLM has chosen to locate their Offshore Rocks National Monument information here), Library and Saunder’s Park, the Memorial Lighthouse, the pier, Trinidad Head and the Harbor Area.
In addition, there are several areas nearby the City where people can enjoy coastal recreation. Luffenholtz Beach County Park, Houda Point, Baker Beach, Moonstone Beach, and Clam Beach County Park are located south of the City. The College Cove/ Elk Head area is located a few miles to the North. Patrick's Point State Park is seven miles north of the City. Trinidad State Beach is located partially within City limits and continues north of the City.
Certain aspects of public safety and environmental protection are affected by public recreation. There are a number of hazards that can impact public recreation and access, including large wave events, tsunamis, steep slopes and unstable bluffs. In addition, public recreation can affect plants and animals and habitat, including riparian areas, coastal bluffs, bird and wildlife use/activities, rare plants and intertidal zones.
Goal CONS-9: Provide a variety of quality public recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors.
Public Recreation Policies
CONS-9.1 Public restrooms are encouraged to be available in the harbor area, Saunder’s Shopping Center, near the Trinidad Cultural Center, and at Trinidad Town Hall.
Commented [TP116]: This does not
implement CONS‐8.7 and is weak. This will
be addressed in more detail in the public
safety element.
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 32
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 CONS-9.2 Continue to cooperate with the local Chamber of Commerce and the Humboldt County Convention & Visitors Bureau in providing visitor service information at City Hall and other appropriate locations.
CONS-9.13 Continue to provide adequate litter control programs, including dog waste stations in areas open to the public, particularly at the beach parking area(s).
CONS-98.24 Maintain Town Hall as a center for community functions.
CONS-9.5 3Trinidad Head will be maintained with public hiking trails, benches and vista points. Public vehicular access will be controlled by a locked gate and vehicles will only be allowed on Trinidad Head with permission from the City or the Federal Government.
CONS-9.6 Encourage the State to improve the restrooms at the College Cove/ Elk’s Head parking area.
CONS-9.7 Connect State Park Trails (and related signs) to the City’s Trail System.
CONS-9.48 Monitor and maintain parking at recreation areas to ensure maximum access. Maximize free, 24-hour parking to the extent feasible. Any new parking restrictions or fees shall require issuance of a Coastal Development Permit unless exempt.
CONS-9.59 Development shall be sited and designed to protect views to and along the ocean coast and scenic coastal areas.
CONS-9.510Ensure the safety of recreationalists by providing readily accessible information regarding the dangers of large waves, tsunamis and steep slopes in the form of signage, brochures, etc. as needed.
CONS-9.6 Wherever appropriate and feasible, public facilities, including parking areas or facilities, shall be distributed throughout an area so as to mitigate against the impacts, social and otherwise, of overcrowding or overuse by the public of any single area.
CONS-9.711 Ensure that the impacts of public recreation on ESHAs is minimized by providing information to the community and the public about avoiding and protecting key resources.
CONS-9.812 Lower cost visitor and recreational facilities shall be protected, encouraged, and, where feasible, provided. Developments providing public recreational opportunities are preferred. (LU-4.1)
Commented [TP117]: Moved to other
initiatives
Commented [TP118]: CK commented: We
recommend a goal of “maximum access”
consistent with Coastal Act §30210. We also
recommend that the City include language
calling for public access parking to be
retained as a free resource open 24 hours a
day. If any potential fees or restrictions on
hours of use are contemplated in the future,
we recommend that the LCP clearly indicate
that CDP authorization is required and
potentially include provisions that enable
objective evaluation of these restrictions
consistent with the public access policies of
the Coastal Act.
Commented [TP119R118]: Access is
addressed in the next section. Added
language to 9.8 (now 9.4). A
proposed/planning parking study should also
help inform such policies.
Commented [TP120]: Moved to other
initiatives.
Commented [TP121]: Moved to open space
section and expanded.
Commented [TP122]: §30212.5
Commented [TP123]: §30213
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 33
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 CONS-9.913 Coastal areas suited for water-oriented recreational activities that cannot readily be provided at inland water areas shall be protected for such uses. (LU-4.2) CONS-9.104 Oceanfront land suitable for recreational use shall be protected for recreational use and development unless present and foreseeable future demand for public or commercial recreational activities that could be accommodated on the property is already adequately provided for in the area. (LU-4.3) CONS-9.115 The use of private lands suitable for visitor-serving commercial recreational facilities designed to enhance public opportunities for coastal recreation shall have priority over private residential, general industrial, or general commercial development, but not over agriculture or coastal-dependent industry. (LU-4.4) CONS-9.21 Upland areas necessary to support coastal recreational uses shall be reserved for such uses, where feasible. (LU-4.6)
CONS-9.136 Increased recreational boating use of coastal waters shall be encouraged, in accordance with this division, by developing dry storage areas, increasing public launching facilities, providing additional berthing space in existing harbors, limiting nonwater-dependent land uses that congest access corridors and preclude boating support facilities, providing harbors of refuge, and by providing for new boating facilities in natural harbors, new protected water areas, and in areas dredged from dry land. (LU4.7) Other Initiatives for Public Recreation
CONS-9.1 Public restrooms are encouraged to be available in the harbor area, Saunder’s Shopping Center, near the Trinidad Cultural Center, and at Trinidad Town Hall.
CONS-9.2 Continue to cooperate with the local Chamber of Commerce and the Humboldt County Convention & Visitors Bureau in providing visitor service information at City Hall and other appropriate locations. CONS-9.6 Encourage the State to improve the restrooms at the College Cove/ Elk’s Head parking area.
CONS-9.7 Connect State Park Trails (and related signs) to the City’s Trail System.
2. Public Access
Coastal Act regulations (14 CCR §13512) requires LCPs to include a public access component that sets “forth in detail the kinds and intensity of uses, the reservation of public service capacities for recreation purposes… and specific geographic areas Commented [TP124]: §30220
Commented [TP125]: §30222
Commented [TP126]: §30223
Commented [TP127]: §30224
Commented [TP128]: Are these really
appropriate in Trinidad?
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 34
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 proposed for direct physical access to coastal water areas.” The public access component may be a separate plan element, or it may be comprised of various plan components. This section includes the majority of the public access policies of the Trinidad LUP, but other public access policies are found throughout the various LUP elements as appropriate. Public access to and along the shoreline is guaranteed by the California Constitution and is further defined by standards established by the Coastal Act to recognize the shoreline as a public resource which is available for viewing, recreation, and scientific research at the water’s edge and along tidal rivers. Access to the shoreline is dependent on the right of the public to cross public and private land.
Access across private land is generally obtained through purchase of an easement or obtained as a condition of development approval.
There are a variety of public access points and trails in Trinidad (see Figure 10 for those that have been designated). A portion of the California Coastal Trail (CCT) runs along Scenic Drive and then through town to the Harbor Area and then up through Trinidad State Beach. The City is responsible for ensuring the connectivity and implementation of the section of the CCT within its jurisdiction. Because of Trinidad’s robust trail system, there are relatively few CCT deficiencies through Trinidad. However, Scenic Drive, with its narrow shoulders and lanes would benefit from pedestrian improvements. In addition, trail maintenance is a constant need on this dynamic coastline, where winter storms and unstable slopes negatively impact trail conditions. conditions can change, andThe the City should ensure that Coastal Commission guidance is followed in identifying, maintaining, and improving the CCT to enhance accessibility and usability of the trail.
The City has identified some potential deficiencies and additional connections that, if resolved and implemented, would enhance accessibility and usability of the CCT.
Trails can be grouped based on their destination. The Trinidad Head Trail is a loop that starts in the Harbor parking lot and provides access to this prominent geologic feature and several vista points along the way. Trails that access the Harbor Area and Trinidad Pier include those along Edwards, Van Wycke and Galindo Streets. Trinidad State Beach maintains several trails within City limits that can be accessed from the west side of the Harbor Area, Ewing Street and the overlook/picnic area off Stagecoach Road. A trail along Underwood and an undeveloped right-of-way provides a connection to the Trinidad State Beach trails from Edwards Street. There are also several trails that access Old Home Beach (formerly Indian Beach), including the Axel Lindgren III Memorial Trail, which is the primary trail and starts at the intersection of Edwards and Trinity Street. The Parker Creek Trail provides access from behind the Saunder’s Shopping Center with connections from the Old Wagon Road Trail (Wagner Street) and Groth Lane off Scenic Drive. In addition, much of Trinidad’s shoreline can be accessed via trails along the beaches, especially at low tide, though several rocky points can make continuous access difficult.
Trinidad Beach State Park maintains a variety of trails, including some in City limits.
Trinidad City trails include connections to the Trinidad State Beach trails from Underwood and the Harbor Area (marker #’s 6-10). The Trinidad Head Trail loop (marker #’s 26-31) is accessed from the Harbor Area. The Galindo and Van Wycke Street trails connect Edwards Street and the Harbor Overlook to the Harbor Area Commented [KC129]: See General Comment
8 on the CCT in our 9/10/19 comments
specific to the Conservation, Open Space &
Recreation Element.
Commented [TP130R129]: Edited. Also,
need to get a copy of current CCC map when
available.
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 35
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 (marker #’s 1-5, 11, 32). The Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail provides access to Old Home Beach (formally known as Indian Beach) Harbor Overlook and the CA Coastal Trail (marker #’s 12-13). The Parker Creek Trail (marker #’s 19-21, 25, 14) provides access to Old Home Beach from behind the Saunders Shopping Center. The Old Wagon Road (Wagner Street) connects the CA Coastal Trail and Edwards Street to the Parker Creek Trail (marker #’s 15-18, 22), and the Groth Lane Trail (marker #’s 23-24) provides a connection to the Parker Creek Trail from Scenic Drive.
For the most part, there is ample public coastal access in Trinidad. Together these trails provide a variety of public access points to and from the coast, all within ¼ mile of each other. The one exception is the southeastern part of town; there is more than ½ mile between the southeastern City limits and the nearest trail access at Groth Lane. And the nearest public access south of the City limits is at Baker Beach, another 0.7 miles to the south.. The City has proposed an additional access from Scenic Drive to the coast along McConnahas Mill Creek to help fill this gap. The Trinidad Coastal Land Trust has also expressed an interest in developing a trail from Scenic Drive that connects to the Parker Creek Trail between Groth Lane and Main Street through a parcel they own Parking could potentially be provided here, as opposed to Groth Lane, where there is none. These are the only additional accesses proposed considered at this time.
Additional studies would be needed to determine the feasibility of and design recommendations for these proposed trails. There are no known informal, unmapped accesses currently being utilized; however, there could be prescriptive rights the City is unaware of.
On the other hand, the Yurok Tribe and Tsurai Ancestral Society have requested that the City close both the Van Wycke Trail, which is currently in need of repair, and the Galindo Trail due to impacts to cultural resources. However, because those trails are long-standing, existing accesses identified herein and in the City’s previous certified LCP, closing them will require additional analyses and an amendment to the LCP if the City pursues that course of action in the future.
In accordance with the Coastal Act, the City requires dedication of access easements along and adjacent to designated trails and beaches as a condition of approval of coastal development permits. These easements and other legal forms of land restrictions are granted in the form of Offers to Dedicate (OTDs), and the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust (TCLT) has been the entity that has accepted most of those easements, with the City holding a few as well. The TCLT has expressed a willingness to continue to accept these easements, and the City will continue to maintain the ones that are designated public trails.
The City also has a responsibility to ensure that public access is not impeded or discouraged by private development. There is not much potential for additional development along or near the shoreline in Trinidad, but impediments can also include discouraging signage, lack of signage, and vegetative growth. Trail signage has been a controversial topic in Trinidad in several locations due to concerns of private property Commented [TP131]: I’m afraid of
complicating the general plan update with
this. I think this should be considered and
processed separately from the update, but
I’m unsure of the timing.
Commented [TG132]: What about
undesignated public accessways acquired
through use?
Commented [TP133R132]: ? I’m not sure. No
such accessways are currently known. Are
you suggesting this should also apply to
prescriptive rights? How would that work if
not previously established?
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 36
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 owners as well as impacts to unstable slopes and cultural resources from pedestrian traffic.
The portion of Trinidad Head not needed by the Coast Guard was transferred to the City of Trinidad and annexed within the City limits in 1984. [Amended Ord. 166; 12-12-84].
Trinidad Head Trail provides a view to the Trinidad Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. The Trinidad Trails Plan is available with the City Clerk at City Hall. The U.S. Coast Guard recently transferred its ownership of 13 acres of the southern portion of Trinidad Head to the BLM. The land was added to the California Coastal National Monument in January 2017.
Goal CONS-10: Maximize public access to and along the coast consistent with sound resource conservation principles and the constitutionally protected rights of property owners.
Public Access Policies
CONS-10.1 The public shall have access to trails and coastal resources; existing and proposed trails are shown on Figure 10. Advertise the trail system, including connections to State Park trails, in visitor information and current maps that will be kept on file at City Hall and made available to the public on the City’s website and at any Visitor Information Center or kiosk.
Program CONS-10.1.1 Pursue opportunities to provide transportation corridor linkages for pedestrian trails and bike routes as well as scenic recreational routes. In particular, consider linkages to the California Coastal Trail, Hammond Trail and Pacific Coast Bicycle Route (CIRC-4.9)
CONS-10.12 Provide conspicuously posted maximum access and recreational opportunities for all people consistent with public safety needs and the need to protect public rights, rights of private property owners, and natural resource areas from overuse. Provide public open space and shoreline access in the Coastal Zone.
Program CONS-10.2.1 Provide shoreline access in the Coastal Zone along the vertical and lateral access routes as shown on Figure 10.
Program CONS-10.1.1 Pursue opportunities to provide transportation corridor linkages for pedestrian trails and bike routes as well as scenic recreational routes. In particular, consider linkages to the California Coastal Trail, Hammond Trail and Pacific Coast Bicycle Route (CIRC-4.9)
Program CONS-10.12.2 Acquire additional public access to the shoreline by:
a) requiring public access as a condition of development consistent with the Coastal Act, the Coastal Commission's Statewide Interpretive Guidelines, and the findings required to support recorded Grants of Easements, Offer to Dedicate (OTD), or other comparable documents, as determined by the City; Commented [TP134]: Moved below.
Commented [TP135]: Moved below.
Commented [TP136]: Seems out of place,
and too general; covered elsewhere.
Commented [TP137]: Unclear.
Commented [TP138]: Covered in Program
CONS‐10.10.3
Commented [KC139]: These programs seem
redundant with various policies included in
this section (proposed Policies CONS‐10.6,
CONS‐10.5, and CONS‐10.10). We
recommend including these requirements in
policies to ensure they are part of the
standard of review for CDPs.
Commented [SW140R139]: These programs
read to me as city actions, versus the blow
policies which are constraints on
development projects. I left them separate
for this reason.
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 37
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 b) Aaccepting, or facilitating acceptance of, Offers to Dedicate (OTDs) that will increase opportunities for public access and recreation; and c) creatinge partnerships with the community, agencies, and organizations to maintain and improve public access to and along the coast.
Program CONS-10.12.13 Provide coastal access signage, as needed and feasible, to direct visitors to public access parking, beaches, trails, coastal bluff access points and vista points, and identify segments of the CCT with the State Coastal Trail emblem.
Program CONS-10.1.24 Advertise Disseminate maps and information regarding the trail system, including connections to State Park trails outside City limits, in visitor information and current maps that will be kept on file at City Hall and made available to the public on the City’s website and at any Visitor Information Center or kiosk.
Program CONS-10.1.352.4 Wherever appropriate and feasible, public recreational facilities, including parking areas or facilities, shall be distributed throughout an area so as to mitigate against the impacts, social and otherwise, of overcrowding or overuse by the public of any single area.
CONS-10.23 The public access policies of this article shall be implemented in a manner that takes into account the need to regulate the time, place, and manner of public access depending on the facts and circumstances in each case including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Topographic and geologic site characteristics.
(2) The capacity of the site to sustain use and at what level of intensity. (3) The appropriateness of limiting public access to the right to pass and repass depending on such factors as the fragility of the natural resources in the area and the proximity of the access area to adjacent residential uses. (4) The need to provide for the management of access areas so as to protect the privacy of adjacent property owners and to protect the aesthetic values of the area by providing for the collection of litter.
Program CONS-10.23.1 It is the intent of the City that the public access policies of this element be carried out in a reasonable manner that considers the equities and that balances the rights of the individual property owner with the public’s constitutional right of access pursuant to Section 4 of Article X of the California Constitution. Nothing in this section or any amendment thereto shall be construed as a limitation on the rights guaranteed to the public under Section 4 of Article X of the California Constitution.
Program CONS-10.23.2 In carrying out the public access policies of this article, the City shall consider and encourage the utilization of innovative access management techniques, including, but not limited to, agreements with private Commented [TP141]: These are covered by
other policies.
Commented [TP142]: Moved to other
initiatives
Commented [TP143]: §30214(a)
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 38
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 organizations which would minimize management costs and encourage the use of volunteer programs.
CONS-10.3 Development in the Coastal Zone shall not interfere with the public's right of access to the sea where acquired through use or legislative authorization, including, but not limited to, the use of dry sand and rocky coastal beaches to the first line of terrestrial vegetation. Protect public prescriptive accesses wherever they exist.
CONS-10.45 Require public access easements or similar agreement to assure public use ofaccess to both proposed and existing designated trails when approving permits for allowable development. Such agreements on beaches shall cover the area from the ambulatory mean high-tide line to either the ambulatory base of the bluff or to the first line of vegetation. Interior trail easements shall include enough area to provide for adequate public access over time accounting for expected sea level rise and bluff erosion, appropriate improvements and maintenance while minimizing the amount of private land encumbered.
CONS-10.46 Require public access from the nearest public roadway to the shoreline and along the coast in all new development except where it is inconsistent with public safety, other LCP policies, or the protection of fragile coastal resources and environmentally sensitive habitat areas, or if adequate access is already provided nearby.
Program CONS-10.47.1 Revise the Zoning Ordinance to provide specific regulations for public access easements, OTDs, direct dedications, and other legal mechanisms to protect and provide public access.
Program CONS-10.4.2 Such agreementsaccess on beaches shall cover the area from the ambulatory mean high-tide line to either the ambulatory base of the bluff or to the first line of vegetation. Interior trail easements shall include enough area to provide for adequate public access over time accounting for expected sea level rise and bluff erosion, appropriate improvements and maintenance while minimizing the amount of private land encumbered.
CONS-10.58 Implement mitigation measures required for impacts to public access and recreational opportunities prior to or concurrent with construction of the approved development. Mitigation is not a substitute for implementation of a feasible project alternative that would avoid impacts to public access.
CONS-10.69 Public accessways and trails to the shoreline and public parklands are a permitted use in all land use and zoning designations. Where there is an existing, but unaccepted and/or unopened public access Offer to Dedicate (OTD), easement, or deed restriction for lateral, vertical or trail access or related support facilities (e.g. parking), construction of necessary access improvements shall be permitted to be constructed, opened and operated for its intended public use.
Commented [TP144]: Are these two
subsections (b) and (c) of 30214 necessary?
Commented [TP145]: §30211
Commented [TP146]: It has been
commented that this verbiage is confusing.
Can it be reworded?
Commented [TP147]: KC commented: “How
do proposed Policies CONS‐10.4, 10.5, 10.6,
and 10.7 relate to one another? All four
policies appear to be requiring public access
in approval of new development – please
address inconsistencies and redundancies
among these policies. We recommend
revising these policies so that public access
mitigation is not limited solely to proposed
and existing trails shown on Figure 10. For
example, if a prescriptive right of access
exists on a parcel, than avoidance or
mitigation if avoidance isn’t feasible should
be required. We also recommend reframing
these policies to preference recorded grants
of easement over offers to dedicate (i.e., if
an easement is not feasible, then implement
access mitigation through an offer to
dedicate an easement). OTDs are
cumbersome and can create a many‐year
delay in the implementation of public access
mitigation; it is preferred that the City would
be willing to immediately take steps to open
a trail.”
Commented [TP148R147]: CONS‐10.4 and
10.7 deleted. CONS‐10.6 (now 10.4)
reworded and CONS‐10.5 program under
that policy (CONS‐10.4.2).
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 39
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 CONS-10.10 Dedicated accesses are not required to open for public use until a public agency or private association agrees to accept responsibility for maintenance and liability of the access. Open the easement to the public as soon as is feasible and accept the responsibility for operation and maintenance of the accessway for easements to the City, or grant the easement to a private nonprofit association that is willing to accept, maintain and operate the accessway.
CONS-10.711 For all grants of easement required by the City and accepted by a private non-profit association, the Executive Director of the Commission and the City Manager must review and approve a management plan submitted by the private nonprofit association that indicates that the association will open, operate, and maintain the easement in accordance with terms of the recorded grant of easement, and that the association will open the easement to the public as soon as is feasible.
Program CONS-11.711.1 Work with the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust and other organizations and agencies to accept liability for and maintain public accesses.
Program CONS-10.711.2 Facilitate the acceptance of Offers to Dedicate (OTDs) as a means of obtaining additional public access by working with the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust and other organizations and agencies to accept liability for and maintain public accesses.
Program CONS-10.7.3 Dedicated accesses are not required to open for public use until a public agency or private association agrees to accept responsibility for maintenance and liability of the access. Open the easement to the public as soon as is feasible and accept the responsibility for operation and maintenance of the accessway for easements to the City, or grant the easement to a private nonprofit association that is willing to accept, maintain and operate the accessway.
CONS-10.812 Develop and promote a continuous interconnected trail system throughout the City which connects to and includes the California Coastal Trail system.
Unobstructed access to all Trinidad Trails shall be maintained.
Program CONS-10.810.1 Develop and maintain ordinances and policies as necessary to ensure unobstructed public access to all Trinidad Trails, including restrictions on vehicles, signs, vegetation, or other obstructions so they aren’t allowed to block or hinder pedestrian access to trails.
Program CONS-10.81.28 Prohibit posting of misleading signs, markings and other structures that discourage appropriate use of legal public accessways. Identify and remove all unauthorized structures, including signs and fences, which inhibit public access.
Program CONS-10.81.35 Pursue opportunities to provide transportation corridor linkages for pedestrian trails and bike routes as well as scenic recreational routes. In City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 40
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 particular, consider linkages to the California Coastal Trail, Hammond Trail and Pacific Coast Bicycle Route (CIRC-4.9)
CONS-10.913 The CCT within the City shall be maintained and enhanced to provide a continuous, non-motorized public trail along the City’s coastline, connecting with contiguous trail links in adjacent, unincorporated Humboldt County.
Program CONS-10.9.1 Manage, site, and design the CCT consistent with Coastal Commission guidance.
Program CONS-10.9.2 Identify gaps in the CCT and measures to fill those gaps consistent with Coastal Commission guidance.
CONS-10.103 The permanent closure of any existing public accessway shall Rrequire an amendment to the Local Coastal Program. for the permanent closure of any existing public accessway. Temporary closures due to emergencies or to perform necessary maintenance and repairs shall be the minimum duration necessary, and alternative access shall be provided where feasible. Temporary closures over two weeks in length require a coastal development permit.
CONS-10.14 Unobstructed access to all Trinidad Trails shall be maintained.
Develop ordinances and policies as necessary to ensure unobstructed public access to all Trinidad Trails, including restrictions on vehicles, signs, vegetation, or other obstructions so they aren’t allowed to block or hinder pedestrian access to trails.
CONS-10.15 Pursue opportunities to provide transportation corridor linkages for pedestrian trails and bike routes as well as scenic recreational routes. In particular, consider linkages to the California Coastal Trail, Hammond Trail and Pacific Coast Bicycle Route (CIRC-4.9)
CONS-10.116 Develop policies and requirements for temporary events to ensure that adequate public access, including parking, is maintained. Temporary events with the potential to adversely impact public access shall develop a public access management plan to identify and limit impacts to public access, including parking. Plans shall identify peak use times and measures to avoid disruption during those times, minimize road and trail closures, identify alternative access routes, and provide for public safety.
CONS-10.127 Ensure public access easements are recorded as part of any street abandonment or property transfer where public access currently exists.
CONS-10.18 Prohibit posting of misleading signs, markings and other structures that discourage appropriate use of legal public accessways. Identify and remove all unauthorized structures, including signs and fences, which inhibit public access.
Commented [TP149]: Moved to be part of
CONS‐10.2
Commented [TP150]: Moved to program
CONS‐10.10.1
Commented [TP151]: Moved to Program
CONS‐10.10.3
Commented [TP152]: Moved to Program
CONS‐10.10.2
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 41
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April August 20210 Other Initiatives for Public Access
CONS-10.20 Encourage a shuttle system with a fixed route to the Trinidad Harbor. This would reduce individual vehicle use and provide easy access to the Harbor (CIRC-3.3).
Create partnerships with the community, agencies, and organizations to maintain and improve public access to and along the coast.
Commented [TP153]: Other initiative
Commented [TP154]: Moved from Program
CONS‐10.1.2
I’m undecided on deleting this one. However, it does address a broader range of issues than other policies, and comes at it from a different angle (project approval conditions). It could be revised so it only covers things that aren’t already explicit in other policies (conditions of approval, monitoring, conform to natural topography, any others?)
P A C I F I C
O C E A N
TRINIDAD
BAY
TWO CREEKS CK.
JOLAND CK.
LUFFENHOLTZ CK.
DEADMAN'S
CK.
MARTIN CK.
HOBSON CK.
MCNEIL CK.
SAVAGE CK.
BURRIS CK.
PARKER CK.
MILL CK.
MCCONNAHAS MILL CK.
UNNAMED
CK.
ASBS BOUNDARY
Watersheds
Trinidad General Plan (DRAFT)
SHN 016105.006
August 2018 GP2018_Fig6_Watersheds Figure 6
City of Trinidad
General Plan
Trinidad, California
EXPLANATION
PLANNING AREA
TRINIDAD CITY LIMITS
WESTHAVEN COMMUNITY SERVICE DISTRICT
WATERSHED BOUNDARIES
STREAMS
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0 4,000
FEET
N
P A C I F I C
O C E A N
TRINIDAD
BAY
TWO CREEKS CK.
JOLAND CK.
LUFFENHOLTZ CK.
DEADMAN'S
CK.
MARTIN CK.
HOBSON CK.
MCNEIL CK.
SAVAGE CK.
BURRIS CK.
PARKER CK.
UNNAMED CK.
MILL CK.
MCCONNAHAS MILL CK.
Special Status Plant Species
Trinidad General Plan (DRAFT)
SHN 016105.006
October 2018 GP2018_Fig8a_SpecStatPlantSpecies Figure 8a City of Trinidad
General Plan
Trinidad, California
EXPLANATION
PLANNING AREA
TRINIDAD CITY LIMITS
U.S. HIGHWAY 101
STREAMS
CNDDB COMMON NAME
LYNGBYE'S SEDGE
OREGON COAST PAINTBRUSH
PACIFIC GILIA
WALDO DAISY
WOLF'S EVENING-PRIMROSE
BLACK CROWBERRY
CYLINDRICAL TRICHODON
BRISTLE-STALKED SEDGE
NAKED FLAG MOSS
PINK SAND-VERBENA
RUNNING-PINE
TRACY'S ROMANZOFFIA
BEACH LAYIA
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0 4,000
FEET
N
CNDDB SOURCE DATA SHOWN IS
CURRENT AS OF SEPT. 2018.
THIS DATASET IS UPDATED MONTHY,
AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR
DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES,
PLEASE CONSULT THE ONLINE
CNDDB MAP SERVICE.
P A C I F I C
O C E A N
TRINIDAD
BAY
TWO CREEKS CK.
JOLAND CK.
LUFFENHOLTZ CK.
DEADMAN'S
CK.
MARTIN CK.
HOBSON CK.
MCNEIL CK.
SAVAGE CK.
BURRIS CK.
PARKER CK.
UNNAMED CK.
MILL CK.
MCCONNAHAS MILL CK.
Special Status Terrestrial Animal Species
Trinidad General Plan (DRAFT)
SHN 016105.006
October 2018 GP2018_Fig8b_SpecStatAnimalSpecies Figure 8b City of Trinidad
General Plan
Trinidad, California
EXPLANATION
PLANNING AREA
TRINIDAD CITY LIMITS
U.S. HIGHWAY 101
STREAMS
CNDDB COMMON NAME
N. AMERICAN PORCUPINE
BANK SWALLOW
OBSCURE BUMBLE BEE
HUMBOLDT MOUNTAIN BEAVER
WHITE-FOOTED VOLE
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0 4,000
FEET
N
CNDDB SOURCE DATA SHOWN IS
CURRENT AS OF SEPT. 2018.
THIS DATASET IS UPDATED MONTHY,
AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR
DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES,
PLEASE CONSULT THE ONLINE
CNDDB MAP SERVICE.
P A C I F I C
O C E A N
TRINIDAD
BAY
TWO CREEKS CK.
JOLAND CK.
LUFFENHOLTZ CK.
DEADMAN'S
CK.
MARTIN CK.
HOBSON CK.
MCNEIL CK.
SAVAGE CK.
BURRIS CK.
PARKER CK.
UNNAMED CK.
MILL CK.
MCCONNAHAS MILL CK.
Special Status Aquatic and Pelagic/Marine Species
Trinidad General Plan (DRAFT)
SHN 016105.006
October 2018 GP2018_Fig8c_SpecStatAquaticSpecies Figure 8c City of Trinidad
General Plan
Trinidad, California
EXPLANATION
PLANNING AREA
TRINIDAD CITY LIMITS
U.S. HIGHWAY 101
STREAMS
CNDDB COMMON NAME
N. RED-LEGGED FROG
TUFTED PUFFIN
RHINOCEROS AUKLET
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT
LONGFIN SMELT
S. TORRENT SALAMANDER
PACIFIC TAILED FROG
COAST CUTTHROAT TROUT
FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL
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0 4,000
FEET
N
CNDDB SOURCE DATA SHOWN IS
CURRENT AS OF SEPT. 2018.
THIS DATASET IS UPDATED MONTHY,
AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR
DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES,
PLEASE CONSULT THE ONLINE
CNDDB MAP SERVICE.
Soil Conditions & Constraints
Trinidad General Plan (DRAFT)
SHN 016105.006
October 2018 GP2018_Fig9a_SoilCondsConstraints Figure 9a City of Trinidad
General Plan
Trinidad, California
EXPLANATION
County GIS Parcels
TRINIDAD CITY LIMITS
FAULT LINES (COUNTY GIS)
ALQUIST-PRIOLO FAULT ZONE
STREAMS
ASBS
U.S. HIGHWAY 101
SLOPE GREATER THAN 15%
GEOLOGIC STABILITY
QUESTIONABLE
UNSTABLE
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0 1,500
FEET
N
581
254
256
254
582
558
581
298
256
581
591
298
258
580
251
592
223
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258
223
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542
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299
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105
267 257
580
257 291
531
Soil Limitations
Trinidad General Plan (DRAFT)
SHN 016105.006
August 2018 GP2018_Fig9b_SoilLimitations Figure 9b
City of Trinidad
General Plan
Trinidad, California
EXPLANATION
NRCS SOIL DATA (2017)
1978 PLANNING AREA
TRINIDAD CITY LIMITS
U.S. HIGHWAY 101
STREAMS
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0 4,000
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TRINIDAD
ELEMENTARY
SCENIC DR.
P A C I F I C
O C E A N
TRINIDAD
BAY
MILL CK.
PARKER CK.
MCCONNAHAS MILL CK.
TRINIDAD
HEAD
TRINIDAD
PIER
TOWN
HALL
HIGHWAY 101
EDWARDS ST.
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TRINIT
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Recreation & Trails
Trinidad General Plan (DRAFT)
SHN 016105.006
September 2018 GP2018_Fig10_Recreation_Trails Figure 10 City of Trinidad
General Plan
Trinidad, California
\\Arcata\Projects\2016\016105A-CityOfTrinidad\GIS\Projects\GenPlanUpdate\2018\ USER:jsousa DATE:10/2/2018 0 400
FEET
1" = 400'±
EXPLANATION
EXISTING TRAILS
PROPOSED TRAILS
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EXISTING BIKE RACKS
PROPOSED BIKE RACKS
^^ VISTA POINTS
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PHOTO SOURCE:
GOOGLE, MAY 2016
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 3
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
3. Accept Councilmember Tom Davies Resignation and Authorization to Begin Recruitment to Fill the Vacancy through December 2022.
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Item: Accept Councilmember Tom Davies Resignation and Begin Recruitment to Fill the Vacancy through December 2022.
The City received a letter of resignation from Councilmember Tom Davies, effective December 31, 2021.
Davies was elected to the position in 2018 and will have served 3-years upon resignation. The City must actively seek a replacement for the remainder of his term through December 2022.
The current Councilmember terms are:
Ladwig Term Expires December 2024
West Term Expires December 2024
Kelly Term Expires December 2022
Davies Term Expires December 2022
Grover Term Expires December 2022
Basic eligibility requirements for serving on the City Council are:
- Must reside inside the city limits
- Must be a registered voter, inside the City limits.
The City Council is responsible for appointing a new member to fulfill the remaining term, and may set whatever qualifications, criteria, and experience they feel is necessary for the applicants to have.
A vacancy notice will be published immediately to seek applicants to fill the position with a likely soft deadline of February 04.
Action Requested: Accept resignation and direct staff to begin recruitment to fill the vacancy.
Attachments: Davies Letter of Resignation
TRINIDAD CITY HALL Steve Ladwig, Mayor
P.O. Box 390 Gabriel Adams, City Clerk
409 Trinity Street
Trinidad, CA 95570
(707) 677-0223
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCY ON THE
TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL
THE CITY OF TRINIDAD IS CURRENTLY SEEKING AN INDIVIDUAL TO FILL (1) VACANCY ON THE TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL.
TERM: THROUGH DECEMBER 2022*
RESIDENTS LIVING WITHIN THE CITY OF TRINIDAD MAY SEND A LETTER OF INTEREST, INCLUDING QUALIFICATIONS, TO THE CITY CLERK AT:
CITY OF TRINIDAD
P.O. BOX 390
TRINIDAD, CA 95570
Email to: [email protected]
OR YOU MAY DELIVER THE LETTER IN PERSON TO:
TRINIDAD CITY HALL
409 TRINITY STREET
TRINIDAD, CA
THE DEADLINE FOR FILING IS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 04, 2022, 2:00PM.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL 677-0223.
Gabriel Adams
Trinidad City Clerk
DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 4
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED
4. Discussion/Decision regarding Commissioner Assignments It is customary for the Council to formally assign/reassign Commissionership duties after every election or appointment of new members.
New Councilmember Cheryl Kelly is filling past member Richard Clompus seat, so this discussion is will allow the Council to pass the torch as-is, discuss preferences, or re-distribute assignments.
The Council will revisit this topic later this year at the conclusion of the November 2022 election.
Committee Assignments: As of July 14, 2020.
COMMITTEE REP ALT
Humboldt Waste Management Authority HWMA Clompus West
Humboldt County Association of Governments HCAOG West Davies Tsurai Management Plan Implementation Committee West No Alt.
Redwood Regional Economic Development Corp. RREDC Ladwig Grover HTA Humboldt Transit Authority HTA Ladwig West
Redwood Coast Energy Authority RCEA Grover Clompus
CCNM Trinidad Gateway Committee Clompus Ladwig
Humboldt County Convention & Visitors Bureau HCCVB. Clompus Office of Emergency Services OES Grover Ladwig
Hazardous Materials Response Authority HMRA Grover West Indian Gaming Benefit Committee Clompus West
Humboldt Mayors Committee Ladwig West
Tribal Government Liaison – (Trinidad Rancheria/Yurok Tribe) Ladwig West League of CA Cities Naffah Grover
Trinidad Trails Committee Davies West
Water Advisory Committee Clompus Grover