TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution allowing for the initiation of a Consolidated Coastal Development Permit process pursuant to Section 30601.3 of the Public Resources Code (Coastal Act) in connection with the demolition of the Belmont Plaza Pool facility at 4000 East Olympic Plaza. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
On January 13, 2013, the Belmont Plaza Pool Natatorium (Belmont Pool) was permanently closed to the public after being deemed seismically unsafe in the event of a moderate earthquake. On April 15, 2014, the City Council adopted Statutory Exemption SE 14-01 to effectuate demolition of Belmont Pool in the interests of public safety. The City Council voted unanimously on August 19, 2014, to amend the City's contract with Psomas Corporation to include Belmont Pool Demolition (The Project) services.
Belmont Pool is located within two coastal jurisdictions (Exhibit A - Coastal Zone Map). The enclosed portion of Belmont Pool is located in the State Permit Jurisdiction, where the California Coastal Commission (CCC) has exclusive permitting authority. The ADA access ramp protruding from Belmont Pool's north façade extends into the area of the City's certified Local Coastal Program, where the City has jurisdiction, subject to appeal to the CCC. This jurisdictional duality would require both the City and CCC to issue separate coastal development permits for the Project, creating potential confusion, inconsistent conditions of approval or mitigation measures, and a lengthy timeline due to the joint application processes. Section 30601.3 of the Public Resources Code (Coastal Act) authorizes the CCC to process a Consolidated Coastal Development Permit application (CCDP) when requested by a local jurisdiction for projects that would otherwise require coastal development permits from both entities. Staff believes that a single, integrated coastal review process would be the most efficient means of coastal approval.
Before an application for a CCDP can be submitted to the CCC, the local jurisdiction (in this case the City Council) must provide its consent. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution supporting the CCDP process, indicating its approval to delegate the City's coastal development permitting authority to the CCC. The Resolution further provides direction to City staff to work with CCC staff to identify any other City actions necessary to undertake and complete the CCDP process.
Consenting to the CCDP process does not relinquish or reduce the City's role in taking action on other discretionary items related to the Project or a future pool rebuild, nor would consenting to the CCDP process jeopardize or lessen the public's opportunity to participate in either the City's entitlement or CCC's coastal permit review processes. During each respective process, members of the public may participate by attending public hearings or providing testimony prior to hearings, as usual.
This matter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Michael Mais on September 8, 2014, and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on September 5, 2014.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is time sensitive in order to proceed with demolition expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal or local job impact as a result of the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH CONSENTING TO A CONSOLIDATED COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT PROCESS WITH THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION PURSUANT TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 30601.3, IN CONNECTION WITH THE BELMONT PLAZA POOL FACILITY LOCATED AT 4000 E. OLYMPIC PLAZA IN THE CITY OF LONG BEACH
Respectfully Submitted,
AMY J. BODEK, AICP
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER