Development News for San Clemente, California

San Clemente Planning Commission Discusses Local Coastal Program and Geologic Hazards Report

Christopher Wright presented an update on the city's Local Coastal Program (LCP), a priority project to update coastal land use plans and create an implementation plan (zoning) for the coastal zone. The project has been progressing with a Coastal Commission grant and consultant NGO Incorporated, who prepared a geologic hazards report. This report aims to guide homeowners and developers by providing information on hazards and helping define bluff edge setbacks. Key discussions since December have focused on erosion rates and the role of the railroad in bluff protection. The city is negotiating with the Coastal Commission to potentially become the primary permitting authority for the coastal zone, which would streamline the process for applicants. A compromise formula-based approach for erosion rates, tied to a 2055 horizon year for railroad relocation, is being discussed, with a commitment to revisit the issue in 15 years. The document is intended as a working draft to inform policy amendments and the implementation plan, with no action required from the Commission tonight. Public comments are being considered, and further updates will be provided.