1. Parks and Recreation Commission 7.7.15
PLAN Hermosa
California Coastal Act Considerations in Special Events Policy Development
Parks and Recreation Commission

2. California Coastal Act of 1976
Protect Coastal Resources and Maximize Public Access to the Shoreline

3. The California Coastal Commission is responsible for ensuring projects comply with the Coastal Act by issuing Coastal Development Permits
Permitting authority can be delegated to local governments by creating a Local Coastal Program certified by the Coastal Commission

4. Local Coastal Program Process Topics Covered
Public Access
Recreation & Visitor Serving Facilities
Water Quality Protection
Environmentally Sensitive Habitats
Planning & New Development
Scenic & Visual Resources
Coastal Hazards
Process
Developed by local agencies within the Coastal Zone
Includes local context and analysis to support proposed policies
Reviewed and Certified by Coastal Commission
Once certified, Coastal Commission’s permitting authority is delegated to the local agency
Topics Covered

5. When is a Coastal Development Permit Required?
Demolition, construction, replacement, or changes to the size of a structure
Grading, removal of, or placement of rock, soil, or other materials
Clearing of vegetation in, or that provides, sensitive habitat
Impeding access to the beach or public recreational trails
Altering property lines, such as through a lot line adjustment or subdivision
Changing the intensity of use of land, such as using a single family home as a commercial wedding venue
Repair or maintenance activities that could result in environmental impacts
Some temporary events unless they meet certain requirements, such as less than a 2 week duration, and no significant impacts to certain sensitive coastal resources, including public access

6. Coastal Guidance on Special Events
May Require CDP
Requires CDP
A CDP may be required if any of the following criteria are met:
The event, individually or cumulatively, precludes the general public from use of a public recreational area for a significant period of time
The event will impact environmentally sensitive habitat areas
The event would restrict public use of roadways or parking areas to access coastal waters
The event has historically required a coastal development permit to address associated impacts
A CDP will be required if all of the following criteria are met:
Held between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day
Occupy all or a portion of a sandy beach area
Involve a charge for general public admission or seating (unless at least 75% of the capacity is provided free of charge)

7. Special or Temporary Events
Potential Impacts to Public Access
Reserved Beach (Area + Location)
Admission Charges
Time of Year
Frequency of Events
Duration of Events
Parking Demand
Some temporary events may be subject to CDP unless they meet certain requirements, such as less than a 2 week duration, and have no significant impacts to certain sensitive coastal resources or public access.

8. Analysis of Special Events
70% have less than participants
25% have more than 1,000 participants
Small events peak in spring, occur throughout the year
Large events most frequent in summer, followed by fall

9. Analysis of Special Events
Beach area, north of pier most frequently used by events
Beach area, south of pier used evenly between spring and summer
Pier and Pier Plaza areas used most frequently during summer months

10. Special Events Policy Considerations
Establish maximum number of event days for summer events
Different maximums could be identified by size or location
Would include set up and breakdown days
Balance the location, type, and duration of events
Set a threshold for amount of reserved parking permitted
Require alternative transportation options/provisions for larger events
Require events offset their use of facilities with temporary facilities on other locations
Discourage events that include enclosed areas or charge admission

11. Coastal Act Resources
Access%20_July2013.pdf