Marin Considers Updates To Coastal Communities Plan

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Community members will have a chance next month to learn more about the first phase of changes underway to update land use rules in Marin County's coastal zone.

The Local Coastal Program (LCP) impacts several coastal communities, including Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, Bolinas, Olema, Point Reyes Station, Inverness, and Tomales. The program does not apply to the Point Reyes National Seashore and Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which are under federal jurisdiction.

The LCP has been in place for more than four decades and guides the county's approach to conservation, beach access and develop in West Marin, along with what homeowners are permitted to do on their property.

According to the county, many of the changes being considered relate to expected climate change impacts and sea-level rise, including modifying building regulations in flood hazard areas.

Here is a summary of the proposed changes from the county:

• Define environmental hazards such as tidal action, flooding, and erosion, and map the rise of sea level.
• 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.

Community members can register to participate in an online webinar next month to learn more about the proposed changes directly from the Marin County Community Development Agency.