Trinidad City Council
January 11, 2022

City Council Meeting Agenda: 01-11-2022 Page 1
Posted: Friday, January 07, 2022

NOTICE AND CALL OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE

TRINIDAD CITY COUNCIL
The Trinidad City Council will hold a regular meeting on TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2022, at 6:00 PM

THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD VIA ZOOM VIDEOCONFERENCE
CLOSED SESSION BEGINS AT 4:30PM
In accordance with Executive Order N-29-20 this meeting will be held via videoconference, and will be hosted on the Zoom.

Learn more about Zoom here: https://zoom.us
PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comment may be submitted via email in advance of the meeting, or in an orderly process during the meeting. If you do not have access to email and you would like to provide a written statement, please deliver your comment to 409 Trinity Street, Trinidad CA, by 2:00pm on the meeting day.

Email public comments to [email protected] Your comments will be included in the public record for the meeting, and will be accepted at any time during the meeting.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE: The City will publish a direct link to the conference, along with the participant code, on the City Calendar page online at http://trinidad.ca.gov/calendar To phone in, dial 1-888-278-0296, Conference Code: 685171 Meeting ID: 843 7837 3027 Passcode: 583159 I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. CLOSED SESSION AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
At this time, members of the public may only comment on an item appearing on the agenda. Please adhere to the following when addressing the Council: 1) Individual comments will be limited to 3 minutes or less, 2) Comments should be directed to the Council as a whole and not directed to individual Council Members IV. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION

1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Calif. Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)) (1 Case: City of Trinidad vs. Tsurai Ancestral Society, et. al, Humb. Co. Sup. Court Case No. 180684)

2. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Gov. Code Section 54956.9: City of Trinidad v. Trinidad Bay Bed & Breakfast/Mike Morgan (Humboldt Co. Superior Court Case No. CV2100112)

3. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Gov. Code Section 54956.9): City of Trinidad vs. Mike Morgan (Humboldt Co. Superior Court Case No. CV2100066)

4. Water Plant Employment/Performance Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.

V. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
VI. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 12-14-2021 cc will be reviewed at the February meeting.

VIII. COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
IX. STAFF REPORTS – City Manager & Law Enforcement
X. ITEMS FROM THE FLOOR
At this time, members of the public may comment on items NOT appearing on the agenda. Individual comments will be limited to 3 minutes or less. Comments should be directed to the Council as a whole and not to individual Council Members or staff. Council and staff responses will be minimal for non-agenda items.

City Council Meeting Agenda: 01-11-2022 Page 2
XI. CONSENT AGENDA
All matters on the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the City Council and are enacted in one motion. There is no separate discussion of any of these items. If discussion is requested by any Council member, that item is removed from the Consent Calendar and considered separately. A single opportunity for public comment on the Consent Agenda is available to the public.

1. Staff Activity Report – December 2021

2. Financial Statements – November 2021

3. Law Enforcement Report – December 2021

4. Adopt Revised Local Road Safety Plan

5. Prop 84 ASBS Stormwater Project Outreach and Update
XII. DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA ITEMS

1. Welcoming New Councilmember Cheryl Kelly.

2. Continued Discussion regarding General Plan Update, Conservation Element.

3. Accept Councilmember Tom Davies Resignation and Authorization to Begin Recruitment to Fill the Vacancy through December 2022.

4. Discussion/Decision regarding Commissioner Assignments.

XIII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR:

DECEMBER 14, 2021 CC
Supporting Documentation follows with: 0 PAGES
12-14-2021 CC minutes will be reviewed at the February meeting.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 1

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

1. Staff Activity Report – December 2021
City Manager’s Report
Date: January 11, 2022
________________________________________________________________________ SB 1383 – Food Composting Law
A new law that took effect this year requires Californians to separate organic material such as food waste and ground coffee beans from material waste. The new rules aim to lessen the impact on landfills, improve soil quality through composting, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cities and counties are responsible for establishing new trash collection programs which all jurisdictions in Humboldt County are working together with a firm to set up the proper programs.

Parks Per-Capita Grant:

In addition to the Racquet Court improvements to accommodate both tennis and pickleball, the state has given the city the green light to establish a vista point with some of the remaining parks grant funds. The vista point will be similar in concept to that addressed by the community last year overlooking Trinidad Bay.

Radio-read Water Meters:

As part of a water funding application, the City will seek funds for remote radio-read water meters. This will help in staff time and frequency of available data.

City Managers Conference:

I will be attending the annual California City Managers Department Conference on February 2-4 in Monterey. Sessions include challenges faced by cities including COVID, financing, equity, disinformation, workforce development, leadership, civic debate, housing, etc.

Business License Renewals:

Business License Renewals were mailed out on 11/12/21. 187 applications were mailed out. 80 Business License applications have been returned and the business licenses have been issued. The Renewal Application deadline is January 15, 2022.

STR License Renewals:
28 STR Permit Renewal Packets were sent out on 11/10/21. 15 applications were received before the STR Committee meeting on January 4th. 12 inspections have been completed by our Building Official. Many of the inspections require follow-up by the properties such as septic testing, address number signage, smoke detectors, etc. 3 inspections have been scheduled and 6 more are in the process of being scheduled. The deadline to return Renewal Applications is January 10, 2022.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 2

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

2. Financial Statements – November 2021

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 3

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

3. Law Enforcement Report – December 2021

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 4

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

4. Prop 84 ASBS Stormwater Project Outreach and Update

CONSENT AGENDA ITEM
Date: January 11, 2022 ________________________________________________________________________ Local Roadway Safety Plan Draft for Adoption
Summary: In December, the Council reviewed the draft Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) and provided input. This input included that the plan mentions the importance of a context sensitive approach in balancing the rural environmental with the traffic safety needs. The list of recommended safety countermeasures in the plan are to be evaluated before installation.

Therefore, the LRSP document has been revised with the additional language and is being presented at this meeting for adoption.

Background: The City received $40,000 in grant funding from Caltrans for development of a Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP). The City will provide $4,500 in match funds. On October 13, 2020, Council adopted Resolution 2020-08 to authorize the City Manager to execute LRSP funding documents. On January 26, Council authorized the City Manager to sign a scope of services with GHD, Inc. for development of the Local Roadway Safety Plan.

The LRSP is a data driven process that provides a framework for organizing safety partners and other stakeholders to identify, analyze and prioritize roadway safety improvements on local and rural roads. GHD applied a systematic approach which included a citywide analysis of the roadway system in Trinidad comprising of the current collisions patterns (only 2 collisions in the past five years in the City limits) and high-risk roadway characteristics with a goal to identify safety countermeasures to help increase the City’s safety. The draft LRSP can be viewed on the project website at https://lrsp.mysocialpinpoint.com/trinidad/draft .

The next Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11 requires a Caltrans compliant LRSP for applying and receiving funding. HSIP Cycle 11 call for projects is anticipated to begin around April 2022, with applications due at the end of September 2022.

Staff Recommendation:
• Adopt the Final Draft Local Roadway Safety Plan
Alternate to Staff Recommendation:
• Provide direction to staff regarding revisions and finalizing the plan for adoption.

Attachments:
• Final Draft LRSP
Local Roadway
Safety Plan
Draft Document
City of Trinidad

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan i
Executive Summary
In 2020, the City of Trinidad was awarded a state grant from Caltrans to perform a Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) for a citywide safety assessment of local roads. A LRSP will be a requirement for the next Highway Safety Improvement Program (Cycle 11) that will open a call for projects around April 2022. Furthermore, the City of Trinidad strives to identify safety countermeasures to increase the safety on Trinidad roadways and continue to keep the number of collisions low.

The LRSP is a collaborative process that is similar to a Systemic Safety Analysis Report (SSAR) except a LRSP has a local leadership group that represents the 5 E’s (not just engineering) and public outreach. The 5 E’s of traffic safety include Engineering, Enforcement, Education, Emergency Services, and Emerging Technologies.

This holistic approach allows certain areas of concern not showing a crash pattern to be analyzed. Also, it fosters local, state, and agency partnerships to advance local road safety.

In following the overall LRSP process, a Stakeholder Working Group (Working Group) was formed with the City as the lead and local organizations from the 5 E’s and anyone with an interest in improving the City’s roadway safety. This group gathered for meetings to discuss the overall collision analysis, goals, priorities, safety recommendations, and overall development of the safety plan.

Based on the City’s Stakeholder Working Group Meetings, this LRSP will address multiple Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) Challenge Areas including but not limited to:

1. Pedestrians

2. Aggressive Driving/Speeding

3. Distracted Driving

4. Intersections

5. Bicyclists
In addition, the vision, mission statement, and goals were established in guiding the development of the LRSP. It was also decided that the LRSP for the City of Trinidad would be a living document with official updates every five (5) years.

Based on the LRSP working group, the following strategies are recommended for the focused study locations and citywide systemic applications for the 5 E’s of Traffic Safety.

1. Engineering: Apply low-cost safety countermeasures systemically at locations with potential risks (comprehensive approach).

2. Enforcement: Enforce actions that reduce high-risk behaviors to include speeding, distracted roadway usage, and Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

3. Education: Educate all road users on safe behaviors.

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan ii

4. Emergency Response: Improve emergency response times and actions.

5. Emerging Technologies: Apply emerging technologies to the roadway, vehicle, and user.

Through collision data analysis, public input, and City feedback, priority locations were identified in the City. These locations, along with their proposed engineering countermeasures, are shown in the tables below. However, with any improvement a context sensitive approach should be taken in balancing the rural environment and traffic safety needs.

The City of Trinidad prefers to have minimal signage and pavement markings. Therefore, the recommended countermeasures below are open for consideration before installation.

Location Recommended Countermeasure
Patricks Point Drive/Scenic Drive/US 101
Southbound Ramps and Main Street
Evaluate installing a roundabout
Underwood Drive/Parker Drive and Hector
Street
Evaluate installing thermoplastic centerline striping
Evaluate installing intersection markings
Consider reducing the size of center median at the northwest end to accommodate turning vehicles
Edwards Street from Trinity Street to
Ocean Avenue
Evaluate installing thermoplastic centerline and edgeline striping Evaluate installing Class III bikeway pavement markings and signage Evaluate installation of horizontal curve chevron signs near Ocean Avenue intersection
Main Street Evaluate installing bicycle lane or Class III bikeway markings Evaluate installing and upgrading curve warning signs
Evaluate installing a dynamic speed feedback signs to regulate speed at entrance to the city and before the horizontal curve at Trinity Street Trinity Street Evaluate installing thermoplastic centerline and edgeline striping Consider limiting parking and installing bicycle lanes or an alternate bicycle route to travel to the harbor area
Evaluate installing a dynamic speed feedback signs to regulate speeds around the school zone
View Avenue and Ocean Avenue Delineate or remove objects from the Clear Recovery Zone Evaluate installing thermoplastic centerline and edgeline striping Evaluate installing bicycle lane or Class III bikeway markings East Street, West Street, and Hector Street Delineate or remove objects from the Clear Recovery Zone Evaluate installing thermoplastic centerline and edgeline striping Scenic Drive Delineate or remove objects from the Clear Recovery Zone Consider installing High-Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) at curves to increase friction between vehicles and pavement
Evaluate installing curve warning signs as needed
Evaluate installing centerline rumble strips to reduce the potential for head-on collisions
It is important to understand the upcoming funding opportunities in the successful implementation of these safety projects. Most of the proposed engineering countermeasures above can be HSIP fundable if Benefit to Cost Ratios (BCRs) are meet or through available countermeasures with set-aside funding (no BCRs required).

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan iii
With the limited collisions in Trinidad, the minimum BCR criteria would not be met. Therefore, it would be advisable that Trinidad pursue HSIP set aside funding.

HSIP Cycle 11 funding will include set-aside funding for the following safety countermeasures:
 Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements
 Edgelines
 Guardrail
 Tribes
Since Trinidad was successful in securing HSIP Cycle 10 funding for pedestrian crossing enhancements, edgelines, and guardrails it is unlikely the City would secure more funding in Cycle 11 for these same improvements. However, there are opportunities for set aside funding for improvements for tribes. These improvements could include roadway improvements along Scenic Drive. Scenic Drive came up as a concern for both the City of Trinidad and Trinidad Rancheria
In addition, to HSIP funding there are other funding sources that could be pursued for improvements. These include:
– Active Transportation Program (ATP)
 Next call for funding projects is scheduled to start in March 2022 – Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program
– Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant (Sustainable Communities) – Stimulus funding sources
– Capital Improvement Program or with on-going maintenance work – Office of Traffic Safety grants
– Safe Routes to School
– Senate Bill 1 (SB1) funding for Local Programs
City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan iv
Contents

1. Introduction 8

2. Background 9

2.1 Purpose and Need 9

2.2 Standards and Guidelines 9

2.2.1 California Strategic Highway Safety Plan 9

2.3 Methodology 10

3. Safety Partners/Stakeholders 11

3.1 Stakeholder Working Group Members 11

3.1.1 LRSP Working Group Meetings 11

3.2 SHSP Challenge Areas 11

3.3 Guiding Principles 12

3.3.1 Vision Zero 12

3.3.2 Vision 13

3.3.3 Mission Statement 13

3.3.4 Goals 13

4. Analyze Safety Data 14

4.1 Current Safety Projects 14

4.1.1 HSIP Cycle 10 14

4.1.2 Downtown Trinidad Pedestrian and Connectivity Project 14

4.1.3 Parking Study 15

4.1.4 Trinity Street and Edwards Street Intersection Updates 15

4.2 Collision Data 15

4.3 Systemic Analysis 17

4.3.1 Intersections 17

4.3.2 Segments 17

4.4 Field Reconnaissance 18

4.4.1 Patricks Point Drive/Scenic Drive and Main Street 18

4.4.2 US 101 Southbound Ramps 18

4.4.3 Hector Street and Underwood Drive/Parker Street 19

5. Public Outreach 20

5.1 Public Website 20

5.1.1 Interactive Map 20

5.1.2 Public Survey 21

6. Identify Strategies 25

6.1 Engineering Strategies 25

6.1.1 Systemic Projects 25

6.1.1.1 Citywide Sign Audit 25

6.1.1.2 Roadway Lighting 25

6.1.1.3 Speed Survey 25

6.1.2 Location-Specific Projects 26

6.1.2.1 Patricks Point Drive/Scenic Drive/US 101 Southbound Ramps and Main Street 27

6.1.2.2 Underwood Drive/Parker Drive and Hector Street 28 City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan v

6.1.2.3 Edwards Street – Trinity Street to Ocean Avenue 29

6.1.2.4 Main Street 29

6.1.2.5 Trinity Street 30

6.1.2.6 View Avenue and Ocean Avenue 30

6.1.2.7 East Street, West Street, and Hector Street 31

6.1.2.8 Scenic Drive 31

6.2 Non-Engineering Strategies 31

6.2.1 Education 31

6.2.2 Emerging Technologies 32

6.2.3 Enforcement 32

6.2.4 Emergency Response 32

6.3 Public-Identified Strategies 32

7. Prioritize and Incorporate Strategies 34

7.1 Funding Sources 34

7.2 Prioritized Projects 34

8. Evaluation Process 36

9. Next Steps 37

10. References 38
Table Index
Table 4.1 Comprehensive Collision Costs and EPDO Weights (2018 dollars) 17 Table 6.1 Public Suggestions Identified through Interactive Map 32 Table 7.1 Priority of Recommended Projects 34
Figure Index
Figure 1.1 California SHSP (2020-2024) 8
Figure 1.2 FHWA’s LRSP Development Process 8
Figure 2.1 SHSP Challenge Areas 10
Figure 2.2 FHWA’s LRSP Development Map (Source: Federal Highway Administration) 10 Figure 3.1 Traditional Approach vs. Vision Zero 12
Figure 4.1 Locations of HSIP Cycle 10 Projects in the City 14 Figure 4.2 Collisions on City Roadways 16
Figure 4.3 Intersection of Patricks Point Drive/ Scenic Drive and Main Street 18 Figure 4.4 Intersection of Main Street and US 101 Southbound Ramps 19 Figure 4.5 Intersection of Hector Street/East Street/Underwood Drive 19 Figure 5.1 Public Website Home Page 20
Figure 5.2 Public Website Interactive Map 21
Figure 5.3 Public-Identified Roadway Issues 21
Figure 5.4 Use of Alternate Modes of Travel in a Typical Week 23 Figure 5.5 Willingness to Use Alternate Modes of Travel More Often 23 Figure 6.1 Proposed Locations for a Speed Survey 26
City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan vi
Figure 6.2 Reduction in Conflict Points with Roundabout Installation 27 Figure 6.3 Preliminary Roundabout Concept 28
Figure 6.4 Proposed Improvements at Underwood Drive/Parker Drive and Hector Street 28 Figure 6.5 Trinity Street Typical Section 30
Figure 6.6 Proposed Cross Section at View Avenue and Ocean Avenue 30 Figure 6.7 Proposed Cross Section at East Street, West Street, and Hector Street 31 Appendices
Appendix A Stakeholder and Public Input
Appendix B Systemic Analysis
City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan vii
List of Abbreviations
AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials APS Accessible Pedestrian Signal
ATP Active Transportation Program or Plan
AWSC All Way Stop Control
BCR Benefit to Cost Ratio
BUI Biking Under the Influence
CA MUTCD California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices CMAQ Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
DUI Driving Under the Influence
EPDO Equivalent Property Damage Only
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
FSI Fatal or Severe Injury
HSIP Highway Safety Improvement Program
HSM Highway Safety Manual
LRSM Local Roadway Safety Manual
LRSP Local Roadway (Road) Safety Plan
RRFB Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon
SHSP Strategic Highway Safety Plan
SSAR Systemic Safety Analysis Report
SWITRS Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System
TIMS Transportation Injury Mapping System
TWLTL Two-Way Left Turn Lane
TWSC Two Way Stop Control
City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 8

1. Introduction
The project involves the development of a Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP), which provides local agencies an opportunity to address unique roadway safety needs in their jurisdictions. The process of preparing an LRSP creates a framework to systematically identify and analyze local safety problems and recommend engineering safety improvements for future Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding.

Preparing an LRSP facilitates local agency
partnerships and collaboration, resulting in a
prioritized list of improvements and actions that
contribute to California’s Strategic Highway Safety
Plan (SHSP) overall vision and goals. This SHSP
focuses on reducing fatal and severe injury
collisions (FSI collisions) with focused challenge
areas with a focus on the Five “E’s” of Traffic Safety
(see Figure 1.1).

Figure 1.1 California SHSP (2020-2024)
The City and GHD will follow the Federal Highways Administration’s (FHWA) Local Road Safety process in the following six (6) steps as shown in Figure 1.2:

Figure 1.2 FHWA’s LRSP Development Process
In working with the first step of establishing leadership, Eli Naffah, the City Manager for Trinidad, reached out to the various stakeholder representative for the LRSP working group in capturing the “5E’s” and local community members that can contribute to the overall safety plan for the City of Trinidad. This working group was key in creating a comprehensive safety plan that is tailored to address the local needs and issues.

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 9

2. Background

2.1 Purpose and Need
Trinidad is a city located in Humboldt County with a population of approximately 324. The small city is situated on the California coastline, around 15 miles north of Arcata. The scenic coastline attracts a high number of tourists to the City during summer months. The majority of the roads in Trinidad are local roadways connecting to residences. According to the Circulation Element of the City of Trinidad General Plan, residents desire that the roads in Trinidad are improved by increasing quality of paving and drainage, while maintaining their character. The LRSP can complement this plan by providing avenues to achieve these improvements, while also improving the safety of Trinidad roadways.

2.2 Standards and Guidelines
In developing the City of Trinidad LRSP, the following standards and guidelines were followed:
– “Local Roadway Safety, A Manual for California’s Local Road Owners”, Caltrans, Version 1.5, April 2020.
– 2020-2024 California’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), “California Safe Roads: 2020-2024 Strategic Highway Safety Plan”, Caltrans.
– “Developing Safety Plans, A Manual for Local Rural Road Owners”, Federal Highway Administration, March 2012.
– “Highway Safety Manual”, American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO), 1st Edition, 2014 supplement.
– “California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD)”, Revision 5, 2014. – “Systemic Safety Project Selection Tool”, Federal Highway Administration, July 2013. – “Guide to Quantitative Approaches to Systemic Safety Analysis”, National Cooperative Highway Research Program, NCHRP Research Report 955, 2020.

2.2.1 California Strategic Highway Safety Plan
The LRSP will complement California’s SHSP 2020-2024. Per this plan, the recommended challenge areas are shown in Figure 2.1. This plan will focus on challenge/emphasis areas that are determined through data analysis and stakeholder input.

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 10
Figure 2.1 SHSP Challenge Areas

2.3 Methodology
The LRSP methodology followed the FHWA’s LRSP development process as shown in Figure 2.2.

Below is a roadmap created by the Federal Highway Administration to show the process of creating the Local Road Safety Plan. Here are the primary steps used to create this plan:

1. Identify Stakeholders
i) Working Group was formed of the 5 E’s and other interested representatives.

2. Use Safety Data
i) Past 5 years of collisions were analyzed with discussion of other high-risk locations.

3. Chose Proven Solutions
i) FHWA Proven Countermeasures and Caltrans safety countermeasures were used in mitigation collision trends and risk characteristics.

4. Implement Solutions
i) Projects were identified for specific location and systemically.

Figure 2.2 FHWA’s LRSP Development Map (Source: Federal Highway Administration) City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 11

3. Safety Partners/Stakeholders

3.1 Stakeholder Working Group Members
Based on community connections, the City of Trinidad led the formation of the LRSP Working Member Group. This leadership group was crucial in the development of the LRSP and helped in capturing the safety needs, goals, and priorities including safety countermeasures for the City of Trinidad.

The LRSP Working Group included the following representatives:
– City of Trinidad
– Caltrans, District 1
– Humboldt County Public Works
– Humboldt County Sheriff’s
Department
– Trinidad Rancheria
– Trinidad Union School District
– Trinidad Volunteer Fire Department

3.1.1 LRSP Working Group Meetings
Two meetings were held with the stakeholder working group. The virtual meetings were as follows:

1. May 25, 2021 – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
(a) Discussed the LRSP overall process, working group member’s safety priorities, past 5 years of collisions (City and Caltrans roadways), vision, goals, and priorities, recent/upcoming projects, safety projects for consideration

2. September 29, 2021 – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
(a) Reviewed first meeting, discussed public comments and ways to address their concerns, recent developments, safety countermeasures and projects, refined LRSP’s guiding principles, and coordinated next steps.

The meeting summaries for the stakeholder working group meetings are in Appendix A: Stakeholder and Public Input. The stakeholder working group also provided their feedback and comments on the Draft Local Roadway Safety Plan document before the plan was finalized. With many of the safety countermeasures to include engineering, enforcement, and emergency response, it is important to have buy in from the stakeholders in understanding how the plan will be implemented.

3.2 SHSP Challenge Areas
Based on the LRSP Working Group Meetings, this LRSP will address multiple Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) Challenge Areas including:

1. Pedestrians

2. Aggressive Driving / Speeding

3. Distracted Driving
a. Visitors stopping for sightseeing and unfamiliar drivers City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 12

4. Intersections

5. Bicyclists

3.3 Guiding Principles
The members of the working group coordinated to establish the vision, mission statement, and goals that guided the development of the document. Ideally, this document will help the City move toward Vision Zero. The aim of Vision Zero is to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. Traditionally traffic deaths and severe injuries have been considered as inevitable side effects of modern life. The reality is that these tragedies can be addressed overtime by taking a proactive, preventative approach that prioritizes traffic safety as a public health issue.

3.3.1 Vision Zero
Vision Zero is a significant departure from the status quo in two major ways:
• Vision Zero recognizes that people will sometimes make mistakes, so the road system and related policies should be designed to minimize those inevitable mistakes and reduce their likeliness to result in severe injuries or fatalities. This means that system designers and policymakers are expected to improve the roadway environment, policies (such as speed management), and other related systems to lessen the severity of crashes. Roadway users are however still responsible for their mistakes and should follow all applicable laws and use reasonable judgement when conducting themselves within the public right of way. • Vision Zero is a multidisciplinary approach h, bringing together diverse and necessary stakeholders to address this complex problem. In the past, meaningful, cross-disciplinary collaboration among local traffic planners and engineers, policymakers, and public health professionals has not been the norm. Vision Zero acknowledges that many factors contribute to safe mobility -- including roadway design, speeds, behaviors, technology, and policies -- and sets clear goals to achieve the shared goal of zero fatalities and severe injuries.

As shown in Figure 3.1, is the comparison of the traditional approach versus the Vision Zero approach.

Figure 3.1 Traditional Approach vs. Vision Zero
City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 13

3.3.2 Vision
A vision statement describes what the Local Roadway Safety Plan is trying to achieve.

3.3.3 Mission Statement
The mission statement defines the purpose of the plan, what it does, and what it is about. The mission statement was developed in collaboration with the working group.

3.3.4 Goals
Safety goals were development for the Local Roadway Safety Plan. It is important to capture realistic goals that can be measurable or evolve over time.

1. Reduce the potential for fatal and severe injury collisions citywide

2. Improve the health and vitality of our community with a roadway safety plan targeted to Trinidad’s needs

3. Encourage safety for pedestrians and bicyclists

4. Improve safety around schools

5. Increase safety with multimodal roadway improvements

6. Increase walking, biking, rolling (wheelchair, skateboard, scooter, etc.) to downtown district, to work, and to school

7. Reduce speeding and improper turning related collisions through engineering, enforcement, and education strategies.

Trinidad will develop a comprehensive safety plan with engagement of stakeholders and citizens that encourages improved safety for all users, whether it is walking, biking, and driving – because every person in our community matters.

The City of Trinidad will provide a safe, sustainable, and equitable multimodal transportation system for all users of the public roadways in Trinidad.

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 14

4. Analyze Safety Data

4.1 Current Safety Projects
The City of Trinidad and Caltrans have conducted some previous safety analysis that has developed the following planned safety projects.

4.1.1 HSIP Cycle 10
The City of Trinidad recently received funding through the Highway Safety Improvement Program for three (3) different systemic safety projects. These projects are being implemented at eight (8) different locations throughout the city. A map of these projects can be seen in Figure 4.1 below. The funded projects are
 Install edgelines and improve striping
 Upgrade/replace existing guardrail systems and end treatments  Install Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), curb extensions, ADA curb ramps, yield lines, traffic signs, striping and pavement markings
Figure 4.1 Locations of HSIP Cycle 10 Projects in the City

4.1.2 Downtown Trinidad Pedestrian and Connectivity Project The Downtown Trinidad Pedestrian and Connectivity Project completed accessibility along Trinity Street and Patricks Point Drive. This project removed accessibility barriers on the sidewalks, curb ramps, and crosswalks with extended routes that are updated to follow ADA requirements. The project is expected to be completed in 2021.

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 15

4.1.3 Parking Study
The City is in the process of conducting a parking study to understand the impact of parking on different users. This study is part of the Local Coastal Program that guides the development of the City. Three different surveys were circulated to visitors, residents, and businesses/employees to gain insight on any parking issues these various groups face while in Trinidad. The parking study is a parallel effort to the LRSP.

4.1.4 Trinity Street and Edwards Street Intersection Updates The current configuration of the Trinity Street and Edwards Street intersection is a one-way stop with two marked crosswalks. The proposed updates to this intersection will convert the control to an all-way stop and add an additional crosswalk to the north leg. As this intersection is also adjacent to the bluff and multiple parking areas, “No Overnight Sleeping in Vehicles” signs will be posted as part of the improvements.

4.2 Collision Data
The City of Trinidad collision data was gathered using the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) and City collision records. Each data set was analyzed, crosschecked, and compiled into one complete comprehensive data set. This process was done to ensure that all reported collisions occurring within the City are accounted for and to provide additional information that one system may not have captured. The data set contains five years’ worth of collisions spanning from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020.

During this period, there were 2 collisions reported in the City of Trinidad. Both collisions were property damage only (PDO), occurred at night and at the same intersection – Main St at Patricks Point Dr/ Scenic Dr (also known as Trinidad Scenic Dr). These two collisions had the following unique characteristics:

1. Occurred in 2018 – A sideswipe collision as a result of a driver failing to stop at the stop sign.

Determined that the driver had a medical emergency

2. Occurred in 2020 – A single vehicle, hit object collision with an unknown violation category.

Vehicle was turning right onto Patricks Point Dr from westbound Main St City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 16

Figure 4.2 Collisions on City Roadways
Per the Caltrans Local Roadway Safety Manual, it is recommended to rank locations with higher severity as higher focus. The Highway Safety Manual (HSM) methodology of Equivalent Property Damage Only (EPDO) rating assigns a weight to collisions in capturing the relative severity in equivalent property damage only (PDO =1).

Table 4.1 provides the comprehensive collision costs and EPDO weights that were used in ranking the collisions. Collision costs include both direct and indirect costs. Direct crash costs include ambulance service, police and fire services, property damage, insurance, and other costs directly related to the crashes. Indirect collision costs account for the value society would place on pain and suffering or loss of life associated with the crash.

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 17
Table 4.1 Comprehensive Collision Costs and EPDO Weights (2018 dollars) Severity Comprehensive Costs EPDO Weight
Fatal (K) $6,418,400 544
Severe Injury (A) $345,800 30
Minor Injury (B) $126,500 11
Non-Visible Injury (C) $71,900 6
PDO (O) $11,800 1
Based on Table 7-1, Highway Safety Manual, 2010, Adjusted to 2018 dollars.

As there were only two recorded collisions within the city and both were PDOs at the same intersection, the EPDO weights and intersection rankings were not considered in the development of countermeasures. They were instead determined through a proactive systemic approach and through feedback from the Stakeholder Working Group.

4.3 Systemic Analysis
Due to the low number of collisions on Trinidad roadways, a systemic analysis was performed to determine locations of safety concerns. A systemic analysis approach is beneficial in proactively identifying problematic locations with no recent collision history. In a systemic analysis, locations are rated based on risk factors. Risk factors are determined based on existing collision characteristics (when available), roadway design features, traffic volumes, approach geometry (for intersection locations) and absence of proven safety feature. This methodology is consistent with FHWA’s Systemic Safety Project Selection Tool, July 2013. Information for each of the categories was gathered through various sources including data from the City and observations on Google Maps.

4.3.1 Intersections
The City currently does not have any signalized intersections. For the systemic intersection analysis, twenty-eight (28) unsignalized intersections were evaluated and scored based on risk factor that could pose a higher risk for collisions. Systemic countermeasures were developed based on deficiencies at the highest scoring intersections. Intersection-specific countermeasures and systemic countermeasures that can be applied to other intersections Citywide are discussed in Section 6 of this document.

4.3.2 Segments
Roadway segments throughout the city were evaluated based on roadway and land use characteristics.

Each roadway was rated (high, medium or low) for how likely a countermeasure presented in the LRSM can be applied to it based on engineering judgment and known risk factors (e.g. Speed, roadway width, presence of proven safety countermeasure, etc.). Results of this analysis is presented in Appendix B:

Systemic Analysis. Countermeasures and locations of high potential are discussed in Chapter 6 of this report. Safety countermeasures are recommended to be installed after an evaluation of the current conditions is conducted (some of these may already be addressed) City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 18

4.4 Field Reconnaissance
A field visit was performed on Saturday July 3, 2021 to analyze the roadways throughout the City of Trinidad and observe the functionality of several locations. During the field visit, the weather was foggy and overcast.

4.4.1 Patricks Point Drive/Scenic Drive and Main Street The intersection of Patricks Point Drive/Scenic Drive and Main Street is a three-way-stop intersection with free movement for westbound movements. There are three striped pedestrian crossings on the north, south and west legs. This intersection is in close proximity to the intersections with the US 101 southbound ramps. Striping and pavement markings are faded and need replacement. There is a City light post on the southwest corner of the intersection.

Figure 4.3 Intersection of Patricks Point Drive/ Scenic Drive and Main Street

4.4.2 US 101 Southbound Ramps
The southbound off-ramp is a single-lane, stop-controlled approach into Main Street. Sight distance should be evaluated at the intersection. Westbound traffic does not stop at the intersection and eastbound movements stop at the intersection of Patricks Point Drive, Scenic Drive and Main Street.

Striping and pavement markings are faded and need replacement.

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 19
Figure 4.4 Intersection of Main Street and US 101 Southbound Ramps

4.4.3 Hector Street and Underwood Drive/Parker Street
This intersection has a low-impact development with a raised, landscaped drainage island at the center of the intersection which can create confusion with navigating through the intersection. Vehicles turning left onto Underwood Drive from northbound Hector Street have to travel left of the center island to make the turn (see Figure 4.5). There is potential for driver confusion for westbound East Street vehicles turning left onto Hector Street about which route to take. There are traversable valley gutters on the south side of East Street and across the northbound approach to Underwood Drive/East Street. During field visit, there were cars parked along the south side of East Street (parking is allowed).

Figure 4.5 Intersection of Hector Street/East Street/Underwood Drive City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 20

5. Public Outreach

5.1 Public Website
A project website was created on the Social Pinpoint platform to inform the public about the LRSP and provide a platform for input. Figure 5.1 displays the homepage for the website found at lrsp.mysocialpinpoint.com/trinidad. Visitors to the page were invited to provide comments on an interactive project map and share their thoughts through a project survey. Comments from the interactive map and detailed results from the survey are included in Appendix A: Stakeholder and Public Input.

Figure 5.1 Public Website Home Page
The public website was promoted in a variety of ways including the City website, Humboldt County website, and school newsletters

5.1.1 Interactive Map
The interactive map feature on the website allowed the public to drag icons to a location within the city and leave a comment regarding driving, transit, school, pedestrian, or bicycle suggestions at that location.

Figure 5.2 shows the interactive map feature from the website. The majority of the comments were related to driving and pedestrians. Some of the public concerns collected from the interactive map were located at the following areas:

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 21
• Hector Street and Underwood Drive/Parker Street
• East Street/West Street
• Edwards Street
• Scenic Drive
Figure 5.2 Public Website Interactive Map

5.1.2 Public Survey
The City of Trinidad Public Survey asked ten questions relating to the LRSP. When the survey closed on August 31, 2021, it received eight responses. According to the survey, the primary safety issues for Trinidad are distracted driving, speed related collisions, and intersections (see Figure 5.3 for a chart with the responses).

Figure 5.3 Public-Identified Roadway Issues
City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 22
The survey asked the public to rank parking locations in the City from the most difficult to least difficult to find parking. The locations, in order from most difficult at top to least difficult at the bottom are shown below.

8. Trinidad Elementary School

9. Town Hall

10. Main Street

11. Trinidad Memorial Park

12. Trinidad State Beach

13. Edwards Street

14. Harbor/Seascape

15. Ocean/View Avenue

16. Trinity Street

17. Saunder’s Plaza (Murphy’s Market area)
Through HSIP Cycle 10, RRFBs will be installed in the City. The majority of the responses (87.5%) indicated a familiarity with RRFBs and all responders were not interested in learning more about how to use them.

Public responses (per their wording) for improvements in Trinidad listed below.  “Better signage and all way stops at the Patricks Point Dr/ Scenic Dr & Main St intersection (we've almost been hit there several times when people did not realize that incoming traffic does not stop). Longer on-ramps to avoid problems with merging.”  “More and better signage. And as with anywhere, the condition of the lesser roads can be very bad. (i.e.: Stagecoach, Anderson Rd.)”
 “Work with the State park to provide drop off and pick up on the park side for the school. This will keep families safe and have more activity to keep vagrants away. Need sidewalks all the way to Trinidad state beach!”
The survey also asked how often the residents use alternate modes of travel in a typical week and whether or not they would be willing to use alternate modes of travel more often. The responses to these questions are shown in Figures 5.4 and 5.5.

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 23
Figure 5.4 Use of Alternate Modes of Travel in a Typical Week Figure 5.5 Willingness to Use Alternate Modes of Travel More Often Improvements that would encourage residents to use alternate modes of travel more often are listed below.
 “better roads”
 “Bike or walking paths away from cars.“
 “I work in Eureka and need a vehicle to get around while in town. I walk/hike within town on weekends.”
 “safer bike lanes, sidewalks along PP drive”
Additionally, questions were asked about a potential roundabout at Main St and the US 101 southbound ramps. Some of the safety issues and concerns that residents identified at this intersection are listed below.

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 24
 Size of signs
 Quantity of signs
 Driver confusion
City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 25

6. Identify Strategies
Through coordination and feedback from the City of Trinidad, LRSP working group, and public outreach, safety projects and strategies were identified for the Local Roadway Safety Plan.

The LRSP will reference specific location engineering projects and systemic safety applications. In addition, safety strategies and projects that address the other E’s to include Enforcement, Education, Emergency Response, and Emerging Technologies will be discussed below.

6.1 Engineering Strategies

6.1.1 Systemic Projects
In addition to analyzing intersections by collision characteristics, a systemic analysis was performed for all intersections and segments in the City. Methodology for systemic evaluation is discussed in Section 4.3 of this report. The following systemic countermeasures were identified based on highest scoring categories of the top high-risk locations identified through the systemic analysis.

6.1.1.1 Citywide Sign Audit
Signage is a key part of roadway safety and navigation for all roadway users. Overtime, signage degrades with sunlight, weather, and environmental factors and become less effective. The California MUTCD requires local agencies to maintain sign retroreflectivity per Section 2A.08. A sign audit determines signage that needs replacing due to fading or damage as well as any foliage that needs clearing or removal to avoid sign blockage. The City of Trinidad could benefit from a systemic citywide sign audit.

6.1.1.2 Roadway Lighting
Roadway lighting has proven safety benefits, especially in preventing collisions in low-light conditions.

Trinidad currently has intersection lighting in some locations but would benefit from lighting in all locations as a proactive approach to limiting these low-light intersection related collisions. The existing citywide lighting should be evaluated for sufficiency and illumination. The proposed street lighting will be low in elevation and shaded or directed as to not cause light pollution.

6.1.1.3 Speed Survey
Speed surveys are conducted to determine the travel speeds along roadway segments and subsequently set speed limits based on roadway design and the 85th-percentile speed. There are multiple segments throughout the City with speed limits of 15 and 20 miles per hour. Per the current California Vehicle Code (CVC), a speed survey must be completed to set a prima facie speed limit of 15 or 20 mph. The proposed locations for recommended speed surveys are shown in the map below (Figure 6.1). However, this recommendation is an interim measure to the implementation of Assembly Bill 43 (AB 43).

AB 43 was signed into law by Governor Newsom on October 8, 2021. This bill will change several aspects of speed setting and enforcement in California with a goal to make roadways safer for all road users. The new law is set to go into effect by June 30, 2024 and allows agencies more flexibility with keeping the previous speed limit, allows business and residential districts to have 15 and 20 mph speed limits, and allows the agency to round down the proposed speed limit based on an engineering study due to a high presence of bicycles or pedestrians.

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 26
Figure 6.1 Proposed Locations for a Speed Survey

6.1.2 Location-Specific Projects
Due to the minimal number of collisions within the City, a proactive approach was taken in the development of safety projects. These projects were developed in accordance with feedback from the City and the noted needs. There are eight location-specific projects proposed with various proposed countermeasures. Location specific countermeasures also considers high scoring categories of top scoring risk locations identified through the systemic analysis process.

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 27

6.1.2.1 Patricks Point Drive/Scenic Drive/US 101 Southbound Ramps and Main Street
As previously mentioned, there were 2 known collisions within the City of Trinidad during the five-year study period. Both collisions occurred at the intersection of Main Street and Patricks Point Drive/Scenic Drive making this the sole priority intersection for the hot spot approach.

The intersections of Main St at US 101 Southbound Ramps and Main Street at Patricks Point Drive/ Scenic Drive are two of the main access points into the city. The current configuration of these intersections allows for turning movement conflicts and auto right of way issues due to their close proximity. This intersection was determined to be an area of concern by the City and Stakeholders and improvement options were evaluated.

A roundabout is a recommended option that will limit the conflict points from 43 to 10 (see Figure 6.2) and allow for better flow of traffic. Roundabouts increase the flow of traffic while also reducing the severity of collisions at intersections.

Figure 6.2 Reduction in Conflict Points with Roundabout Installation A roundabout at this location was studied in US 101/Trinidad Area Access Improvements PSR-PDS (prepared by Omni-Means for Trinidad Rancheria, December 2017) as Alternative 1B. Designs were based on the full buildout of the Trinidad Rancheria. The overall design from this report is shown in Figure 6.3. This conceptual design should be re-evaluated if the City moves forward with the project.

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 28
Figure 6.3 Preliminary Roundabout Concept - Alternative 1B from the US 101/Trinidad Area Access Improvements

PSR-PDS

6.1.2.2 Underwood Drive/Parker Drive and Hector Street
The intersection of Underwood Dr/Parker St and Hector St has an existing center island with drainage features that functions as a rain garden. To allow for better operations, it is recommended that centerlines be added to Hector St and along Underwood Dr/Parker St through the intersection as well as installing stop-control on the approach to Parker St from Hector St. The northbound approach from Hector Street should be realigned to increase visibility. Pavement along west edge of Hector Street can be widened to facilitate westbound left-turning vehicles.

Figure 6.4 Proposed Improvements at Underwood Drive/Parker Drive and Hector Street City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 29

6.1.2.3 Edwards Street – Trinity Street to Ocean Avenue Edwards Street is a frequently used roadway in Trinidad as it runs parallel to the coast and provides access to and parking for Old Home Beach. It also connects the rest of the town to the Seascape Pier/Trinidad State Beach area and Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse that was relocated to the harbor area.

The Seascape Pier and harbor area is owned and operated by the Trinidad Rancheria. Although Edwards Street from Trinity Street to Ocean Avenue is a shorter segment, it would benefit greatly from minor safety upgrades. This segment is approximately 35 feet wide with unmarked pavement and parking along the southern edge. The following improvements are recommended for consideration on this segment:
 Thermoplastic centerline and edgeline striping
 Class III bikeway pavement markings and signage
 Horizontal curve chevron signs (at approach to Ocean Ave) be installed to provide safety enhancements

6.1.2.4 Main Street
Main Street is the primary road that provides access in and out of the city. To create an environment that is safe for all roadway users, there are multiple recommended countermeasures. These countermeasures are stated below are recommended for consideration.
 Install bicycle lane or Class III bikeway markings (Sharrows)  Evaluate installing and upgrading curve warning signs  Install dynamic speed feedback signs to regulate speed at entrance to the city and before the horizontal curve at Trinity Street
A planned crosswalk will be installed at View Street through HSIP Cycle 10 funding.

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 30

6.1.2.5 Trinity Street
Trinity Street is another main thoroughfare in Trinidad. Figure 6.5 below shows the typical existing segment. While this roadway has adequate existing facilities, it is recommended that low-cost countermeasures be implemented to increase multimodal accessibility and improve safety.

Figure 6.5 Trinity Street Typical Section
These countermeasures for consideration are as follows.  Install thermoplastic edgelines and centerlines
 Consider limiting parking and installing bicycle lanes or an alternate bicycle route to travel to the harbor area
 Dynamic speed feedback signs to regulate speeds around the school zone

6.1.2.6 View Avenue and Ocean Avenue
To improve the safety and accessibility of the Ocean Avenue and View Avenue segments, multiple countermeasures are recommended. These countermeasures for consideration are listed below.  Delineate or remove objects from the Clear Recovery Zone (the unobstructed, traversable area beyond the edge of the traveled way for the recovery of an errant vehicle)  Install thermoplastic edgelines and centerlines
 Install Class III bikeway markings (Sharrow) and signage Figure 6.6 Proposed Cross Section at View Avenue and Ocean Avenue City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 31

6.1.2.7 East Street, West Street, and Hector Street
The roadway segments of East Street, West Street, and Hector Street have similar existing conditions.

There is currently 20 to 24 feet of unmarked pavement at these locations. The following countermeasures are recommended for this consideration on this segment:
 Removal or delineation of objects in the Clear Recovery Zone  Installation of thermoplastic edgelines and centerlines reduce the potential for conflicts Figure 6.7 Proposed Cross Section at East Street, West Street, and Hector Street

6.1.2.8 Scenic Drive
Scenic Drive is a narrow, winding roadway that provides access to Trinidad Rancheria. To increase the safety of this road, the following countermeasures are recommended for consideration.  Delineate or remove objects from the Clear Recovery Zone  Install High-Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) at curves to increase friction between vehicles and pavement
 Install curve warning signs as needed
 Install centerline rumble strips to reduce the potential for run-off collisions

6.2 Non-Engineering Strategies

6.2.1 Education
Education strategies are listed below.
– Partner with Humboldt County for education campaigns
 Driver education – speeding and distracted driving
 Pedestrian education campaign – street crossing do’s and don’ts, bright clothing
 Bicyclist education and resources
– Safe route to school maps and outreach at schools
– Social media blasts with quick education tool for all users City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 32

6.2.2 Emerging Technologies
Possible emerging technologies strategies are listed below. – ITS infrastructure, web/mobile application (apps) and smart cities practices – Crash warning system
– Changeable message signs

6.2.3 Enforcement
Enforcement strategies are listed below.
– Targeted speed and distracted driving enforcement
 Focus on areas of concern for residents based on public feedback – Focused DUI check points or routine stops

6.2.4 Emergency Response
Emergency response strategies are suggested below.
– Disaster preparedness plan
– Maintain and improve roadway access for emergency responders

6.3 Public-Identified Strategies
The interactive map tool on the public website for the plan gathered many suggestions from residents of the City for areas of improvement. These suggestions were summarized and are shown in Table 6.1 below.

Table 6.1 Public Suggestions Identified through Interactive Map Suggestion Location
Repave Scenic Drive
Install bike lanes Scenic Drive
Citywide
Install multiuse path West side of Scenic Drive
Add bus stop Scenic Drive near Cher-Ae Heights Casino and Bingo* In front of town hall
Install sidewalk or walking path Patricks Point Drive from city boundary to N Westhaven Drive Edwards Street
Install guardrail Along US 101 SB off-ramp*
Evaluate sight distance Patricks Point Drive at Anderson Lane/Midway Drive* Scenic Drive at Langford Road
East Street/West Street and Trinity Street
City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 33
Improve drop off and pick up procedures Near Trinidad Union Elementary School Install additional parking Near Trinidad Union Elementary School Evaluate installation of roundabout Westhaven Drive at US 101 NB ramps View Avenue at Main Street
Install alternate route for pedestrians Near closed Van Wyke Trail Ensure pedestrians are not in road East Street between Hector Street and Trinity Street Evaluate removing parking West Street between Trinity Street and Ocean Avenue On Trinity Street near Trinidad Bay Eatery and Gallery
Evaluate overnight camping Edwards Street between Hector Street and Ocean Avenue Evaluate conversion to one-way street West end of Van Wycke Street Evaluate widening sidewalks South side of Main Street between Stagecoach Road and Ocean Avenue
Consider widening bridge Stagecoach Road bridge over Mill Creek School zone enforcement Trinity Street near Trinidad Union Elementary School Install bike parking/racks Citywide
Near Trinidad City Hall
Reinforce, pave, and widen roadway West side of Hector Street, intersecting Underwood Drive Evaluate implementing speed management
measures
Edwards Street
*Location is not under City jurisdiction

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 34

7. Prioritize and Incorporate Strategies

7.1 Funding Sources
The City of Trinidad can look for opportunities to incorporate safety enhancements with the Capital Improvement Program. However, it is noted that funding is very limited and typically used from roadway paving. Additional funding opportunities can come through grant funding to include HSIP, ATP, and CMAQ.

One source of funding for many of these countermeasures can be HSIP. Each cycle has available project funding for Benefit to Cost Ratio (BCR) and funding set-aside projects. BCR projects use expected benefit and estimated cost to determine eligibility and likelihood for receiving funding. The expected benefit is determined using the crash history and the predicted collision reduction from the recommended countermeasures. Since there were only two collisions in Trinidad in the past five years, the City would not qualify for HSIP BCR funding due to the minimum BCR would not be met.

However, HSIP also provides funding set-aside projects that do not require a collision history. Per Stakeholder confirmation this next call (HSIP Cycle 11), will have the same set aside funding as last call.

Set aside funding will consist of guardrail upgrades, pedestrian crossing enhancements, installing edgelines, and tribes. With Scenic Drive as a focus for road safety improvements for the City of Trinidad and Trinidad Rancheria, this would be a great project for set aside tribal funding.

7.2 Prioritized Projects
Table 7.1 contains a prioritized list of the proposed projects on City roadways. Low-cost systemic countermeasures are preferred by Caltrans.

Table 7.1 Priority of Recommended Projects
Location Recommended Countermeasure
Patricks Point Drive/Scenic Drive/US
101 Southbound Ramps and Main
Street
Evaluate installing a roundabout
Underwood Drive/Parker Drive and
Hector Street
Evaluate installing thermoplastic centerline striping
Evaluate installing intersection markings
Consider reducing the size of center median at the northwest end to accommodate turning vehicles
Edwards Street from Trinity Street to
Ocean Avenue
Evaluate installing thermoplastic centerline and edgeline striping Evaluate installing Class III bikeway pavement markings and signage Evaluate installation of horizontal curve chevron signs near Ocean Avenue intersection
Main Street Evaluate installing bicycle lane or Class III bikeway markings Evaluate installing and upgrading curve warning signs
Evaluate installing a dynamic speed feedback signs to regulate speed at entrance to the city and before the horizontal curve at Trinity Street Trinity Street Evaluate installing thermoplastic centerline and edgeline striping Consider limiting parking and installing bicycle lanes or an alternate bicycle route to travel to the harbor area
City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 35
Evaluate installing a dynamic speed feedback signs to regulate speeds around the school zone
View Avenue and Ocean Avenue Delineate or remove objects from the Clear Recovery Zone Evaluate installing thermoplastic centerline and edgeline striping Evaluate installing bicycle lane or Class III bikeway markings East Street, West Street, and Hector
Street
Delineate or remove objects from the Clear Recovery Zone Evaluate installing thermoplastic centerline and edgeline striping Scenic Drive Delineate or remove objects from the Clear Recovery Zone Consider installing High-Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) at curves to increase friction between vehicles and pavement
Evaluate installing curve warning signs as needed
Evaluate installing centerline rumble strips to reduce the potential for head-on collisions
City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 36

8. Evaluation Process
To evaluate the success of this plan, yearly collision analysis, along with requests for public feedback, can take place and be compared to the established goals.

1. Reduce the potential for fatal and severe injury collisions citywide  Measure of Success: Continue to maintain no fatal or severe injury collisions each year.

2. Improve the health and vitality of our community with a roadway safety plan targeted to Trinidad’s needs
 Measure of Success: Community stakeholders will have increased participation in conversations about safety issues in the City.

3. Encourage pedestrian and bicyclist safety
 Measure of Success: Education strategies from this plan are implemented.

4. Improve safety around schools
 Measure of Success: Parents and students feel increased security while traveling to and from school after safety improvements near schools are implemented

5. Increase safety with multimodal roadway improvements  Measure of Success: Multimodal strategies at specific locations outlined in this plan are implemented.

6. Increase walking, biking, rolling (wheelchair, skateboard, scooter, etc.) to downtown district, to work, and to school
 Measure of Success: Observe an increase in users utilizing alternate modes of travel.

7. Reduce speeding and improper turning related collisions through engineering, enforcement, and education strategies.
 Measure of Success: Maintain no collisions related to speeding and improper turning each year.

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 37

9. Next Steps
The City of Trinidad’s plans to send the Local Roadway Safety Plan to City Council for review in December 2021 and adoption in January 2022. This safety plan will be a living document and will guide the City’s roadway safety needs for the next five years. It will be updated as needed and the goals will be monitored.

City of Trinidad Local Roadway Safety Plan 38

10. References
Traffic Data
• SWITRS Collision Data, City of Trinidad, 2015-2019.

Manuals/Articles
• “Developing Safety Plans, A Manual for Local Rural Road Owners”, Federal Highway Administration, March 2012, http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/local_rural/training/fhwasa12017/. • 2020-2024 California’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), “California Safe Roads: 2020- 2024 Strategic Highway Safety Plan”, Caltrans.
• “Local Roadway Safety, A Manual for California’s Local Road Owners”, Caltrans, Version 1.5, April 2020
• “Highway Safety Manual”, American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO), 1st Edition, 2014 supplement.
• “California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD)”, Revision 5, 2014. • Environmental Research Consultants, Inc., “City of Trinidad General Plan”, City of Trinidad, 2021 Revision.
• “Systemic Safety Project Selection Tool”, Federal Highway Administration, July 2013. • “Guide to Quantitative Approaches to Systemic Safety Analysis”, National Cooperative Highway Research Program, NCHRP Research Report 955, 2020.

Websites
• California Department of Transportation, “Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP)”, https://dot.ca.gov/programs/safety-programs/shsp.
• California Department of Transportation, “Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) and Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program (SSARP)”, https://dot.ca.gov/programs/local-assistance/fed-andstate-programs/highway-safety-improvement-program/local-roadway-safety-plans. • California Department of Transportation, “HSIP Cycle 10”, https://dot.ca.gov/programs/localassistance/fed-and-state-programs/highway-safety-improvement-program/apply-now. • City of Trinidad Local Road Safety Plan, https://lrsp.mysocialpinpoint.com/trinidad.

Surveys
• Local Road Safety Plan Project Survey, https://lrsp.mysocialpinpoint.com/trinidad.

GHD | City of Trinidad | 11224831 | Local Roadway Safety Plan Appendix A
Stakeholder and Public Input

Interactive Map Comments
ID Created on Type Comment Up Votes Down Votes Latitude Longitude Referrer View on map Response to Comment 1 6/21/2021 10:30 Biking Comment Scenic Dr is so beautiful for cycling. its current road conditions are very dangerous for cyclists. please repave. 8 0 41.056201 -124.135315 https://humbold tgov.org/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222021 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan. 2 6/21/2021 10:38 Biking Comment No room for bicycling or jogging along this scenic route. Bike lanes needed. 7 0 41.060117 -124.138384 https://humbold tgov.org/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222022 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.3 6/21/2021 10:40 School Comment When I worked in Trinidad - I would see children walking to school on Scenic Drive - need more paths for children along this area. 2 0 41.059 -124.137998 https://humbold tgov.org/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222023 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.4 6/21/2021 10:41 Transit Comment Public Transit need the casino would be very helpful for employees that must use public transportation. 2 0 41.056023 -124.132633 https://humbold tgov.org/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222024 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.5 6/21/2021 10:56 Driving Comment This is a challenging intersection with the 101 on and off ramps as well as the regular four way crossing. if you are waiting for someone coming down Westhaven Drive - it can be hard to tell if they are turning onto the S-bound 101 onramp, or onto Scenic Drive. 8 0 41.061775 -124.139864 https://humbold tgov.org/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222029 The intersections of Main Street at the US 101 southbound ramps and at Patricks Point Drive/Trinidad Scenic Drive have been identified as prioirity locations in the Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP). Please see the LRSP for the proposed improvements. 6 6/21/2021 11:21 Biking Comment Automobile traffic and speeds between Main St and Cher-Ae Ln are not safe. Having a class one trail or protected lane sure would reduce the anxiety when riding bikes on this stretch. 6 0 41.056217 -124.133706 https://humbold tgov.org/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222033 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.7 6/21/2021 11:56 Pedestrian Comment walking in and out of town is dangerous to pedestrians, there is no sidewalk, and little bike lane/shoulder that is maintained. Lots of vacation/RV places where citizens would like to walk safely to and from town. 2 0 41.063077 -124.141002 https://humbold tgov.org/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222055 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.8 6/21/2021 11:57 Driving Comment A retaining fence or construct should be placed at the bend in the road between PP drive and the 101,cars have glided off the off ramp and onto PP drive in recent past. 2 0 41.062723 -124.140629 https://humbold tgov.org/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222057 The US 101 ramps are under Caltrans jurisdiction and improvements will need to be coordinated through them. However, this suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.
9 6/22/2021 8:37 Driving Comment Blind very tight corner. (Vegetation just needs to be cut back regularly to avoid this). Much of the shoulder on Anderson is crumbling or gone, with a couple areas VERY damaging and deep. 1 0 41.069063 -124.143703 https://kymkem p.com/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222270 The intersection of Patricks Point Drive and Anderson Lane/Midway Drive is under County of Humboldt jurisdiction and improvements will need to be coordinated through them. However, this suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan. 10 6/22/2021 12:27 School Comment Need better drop off and pick up procedures. More parking as well. People are consistently parking illegally in the handicapped spot. 2 0 41.06023 -124.1426 https://humbold tgov.org/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222318 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan. In addition, this location is being evaluated in Trinidad's parking survey.11 6/22/2021 12:28 Driving Comment This intersection gets so hectic. Especially during tourist season when folks don't know how it works. 3 0 41.061273 -124.141018 https://humbold tgov.org/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222319 The City of Trinidad recently received funding to upgrade the pedestrian facilities at the intersection of Main Street and View Avenue. These upgrades include installing RRFBs, curb extensions, and edgelines.
12 6/22/2021 19:02 Driving Comment roundabout here too. Poor visibility when making left turn from NB off ramp onto surface street. Will help traffic flow with offset street intersections. 1 0 41.062323 -124.138912 https://kymkemp.com/2021/06/22/public-inputneeded-fortrinidad-localroad-safetyplan/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222432 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan. 13 6/23/2021 14:53 Proposed Projects Add bike lanes in city streets and surrounding roads to promote inner-city bikeriding; add bike racks in likely areas, e.g., city hall, harbor, shopping area 00 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan. 14 6/23/2021 17:53 Pedestrian Comment This is a dangerous walking area but a lot of people walk here. People drive faster than is necessary and shoulders are narrow. 2 0 41.063972 -124.141667 https://kymkemp.com/2021/06/22/public-inputneeded-fortrinidad-localroad-safetyplan/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222585 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan. 15 6/25/2021 9:05 Pedestrian Comment
Walking on Scenic Drive is sometimes very scary and dangerous, plus one gets splashed by cars if it is wet. There needs to be a safe off-road walking area along the west side; the east side is completely unwalkable. A 3 foot wide gravelled strip would work for pedestrians. 3 0 41.060606 -124.13877 https://trinidad. ca.gov/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222941 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.

ID Created on Type Comment Up Votes Down Votes Latitude Longitude Referrer View on map Response to Comment 16 6/25/2021 9:08 Transit Comment An additional bus stop in front of the town hall would be particularly valuable during the rainy season. 0 1 41.059683 -124.142332 https://trinidad. ca.gov/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222944 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan. 17 6/25/2021 11:08 Biking Comment I love to bike on scenic drive in Trinidad, however, I don't always feel safe on the road because there is such a small shoulder and no bike lane. Having designated bike lanes or even a wider shoulder would help. 4 0 41.059104 -124.136984 https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222961 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.18 6/25/2021 11:33 Driving Comment Turning from Langford Road onto Scenic Drive is hazardous either direction due to blind corners and fast-moving traffic both ways. 0 0 41.057484 -124.136732 https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222966 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.19 6/25/2021 13:19 Driving Comment this is where a roundabout makes most sense 2 0 41.060893 -124.140723 https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222990 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.20 6/25/2021 13:22 Pedestrian Comment Either a striped lane to indicate a walkway/ bikeway (i.e., widen the road) or a dedicated trail/ sidewalk off the side of the road is needed from Main Street to the Casino - that section has the heaviest traffic on Scenic Drive and is really difficult for bikers and walkers 1 0 41.06099 -124.139178
https://lrsp.mysocialpinpoint.com/trinidad/map#/marker/222992 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan. 21 6/25/2021 13:23 Pedestrian Comment Edwards Street needs an alternate route for pedestrians - repair and re-open the Van Wycke trail 2 0 41.057706 -124.144306 https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/222993 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.22 6/25/2021 13:26 Proposed Projects make Main Street/ Scenic/ Patricks Pt Drive intersection a roundabout. There is often confusion or delays because people heading west on Main Street don't always signal when they are turning left onto Scenic Drive 10 The intersections of Main Street at the US 101 southbound ramps and at Patricks Point Drive/Trinidad Scenic Drive have been identified as prioirity locations in the Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP). Please see the LRSP for the proposed improvements. 23 6/28/2021 14:09 Pedestrian Comment
Walking anywhere on Scenic Drive is at risk. In addition, the road suffers from dumping, speeding, and campers (who dump and defecate along the roadside).A safety plan should include all of Scenic Drive... 1 0 41.056751 -124.137116
https://lrsp.mysocialpinpoint.com/trinidad/map#/marker/223489 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan. 24 6/28/2021 14:13 Proposed Projects A roundabout is a terrific solution at this location! Highly agree...! 0 0 Thank you for your input. The intersections of Main Street at the US 101 southbound ramps and at Patricks Point Drive/Trinidad Scenic Drive have been identified as prioirity locations in the Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP). Please see the LRSP for the proposed improvements. 25 6/28/2021 14:56 Driving Comment
Negotiating around this corner, entering or leaving Anderson Road, is dangerous. Anderson is really only a one lane road here, and has steep inclines on either side. I realize this isn't in the City limits, but locals and visitors alike take this route at their own risk. Walking this stretch of road is equally risky. Poor sight lines, too. 0 0 41.069018 -124.143152
https://lrsp.mysocialpinpoint.com/trinidad/map#/marker/223492 The intersection of Patricks Point Drive and Anderson Lane/Midway Drive is under County of Humboldt jurisdiction and improvements will need to be coordinated through them. However, this suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan. 26 6/28/2021 15:01 Pedestrian Comment
"Trinidad Treasures" place their tables right against the roadway, forcing customers to stand in the street to peruse their wares. They should be required to post signs that remind folks to stay out of the road. People also treat this end of the road like it is an extension of the Eatery parking lot. On sunny weekends, I avoid it by using Hector. 0 0 41.05934 -124.143615
https://lrsp.mysocialpinpoint.com/trinidad/map#/marker/223494 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan. 27 6/28/2021 15:05 Pedestrian Comment Parked vehicles often take up most of the driving lane next to the cherry trees at this end of West. Perhaps a red zone would correct this. 0 0 41.059133 -124.142658 https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/223495 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.28 6/30/2021 8:43 Proposed Projects This is a ridiculous method of marking out the areas of concern! I’m a computer literate individual, and see no benefit in over complicating the process! The marker was not adjustable as described. Anyway, EDWARDS St has a CONSISTENT flow of speeders which almost DOUBLE the 20mph as they freely coast to the coast! There’s PLENTY of room for a sidewalk on the Northern side of EDWARDS St. 10 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan. 29 7/3/2021 19:50 Driving Comment
I have a concern about overnight camping on Edwards street. As there are no restrooms, it is evident that there may be a sanitation hazard. Occupants of car/vans/campers are relieving themselves in the surrounding areas. Also, numerous times we have observed cars/vans/campers parking then staying for several nights at a time. 0 0 41.058284 -124.143512
https://lrsp.mysocialpinpoint.com/trinidad/map#/marker/224675 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan. 30 7/5/2021 14:49 Biking Comment Riding Scenic Drive on my bicycle is wonderful and terrible. The terrible part would be the washboard sections and the damaging potholes. 1 0 41.052094 -124.129629 https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/224813 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.31 7/5/2021 16:41 Pedestrian Comment Parked cars block sidewalk at Eatery. 0 0 41.059045 -124.143166 https://www.go ogle.com/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/224829 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.

ID Created on Type Comment Up Votes Down Votes Latitude Longitude Referrer View on map Response to Comment 32 7/5/2021 16:42 Pedestrian Comment Need an alternative route to the close Van Wycke Trail. 0 0 41.057746 -124.145696 https://www.go ogle.com/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/224830 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan. 33 7/5/2021 16:43 Driving Comment This lower section of Van Wycke Street should be one-way (need one-way signs). 0 0 41.057625 -124.147493 https://www.go ogle.com/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/224831 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.34 7/5/2021 16:43 Driving Comment The new stop signs seem to be working. 0 0 41.058434 -124.143099 https://www.go ogle.com/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/224832 Thank you for your input.35 7/5/2021 16:44 Pedestrian Comment The sidewalks on the south side of Main Street are very narrow. 1 0 41.060994 -124.142268 https://www.go ogle.com/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/224833 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.36 7/5/2021 16:45 Pedestrian Comment Need a crosswalk on Edwards Street at Galindo. 0 0 41.058393 -124.147053 https://www.go ogle.com/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/224834 The City of Trinidad recently received funding to install a crosswalk with RRFBs at the intersection of Main Street and View Avenue. 37 7/5/2021 16:46 Driving Comment Need to trim and maintain the vegetation at this corner as it's hard to see coming up the hill. 0 0 41.058353 -124.147407 https://www.go ogle.com/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/224835 The City of Trinidad recently received funding to install a crosswalk with RRFBs at the intersection of Main Street and View Avenue. This funding will also cover trimming the bushes on Edwards Street, west of Galindo Street to improve the line of sight to the planned crosswalk. 38 7/5/2021 16:46 Pedestrian Comment Need a crosswalk on Edwards at Hector. 0 0 41.058405 -124.144226 https://www.go ogle.com/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/224836 The City of Trinidad recently received funding to install a crosswalk at the intersection of Edwards Street and Hector Street, with additional crossing enhancements.39 7/5/2021 16:47 Pedestrian Comment A sidewalk on Edwards would be nice. Currently you have to walk in the road. 0 0 41.058373 -124.14554 https://www.go ogle.com/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/224837 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.40 7/5/2021 16:47 Driving Comment The temporary one lane bridge is very narrow. 0 0 41.064149 -124.142751 https://www.go ogle.com/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/224838 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.41 7/5/2021 16:48 School Comment Need speeding enforcement during school hours. 0 0 41.060646 -124.143099 https://www.go ogle.com/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/224839 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.42 7/5/2021 16:49 Biking Comment Need bike parking/racks at Town Hall. 0 0 41.0601 -124.143027 https://www.go ogle.com/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/224840 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.43 7/6/2021 8:03 Biking Comment When crossing on bike, it is very hard to check if cars are coming 0 0 41.05923 -124.143262 https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/224888 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan.44 7/6/2021 16:37 Driving Comment The west side of Hector St, intersecting Underwood Dr, is severely degraded as a result of a new (2019) "water-garden"/storm drain that enlarged a small triangular grassy island. Now, traffic negotiating from west-bound Parker St (which becomes Underwood at that intersection) to south-bound Hector St, does not make a tight turn, and swings onto non-paved/grassy city right-of-way. That side of Hector needs to be reinforced/paved for the wide-swinging traffic. 0 0 41.059195 -124.144308 https://humbold tgov.org/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/224959 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan. In addition, the intersection of East Street/Underwood Drive and Hector Street has been identified as a prioirity location in the Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP). Please see the LRSP for the proposed improvements. 45 7/6/2021 17:03 Driving Comment
My previous comment about paving damage on Hector St, intersecting near Underwood, shows the wrong location for a red map marker. It should not be in front of the Whale Song rental, but north near Underwood. Also, the map shows East St becoming Underwood Dr, rather than Parker St (at times ... other times the map correctly shows Parker). The attached photo shows paving damage to the west side of Hector, just south of Underwood. 0 0 41.059411 -124.144226 https://humbold tgov.org/ https://lrsp.mysocialpinp oint.com/trinidad/map#/ marker/224961 This suggestion is recorded in the "Public Suggestions" table in the Local Road Safety Plan. In addition, the intersection of East Street/Underwood Drive and Hector Street has been identified as a prioirity location in the Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP). Please see the LRSP for the proposed improvements.

Meeting Summary
The Power of Commitment
11224831 | Trinidad Local Road Safety Plan 1
June 1, 2021
Project name Trinidad Local Road Safety Plan From Kathryn Kleinschmidt Subject Stakeholder Working Group Meeting
#1 Summary
Email [email protected]
Date / Time May 25, 2021 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Project no. 11224831 Attendees Trinidad Stakeholder Working Group
The following is GHD’s understanding of the discussions and decisions for the above referenced meeting. Please notify GHD of any discrepancies in the information recorded.

This meeting record has been prepared to serve as documentation for the virtual meeting conducted on May 25th, 2021 via Microsoft Teams platform. A PowerPoint presentation was used to focus the discussion.

All participants attending virtually, no sign-in sheet was circulated. Rather, the list of attendees will be provided at the end of this document.

1. Introduction
a. Attendees of LRSP meeting
i. Self-introductions of meeting attendees.

1. Attendees are listed at the back of the document

2. Meeting Summary
a. Background
i. Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP)

1. Similar process to a Systemic Safety Analysis Report (SSAR), but replacing the SSAR process by Caltrans and FHWA

2. Focus on City jurisdiction

3. Consistent with the State’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) and focuses on the 5 E’s of traffic safety – Engineering, Education, Enforcement, Emergency Response and Emerging Technologies (new addition)

4. Circular process and a living document – updated every 5 years ii. Challenge areas will be identified through interactive poll with the LRSP group participants were taken during the meeting. Top 5 challenge areas identified in the poll are shown below:

1. Pedestrians

2. Aggressive Driving / Speeding

3. Distracted Driving
a. Visitors stopping for sightseeing – can include unfamiliar drivers

4. Intersections

5. Bicyclists
11224831 | Trinidad Local Road Safety Plan 2
b. Vision, Goals and Priorities
i. Preliminary Vision, Mission and Goals – will be developed with stakeholder group (poll will be send out to stakeholders) for Meeting 2
ii. Vision Zero
c. Collision Analysis
i. Downloaded collision data from Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWIRTS) and coordinated with Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office ii. Collisions along Trinidad Scenic Drive is not being recorded by involved parties iii. May not include collision from other agency records

1. Trinidad Rancheria collision records – will be included in coordination with the Rancheria.

2. Trinidad Fire Department and Cal Fire might have records of collisions they responded to.
iv. Collision frequency of the City will be compared to other cities of similar size. v. Systemic Approach will be taken in identifying priority location due to few collisions in recent years.
d. Recent/Planned Safety Projects
i. City recently obtained funding from HSIP Cycle 10 for edge-line, guardrails and pedestrian crossing upgrade.

1. The tribal set aside funding does not include funding for new infrastructure, which is limiting potential HSIP funding for Trinidad Rancheria and other tribes.
ii. Downtown Trinidad Pedestrian & Connectivity Project

1. Includes the three-way stop at Trinity St/ Edwards St

2. Currently in Construction - will be completed by June 2021. iii. Parking Study – Currently in Progress.
e. Projects for Consideration
i. Citywide Sign Audit

1. Retroreflectivity of Signage

2. Consider preventing sign clutter to limit visual impact – public outreach ii. City Lighting

1. Strive to achieve a balance between roadway safety and preserving existing conditions
iii. Citywide Engineering and Speed Survey Study
iv. Possible Roundabout at US 101 SB Ramps

1. Will reduce vehicle conflicts at intersection

2. Feasibility study needed
v. Underwood Dr/Parker St at Hector St

1. Striping and operational improvements
11224831 | Trinidad Local Road Safety Plan 3
vi. Main St

1. Evaluate bikeway accommodations on roadway

2. Dynamic speed sign to lower speed in approach to downtown vii. Trinity St

1. Evaluate bikeway accommodations on roadway

2. Dynamic speed sign at school
viii. Other residential streets

1. Edge line striping – similar to existing Ocean Ave
a. 20 feet width for emergency vehicle access should be maintained.

2. Potential bikeway -Sharrow markings
ix. Trinidad Scenic Dr

1. Corridor of high priority
a. Multi-jurisdictional connection

2. Narrow lanes creating hazard for bikes
a. Lowering speed limit to make the corridor safer for bikes

3. Current projects (Trinidad Capital Preventative Maintenance (CAPM) and Little River Bike Path PA/ED – planning only) will potentially install bike path on the south side of scenic drive (not in City jurisdiction) – have potential to connect to City bike infrastructure

4. Edge line and centerline rumble stripe

5. Potential high friction surface treatment
x. Bike/ped Improvements

1. Lack of shoulder is preventing students and other residents from walking/biking.

2. Bike facilities like bike lockers and racks can be provided at point of interest to encourage bike riding.

3. Survey could identify bike usage and needs

4. County will install US Bike Route 395 signage along Patricks Point Dr

3. Next Steps
a. Social Pinpoint Website for LRSP
i. Includes interactive map, survey, working group members and relevant documents ii. Will be made available to public for sharing
b. Finalize Vision, goals, and mission.
c. Next LRSP Meeting

1. Virtual meeting with the working group in July/August 2021. 11224831 | Trinidad Local Road Safety Plan 4
List of Attendees

1. Eli Naffah – City Manager

2. Becky Price-Hall – Grants and Project Director

3. Thomas Mattson – Public Works Director

4. Russell Hansen – Senior Transportation Engineer & District Local Assistance Engineer

5. Alyse Nichols – Superintendent/Principal

6. Leslie Sanders – Director, Roads/Land Use

7. Josh Wolf – GHD

8. Kathy Kleinschmidt – GHD

9. Farid Rahman - GHD
Meeting Summary
The Power of Commitment
11224831 | Trinidad Local Road Safety Plan 1
September 29, 2021
Project name Trinidad Local Road Safety Plan From Kathryn Kleinschmidt Subject Stakeholder Working Group Meeting
#2 Summary
Email [email protected]
Date / Time September 29, 2021 2:00 p.m. to
3:00 p.m.

Project no. 11224831
Attendees Trinidad Stakeholder Working Group
The following is GHD’s understanding of the discussions and decisions for the above referenced meeting. Please notify GHD of any discrepancies in the information recorded.

This meeting record has been prepared to serve as documentation for the virtual meeting conducted on September 29th, 2021 via Microsoft Teams platform. A PowerPoint presentation was used to focus the discussion.

All participants attending virtually, no sign-in sheet was circulated. Rather, the list of attendees will be provided at the end of this document.

1. Introduction
a. Attendees of LRSP meeting
a. Self-introductions of meeting attendees.

1. Attendees are listed at the back of the document

2. Representative from Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department is retiring and a new representative will be contacted for coordination of the LRSP. Need to reach out to Kevin Miller.

2. 1st Meeting Summary
a. Emphasis Areas
a. Pedestrians
b. Aggressive Driving (includes speeding)
c. Distracted Driving

1. Visitors stopping for sightseeing

2. Unfamiliar drivers
d. Intersections
e. Bicyclists
b. Vision, Goals & Mission Statement
a. Vision: Trinidad will develop a comprehensive safety plan with engagement of stakeholders and citizens that encourages improved safety for all users, whether it is walking, biking, and driving – because every person in our community matters. b. Mission: The City of Trinidad will provide a safe, sustainable, and equitable multimodal transportation system for all users of the public roadways in Trinidad. c. Goals:
11224831 | Trinidad Local Road Safety Plan 2

1. Reduce the potential for fatal and severe injury collisions citywide

2. Improve the health and vitality of our community with a roadway safety plan targeted to Trinidad’s needs

3. Improve the health and vitality of our community with a safety plan that encourages safety for pedestrians and bicyclists that is targeted to Trinidad’s local roadway needs

4. Improve safety around schools

5. Increase safety with multimodal roadway improvements

6. Increase walking, biking, rolling (wheelchair, skateboard, scooter, etc.) to downtown district, to work, and to school

7. Reduce speeding and improper turning related collisions through engineering, enforcement, and education strategies.

3. Recent developments
a. Public Website Engagement
a. Website closed for comments on August 31, 2021 – but all comments are still viewable on website
b. 29 stakeholders, 45 comments, 8 Survey Responders
c. Specific Locations identified through comments

1. Patricks Point Drive/Trinidad Scenic Drive & Main Street intersection

2. School Zone during drop-off and pick-up period

3. Edwards Street

4. Scenic Drive
a. Pavement is in good condition within City jurisdiction b. Expanding roadway width is not an option due to physical limitations.
d. Other comments

1. No bike parking at City Hall

2. Camping in vehicle is prohibited Withing City Limit, but signage is needed.

3. Parking is identified as an issue
a. Parking study is still ongoing

4. Safety Countermeasures
a. Citywide Sign Audit – Reflectivity Study
b. Roadway Lighting
c. Speed Survey

1. In order to enforce speed limits of 25 or 15 mph, the California Vehicle Code (CVC) requires a speed survey to be conducted. Speed surveys are conducted every 5 years.

2. Speed along Trinidad Scenic Drive is identified as an issue d. Patricks Point Drive/Trinidad Scenic Drive & Main Street intersection

1. Issues observed during site visit
a. Overlapping left turns
11224831 | Trinidad Local Road Safety Plan 3
b. Not sure of right of way at intersection with multiple approaches and the free-flowing traffic for the WB approach
c. Possible sight distance issues at off-ramp

2. Proposed countermeasure
a. Roundabout – Less conflict points, addresses safety concerns b. Initial concept was studied in US 101/Trinidad Area Access Improvements PSR-PDS in 2017.
i. This study was conducted by the Trinidad Rancheria is based on a full-buildout of the Rancheria.
ii. This footprint might be too large for the traffic needs. This overall design/concept needs to be coordinate with the
City of Trinidad.
e. Hector St at Underwood Dr/East St.

1. Narrow approach

2. Confusion on traffic operations

3. Suggested Countermeasure
a. Modifying curb
b. Restriping approach to allow for single direction operation f. Installing Thermoplastic edgelines and centerlines
g. Installing Dynamic speed feedback signs
h. Installing Class III Bike markings (sharrows)
i. Removing, relocating or delineating fixed objects in Clear Recovery Zone j. Installing advance warning signs at curves where needed k. Installing chevron signs on horizontal curve
l. Installing High Friction Surface Treatment
m. Installing centerline rumble stripes

1. On Scenic Drive
a. Paved shoulders or Class II bike lanes would also be a great improvement on Scenic Drive.
n. Evaluate parking and look for opportunities to add bike lanes o. Non-engineering Countermeasures

1. Education
a. Humboldt County is running a county-wide education campaign in coordination with other cities to provide consistent messaging in regard to roadway safety. Tag line for the campaign “eyes on the road, drive slow” with a secondary tag line picked by the communities.
b. Emerging Technologies
c. Enforcement
d. Emergency Responses

5. Next Steps
11224831 | Trinidad Local Road Safety Plan 4
a. Next HISP Cycle - Set aside categories for next cycle will be the same as last cycle, but there will be half as much funding available for set asides. b. Draft LRSP is underway and will be sent to Stakeholders for review. c. LRSP will be presented to City Council
List of Attendees

1. Eli Naffah – City Manager

2. Becky Price-Hall – Grants and Project Director

3. Thomas Mattson – Public Works Director

4. Russell Hansen – Senior Transportation Engineer & District Local Assistance Engineer

5. Kyle Finger – Caltrans representative

6. Ryan DeSmet – Public Works, City of Trinidad

7. Leslie Sanders – Director, Roads/Land Use

8. Josh Wolf – GHD

9. Kathy Kleinschmidt – GHD

10. Farid Rahman - GHD
GHD | City of Trinidad | 11224831 | Local Roadway Safety Plan Appendix B
Systemic Analysis
Systemic Intersection Analysis
Intx
ID North/South Street Name East/West Street Name
Major
Road Legs Control ADT
Skew/Ap
proach
Curve
SB
Approach
Lane
Width
1 Trinidad Frontage Rd Berry Rd NS 3 Two-Way Stop 0 Y 112 Himalaya Dr Berry Rd EW 3 Yield 0 N -3 Westhaven Dr N / Quarry Rd Westhaven Dr N EW 3 Yield 0 N 134 Trinidad Frontage Rd / US 101 NB Ramps Westhaven Dr N / Main St NS 5 Two-Way Stop 0 N 195 US 101 SB Ramps Main St NS 4 Two-Way Stop 0 N 246 Patricks Point Dr / Scenic Dr Main St EW 4 Three-Way Stop 0 N 187 View St Main St EW 3 Two-Way Stop 0 N - 8 Ocean Ave Main St EW 4 Two-Way Stop 0 N 169 Stage Coach Rd / Trinity St Main St EW 3 Two-Way Stop 0 Y 11 10 Patricks Point Dr Janis Ct NS 3 Two-Way Stop 0 N 1411 Scenic Dr Groth Ln NS 3 Yield 0 N 012 Scenic Dr Langford Rd NS 3 Two-Way Stop 0 Y 013 Stage Coach Rd State Park Rd NS 3 Two-Way Stop 0 Y 814 Hector St Underwood Dr EW 3 Yield 0 N - 15 Trinity St Parker St / West St NS 4 Two-Way Stop 0 N 1916 Ocean Ave West St / East St NS 4 Two-Way Stop 0 N 1017 View St Parker Creek Dr NS 3 Two-Way Stop 0 N 1118 Edwards St Bay St NS 3 Yield 0 Y 1419 Edwards St Van Wycke St NS 3 Two-Way Stop 0 Y 1520 Edwards St Azalea Way NS 3 Two-Way Stop 0 N 1521 Ewing St Edwards St EW 3 Two-Way Stop 0 Y 13 22 Galindo St Edwards St EW 3 Two-Way Stop 0 Y -
23 Van Wycke St Edwards St EW 3 Yield 0 Y -
24 Trinity St Edwards St EW 3 Two-Way Stop 0 N 2125 Ocean Ave Wagner St NS 3 Two-Way Stop 0 N 926 Galindo St Van Wycke St EW 4 Yield 0 N 14 27 Pacific Ct Azalea Way EW 3 Yield 0 N 1128 Hector St Edwards St EW 3 Two-Way Stop 0 N 12 Systemic Intersection Analysis
Intx
ID North/South Street Name East/West Street Name
1 Trinidad Frontage Rd Berry Rd2 Himalaya Dr Berry Rd3 Westhaven Dr N / Quarry Rd Westhaven Dr N4 Trinidad Frontage Rd / US 101 NB Ramps Westhaven Dr N / Main St5 US 101 SB Ramps Main St6 Patricks Point Dr / Scenic Dr Main St7 View St Main St8 Ocean Ave Main St9 Stage Coach Rd / Trinity St Main St 10 Patricks Point Dr Janis Ct11 Scenic Dr Groth Ln12 Scenic Dr Langford Rd13 Stage Coach Rd State Park Rd14 Hector St Underwood Dr15 Trinity St Parker St / West St16 Ocean Ave West St / East St17 View St Parker Creek Dr18 Edwards St Bay St19 Edwards St Van Wycke St20 Edwards St Azalea Way21 Ewing St Edwards St22 Galindo St Edwards St23 Van Wycke St Edwards St24 Trinity St Edwards St25 Ocean Ave Wagner St26 Galindo St Van Wycke St27 Pacific Ct Azalea Way28 Hector St Edwards St SB
Parking
Nearby
N Leg
Striping
N Leg
Crosswal
k
NB
Approach
Lane
Width (ft)
NB
Parking
Nearby
S Leg
Striping
N CP None 10 N CP
- - - 7 N None
N None None - - -N CP Y-White 12 N CP,EN CP,E Y-White 26 N CP,E Y CP,E Y-White 18 N CP
- - - 19 Y None
N None Y-Yellow 12 Y EN None Y-Yellow 18 Y CP
Y CP,E None 12 Y CP,E
N CP,E None 0 N CP,EN CP,E None 9 N CP,EN None None 0 N None - - - 10 N None
Y CP None 19 Y CPY E None 10 Y EY None None 11 N None
N CB None 34 N NoneN CB None 16 N CBN CB None 18 N CB
Y None None 13 N CB
- - - 17 Y CB- - - 11 N None
Y CP Y-White - - -Y E None 13 Y NoneY None None - - -Y None None 10 N None N None None - - -
Systemic Intersection Analysis
Intx
ID North/South Street Name East/West Street Name
1 Trinidad Frontage Rd Berry Rd2 Himalaya Dr Berry Rd3 Westhaven Dr N / Quarry Rd Westhaven Dr N4 Trinidad Frontage Rd / US 101 NB Ramps Westhaven Dr N / Main St5 US 101 SB Ramps Main St6 Patricks Point Dr / Scenic Dr Main St7 View St Main St8 Ocean Ave Main St9 Stage Coach Rd / Trinity St Main St 10 Patricks Point Dr Janis Ct11 Scenic Dr Groth Ln12 Scenic Dr Langford Rd13 Stage Coach Rd State Park Rd14 Hector St Underwood Dr15 Trinity St Parker St / West St16 Ocean Ave West St / East St17 View St Parker Creek Dr18 Edwards St Bay St19 Edwards St Van Wycke St20 Edwards St Azalea Way21 Ewing St Edwards St22 Galindo St Edwards St23 Van Wycke St Edwards St24 Trinity St Edwards St25 Ocean Ave Wagner St26 Galindo St Van Wycke St27 Pacific Ct Azalea Way28 Hector St Edwards St S Leg
Crosswal
k
WB
Approach
Lane
Width (ft)
WB
Parking
Nearby
E Leg
Striping
E Leg
Crosswal
k
EB
Approach
Lane
Width (ft)
None 24 N None None -None 8 N None None 8
- 11 N CP None 12
Y-White 12 N CP None 14Y-White 15 N CP None 18Y-White 34 N CP None 19Y-White 18 Y CP Y-White 19Y-White 19 Y CP None 18 None 17 Y CP None -None 11 N CP Y-White -None 0 N None None -None 11 N CP None -None - - - - 0None 10 Y None None 14None 13 Y CB None 14None 10 Y None None 12None 7 N None None -None 14 Y P None -None 12 N None None -None - - - - 8None 16 N CB None -None 11 Y CB,E None 15None 15 N CB None 11 - 12 Y CB,E None 17
None 9 Y None None -
- 11 N None None 8
None 8 N None None -
- 17 Y CB None 12
Systemic Intersection Analysis
Intx
ID North/South Street Name East/West Street Name
1 Trinidad Frontage Rd Berry Rd2 Himalaya Dr Berry Rd3 Westhaven Dr N / Quarry Rd Westhaven Dr N4 Trinidad Frontage Rd / US 101 NB Ramps Westhaven Dr N / Main St5 US 101 SB Ramps Main St6 Patricks Point Dr / Scenic Dr Main St7 View St Main St8 Ocean Ave Main St9 Stage Coach Rd / Trinity St Main St 10 Patricks Point Dr Janis Ct11 Scenic Dr Groth Ln12 Scenic Dr Langford Rd13 Stage Coach Rd State Park Rd14 Hector St Underwood Dr15 Trinity St Parker St / West St16 Ocean Ave West St / East St17 View St Parker Creek Dr18 Edwards St Bay St19 Edwards St Van Wycke St20 Edwards St Azalea Way21 Ewing St Edwards St22 Galindo St Edwards St23 Van Wycke St Edwards St24 Trinity St Edwards St25 Ocean Ave Wagner St26 Galindo St Van Wycke St27 Pacific Ct Azalea Way28 Hector St Edwards St EB
Parking
Nearby
W Leg
Striping
W Leg
Crosswal
k
School
Zone
Overhea
d
Intersecti
on
Lights
Post
Intersecti
on
Lights
- - - N0 0
N None None N 0 0
Y CP None N 0 0
N CP None N 1 0N CP None N 1 0N CP Y-White N 0 1
Y CP None N 0 1Y CP None Y 0 1
- - - Y0 1- - - N0 1- - - N0 0- - - N0 0
N None None N 0 0
Y None None N 2 0Y CB None N 1 0Y None None N 1 0
- - - N1 0- - - N0 1- - - N0 1
N CP None N 0 0
- - - N0 0
N CB None N 0 1
Y CB,E None N 0 1Y None Y-White N 0 0
- - - N1 0
None None None N 1 0
- - - N0 0
N CB,E None N 1 0
Systemic Intersection Analysis
Intx
ID North/South Street Name East/West Street Name
1 Trinidad Frontage Rd Berry Rd2 Himalaya Dr Berry Rd3 Westhaven Dr N / Quarry Rd Westhaven Dr N4 Trinidad Frontage Rd / US 101 NB Ramps Westhaven Dr N / Main St5 US 101 SB Ramps Main St6 Patricks Point Dr / Scenic Dr Main St7 View St Main St8 Ocean Ave Main St9 Stage Coach Rd / Trinity St Main St 10 Patricks Point Dr Janis Ct11 Scenic Dr Groth Ln12 Scenic Dr Langford Rd13 Stage Coach Rd State Park Rd14 Hector St Underwood Dr15 Trinity St Parker St / West St16 Ocean Ave West St / East St17 View St Parker Creek Dr18 Edwards St Bay St19 Edwards St Van Wycke St20 Edwards St Azalea Way21 Ewing St Edwards St22 Galindo St Edwards St23 Van Wycke St Edwards St24 Trinity St Edwards St25 Ocean Ave Wagner St26 Galindo St Van Wycke St27 Pacific Ct Azalea Way28 Hector St Edwards St Max
Major
Speed
Limit
Max
Minor
Speed
Limit
Major Road Functional
Classification
0 0 Local0 0 Local
25 0 Minor Collector
0 20 Other Principal Arterial0 20 Other Principal Arterial 20 0 Major Collector20 0 Major Collector15 0 Major Collector15 0 Major Collector45 0 Minor Collector30 0 Minor Collector30 0 Minor Collector 0 0 Local0 0 Local0 0 Major Collector0 0 Local0 0 Local0 0 Major Collector0 0 Major Collector0 0 Major Collector0 0 Major Collector0 0 Major Collector0 0 Major Collector0 0 Major Collector0 0 Local0 0 Local0 0 Local0 0 Local Systemic Segment Analysis
Segment Name from to
Add segment
lighting
Remove or relocate
fixed objects
outside of Clear
Recovery Zone
Install Median
Barrier
Install Guardrail
Install raised
median
Install median
(flush)
Widen lane (initially
less than 10 ft)
Widen shoulder
Curve Shoulder
widening (Outside
Only)
Improve pavement
friction (High
Friction Surface
Treatments)
Install/Upgrade
signs with new
fluorescent
sheeting
(regulatory or
Install chevron
signs on horizontal
curves
Install curve
advance warning
signs
Install curve
advance warning
signs (flashing
beacon)

MAIN ST PATRICKS POINT DR OCEAN AVE
High Potential, No
lighting along
segment N/A, no fixed object
low
potential,
low volume
not
excessive
amount of
driveway.s N/A
low potential,
low volume
not excessive
amount of
driveway.s
low potential,
low volume
not excessive
amount of
driveway.s
N/A lanes are greater
than 10 ft N/A no shoulder
N/A no
shoulder N/A, not high speed
Med, install
speed sign,
school zone
speed sign,
intersection
ahead warning
sign N/A N/A N/A

MAIN ST/TRINITY ST OCEAN AVE EAST ST/ WEST ST
Med, lighting
exists, needs to
be evaluated for
illumitaion N/A, no fixed object
low
potential,
low
volume, no
recoreded
collisions N/A
low potential,
low volume,
no recoreded
collisions
low potential,
low volume,
no recoreded
collisions
N/A lanes are greater
than 10 ft N/A no shoulder
N/A no
shoulder N/A, not high speed
Med , evaluate
signage for
reflectivity.

High, should be
cosidered for the
horizontal curve
near Stagecoach Rd
High, No curve
warning sign in
Northbound
direction
High, No curve
warning sign in
Northbound
direction.

Southbound curve
warnning sign can
have beacon.

MAIN ST/TRINITY ST EAST ST EDWARDS ST
High Potential, No
lighting along
segment N/A, no fixed object N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A lanes are greater
than 10 ft N/A no shoulder
N/A no
shoulder
N/A Residential in
nature
Med,
intersection
ahead warning
sign at Edwards
St apprach.

N/A, No Horizontal
Curve
N/A, No
Horizontal Curve
N/A, No Horizontal
Curve

WESTHEAVEN DR (UNDETRINIDAD FRONTAGE RPATRICKS POINT D
High Potential, No
lighting along
segment N/A, no fixed object N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A Not feasible under
overcrossing N/A no shoulder
N/A no
shoulder N/A
Med, signage
should be
eclauted, there
is a ped warning
sign - seems to
be in a weired
location
N/A, No Horizontal
Curve
N/A, No
Horizontal Curve
N/A, No Horizontal
Curve

WESTHEAVEN DR TRINIDAD FRONTAGE RQUARRY RD/ CITY L
High Potential, No
lighting along
segment
Low, needs to be evalauted,
Google streetview shows
somewhat clear recovry
zone
N/A Not
viable due
to space
contraints
N/A, No
vertical dropoffs
N/A Not viable
due to space
contraints
N/A Not
viable due to
space
contraints
Med, Should be
considered.. But
expensive. Does not look
like there is a high traffic
volume
High, no paved
shoulder exists,
should be added if
possible
High,
shoulder
at curve
seems
narrow High, At the curve
High, signage
needs to be
evaluated
through this
cooridor
High, should be
cosidered for the
horizontal curve
High, should be
cosidered for the
horizontal curve
High, should be
cosidered for the
horizontal curve

TRINIDAD FRONTAGE RDWESTHEAVEN DR CITY LIMIT
Low, no street
lighting, but low
volume roadway
that doesn't
connect to other
roads
High, there are trees and
brushes on the clear
recovery zone
N/A not
needed,
low speed
roadway N/A N/A N/A N/A
High, no paved
shoulder exists,
should be added if
possible
High,
shoulder
at curve
seems
narrow High, At the curve
High, signage
needs to be
evaluated
through this
cooridor
High, should be
cosidered for the
horizontal curve
High, should be
cosidered for the
horizontal curve
High, should be
cosidered for the
horizontal curve

PATRICK POINT DR MAIN ST N CITY LIMIT
Low, no street
lighting.
med, there are overgrown
vegitation at some part N/A
Funded in
Cycle 10 N/A N/A N/A
High, paved
shoulder is very
narrow
Not
possible,
curve is
at vertical
drop-off High, At the curve
High, signage
needs to be
evaluated
through this
cooridor
High, should be
cosidered for the
horizontal curve
High, should be
cosidered for the
horizontal curve
High, should be
cosidered for the
horizontal curve

TRINIDAD SCENIC DR MAIN ST S CITY LIMIT
Low, no street
lighting.

LOW, there are vegitation,
but it looks the they are
Redwood trees N/A
Funded in
Cycle 10 N/A N/A N/A
Low, paved
shoulder is very
narrow, but not
viable due to
Redwood tree
Growth
Not
Viable High, At the curve
High, signage
needs to be
evaluated
through this
cooridor
High, should be
cosidered for the
horizontal curve
High, should be
cosidered for the
horizontal curve
High, should be
cosidered for the
horizontal curve

STAGECOACH RD MAIN ST N CITY LIMIT
Low, no street
lighting.
med, there are fized objects
on CRZ, but they will be
hard to relocate (mature
trees, utility poles) N/A
High, there
are vertical
drop off N/A N/A N/A
Med, No paved
shoulder avaiable,
but no width
avaiable
Not
Viable N/A
High, signage
needs to be
evaluated
through this
cooridor
N/A, no major
horizontal curve in
city limit
N/A, no major
horizontal curve
in city limit
N/A, no major
horizontal curve in
city limit

OCEAN AVE (BEHIND

THE LIBRARY) MAIN ST PATRICKS POINT D
Low, no street
lighting. Low, no street lighting. N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Med, No paved
shoulder avaiable,
but no width
avaiable
Not
Viable N/A
High, signage
needs to be
evaluated
through this
cooridor
Med, can be applied
at curves, but the
road is low speed
High, should be
cosidered for the
horizontal curve
Low, probably not
needed

VIEW AVE MAIN ST EAST ST
MED, Lighting
doesn’t exist, can
be added
Med, the CRZ needs to be
evaluated to see if there are
objects in it. It looks like
utility poles might be in CRZ N/A N/A N/A N/A
Low, Should be
considered.. But
expensive. Does not look
like there is a high traffic
volume
High, No paved
shoulder avaiable,
Shoulder can be
paved and widened
to 2.5 ft with 10 ft
travel lane N/A N/A
High, signage
needs to be
evaluated
through this
cooridor N/A N/A N/A

OCEAN AVE MAIN ST EDWARDS ST
MED, Lighting
doesn’t exist, can
be added
High, Lots of trees adjacent
to travel lane, should be
removed if possible.

Deliniated if not removed. N/A N/A N/A N/A
Low, Should be
considered.. But
expensive. Does not look
like there is a high traffic
volume
Low, 2.5 ft paved
shoulder exists.

There is no
pavement width to
widen N/A N/A
High, signage
needs to be
evaluated
through this
cooridor N/A N/A N/A

EAST ST OCEAN AVE VIEW AVE
MED, Lighting
doesn’t exist, can
be added
High, Lots of trees adjacent
to travel lane, should be
removed if possible.

Deliniated if not removed. N/A N/A N/A N/A
Low, Should be
considered.. But
expensive. Does not look
like there is a high traffic
volume
Med, No paved
shoulder avaiable,
Shoulder can be
paved and widened N/A N/A
Med, Signage
should be
evaluated N/A N/A N/A

WEST ST TRINITY ST OCEAN AVE
MED, Lighting
doesn’t exist, can
be added
Med, the CRZ needs to be
evaluated to see if there are
objects in it. It looks like
utility poles might be in CRZ N/A N/A N/A N/A
Low, Should be
considered.. But
expensive. Does not look
like there is a high traffic
volume
Med, No paved
shoulder avaiable,
Shoulder can be
paved and widened N/A N/A
Med, Signage
should be
evaluated N/A N/A N/A

WAGNER ST OCEAN AVE TERMINUS
Low, no street
lighting but not a
through street
Med, the CRZ needs to be
evaluated to see if there are
objects in it. It looks like
utility poles might be in CRZ N/A N/A N/A N/A
Low, the traveled way is
narrow, but this is not a
through street
Low, No paved
shoulder, but not a
through street N/A N/A
Med, Signage
should be
evaluated N/A N/A N/A

EAST ST/UNDERWOOD DTERMINUS TRINITY ST
Low, no street
lighting but not a
through street N/A CRZ looks clear N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A, travel way is wide
enough
Low, No paved
shoulder, but not a
through street.

Unpaved shoulder
is wide N/A N/A
Med, Signage
should be
evaluated
Low, Residential low
speed segment
curve is not sharp
Med, no curve
warning sign
exists , can be
added N/A

HECTOR ST UNDERWOOD DR EDWARDS ST
Low, there is 1
street light on an
utlity pole.

Evaluate for
trafffic and need
Low, some bushes may
need to be cleared N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A, travel way is wide
enough
Low, No paved
shoulder, N/A N/A
Med, Signage
should be
evaluated N/A N/A N/A

EWING ST TERMINUS EDWARDS ST
Low, no street
lighting but not a
through street
Low, some bushes may
need to be cleared N/A N/A N/A N/A
Low, the traveled way is
narrow, but this is not a
through street
Low, No paved
shoulder, but not a
through street N/A N/A
Med, Signage
should be
evaluated N/A N/A N/A

LIGHTHOUSE RD BAY ST EDWARDS ST
Low, there is 1
street light on an
utlity pole.

Evaluate for
trafffic and need
Low, some bushes may
need to be cleared N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Low, No paved
shoulder, N/A
Med, possibly at the
curve, need to be
evaluated if there is an
existing problem
Med, Signage
should be
evaluated
High, The wood
fence along the
horizontal curve can
be upgraded to
guardrail?
Med, no curve
warning sign
exists , can be
added N/A
VAN WYCKE ST LIGHTHOUSE RD Terminus (not connec
Low, there is 1
street light on an
utlity pole.

Evaluate for
trafffic and need
Low, some bushes may
need to be cleared N/A N/A N/A N/A
Low, the traveled way is
narrow, but this is not a
through street
Low, No paved
shoulder, N/A N/A
Med, Signage
should be
evaluated N/A N/A N/A

GALINDO ST VAN WYCKE ST EDWARDS ST
Low, street lights
should be
evaluated.

Residential area,
consider light
pllution. N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A Lanes are wide for
two lane
Low, shoulder exits,
need to be paved N/A N/A
Med, Signage
should be
evaluated N/A N/A N/A

EDWARDS ST LIGHTHOUSE RD TRINITY ST
Med, a few
streetlight exists
but needs to be
evaluated for
elimunation N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
High, signage
needs to be
evaluated
through this
cooridor N/A N/A N/A

EDWARDS ST TRINITY ST OCEAN AVE
Med, existing
street light at the
intersction of
Ocean/Edwards.

Evaluate lighting
along segment N/A N/A
Med,
Guardrails
should be
evaluated for
Intersections
near Ocean
Ave. N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
High, signage
needs to be
evaluated
through this
cooridor
High, Install
Chevron Sign at the
horizontal curve at
the intersection of
Ocean Ave/
Edwards St N/A EXISTS ALRN/A Sign is in front o
Systemic Segment Analysis
Segment Name from to

MAIN ST PATRICKS POINT DR OCEAN AVE

MAIN ST/TRINITY ST OCEAN AVE EAST ST/ WEST ST

MAIN ST/TRINITY ST EAST ST EDWARDS ST

WESTHEAVEN DR (UNDETRINIDAD FRONTAGE RPATRICKS POINT D

WESTHEAVEN DR TRINIDAD FRONTAGE RQUARRY RD/ CITY L

TRINIDAD FRONTAGE RDWESTHEAVEN DR CITY LIMIT

PATRICK POINT DR MAIN ST N CITY LIMIT

TRINIDAD SCENIC DR MAIN ST S CITY LIMIT

STAGECOACH RD MAIN ST N CITY LIMIT

OCEAN AVE (BEHIND

THE LIBRARY) MAIN ST PATRICKS POINT D

VIEW AVE MAIN ST EAST ST

OCEAN AVE MAIN ST EDWARDS ST

EAST ST OCEAN AVE VIEW AVE

WEST ST TRINITY ST OCEAN AVE

WAGNER ST OCEAN AVE TERMINUS

EAST ST/UNDERWOOD DTERMINUS TRINITY ST

HECTOR ST UNDERWOOD DR EDWARDS ST

EWING ST TERMINUS EDWARDS ST

LIGHTHOUSE RD BAY ST EDWARDS ST
VAN WYCKE ST LIGHTHOUSE RD Terminus (not connec

GALINDO ST VAN WYCKE ST EDWARDS ST

EDWARDS ST LIGHTHOUSE RD TRINITY ST

EDWARDS ST TRINITY ST OCEAN AVE
Install
dynamic/variable
speed warning
signs
Install delineators,
reflectors and/or
object markers
Install edge-lines
and centerlines
Install centerline
rumble
strips/stripes
Install edgeline
rumble
strips/stripes
Install bike lanes
Install Separated
Bike Lanes
Install
sidewalk/pathway
(to avoid walking
along roadway)
Install/upgrade
pedestrian
crossing (with
enhanced safety
features)
Install raised
pedestrian
crossing
Install Rectangular
Rapid Flashing
Beacon (RRFB)
Other
improvements
Med, in the zone areas
N/A Curb and sidewalks
exists
Low, centerline exists,
maybe replace with
double yellow
Edge line partially
funded in HSIP cycle
10 Low, no indication
of head on
collision problem N/A
High, no bike lane
present, as a major
throughfare for the
city, bike lane is a
good candiate.

Med, potenitally, would
need to evaluate bike
volume N/A, Exists already
Funded in HSIP
Cycle 10 N/A
Funded in HSIP
Cycle 10
Install 10' multiuse path between
Trinidad Scenic Dr to View Avenue.

Trim vegitation, speed limit sign is
hard to see
High, Near the school
N/A Curb and Sidewalk
exists
Low, centerline exists,
maybe replace with
double yellow
Low, no indication
of head on
collision problem,
Maybe at the
curve N/A
High, no bike lane
present, as a major
throughfare for the
city, bike lane is a
good candiate.

Med, potenitally, would
need to evaluate bike
volume N/A, Exists already
N/A, crosswalk
at the school has
enhanced
features.

Low, the
school
crossing
can
potentially
be raised.

High, the school
crossing can be
upgraded. With
future HSIP
funding, there are
currently 3 other
RRFBs in the city
Low, no record of speed
related collisions N/A no objects
Low, centerline exists,
maybe replace with
double yellow. Install
edgeline
Low, no indication
of head on
collision problem,
Maybe at the
curve N/A
High, no bike lane
present, as a major
throughfare for the
city, bike lane is a
good candiate.

Med, potenitally, would
need to evaluate bike
volume N/A, Exists already
Med, Crosswalk
at trinity street
should be
upgrade to have
enhanced
feautres. N/A N/A
Evaluate curb ramps for ADA
compliance
Low, no record of speed
related collisions N/A no objects
Low, double-yellow
centerline exists,
Install edge line
Low, no indication
of head on
collision problem,
Maybe under the
overcrossing N/A
High, no bike lane
present, About 27ft
wide crosssection
under the bridge
N/A Not viable due to
space limitation under
the overcrossing N/A, Exists already
High,
Crosswalks at
ramp terminuses
and at the
intersections
should be
evaulated for
safety N/A N/A
Low, no record of speed
related collisions
High, objects near clear
recovery zone should be
delinated Cycle 10 Funded
High, the road is
narrow, high
potential for headon collisionMed, near the
horizontal curve
High, No bike lane
present. Finding
room in cross
section might be
challnging.

N/A Not viable due to
cross-section width
limitation
High, no sidewalk. Finding room
in cross section might be
challnging.

N/A No ped
Crossing N/A
N/A No ped
Crossing
Trim vegitation, overgrown
vegitation is blocking sign.

Install Sharrow signage. if bike lane
is not viable
Low, no record of speed
related collisions
High, objects near clear
recovery zone should be
delinated Cycle 10 Funded
Low, no indication
of head on
collision problem,
Maybe at the
curve
low, near the
horizontal curve
Low, not a
connecting roadway N/A
Low, no sidewalk, but not a
connecting roadway
N/A No ped
Crossing N/A
N/A No ped
Crossing
Trim vegitation to clear recovery
zone.

Install Sharrow signage. if bike lane
is not viable
Low, no record of speed
related collisions
Low, objects near clear
recovery zone should be
delinated N/A Edge line exists
Low, no indication
of head on
collision problem,
Maybe at the
curve
low, near the
horizontal curve
Low, Bike volumes
needs to be
evaluated N/A N/A sidewalk exists on portion
N/A No ped
Crossing N/A
N/A No ped
Crossing
Trim vegitation to clear recovery
zone.

Install Sharrow signage. if bike lane
is not viable
High, should be
considered due to
multiple horizontal curve
Low, objects near clear
recovery zone should be
delinated N/A Edge line exists
High, Due to high
number of
horizontal curve
and narorow lanes,
head-on collisions
are possible
High, Due to high
number of horizontal
curve, run off the road
collisions are likely
N/A no crossection
width avaiable N/A N/A no crossection width avaiable
N/A No ped
Crossing N/A
N/A No ped
Crossing
Install Sharrow signage. if bike lane
is not viable
Low, possibly in
approach to main st due
to school presence.

Speed along the corridor
should be evaluated
High, objects near clear
recovery zone should be
delinated Cycle 10 Funded
High, Due to
narrow lanes, headon collisions are
possible
High, Due to narrow
lanes, run-off road
collisions are possible
N/A no crossection
width avaiable
N/A no crossection width
avaiable N/A no crossection width avaiable
High,
Crosswalks at
Main St should
be evaluated
Low, the
school
crossing
can
potentially
be raised.

High, Crosswalks
at Main St should
be evaluated
N/A
High, objects near clear
recovery zone should be
delinated
High, Edge lines and
centerlines should be
pursued
Low, not likely to
be needed
Low, not likely to be
needed
N/A no crossection
width avaiable N/A N/A no crossection width avaiable
N/A No ped
Crossing N/A
N/A No ped
Crossing
This road may not be City
maintained.

Low, this relatively
straight segment might
have speeding issue, but
it probably doesn’t need
dynamic speed sign
High, objects near clear
recovery zone should be
delinated
High, Edge lines and
centerlines should be
pursued N/A N/A
Low, Bike volumes
needs to be
evaluated N/A
Med, Sidewalks should be
constructed to provide pedestrian
walking area, however pavement
width and right of way is an issue
Low, there might
be need for a
new crosswalk,
evaluate based
on public
outreach. N/A
N/A No ped
Crossing
if this is considered a bike route,
shoarrow lane markings can be
added
Low, this relatively
straight segment might
have speeding issue, but
it probably doesn’t need
dynamic speed sign
High, objects near clear
recovery zone should be
delinated
Hiigh, Edge line exists
, needs centerline N/A N/A
Low, Bike volumes
needs to be
evaluated N/A
Med, Sidewalks should be
constructed to provide pedestrian
walking area, however pavement
width and right of way is an issue
Low, there might
be need for a
new crosswalk,
evaluate based
on public
outreach. N/A
N/A No ped
Crossing
Tree blocking warning sign at 505
Ocean Ave
Low, this relatively
straight segment might
have speeding issue, but
it probably doesn’t need
dynamic speed sign
High, objects near clear
recovery zone should be
delinated
High, Edge lines and
centerlines should be
pursued N/A N/A
Low, Bike volumes
needs to be
evaluated N/A
High, Sidewalk should be
constructed to provide pedestrian
walking area
Low, there might
be need for a
new crosswalk,
evaluate based
on public
outreach. N/A
N/A No ped
Crossing
lots of trees in CRZ, should be
deliniated
Low, this relatively
straight segment might
have speeding issue, but
it probably doesn’t need
dynamic speed sign
Low, few objects need to
be deliniated
High, Edge lines and
centerlines should be
pursued N/A N/A
Low, Bike volumes
needs to be
evaluated N/A
High, Sidewalk should be
constructed to provide pedestrian
walking area
Low, there might
be need for a
new crosswalk,
evaluate based
on public
outreach. N/A
N/A No ped
Crossing
N/A
Low, few objects need to
be deliniated
High, Edge lines and
centerlines should be
pursued N/A N/A
N/A, not a through
street N/A
Med, Not a through street, but
sidewalks can be provided N/A N/A
N/A No ped
Crossing
N/A
N/A, existing objects are
delinated
High, Edge lines and
centerlines should be
pursued N/A N/A
N/A, not a through
street N/A
Med, Not a through street, but
sidewalks can be provided N/A N/A
N/A No ped
Crossing
N/A
N/A, existing objects are
delinated
High, Edge lines and
centerlines should be
pursued N/A N/A
Low, Bike volumes
needs to be
evaluated N/A Med, sidewalks can be provided N/A N/A
N/A No ped
Crossing
N/A
Med, few objects need to
be deliniated
High, Edge lines and
centerlines should be
pursued N/A N/A N/A N/A
Low, no sidewalk, but not a
connecting roadway N/A N/A
N/A No ped
Crossing
Trees need to be trimmed, blocking
signs

N/A N/A
High, Edge lines and
centerlines should be
pursued. Centerline is
Bott-dots, should be
replaced with
thermoplastic N/A N/A
Med, Bike route to
the beach should be
evaulated.

Low, if bike lane is
installed through this
street, a speerated bike
lane would be better,
High, Sidewalk should be
constructed to provide pedestrian
walking area. Pedestrian access
to beach
N/A, No ped
Crossing N/A
N/A No ped
Crossing

N/A N/A
High, Edge lines and
centerlines should be
pursued. Centerline is
Bott-dots, should be
replaced with
thermoplastic N/A N/A N/A N/A
High, no sidewalks, Installing
sidewalk between Galido St to
Lighthouse Rd will create a way
to the beach
N/A, No ped
Crossing N/A
N/A No ped
Crossing
Van Wycke Street does not connect
to Edwards St,
Low, downhill speed may
be an issue, but dynamic
speed sign may not be
required N/A
High, Edge lines and
centerlines should be
pursued N/A N/A
Low, Bike volumes
needs to be
evaluated N/A
Med, sidewalk exists on
northbound direction. Can be
installed on the southbound
direction
Med, Crosswalk
should be
evalauted based
on need N/A
N/A No ped
Crossing
High, relatively straight
section of roadway may
have speeding issue.

Good candidate for
Dynamic speed sign N/A
High, Edge line
between Trinity to
Hector is not
continues. Bott-dot
centerline should be
replaced with thermo
plastic. Double yellow
(no passing) may be
considered. N/A N/A
High, Bike Lane
should bo
cinsidered along
this corridor
including green
conflict markings
Med, potenitally, would
need to evaluate bike
volume
High, Sidewalk is avaiable at few
locations. There are evidance of
pedestrian acitivity along unpaved
sections of the road. Sidewalk
would create pedestrian
connection between business
district to the Harbor
Funded in HSIP
Cycle 10, 2
locations N/A
Funded in HSIP
Cycle 10, 2
locations

N/A N/A
High, Edge lines and
centerlines should be
pursued N/A N/A
Low, Bike volumes
needs to be
evaluated N/A
Med, Sidewalks would provide
connection between residential
areas to Edward St N/A N/A N/A
GHD | City of Trinidad | 11224831 | Local Roadway Safety Plan ghd.com The Power of Commitment
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 5

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

5. Prop 84 ASBS Stormwater Project Outreach and Update

AGENDA ITEM
Date: January 11, 2022 ________________________________________________________________________ Item: PROP 84 ASBS STORMWATER PROJECT OUTREACH AND UPDATE The City of Trinidad is constructing improvements to the stormwater system funded by a Proposition 84 Stormwater Grant and USDA Stormwater funding. The purpose of the project is to eliminate two stormwater discharges (City and the Humboldt State University’s Marine Lab) into the Trinidad Head Area of Special Biological Significance (ASBS) by constructing treatment and infiltration facilities that will intercept and treat the stormwater without discharging into the bay.

Stormwater Project Permitting Update
City Staff and the City Engineer participated in a conference call on January 6, 2022 to discuss the Stormwater Project with representatives of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board) and State Water Resources Control Board Division of Financial Assistance (DFA). The participants discussed potential modifications to the project to address new regulatory requirements:
• Installation of bioswales on Underwood as originally proposed • Application for a conditional waiver for discharge of stormwater into groundwater • Additional stormwater and groundwater quality monitoring • Project schedule revisions to accommodate the potential project modifications Bioswales provide important water quality benefits by adding treatment for stormwater prior to entering the treatment units, as previous installations of bioswales were designed. The last installation of bioswales was on East Street, which were shallower swales than those originally installed on Ocean Avenue based on public feedback. Any future use of bioswales would be similar to those installed on East Street. Bioswales and similar LID features providing treatment have been strongly encouraged to be used where possible by the Regional Board.

The project site on Underwood Drive provides a feasible location to include bioswales to the existing project. Based on Regional Board recommendations, staff will be exploring options to add bioswales into the project area on Underwood within the City’s existing right-of-way..

Project benefits:

There are multiple project benefits, including protecting water quality in Trinidad Bay, replacing aging infrastructure, engaging with other stakeholders to address shared issues (HSU, Trinidad Rancheria, Tsurai Ancestral Society, Yurok Tribe), and addressing regulatory requirements.

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 1

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

1. Welcoming New Councilmember Cheryl Kelly.

New Councilmember Cheryl Kelly was appointed at the December 14 regular meeting to fill the vacancy left by outgoing Councilmember Richard Clompus.

Kelly was sworn into public service upon accepting the City Planning Commissioner position on December 12, 2018. Her Oath of Office, FPPC Form 700 Disclosure, and Code of Ethics affirmation are current and on file in the City Clerk’s office.

This is an opportunity to give her an official welcome, and will be her first meeting as a Councilmember.

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM 2

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED

2. Continued Discussion regarding General Plan Update, Conservation Element

DISCUSSION AGENDA ITEM
January 11, 2022
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Item: General Plan Update
For this agenda item, staff have provided “clean” and “track changes” versions of the Conservation, Open Space and Recreation (CONS) Element of the draft general plan.

There are two track changes versions of the document due to the number of comments, responses, and edits. The track changes show all the edits and comments since the document was submitted to Coastal Commission staff in 2018. Many of the edits are based on the CCC comments, but some reflect new information and other changes made by the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission has reviewed this document, though I have continued to make edits since they last saw it. But the PC has not yet recommended it to the Council due to a few outstanding issues, including updated figures. But it is ready to go back to Coastal Commission once we have new figures. As I mentioned last month, we are working on updating all the figures. I did include the 2018 figures for you for context; these are what the Coastal Commission comments were based on.

Coastal Commission staff comments are included within the document itself and in two comment letters (July 5, 2019 general comments and September 10, 2019 comments specific to the CONS element). This time, three Coastal Commission staff commented on the document, and two SHN staff responded. A key of who's who is included below. For comments that are greyed out, the suggested changes were made, and no response was needed. Where there are comments/responses with "...[#]" in a white box, the rest of the statement is included at the end of the document under that reference #.

Comment Color and Initial Key:

KC (pinkish-purple) Cristen Kenyon, Supervising Coastal Planner at the Arcata CCC office TG (grey) Tamara Gedik, Coastal Planner overseeing Trinidad at the Arcata CCC office KL (yellowish-green) Laurie Koteen, CCC Ecologist (out of a different office) SW (blue) Sarah West, SHN
TP (pinkish-orange or pink-pink) me.

All the Coastal Commission staff feedback on the general plan update thus far can be accessed on the City’s website at the following link: https://trinidad.ca.gov/documentlibrary/coastal-commission-comments-and-responses-lcp-update I uploaded the track changes versions into the Coastal Commission comments and responses section of the general plan box on the documents library page of the website at the link above. The clean version was uploaded to the GP update - draft elements section (https://trinidad.ca.gov/document-library/gp-update-draft-elements).

Attachments
• “Clean” CONS Element (34 pages)
• “Track Changes” Round 1 with responses to CCC comments (42 pages) • “Track Changes” Round 2 with Round 1 incorporated and additional responses to CCC comments (42 pages)
• 2018 Land Use Figures (7 pages)
Recommended Action:

Review the CONS Element and provide questions and feedback for staff.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 1
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021

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 includes policies and programs addressing water quality and quantity, biological and other natural resources and protection of parks and open space. 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.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 2
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 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, 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 twelve California Coastal National Monument Gateway Communities – 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 City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 3
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 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 6). 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 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.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 4
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 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 use 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, the City is subject to the SWRCB’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, this has implications for both water supply and stormwater runoff. An increase in runoff volume during storm events can impact water quality and the capacity City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 5
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 of the City’s stormwater system. It can also reduce groundwater storage and therefore late summer streamflows. These issues need 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 Reduction: 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) Accepted 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 post-development 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 constructionphase and post-construction impacts.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 6
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021

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 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 naturally occurring erosion.

Gravel roads have been found to be a primary contributor to high turbidity levels.

CONS-1b.1 New development shall 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 to the extent feasible in order to minimize erosion. (CONS-5.2)
CONS-1b.2 New development shall minimize disturbance of natural vegetation during construction, including preservation of mature trees and native vegetation. Where vegetation is removed, the root structures shall be maintained, where appropriate, to prevent erosion and sedimentation.

CONS-1b.3 In order to minimize erosion and discharge of sediment and other City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 7
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 pollutants (e.g., paint, solvents, vehicle fluids, and debris) during construction, a construction-phase 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) CONS-1b.4 Prohibit grading during the rainy season (from October 15th through April 30th) in areas with slopes of 15% or greater, 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 Continue to maintain and implement a regulatory OWTS Management Program in compliance with the CA OWTS 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-10.1 / LU-1c.8)
CONS-1b.7. Require accurate and current septic information as part of any development application, including subdivisions. Uses with large quantities or high strength discharges are subject to more stringent reviews and requirements. (CIRC10.2) 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)
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.9 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.10 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 City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 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) CONS-1b.11 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.

For development where infiltration is precluded by site conditions, implement appropriate BMPs, such as retention and filtration to attenuate peak flows and reduce the discharge of polluted runoff. (CIRC-8.3)
Program CONS-1b.11.1 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-8.3.1) Program CONS-1b.11.2 As funding allows, develop and/or promote existing incentives, regulations, design guidelines and/or educational materials that provide guidance to residents about 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) Program CONS-1b.11.3 Utilize the most recent version of the Humboldt Low Impact Development Stormwater Manual as guidance for determining the most appropriate LID options for each site. (CIRC-8.3.3)
CONS-1b.12 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 CONS-1b.13.1 Limit the use of curb and street storm drains to avoid conveying runoff directly to the City’s stormwater conveyance system. (CIRC8.4.1) CONS-1b.14To the extent feasible, ensure 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.

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.14 To help maintain, enhance and, where feasible, restore water quality and hydrologic function, the City shall plan, site and design development City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 in order to:
i. 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. Protect areas that provide important water quality benefits, areas necessary to maintain riparian and aquatic biota, and/or that are susceptible to erosion and sediment loss.
iii. 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. Convey drainage from the developed areas of a site in a non-erosive manner. v. 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.15Incorporate storm water runoff, erosion and sediment control, and water quality considerations into the staff recommendations and 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 (CIRC-8.7):
i. 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 vegetation 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.16The 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 that describes the type, location, size, implementation, and maintenance of BMPs suitable to address the constituents of concern generated by the development. (CIRC-8.8)
CONS-1b.17 Development activity shall implement appropriate protocols to manage BMPs (including ongoing operation, maintenance, inspection and/or training, and installation and removal)as needed to protect water quality for the life of the development.
c. Water Conservation Policies: Water quantity issues are more fully addressed in the Circulation Element (section #)
CONS-1c.1 Develop and implement an active, on-going water conservation program to minimize water consumption. Extend the City’s conservation program City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 to properties outside the City that are connected to the City’s water system. (CIRC-12.3) 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 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)
CONS-1c.2 Develop a capital improvement program and pursue infrastructure improvements to reduce water loss, 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 Protect the Trinidad Head ASBS/SWQPA by complying with the California Ocean Plan 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 Continue to ensure that discharges into the Trinidad Head ASBS are eliminated and/or comply with the CA Ocean Plan.

Program CONS-1d.1.2 As funding allows, or as required by law, implement a water quality monitoring plan for the Trinidad Head ASBS and its tributary streams as needed to assess and reduce nonpoint source pollution entering the Trinidad Head ASBS and track improvements over time (CIRC 8.3).

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.:
(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;
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 (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 an area identified as inappropriate for infiltration LID techniques. (7) any other development determined by the Planning Commission to be a Development of Water Quality Concern.

CONS-1d.3 Applicants for any Development of Water Quality Concern shall be required to provide the following as applicable, depending on the scope of the development:
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 volume resulting from the proposed development in the 85th percentile, 24-hour storm event, if any; iii. Groundwater modeling analysis and/or analysis of nitrate loading per Humboldt County OWTS Regulations;
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 85th 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) City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 • 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)
• Ensure the County maintains the status of Luffenholtz Creek as a Critical Water Supply Area pursuant to Humboldt County General Plan Policy WR-P4. • Maintain an ongoing request for notification from the County for any development projects within the Luffenholtz Creek watershed.
• 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.

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 City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 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
Identify sensitive or important habitats and special status species. Figure 8 (a, b and c) serves to identify known occurrences of special status species; habitat for special status species is considered ESHA. 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 CONS2a.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 or 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.

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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 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 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. Within the Trinidad Planning Area, there are a number of special status including plants, birds, amphibians, fish, and mammals with known occurrences (see Figure 8).

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.

CONS-2a.2 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
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 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 within ESHAs.

CONS-2a.4: The City shall require the establishment of open space or conservation easements for all ESHA and ESHA buffers as a condition of approval for development on properties containing ESHA.

CONS-2a.5 Landscaping, revegetation, and other plantings associated within new development located within or adjacent to ESHAs shall be from locally native stock (not cultivars) to the extent feasible. At a minimum, the use of plants listed by CNPS or DFW to be invasive, problematic or noxious shall be prohibited, and any existing such plants shall be removed. Maintenance requirements over the life of the development may be required.

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 review of any changes in runoff volume, pollutant load, velocity, or duration for development that may affect sensitive plant and animal populations, ESHAs, or their Buffer Areas, by a qualified biologist to ensure that there will not be adverse hydrologic, erosion, nutrient, pollutant-based or sedimentation impacts on sensitive resources. Identify and adopt mitigation measures and compliance monitoring standards to minimize potential adverse runoff impacts.

CONS-2a.8 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.9 Require permit applications for development in areas that may contain ESHAs 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 City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 be compatible with the continuance of such habitat areas through the use of appropriate buffers.

CONS-2b.2 Limit development in Buffer Areas to certain resource dependent and compatible uses allowed in the adjacent ESHA consistent with Coastal Act §30240(a), §30233(a) and §30236, 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.

CONS-2b.3 Require a setback separating development from identified ESHAs. In 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.

CONS-2b.4 Prohibit native vegetation removal in Buffer Areas except for the following 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;
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.5 In addition to complying with City lighting requirements (e.g. CIRC-10.4), all exterior lighting in buffer areas shall be restricted to low intensity fixtures, directed downward (downcast), and shielded so that no light or glare shines into an ESHA. (CD5.1) Other Initiatives for ESHA
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 • 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 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 native habitat areas to their natural state.

Program CONS-3.1.1: 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.

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 City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 healthy populations of all species of marine organisms adequate for long-term commercial, recreational, scientific, and educational purposes.

Program CONS-3.2.1 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.

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-3.5 Minimize 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-3.6 Outside of the core urbanized area, require development to maintain adequate open space to permit effective plant and wildlife corridors for animal movement between open spaces.

CONS-3.7: Construction timing and extent shall be limited as necessary to avoid impacts to sensitive species during nesting and breeding seasons.

CONS-3.8 New development shall not be allowed to utilize 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. Maintenance 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 problematic. Maintain a program that recommends effective but non-toxic eradication measures.

Program CONS-3.8.2 To the extent feasible, eradicate 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.

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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 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 landscapes
CONS-3.9 Only permit major vegetation removal where both habitat values and viewsheds can be adequately protected.

CONS-3.10 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-3.11 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 • Work with organizations and private property owners to enhance, preserve and restore the City’s watercourses for habitat preservation and recreation. • Support efforts to restore and improve salmonid habitat throughout the Planning Area.
• Encourage Caltrans, PG&E, and the County of Humboldt to 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.

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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 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.

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
• 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.
• 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. • 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.
• 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)
• Continue to work with large 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 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 soils have been converted to residential development and others are located so near to development City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 that they are no longer manageable timber sites. Because of the importance of the regional economy, large tracts of timberland with prime soils in manageable units should be protected from development.

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 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
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.

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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 Soil Conservation Policies
CONS-5.1 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-5.2 Prohibit grading during the rainy season (from October 15th through April 30th) in areas with slopes of 15% or greater, 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-5.3 Require stabilization of disturbed areas through revegetation or other appropriate means as soon as feasible. (CONS-1b.5)
CONS-5.4 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.

CONS-5.5 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-5.5.1 Foundation, LID and OWTS design shall be consistent with the recommendations of any site-specific soils studies required to ensure that development will not create direct or cumulative adverse impacts on soil or water resources.

Other Initiatives to Conserve Soil
• 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.); City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 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 Land 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
• 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.
• 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 viewshed protection; 4) public health and safety; 5) military support (Coast Guard); and 6) protection of Tribal resources.

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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 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 0.2 ft. to 2.9 ft. (in the most extreme scenario) of sea level rise is possible in Trinidad by 2050 (SHN 2020) 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.

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 cultural 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 City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 Open Space Policies
CONS-8.1 Preserve the beaches and coastal 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 passive recreation, trails, vista points, and vegetation management to improve habitat or scenic vistas are allowable uses.

Program CONS-8.1.1 Ensure that the unparalleled views to the south, seaward of Edwards and Van Wycke Streets, 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, management of federally-owned parcels, reduction of impacts of existing uses, and 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 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 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 City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 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.

Other Open Space Initiatives
• Disseminate information that educates residents and visitors how and why to minimize impacts on Open Space resources. This includes, but is not limited to, landscaping and chemical use, water use, OWTS maintenance, tide pool etiquette, etc.

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.

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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 Public Recreation Policies
CONS-9.1 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-9.2 Maintain Town Hall as a center for community functions.

CONS-9.3Trinidad 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-9.4 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-9.5 Ensure 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-9.7 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-9.8 Lower cost visitor and recreational facilities shall be protected, encouraged, and, where feasible, provided. Developments providing public recreational opportunities are preferred. (LU-4.1)
CONS-9.9 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-9.10 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-9.11 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) City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 CONS-9.21 Upland areas necessary to support coastal recreational uses shall be reserved for such uses, where feasible. (LU-4.6)
CONS-9.13 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
• 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. • 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.
• Encourage the State to improve the restrooms at the College Cove/ Elk’s Head parking area.
• 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 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 City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 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. 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.

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.

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 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 certified LCP, closing City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 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 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 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.

Program CONS-10.1.1 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-10.1.2 Disseminate maps and information regarding the trail system, including connections to trails outside City limits, in visitor information and City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 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-10.1.3 Wherever appropriate and feasible, recreational facilities, including parking areas, 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-10.2 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-10.2.1 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-10.2.2 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 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-10.4 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.

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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 Program CONS-10.4.1 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 access 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-10.5 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-10.6 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.

CONS-10.7 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 non-profit 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-11.7.1 Work with the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust and other organizations and agencies to accept liability for and maintain public accesses.

Program CONS-10.7.2 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.

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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 CONS-10.8 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-10.8.1 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-10.8.2 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-10.8.3 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-10.9 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-10.10 The permanent closure of any existing public accessway shall require an amendment to the Local Coastal Program.. 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-10.11 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-10.12 Ensure public access easements are recorded as part of any street abandonment or property transfer where public access currently exists.

Other Initiatives for Public Access
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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element August 2021 • 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.

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Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018

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 Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA), threatened and endangered species, water quality, public access and recreation.

2. Statutory Requirements
California Government Code § 65302 (d) states that the requirements of a Conservation Element isare: “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.

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 City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 2
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 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 Oopen space: lands can be ‘(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 protection of cultural and historictribal 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, 201703). 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. 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.

The kelp beds around Trinidad Head are designated as a State Water Quality Protection Area (SWQPA) – Area of Special Biological Significance (ASBS). and Critical Coastal Area, and Tthe watersheds draining into the ASBS are Critical Coastal Areas. and tThe City has also been established as one of five California Coastal National Monument Gateways. 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 also prepared anthe Trinidad-Westhaven Integrated Coastal Watershed Management Plan 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.

Commented [KC1]: The watersheds draining
into the ASBS are Critical Coastal Areas
(CCAs); the ASBS itself (which is in marine
waters) is not a CCA. Please revise to reflect
this fact.

Commented [TG2]: See “Background
Studies...” Comment 3b in our July 5, 2019
letter to the City
Commented [TP3R2]: The species lists and
descriptions were updated in Sept. 2018. The
report will be updated again and finalized
when the document is ready to be submitted
to CCC for official review.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 3
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 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 76). 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, 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. Trinidad State Beach, where Mill Creek empties, has been listed on the State’s 303(d) list as impaired for indicator bacteria and the TMDL is scheduled for completion in 2019.

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 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 most sensitive largest watershed in the Planning Area is Luffenholtz Creek, whichas it 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 that should be utilized byto help guide regulatory agencies in protecting this watershed. and Humboldt County has designated both Luffenholtz and Mill Creeks (the City’s undeveloped secondary water supply) as a “Critical Municipal Water Supply Areas” 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—‘— ‘Development Planning Outside City Limits’— in the Land Use Element, and Section H—‘— ‘Public ServicesPublic Services’—in thein 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 City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 4
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 determined that Luffenholtz Creek is at least 95% allocated in terms of water rights in a dry year. 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 Water Supply. The City needs to work closely with the County to monitor and comment on projects within the Luffenholtz Creek Watershed.

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.

Also, the City must adhere to the strict water quality standards of theIn addition to the statewide water quality standards of the CA Ocean Plan, the City must comply with as well as 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 Board 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 are is likely to decrease slightly. However, the intensity of those events is predicted to increase, while the frequency may decrease. This has implications for both water supply and stormwater runoff. An 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.

Theseis issues needs to be taken into account when planning infrastructure repairs and improvements. Because Trinidad Bay is designated as an ASBS (see next section), the City is subject to the State Water Resource Control Board MS4 waste discharge requirements that regulate stormwater runoff.

Aquatic hazards, including floods and tsunamis, are discussed in the Open Space and Safety ElementsNoise 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.

Commented [KC4]: Ocean Plan standards
must be adhered to whether or not there is
an ASBS. However, additional requirements
apply to the ASBS. Please revise to reflect
this fact.

Commented [KL5]: This may be true, but I’ll
just note that precipitation changes are the
most uncertain when it comes to climate
projections.

Commented [KL6]: It’s good to plan for this
even if it does not actually happen.

Commented [KC7]: This is the Conservation,
Open Space and Recreation Element and
these hazards aren’t discussed in this
chapter – please fix this reference.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 5
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 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 for City projects within the City’s Planning Area. (LU-9.1.1) Pollution targets: 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 pollution, 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. Other pollution concerns include runoff from forestry activities, harbor operations, and stream/riparian alteration.

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, reviewing and implementing a progressive rate structure to reduce water consumption, 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)Policies:

Incorporate Site Design and Source Control Best Management Practices (BMPs) to the maximum extent practicable in all development. Utilize accepted BMPs and LID principles to minimize the transport of pollutants in runoff from the development into coastal waters to and to minimize post-development 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 BMPs to minimize mitigate both constructionphase and post-construction water quality impacts. Where appropriate, supplement Site Design and Source Control BMPS with structural Treatment Control BMPs, as necessary, to protect coastal water quality.

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.

Commented [KC8]: This lists the top
pollutants of concern, but does not include a
principle for addressing these pollutants. We
recommend revising to make this better
meet the definition of a principle contained
in the Introduction (i.e., a fundamental rule
or doctrine guiding general plan policies and
programs).

Commented [TP9R8]: Revised. Also see next
reply.

Commented [KL10]: 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 ... [1]
Commented [TP11R10]: This is intended to
bring the focus of policies to the three
primary pollution sources. These three issues ... [2]
Commented [KL12]: I would say education of
the public, but also of specific local industries
that generate these pollutants.

Commented [TG13]: Does the City view
“reviewing and implementing a progressive
rate structure to reduce water consumption” ... [3]
Commented [SW14R13]: Removed the rate
structure language.

Commented [KC15]: Details on BMP
selection should be a policy rather than a
principle (and Site Design, Source Control, ... [4]
Commented [TP16R15]: Suggested BMP
Placeholders added to Glossary. Principle
amended as suggested.

Commented [KC17]: We recommend using
“minimize” rather than “mitigate.”
“Mitigate” is too vague, and connotes ... [5]
Commented [KC18]: Policies should address
water quality impacts and hydrological
impacts. Protection of water resources ... [6]
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 6
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 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 and Trinidad Elementary School, BLM, TCLT, State Parks, relevant industries, 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. b. Policies to eliminate/reduce major aquatic pollution and hydrologic modificationtargets.: Sediment, OWTS, and Stormwater runoff.

Sediment reduction: In the Trinidad area, Tthe main causes of sediment formation are land disturbance from activities such as construction, road work and timber harvest and transportation, removal of riparian vegetation, cattle grazing, 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 Minimize land disturbance activities from construction (e.g., clearing, grading, soil compaction, and cut-and-fill), and design sites to mitigate development and avoid erosiondevelopment on, steep slopes, unstable areas, and highly erosive soils in order to minimize erosion. (CONS-54.2)

CONS-1b.2 Minimize disturbance of natural vegetation during construction, including preservation of mature trees and, native vegetation,. Where vegetation is removed, maintain and the root structures, where possible, to prevent erosion and sedimentation.

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 during construction, a construction-phase erosion and sediment/pollution control plan shall be required for development that has the potential to adversely affect water quality.

Commented [TG19]: CONS‐1a.1 and 1a.2
appear to be programs, not policies. Refer to
Comment 2, page 2, of our 7/5/19 letter to
the City.

Commented [KL20]: And relevant industry?
Commented [TP21R20]: Being so small,
Trinidad doesn’t have a lot of industries
other than tourism and fishing.

Commented [KL22]: Also, removal of
riparian vegetation and grazing if cattle are
allowed to wander into streams…
Commented [TP23R22]: There’s no cattle
grazing in Trinidad.

Commented [KC24]: Please add soil
compaction to this list.

Commented [KC25]: The meanig of “design
sites to mitigate development” is unclear.

Also, please clarify that the policy is to avoid
development on steep slopes, unstable
areas, and highly erosive soils in order to
minimize erosion and sedimentation.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 7
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 Such measures include controls on timing of grading, BMPs for storage and disposal of construction materials, and/or design specifications for sedimentation basins.

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 more 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-45.3)

CONS-1b.5 Require stabilization of disturbed areas through revegetation or other appropriate means as soon as feasible. Incorporate non-toxic soil stabilization BMPs on disturbed areas as soon as feasible., including, but not limited to, re-vegetation of graded or disturbed areas. (CONS-54.5)
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 and maintain an OWTS Management Program, consisting of an ordinance and guidelines, in compliance with the CA OWTS Guidelines and the North Coast Basin Plan, that includes requirements for regular monitoring, maintenance, and pumping to assure that State and federal water quality standards are met. (CIRC-11.1 / LU-1c.8)
Program CONS-1b.6.a1 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 adopted a similar program in the Trinidad-Westhaven area.

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 stormwatestormwater runoff. Of particular concern in Trinidad are sediment, bacteria, oils and heavy metals.

Commented [KC26]: Instead of including an
incomplete list of construction‐phase BMPs
here, include a more exhaustive list in the IP.

Please add an LUP policy requirement for a
construction‐phase pollution prevention plan
to minimize site runoff and erosion, and
minimize the discharge of sediment and
other pollutants. See General Comment 2 in
our 9/10/19 comments specific to the
Conservation, Open Space & Recreation
Element.

Commented [TG27]: This policy should be
internally consistent with CONS‐5.3. It
appears in one of the City’s drafts that this
sentence was changed from “less than” to
“more than,” but it’s unclear why.

Commented [KC28]: This seems to
contradict the first sentence which prohibits
grading during the rainy season on slopes
15% or greater. Is this meant to say grading
on slopes less than 15%?
Commented [TG29]: Do you mean to
reference CONS‐5.3 here?
Commented [TP30R29]: All the cross‐
references will need to be updated. For now,
I am just keeping track of them to update
when everything is more final.

Commented [KL31]: 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 ... [7]
Commented [KC32]: 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 ... [8]
Commented [TP33R32]: Added to revised
CONS‐1b.10.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 8
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 CONS-1b.8 Minimize the volume and loading of stormwater-related pollutants entering the creeks and ocean within the 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..

Program CONS-1b.8.1 Develop a comprehensive stormwater management program to minimize the volume and loading of stormwater-related constituents of concernpollutants entering coastal waters and Trinidad Bay. Stormwater dDrainage paths may be elongated to reduce erosion potential and decrease sediment transport. carrying capacity. Stormwater pPipes may be replaced with meandering open ditches vegetated swales to increase infiltration and to provide opportunities for pollutant attenuation and bioretention opportunities for constituents of concern. (CIRC-8.1)
CONS-1b.9 Encourage 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.

In development where infiltration is precluded by site conditions, implement appropriate treatment control BMPs, such as filtration to reduce the discharge of polluted runoff. (CIRC-9.2)

Program CONS-1b.9.1 Develop regulations, design guidelines policies and/or educational materials that provide guidance to residents about appropriate LID methods that increases infiltrationappropriately manage stormwater in a manner that does not negatively impact bluff stability or leachfields.

Program CONS-1b.9.2 Utilize the most recent version of the Humboldt Low Impact Development Stormwater Manual to determine the most appropriate LID options for each site.

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) Program CONS-1b-9.3 Require the use of BMPs for construction projects that meet established parameters such as the size of the project, the distance to waterways, the season of construction and unique features of the site.

CONS-1b.10 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.

Program CONS-1b.10.1 Limit the use of curb and street storm drains to avoid conveying runoff directly to the City’s stormwater conveyance system. (CIRC-9.3) Commented [TG34]: As written this appears
to be a program, not a policy. Refer to
Comment 2, page 2, of our 7/5/19 letter to
the City.

Commented [KL35]: This is a somewhat
awkward phrase.  How about “pollutants”?
Commented [KC36]: We recommend
expanding to include creeks and the ocean.

Commented [KL37]: Is this right?  Do you
mean sediment transport?
Commented [KC38]: Clarify that this is
referring to stormwater drainage paths and
pipes. Please also use “vegetated swales”
instead of “ditches.”
Commented [KC39]: 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... [9]
Commented [KC40]: There are also LID
techniques that do not involve infiltration... [10]
Commented [KC41]: This seems to
contradict Policy CONS‐1c.3 below which... [11]
Commented [TP42R41]: Ic.3 does say “or
equivalent,” so maybe not a direct conflict. ... [12]
Commented [TG43]: This appears to be a
policy, not a program. Refer to Comment 2, ... [13]
Commented [TP44R43]: I see it as a program
implementing Policy CONS‐1b.9.

Commented [TG45]: Where is this document
accessed? See Comment 3c, page 4 of our ... [14]
Commented [TP46R45]: The LCP should be
able to refer to industry standards and ... [15]
Commented [KC47]: We recommend
modifying this statement to say that an...LID[16]
Commented [TP48R47]: Because this is
covered in more detail in CONS‐1e.2, I just ... [17]
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 9
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 CONS-1b.11 Minimize the area of impervious surfaces in new and existing development to the maximum extent practicable.

CONS-1b.12 To help protect maintain, enhance and, where feasible, restore water quality and hydrologic function, plan, site and design development in order to:
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.
b. Protect areas that provide important water quality benefits, areas necessary to maintain riparian and aquatic biota, and/or that are susceptible to erosion and sediment loss.
c. Analyze the natural resources and hazardous constraints of planning areas and individual development sites to determine locations most suitable for development.
cd. Preserve and protect riparian corridors, creek channels, wetlands, and buffer zones. 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.
e. Minimize disturbance of natural areas, including significant trees, native vegetation, and root structures.
df. Preserve Functions of Natural Drainage SystemsEnsure adequate setbacks from creeks, wetlands, the Pacific Ocean, and other surface waters. Development shall be sited and designed to preserve the infiltration, purification, detention, and retention functions of natural drainage systems that exist on the site, where appropriate and feasible.] Convey Ddrainage shall be conveyed from the developed area of the site in a non-erosive manner.
eg. Promote clustering of development on the most suitable portions of a site that are least impactful, taking into account geologic constraints, sensitive resources, and natural drainage features.

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.-143 Ensure City stormwater infrastructure can accommodate potential increases in rainfall frequency and intensity during storm events due to climate change.

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 Commented [KC49]: We recommend adding
policy language to specifically avoid
impervious areas directly connected to the
storm drain system.

Commented [TP50R49]: The City’s
stormwater system infiltrates all stormwater
and the outfall will be eliminated this
summer. In certain areas, impacts to septic ... [18]
Commented [KC51]: To ensure consistency
with Coastal Act §30230 & 30231, we ... [19]
Commented [KC52]: Please expand to
include planning, siting, and designing ... [20]
Commented [KC53]: Detention/slowing of
runoff is also important in addition to ... [21]
Commented [TG54]: Do you mean
“hazards”?
Commented [TG55]: This subsection is not
phrased in a way that logically connects...to[22]
Commented [KL56]: Will these areas be
designated on a map of Trinidad? Will they ... [23]
Commented [KC57]: We recommend
modifying this language consistent with our ... [24]
Commented [KL58]: How will these be
preserved?  Through BMPs?  Through buffer ... [25]
Commented [TG59]: We recommend adding
a definition in the glossary of what ... [26]
Commented [KL60]: Redundant with above
policy CONS‐1b‐2
Commented [KL61]: What makes a setback
adequate?
Commented [TP62]: Moved from CONS‐1b.2
Commented [KC63]: Please clarify that a
site‐specific infiltration rate evaluation ...may[27]
Commented [TG64]: CONS‐1b‐13 appears to
be a program, not a policy. Refer to ... [28]
Commented [TP65R64]: Made it a program
under a new “City” designated policy.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 10
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 increases in rainfall frequency and intensity during storm events due to climate change.

Other Ppolicies to maintain hydrologic function and eliminate/reduce other or multiple pollution targets: The following policies address other types of pollution and hydromodification not included under sediment, OWTS or stormwater.

CONS-1c.1 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. (LU-1c.3) CONS-1bc.215 Incorporate storm water runoff, erosion and sediment control, and water quality considerations for both construction-phase measures and postconstruction stormwater management into the staff recommendations or implementation regulations for all Coastal Development or other discretionary permit application reviews. Applicants shall be responsible for any required monitoring. Specific water quality goals include, but are not limited to (CIRC-9.1):
(1) Limit erosion and sediment loss resulting from construction. (2) Limit the extent and duration of land disturbing activities. (3) Limit removal of existing vegetation to only what is necessary to construct projects
(4) Upon project completion, replace non-native and invasive species as soon as possible, preferably with native plants.
(5) Maintain natural drainage conditions.
(6) Conform, wherever possible, to the natural topography of the area.

CONS-1bc.3216 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. A site specificsite-specific infiltration rate evaluation may be required of the designer project applicant to assist with the project’s stormwater quality mitigationmanagement design and to facilitate the City’s review of the proposed development. (CIRC-9.4)
Program CONS-1bc.3317.Development activity shall follow 1 Implementa appropriate protocols to manage BMPs (including ongoing operation, maintenance, inspection and/or training, and installation and removal) will be implemented in all development, to protect water quality for the life of the development.

CONS-1bc.4 Reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides within City limits.

Program CONS-1bc.4.1 Develop regulations and/or public educational Commented [KC66]: The following policies
address not only water quality impacts but
also hydrological impacts (volume, rate,
timing, and duration) of stormwater runoff.

Commented [KC67]: This policy is more of an
implementing program. We recommend an
LUP policy requiring an LID approach to
stormwater management (see comments on
proposed Policy CONS‐1b.9 and Program
CONS‐1b‐9.3).

Commented [SW68R67]: Moved up under
1b.9 as a program.

Commented [KC69]: 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... [29]
Commented [SW70R69]: I modified the
language per Kristen’s suggestion, however, I ... [30]
Commented [TP71R69]: I added policies for
pre and post construction above. I will ... [31]
Commented [KC72]: The following list seems
redundant with other policies, including... [32]
Commented [SW73R72]: It is redundant
however I think it serves to clarify the policy.

Commented [KC74]: Please also mention
protection of hydrology – see comment...in[33]
Commented [KC75]: Please clarify that a
site‐specific infiltration rate evaluation ...may[34]
Commented [TP76R75]: Moved this
sentence to new CONS‐1b.13
Commented [KC77]: Please make this a
policy to ensure it is part of the standard of ... [35] Commented [TG78]: Policies CONS‐1c.4,
CONS‐1c.5, CONS‐1c.6, and CONS‐1d.1 ...seem[36]
Commented [SW79R78]: Changed the
policies to programs, and developed policy ... [37]
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 11
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 materials to discourage the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

CONS-1bc.5 Monitor water quality in and around Trinidad, including the Trinidad Head ASBS.

Program CONS-1bc.5.1 Continue to support monitoring of Trinidad Head ASBS with a focus on constituents that have shown previously elevated levels.

Program CONS-1bc.65.2 As funding allows, continue to monitor water quality in and around Trinidad. Develop a water quality monitoring plan. Identify areas where water quality may be at risk, what level of monitoring may be required, and the pollutants of concern for each area identified. 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-1cd.1 Promote 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., but within the city’s watershed. that are connected to the City water system. Encourage the County and/or Watershed Council to provide water education on and incentives for water conservation. Encourage the County to implement a similar program in the greater Trinidad-Westhaven area. (CIRC-12.3)
Program CONS-1cd.1.1 Pursue implementation of a progressive water rate structure to encourage water conservation. Periodically review and amend the water rate structure to ensure that it promotes water conservation. (CIRC-12.3.1)

Program CONS-1cd.1.2 Identify where losses are occurring in the City’s water distribution system and. and (CIRC-12.3.2)
Program CONS-1d.1.3 Pp pursue infrastructure improvement to reduce water leakage and increase storage capacity in the system. (CIRC-12.3.2) Program CONS-1cd.1.3 Adopt a water efficiency landscape ordinance in accordance with AB 1881 and Dept. of Water Resources requirements. (CIRC12.3.2) 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 warrantneeds special policies and additional requirements.

CONS-1de.1 Area of Special Biological Significance: Ocean areas in and around Commented [KL80]: This policy has a
random feel to it.  A plan should be
developed with areas identified as at risk,
requiring monitoring, as well as the
pollutants that are of concern for each
location.

Commented [TP81R80]: The City has a lot of
experience with water sampling and
developing MPs/QAPPs, and we already have
a good idea of what we’re doing (what,
where, why, etc.). A general plan policy is not
the place for an MP or QAPP.

Commented [TP82]: If a policy is denoted
with a City logo, does that automatically
equate to all the programs too? May need to
specify that in the Intro Chapter.

Commented [KL83]: This is very generic.  Any
details to provide?
Commented [SW84R83]: No changes made.

Left it generic.

Commented [TP85R83]: 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 [38]
Commented [KL86]: This seems like a
separate and larger goal.

Commented [SW87R86]: Split 1d.1.2 apart
and made a new program to capture the
infrastructure improvement idea.

Commented [TP88R86]: I think it’s better as
one program, but it might be better as ...a [39]
Commented [KL89]: What makes a water
resource of significant value?
Commented [TP90R89]: It’s just a general
statement, not a policy. It could refer to
several things.

Commented [KL91]: This is very vague.

Commented [TP92R91]: It’s just a summary
statement.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 12
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 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 watersheds draining into the ASBS areand 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 comply with this plan and any conditions of an exception to the discharge prohibition granted to the City by the State
Program CONS-1de.1.1 Implement a comprehensive program to reduce / eliminate discharges into the Trinidad Head ASBS that have been identified by the State Water Resource Control Board.

Program CONS-1de.1.2 2 Consistent with the California Ocean Plan and the City’s Discharge Exception, implement a comprehensive water quality monitoring plan for the Trinidad Head ASBSBay and itsthe its tributary streams that flow into the Trinidad Head ASBS as necessary to assess and reduce nonpoint source pollution entering the Trinidad Head ASBS and track improvements over time (CIRC 8.3).

Program CONS-1de.1.3 Continue to comply with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System MS4 Permit requirementsDischarge Exception as long as it is applicable.

CONS-1de.2 The categories of development listed below 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 CONS-1d.3. Developments of Special Water Quality Concern include the following Development of Special Concern: A development in one or more of the following categories is considered a Development of Special Concern. Specify additional requirements and standards for such projects in the City’s zoning and grading ordinances as necessary to protect water quality:
(1) any developments of five or more dwelling units;
(2) any development that creates and/or replaces results in 5,000 sq. ft. or greater impervious surfaces;
(32) any development that will result in higher densities than called for in this General Planhillside developments on slopes greater than 10% or located in unstable area;
(43) any development that produces high amounts or strengths of wastewater such as restaurants, laundromats, service stations, etc.
(54) any development that results in direct discharges to a waterbody. (65) any development occurring within 125### feet of a coastal bluff (or in the 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.

Commented [KC93]: Please clarify that the
coastal watersheds draining into the ASBS
are a state CCA.

Commented [TP94]: This should be moot
after the outfall is removed. Does the City
still want to have a monitoring plan?
Commented [KC95]: There is a section of the
ASBS on the ocean side of Trinidad Head, as
well as a section within the bay. We
therefore recommend including streams that
flow to the ocean and the bay.

Commented [KC96]: The NPDES Permit
addresses the City’s storm drainage system
and is different than the ASBS Program. We
therefore recommend moving this program ... [40]
Commented [TP97R96]: But the only reason
the City is subject to MS4 requirements...is[41]
Commented [KC98]: See the comment on
Program CONS‐1e.2.1 below.

Commented [KC99]: “Development that
results in” is a little unclear.  We recommend ... [42] Commented [KL100]: Of people or
development?
Commented [TP101R100]: Either.

Commented [TG102]: How would a
development with a higher density than... [43]
Commented [TP103R102]: Density bonuses
for affordable housing? I lost track of where I ... [44] Commented [KL104]: Does this mean high
concentrations of pollutants?
Commented [TP105R104]: Yes. I think it’s
pretty standard.

Commented [KC106]: Please clarify that this
applies to areas identified as inappropriate ... [45]
Commented [KC107]: We recommend
adding any categories from our model LCP ... [46]
Commented [TP108R107]: I don’t see any
categories defining developments of special ... [47]
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 13
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 Program CONS-1de.32.1 Adopt and implement grading / zoning ordinance standards that require aApplicants for any Development of Special Concern shall be required to provide the following:
a. 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); b. Estimate increases in pollutant loads and runoff flows resulting from the proposed development, if any, and;
c. 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 minimum design storm.

CONS-1de.3 Critical Water Supply Areas: Protect Luffenholtz Creek as a Critical Water Supply Area. 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 watershed are primary and emergency water sources 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-11.29.4)
Program CONS-1de.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-1de.3.2 Maintain and ongoing request for notification from the County for any development projects within the Luffenholtz Creek watershed.

Program CONS-1de.3.3 Review and comment on applications for new development within the Luffenholtz Creek watershed to ensure protection of both water quality and quantity.

CONS-1e.4 The City does not support commercial medical and recreational cannabis cultivation and production within the Trinidad Planning Area due to factors such as limited water supply, steep slopes and lack of agricultural land.

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. There are a number of special status habitat types and plants and animals within the Planning Area (SHN, date). Riparian vegetation Commented [KC109]: Please change this
program into a policy and reword so that the
LUP directly regulates Development of
Special Concern rather than directing the
City to adopt future grading/ zoning
ordinance standards to regulate
Developments of Special Concern [e.g.
“Developments of Special Concern shall (a)
…; (b)…; and (c)”]. See General Comment 3 in
our 9/10/19 comments specific to the
Conservation, Open Space & Recreation
Element for details on what standards should
be incorporated directly into the LUP.

Commented [KL110]: This seems like it
belongs somewhere else.

Commented [TP111R110]: Seems good here
to me.

Commented [TG112]: Is this a policy, or a
principle? Refer to Comment 2, page 2, of
our 7/5/19 letter to the City.

Commented [TP113R112]: It does seem to
meet the definition of a principal, but could
be reworded. It could also be a program
implementing the City’s referral
/commenting policies. It also belongs in the
LU Element. I will bring this question to the
PC.

Commented [TP114]: Reference bio report.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 14
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 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 important 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. Areas that are accessible during low tide are susceptible to predators and curious beachcombers. 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, and other Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHAs). 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 further more specifically in the Land Use Element.

1. Principles for Biological Resource Protection
Identify sensitive or important habitats and special status species. Figure 7 (a and b) serves to identify those areas generally known to or that potentially contain ESHAs within the City and within the Planning Area respectively. 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. There is always the potential for ESHA’s 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 on prior to any development. The following areas are ESHAs that are known to occur in the Trinidad area:
a. Creeks, drainages, sloughs, and associated riparian habitats including but not limited to: Mill, Parker and McConnahas Mill Creeks;
b. Wetlands, estuaries, bays and associated riparian and / or shoreline habitat, including Trinidad Bay ASBS, beaches and the offshore rocks; c. Other unique habitat areas: rare or sensitive habitats, waterbird or marine mammal rookeries; shorebird concentration sites; habitat for all rare, threatened, or Commented [KL115]: Please define.

Commented [SW116R115]: These are all
defined above. It seems repetitive to define
them again?
Commented [TP117R115]: Yes. They only
need to be written out the first time. And
they have been used several times before
this. Also, a list of acronyms will be added to
each element. They are also included in the
glossary.

Commented [KL118]: This sentence seems
out of place here.

Commented [TG119]: 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 [TP120R119]: Will review.

Commented [KC121]: See General Comment
1 on mapping resources in our 9/10/19
comments specific to the Conservation,
Open Space & Recreation Element.

Commented [KC122]: 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 ... [48]
Commented [TG123]: This list identifies
areas in the City that are ESHAs, and Section
2 below identifies other ESHAs in the City. ... [49]
Commented [TP124R123]: Because this is a
principle, the specific ESHAs were removed
in favor of the section specific to ESHAs.

Commented [TG125]: Would this also
include nesting sites for migratory birds that
aren’t rare?
Commented [TP126R125]: The fourth
principle covers those.

Commented [KC127]: CDFW uses the term
sensitive “natural communities.”
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 15
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 endangered species on federal, state lists or CA Native Plant Society; and vegetated bluffs and dunes;
d. Public Trust lands such as beaches and tidelands.

Limit development and habitat alteration within ESHAs, including where special status species are found and 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.

Maintain appropriate buffers to protect ESHAs and special status species from impacts from adjacent development. Appropriate space between ESHA’s or special status species and adjacent development helps to limit and mitigate 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.

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 of 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.

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.

Commented [KL128]: CA Native Plant
Society/ CDFW use the term “species of
special concern” – this appears to be covered
by “rare species”, but greater specificity will
clear up future confusion.

Commented [KC129]: Please add to this list
“any areas not specifically designated in the
LCP that meet the definition of ESHA in
Coastal Act §30107.5.” Also, just to note, this
list of ESHAs is quite broad (e.g., the
Commission does not consider all wetlands
to be ESHA and does not apply 30240 to
marine resources). However, it is perfectly
acceptable for the City to define ESHA more
broadly than the Commission.

Commented [SW130R129]: I deleted the
defined ESHAs in the city to avoid ... [50]
Commented [KC131]: Habitat for special
status species is ESHA, therefore it is
misleading to list as a separate category.

Commented [TP132R131]: Is this in
reference to the City’s list above (which was
deleted), or the CA definition? They’re listed ... [51] Commented [KL133]: The goal is not “limit”,
but to prohibit development where ESHAs ... [52]
Commented [TP134R133]: Since this is a
broad principle, it seems to cover
“prohibitions with exceptions.”
Commented [KC135]: A buffer is used to
avoid and minimize impacts rather than
mitigate impacts.

Commented [KL136]: I’m assuming specific
buffer distances will be outlined in an IP?  If
not, please specify those distances here.

Commented [SW137R136]: Will be done in
the IP.

Commented [KC138]: Add a year to indicate
when mapping was done.

Commented [KC139]: See General Comment
1 on mapping resources in our 9/10/19... [53]
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 16
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 CONS-2a.1 Only permit Diking, Filling, and Dredging of open coastal waters, wetlands, estuaries, creeks and other bodies of water shall maintain or enhance the functional capacity of any impacted wetland or estuary. are subject to Section 30233 of the Coastal Act. In addition, provisions of Section 30233, 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 environ mental 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.

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 Incorporate the best mitigation measures feasible for Consistent with Coastal Act §30236, channelizations, dams, or other substantial alterations of coastal streams, shall incorporate the best mitigation measures feasible for and be limited them 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 developmentAlternative energy projects such as micro-hydro power, or
c. Developments where the primary function is the improvement of fish and wildlife habitat., and
d. Projects that are consistent with all applicable regulations and permit requirements of other agencies.

CONS-2a.3 Protect environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHAs) against any significant disruption of their habitat values, and allow only uses dependent on and Commented [KC140]: Please add the
allowable use limitations of Coastal Act
§30233(a) and the requirement in Coastal
Act §30233(c) that diking, filling, or dredging
in existing estuaries and wetlands shall
maintain or enhance the functional capacity
of the wetland or estuary.

Commented [SW141R140]: I recommend
removing this policy altogether, since it is
already defined in the Coastal Act. But I
modified the language to acknowledge the
appropriate CA policy.

Commented [TP142R140]: We’re going
ahead and adding CA language.

Commented [TG143]: Refer to Comment 4d,
page 6, of our 7/5/19 letter to the City. The
City may ultimately decide to address
wetlands and water quality policies in a
separate section.

Commented [KC144]: 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 [TP145R144]: Micro‐hydro
should not result in “substantial alterations,”
so maybe not be subject to §30236?
Commented [TG146]: Refer to Comment 4d,
page 6, of our 7/5/19 letter to the City. The
City may ultimately decide to address
wetlands and water quality policies in a
separate section.

Commented [TP147]: We don’t have flood
plains in Trinidad, so maybe this one isn’t
necessary.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 17
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 compatible with maintaining those resources, as defined in the City’s Zoning Ordinance, within ESHAs consistent with Coastal Act §30240.

CONS-2a.4 Condition all development located within or adjacent to ESHAs to require all l landscapingplantings to be from native stocklocally native stock (not cultivars) to the extent feasible. At a minimum, prohibit the use of plantsof plants listed by CNPS or DFG to be invasive, problematic or noxious ,noxious, and remove any existing such plants. Maintenance requirements may also be included.

CONS-2a.5 Maintain up to date resource information regarding special status species to the extent feasible. The General Plan defers to state and federal regulations associated with rare, threatened, and endangered species.

CONS-2a.6 Minimize development in areas where rare plants have been identified to protect the habitats located there. Require the identification and location of rare plants as part of the application for any major new developments or improvements.

CONS-2a.67 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.978 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.

Program CONS-2a.989. 1 Require review of any changes in runoff volume, pollutant load, velocity, or duration that may affect sensitive plant and animal populations, habitats, or Buffer Areas for those populations or habitats, by a qualified biologist to ensure that there will not be adverse hydrologic, erosion, nutrient, pollutant-based or sedimentation impacts on sensitive species or habitats. Identify and adopt mitigation measures and compliance monitoring standards to minimize potential adverse runoff impacts.

CONS-2a.910 Preserve, enhance and restore native vegetation within ESHAs, including riparian corridors.. Locate allowable new structures and activities outside ESHAs whenever feasible to protject native rare vegetation. unless it would prevent the establishment of all permitted uses on the property. 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.101 Require permit applications for development 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 Commented [KC148]: Please remove to
ensure consistency with Coastal Act §30240.

Commented [TG149]: We also recommend
including policy language disallowing the use
of native cultivars (vs. locally native plants) ... [54] Commented [TP150R149]: That seems like
something that would be in the definitions ... [55]
Commented [KL151]: I’ll also add that we
often allow non‐native plants in landscaping ... [56]
Commented [KC152]: Please change
“landscaping” to “plantings.” The only ... [57]
Commented [TP153R152]: This policy
included areas adjacent to ESHAs, but that ... [58]
Commented [KC154]: This statement is
misleading because the certified LCP includes ... [59]
Commented [KC155]: Rare plant habitat is
ESHA, so standards for development in...rare[60]
Commented [KC156]: We recommend
requirements for separate (1) construction‐ ... [61]
Commented [KC157]: We recommend
making this program a policy so that it can ... [62] be Commented [KC158]: We recommend also
adding review of pollutant load.

Commented [KC159]: We recommend also
adding pollutant impacts
Commented [KC160]: Consider whether this
policy should just apply to native vegetation.

Commented [KC161]: This sentence appears
to be prohibiting development in ESHA... [63]
Commented [KC162]: This sentence is
alluding to a takings of private property.... [64]
Commented [TP163R162]: OK. I’m not sure I
understand the problem.

Commented [KC164]: If disturbed areas are
to be replanted, please clarify that this... [65]
Commented [KC165]: Any application for
development in an area where ESHA may... [66] be
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 18
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 Biological Report prepared by a qualified biologist which identifies anythe resources and provides recommended measures to ensure that the requirements of the Coastal Act and LCP are fully met.

Program CONS-2a.11.1 Revise the zoning ordinance to include the specific requirements for the content of the Biological Report.
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.

Program CONS-2b.21.1: Limit development in buffer areas to certain compatible uses consistent with Coastal Act §30240(a), §30233(a) and §30236, along with any other uses that prevent impacts which would significantly degrade the ESHA and which are compatible with the continuance of the adjacent ESHA pursuant to §30240(b)as defined in the City’s Zoning Ordinance.

Program CONS-2b.1.2: Require a setback separating all permitted development from identified adjacent sensitive habitat areas and special status speciesESHAs. The minimum width of ESHA and special status species setbacks buffers shall be at least 100 feet, unless otherwise defined in the City’s Zoning Ordinance, and 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.

Program CONS-2b.1.3: AConversely, 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. as long as it can be demonstrated that the ESHA quality and function will not be negatively impacted.

CONS-2b.2 Prohibit native vegetation removal in Buffer Areas except for the following.

Such activities are 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 professionalfor disease control;, c. Vegetation removal for public safety purposes to abate a nuisance consistent with Coastal Act Section 30005;, or
Commented [KC166]: Please consistently use
the term ESHA and please treat special status
species as ESHA rather than a separate
category.

Commented [TG167]: If the buffer is
otherwise defined in the zoning ordinance it
must at minimum conform to, and be
adequate to carry out the minimum buffer
requirements established in the LUP.

Commented [KC168]: 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 [TP169R168]: 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?
Commented [KC170]: Please include buffer
requirements in a policy rather than
programs to ensure these requirements are
part of the standard of review for LCPs.

Please see General Comment 4 in our
9/10/19 comments specific to the
Conservation, Open Space & Recreation
Element for buffer standards to include in
the LUP.

Commented [KL171]: This makes me
nervous.  I don’t want applicants making the
excuse after the fact that a particular tree
was removed because of disease.  I think this
should be part of the approval process.

Commented [TP172R171]: This section does
not exempt these activities from an approval
process. Additional clarification was added.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 19
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 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 development major vegetation removal 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.
g. Such activities may be subject to additional standards or restrictions to protect sensitive habitat.

CONS-2b.3 All exterior lighting (except traffic lights, navigational lights, and other similar safety lighting) shall Ensure that exterior lighting (except traffic lights, navigational lights, and other similar safety lighting) be the minimumized 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 Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areasan ESHA. (CD-5.1)

3. Plants and Animals
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 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 PlanPlant 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, several birds species, three amphibians, two fish, and two mammals with known occurrences.

Goal CONS-3: Identify and protect Special Statusnative plants, animals and their habitats in and around the City.

Policies to protect and improve native habitat and minimize impacts to native species.

CONS-3.1: To the extent feasible, Ppreserve, protect, and to the extent feasible restore streams and riparian areas to their natural state.

Commented [KC173]: Is the use of the word
“minor” meant to indicate that vegetation
maintenance is allowed that doesn’t rise to
the level of development pursuant to Coastal
Act §c30106 (i.e., that doesn’t constitute
major vegetation removal)?
Commented [TG174]: This subsection is not
phrased in a way that logically connects to
the broader statement in CONS‐2b.2
(“Prohibit native vegetation removal in
Buffer Areas except for...”)
Commented [KC175]: We recommend
referencing back to the ESHA buffer standard
contained in proposed Policy CONS‐2b.1.

Commented [TG176]: We recommend
including a requirement that lighting also
shall be directed downward (downcast) to
protect night skies.

Commented [KC177]: 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[67]
Commented [TG178]: We have not yet
received the Community Design Element.

Commented [KC179]: Please add a year to
indicate when this list of special status
species was generated.

Commented [TP180R179]: Made it more
general.

Commented [KC181]: Proposed Policy CONS‐
1b.12 calls for the preservation and
protection of riparian corridors and creek
channels and the minimization of ... [68]
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 20
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 Program CONS-3.21.1: Work with organizations and private property owners to enhance, preserve and restore the City’s watercourses for habitat preservation and recreation.

Program CONS-3.1.23: 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 the City's maintenance procedures.

Program CONS-3.1.34: Seek Federal and State funding for the repair of stream bank erosion, planting of riparian vegetation to stabilize creek banks, and removal of debris obstructing waterflowwater flow.

Program CONS-3.87 Pursue development of a management plan for aquatic and marine recreation in and around Trinidad Baythroughout the watershed to minimize the ecological impacts of those activities.

Program CONS-3.98 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.

CONS-3.3 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-3.452 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 site.

CONS-3.563 Require site planning and construction to maintain adequate open space to permit effective plant and wildlife corridors for animal movement between open spaces.

Program CONS-3.6.1: Timing of construction may be limited by the wet season as well as nesting and breeding seasons of sensitive species.

Commented [KC182]: We recommend
changing these policies into programs that
implement Policy CONS‐3.1.

Commented [TG183]: Policies CONS‐3.8, and
CONS‐3.9 seem to be programs. Refer to
Comment 2, page 2, of our 7/5/19 letter to
the City.

Commented [KL184]: It would be helpful if
this were better defined.  This could mean a
lot of different activities.

Commented [TP185R184]: That’s what a
management plan is for.

Commented [TP186]: This doesn’t seem to
fit here. Which watershed.

Commented [KC187]: This is similar to
proposed Policy CONS‐1b.2 and language
included in proposed Policies CONS‐1b.12
and CONS‐1c.2.

Commented [TP188R187]: Maybe it is
unnecessary. Recheck after clean‐up.

Commented [KL189]: Consider adding
migration corridors for protected plants and
wildlife as well.  These corridors are
important avenues for migration in light of
climate change.   I believe these important
migration corridors that connect areas of
similar habitat should be considered ESHA.

Commented [TP190R189]: The entire City is
probably not large enough to pose a barrier
to plant movement.

Commented [KC191]: This does not seem to
implement Policy CONS‐3.6 which calls for
maintenance of wildlife corridors. We
recommend making this a policy and setting
a clearer standard (e.g., timing limitations
shall be required as necessary and feasible to
minimize impacts to sensitive species).

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 21
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 Program CONS-3.664.2: The City may require Oopen space or conservation easements to protect open space and ESHAs as a condition of development approval. shall be established for all ESHA and ESHA buffers identified as a result of an approved project.

CONS-3.5: Timing of construction may be limited by the wet season as well as nesting and breeding seasons of sensitive species.

CONS-3.776 Consistent with other applicable policies, pPlace 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. Such improvements shall be consistent with all applicable policies of the LCP.

CONS-3.8107 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.

Program CONS-3.8107.1: Provide public information materials that explain why invasive species are a problem. Maintain a program that recommends effective but non-toxic eradication measures., and
Program CONS-3.8.2: Eeradicates non-native species on public lands where they are displacing native species on City-owned property.

Program CONS-3.10.2: Condition development projects that require discretionary approval to prohibit the planting of any species of broom, gorse, pampas grass, ivy, cotoneaster or other species of invasive non-native plants deemed undesirable by the City.

Program CONS-3.8107.3: 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-3.8107.4: Work to remove and control plants rated as “high” or “mediummoderate” on the California Invasive Plant Council’s California Invasive Plan Inventory Database from City-owned rights-of-way.

CONS-3.9118 Develop policies forOnly permitting “major vegetation removal” that protect where both habitat values and viewsheds can be adequately protected.

Commented [KC192]: We recommend
making this program a policy and setting a
clearer standard for when an easement
would be required (e.g., easements shall be
established for all ESHA and ESHA buffers
identified as a result of an approved project).

Commented [KC193]: Add clarification that
such improvements must be consistent with
all applicable policies of the LCP.

Commented [KL194]: May want to refer to
the Cal‐IPC list.

Commented [TP195R194]: The list is for
invasives, so doesn’t include non‐native,
non‐invasives. But it could be reworded.

Commented [KC196]: 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 ... [69]
Commented [TP197R196]: Changed to policy
CONS‐3.10
Commented [KL198]: 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[70]
Commented [TP199R198]: Yes, because the
vast majority of these areas are outside the
City’s jurisdiction.

Commented [KL200]: I believe the term used
by the Council is “moderate”.   Again, unless
this is a coordinated and concerted effort ... [71]
Commented [KC201]: Reword so that this
policy directly regulates major vegetation
removal instead of calling for additional
policies.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 22
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 Program CONS-3.119.1: 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 other species of invasive non-native plants deemed undesirable by the City. Require Mmaintenance 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.

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.

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
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 Commented [KC202]: We recommend
making this a policy to ensure this
requirement is part of the standard of review
for CDPs.

Commented [KL203]: This policy would be
more meaningful if distances between active
nests and work were incorporated.  We
allow development to continue during the
nesting season beyond 300’ for active nests
for all birds and beyond 500’ for raptors’
nests.

Commented [TP204R203]: That seems more
appropriate for the zoning ordinance, if at
all. Lots in Trinidad are generally too small
for surveys within 300’ or 500’ (it would
require encroachment on to other private
property).

Commented [KL205]: This is a tepid word.  Is
anything stronger possible?
Commented [TP206R205]: These timber
lands are outside the City’s jurisdiction and
the Coastal Zone.

Commented [TP207]: Designate with City
symbol, since no timber land within the City.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 23
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 will provide sufficient incentives to prevent urban conversions. Urban conversions are discouraged within the Urban Services Boundary.

Program CONS-4.21.1 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 plant and wildlife habitat, water quality, control erosion and flooding, and preserve the City viewshed. Recommend that THPs which do not include these measures not be approved.

Program CONS-4.1.23 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-4.1.34 City and County Zoning Ordinances should require a use permit for timber harvesting operations (as defined by the Forest Practice Act) within or nearby unstable lands or lands of questionable stability. 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. (SAF-1.8)
Program CONS-4.41.4 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 prime soils for crops or forage in the planning area, but much of the land in the planning area is prime timberland. 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, 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.

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, Ssoil 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 Commented [TG208]: Where is the Urban
Services Boundary, and does it extend
outside City limits? If not, how does this
policy relate to the first statement under
Section 1 above? It would be helpful to
depict the geographic extent of the Urban
Services Boundary on at least one of the
figures included in the LUP. Do any stands of
commercial timber occur within the Urban
Services Boundary?
Commented [TP209R208]: I think this was
actually referring to the Urban Limit Line,
which is a County designation.

Commented [KC210]: Why would urban
conversions be discouraged within the urban
services boundary but not outside of the
urban boundary?
Commented [TP211R210]: Must have been a
typo.

Commented [TG212]: Policies CONS‐4.2,
CONS‐4.3, CONS‐4.[5], seem to be programs. ... [72]
Commented [TG213]: Since permit
requirements are referenced here, it may... [73] be
Commented [KC214]: Timber operations and
timberland are defined by the Forest ... [74]
Commented [TG215]: Does this refer to a
Safety Element? We have not yet received ... [75]
Commented [TP216R215]: I need to finish
the coastal hazards assessment, then update ... [76]
Commented [TP217]: Is this a thing? (Sam
says yes)
Commented [KL218]: What constitutes
prime timber soils and prime agriculture... [77]
Commented [TP219R218]: I need to
research what prime timber soils is referring ... [78]
Commented [KL220]: When would this be?
What soil characteristics are you referring ... [79] to Commented [TP221R220]: This is a general
statement and can refer to any of several ... [80]
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 24
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 to provide necessary protective buffers. Related factors such as hydrology, stability and topography must also be considered. It is expected that this site specificsite-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 available soils information is much generalized, 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 longrange 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 impact implications in terms of public safety. Therefore, a discussion of Trinidad’s geology and related limitations are included in the Public Safety Element.

Goal CONS-5 Protect and preserve soil as a natural resource.

Soil Conservation Policies
CONS-5.1 Minimize soil erosion to prevent loss of productive soils, to preserve soil carbon stocks, prevent landslides, protect water quality, and maintain infiltration capacity and soil structure.

Program CONS-5.6 1.1Update the City’s Grading Ordinance as necessary to ensure that it incorporates the latest available Best Management Practices as recommended in the Trinidad-Westhaven Integrated Coastal Watershed Management Plan.

CONS-5.2 Minimize land disturbance activities from construction (e.g., clearing, grading, soil compaction and cut-and-fill), and avoid development on design sites to mitigate development and avoid erosion, steep slopes, unstable areas, and highly erosive soils in order to minimize erosion. (CONS-1b.1) CONS-5.3 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 Commented [KL222]: This whole paragraph
needs more specificity to be consistent
throughout and readily understandable.

Commented [TP223R222]: Looks okay to
me. Will leave for PC to review.

Commented [KL224]: I assume this refers to
maintenance and monitoring of OWTS
systems.  Is this the right place for this call
out?
Commented [TP225R224]: Maybe it goes
beyond soils issues, but doesn’t seem to hurt
anything being here. Many GP topics
overlap.

Commented [KL226]: What does this mean?
Commented [KC227]: Please add policy
language mandating that the long‐term
productivity of soils shall be protected
consistent with Coastal Act §30243.

Commented [SW228R227]: Policy added as
Cons 5.7
Commented [TP229R228]: (Now CONS‐5.6)
But the City has no commercial timberland,
so is that policy really necessary?
Commented [KL230]: I would suggest
adding: “to preserve soil carbon stocks”.

Commented [TG231]: This appears to be a
program. Refer to Comment 2, page 2, of our
7/5/19 letter to the City.

Commented [TP232]: We’ll just do this as
part of the LCP update.

Commented [KC233]: See comments on
proposed Policy CONS‐1b.1.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 25
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 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-5.5 Require stabilization of disturbed areas through revegetation or other appropriate means as soon as feasible. Incorporate soil stabilization BMPs on disturbed areas as soon as feasible, including, but not limited to, re-vegetation of graded or disturbed areas. (CONS-1b.5)
CONS-5.6 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-6.1 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 and OWTS design are adequate to prevent direct or cumulative adverse impacts on soil stability or water resources.

CONS-6.2 Ensure adequacy of theSpecify OWTS design and capacity prior to approving any intensification or addition to existing usesnew development. Require upgrades as needed to provide adequate OWTS capacity.

CONS-6.3 Foundation, LID and OWTS design shall be consistent with the recommendations of a site-specific soils studies as needed to ensure 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.

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 Commented [KC234]: In addition to
encouraging use of BMPs, we recommend
adding a policy requiring development within
the City’s LCP jurisdiction to incorporate
construction‐phase BMPs to minimize runoff
and erosion and the discharge of sediment
and other pollutants (See comments on
proposed Policies CONS‐1b.3, CONS‐1c.2 and
General Comment 2 in our 9/10/19
comments specific to the Conservation,
Open Space & Recreation Element).

Commented [SW235R234]: Addressed in
CONS 1b.3 and CONS 1c.2
Commented [KC236]: 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 [TP237R236]: 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 [KC238]: Please clarify what
“specify OWTS design” means. Does this
mean demonstrating adequate septic
capacity?
Commented [TG239]: Please refer to
Comment 3e, page 5 of our 7/5/19 letter to
the City.

Commented [KC240]: We recommend
rewording with “development” as the
subject (i.e., “foundation and OWTS design
shall be consistent with the
recommendations of a site‐specific soils
studies to ensure…”)
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 26
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 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 Land Use Element.

Goal CONS-7: Ensure existing quarries within the Trinidad Planning Area are protected from incompatiblecompatible with surrounding land uses, and permitted and operated to prevent significant environmental impacts and to satisfy long-term demand for mineral resources and construction materials.

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; 2) managed production of natural resources; 3) outdoor recreation; 4) viewshed protection; and 5) public health and safety.

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, Recreation, Community Design and Historic and Cultural & Historic Rresources Elements. The reader is referenced to discussion and policies in those sections for additional information.

Commented [TP241]: I think protecting the
quarry from incompatible development that
has been allowed nearby is part of the
purpose of this.

Commented [TG242]: Goal CONS‐7 suggests
that quarries are the object of protection
from incompatible uses, whereas policy
CONS‐7.1 suggests the surrounding natural
and built environment is the object of
protection from mineral extraction activities.

Commented [TP243R242]: See comment
below.

Commented [KC244]: Please update with the
currently proposed element names.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 27
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 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 warming 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 small to moderate amount, up to 30 cm, range of between 0.6 ft. to 2.9 ft. (in the most extreme scenario) of sea level rise is possible in Trinidad in the next 50 years (GHD 2016).by 2050 (SHN 2010) 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 eliminate still control the potential for inappropriate intensive public use..

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 no wherenowhere 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,.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).

Cultural resources are discussed 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 cliffs which border the southern and western sides of the City (identified as Open Space) from development and allow them Commented [KL245]: I suggest you
substitute “global climate change”.  It is the
more comprehensive term, and is more
accurate when referring to an area that will
be directly affected by climate change‐driven
impacts such as increased wave action due
to intensified storminess due to climate
change.

Commented [KC246]: Please update
consistent with current best available
science.

Commented [KC247]: However, excluding
the public may not be consistent with the
Coastal Act mandate to maximize public
access.

Commented [KC248]: Proposed Policies
CONS‐8.1 and 8.2 describe allowable uses in
particular locations designated Open Space.

Is the intent to limit uses further in these
locations than what is generally allowed in
the Open Space Designation?
Commented [SW249R248]: That is how I
read the intent of these policies.

Commented [TP250R248]: That would be my
interpretation as well.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 28
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 to remain in their essentially natural state. Passive recreation and vegetation management for habitat or scenic vistas are allowable uses.

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, management of federally-owned parcels, reduction of impacts of existing uses, and eventual phase-out of commercial uses.

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 permits for allowable development within or adjacent to these areas.

Program CONS-8.4.1 Revise the Zoning Ordinance to ensure that such agreements cover the portions of the lot that need shall not be disturbed by proposed structures and appurtenant uses or designated for protection in geologic reports.

Program CONS-8.4.12 If funds are available, obtain such agreements on already developed lots in the Special Environment area to obtain the degree of public control over lands designated as 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 entirely undeveloped, except for appropriate resource-depended uses, including trails and vista points, and managed such that the unparalleled views to the south are restored and maintained and, where feasible, restored.

CONS-8.6 Coastal bluffs shall be managed to consideraddress 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. Coastal bluff management considerations address vegetation management, scenic vistas, trail maintenance, and 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.

Commented [KC251]: This chapter defines
beaches and sea cliffs as ESHA, and allowable
uses in ESHA are limited to resource‐
dependent uses. We therefore need to
consider whether maintenance of scenic
vistas is a resource‐dependent use.

Commented [TP252R251]: I don’t see where
sea cliffs are defined as ESHA. But certainly,
the intent would be that maintenance of
existing vistas would be allowed. And scenic
vistas are dependent on aesthetics, which is
a visual resource, so should be allowed as
resource dependent?
Commented [KC253]: When would
development trigger the requirement for an
open space easement?
Commented [TP254R253]: Currently it
applies to portions of a lot that aren’t
developed, but qualify as OS, SE or ESHA
when approving any discretionary permit.

Seems like that should continue to be
defined in the zoning ordinance.

Commented [TP255]: Deleted because this is
already covered for SE and OS zones, and will
be revised to include ESHAs, prior to LCP
submittal.

Commented [TG256]: Do you mean “shall
not”?
Commented [KC257]: Aren’t there trails and
public parking in this area?
Commented [TP258R257]: Trails, yes;
parking no (not beyond the street right‐of‐ ... [81]
Commented [KC259]: We recommend
rewording so that this meets the definition
of a policy (a specific mandatory statement ... [82]
Commented [TP260R259]: Even reworded,
I’m still not sure this governs the review of ... [83]
Commented [KC261]: We recommend
rewording so that this meets the definition
of a policy (a specific mandatory statement ... [84]
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 29
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 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 Protection ZoneCorridor. These zones corridors may vary in width depending on site specific criteria and the existence/absence of naturally occurring (not artificially manipulated) riparian habitat. Similarly designate riparian habitat along streams in timber management areas.

Program CONS-8.8 7.1 Adopt a public education program that educates residents and visitors how and why to minimize impacts on Open Space resources. This includes, but is not limited to, landscaping and chemical use, water use, OWTS maintenance, tide pool etiquette, etc.

Program CONS-8.7.29 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 Commented [KC262]: What does it mean to
be in a Riparian Protection Zone? Are there
additional limitations on development in this
zone similar to areas designated ESHA or
ESHA buffer?
Commented [TP263R262]: Good question;
it’s not in the glossary, but riparian corridor
is.

Commented [TP264]: None in the City.

Commented [KL265]: 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 [TP266R265]: 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.

Commented [TG267]: Policies CONS‐8.8 and
CONS‐8.9 seem to be programs. Refer to
Comment 2, page 2, of our 7/5/19 letter to
the City.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 30
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 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.

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-9.3 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-8.4 Maintain Town Hall as a center for community functions.

CONS-9.5 Trinidad 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-9.8 Monitor and maintain parking at recreation areas to ensure fair maximum access.

CONS-9.9 Development shall be sited and designed to protect views to and along the ocean andMaintain public viewsheds in scenic coastal areas.

CONS-9.10 Ensure 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-9.11 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.

Commented [KC268]: Please add policy
language to this section to regulate
development consistent with the public
recreational policies of Chapter 3 of the
Coastal Act. See General Comment 7 in our
9/10/19 comments specific to the
Conservation, Open Space & Recreation
Element.

Commented [TP269R268]: Added access
policies to access section (30210, 30211,
30212, 30212.5, 30214; 30252 hardly seems
appliable to Trinidad). Added recreation
policy to rec section (30213, 30220, 30221,
30222, 30223, 30224). All of these, plus
others listed in the comment (30234,
30234.5, 30222.5, 30255) are in the priority
use section of the LU Element.

Commented [KC270]: We recommend
adding the modifier “public” to indicate that
these are to be maintained as public
amenities.

Commented [KC271]: 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 ... [85]
Commented [TP272R271]: A
proposed/planning parking study should help
inform such policies.

Commented [KC273]: We recommend
restructuring this policy with development as
the clear subject consistent with Coastal Act
§30251 (development shall be sited and... [86]
Commented [KC274]: Are scenic areas
mapped? If not, how is it determined that an
area is scenic?
Commented [SW275R274]: This language is
taken directly from Section 30251 of the
Coastal Act. It is not defined there either.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 31
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 CONS-9.12 Lower cost visitor and recreational facilities shall be protected, encouraged, and, where feasible, provided. Developments providing public recreational opportunities are preferred.

CONS-9.13 Coastal areas suited for water-oriented recreational activities that cannot readily be provided at inland water areas shall be protected for such uses.

CONS-9.14 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.

CONS-9.15 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.

CONS-9.16 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.

2. Public Access
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 in Trinidad (see Figure 10). The 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. The City has identified some potential deficiencies and additional connections that, if resolved and implemented, would enhance accessibility and usability of the CCT.

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. The Trinidad Head Trail loop is accessed from the Commented [TP276]: 30213
Commented [TP277]: 30220‐30224 (except
30222.5). These are also included in the
priority uses section of the LU Element.

Commented [KC278]: Coastal Act
§30001.5(c)
Commented [KC279]: We recommend
referencing Figure 10 here.

Commented [KC280]: See General Comment
8 on the CCT in our 9/10/19 comments
specific to the Conservation, Open Space &
Recreation Element.

Commented [TP281R280]: Need to get a
copy of current CCC map, but planning for
the CCT will need to be a separate
process/document.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 32
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 Harbor Area. The Galindo and Van Wycke Street trails connect Edwards Street and the Harbor Overlook Street and the Memorial Lighthouse to the Harbor Area. The Axel Lindgren Memorial Trail provides access to Old Home Beach (formally known as Indian Beach) from the Memorial Lighthouse Harbor Overlook and the CA Coastal Trail. The Parker Creek Trail 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, and the Groth Lane Trail provides a connection to the Parker Creek Trail from Scenic Drive.

For the most part, here 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. Although Scenic Drive is not particularly safe for pedestrians due to very narrow stretches and sharp curves, is part of the officially designated CA Coastal Trail. 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. These are the only additional accesses proposed at this time. There are no known informal, unmapped accesses currently being utilized; however, there could be prescriptive rights the City is unaware of.

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 Toto 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 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 Commented [TG282]: Update reference
Commented [TG283]: Update reference
Commented [KC284]: Consider adding a
caveat about prescriptive rights to ensure
that this statement isn’t used to deny
prescriptive right access that the City is
unaware of.

Commented [TG285]: What about
undesignated public accessways acquired
through use?
Commented [TP286R285]: ? 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?
Commented [KC287]: Easements can be in
other legal forms such as direct dedications,
grants, etc.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 33
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 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 and / or the Chamber of Commerce 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-10.2 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-10.2.2 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; b) acceptingAccepting, or facilitating acceptance of, Offers tTo Dedicate (OTDs) that will increase opportunities for public access and recreation; and c) create partnerships with the community, agencies, and organizations to maintain and improve public access to and along the coast.

Program CONS-10.2.3 Provide coastal access signage 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-10.2.4 Wherever appropriate and feasible, public facilities, including parking areas or facilities, shall be distributed throughout an area so as to mitigate Commented [KC288]: See General Comment
7 in our 9/10/19 comments specific to the
Conservation, Open Space & Recreation
Element for comments on missing coverage
of certain public access policies of the
Coastal Act.

Commented [SW289R288]: I reviewed the
referenced comment, and Coastal Act Public
Access policies. I’m still unclear what ... [87]
Commented [TP290R288]: I added language
from the referenced policies. But 30252
seems beyond what would ever be ... [88]
Commented [KC291]: Please see General
Comment 6 in our 9/10/19 comments
specific to the Conservation, Open Space... &[89]
Commented [TP292R291]: Most of this
comment is relative to Figure 10. The Trails
Policy will cover some of the ... [90]
Commented [KC293]: Can these also be
made available on the internet?
Commented [TP296R295]: It no longer
exists, and there are no plans to rebuild. It
would be good to encourage one at the... [91]
Commented [TG295]: Does this still exist or
will it be rebuilt? If no, please update
accordingly.

Commented [TP294R293]: Yes.

Commented [TG297]: This appears to be a
program, not a policy. Refer to Comment 2,
page 2, of our 7/5/19 letter to the City.

Commented [KC298]: Or other legal
documents. We recommend reframing...to[92]
Commented [KC299]: These programs seem
redundant with various policies included in
this section (proposed Policies CONS‐10.6, ... [93]
Commented [SW300R299]: These programs
read to me as city actions, versus the blow
policies which are constraints on ... [94]
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 34
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 against the impacts, social and otherwise, of overcrowding or overuse by the public of any single area.

Program CONS-10.2.3 Acquisitions of coastal land and easements for public access purposes shall not preclude the potential development of necessary infrastructure to support coastal-dependent uses.

CONS-10.3 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-10.3.1 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-10.3.2 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 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-10.4 Require formal access offers of dedication where necessary and feasible to assure continued public use of designated trails.

CONS-10.5 Require public access easements or similar agreement to assure public use of 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 Commented [KC301]: Coastal trails are
themselves a coastal‐dependent use. What is
the intent of this program?
Commented [TP302R301]: I don’t recall.

Seems unnecessary.

Commented [TP303]: Are these two
subsections of 30214 necessary for Trinidad?
Commented [KC304]: We recommend
covering the area from the ambulatory mean
high‐tide line to the ambulatory base of the
bluff or first line of vegetation. For blufftop
trails, we recommend that easements take
into account bluff erosion over time.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 35
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 erosion, appropriate improvements and maintenance while minimizing the amount of private land encumbered.

CONS-10.6 Require public access from the nearest public roadway to the shoreline and along the coast, as shown in Figure 10, 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.

CONS-10.7 Require access easements along designated trails, consistent with the California Coastal Act and the City’s LCP and Zoning Ordinanceother applicable regulations, as a condition of approval of applicable development projects, in order to mitigate the project’s impacts on public access.

Program CONS-10.7.1 Revise the Zoning Ordinance to provide specific regulations for public access easements, and OTDs, direct dedications, and other legal mechanisms to protect and provide public access.

CONS-10.8 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-10.9 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.

CONS-10.10 Dedicated accesses are not be required to be opened 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-10.11 For all grants of easement from required by the City and accepted byto 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-11.11.1 Work with the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust and other organizations and agencies to accept liability for and maintain public accesses.

Commented [KC305]: We recommend more
broadly requiring consistency with the
certified LCP.

Commented [KC306]: 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 [TP307R306]: CONS‐10.6 could
be replaced with CA §30212(a), and CONS‐

10.5 could be a program under that policy.

Commented [KC308]: Please also include
direct dedications and other legal
mechanisms to protect and provide public
access.

Commented [KC309]: We recommend
revising to say “required by the City and
accepted by a private non‐profit association”
Commented [KC310]: Consider also
requiring review and approval by the City.

City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 36
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 Program CONS-10.11.2 Facilitate the acceptance of Offers to Dedicate (OTDs) as a means of obtaining additional public access.

CONS-10.12 Develop and promote a continuous interconnected trail system throughout the City which connects to and includes the California Coastal Trail system.

CONS-10.13 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.

CONS-10.13 Require 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-10.16 Support the Coastal Conservancy’s Completing the California Coastal Trail project (SB 908) and encourage trails and connectors incorporate the CCT into the City’s trail system. (CIRC 4.8).

CONS-10.16 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-10.17 Require tain Ensure public access easements 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 [KC311]: We recommend also
adding the modifier “interconnected”
Commented [KC312]: 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 ... [95]
Commented [KC313]: Please also specify
that closures over X number of days/weeks
require a coastal development permit.

Commented [KC314]: We recommend
rewording this policy so that it directly
governs development (e.g., “unobstructed ... [96]
Commented [TG315]: This appears to be a
program, not a policy. Refer to Comment 2,
page 2, of our 7/5/19 letter to the City.

Commented [TP316R315]: Will review again
at the next iteration.

Commented [KC317]: Please add policy
language directly regulating the
development of the California Coastal Trail. ... [97]
Commented [SW318R317]: I’m not sure how
to respond to this and the below comment
regarding further developing CCT support ... [98]
Commented [TP319R317]: Revised in the
next iteration and coordinated with the
Trails Policy.

Commented [KC320]: We recommend more
broadly supporting the State’s goal of
completing the CCT.

Commented [KC321]: We recommend
rewording this policy to directly regulate
temporary events. For policy guidance,... [99]
Commented [KC322]: We recommend
changing to “require” to ensure this is not
misinterpreted to only apply in situations ... [100]
Commented [KC323]: We also recommend a
requirement to identify and remove all... [101]
City of Trinidad Draft General Plan
p. 37
Draft Conservation Open Space and Recreation Element April 202018 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).

Commented [KC324]: Consider a policy that
includes funding coastal access shuttles as
potential mitigation for impacts of new
development on low‐cost access/recreation.

Commented [TP325R324]: The City couldn’t
even implement a parking‐in‐lieu fee.

There’s just not enough development to
actually fund that.