To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Planning and Building Services
Meeting Date: October 20, 2026
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Department Contact: |
Liam Crowley |
Phone: |
707-234-6650 |
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Department Contact: |
Richard Angley |
Phone: |
707-234-6650 |
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Item Type: Noticed Public Hearing |
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Time Allocated for Item: 30 Minutes |
Agenda Title:
title
Noticed Public Hearing - Discussion and Possible Action Including Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Submittal of a Local Coastal Program Amendment Application to the California Coastal Commission to Amend Chapter 3.4 of the Coastal Element of the Mendocino County General Plan (Hazards Management) to Adopt Baseline Policies Addressing Sea Level Rise
(Sponsor: Planning and Building Services)
Vote Requirement: Majority
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Adopt Resolution authorizing the submittal of a Local Coastal Program amendment application to the California Coastal Commission to amend Chapter 3.4 of the Coastal Element of the General Plan (Hazards Management) to adopt baseline policies addressing sea level rise; and authorize Chair to sign same.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
On May 23, 2023, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 23-091, which authorized the submittal of an application to the California Coastal Commission under the Local Coastal Program (LCP) Local Assistance Grant Program to fund the Sea Level Rise Resiliency Strategy project. The resolution authorized the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to execute all necessary applications, contracts, and agreements and amendments thereto to implement and carry out the project.
In January 2024, Mendocino County was awarded $342,736.00 under the program and executed grant agreement LCP-23-09 with the California Coastal Commission to carry out the project. The agreement was amended in October 2025 as LCP-23-09-A1 to extend the end term date to December 31, 2026. Task 3.1 of the grant agreement provides that the County will prepare an update to LCP Chapter 3.4 “Hazards Management” that includes baseline sea level rise policies.
On August 20, 2026, the Mendocino County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the request to the Board of Supervisors.
On September 15, 2026, the Board of Supervisors reviewed the proposed amendment and provided direction to staff to include additional language regarding saltwater intrusion.
Summary of Request:
The request would authorize the Department of Planning & Building Services to submit an LCP amendment application to the California Coastal Commission to amend existing policies and adopt new baseline policies addressing sea level rise. The amendments and additions would include (1) acknowledgment of sea level rise’s exacerbation of beach erosion, (2) requiring the factoring of sea level rise into bluff setbacks, (3) requiring the use of best available science to evaluate hazards, (4) requiring the disclosure of hazards and assumption of risk for new development in hazardous areas, and (5) commitments to periodically update the Sea Level Rise Resiliency Strategy, vulnerability assessment, and LCP to reflect new information and comply with Public Resources Code section 30985 (SB 272, Laird 2023).
Please see the associated staff memorandum and attachments for this agenda item for more information.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Do not adopt the resolution and provide direction to staff. Any substantial modification of the proposed LCP amendment by the Board of Supervisors must first be referred to the Planning Commission for report and recommendation.
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Prepared and Resilient County
Supervisorial District: District 4 & District 5
Supplemental Information Available Online At: <https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/departments/planning-building-services/public-noticing>
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: N/A |
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current f/y cost: N/A |
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budget clarification: N/A |
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annual recurring cost: N/A |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): N/A |
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revenue agreement: N/A |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: Yes
CEO Liaison: Sara McBurney, Deputy CEO
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Item Status |
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Date: Date Executed |
Executed Item Type: item |
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Number: |
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