REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Dave Kiff, Interim City Manager
PREPARED BY: Antonia Graham, Assistant to the City Manager
Subject:
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Adopt Resolution No. 2019-56 authorizing submittal of an application for a California Coastal Commission (CCC) Local Coastal Program (LCP) Planning Grant
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Statement of Issue:
The Budget Act of 2018 and 2019 respectively provided for $1.5 million for Coastal Commission grants to local governments to support Local Coastal Program (LCP) planning efforts. The California Coastal Commission under the authority of the California Coastal Act may provide financial assistance to support local coastal planning and has approved a competitive grant program to provide financial assistance. This Request for Council Action seeks authorization for staff to submit a grant application for up to $300,000 to fund a project that would result in the completion and submittal for certification by the California Coastal Commission of an Amendment to the City’s existing certified LCP.
Financial Impact:
No fiscal impact.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2019-56, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Authorizing Submittal of an Application for a California Coastal Commission LCP Planning Grant.”
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not adopt the Resolution and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
The LCP Program is an essential component of the California Coastal Act. LCPs implement the statewide goals and policies of the Coastal Act at the local level and are required by the Coastal Act for each local coastal jurisdiction. LCPs and LCP updates are developed by local governments and, once certified by the Commission, the local government assumes responsibility for issuance of most coastal development permits pursuant to the certified LCP.
The City’s LCP was initially certified by the Coastal Commission in 1985 and was last comprehensively updated in 2001 following the 1996 General Plan Update. According to the Coastal Commission, many of the LCPs that were certified in the 1980s and 1990s are now out of date and would benefit from updating to reflect changed conditions, new information and knowledge, and new programs and policies. Updated LCPs provide more certainty for economic development and enable stronger coastal resource protection in light of current environmental conditions and other factors. The City is requesting $300,000 - there is no match requirement. This grant would enable the City to update its existing certified LCP to address current Coastal Commission guidance and continue to issue our own coastal development permits as well as incorporate the Sunset Beach area.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to Section 15265 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, CEQA does not apply to activities and approvals by local governments necessary for the preparation and adoption of a local coastal program.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Enhance and maintain infrastructure
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution No. 2019-56, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Authorizing Submittal of an Application for a California Coastal Commission LCP Planning Grant.”