Urgent Action Needed to Preserve Sonoma Coast: July 17 Meeting Update

The Sonoma County Local Coastal Program (LCP) is a vital tool for managing and safeguarding our cherished coastal areas. As we face the challenges posed by climate change and increasing development pressures, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of coastal protections for the County's magnificent coast. We have an upcoming meeting on July 17 where important decisions will be made, and we need your support!

Proposed Changes and Our Concerns

Permit Sonoma staff's proposed 2023 LCP Policy Update recommends removing site-specific coastal protections for many of the County's remaining undeveloped parcels. These protections have been in place since 1981 and have played a crucial role in preserving our coast. The removal of these policies could pave the way for coastal development that could harm coastal habitat and restrict public access. 

We firmly believe that these crucial protections must remain intact. Now more than ever, industrialization of the Sonoma Coast is a real threat and careful planning and coastal protection need to be in place. For example, a developer recently proposed a 5,600 acre reservoir and pump station in Fort Ross.

Alternative Option: "Alternative 2" Improving Language

In response to public concern, Permit Sonoma drafted an alternative to removing the policies. Permit Sonoma staff is still recommending removal of the site-specific policies, but they are offering an "alternative 2" option that focuses on improving the language instead of complete removal. 

We fully support this alternative, as it allows for necessary enhancements while maintaining the integrity of the coastal protections. We urge the Board of Supervisors to approve all the proposed policies, including the improved language, in a block vote.

Examples of Implications

Examples of the policies that  County staff is recommending for removal, and the potential implications for our coastline include: 

• Policy C-LU-5l: Removing this policy may fast track new development at the Timber Cove Inn. At the July 30, 2020 Coast MAC meeting, the Committee discussed the proposal for a new approximately 10,000 square foot development plus parking for 12 guest cabins and a spa and special events that would close bluff access to the public 24 days per year.
• Policy C-LU-5i: Removing this policy may allow for development beyond campgrounds at the Ocean Cove Resort west of Highway 1 and would remove the call for restoration of degraded bluffs as the cove.
• Policy C-LU-5q: Removing this policy may result in a loss of a public access opportunity at Bridgehaven Resort when future updates that require a coastal development permit are made.
• Policy C-LU-5s: Removing this policy may eliminate the incentive for coastal access opportunities via visitor-serving uses at Chanslor Ranch.

Take Action!

The County Board of Supervisors will be voting on the proposed changes during the meeting on July 17. We urge you to support us in protecting our coast by attending this meeting and making your voice heard. Let's rally together to oppose the removal of site-specific policies and ensure the preservation of our coastal resources.

Meeting Details:

Date: Monday July 17 at 9 am

Location: Participate in-person or via Zoom

                  Sonoma County Board of Supervisors  

                  575 Administration Dr., Santa Rosa

                  *For more information about how to attend, download the meeting agenda here.

If you are able to attend, we encourage you to make a public comment during the meeting. Here are some suggested talking points:

• Share your personal experience and love for the Sonoma Coast.
• Express your opposition to the proposed changes that would eliminate site-specific policies, potentially leading to coastal development and impacting coastal habitat and public access.
• Emphasize the importance of site-specific policies in protecting biodiversity, managing climate change impacts, enhancing public access, and preserving cultural and historical significance.
• Highlight the need for land use decisions that consider the unique characteristics and vulnerabilities of specific coastal areas.

Stay Informed and Take Action

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