Body of News Release
San Rafael, CA – The first phase of changes will be made to the rules that govern land use in Marin County’s coastal zone. In December, the public can learn more about the proposed updates to the Marin County Local Coastal Program (LCP).
A community webinar is scheduled for 6 PM Wednesday, December 11, hosted by the Marin County Community Development Agency (CDA). Staff will introduce proposed changes about environmental hazards and seek feedback to inform a public review draft. Registration is open for the online session until the day of the event.
Those affected by LCP rules live in various coastal communities: Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, and Bolinas in the southern part of Marin’s Pacific Coast; and Olema, Point Reyes Station, Inverness, Marshall, Tomales, Dillon Beach, and the surrounding ranchlands on the northern section of the coast. Those living on federal property – notably the Point Reyes National Seashore and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area – are not subject to LCP regulations.
The proposed updates mostly address documented and expected climate change. The updates:
- define environmental hazards such as tidal action, flooding, and erosion, and map sea level rise.
- promote nature-based adaptation such as dune enhancement and living shorelines.
- Modify height requirements to allow building elevation in flood hazard areas
- allow upkeep of improvements near Tomales Bay and allow building height increases.
- allow development near Easkoot Creek in Stinson Beach with raised buildings to adapt to floods.
- promote vegetation management for wildfire protection while preserving Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHAs).
- recognize that water and wastewater treatment are subject to environmental hazards and safer locations for treatment should be considered.
Marin’s LCP, which dates back more than 40 years, is the key document used by the County to manage conservation, beach access and development in West Marin’s coastal zone and dictates what landowners can do with their property. The amendment process is a response to changes in circumstances over the years, not the least of which is increasing sea-level rise. Amendments must be approved by the Marin County Board of Supervisors and the California Coastal Commission.
Outreach is a critical part of the LCP update, and CDA is meeting with community stakeholder groups to discuss the proposed amendments in November and December. After the December 11 webinar, staff will incorporate feedback and introduce the amendments during public workshops and hearings with the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.
Anyone may sign up to receive emailed notifications about the LCP amendments.
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For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 473-4381 (voice), CA Relay 711, or e-mail the Community Development Agency at least five business days in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.