HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 58-24 approving CCC LCP Local Assistance Grant ProgramRESOLUTION NO. 58-24
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF MORRO BAY, CALIFORNIA
APPROVING THE GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE COASTAL COMMISSION LCP LOCAL
ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
THE CITY COUNCIL
City of Morro Bay, California
WHEREAS, the State's Budget Act of 2021 provides up to $31 million to support the
Coastal Commission's LCP Local Assistance Grant Program which awards grants to local
governments to support coastal resiliency and updates to Local Coastal Programs (LCPs); and
WHEREAS, the California Coastal Commission, under the authority of the California
Coastal Act, may provide financial assistance to support coastal planning and has approved a
grant program to provide such financial assistance for LCP planning; and
WHEREAS, the goal of the grant program is to develop new or updated LCPs in
conformance with the California Coastal Act and to promote coastal resiliency and address the
effects of climate change; and
WHEREAS, grant proposals submitted under this grant program must complete Local
Coastal Program (LCP) planning work with special emphasis on coastal resiliency and addressing
the effects of climate change and sea -level rise; and
WHEREAS, the City of Morro Bay, has an effectively certified LCP; and
WHEREAS, the City of Morro Bay, adopted the Waterfront Master Plan in 1996 and is
included in the City's LCP; and
WHEREAS, Policy LU-8.1 of the City's LCP states the Waterfront Master Plan should be
updated with a focus on addressing issues of sea level rise and future planning for Morro Rock;
and
WHEREAS, the City of Morro Bay, desires to pursue an update of the Waterfront Master
Plan project that would result in the completion and submittal for certification by the California
Coastal Commission of an Amendment to the LCP [in whole or in part]; and
WHEREAS, the City of Morro Bay commits to and agrees to fully support a planning effort
intended to amend a certified LCP pursuant to the provisions of the California Coastal Act, with
full public participation and coordination with the Coastal Commission staff.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Morro Bay
hereby:
1. Directs City of Morro Bay staff to submit the grant application package attached hereto as
Attachment 1 to the California Coastal Commission to provide financial and planning
assistance, under authority of the California Coastal Act, in the amount of $750,000 to
fund the project more particularly described in the grant application package.
2. Authorizes the Community Development Director, of the City of Morro Bay, to execute, in
the name of the City of Morro Bay, all necessary applications, contracts and agreements
and amendments thereto to implement and carry out the grant application package
attached hereto and any project approved through approval of the grant application.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Morro Bay City Council, at a regular meeting held on this
27th day of August 2024 by the following vote:
AYES: Wixom, Barton, Edwards, Ford, Landrum
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSE: None
�c� l
CARLA WIXOM, Mayor
ATTEST:
6AMA SWANSON, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA- CALIFORNIA NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY
GAVIN NEWSOM, GOVERNOR
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION
455 MARKET STREET, SUITE 300
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105-2421
VOICE (415) 904-5200
FAX (415) 904-5400
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION
LCP LOCAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
NON-COMPETITIVE GRANT APPLICATION FORM
The California Coastal Commission is pleased to announce the availability of rolling grant
funding to support local government coastal resiliency efforts. Funding is provided by the
Budget Act of 2021, which appropriates $31 million to the Coastal Commission to support its
LCP Local Assistance Grant Program. The grant program is intended to provide assistance to
local governments responsible for developing and amending Local Coastal Programs. Funds
may be used for projects that are designed to assist local governments in assessing impacts and
planning for coastal resiliency, including adapting to the impacts of climate change and sea level
rise, and which contain an LCP planning component.
As part of the recently adopted grant program updates, the Coastal Commission developed a
non-competitive, rolling application process that is separate from the Commission's
competitive grant rounds. This rolling application process is designed for targeted projects
up to $500,000 which have a high likelihood of success over a shorter grant term, such as a
single feasibility study with targeted LCP changes. The application form and additional details
are provided below. More information on eligible grantees and projects, program priorities, and
evaluation criteria can be found in the recently adopted LCP Grant Program Updates.
Coastal Commission staff is available to assist during the application process. Applicants are
encouraged to reach out to the LCP Grant team with any questions as they develop their
applications. Contact information is provided below.
Contents
1. APPLICATION FORM......................................................................................................................2
2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION..................................................................................................................3
3. Task Descriptions and Schedule.......................................................................................................5
4. Budget..................................................................................................................................................9
Attachment A: Sample Resolution.........................................................................................................11
Attachment B: Application Checklist....................................................................................................13
Attachment C: Program Priorities and Evaluation Criteria...............................................................14
1
i)
1. APPLICATION FORM
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Applicant name (agency): City of Morro Bay
Address: 955 Shasta Ave, Morro Bay CA 93442
Primary Contact name: Kim Fowler
Title: Planning Manager
Telephone: 805-772-6577
Fax: 805-772-6568
Email: kfowler@morrobayca.gov
Federal Tax ID#: 95-230-8629
Person authorized to sign grant agreement, amendments, and Request for Funds:
Name: Airlin Singewald Title: Community Development Director
Telephone: 805-772-6291 Email: asingewald@morrobayca.gov
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Title: Waterfront Master Plan Update
LCP/LCP Segment: Morro Bay
Project Location
City/Geographic area: Morro Bay
County: San Luis Obispo
Project Timeline
Start date: 10/01/2024
End date: 9/30/2026
Signature:
Date: 8/27/2024
2
i)
2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City of Morro Bay is a small coastal community of approximately 10,700 in San Luis Obispo County
located on Highway 1. The majority of the city is located in the Coastal Zone. The city has an active harbor
and thriving commercial fishing industry, and its coastal amenities are a regional visitor destination. The
community's coastal resources, such as the 2,300-acre Morro Bay Estuary, also provide key habitat for a
number of permanent and migratory species, including keystone and sensitive species. As the city evolves,
it is critical to maintain coastal resources and be environmentally responsible while continuing to provide
economic and recreation benefits.
To support the City's waterfront area, a key economic market for the local economy, the city is seeking
funding to update its 1996 Waterfront Master Plan (WMP) through funding support from the California
Coastal Commission. An update to the Waterfront Master Plan is included as an integral implementation
action within the City's LCP. Policy LU-8.1 states "Update the 1996 Waterfront Master Plan with a focus
on addressing issues of sea level rise and future planning for Morro Rock".
The City's combined General Plan/ Local Coastal Program (LCP) Coastal Land Use Plan (LUP), also
known as Plan Morro Bay, was adopted by the City and certified by the Coastal Commission in 2021. The
City of Morro Bay LCP consists of the City's LUP (Plan Morro Bay), associated maps, the Waterfront
Master Plan, and the City's Local Implementation Plan (IP), which consists of portions of the Zoning Code
and Zoning map. Plan Morro Bay and the IP update received funding support from the Ocean Protection
Council, the California Coastal Commission (CCC), and the City's General Fund. The comprehensive
update of the Plan Morro Bay project involved extensive community and stakeholder engagement with over
80 public meetings during the period from 2015-2021. The City's successful outreach and coordination
efforts also included our close partnership with Coastal Commission staff during the grant administration
for Plan Morro Bay.
The current 1996 Waterfront Master Plan (WMP) boundary area covers the waterfront area from the north
at Little Morro Creek and Morro Rock to the T-Piers/ Fishermen Working Area, to Embarcadero Visitor
Area, and extending south to Tidelands Park which is characterized by the natural features of the bluff,
sandspit, recreation/park use and the public boat launch and ramp area. The WMP includes identification
of planning areas, transportation and harbor improvements, proposals for four separate planning areas, and
waterfront design guidelines which are part of the City's Implementation Plan/Zoning Code.
With limited local financial resources, the City believes the opportunity for grant funding availability to
support local government coastal resiliency efforts uniquely matches the goal of the Waterfront Master Plan
update project. The goal of the Update project would be to expand the scope of the WMP to:
1) Incorporate updates to sea level rise (SLR) projections from the previous SLR technical studies
performed in support of the 2021 LCP;
2) Develop a feasibility and adaption study to address Embarcadero commercial and waterfront
industrial development in the Harbor which would identify triggers for implementing sea -level rise
adaptation strategies, including potentially raising infrastructure along the waterfront. Existing
policies in Plan Morro Bay are designed to address these issues through adaptation and mitigation,
and implementation will be tailored to the areas with the highest risk. The goal of the feasibility
and adaptation study would be to develop triggers that would mark the need for implementation of
an action. This is consistent with Plan Morro Bay Policy LU-8.12 to develop information on effects
of coastal hazards with a goal to increase funding for improvements related to vulnerabilities and
impacts to infrastructure associated with changes in sea level elevation. In addition, Policy C-7.19,
3
ii)
which states that the City shall consider the relocation of critical water and wastewater
infi*astructure to protect services from effects of sea level rise and coastal hazards;
3) Expand the area covered by the WMP to include both sides of the Embarcadero from Tidelands
Park to the pedestrian bridge across Morro Creek, the old wastewater treatment plant property
(pending discussions with the Cayucos Sanitary District), and offshore wind; and
4) Update design and development standards for the planning areas of the Waterfront Master Plan.
The final goal of the project would be to complete an updated WMP to submit for certification as
an LCP amendment. The City Council's resolution in support of this application is provided as
Attachment B.
The WMP Update would seek to build upon the policies in the LCP — Plan Morro Bay by updating the
WMP to incorporate policies specifically for the waterfront area, Morro Rock, extending north to Morro
Creek and incorporating the "Pit" beach parking area along with the old Waste Water Treatment Plant site
which would allow for implementation of identified sea level rise adaptation policies and also serve as
update to previously adopted SLR policies in response to continued updated SLR projections.
The WMP update would be consistent with Plan Morro Bay which is organized around a framework for
resiliency. Each element of the plan addresses different aspects of the community and identifies measurable
actions to guide residents, decision -makers, businesses, and City staff toward achieving the vision. The plan
includes goals and policies for increased resiliency to natural hazards and climate change effects. The plan
also includes special emphasis on planning for strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sea level rise,
increased drought and increased fires, and maximizes benefits to disadvantaged and low-income
communities as a portion of central Morro Bay is designated as AB1550 Low Income Community status.
Previous funding received by Coastal Commission and the Ocean Protection Council allowed the City to
develop the technical studies and background reports used to inform policy that includes strategies for
adaptation planning. These completed background technical reports include a community baseline
assessment, community vulnerability and resilience assessment, key issues and policies report, vision and
value statement, as well as both an Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA) 2050 Sea Level Rise
Scenario Report, and a H++ Update Coastal Resources & Resiliency Report based on OPC's 2018 report
detailing a new Extreme Risk Aversion scenario out to 2100.
It is this framework for resiliency that the WMP would be modeled after to ensure consistency with Plan
Morro Bay. The age of the existing Waterfront Master Plan has resulted in difficulty for planning along
with the waterfront. The City's IP creates a Waterfront Master Plan overlay which recognizes the need to
update this document to incorporate adapting to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise. The update
of the WMP would be submitted to Coastal Commission as an IP amendment to the LCP.
The scope of the WMP update is consistent with the funding priorities of the LCP rolling grant funding
announcement. The grant announcement includes funding project priorities that expressly match the City's
need with the Waterfront Master Plan update including LCP update which include: assessing impacts and
planning for coastal resiliency, including adaptation to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise.
These policies are included in Plan Morro Bay and address reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, adapting
to sea level rise; focused policies addressing environmental justice concerns particularly related to climate
resilience and to ensure protection of coastal resources and provision of public coastal access and lower -
cost recreation for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or place of residence.
In addition, the City's updated LCP places special emphasis on planning policies that seek to address effects
of climate change, reduce and/or facilitate reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,'provide co -benefits to
the State of California, and maximize benefits to the AB 1550 low income community designation in north
Morro Bay through new policies on coastal resilience planning and environmental justice policies. This is
specifically addressed in the Environmental Justice Element with policies addressing health effects of
U
ii)
Climate Change including vulnerable populations, public awareness, infectious disease, and emergency
housing. Furthermore, the City's LUP includes Policy LU7.8 which includes establishing updated triggers
to monitoring lease sites to implement floating lateral accessways to improve design resiliency to sea level
rise and evaluate existing bayside lateral access in the two -foot inundation zone.
The grant funding requested would enable the city to pursue the long overdue update of the Waterfront
Master Plan by utilizing funding for an updated vulnerability assessment, sea level rise planning, economic
feasibility study, and updated design guideline standards for development along the waterfront. It would
also allow for the formation of a WMP Advisory Committee to be appointed by the Council consisting of
community members and stakeholders to inform policy development and provide recommendations as
liaisons between the community, the Planning Commission and City Council.
3. Task Descriptions and Schedule.
A. Task Descriptions:
Task 1— Grant Administration and Project Management: The City will coordinate essential
project management tasks, including project team check -ins, milestone reporting, and grant
administration. This will be an ongoing task throughout the project.
Deliverables
• Quarterly progress reports and Requests for Funds submitted to CCC staff.
• Quarterly check -in meetings between City and CCC staff to coordinate on grant
reporting, deliverables, and WMP consistency with Coastal Act and CCC staff
guidance.
• Request for proposals and contract to hire consultant(s) to prepare SLR
vulnerability assessment update (Task 1), facilitate public engagement (Task 2),
and prepare the WMP Update (Task 3).
Task 2 — Prepare Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment Update/ Adaptation Report, and
Feasibility Study. The City will utilize the latest guidance on sea level rise projections to
update the previous technical studies done which include the ESHA 2050 Sea Level Rise
Scenario Report and a H++ Update Coastal Resources and Resiliency Report based on OPC's
2018 guidance. These reports will be focused on the boundary area of the updated
Waterfront Master Plan. This will assist the City in implementation of LCP Goal LU-8 and
specifically for consistency with Policy LU-8.7 regarding Embarcadero/Harbor Coastal Hazard
Standards and requirements relating to developing a timeline to relocate underdeck utilities,
decks, piers, and other immobile bayside lateral accessways raised to heights above the sea
level rise inundation zone.
Deliverables:
• Draft Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment Update for 6-8 week CCC staff
review
• Final Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment Update
• Draft Adaptation Report and Feasibility Study for 6-8 week CCC staff review
• Final Adaptation Report and Feasibility Study
5
ii)
Task 3 — Community Engagement: Similar to the approach utilized with Plan Morro Bay:
GP/LCP Update, the City will form a WMP Advisory Committee (WMPAP) consisting of
community members and local stakeholders to act in an advisory capacity and provide
recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council for consideration.
Community engagement strategies would also include 2 community workshops, and online
survey to solicit community and stakeholder feedback and input. The City will take proactive
steps to involve underserved communities, such as the AB 1550 low-income area, in its public
engagement efforts. This may include placing additional focus on low-income areas when
advertising public meetings and workshop for the WMP update, providing a wide range of
options for public participation, and establishing a focus group to represent the interests of
underserved neighborhoods.
Deliverables
• If necessary, City Council staff report regarding formation of WMPAC
• 2 community workshop agendas and meeting minutes
• Summary of community feedback from online survey
• At least 8 public meetings held of the WMPAC
• Memo summarizing the WMPAC meetings and recommendations
Task 4 — Develop Waterfront Master Plan Update. This task includes developing an
Administrative Draft of the Waterfront Master Plan which would include the deliverable of
coordinating with Coastal staff on content of the WMP and conclusions, as well as Coastal Act
compliance. The Draft WMP would also be reviewed with the WMPAC (see Task 3), the
Planning Commission and City Council with the goals of seeking maximum community input.
Deliverables
• Administrative Draft WMP Update for 6-8 week CCC staff review
• Draft WMP Update posted online for public review and comment
• Summary of public comments and City staff responses
• Final WMP Update
Task 5 - Adoption Hearings of WMP Update — final document. This task includes finalizing
the WMP Update based on technical studies completed, community engagement and input
received, and producing the final document. Adoption hearings with Planning Commission
and City Council will be held followed by submittal of an LCP amendment to the Coastal
Commission to the Implementation Plan (IP).
Deliverables
• Planning Commission staff report with attached WMP Update
• City Council staff report with attached WMP Update
• LCP Amendment submittal to CCC
B. Schedule:
Proposed Start/End Dates: 10/1/2024 — 9/30/2026
Task 1. Grant Administration & Project projected start/end dates:
Management
0
i)
Projected start/end dates: 10/1/2024-
1.1 Project Management
9/30/2026
Projected start/end dates: 10/1/2024-
1.2 Grant Reporting
9/30/2026
Projected start/end dates: 10/1/2024-
1.3 RFP and consultant contract
12/31/2024
Outcome/Deliverables:
a. Grant Administration to oversee
a. Completion date 9/30/2026
project and stay on track
b. Completion date 10/1/2024
b. Request for Proposals
c. Completion date 12/31/2024
c. Executed contract with
consultant
Task 2. Prepare SLR Technical Feasibility
Projected start/end dates:
Studies / Resiliency Updates
2.1 Develop Draft Technical Studies to
Projected start/end dates: 3/1/2025 —
inform WMP Update
5/1/2025
Review Draft with CCC staff
5/1/2025-6/30/2025
2.2 Develop Final Technical Studies to
Projected start/end dates: 6/30/2025-
Inform WMP Update
9/30/2025
Outcome/Deliverables
a. Draft SLR Assessment
a. Completion date 6/30/2025
b. Updated SLR Vulnerability
b. Completion date 9/30/2025
Assessment Completed
Task 3. Community Engagement
Projected start/end dates:
Projected start/end dates: 3/1/2025 —
3.1 Community workshops on visioning
4/30/2025
3.2 Community survey on preferences
Projected start/end dates: 5/1/2025-
(resiliency and design)
6/30/2025
3.3 Commence WMP Update Advisory
committee (WMPAC) of residents and
stakeholders to hold monthly public
Projected start/end dates: 10/1/2024-
meetings to provide recommendations
6/30/2026
on policy and design components of the
WMP.
Outcome/Deliverables
a. Workshop, Meeting minutes,
survey results of community
feedback received and public
a. Completion date 6/30/2026
meetings held of the WMPCAC.
i)
Task 4. Develop Waterfront Master Plan
Projected start/end dates:
4.1 Develop Admin Draft of WMP
Projected start/end dates: 1/1/2025 —
Update
4/30/2025
4.2 Review Draft with CCC staff
Projected start/end dates: 5/1/2025 —
5/31/2025
4.3 Produce Final Draft for public review
Projected start/end dates: 1/1/2026 —
3/31/2026
Outcome/Deliverables
a. Completion date 4/30/2025
a. Admin Draft completed
b. Completion date 5/1/2025
b. Submit to CCC staff for review
c. Completion date 3/31/2026
c. Final Draft completed
Task 5. Adoption Hearings of
Waterfront Master Plan Update — final
Projected s tart/end dates:
document & LCP Amendment
5.1 Adoption Hearings with Planning
Projected start/end dates: 3/1/2026-
Commission and City Council
4/30/2026
5.2. Submit adopted WMP for LCP
Projected start/end dates: 5/1/2026—
Amendment.
5/31/2026
Outcome/Deliverables
a. Completion date 4/30/2026
a. Planning Commission staff report
b. Completion date 4/30/2026
b. Adopted Waterfront Master Plan
c. Completion date 5/31/2026
c. Application for LCP Amendment
C. Benchmark Schedule:
ACTIVITY
COMPLETION DATE
Quarterly and annual grant reports, consistent
with Coastal Commission requirements
5/31/2026
Task 2 — Updated Technical Studies
9/30/2025
Task 3 — Community Engagement
6/30/2026
Task 4 — Develop Waterfront Master Plan Update
3/31/2026
Task 5 —Adoption Hearings & LCP Amendment
9/30/2026
i)
4. Budget.
Application Budget Information
Funding Request: $ $750,000 Total Project Cost: $825,000
Match/Other
Total (LCP Grant
Jurisdiction Name
CCC Grant Total
Funds
Funds + Match/
Other Funds)
LABOR COSTS'
County/City Staff Labor
Task 1— Grant Administration
0
5,000
Task 2 — Technical Study
0
10,000
Reports Update
Task 3 — Community
0
20,000
Engagement
Task 4 — Prepare Admin
0
20,000
Draft of WMP
Task 5 —Adopt Final WMP
0
20,000
Update document
Total Labor Costs
0
75,000
DIRECT COSTS
County/City Staff Project Supplies
A
0
B, etc.
0
Total
0
County/City Staff Travel In State
Mileage
0
Hotel, etc.
0
Total
0
Consultants3/Partners
Consultant A (Primary Consultant)
Task 1—Grant Administration
35,000
Task 2 — Technical Study
110,000
Updates
Task 3- Community
150,000
Engagement
I Amount requested should include total for salary and benefits.
Z Travel reimbursement rates are the same as similarly situated state employees.
3 All consultants must be selected pursuant to a bidding and procurement process that complies with all applicable laws.
O
ii)
Match/Other
Total (LCP Grant
Jurisdiction Name
CCC Grant Total
Funds + Match/
Funds
Other Funds)
Task 4 — Waterfront Master
Plan
250,000
Task 5 — Adoption Hearings &
LCP Amendment
45,000
Consultant B, etc (Technical Consultant).
Task 1 —Grant Administration
10,000
Task 2 — Technical Study
Updates
110,000
Task 3- Community
Engagement
15,000
Task 4 — Waterfront Master
Plan
25,000
Task 5 — Adoption Hearings &
LCP Amendment
Consultants Total
750,000
Total Direct Costs
750,000
OVERHEAD/INDIRECT COSTS4
Total County/City Staff
Overhead/Indirect Costs
75,000
TOTAL PROJECT COST
750,000
75,000
825,000
Supplementary Information (optional). Additional photos, maps and/or other information
may be included as attachments if such materials will help illustrate or support the
proposed project. This may include maps or other information identifying disadvantaged
and low-income communities within the planning area; maps, photos, or other information
regarding project areas identified to be significantly impacted by climate change or sea level
rise; brief descriptions or links to previously completed studies or other work upon which
the proposed project will build; or letters of support from relevant stakeholders.
Please note: All photos, maps, and additional information submitted is subject to the
unqualified and unconditional right of the State of California to use, reproduce, publish, or
display it, free of charge. All items submitted will be considered a public record upon
submittal and will be treated in accordance with Public Records Act requirements. Please
indicate if credit is requested for any photos and/or maps or documents.
4 Indirect costs include, for example, a pro rota share of rent, utilities, and salaries for certain positions indirectly
supporting the proposed project but not directly staffing it. Amount requested for indirect costs should be capped at 10%
of amount requested for "Total Labor."
10
i)
Attachment A: Resolutions
WHEREAS, the Budget Act of 2021 provides up to $31 million to support the Coastal
Commission's LCP Local Assistance Grant Program which awards grants to local governments to
support coastal resiliency and updates to Local Coastal Programs (LCPs); and
WHEREAS, the California Coastal Commission, under the authority of the California Coastal Act,
may provide financial assistance to support coastal planning and has approved a grant program
to provide such financial assistance for LCP planning; and
WHEREAS, the goal of the grant program is to develop new or updated LCPs in conformance
with the California Coastal Act and to promote coastal resiliency and address the effects of
climate change; and
WHEREAS, grant proposals submitted under this grant program must complete Local Coastal
Program (LCP) planning work with special emphasis on coastal resiliency and addressing the
effects of climate change and sea -level rise; and
WHEREAS, (insert name of jurisdiction), has [does not yet have] an effectively certified LCP [or
LCP segment]; and
WHEREAS, the (name of jurisdiction), desires to pursue a project that would result in the
completion and submittal for certification by the California Coastal Commission of an
Amendment to the LCP [in whole or in part]; and
[For uncertified areas] WHEREAS, the (name of lurisdiction), desires to pursue a project that
would result in the completion and submittal for certification by the California Coastal
Commission of an LCP and desires to assume permit issuing authority; and
WHEREAS, the (name of jurisdiction) commits to and agrees to fully support a planning effort
intended to [complete or] amend a certified LCP pursuant to the provisions of the California
Coastal Act, with full public participation and coordination with the Coastal Commission staff.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the [name of legislative or policy body), of the name
of lurisdiction), hereby:
1. Directs [name of jurisdiction] staff to submit the grant application package attached
hereto as Attachment 1 to the California Coastal Commission to provide financial and
planning assistance, under authority of the California Coastal Act, in the amount of
$ to fund the project more particularly described in the grant application
package.
5 This sample is provided for informational purposes only; please contact your attorney before using this sample.
11
ii)
2. Authorizes the (title of official), of the (name of jurisdiction), to execute, in the name of
the (name of jurisdiction), all necessary applications, contracts and agreements and
amendments thereto to implement and carry out the grant application package
attached hereto and any project approved through approval of the grant application.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the (name of legislative or policy body), of the (name of jurisdiction
on this day of , 2021 on the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Attest:
Signed:
(name and title of official authorized to sign resolutions of the governing body)
12
ii)
Attachment B: Application Checklist
A complete Grant Application Packet includes the following components. Please submit all
documents in a single PDF file as well as a Word Document of the Project Proposal details, as
noted below. It is very important to receive the PDF file and a Word document for efficiency
in preparing grant agreement documents. Thank you for your attention to these important
components of the application.
❑ Signed LCP Grant Application Form (.pdf)
❑ Project Proposal (.docx)
o Project Description, Task Descriptions, Schedule, Budget, and
Supplemental Information
❑ Signed Resolution (.pdf)
❑ All documents combined into a single PDF file (.pdf)
13
ii)
Attachment C: Program Priorities and Evaluation Criteria
Eligible Grantees and Projects
LCP update, an LCP amendment (e.g., updates to coastal hazards policies; incorporation of new
sea level rise related policies or programs), targeted LCP changes (e.g., changes to LCP
policies/zoning to allow for implementation of identified sea level rise adaptation strategies or
climate resiliency projects; updates to previously adopted SLR policies in response to continued
planning),
Program Priorities
Evaluation Criteria
Staff will evaluate grant applications against the following selection criteria. The criteria will be
considered as a whole, not weighted.
Public Benefit/Significance
The Commission will consider the extent to which the proposed project will address issues of
statewide significance and maximize public benefits of the coast. These can include reducing
greenhouse gases and addressing the impacts of climate change and sea level rise; preserving
and enhancing coastal habitat; protecting, providing and enhancing public access; protecting
priority land uses such as agriculture, coastal dependent development, or recreation;
protecting and providing lower cost visitor and recreational opportunities. The Commission
will consider the extent to which priority Coastal Act resources are addressed and the public
benefits maximized.
Application Response:
Public Benefit/Significance: Morro Bay's coastline especially the Waterfront and Morro Rock area is a
critically important resource to the residents and businesses of Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, as
well as the rest of California. Almost the entirety of the City resides in the coastal zone as shown on the
attached map. The tasks described in the Work Program include a comprehensive update of the City's
Waterfront Master Plan which was adopted in 1996 and certified by the Coastal Commission in 1997. The
City's LCP (Plan Morro Bay), certified in 2021 was developed around a framework of resiliency. Each
element of Plan Morro Bay includes a resiliency approach which identifies the element's role in the City's
overall goal for increased resiliency to natural hazards, climate change effects, and any potential social
disruption. The Waterfront Master Plan which is a component of the LCP has not been updated since its
adoption in 1996. Updating the document will allow the City to update its technical studies including
vulnerability assessment, sea level rise modeling based on the newest guidance and promote resiliency in
the context of updated WMP policies that is void in the current 1996 document. An updated document
that is incorporated as an LCP amendment to the IP/Zoning Code will enhance safe, extensive, and
resilient planning for the Morro Bay waterfront and Morro Rock area. The City depends heavily on the
waterfront as a regional economic driver, supporting ecotourism, recreational activities, and commercial
fishing.
14
ii)
Public benefits to the public would also include transportation and circulation enhancements. Much of
Morro Bay's transportation infrastructure and facilities are also vulnerable to the effects of sea level rise
and climate change. The update of the Waterfront Master Plan would enable the City to establish a plan
for when and how to modify current design and maintenance practices which will be essential to
preventing infrastructure damage in the long term. Adding in multi -modal circulation improvements will
allow the City to meet the needs of all users. This could also include access across Morro Creek where
there is an existing bike/pedestrian bridge but does not include vehicular access.
Environmental Justice
In 2016, the Legislature passed AB 2616 giving the Coastal Commission explicit authority to
consider environmental justice, defined in California Government Code Section 65040.12(e),
as updated in 2020, as: "The fair treatment and meaningful engagement of people of all
races, cultures, incomes, and national origins with respect to the development, adoption,
implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies." Low-
income communities, indigenous communities, communities of color, and other marginalized
communities often bear a disproportionate burden of pollution or other environmental
harms, while suffering from a lack of environmental services, such as clean drinking water,
clean air, and access to parks and open space. Addressing these types of disparities and
barriers to meaningful involvement is critical for ensuring that Coastal Act goals of protecting
coastal resources for all are equitably fulfilled, particularly as climate change results in
evolving risks, without creating new or continuing to exacerbate existing environmental
burdens in environmental justice communities. The Coastal Commission will consider the
extent to which environmental justice issues are addressed when evaluating grant proposals.
Application Response:
Plan Morro Bay includes an Environmental Justice element that specifically address health effects of
Climate Change for vulnerable populations, with policies on public awareness, infectious disease, and
emergency housing. This element complements the City's Climate Action Plan (CAP) by ensuring that
the community has a strong base that is able to recover from the natural disasters and economic changes
caused by climate change impacts. The update of the Waterfront Master Plan will ensure that protection
of coastal resources and coastal access is maintained through proper planning of waterfront infrastructure.
Addressing the Effects of Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most significant policy areas to emerge since many of the LCPs
have been certified. The Commission is seeking LCP updates and amendments that address
the effects of climate change, including land use, housing, transportation, and habitat
restoration and conservation policies that facilitate reductions in greenhouse gases and
vehicle miles traveled, as well as the planning and implementation of strategies to adapt to
sea level rise and other issue areas affected by climate change, such as changes in habitats
and fire hazards.
Application Response:
15
i)
As stated previously, the City's Plan Morro Bay (LCP) is a document that has resilience planning
at its very core. Each element of the Plan includes a resiliency approach to its organization. For example,
two specific elements which showcase this resiliency approach include the
Conservation Element and the Public Safety Element. The Conservation Element goals and policies
promote a resilient, sustainable community offering a balance of open spaces, coastal access, and quality
built and natural environments both along the coastline and inland. The Conservation Element includes
greenhouse gas reduction strategies, emissions reduction targets, climate action plan policies, and policy
which directs the City to seek out grant firnding to support implementation of greenhouse gas reduction
projects for the City. The Public Safety Element minimizes community risks associated with natural and
man-made hazards. This element identifies hazards that could be made more severe by the City's location
on the coast and anticipated climate change impacts. Public Safety Element goals and policies address
natural hazards, coastal adaptation, and emergency response to protect residents, visitors, and wildlife
from anticipated impacts and appropriately plan for the fature of the Morro Bay waterfront through
updated climate resiliency policies and updated design guidelines.
In addition, the Circulation Element recognizes that transportation is a significant contributor to
greenhouse gas emissions and is a critical component of the city's ability to function. The Waterfront
Master Plan update project will incorporate adaptation planning strategies to adapt to climate change
impacts. This will be done by identifying appropriate transportation improvements such as the planned
circulation improvement identified in Plan Morro Bay which includes Embarcadero north of Beach Sheet.
This improvement identified providing sidewalks and a vehicular connection shifting traffic away from
Beach Street for the redeveloped Morro Bay Power Plant site. Multi nodal improvements can include
identifying need for expanding electric trolley service access, bike pathway improvements, and
potentially other roadway improvements. Planning and implementation of strategies to adapt to climate
change impacts is also consistent with Land Use Policy LU-8.10 which requires that beaches be
monitored for sea level rise impacts such as erosion and changes in beach widths in order to identify
trigger points for various adaptation strategies.
Relative Need for LCP Update
Related to the public benefits of a proposal, the Commission will consider the relative need for
an LCP update, considering the length of time since an LCP or LCP segment has been updated
and the significance of the issues proposed to be updated. For example, many jurisdictions
seek to assess vulnerability and develop adaptation solutions to address sea level rise, fire, or
other climate change impacts to critical infrastructure, residential areas, recreational
amenities and open space, or significant wetland and habitat areas. Others have identified
needs to reduce vehicle miles traveled, encourage smart growth, increase climate -resilient
housing supply, improve public transit, and enhance pedestrian and bicycle options,
particularly to and along the coast. A proposal to complete technical studies, economic
analyses, mapping, public outreach, and development of LCP policies in support of these
options may be important.
Application Response:
The City's Waterfront Master Plan was adopted in 1996 and certified by CCC in 1997 and included as a
component of the 2021 LCP. Due to the age of the document, the WMP does not include policies
specifically addressing sea level rise or climate adaptation planning. The WMP focus includes
identification of planning areas within its boundaries, transportation and harbor improvements key
16
ii)
improvements for four separate planning areas, and waterfront design guidelines which in 1997 were
certified with an LCP amendment as part of the City's Implementation Plan/Zoning Code.
The 2021 LCP recognized the age of the document and need to update it with Policy LU-8.1 which states
the City will update the WMP with a focus on addressing issues of sea level rise and future planning for
Morro Rock. With rapidly changing science as it relates to sea level rise modeling, the City proposes to
update the technical studies done in support of Plan Morro Bay to ensure the latest guidance. In addition,
recognizing the unique need for habitat restoration within the bay and greater estuary area, the proposal
would also include incorporation of eelgrass policy development into the updated Waterfront Master Plan.
Likelihood of Success/Effectiveness
Overall, the success of the Commission's grant program will be measured by the progress
made toward development and implementation of climate resilience strategies, including
through LCP certification, update, or amendment. The Commission will consider the likelihood
of success of each proposal, including evaluating the practicality, feasibility, and effectiveness
of a proposed work program that may lead to successful implementation. Proposals must
address the need for coordination with the public and the Commission, and provide for
practicable benchmarks for development and review of studies, plans, LCP policies, and other
project -specific deliverables.
Applicants will be asked to describe any LCP planning work that has been initiated or is
already underway at the local level and how this grant program is needed to substantially
further that effort. A resolution from the applicant committing to completing an LCP
Amendment submittal to the Commission will be required as part of the application.
For new LCP development, the local government should demonstrate its willingness and
capacity to assume local coastal development permit processing. Relatedly, some areas of the
coastal zone remain uncertified because the Commission and local government have been
unable to reach agreement on the resolution of issues or the issue is particularly intractable.
The Commission will consider the likelihood that such areas and specific policy questions can
be successfully addressed, leading to certification of the area.
Application Response:
The City's recently completed a comprehensive update of its LCP Land Use Plan and Coastal
Implementation Plan. The LUP was adopted by the City Council in 2021 and certified by the Coastal
Commission three months later with Commissioner public comment including the LUP would be a model
document for other coastal cities. Following that the City adopted a comprehensive update of its
Implementation Plan in 2022 with amendments completed in December 2023. The IP is currently pending
certification by the Coastal Commission. Both documents had significant community input and feedback.
Multiple forms of community engagement were utilized including community -wide workshops, online
surveys, telephone surveys to reach underrepresented populations, stakeholder and focus group
interviews, as well as the City Council convening of the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC)
which was a cross-section of the community appointed to act as liaisons between the community and the
Planning Commission. The City seeks to utilize the same strategy with the Waterfront Master Plan
Update project. Upon adoption of the Waterfront Master Plan, the City will submit for an LCP
amendment to its Implementation Plan to incorporate the WMP. The City would also be prepared and
17
ii)
willing to assume local coastal development permit processing for those portions of the waterfront which
are currently included within the CCC original retained jurisdiction.
Project Integration/Leverage/Matching Funds
The Commission will consider the relationship of the LCP work program to other planning
work being undertaken by the jurisdiction. There are several statewide grant programs
underway which may positively integrate with this LCP Planning Grant program. Applicants
will be asked to describe any other related grant awards (such as through past Coastal
Commission grant rounds, or from the Ocean Protection Council, Coastal Conservancy,
Caltrans, or the Strategic Growth Council) that may support the LCP planning work. The
Commission will consider the ability to integrate and leverage any additional program funds
available that could help support LCP certification, update, or amendment.
The City completed a comprehensive update of its previous 1984 LCP with a new LCP adopted and
certified by CCC in 2021. This update process was successful due in large part to receipt of three previous
LCP planning grants; a Round 2 grant for $147,000 a Round 3 grant for $200,000, and a Round 6 grant
for $65,000. In addition prior to that, the City received a $250,000 grant from the Ocean Protection
Council. This funding was matched by $707,000 in City General Fund contributions as well as in -kind
staff. This funding was used to provide the background technical reports listed below as well as prepare
administrative and public draft documents of Plan Morro Bay.
These prior grants funded:
• Completion of the draft LCP / Plan Morro Bay (adopted 2021)
• Community Vulnerability and Resiliency Assessment
• Key Issues and Policies Report
• Community Baseline Assessment
• Downtown Waterfiont Strategic Plan (adopted 2018)
• Zoning Code (II') Diagnosis Memo and Draft IP
• Circulation Element Update Technical Report
• Low Cost Visitor Serving Accommodations Technical Memo
• Lateral Access Technical Memo
• Environmentally Sensitive Habitat (ESHA) Analysis: 2050 Sea Level Rise Scenario
• Sea Level Rise Adaptation Strategy Report
• Coastal Resources & Resiliency, H++ Update
These documents were developed to inform policy and integrated into the City's draft LCP / Plan Morro
Bay. As stated in the proposed budget, the City's request is for $750,000 with an additional City match of
$75,000 to update the City's 1996 Waterfront Master Plan. The City update will focus on addressing
issues of sea level rise and future planning for Morro Rock. With the final budget request, it is the City's
desire to proceed with the update of the Waterfront Master Plan and not only incorporate coastal
resilience and sea level rise adaptation planning but also update other portions including waterfiont
Design Guidelines. The City aims to proceed to adoption documents and subsequently submit for
certification to the Coastal Commission within two years of grant award or by September of 2026 as
noted in the project schedule.
18