TITLE
Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the public hearing, and adopt resolution amending the Local Coastal Program of the General Plan as it relates to the Colorado Lagoon;
DISCUSSION
On October 14, 2008, City Council approved the Colorado Lagoon Restoration Project. This approval included the adoption of a Resolution amending the Resource Management Plan portion of the Local Coastal Program (LCP) and the adoption of an Ordinance amending the definition of "Passive Park" in the Zoning Code. The primary goals of this project are to restore the site's ecosystem, provide an improved habitat area, provide enhanced recreation facilities, improve water and sediment quality by removing contaminated sediment, improve water circulation, and manage storm water and dry weather runoff.
As required by the City's Local Coastal Program, the City submitted the project to the California Coastal Commission for certification of the LCP amendment. On January 14, 2010, the California Coastal Commission approved the City's request with suggested modifications. The suggested modifications included incorporating existing language from the Colorado Lagoon Restoration Project Local Coastal Development Permit and provisions from the California Coastal Act into the Local Coastal Program, and clarifying language to the definition of "Passive Park" in the City's Zoning Code.
The following is the definition of "Passive Park" as submitted to the Coastal Commission:
Passive Park means a plot of land that is landscaped, maintained as open space, serves a neighborhood, and is used as an informal gathering place for relaxation and play. Passive Park includes, but is not limited to, parquets, urban oases, and small space sites. Permitted improvements and features include, but are not limited to, walking paths, sitting areas, play equipment, tables, fire pits, barbecues, public restrooms, landscaped and natural open spaces, habitat reserves, beaches, lakes, streams, lagoons, bays, and Marine Stadium.
When the new definition of "Passive Park" was drafted, staff inadvertently added Marine Stadium to the list of permitted improvements and features. In turn, the Coastal Commission is requesting the definition be amended by removing Marine Stadium, beaches and bays, and adding ponds.
The Coastal Commission's approval of the Local Coastal Program amendment and Zoning Code definition revision will not be effective until: (1) the Long Beach City Council adopts the Commission's suggested modifications, (2) the City Council forwards the adopted suggested modifications to the Commission by resolution, and (3) the Executive Director certifies that the City has complied with the Commission's January 14, 2010 action.
This letter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Michael J. Mais on June 3, 2010 and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on May 27, 2010.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
The Coastal Act requires that the City's adoption of the suggested modifications be completed within six months of the Commission's January 14, 2010 action.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no fiscal impact and no known jobs impact as a result of the recommended action.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH ADOPTING, AFTER PUBLIC HEARING, AMENDMENTS TO THE LOCAL COASTAL PLAN ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH; AND AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TO SUBMIT CERTIFIED COPIES OF THIS RESOLUTION AND THE ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING REGULATIONS AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF PASSIVE PARK TO THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL AND CERTIFICATION
Respectfully Submitted,
REGINALD I. HARRISON
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
PHIL T. HESTER
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
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APPROVED: |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |