TITLE
Adopt resolution authorizing Director of Development Services to submit amendments of the Long Beach Zoning Regulations and supporting materials to the California Coastal Commission for approval and certification. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
On August 8, 2018, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) approved the Local Coastal Program (LCP) Amendment for changes to the Southeast Area Development and Improvement Plan (SEADIP/PD-1) to allow for two new oil production areas, wetlands restoration program, visitor’s center, and clarification of requirements for oil production areas. These changes were originally adopted by the City Council on January 16, 2018 in conjunction with, and to allow for, the Los Cerritos Wetlands Oil Consolidation and Wetlands Restoration Project (Project). Because SEADIP is incorporated as part of the City’s Local Coastal Program, amendments to SEADIP require a LCP Amendment to be certified by the CCC to be effective. The CCC staff incorporated modifications to the changes (Attachment A - CCC modifications redlined), which must now be formally adopted by the City Council. The modifications generally consist of:
• Incorporation of Coastal Act policies;
• Requirement for consolidation of oil facilities;
• Addition of oil operating regulations; and,
• Addition of regulations to carry out the Coastal Act provisions.
The Project site consists of four parcels within and outside of the City’s certified LCP, and the CCC is currently reviewing a Consolidated Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for the Project, in accordance with the newly-amended SEADIP provisions. Staff expects the CCC will conduct a hearing on the Consolidated CDP by the end of 2018.
Public hearing notices were distributed on August 31, 2018, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 21.21 of the Long Beach Municipal Code. Any written testimony received following preparation of this report will be provided to the City Council prior to the hearing.
In accordance with CEQA and CEQA Guidelines Section 15265, activities and approvals made by a local government pursuant to the California Coastal Act are exempt from CEQA. The CCC modifications to SEADIP, the City’s LCP, were analyzed by CCC staff and found to be in compliance with the California Coastal Act and CEQA. Taking local action to formally incorporate these modifications into SEADIP are, therefore, exempt from CEQA.
This matter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Michael J. Mais on September 17, 2018, and by Budget Analyst Officer Julissa José-Murray August 22, 2018.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
The Coastal Act requires the City’s adoption of the suggested modifications be completed within six months of the August 8, 2018 CCC action.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal or local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TO SUBMIT AMENDMENTS TO THE LONG BEACH ZONING AND OIL CODE REGULATIONS TO THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL
Respectfully Submitted,
LINDA F. TATUM, FAICP
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER