4.10 Recreation - Santa Barbara County Planning and Development

Transcription

4.10 RECREATION
4.10 RECREATION
This section provides a brief overview of existing recreational uses of Goleta Beach
County Park (Park) and recreational facilities in the general vicinity, particularly coastal
recreation facilities. The Park is the largest and most developed coastal recreation and
access point in the urban areas of the South Coast of Santa Barbara County west of the
City of Santa Barbara. The Park provides access to the longest easily accessible public
beach in the Goleta Valley for beach going and coastal recreational activities such as
swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating and fishing. The Park also provides
important developed park facilities in a unique coastal setting, including extensive lawn
areas, individual and group barbeque sites and a children’s playground. This section
examines the impact of the proposed Project on both coastal access and developed
recreation and provides recommended mitigation measures to avoid or reduce potential
adverse impacts.
This section was developed using
background information from the
County’s Comprehensive Plan
and Local Coastal Program,
including the Coastal Land Use
Plan, the County’s Coastal
Zoning Ordinance, City of Goleta
General Plan and the Goleta
Beach Park Coastal Access and
Recreation Enhancement – Beach
Sand Stabilization Environmental
Goleta Bay supports over 2.5 miles of generally sandy
Impact Report (EIR). This section beach reaching from UCSB’s Campus Point to the west end
also reflects field reconnaissance of More Mesa, including the 0.75-mile of Goleta Beach
(backdrop). However, Goleta Beach provides the only free
by AMEC staff, parking surveys public coastal access parking for these beaches. Limited
prepared by a professional paid public parking (30 spaces) is available at UCSB. Photo
AMEC 2012.
transportation consulting firm1
and information from Community Services Department (CSD) Parks Division staff.
1
Associated Traffic Engineers. 2012. Traffic and Parking Study: Goleta Beach County Park Managed
Beach Retreat Project 2.0.
Goleta Beach County Park Managed Retreat Project 2.0
Final EIR
4.10-1
4.10 RECREATION
4.10.1 Existing Setting
4.10.1.1 Regional Overview
The Park is located within the
western shoreline of Goleta Valley,
within the South Coast of Santa
Barbara County, which generally
extends 12 miles from Arroyo Burro
Beach Park on the east to the Bacara
Resort on the west. 2 This area
supports the unincorporated coastal
communities of Goleta, Hope Ranch
and Isla Vista as well as the City of
Beach County Park is the only fully developed
Goleta. These coastal communities Goleta
coastal park in the Goleta Valley, providing coastal
are bounded to the east by the access and recreation, as well as park facilities such as
picnic tables, recreational lawn, and substantial parking.
approximately seven miles of Photo AMEC 2012.
shoreline within the City of Santa
Barbara and to the west by a 20 mile-long segment of the rural Gaviota Coast.
The Goleta Valley and adjacent coastal areas support a variety of recreational and coastal
access facilities which are heavily used by local residents and visitors. These beaches and
shoreline experience well over 1 million recreational users annually (County of Santa
Barbara 2009). However, developed coastal access and shoreline recreational facilities
are limited along the 12 miles of shoreline between the Bacara Resort and Arroyo Burro
Beach Park. Most of the developed coastal access and waterfront park facilities on the
South Coast are located within the City of Santa Barbara’s Waterfront located roughly
eight miles east of Goleta Beach.
Goleta Valley Coastal Access, Beaches and Recreation Areas
Coastal access and recreation in the greater Goleta Valley are provided primarily by the
County of Santa Barbara and City of Goleta, with limited services provided by UCSB.
The 12-mile reach of shoreline in the greater Goleta Valley supports two developed
public shoreline parks; Arroyo Burro Beach County Park at the far eastern edge and
2
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park is located within the western edge of the City of Santa Barbara near the
eastern edge of the unincorporated community of Hope Ranch. Although it is located outside of the
County’s Goleta Community Plan boundary, the watershed of Arroyo Burro Creek provides a logical
eastern boundary for the coastal access discussions related to Goleta Beach.
4.10-2
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
Goleta Beach County Park in the central segment. Developed coastal access with public
parking and restrooms also exists at UCSB’s Campus Point and at the far west end of this
section of coast at Bacara Resort and Spa (Figure 4.10-1).
This 12-mile reach of coast also supports
public open space areas, bluff top parks and
coastal access stairways, ramps and trails.
These include coastal access points in the
community of Isla Vista, informal access
trails and stairways on UCSB’s Main, West
and North Campus and coastal access trails
on the City of Goleta’s Ellwood Mesa/
Sperling Reserve. As discussed below, these
less developed access points tend to serve
The Ellwood Mesa/ Sperling Preserve provide
local communities such as UCSB/Isla Vista, miles of trails, surfing, and beach access;
have limited parking or require extended however, parking, amenities and ADA access
are limited. Beach use and swimming can be
walks or hikes to reach the beach. Finally, constrained by rocky intertidal areas and
although the western end of this 12-mile- habitat protection restrictions for the western
snowy plover.
long reach of coast supports a number of
coastal access points, public access along the eastern end of this shoreline is extremely
restricted, with Arroyo Burro and Goleta Beach County Parks providing the only
dedicated existing public coastal access along this 5-mile reach of coast. 3 Developed
beach parks, coastal access and coastal recreational areas in the greater Goleta Valley
include:
•
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park: This Park occupies approximately 300 feet of
shoreline and provides access to a wide sandy beach, popular for family beach
use, swimming, surfing and dog walking with approximately 159 parking spaces.
Shoreline uses include the Boathouse Restaurant, several picnic tables, public
restrooms and showers. A lawn, picnic tables and barbeque grills are located in an
adjacent canyon. Demand for parking at this Park often approaches or exceeds
capacity on weekends and sunny weekday afternoons in spring, summer and fall.
3
The County currently owns 54 acres of open space on the inland side of More Mesa. The public currently
utilizes onstreet parking and a series of public trails and informal unauthorized trails across private property
to access an informal coastal stairway on More Mesa. This requires a walk of 0.5 to 1 mile along
unimproved dirt trails.
Final EIR
4.10-3
4.10-4
SCALE IN FEET
N
0
5,500
101
e
r Avenu
Holliste
15
Hollister Avenue
Bacara
Resort
Beach
217
Goleta
More Mesa
14
Ellwood Mesa/
Sperling Preserve
13
Coal Oil Point
Natural Reserve
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
2
Slough SMCA
Isla
Vista
12
11
a
N o F o rm l P u b l i c C o a s t
UCSB
10
9
Coal Oil
Point
Coastal Access Points
Arroyo Burro County Beach Park – 159 free parking spaces
Campus Stairway – no parking
Campus Point – 30 paid parking spaces
Campus Lagoon – no parking
El Embarcadero – limited/no available parking
Camino Pescadero – limited/no available parking
Camino del Sur – limited/no available parking
Escondido Pass – limited/no available parking
Camino Majorca – 25-30 road shoulder parking spaces
Sands – road shoulder parking 1/3 mile east
Coal Oil Point Reserve Trail – on street parking 1/2 mile north
Windrow – informal parking 1/2 mile north
Elwood East – informal parking 1/2 mile north
Ellwood Central – 46 free parking spaces 1/2 mile north
Bacara – 20 free parking spaces
8 7
2
6 5
4
Goleta Beach
County Park
3
al
Ac
ces
Campus
Point
Campus Point SMCA
Major Parks, Open Spaces, and Beaches in the Project Vicinity
Cli
ff D
rive
sP
oin
ts –
5M
iles
1
Arroyo Burro Beach
County Park
Douglas
Family
Preserve
LEGEND
Project Area
#
Coastal Access Point
Goleta Valley Boundary
City of Goleta
City of Santa Barbara
Coastal Open Space/Undeveloped Beach
Park/Developed Beach
State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA)
F I GU RE
4.10-1
4.10 RECREATION
•
•
•
•
More Mesa Open Space. The County of Santa Barbara currently owns 54 acres of
undeveloped natural open space on the inland side of the More Mesa coastal
terrace. This open space is accessed by a series of unimproved dirt trails with
limited nearby onstreet parking. An existing dedicated access trail and onstreet
parking also exists on the east end of More Mesa, but all existing public trails stop
well short of the coast. However, historic, informal, unauthorized coastal access
from these trails across private property is available approximately 0.5 to 1 mile
from onstreet parking. This coastal access trail consists of an informal stairway
down a steep bluff face leading to the wide sandy beach. Typical activities include
sunning, swimming, dog walking and limited horseback riding (More Mesa
Preservation Coalition 2008).
UCSB Campus. The Main, West and North Campus of UCSB encompass over
2.5 miles of shoreline that support three formal access stairways or ramps and
multiple informal trails, such as those around the Campus Lagoon and on the
West Campus. Many of these access points are heavily used by the campus
community. Formal developed beach access for the general public is limited to
Campus Point, which includes 30 public spaces in a fee parking lot, several picnic
tables, a restroom and showers. Campus Point provides access to a sandy beach
and surf break. Other campus access points can be more difficult for the public to
use due to lack of parking or distance from the shoreline, and with exception of
the Campus Lagoon and portions of the Coal Oil Point Reserve shoreline, tend to
support rocky intertidal areas that are not highly suitable for swimming.
Isla Vista. Isla Vista supports five coastal access ramps or stairways along with
several improved and unimproved bluff top pocket parks, although steep cliffs
prohibit direct beach access from these park facilities. Beaches fronting Isla Vista
are narrow and dominated by a rocky uplifted marine terrace that supports a
limited ephemeral sandy beach. Coastal access parking is extremely limited in Isla
Vista due to high urban parking demand associated with UCSB; however, 30 to
40 parking spaces along the dirt road shoulder exist at the community’s west end,
providing the only public parking for access to the Sands and Devereux surf
breaks and West Campus beaches.
Ellwood Mesa / Sperling Reserve. This 220-acre City of Goleta-owned
undeveloped coastal open space encompasses over one mile of shoreline that
supports two coastal access points providing access to a beach with rocky
intertidal and sandy bottom areas. This open space supports an extensive trail
system that accommodates hiking, bird watching, mountain biking, etc. A 46space parking lot is located approximately 0.5 to 0.75 mile from sandy swimming
beaches. The distance between the parking lot and swimming beach area tends to
limit beach use.
Final EIR
4.10-5
4.10 RECREATION
•
Bacara Resort. The Bacara Resort provides public parking and coastal access at
the east end of the resort. Approximately 20 parking spaces are reserved for
public use, providing access to sandy areas of Haskell’s Beach. A small snack
shop and public outdoor showers and restrooms are provided adjacent to the
beach.
Coastal Access Parking in Goleta Valley
Developed coastal recreation areas in the Goleta Valley typically provide parking in
developed lots. In addition, depending on how far beach goers are willing to walk,
informal onstreet parking may be available on neighborhood streets near coastal access
points, such as in the Ellwood Shores neighborhood. In some cases, such as More Mesa
and the Ellwood Mesa/ Sperling Preserve, informal parking can be 0.5 miles or more
from the shoreline, limiting use by families with small children, beach goers carrying
heavier beach equipment, and the elderly or disabled. Developed coastal recreation sites
in the Goleta Valley currently support 856 parking spaces, with approximately 70 percent
of these (601 spaces) located at Goleta Beach Park (Table 4.10-1).
Table 4.10-1. Coastal Parking Lots in the Project Vicinity
Beach
Parking Spaces and Proximity to Coast
Parking Spaces
(approximate)
Location / Proximity
Fee
Goleta Beach County Park
601
Shoreline
No
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park
159
Shoreline and 600-1,200 feet
inland
No
Campus Point/ UCSB
30
Bluff top; 800 feet from beach
Yes
Ellwood Mesa / Sperling Preserve
46
Bluff top; 0.5 mile from beach
No
Bacara Resort
20
400 feet from beach
No
Total
856
-
-
Additional Coastal Access, Beaches and Recreation Areas in the Region
Many developed and undeveloped coastal access and recreational opportunities exist
along the South Coast outside of the Goleta Valley (Figure 4.10-1 and Table 4.10-2). To
the east of the Goleta Valley, the City of Santa Barbara’s seven miles of shoreline support
a heavily developed waterfront recreation area, coastal bluff top Shoreline Park, and three
coastal access ramps and stairways along the Mesa. To the west of Goleta Beach, a 20
mile-long segment of the rural Gaviota Coast supports three well-developed State Beach
Parks that provide day use and camping for a fee as well as a number of unauthorized
4.10-6
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
informal trails that provide access to secluded beaches, surf breaks and the scenic
coastline.
Beaches and coastal access and recreation opportunities within the City of Santa Barbara
and along the Gaviota Coast are generally within a 15- to 20-minute drive of the Park.
However, parking at developed facilities is generally not free and nearby free onstreet
parking can be limited. For example, a day use parking permit at a State Beach Park costs
$10, while City parking lots typically charge hourly fees. Further afield, coastal access is
available in the communities of Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria. Additional
major coastal access opportunities relatively close to the Park are discussed briefly
below:
•
•
•
Santa Barbara Waterfront: The
Santa Barbara waterfront, located
between Leadbetter Beach and East
Beach, includes approximately 2.7
miles of shoreline which include
the Santa Barbara Harbor, Stearns
Wharf, Chase Palm Park, a bike
path and picnic tables, barbeque
pits, sand volleyball courts, public
restrooms and lawn areas adjacent
to the beach. Approximately 1,884 The Santa Barbara Waterfront has 2.7 miles of
parking spaces are provided in wide sandy beaches backed by recreational
lawns, parking lots, barbeque areas and a bike
seven fee parking lots, with three path.
smaller 90-minute free parking
areas.
El Capitan State Beach Park: El Capitan State Beach is located approximately
11.5 miles northwest of the Park, and includes 132 acres with a sandy beach and
rocky tide pools. Activities include day use and camping, with swimming, fishing,
surfing, and hiking with coastal access provided by stairways and paths. A coastal
trail and bike path connects the Park with Refugio State Beach, 3 miles to the
west.
Refugio State Beach: Refugio Beach is located approximately 14.5 miles
northwest of the Park, and encompasses 93 acres with 85 overnight camping sites,
a store, and an interpretative center. Activities include day use and camping,
fishing, picnicking, and Junior Lifeguard programs. A coastal trail and bike path
connects Refugio State Beach with El Capitan State Beach, 3 miles to the east.
Final EIR
4.10-7
4.10 RECREATION
Table 4.10-2. Regional Coastal Recreation Facilities
Beach
Facilities
Picnic
ADA
Volleyball
Parking1 Restrooms
Showers and
Access
Courts
BBQ
Other
Goleta Beach
Formal
County Park
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Fishing pier, boat
launch restaurant,
horseshoes, bike path,
lawn, playground
Campus
Point/ UCSB
✓
✓
✓
-
✓
Surf break
-
-
-
-
-
Trails, surf break
Arroyo Burro
Formal
Beach
✓
✓
✓
✓
-
Off-leash dog area,
surf break
Formal ($)
Santa Barbara
&
Waterfront
Informal
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Bacara Resort Formal
✓
✓
✓
✓
-
Snack shop
El Capitan
State Beach
Formal ($)
✓
✓
✓
✓
-
Trails, lawn,
campground, bike
path
Refugio State
Formal ($)
Beach
✓
✓
✓
✓
-
Campground, lawn,
playground, bike path,
Gaviota State
Formal ($)
Beach
✓
✓
✓
✓
-
Trails, campground,
pier, boat launch
Formal ($)
Ellwood
Mesa/Sperling Informal
Preserve
Fishing pier,
restaurants, bike path,
harbor, boat launch
1. Formal parking areas generally include a designated parking lot for the purpose of serving beach goers. Informal
parking includes roadside and neighborhood parking areas.
Note: ($) indicates parking fee.
Offshore Recreation
Recreational use of offshore areas in the region includes boating, sailing, fishing, diving,
and whale watching. Public boat launch facilities in the region include the Gaviota and
Goleta Pier boat hoists, and the Santa Barbara Harbor. Boat-based fishing is a major
source of tourism income in Southern California, with the main boat-based modes of
fishing including commercial passenger fishing, private and rental boats, and kayaks
(California Department of Fish and Game Wildlife [CDFGCDFW] 2010). The abundant
kelp forests and rocky reefs in the region support high-quality scuba diving, spear-fishing
and lobster diving.
4.10-8
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
In 2010 the CDFGCDFW established a system of marine reserves where it is unlawful to
injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource for
commercial or recreational purposes, or a combination of commercial and recreational
purposes unless otherwise specified. In the region, the Naples State Marine Conservation
Area (SMCA) is located approximately five miles west of the Project site. The Campus
Point SMCA is located approximately one mile west of the Project site and the Goleta
Slough SMCA is located adjacent to the Project site to the north. These areas were
established to enhance the protection of marine resources, as well as protect the nonconsumptive recreational values they provide (CDFGCDFW 2010).
Inland Vicinity Recreation Facilities
Existing recreation opportunities in the Goleta Valley include a developed park system,
hiking trails, bike paths and open space. Tuckers Grove County Park and the City of
Goleta’s Stowe Grove Park located inland from the coast both provide individual picnic
and group areas similar to those at Goleta Beach County Park, in addition to ball fields,
barbeque grills, trails, horseshoe pits, playgrounds and large lawn areas. Other parks exist
throughout the Goleta Valley, including several small bluff top parks along the shoreline
of Isla Vista.
4.10.1.2 Project Site
encompasses approximately 29
acres and more than 0.7 miles
(3,900 feet) of beachfront parkland
with 601 surface parking spaces for
the Park and coastal access. The
Park’s
extensive
beachfront
recreation
areas,
substantial
amounts of free public parking and
the generally wide beach and sandy
offshore bottom are well-suited to The beach and offshore portions of Goleta Beach provide
coastal access and recreation. The a variety of passive and active recreational opportunities,
such as beach going, swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
Park is considered a unique Photo AMEC 2012.
resource along the Goleta Valley’s
sometimes rocky shoreline with its limited developed coastal access facilities.
Final EIR
4.10-9
4.10 RECREATION
Recreational Amenities
Goleta Beach County Park includes a generally broad sandy beach and an extensive
shoreline lawn area that supports picnic and barbeque sites and a children’s playground.
The Park also supports the Beachside Bar-Café, a fishing pier, as well as a sandy beach
and the Pacific Ocean. Visitors have both active and passive recreational opportunities at
the Park, including beach going, swimming, boating, jet skiing, fishing, picnicking, bird
watching, volleyball, playground, and horseshoe pits.
Users of Goleta Beach County Park sometimes visit the park for a single use visit, either
using only developed Park facilities (e.g., parties at group picnic areas) or only using the
parking lots to visit the beach. However, visitors often combine a “coastal-related”
recreational trip using individual or group picnic areas or sunning on the lawn, with
“coastal-dependent” recreational activities such as swimming, beach walking or beach
volleyball. Visitors that confine activities to developed Park facilities may select Goleta
Beach County Park over an inland location such as Tuckers Grove to experience ocean
views and the scenic coastal location. In this way, coastal-related and coastal-dependent
recreation frequently blend together at the Park.
Beach and Offshore Area. The sandy beach is heavily used for passive and active
recreation including relaxation, sunbathing, surf fishing, bird watching and jogging.
These uses increase during warmer weather and decrease during cooler winter months;
however, the beach is heavily used throughout the year. Volleyball nets are erected
seasonally, located on the sandy beach to the west of the pier.
Upland Park Area. Goleta Beach
contains approximately 4.2 acres of
lawn with a variety of recreational
amenities and uses. Approximately
3.2 acres of this lawn area extends
along the shoreline for 1,200 feet
and supports most of the Park’s
recreational facilities. Picnicking is a
popular activity for visitors at the
Park’s 13 individual and four group
barbeque areas with a total of 56
associated picnic tables scattered
throughout the shoreline lawn,
4.10-10
The existing revetment is buried under the sand, but can
be periodically exposed during large storm events, which
can on occasion, adversely affect recreational access to
the beach. Photo AMEC 2012.
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
including one large covered area with 23 tables near the Park entry. An additional one
acre of lawn is located north of the parking lots adjacent to the Goleta Slough and is used
primarily for horseshoe pits.
A play area providing playground equipment for children under 12 years of age is located
in the western portion of the shoreline lawn. Children’s day camp activities frequently
occur at Goleta Beach in the summer, including ocean water sports camps. Four
horseshoe pits are located in the northern portion of the Park adjacent to the bike path
near the main Park entrance. Slack-lining has also recently become popular between palm
trees on the grassy lawn. Less frequent activities that occur at Goleta Beach include
mountain biking, rollerblading, and educational uses. The Park also provides coastal
access parking for those wishing to access the difficult to reach shoreline to the east and
west for beach walking or jogging, beach going, dog walking and tide pooling. Coastal
access parking at the Park provides access to wide sandy beaches that extend for
approximately one mile east of Goleta Beach to a small point, as well as to scenic natural
tide pools, offshore rocks, a near shore seal haul out and the beaches of More Mesa and
Hope Ranch further east. The closest existing dedicated public coastal access to the
shoreline and beaches east of Goleta Beach is provided at Arroyo Burro Beach Park, five
miles to the east. Because of this lack of dedicated public coastal access, Goleta Beach
serves as an important access point to some of the least developed and most scenic
sections of shoreline in the urban region of the South Coast. Additionally, Goleta Beach
serves as a staging point for organized events, including bicycle rides and running events,
as well as the Goleta Beach Triathlon held each summer. Schools and other organizations
reserve group picnic areas for coastal-related and coastal-dependent recreational events.
Offshore uses at Goleta Beach include swimming, boating, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling
and scuba diving. Goleta Beach and other beaches in Goleta Bay support a sandy bottom
with relatively low wave energies, making these beaches popular for safe wading,
swimming, and body boarding. This long section of wide sandy beach and offshore sandy
bottom is unusual for the Goleta Valley, as many beaches include rocky intertidal or
uplifted marine terraces not well suited for swimming. No major surf breaks occur off
Goleta Beach; however, the smaller waves at this beach are frequently enjoyed by
beginning surfers, body boarders, and paddle boarders. In addition, kite boarding and
windsurfing also occur offshore on breezy days. A buoy line is located at 200 feet
offshore, indicating the special use area for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing, where
motorized watercraft are prohibited.
Final EIR
4.10-11
4.10 RECREATION
Fishing and Boating. The 1,500-foot-long Goleta Pier is located on the east end of the
Park and serves as a fishing pier, as well as providing ready access to the ocean
environment for the public. The pier also provides a boat hoist and simple improvements
such as benches and trash cans. The Goleta Pier boat hoist is the only one along the
approximately 40 miles of coastline between Santa Barbra Harbor and Gaviota Pier. A
jet-ski and small powerboat launch area is located in the far west parking area near the
entrance to Parking Lot 7. The typically small waves at the Park ease entry of kayakers
and small craft through the surf. Fishing from the pier and along the shore is very popular
at Goleta Beach. Goleta Pier is lit with low-level lighting to accommodate the nighttime
use of the pier. Fishing licenses are not required for pier fishing, providing low cost
fishing opportunities.
Adjacent Open Space. Goleta Beach is located at the mouth of the Goleta Slough with
undeveloped areas of coastal salt marsh, estuary and open channels located to the north.
The mouth or inlet to the Goleta Slough is located about 1,500 feet east of the pier. The
Park provides access to these significant coastal resources and two developed viewing
decks located along the northern border of the Park offer opportunities to view
Atascadero Creek and Goleta Slough and its attendant wildlife. Consequently, the eastern
end of the Park and sandspit are popular with birders, and Park visitors can experience an
important natural resource not readily viewed from other areas, with the convenience of
picnic areas, food services, boat facilities, and other recreational amenities (County of
Santa Barbara 2005). The sandspit area at the mouth of the Goleta Slough at the eastern
boundary of the Park is also very popular with artists.
Supporting Facilities
The Beachside Bar-Café offers full food and bar service daily. The restaurant typically
experiences a high level of use, with patrons primarily consisting of locals and UCSB
students and parents, as well as tourists and other Park visitors. Beachside Bar-Café is
one of two shoreline restaurants along the 12 miles of coast within the greater Goleta
Valley, and is leased by the County on a 20-year term. These restaurants provide patrons
with a coastal-related experience and a chance to view the ocean and scenic shoreline
from a comfortable restaurant, with such visits sometimes combined with visits to the
beach (e.g., post-meal beach walk). Beachside Bar-Café also manages a bait, tackle, and
sundries shop directly east of the restaurant at the entrance to the pier.
Public restrooms are located at three locations in the Park’s east, central and west ends.
The Park’s only showers are located near the central restroom west of the restaurant.
4.10-12
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
Parking and Access
The Park has 601 existing parking spaces located in seven parking lots (County of Santa
Barbara 2005). Approximately 276 parking spaces are located in lots east of the Park
entrance and 325 are located in lots west of the Park entrance. Visitors using the east
beach area, the pier, and the restaurant typically park in Lots 1, 2 and 3 on the eastern
half of the park. Visitors using the west beach area, the children play area, group picnic
tables, and horse-shoe pits typically park in Parking Lots 4 and 5 located on the west end
of the park. Parking Lots 6 and 7 at the west end of Goleta Beach are often used by
students who attend UCSB, primarily due to insufficient campus parking or to avoid
parking fees and parking problems on campus. On occasion, Park Rangers warn those
who park in these lots and then walk up the bluffs to UCSB. During periods of high Park
use, Lots 6 and 7 are also used by visitors using the boat launch area.
Parking surveys conducted in 2012 indicate that parking is generally available during
peak spring, summer and fall periods, although parking can be difficult to locate in high
demand areas adjacent to the lawn areas or restaurant. Overall parking supply is generally
adequate to meet parking demands during average and peak use throughout the year
(refer to Section 4.11.1.3, Vehicle Parking). However, while not reflected in the 2012
summer surveys, anecdotal evidence from Parks Division staff indicates that the parking
supply is not adequate to meet demands four to five times a year during warm summer
weekends and on summer holidays (ATE 2012).
Atascadero Bikeway, a County Class I off-road bikeway, traverses through the Park en
route to UCSB to the west and the unincorporated area of the Goleta Valley to the east.
The path also branches to the north providing access to Goleta. These bike paths are
available to the public for recreational or commuter use.
Park Use and Capacity
Goleta Beach County Park is the most frequented of Santa Barbara County Parks, visited
by approximately 1.5 million people annually, as shown in Table 4.10-3 (County of Santa
Barbara 2012). While, the accuracy of these numbers has been questioned, they remain
the best available data on existing use of Goleta Beach County Park.
Final EIR
4.10-13
4.10 RECREATION
Table 4.10-3. Goleta Beach Park Attendance Estimates and Traffic Counts
Year
Annual Attendance1
Annual Vehicles2
2009
1,515,865
606,346
2010
1,553,708
621,483
2011
1,473,993
589,597
Average
1,514,522
605,809
Notes: (1) Attendance based on 2.5 persons per vehicle. (2) Annual vehicles counted by machine located at Park exit.
Source: Community Services Department Parks Division 2012
Park use fluctuates with the season, with the greatest use occurring from July through
September (38 percent of total visitation), followed by April through June (22 percent of
total visitation) (California Coastal Commission 2009). Beach use is lightest during the
winter when cooler weather and, in some years, a substantially reduced beach width,
occur.
Throughout the County of Santa Barbara, coastal recreation areas are at or near their
capacity, particularly during summer weekends (County of Santa Barbara 2009). The
County’s 1982 Local Coastal Program (LCP) noted that existing State and County
beaches were being used to capacity and the population growth would only intensify this
pattern. The LCP also notes that a program of land acquisition and facility development
would need to be implemented if demand for coastal recreation is to be satisfied (County
of Santa Barbara 2009).
Use of Goleta Beach County Park may also be intensified due to the lack of developed
coastal access points and accessible beaches in the Goleta Valley. As discussed above,
there are only two shoreline public beach parks in the Goleta Valley to serve this area’s
roughly 80,000 residents. Although Goleta Valley’s 12-mile-long reach of coast provides
many less developed access points, these areas are less frequently used because they lack
facilities, have limited parking, serve local communities such as Isla Vista, or the beach
can only be reached after an extended walk.
Operations and Management
Goleta Beach County Park is a day use park, which operates from 8:00 A.M. to sunset.
The Santa Barbara County CSD Parks Division manages the Park, and administers the
long-term lease with the lessee of the Beachside Bar-Cafe. Two ranger residences are
located onsite, though only one is currently occupied by a park ranger; a storage and
maintenance yard for the Park is located adjacent to the Beachside Bar-Café and rangers
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4.10 RECREATION
residences. In addition to park rangers, volunteer park hosts provide maintenance
functions at the Park.
Parks Division cleans the beach area of trash and seaweed three times annually; before
Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends. In addition, the beach
is cleaned after major winter storms on an as-needed basis and only if public complaints
are received as to the condition of the beach. Major hazards, such as large logs or trees,
are removed from the beach as needed.
Historic Park Erosion
Major storm events over the last 15 years
have caused major beach coastal and
shoreline erosion at Goleta Beach
County Park, damaged park and coastal
access facilities, and led to permanent
loss of shoreline parkland and coastalrelated
recreation
improvements.
Between 1983 and 1998, storm erosion
caused this formerly wide beach to begin
to retreat, with over 200 feet of beach
El Niño-generated storms and associated wave
width lost over this 15-year period. action in 1999 and 2000 eroded the formerly wide
Storms in 1999 and 2000 further eroded sandy beach berm at Goleta Beach and caused
significant damage to park, coastal related
the sandy beach and lawn area, recreation and coastal access facilities. Steep
scarps created by this rapid erosion further
damaging parking lots and threatening inhibited coastal access. Photo County Parks 2000.
Park infrastructure and underground
utility lines. During these erosion episodes, almost one acre of lawn area, 34 parking
spaces, eight family picnic areas (39 percent of total) and various water lines were lost or
damaged by erosion. These episodic events resulted in closure of substantial portions of
the Park and related coastal access where the scarp face, debris, or exposed utilities posed
a hazard to beach goers. This episodic erosion adversely affected recreation over the
short-term during temporary closures, as well as over the long-term through loss of Park
land, damage to facilities and a decrease in Park and coastal access parking. Beach width
has gradually recovered over the last decade and erosion has not threatened Park facilities
since the winter of 2005 when the last emergency revetment was constructed. After the
winter of 2005, a sediment pulse from upcoast arrived and a beach nourishment project
was completed. The recent beach width recovery may also be due to a recent climatic
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4.10 RECREATION
shift, which appears to be favoring milder storm conditions and accretion of a wider
beach at Goleta Beach (refer to Section 4.4, Coastal Processes).
The Park was closed for several days due to damage from a tidal surge and high surf that
occurred on March 1, 2014. During this episode, waves over washed areas of the Park,
damaged the Beachside Bar-Café and limited segments of Goleta Pier, and deposited
sand, seaweed and debris throughout the Park. While much of the beach was eroded and
a large scarp formed, erosion and damage to the shoreline lawn were limited. Erosion
was primarily confined to the beach and the coastal strand area. Approximately 80 feet of
the unpermitted revetment was exposed at the Park’s far west end and 25 feet in the
central portion of the Park. The vertical 5- to 9-foot-high erosion scarp along the beach
was fenced for public safety. Immediately prior to this storm event, the mouth of the
Goleta Slough was breached by the County under an emergency permit to prevent
flooding of airport facilities. The slough mouth remains open as of March 4, 2014.
4.10.2 Regulatory Setting
4.10.2.1 Federal Regulations
The Federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972, as administered by the
State of California through the California Coastal Act, applies to this Project. There are
no Federal regulations, authorities, or administering agencies that regulate land use,
public access, or recreation that are specifically applicable to recreational resources with
respect to the proposed Project area.
4.10.2.2 State Regulations
The California Coastal Act (§30000 et seq), Coastal Resources Planning and
Management Policies, include provisions (§30210 – 30223) for the protection and
management of public access and coastal recreational resources. The Coastal Act policies
concerning recreational resources that are relevant to the proposed Project are listed
below:
Coastal Act § 30210: In carrying out the requirements of Section 4 of Article X of
the California Constitution, maximum access, which shall be conspicuously posted,
and recreational opportunities shall be provided for all the people consistent with
public safety needs and the need to protect public rights, rights of private property
owners, and natural resource areas from overuse.
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Coastal Act § 30211: Development shall not interfere with the public’s right of
access to the sea where acquired through use or legislative authorization, including,
but not limited to, the use of dry sand and rocky coastal beaches to the first line of
terrestrial vegetation.
Coastal Act § 30212(a): Public access from the nearest public roadway to the
shoreline and along the coast shall be provided in new development projects except
where:
(1) It is inconsistent with public safety, military security needs, or the protection
of fragile coastal resources,
(2) Adequate access exists nearby, or,
(3) Agriculture would be adversely affected.
Dedicated accessway shall not be required to be opened to public use until a
public agency or private association agrees to accept responsibility for
maintenance and liability of the accessway.
Coastal Act § 30212.5: Wherever appropriate and feasible, public facilities,
including parking areas or facilities, shall be distributed throughout an area so as to
mitigate against the impacts, social and otherwise, of overcrowding or overuse by the
public of any single area.
Coastal Act § 30213: Lower cost visitor and recreational facilities shall be protected,
encouraged, and, where feasible, provided. Developments providing public
recreational opportunities are preferred.
Coastal Act § 30214(a): The public access policies of this article shall be
implemented in a manner that takes into account the need to regulate the time, place,
and manner of public access depending on the facts and circumstances in each case
including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Topographic and geologic site characteristics.
(2) The capacity of the site to sustain use and at what level of intensity.
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4.10 RECREATION
(3) The appropriateness of limiting public access to the right to pass and repass
depending on such factors as the fragility of the natural resources in the area
and the proximity of the access area to adjacent residential uses.
(4) The need to provide for the management of access areas so as to protect the
privacy of adjacent property owners and to protect the aesthetic values of the
area by providing for the collection of litter.
Coastal Act § 30221: Oceanfront land suitable for recreational use shall be protected
for recreational use and development unless present and foreseeable future demand
for public or commercial recreational activities that could be accommodated on the
property is already adequately provided for in the area.
Coastal Act § 30223: Upland areas necessary to support coastal recreational uses
shall be reserved for such uses, where feasible.
4.10.2.3 Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County Comprehensive Plan
The Santa Barbara County Comprehensive Plan guides development within the County
through 13 elements (seven mandated by State law, six optional), six adopted community
and area plans, and over 20 major implementation plans to ensure that adopted goals,
objectives, and action plans are carried out. Three separate zoning ordinances also play a
key role in providing detailed guidance on implementing the Plan. Substantial public
involvement is emphasized in the drafting and adoption of all of these elements,
community plans and implementing documents. The Goleta Community Plan, the Coastal
Land Use Plan and Coastal Zoning Ordinance are applicable to this Project.
Goleta Community Plan
The Goleta Community Plan provides development policies, including the general type
and location of land uses, specifically tailored for the unincorporated Goleta area and
identifies measures to implement those policies. All development within the
unincorporated Goleta area must comply with the policies set forth in the Goleta
Community Plan. In addition, those portions of the Goleta Community Plan located
within the coastal zone have also been incorporated into Santa Barbara County’s Local
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4.10 RECREATION
Coastal Program. The following policy from the Goleta Community Plan is relevant to
the proposed Project:
Policy PRT-GV-l: Diverse outdoor and indoor recreational opportunities shall be
encouraged to enhance Goleta's recreational resources and to ensure that current
and future recreational needs of residents are met.
The County is currently developing the Draft Goleta Valley Community Plan, which is an
update to the Goleta Community Plan. The Project site is located within Part I: Eastern
Goleta Valley, which includes the following draft objective, policies and programs
relevant to the proposed Project.
Objective PRT-EGV-3: Preserve and enhance the quality of the established
recreational resources.
Policy PRT-EGV-3.1: County recreational resources shall be maintained and
enhanced to best serve the users of the facility.
Policy PRT-EGV-3.2: Tucker’s Grove and Goleta Beach County Parks shall be
maintained and enhanced.
Program PRT-EGV-3A: Continue to ameliorate ongoing beach erosion at
Goleta Beach County Park with consideration of alternative park configurations
and their potential recreational, environmental, and fiscal impacts.
Santa Barbara County Local Coastal Program
The LCP contains principal land use policies for development within the coastal zone in
Santa Barbara County. This program, pursuant to requirements of the California Coastal
Act (section 30108.5), contains the relevant portion of a local government’s general plan,
or local coastal element, which indicates the kinds, location, and intensity of land uses,
the applicable resource protection and development policies, and a listing of
implementing actions. The County’s LCP first came into effect in 1982, and has been
updated several times since then.
The County of Santa Barbara’s LCP includes the Coastal Land Use Plan, which contains
the principal recreational policies for development within Santa Barbara County’s coastal
zone. Policies relevant to recreation include:
CLUP Policy 7-1: The County shall take all necessary steps to protect and defend the
public’s constitutionally guaranteed rights of access to and along the shoreline. At a
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4.10 RECREATION
minimum, County actions shall include: (a) Initiating legal action to acquire
easements to beaches and access corridors for which prescriptive rights exist
consistent with the availability of staff and funds; [and] (b) Accepting offers of
dedication which will increase opportunities for public access and recreation
consistent with the County’s ability to assume liability and maintenance costs.
CLUP Policy 7-4: The County, or appropriate public agency, shall determine the
environmental carrying capacity for all existing and proposed recreational areas sited
on or adjacent to dunes, wetlands, streams, tidepools, or any other areas designated as
“Habitat Areas” by the land use plan. A management program to control the kinds,
intensities and locations of recreational activities so that habitat resources are
preserved shall be developed, implemented and enforced. The level of facility
development (i.e., parking spaces, camping sites, etc.) shall be correlated with the
environmental carrying capacity.
CLUP Policy 7-5: For areas controlled by Federal, State, County, or District
agencies, in a zone extending approximately 250 feet inland from the mean high tide
line, priority shall be given to coastal dependent and related recreational activities and
support facilities. However, camping facilities should be set back from the beach and
bluffs and near-shore areas reserved for day use activities. Recreational activities that
are not coastal dependent may be located within this 250-foot zone if the less
desirable coastal dependent support facilities (parking, restrooms, etc.) are located
inland. In no case shall facilities, except for required structures (i.e., lifeguard towers,
volleyball nets, etc.), be located directly on the dry sandy beach.
CLUP Policy 7-6: Recreational uses on oceanfront lands, both public and private,
that do not require extensive alteration of the natural environment (i.e., tent
campgrounds) shall have priority over uses requiring substantial alteration (i.e.,
recreational vehicle campgrounds).
CLUP Policy 7-7: During the zoning and implementation phase of the LCP, the
County shall establish a schedule for acquisition of areas proposed for new or
expanded access and/or recreation. The schedule shall designate responsible agencies,
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Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
time frame, and methods for implementing all access and recreation proposals set
forth in this plan.
CLUP Policy 7-12: New opportunities for beach access and coastal recreation shall
be provided in the Goleta planning area. (f). The County should encourage the
University to continue to provide public access to the beach through the University
and use of beaches adjacent to the University property, particularly the west campus.
The County should also pursue an agreement with U.C.S.B. to use campus parking
lots to accommodate the overflow from Goleta Beach Park during peak-use periods.
Santa Barbara County Coastal Zoning Ordinance. Development in the coastal zone is
regulated by the Santa Barbara County Coastal Zoning Ordinance. Sections 35-61, Beach
Development and 35-62, Recreation and Visitor Serving Uses of the Zoning Ordinance
pertain to the proposed Project and include:
Section 35-61.1: To avoid the need for future protective devices that could impact
sand movement and supply, no permanent above-ground structures shall be permitted
on the dry sandy beach except facilities necessary for public health and safety, such
as lifeguard towers, or where such restriction would cause the inverse condemnation
of the lot by the County.
Sec. 35-62.1: Recreational uses on oceanfront lands, both public and private, that do
not require extensive alteration of the natural environment (i.e., tent campgrounds)
shall have priority over uses requiring substantial alteration (i.e., recreational vehicle
campgrounds). (Same as CLUP Policy 7-6)
Santa Barbara County Code of Ordinances. Chapter 26, Parks and Recreation, of the
Santa Barbara County Code of Ordinances contains rules and regulations pertaining to
facility usage, traffic, animals, camping, special use areas, beach use and types of
activities permitted in Santa Barbara County parks and recreation areas.
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4.10.3 Environmental Impacts
4.10.3.1 Thresholds for Determining Significance
As suggested by Section 15064 and Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, a project may
have a significant impact related to recreation if it would:
•
•
•
Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational
facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or
be accelerated;
Include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of
recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the
environment; or,
Terminate or interfere with the established recreational uses of an area.
The County’s Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual does not contain
significance thresholds for recreation. This analysis is consistent with the guidelines
contained in the County’s Initial Study Checklist and the CEQA Guidelines for
determining significance of impacts.
4.10.3.2 Impact Assessment Methodology
This assessment of potential recreational impacts is based on: 1) the recreation resource
significance thresholds described above; 2) the importance placed on maintaining and
enhancing access to and along the coast in State regulations and County policy; and 3)
usage data and facility information provided by CSD.
This analysis is also based upon the potential long-term fluctuation of the shoreline at
Goleta Beach. Most of the Park lies within an active coastal process zone, with many
facilities located seaward of the historic “back beach” identified from review of historic
aerial photographs (ESA PWA 2011). Modeling of wave run-up and shoreline erosion
was conducted in support of the analysis conducted for this EIR (ESA PWA 2013).
Additionally, studies and modeling were conducted for the previous proposed project
(e.g., Moffatt and Nichol 2005), for regional sand management and other coastal projects
(e.g., Patsch and Griggs 2006, Brocatus 2008, BEACON 2009, Coastal Frontiers 2011)
and in the scientific literature (Revell et al 2011). These studies and modeling were
subject to peer review for validity by an independent coastal scientific consulting firm as
part of the preparation of this EIR (Coastal Environments 2012). Coastal process
modeling for the previous project included wave run-up for a scenario very similar to the
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4.10 RECREATION
proposed Project (Moffatt and Nichol 2008, ESA PWA 2013). A review and summary of
the conclusions of these studies is provided in Section 4.4, Coastal Processes.
This analysis assumes that removal of 1,200 feet of rock revetment that currently protects
the western and central portions of the Park could expose these areas to coastal erosion.
This analysis also assumes that a shift to a managed retreat approach will entail a move
away from the use of hard structures such as emergency revetments to protect the Park,
which could expose unprotected areas of the park to potential erosion. Although
generally sheltered, substantial erosion and damage from wave action and storm damage
has occurred at Goleta Beach Park, particularly during El Niño storm events. Although
the timing, frequency and severity of such events are difficult to forecast, this analysis
assumes that all unprotected improvements seaward of the historic back beach or within
projected wave run-up and erosion zones may be subject to damage or destruction. Such
damage or destruction would occur as either a direct result of revetment removal or as an
indirect outcome of a shift from a coastal protection approach to managing the shoreline
at Goleta Beach to one that incorporates managed retreat for areas of the Park that
generally lie west of the Beachside Bar-Cafe.
This analysis also assumes that all improvements within this coastal process zone that are
protected by remaining revetments such as the Beachside Bar-Café, the Pier and Parking
Lots 1 and 2, while potentially subject to wave and storm damage, would generally
remain intact. It is assumed that these remaining revetments could remain in place over
the long-term and that these facilities could be repaired and maintained as needed since
they are permitted structures and the County has a history of repairing and maintaining
them since they were installed.
4.10.3.3 Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Impact
REC-1
Short-term construction would result in temporary interference with
and disruption of recreational use and access, a potentially significant
impact (Class II).
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4.10-23
4.10 RECREATION
Impact Discussion
Development of the proposed new
bike path and utility corridor, removal
of 1,200 linear feet of rock revetment,
and construction of the cobble berm
and geotextile core dune to protect the
GSD vault would create ongoing
construction disturbance throughout
the western and central sections of the
Park for approximately 6 months.
Project activities would close various
portions of the Park to public use at Hundreds of heavy haul trucks would traverse the
access road and parking areas of Goleta Beach to
different times, disrupt parking, and pick up and haul away revetment boulders, asphalt
from parking Lots 6 and 7 and to deliver construction
interfere
with
pedestrian
and materials and potentially beach sand to the Project
vehicular access affecting both the site. Photo Arthur Sylvester 2010.
developed shoreline park facilities
and the beach. It is expected that as much as 20 percent of the Park could be closed to
public access at some time during construction. Construction would entail use of a mix of
heavy equipment, including backhoes, excavators, loaders, a bulldozer, trenching
machine, a compaction roller, heavy haul and delivery trucks, and a sweeper.
Construction would also involve use of lighter equipment such as jack hammers, concrete
saws and various power and hand tools, depending on the phase of construction.
Developed Park Areas. Construction within and adjacent to developed areas of the Park
would include:
•
Establishment of a construction staging and storage area within Lots 6 and 7 to be
used for most of the Project construction period.
•
Demolition and removal of 1,200 feet of existing bike path, chain link fence and
bollards located along the north end of the Park and grading and clearing of
vegetation to establish the new transportation/ utility corridor.
•
Excavation of a trench for a distance of approximately 500 feet through Lots 4 and 5,
and for approximately 1,000 feet along the new transportation/ utility corridor on the
western edge of the Park to accommodate relocated utilities.
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Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
•
Construction of the new Transportation/ Utility Corridor, including utility installation,
construction of a raised compacted 500-foot-long compacted earthen berm, followed
by construction of a 1,650-foot-long 14-foot-wide bike path and installation of
associated fencing, signs and other improvements.
•
Operation of heavy trucks and other construction vehicles on the Park’s access roads
and in parking areas throughout this 6-month period, including approximately 600
heavy haul trucks exporting or importing materials.
•
Relocation of the staging area to approximately 50 spaces in Lot 5 for 1 to 2 months
toward the end of construction to allow demolition of Lots 6 and 7, removal of
existing subsurface utilities in those areas and restoration of sandy beach.
These activities would disrupt
operation and use of the primary
coastal bike trail which connects
UCSB to Goleta, interfere with use of
Lots 4, 5, 6, and 7 and impede public
circulation, parking, public access, use
and enjoyment of the Park in varying
degrees throughout this 6-month
period (refer also to Section 4.11,
Transportation for discussion of
parking and bike path impacts).
Construction would also directly
affect lawn and picnic areas due to the
operation of heavy equipment
required to remove the revetment and
construct the cobble berm and
geotextile core dune. However,
construction would be scheduled to
Heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators and
loaders would operate along the edge of existing lawn
areas to demolish Lots 6 and 7, remove the existing
revetment and to construct the cobble berm and
geotextile revetment. Photo Arthur Sylvester 2003.
occur during late fall through early
spring when Park visitation is lower, which would reduce the impacts to parking. If the
construction schedule were to extend into times of higher Park visitation, construction
would be limited to weekdays and would not be allowed on holidays. Based on weekday
surveys conducted by the County, even during late spring and summer months, weekday
occupancy of Parking Lots 6 and 7 averaged 60 percent at the peak time of 1:00PM,
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4.10 RECREATION
while occupancy of Parking Lots 4 and 5 averaged 28 percent at 1:00PM, indicating
substantial available capacity during these off peak, weekday periods.
Beach and Offshore. Construction within the beach area would include removal of the
1,200 feet of existing rock revetment and concurrent construction of the 250-foot
geotextile core dune and buried cobble berm. Removal of the rock revetment is
anticipated to occur over approximately two months whereas construction of the
geotextile and cobble berm is anticipated to occur over four months. Removal of the
revetment would require use of a large excavator and loaders to remove the revetment,
load boulders onto trucks and re-grade disturbed beach areas. Construction of the cobble
berm and geotextile core dune would require excavation of a 250-foot-long, 40-foot-wide
trench 5 to 7 feet below existing grade and construction of the structure of approximately
9 feet in height and 52 feet in width adjacent to the Beachside Bar-Café (refer to
Figure 2-3). During this construction period, it is anticipated that approximately 1,450
feet of shoreline in the immediate vicinity of the construction sites would be off-limits to
beach goers. In addition to beach closure, potential public lateral access during high tides
would potentially be adversely affected, although it is anticipated that substantial beach
would remain during most times to permit continued public access along the beach. Since
no offshore project components are proposed, it is not anticipated that closure or other
substantial impacts to offshore or pier use would occur during construction.
In addition to upland and beach closures, recreation in the open areas of the Park would
be adversely affected by noise and visual disturbance during Project construction.
Recreational use of the Park would occur adjacent to construction vehicle noise and
unsightly construction fencing, staging areas, and equipment, and disturbed areas would
temporarily degrade the recreational experience for users over the 6-month Project
construction period. Further, during construction of the geotextile and cobble berm,
patrons of Beachside Bar-Café would be adversely affected by noise and visual
disruption. Noise and visual impacts to Park users during construction are further
discussed in Section 4.1, Aesthetics and Visual Resources, and Section 4.9, Noise.
Potential impacts related to hazardous conditions on Park users during Project
construction are discussed in Section 4.6, Hazards and Hazardous Materials.
Project construction would result in the closure and temporary disruption to public use
and access to the Park. These impacts, although adverse, would be less than significant
with implementation of mitigation measures.
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4.10 RECREATION
Mitigation Measures
MM REC-1a Construction Schedule. Construction shall be scheduled to occur during
non-peak use periods to the maximum extent feasible such as during the
Fall and Winter months (October through February). Construction shall
only occur Monday through Friday, with no construction permitted on
Saturdays, Sundays, or weekday holidays.
Plan Requirements and Timing. A construction schedule shall be
developed by the Contractor to detail the specific timing and location of
construction phases and submitted to the CSD Parks Division for review
and approval prior to the commencement of construction activities.
Monitoring. Permit Compliance staff shall ensure no construction takes
place outside of designated time and schedule parameters.
MM REC-1b Public Notification. Two weeks prior to construction, the Contractor shall
post signs notifying the public of the dates of construction operations and
areas of Park and beach closure shall be posted at public access points,
restrooms, picnic areas, and other highly visible locations. Signs shall
include the construction schedule and an overview of facilities changes.
Plan Requirements and Timing. The Contractor shall post signs in
prominent locations around Goleta Beach County Park to notify Park users
of pending development. Signs shall be posted no less than two weeks
prior to construction to notify the public of the construction Project.
Monitoring. Permit Compliance staff shall site inspect two weeks prior to
construction to ensure clear and visible signs are posted and shall ensure
signs remain posted and in good, legible condition throughout
construction.
MM REC-1c Construction Management Plan. The CSD shall prepare a Construction
Management Plan (CMP) to ensure public safety and access, as feasible,
during operations. The CMP shall include, but not be limited to:
construction fencing; signs; use of enclosed storage areas; construction
and construction worker vehicle parking and access routes; maintenance
of clear public access routes through to the beach and to major park
facilities; nightly removal of equipment to a designated area; and,
stationing of a flagman to control construction traffic and ensure
avoidance of conflicts with recreational foot-traffic. The County shall also
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4.10-27
4.10 RECREATION
provide the public with contact information in order to report immediate
hazards related to the Project. This information shall be provided in a
public notice posted on-site prior to the commencement of any Projectrelated activities.
Plan Requirements and Timing. The CMP would set forth the
construction best management practices and special procedures necessary
to ensure public safety, access, and use of the Park during construction
operations. The CMP shall be prepared by a firm under the supervision of
the CSD. Final construction plans shall identify and reflect CMP measures
to ensure public safety and access.
Monitoring. Permit Compliance staff shall review the CMP and ensure
the CMP is adhered to throughout Project construction.
MM REC-1d Public Access during Construction. Public access shall be maintained to
the maximum extent feasible during construction, while ensuring public
safety. The CMP shall provide for maintenance of clear public access
routes through to the beach and to major Park facilities such that physical
construction interference shall be kept to a minimum.
Plan Requirements and Timing. Consistent with the CMP, the
construction contractor shall maintain public access to the maximum
extent feasible. The construction contractor’s measures to maintain
maximum public access shall be implemented throughout the construction
period.
Monitoring. Permit Compliance staff shall ensure the CMP is adhered to
throughout construction and respond to complaints.
Impact
REC-2
Implementation of the Project would potentially result in significant
and unavoidable impacts to recreation and coastal access due to a loss
of developed shoreline park and coastal access facilities (Class I).
The proposed Project would include a shift from a coastal protection management
approach at Goleta Beach Park to one that emphasizes managed retreat. As part of this
shift in management strategies, the proposed Project includes the removal of
approximately 1,200 linear feet of unpermitted rock revetment that protects the central
and western portions of the Park from coastal erosion. This revetment currently protects
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4.10 RECREATION
shoreline lawn areas and Park facilities lying directly landward, including Parking Lot 7,
most of Parking Lot 6 and approximately 650 feet of the western end of the shoreline
lawn and related facilities. and also reduces erosion and wave damage to shoreline lawn
areas and other facilities located landward of gaps in the revetment.
With adoption of a managed retreat strategy for the western end of Goleta Beach County
Park west of the Beachside Bar-Café and removal of this revetment, the shoreline in the
western and central portions of the Park would be permitted to fluctuate naturally in
response to changes in beach width over the long-term (i.e., decades). Rates and timing of
erosion are difficult to forecast and are dependent upon climatically driven changes in
storm cycles, wave direction and wave energy. However, based on the location of the
historic limits of the coastal process
zone/ back beach and available
modeling, potential impacts to the
Park and coastal access facilities after
revetment removal could result from
coastal erosion caused by storms and
wave run-up. Wave run-up over the
next 20 years has been modeled to
potentially impact the entire western
and central areas of the Park (refer to
Upon the Project’s removal of existing revetment, longSection 4.4, Coastal Processes). term fluctuations in the shoreline are projected to result
Removal of the revetment would in the continued loss of parkland and facilities,
reducing already constrained coastal recreation and
expose the shoreline lawn and access in the Goleta Valley. Photo County Parks 2005.
parking areas to the potential for
direct wave attack and allow waves to periodically wash up and over the shoreline lawn
and parking lots, eroding these areas, with water from extreme events reaching the base
of State Route (SR) 217.
Areas of the Park west of Goleta Pier that are currently unprotected by revetment (i.e.,
landward of the gaps in the revetment) could be indirectly affected by the Project.
through revetment removal. When exposed, segments of the revetment up- and
downcoast from these unprotected areas are able to dissipate some energy from waves
sweeping along the shore. In moving toward a managed retreat approach for this area, the
County would move away from a historic strategy of Park protection that includes the use
of hard structures, use of emergency rock revetments, leaving both protected and
unprotected areas more vulnerable to erosion.
Final EIR
4.10-29
4.10 RECREATION
If the beach retreats to or beyond its maximum historic landward position as wave run-up
and shoreline position modeling projects, erosion could cause the Park to be eroded by
approximately 176 or more feet by 2050 (Figure 4.10-2). This potential coastal process
zone represents the landward limit of historic erosion and would affect the western and
central portions of the Park; wave and shoreline position modeling has confirmed that
this level of historic retreat could occur or be exceeded (see Section 4.4, Coastal
Processes). Damage to the Park is anticipated to be episodic as storm-related erosion
events would potentially result in large sections of the Park being eroded over a short
period of time, followed by periods of limited or more gradual erosion or periods of
renewed beach accretion.
Should the beach erode as models project to or beyond its maximum landward historic
extent over the coming decades, approximately 2.6 of the 4.2 acres (i.e., 62 percent) of
existing beachfront lawn area would be lost and converted into dry sand beach or
intertidal beach. Of that 2.6 acres lost, approximately 1.5 acres (35 percent of the 4.2 total
acres) would be directly impacted as this acreage is located behind the emergency
revetments that currently provide protection. The remaining 1.1 acres would be indirectly
impacted through the change in Park management away from protection and to a policy
of managed retreat. It is anticipated that episodic storm action and wave run-up would
effectively erode the shoreline somewhat landward. Thus, areas that are currently
intertidal may episodically become submerged subtidal beach and existing lawn area may
episodically become dry sand beach during seasonal and Pacific Decadal Oscillation
shifts (refer to Figure 4.10-2).
Sea level rise is projected to substantially increase the extent of erosion of the Park and
potential damage from wave run-up and flooding, with erosion projected to extend
landward of the historic back beach by 2030. By 2050, the majority of the Park not
protected by revetments could be subject to major damage and erosion, with erosion
reaching back to SR 217 and eliminating all of the shoreline lawn, extensive loss of
parking areas, and damage to the Park’s internal circulation system (refer to
Figure 4.4-13 in Coastal Processes). The existing beach would transition to more of an
intertidal beach, with most of the sandy beach submerged during plus tides.
Potential erosion resulting from a 100-year storm event would damage or destroy many
of the developed shoreline park recreational facilities, including the western and central
restrooms, children’s playground, and all existing individual picnic tables and barbeque
4.10-30
Final EIR
SAN
DSP
ROAD
IT
Goleta
Slough
RANGERS’ RESIDENCES
7
E
UT
TE
TA
21
LOT 4
RO
LOT 3
HORSESHOE
PITS
LOT 2
S
LOT 5
RESTAURANT
SNACKBAR/
STORAGE
4
LOT 1
3
2
1
PA C I F I C
Goleta Beach
Park Boundary
Remaining Lawn Area:
1.57 Acres
LEGEND
Recreational Facilities Potentially Damaged
or Destroyed by Storm Action/Wave Runup
Geotextile Core Dune/Cobble Berm
Picnic/Barbecue Area
Estimated Future Shoreline
Group Picnic/Barbecue Area
Coastal Process Zone
Children’s Play Area
Estimated Future
Sandy Beach
Restroom
Storm Action/Wave Runup
1
Potential Future Damage to Proposed
Utilities Corridor and Bike Path
2
Potential Erosion of 13 Picnic/Barbecue
Areas (2 Group); Children’s Play Area;
2 Restrooms; 2.6 Acres Lawn
3
Potential Damage to Beachside Restaurant,
Parking Lot, Utilities, and Pier
4
Areas within Coastal Process Zone
Protected by Existing Revetment
High Erosion Protection Zone
Revetment
GSD Vault
Restroom
Bike Path
O CE A N
GOLETA PIER
2
4.10-31
Potential Impacts to Recreational Facilities Under Future Conditions
SCALE IN FEET
0
300
N
F I GU RE
4.10-2
4.10 RECREATION
pits, the two group barbeque areas and sunshades, and many of the Park’s mature trees.
The conversion of developed park and supporting coastal access and related facilities to
dry sandy or intertidal beach would result in the loss of existing high-use shoreline park
areas used for picnics, supporting restrooms and parking which are considered coastalrelated recreation and supporting uses (Santa Barbara County 2009). In addition, a
number of facilities that provide easy access adjacent to the beach for ADA persons, who
cannot navigate wheelchairs on the sand, would also be eliminated. This loss would
incrementally change the recreational use of Goleta Beach where visits to coastal-related
recreational Park facilities are often combined with coastal-dependent use of the beach.
The proposed cobble berm and geotextile dune would provide increased protection to
Parking Lot 3, the GSD vault, and the western flank of the Beachside Bar-Café, a direct
beneficial impact. However, if the cobble berm and geotextile dune are damaged or
destroyed by heavy wave action, wave overtopping, run-up and erosion could result in
loss of or damage to approximately 20 or more parking spaces in Parking Lot 3 and
underground utilities. Additionally, wave attack on the western flank of the Beachside
Bar-Café and the base of the pier could potentially cause damage to those facilities as
well (refer to Figure 4.10-2). This potential future condition is not a Project direct impact,
as these areas are either protected by revetment that would not be removed or are
currently unprotected. However, the shift in Park management from use of hard structures
for Park protection to one of managed retreat would constitute an indirect impact to these
areas. It is anticipated that the revetment that would remain in front of Beachside BarCafé, the Sundries Shop, the base of the Pier, and Lot 1 would provide protection of these
facilities from wave run-up; however, the ability of the geotextile dune and cobble berm
and the revetment fronting the restaurant to withstand long-term retreat and wave attack
is unclear. 4 While damage to these recreational uses and facilities may occur, it is
anticipated that repair following storm events and upkeep of the existing revetment would
allow the continued use and existence of these facilities.
Placement of the geotextile revetment with planted dune overlying it would exclude
recreational use from that area, estimated to be approximately 7,500 sf. This area would
be outfitted with informational signage and fenced to prevent damage to dune plants.
Addition of the cobbles to the 250-foot long segment fronting the GSD vault would also
potentially impact recreational use in this area; however, during the summer when the
4
The revetment fronting the restaurant appears to consist of generally smaller boulders than the 3- to 5 tonsize typically employed in coastal revetments. However, detailed engineering information on this structure
is unavailable.
4.10-32
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
beach receives its greatest level of use, the cobbles would be expected to be covered with
a thick layer of sand. If winter storms reach the berm, exposed and dispersed cobbles
could incrementally interfere with people walking on the beach or other types of beach
recreation. However, such interference is expected to be minor given the small proportion
of cobbles relative to the volume of sand on the beach.
Periods of coastal erosion and shoreline retreat may lead to a greater beach width for
recreational use during some periods due to the potential for creation of a wider sandy
beach berm as developed Park area is converted to sandy beach; however, it is anticipated
that some existing areas of sandy beach would become intertidal beach or open water.
Replacement of developed shoreline park facilities with expanded beach, intertidal or
open water areas would support different recreational values such as swimming, fishing,
kayaking, etc. However, such offshore recreation already occurs at Goleta Beach and is
not in limited supply in the Project vicinity. In contrast, developed coastal park facilities
in the Goleta Valley are in limited supply.
As described in Section 4.10.1.2, the Park provides one of two fully developed County
regional beach parks that serve unincorporated areas in the greater Goleta Valley,
residents of the City of Goleta and visitors from throughout the region. Although removal
of the revetment would potentially allow for the maintenance of a wider sandy beach
(refer to Section 4.4, Coastal Processes), its removal would expose shoreline picnic areas
and lawn to future erosional damage. This loss of developed coastal park facilities would
substantially reduce the recreational value of one the County’s most heavily used parks,
which provides coastal-related and coastal-dependent recreational resources that are
highly valued by the local and regional community and recognized as coastal resources in
the County’s LCP. Despite formal policy-related definitions, for many users, coastalrelated and coastal-dependent uses are often closely linked at Goleta Beach County Park,
leaving little distinction between these functions. Further, the Park is also heavily used by
area residents from a wide range of economic categories due to its easy and free coastal
access, so loss of this access would have potential ramifications relevant to
environmental justice considerations. In summary, the direct and indirect impacts from
conversion and loss of developed coastal parkland would result in a significant and
unavoidable impact. Mitigation measures proposed would lessen this impact; however,
significant impacts would remain.
Final EIR
4.10-33
4.10 RECREATION
Mitigation Measures
MM REC-2a Managed Retreat Implementation Plan. The CSD Parks Division shall
prepare a Managed Retreat Implementation Plan (MRIP). The intent of
this MRIP would be to set forth measures to define a program of detailed
management actions and emergency responses as well as longer term
planning needed in response to forecast erosion that would manage
relocation or redesign of Park facilities to maintain recreational values of
Goleta Beach County Park. The MRIP shall address both actions along
the shoreline directly related to managing coastal processes and establish
a longer-term framework for Park planning undertaken by the County as
part of its overall Capital Improvement Plan process. To address these
issues, the MRIP shall include:
General/ Long Term Park Planning
4.10-34
•
Plans for phased removal of Parking Lots 6 and 7 as necessary, rather
than at Project inception. The MRIP would include acceptable shortterm measures to protect these parking lots while feasible (e.g., beach
nourishment, winter beach berms, geotextile revetments) and objective
triggers for phased removal of each lot, including potential for partial
abandonment of the most threatened areas of a lot rather than
complete removal.
•
A Plan for installation of seasonal winter beach berms in threatened
areas of the Park, using beach-quality sand obtained from the Santa
Barbara County Flood Control District’s Goleta Slough dredging
program. Sand would be sorted and stored from prior year’s dredging
so that nourishment would only include beach-quality sand (i.e., larger
grain size, drained, cleaned). As available, construction of the winter
beach berm could also use suitable beach-quality sand from other
sources such as from desilting of upstream debris basins, potential
future mechanical breaching of the Goleta Slough mouth (if
permitted), or from BEACON’s opportunistic beach nourishment
program (e.g., from Santa Barbara Harbor, offshore sources). The
MRIP would include the maximum allowable length, width, height and
general construction techniques for such a berm, and parameters for
timing of installation. If the winter beach berm remains undisturbed
after the conclusion of the winter storm season, the County would have
the authority to redistribute the sand more uniformly across the beach
to establish a summer beach profile and minimize disruption to public
access.
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
•
Management options for use of the expanded back beach area within
the coastal process zone after erosion events, including importation of
fill soils to replace eroded lawn areas to allow reestablishment of nonstructural uses such as the shoreline lawn, associated irrigation,
picnic, and BBQ facilities.
•
Identification of measures and triggers required to protect the
structures and utilities associated with Beachside Bar-Café, the
Sundries and Storage Area, lateral beach access, and access to the
Goleta Pier from erosion of unprotected areas to the west.
•
Installation of canary island date palms along the seaward edge of the
existing shoreline lawn to help reduce potential for erosion.
•
Potential options for longer-term Park reconfiguration designed to
maintain existing types and extent of facilities as erosion progresses,
such as:
o Removal of the Ranger’s Residences and Storage Area and
use of this area for replacement Park facilities (e.g.,
parking, lawn, picnic areas, etc.); or
o Identification of nearby offsite parking areas and the
potential conversion of portions of existing parking lots to
lawn and other recreational facilities to maintain similar
shoreline recreation.
Park Maintenance
•
Long-term Maintenance Plan to ensure repair of damaged facilities
and infrastructure and removal of facilities, infrastructure, and trees
that are damaged beyond repair, and the removal of debris and
grooming of the beach following erosive events. Detailed standards
and permits would be prepared for:
o Tree replacement program to ensure that as the shoreline
retreats landward, new trees are planted throughout the
Park to replace those lost to erosion. An arborist shall
survey the dedicated trees with placards to determine the
best way to protect/preserve those trees and corresponding
placards. Should any of the dedicated trees be damaged,
those trees and placards would be replaced with a like
for‐like replacement.
o A debris management program to ensure that as the
shoreline retreats landward, debris from the eroding park
Final EIR
4.10-35
4.10 RECREATION
(e.g., tree limbs, equipment, facility fragments) are cleared
from the Park. Emphasis of program would be prompt
response to post-storm cleanup requirements.
•
Long-term strategy for the maintenance or replacement of the cobble
berm, sand dune, and sandbag revetment that will be required in the
future due to coastal processes and erosion, including:
o Objective triggers for placement of additional cobbles,
plans for placement of new sand overlying cobbles,
potential dune nourishment and revegetation, and clean-up
of displaced cobbles from the beach or downcoast of the
beach. The MRIP shall include an objective trigger for
cessation of reconstruction and repair of the cobble berm,
sand dune and sandbag revetment after 2030. That trigger
shall be initially established to be when the geotextile
revetment and dunes experience wave run-up on more than
5 days annually over at least two consecutive storm
seasons. Depending on performance of the cobble berm,
sand dune, and sandbag revetment this objective trigger
shall be evaluated and adjusted as necessary by CSD staff,
and landward relocation of the sewer vault shall be
considered; or,
o Replacement of the proposed geotextile core dune and
cobble berm with a buried rock revetment of up to 250 feet
in length.
Emergency Response and Safety
•
Acceptable short-term emergency management responses to periodic
major erosion events, such as provision of detailed standards and
receipt of permits for:
o Standards for use of sandbags or larger geotextile
revetments or other non-structural measures that would be
permitted for use to protect Park facilities during peak
storm events. Such standards would include the types of
facilities subject to protection (e.g., restrooms, picnic
areas), and the general potential size and configuration of
such protection measures.
o Measures to maintain safe coastal access during erosion
events, such as construction of sand or sandbag ramps
4.10-36
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
down potential scarps caused by erosion and wave action,
or re-grading of scarps to reduce slope.
o Measures for placement of flexible fencing to delineate the
edge of the eroded scarp as the shoreline retreats
landward. The fencing shall be maintained such that it is as
near as possible to the scarp edge to maximize the usable
lawn area, and shall remain in place until the scarp grade
is naturally minimized or graded by Park staff.
•
Program to ensure that as the shoreline retreats landward, Park staff
note any unusual odors or appearance in the exposed fill material and
report these observations to appropriate County and local authorities
(e.g., County Fire Department HMU) for further assessment. The
program shall require education of Park staff in identifying potentially
contaminated fill and include procedures for closing off parts of the
exposed fill such that public contact is minimized until the soils can be
further assessed.
Utilities
•
Plan for removal and relocation of minor utilities when necessary.
Plan would address the need and future locations for utilities that are
impacted by coastal processes and erosion. Strategies would include,
at a minimum:
o Monitoring and assessment program of Park erosion and
the potential for damage to sewage-related systems and
triggers for sewer shutoff and potential landward
relocation of restrooms and sewage vault if they are at risk
for damage.
o Identification of new locations for utilities proposed for
relocation.
o Details of proposed future protection for utilities after
relocation (e.g., the earthen berm proposed under the
Project). The MRIP shall also include a long-term strategy
for repair and maintenance of the selected utility protection
if it were to become damaged in the future due to erosion
or human activity.
o Monitoring of exposure of restrooms #2 and #3 to erosion
hazards, and preparation of plans so that utilities and
restrooms can be relocated quickly when Park staff judge
Final EIR
4.10-37
4.10 RECREATION
that erosion will threaten the restroom during a coming
winter season.
•
Standardized plan for post-storm utility shut off or repair.
•
Long-term strategy for addressing future impacts to the GSD Vault
from coastal processes and erosion including, at a minimum,
coordination with GSD to identify future needs for modifications to or
relocation of the GSD sewage vault; and to assess the available power
supply to the cathodic anodes and a change to sacrificial anodes if at
any time the power supply appears to be unstable or unavailable.
Long-Term Monitoring Program
•
The MRIP shall identify a long-term monitoring program to assess
both the long-term stability of Goleta Beach and effects of periodic
major erosion events to provide information to support adaptive
management planning for the Park. At a minimum, the CSD shall:
o Prepare and file reports with the County Board of Supervisors and
Coastal Commission every five years regarding beach width,
parking reconfiguration implementation, and any damage
sustained to the Park;
o Prepare reports after major erosional events that identify the
extent of damage to the Park, adaptive management responses
implemented and beach conditions at the close of winter season.
Permitting
•
To facilitate protection, repair and relocation of facilities at Goleta
Beach County Park, the County shall seek a Coastal Development
Permit with a minimum of a 20-year life for all actions identified in the
MRIP. This permit shall identify all permitted actions allowed under
the MRIP and ensure that no additional coastal permits would be
required for these actions. The long-term monitoring program can be
used to keep the Coastal Commission informed of management
activities performed at Goleta Beach.
Plan Requirements and Timing. The MRIP would set forth detailed
actions for shoreline management options, emergency responses and
specific parameters for responses to erosion events. The MRIP would also
establish more general preliminary or concept-level site plans which show
the general extent, location and options for longer-term redesign of Park
facilities. Because measures associated with longer-term redesign of the
4.10-38
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
Park may not be required for many years (i.e., between 2030 and 2050)
due to the uncertainty surrounding the extent and timing of erosion, the
MRIP would need to be flexible and provide general guidance to support
planning for acceptable long-term Park redesign. Any such plans for
redesign would also require careful programming of public funds for
implementation of major capital improvements. Emergency responses
which may need to be implemented quickly would need to be more
detailed. The MRIP shall be prepared by the County CSD with review and
support by P&D to ensure consistency with adopted LCP policies. The
draft MRIP shall be funded by the County and completed within 18
months of issuance of the CDP for the Project and would be subject to
review and approval by the County Parks Commission and Board of
Supervisors. The MRIP would be a “living document” subject to periodic
review and update by County CSD to incorporate observations, new
technologies, etc. MRIP review could occur whenever deemed necessary
by County CSD, but would be reviewed for adequacy every 5 years at a
minimum.
Monitoring. The CSD, with assistance from P&D, shall ensure the draft
MRIP is completed within 18 months of CDP issuance. Copies of the draft
and final MRIP shall also be provided to the California Coastal
Commission staff for review and comment to ensure close coordination
between the County and Coastal Commission on Project implementation.
MM REC-2a Managed Retreat Implementation Plan. The CSD Parks Division shall
prepare a Managed Retreat Implementation Plan (MRIP). The intent of
this MRIP would be to set forth measures to define a program of detailed
management actions and emergency responses as well as longer term
planning needed in response to forecast erosion that would manage
relocation or redesign of park facilities to maintain recreational values of
Goleta Beach County Park. The MRIP shall address both actions along
the shoreline directly related to managing coastal processes and establish
a longer term framework for park planning undertaken by the County as
part of its overall Capital Improvement Plan process. To address these
issues, the MRIP shall include:
•
Acceptable short-term emergency management responses to periodic
major erosion events, such as provision of detailed standards and
receipt of permits for:
Final EIR
4.10-39
4.10 RECREATION
o Installation of a winter beach berm (as needed), including
the maximum allowable length, width, height and general
construction techniques for such a berm, allowable sand
sources and parameters for timing of installation and
eventual removal.
o Standards for use of sand bags or larger geotextile
revetments or other non-structural measures that would be
permitted for use to protect Park facilities during peak
storm events. Such standards would include the types of
facilities subject to protection (e.g., restrooms, picnic
areas), and the general potential size and configuration of
such protection measures.
o Standardized parameters for typical post-storm cleanup
actions, including debris removal and utility shut off or
repair.
o Measures to maintain safe coastal access during erosion
events, such as construction of sand or sandbag ramps
down potential scarps caused by erosion and wave action,
or re-grading of scarps to reduce slope.
4.10-40
•
Identification of triggers for the relocation of facilities, including two
restrooms, individual and group picnic sites, utilities, etc.
•
Identification of triggers for the phased removal of Parking Lot 6,
which shall remain in place until threatened with immediate damage
from wave run-up resulting in erosion of the pavement.
•
Management options for use of the expanded back beach area within
the coastal process zone after erosion events, such as expanded beach
uses (e.g., volleyball courts, fire pits, horseshoes), non-structural
coastal-related recreational areas, such as irrigated lawn, picnic
tables, etc.
•
Identification of measures and triggers required to protect the
structures and utilities associated with Beachside Bar-Café, the
Sundries and Storage Area, lateral beach access, and access to the
Goleta Pier from erosion of unprotected areas to the west.
•
Potential options for longer-term Park reconfiguration designed to
maintain existing types and extent of facilities as erosion progresses,
such as:
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
o Removal of the Ranger’s Residences and Storage area and
use of this area for replacement with Park facilities; or
o Identification of nearby offsite parking areas and the
potential conversion of portions of existing parking lots to
lawn and other recreation facilities to maintain similar
shoreline recreation.
Plan Requirements and Timing. The MRIP would set forth detailed
actions for shoreline management options, emergency responses and
specific parameters for responses to erosion events. The MRIP would also
establish more general preliminary or concept-level site plans which show
the general extent, location and options for longer-term redesign of park
facilities. Because measures associated with longer-term redesign of the
Park may not be required for many years (i.e., between 2030 and 2050)
due to the uncertainty surrounding the extent and timing of erosion, the
MRIP would need to be flexible and provide general guidance to support
planning for acceptable long-term Park redesign. Any such plans for
redesign would also require careful programming of public funds for
implementation of major capital improvements. Emergency responses
which may need to be implemented quickly would need to be more
detailed. The MRIP shall be prepared by the County CSD with review and
support by P&D to ensure consistency with adopted LCP policies. The
draft MRIP shall be funded by the County and completed within 18
months of issuance of the CDP for the Project and would be subject to
review and approval by the County Parks Commission and Board of
Supervisors. The MRIP would be a “living document” subject to periodic
review and update by County CSD to incorporate observations, new
technologies, etc. MRIP review could occur whenever deemed necessary
by County CSD, but would be reviewed for adequacy every 5 years at a
minimum.
MRIP is completed within 18 months of CDP issuance. Copies of the draft
and final MRIP shall also be provided to the California Coastal
Commission staff for review and comment to ensure close coordination
between the County and Coastal Commission on Project implementation.
Final EIR
4.10-41
4.10 RECREATION
Impact
REC-3
Implementation of the proposed Project would improve the safety of
cyclists and pedestrians on the bike path and would protect the bike
path from future damage from erosion and wave run-up (Class IV).
The proposed Project would include widening and realignment of the bike path, which
would enhance the sight lines for cyclists and pedestrians using the path and potentially
reduce the risk of collisions. Because the revetment and Parking Lots 6 and 7 that
currently protect much of the bike path would be removed, the bike path would be less
protected than it is currently. However, the construction of a hardened earthen berm that
would act as a last line of protection for the bike path and relocated utilities beneath. It
would be slightly raised to provide additional protection from wave run-up and stormrelated erosion and would be shifted further landward and outside of the coastal process
zone. The bike path would also be widened and realigned, which would enhance the sight
lines for cyclists and pedestrians using the path and potentially reduce the chance for
collisions. Therefore, the bike path would remain protected from damage and improved
path safety would This would represent result in a beneficial impact to recreation.
Impact
REC-4
The proposed Project would result in short-term and long-term
impacts to parking at Goleta Beach (Class II).
As previously described, parking is generally not considered a potentially significant
effect under CEQA; however, in this case the loss of parking creates potential impacts
related to coastal access and recreation at the Park and in the region. Therefore, the
potential adequacy of existing and future parking was analyzed for the construction and
operational phases of the proposed Project.
Construction Phase: During the construction phase of the Project, equipment and
materials would be staged at the west end of Parking Lot 7; this area would be used until
the demolition of the parking lots. During the demolition of Parking Lot 7, the staging
area would be located in Parking Lot 6, and for the demolition of Parking Lot 6 the
staging area would be moved to the southern half of Parking Lot 5. In addition to the
permanent immediate loss of 107 parking spaces as part of the Project, approximately 60
spaces would be temporarily displaced for the final 1 to 2 months of Project construction
for the removal of Parking Lots 6 and 7. Additionally, approximately 10 parking spaces
in Parking Lot 3 would be temporarily unavailable for 2 months during construction of
the vault protection. Approximately 50 parking spaces in Parking Lots 4 and 5 would be
4.10-42
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
temporarily unavailable for one month during the construction of the relocated utilities.
However, given the short duration of the construction period, limiting construction to
weekdays during winter and the continued availability of approximately 88 percent of the
post-Project parking spaces for public use during construction, the impact of short-term,
construction-related disruption of parking is considered significant but subject to feasible
mitigation.
Operation Phase: The Project would result in the immediate loss of 107 parking spaces
due to the removal of Parking Lots 6 and 7, amounting to 18 percent of the current
existing parking. 5 By 2050, projected damage by storm action and wave run-up would
adversely impact an additional 40 parking spaces in Parking Lots 3 and 5, which would
be exposed by the removal of the revetment. 6 Parking surveys conducted in
Spring/Summer 2012 indicate that the existing parking supply is generally adequate to
meet parking demands during average and peak use during the peak summer months. The
Project includes removal of Parking Lots 6 and 7, thereby reducing the Park's parking
supply from the existing 601 spaces to 494 spaces (net loss of 107 parking spaces in
Parking Lots 6 and 7). The peak parking demands measured in Spring/Summer 2012
were compared to the reduced parking supply to determine the net effect of the loss of the
107 spaces within Parking Lots 6 and 7. Table 4.10-4 shows the peak parking demands
based on 2012 counts) and occupancy forecasts assuming the loss of parking proposed by
the Project.
5
Parking Lots 6 and 7 used to contain 150 spaces but up to 43 spaces within Parking Lot 6 were lost to
beach erosion during the 2002-2003 El Niño event.
6
Spaces in Parking Lot 5 are currently protected by existing revetments proposed for removal and as such
would be directly exposed to future damage from waves and storms. Parking spaces in Parking Lot 3
(downcoast) may be indirectly affected by revetment removal as well because of the proposed Project’s
emphasis on managed retreat rather than coastal protection.
Final EIR
4.10-43
4.10 RECREATION
Table 4.10-4. Future Peak Parking Occupancy Forecasts Based on 2012 Counts
Date/Day
Peak Parking Demand
Parking Supply
% Occupied
Sat. 6/2/12
363
494
73%
Sat. 6/9/12
259
494
52%
Sat. 6/16/12
486
494
98%
Sat. 6/23/12
407
494
82%
Sat. 6/30/12
502
494
102%
Sat. 7/7/12
418
494
85%
Sun. 7/8/12
425
494
86%
Sat. 7/14/12
465
494
94%
Source: ATE 2012.
As shown in Table 4.10-5, the future 494-space parking supply would generally
accommodate overall peak Spring/Summer parking demands. However, as discussed
above, parking in close proximity to lawn areas, picnic facilities and the restaurant would
be anticipated to reach capacity more frequently than the overall Park. This would lead to
increases in drivers circling the Park looking for spaces, vehicle idling while waiting for
parking spaces to open, and increased demand for drop-off and pick-up locations so that
people may unload coolers, picnic supplies and beach equipment without having to walk
extended distances to their preferred locations. In particular, the western half of the Park
would be substantially under-parked, requiring visitors to park in Lots 1, 2 or 3,
approximately 0.25-miles or more from desired Park and beach locations. In addition,
several comments on the Draft EIR included mention that for those with larger vehicles
or unloading bulky equipment (e.g., kayaks, diving gear), loss of easily accessible and
larger spaces would be a major inconvenience. As noted, according to anecdotal evidence
from Park Ranger staff, the existing parking supply is not adequate to meet demands four
to five times a year during warm summer weekends and on summer holidays. The
reduction in parking supply would substantially increase the number of times when the
demand exceeds the supply on weekends and/or holidays, particularly in the western end
of the Park during the peak Spring/Summer period.
Coastal access parking is limited in Santa Barbara County, with few limited alternatives
to Goleta Beach County Park, particularly in the Goleta Valley. As a result, public coastal
access at Goleta Beach is a highly valued resource and the public’s right to access to the
4.10-44
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
Table 4.10-5. Project Impacts on Formal Coastal Parking in the Vicinity of the
Goleta Valley
Approximate Parking
Spaces
Distance from Project
Site (miles)
601
-
Campus Point/ UCSB
30
1.0
Arroyo Burro Beach County Park
159
5.0
Bacara Resort
20
4.5
Ellwood Mesa/ Sperling Preserve
46
4
Total
856
-
Maximum Potential Project Long-term Reduction
147
Beach
709 (-17.2%)
Total
-
coast is a key policy of both the State Coastal Act and the County’s LCP. Additionally,
the loss of Lots 6 and 7 would result in the concentration of parking in the more central
lots. As these lots fill up, Park visitors would need to park in spaces that are less
convenient to their intended use, and carry beach, park, and/or picnic supplies from a
longer distance.
Although parking itself is generally not considered an environmental issue under CEQA,
the loss of parking for the proposed Project is considered a recreational and coastal access
impact. Therefore, impacts related to parking are formally identified in Section 4.10
Recreation under Impact REC-5. Impact REC-5 states that implementation of the
proposed Project would result in the removal of 107 coastal access parking spaces and
potential future loss of 40 additional spaces from coastal erosion. Over the long-term, the
proposed Project’s reduction in parking for coastal access and coastal-related recreation
would exacerbate an existing regional coastal access parking deficiency. This impact
would be significant but subject to feasible mitigation with implementation of
MM REC-5a Unloading Zone and MM REC-5b Parking Replacement Plan.
Mitigation Measures
MM REC-1a, -1b, -1c, and -1d would apply to this impact and would
ensure public access while minimizing to the extent feasible construction
occurring during the peak use periods. Additionally, MM REC-5a and -5b
would require the development of unloading zones as well as a parking
replacement plan which would reduce operational impacts to less than
significant levels.
Final EIR
4.10-45
4.10 RECREATION
Impact
REC-5
Implementation of the proposed Project would result in the
immediate removal of 107 coastal access parking spaces and potential
future loss of 40 additional spaces from coastal erosion, a potentially
significant impact (Class II).
Implementation of the proposed Project would result in the immediate elimination of 107
parking spaces due to the removal of Parking Lots 6 and 7. The loss of 107 parking
spaces would constitute approximately 18 percent of the total parking spaces available to
support recreation and coastal access at the Park. As shown in Table 4.10-4, the Park
currently has adequate parking supply to meet demand on most days, and therefore the
immediate loss of 18 percent of the Park’s existing parking supply may substantially
interfere with recreation and coastal access only during peak times on peak days (refer to
Section 4.10.1.3). However, elimination of Parking Lots 6 and 7 would result in the
concentration of demand for parking in Parking Lots 3, 4, and 5 because they are near
most Park amenities. These lots tend to be the most heavily used in the western portion of
the Park; however, as those lots fill up, Park visitors would no longer be able to use
Parking Lots 6 and 7. Parking Lots 6 and 7 are also sometimes used for parking of
oversized vehicles to avoid taking multiple spots in the more crowded areas of Parking
Lots 3, 4, and 5. In the absence of Parking Lots 6 and 7, these oversized vehicles would
have fewer options where several adjacent spaces provide adequate room to park. In
addition, people using Goleta Beach parking for access to UCSB would likely use spaces
in Lot 5, reducing spaces for Park users. Increased parking enforcement in 2013
substantially reduced instances of illegal parking by UCSB students, and it is anticipated
that additional periodic enforcement efforts would help to continue to reduce this illegal
use in the future. Lots 1 and 2 at the eastern end of the Park, which are located from 500
to 1,500 feet from developed lawn and picnic areas, would be substantially less
convenient for use of picnic and lawn areas, requiring beach goers and Park users to carry
beach and/or picnic supplies farther. Increased searching or waiting for parking and
added distance for walking and carrying recreation supplies would adversely affect the
recreational experience for Park users. In addition, by 2050, parking loss would grow as
high as 24 percent of currently available spaces as a result of potential future stormrelated damage to approximately 40 spaces within Parking Lots 3 and 5, thus resulting in
a total potential loss of 147 parking spaces. Further, the elimination of Parking Lot 7
would result in the loss of an existing boat ramp, which is moderately used primarily for
launching motorized personal watercraft (e.g., jet skis). It is assumed that the removal of
4.10-46
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
the revetment would reduce the need for the boat ramp as there would be a more gradual
slope down to the beach; however, that may not be the case during times of erosion when
vertical scarps are formed. Re-grading of the scarp would be expected to allow continued
use of the boat ramp, even under erosional conditions.
The cobble berm and geotextile revetment proposed by the Project would improve
protection of Parking Lot 3, which is currently unprotected and has approximately 20
parking spaces located within the coastal process zone. However, the cobble berm and
geotextile revetment may not provide adequate long-term protection for that area without
frequent repairs, thus eventually resulting in potential loss of those 20 parking spaces.
That reduction of parking at the Park to 454 spaces would eliminate 17.2 percent of all
formal coastal access parking spaces available in the greater Goleta Valley (refer to
Table 4.10-5). As a result, loss of public coastal access and recreational parking at Goleta
Beach would be a potentially significant impact.
The distance to nearby beaches with free formal coastal access and the extremely limited
number of such spaces would potentially discourage or prohibit recreational access uses
at to the coast. Bacara Resort provides 20 free spaces, Ellwood Mesa provides 46 free
spaces that are approximately 0.5 mile from the beach, and UCSB provides a limited
number of designated coastal access parking spaces subject to a fee; all sites have offer
limited recreational amenities. The nearest beach comparable to Goleta Beach County
Park is Arroyo Burro Beach County Park, located approximately 5 miles east. Parking at
Arroyo Burro Beach is already frequently at or near capacity during peak use periods,
with parking during summer weekends spilling over onto neighborhood streets and thus
regional demand for coastal parking could exceed supply. While sufficient coastal
parking and amenities are available along the Santa Barbara Waterfront, this area is
located outside of the Goleta Valley, can be crowded and would require beach goers to
pay parking access fees. While some beachgoers that are unable to find free coastal
access parking at Goleta Beach may use the Santa Barbara Waterfront, its location
outside of the immediate community, distance and cost could discourage use by some,
limiting access to the coast.
Santa Barbara County’s certified LCP notes the following:
“Existing beach parks owned by the County and State are being used to capacity,
especially during summer weekends. At times of peak demand, existing facilities are
insufficient to accommodate recreational needs and people are turned away. Moreover,
County and State recreational demand projections indicate that facility deficiencies exist
Final EIR
4.10-47
4.10 RECREATION
for most recreation activities. These deficiencies are expected to increase due to growth
in population, tourism, and the popularity of many coastal dependent or related
recreational activities. Consequently, a program of land acquisition and facility
development needs to be implemented if demand for coastal recreation is to be satisfied”
(Refer to section 3.7.3 Planning Issues; page 83; County of Santa Barbara 2009).
Therefore, the proposed Project’s immediate reduction in parking for coastal access and
coastal-related recreation would exacerbate this existing deficiency and would result in a
significant impact. Given existing parking demand at the Park, with adequate parking
generally available, creation of additional parking (MM REC-5a and REC-5b) would
reduce this impact to less than significant. Longer-term loss of parking associated with
potential damage to Parking Lot 3 could be offset by repair and maintenance of the
cobble berm and geotextile core dune fronting Parking Lot 3 (refer to MM CP-2a).
However, by 2050 the cobble berm and geotextile core dune would be destroyed or
moved landward by wave action and Parking Lot 3 would be exposed to damage from
erosion; Parking Lot 5 would also be exposed to damage as a result of implementation of
the proposed Project. Incorporation of MM REC-5a and REC-5b would provide for as
many as 155 additional parking spaces, offsetting the immediate loss of 107 spaces and
even the future potential loss of 40 additional spaces caused by erosion to the 1943
coastal process zone. The replacement parking identified under REC-5b are initial
examples of measures that would be refined through preparation of a formal Parking
Replacement Plan, but demonstrate the feasibility of this mitigation. Therefore, impacts
to parking for recreational access at the park would be significant but subject to feasible
mitigation.
MM REC-5a Unloading Zone. An unloading zone near the picnic areas shall be
developed in order to allow Park visitors to unload beach, park, and/or
picnic supplies at a convenient location prior to finding parking.
Plan Requirements and Timing. Plans showing the specific extent,
location and design of the proposed unloading zone shall be prepared by
CSD Parks Division. The plans for these improvements shall be submitted
for review and approval by P&D prior to issuance of land use clearance.
Monitoring. Permit Compliance staff shall ensure the unloading zone
complies with all approved plans prior to final inspection.
4.10-48
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
MM REC-5b Parking Replacement Plan. The CSD Parks Division shall prepare a
Parking Replacement Plan that shall address the following parking
replacement measures. The goal of this plan would be to develop
additional parking spaces; however, given limited space within the Park,
provision of replacement parking would need to be balanced with other
needs during preparation of the MRIP (refer to MM REC-2a).
•
Parking Demand Survey. Following completion of the Project phased
removal of Parking Lot 7 and the phased removal of Parking Lot 6
(see MM REC-2a), the County shall perform a survey of the parking
demand at the Park during peak parking demand periods to provide
data to inform the preparation of the Parking Replacement Plan and
provide guidance for selecting the appropriate parking replacement
measures while balancing the competing needs, including the need for
parking of large vehicles (e.g., motorhomes, boat trailers, etc.).
•
Reconfigure Parking Lot 3. The parking bays within Lot 3 shall be
extended to increase parking near the Beachside Bar-Café. Converting
the 90-degree spaces to angled parking would also increase parking
within Lot 3. There is also an island adjacent to a utility vault within
the lot where angled parking shall be implemented. These changes are
estimated to result in a net gain of 10-15 parking spaces.
•
Reconfigure Parking Lots 4 & 5. The parking layout in Lots 4 and 5
shall be revised to 65-70 degree angled parking. This would provide
an additional aisle in both lots, with a net addition of 30-40 parking
spaces.
•
Roadside Parking by Horseshoe Pits. A bank of angled parking (70degree) shall be provided along the north side of the Park's access
road fronting the horseshoe pit area. This would provide about 20
parking spaces, but reduce the grassy area adjacent to the horseshoe
pits by about 15 feet (the length of the parking spaces).
•
Conversion of Existing Bridge Space to Parking. Upon completion of
the bridge replacement project, the existing bridge area within the
Park could be converted to parking spaces, with an estimated 10
additional spaces created.
Final EIR
4.10-49
4.10 RECREATION
•
Convert Open Storage Areas to Parking. The open storage area
adjacent to the snack bar and the area east of the Rangers’ residences
should also be considered for conversion to parking. Converting a
portion of these areas to parking would result in a net addition of 5-10
spaces for each, for a total of up to 20 spaces.
•
Convert One Ranger Residence Area to Parking. For future
consideration after the residence is no longer occupied, the area
occupied by one of the two ranger residences could be converted to
parking. This would provide an estimated 40 to 50 spaces, depending
on final design constraints.
•
Remote Parking and Shuttle. Evaluate and consider the viability of a
shuttle program for beach visitors during peak parking demand
periods using remote parking at UCSB or other location.
Plan Requirements and Timing. The Parking Replacement Plan would
set forth the general extent, location and redesign of additional parking
spaces. The Plan shall be prepared by the CSD Parks Division with review
and support by P&D to ensure consistency with adopted LCP policies. The
Plan for these improvements shall be submitted for review by P&D and
approval by the Parks Commission prior to issuance of land use clearance
for the Project.
Parking Replacement Plan is completed no more than 18 months after
CDP issuance. Permit Compliance staff shall ensure that any
improvements comply with approved plans.
Impact
REC-6
The removal of existing revetments and parking lots under the
proposed Project would result in an increase in beach area available
for coastal-dependent recreation and incremental improvement to
lateral beach access (Class IV).
The proposed Project would improve coastal dependent recreation in two ways. First, the
removal of Lots 6 and 7 would result in creation of approximately one acre of new sandy
beach area at the western end of the Park. This area would increase the amount of beach
available for coastal-dependent recreation. However, this new beach is relatively distant
4.10-50
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
from the water, from available parking, and lawn areas. Further, it would be adjacent to
the noise corridor along SR 217 and thus would likely receive low to moderate levels of
use. However, during and following erosional events when dry sandy beach area is
limited, use of this area and associated benefits may increase.
Second, through removal of approximately 1,200 feet of existing rock revetment, the
proposed Project would open up approximately 0.44 acres of beach during erosional
periods. 7 These revetments have typically been covered with sand for almost the entire
roughly 9-year period since their most recent installation in 2005. Thus, historically these
revetments have not limited beach area or interfered with public access during the
ongoing period of minimal erosion and sand accretion.
However, during severe erosional periods associated with El Niño events or major storms
that may occur over the next 20 years, the revetment is projected to become periodically
exposed again. While exposed, the revetment would limit public access to the beach
beneath the rocks and potentially interfere with public lateral access in front of the Park,
particularly during higher tides. However, the primary limitation on westward lateral
access toward UCSB is the headland or sub point at the west end of Goleta Beach which
projects seaward approximately 150 feet of the revetment. While the frequency and
duration of revetment exposure are difficult to predict, removal of the revetment would
reduce the potential for these revetments to incrementally limit lateral beach access
following such major storm and erosional events, beneficially affecting public access;
however, the scarp along the edge of the lawn that would be created following storm
events would impede vertical public access in a manner similar to the revetment. Such a
scarp could be re-graded to minimize the slope and facilitate vertical access (refer to MM
REC-2a).
In addition, revetment removal would permit natural coastal processes to occur, resulting
in incremental beneficial effects to downcoast beaches (i.e., More Mesa) from increased
sand storage at Goleta Beach, which could be released into the littoral system and
transported downcoast during the next erosional event, and from the addition of minor
amounts of sand from Goleta Beach and dune erosion to the littoral system. However, as
discussed in Sections 4.4 and 4.8, this incremental increase would be minimal. Sea level
rise would result in more frequent exposure of the revetment due to increased wave attack
at higher elevations on the beach.
7
Assuming that the revetment is an average of 8 feet tall and constructed at a typical 2:1 slope, it is
approximately 16 feet wide at its base and covers 0.44 acres of beach.
Final EIR
4.10-51
4.10 RECREATION
Another potential beneficial effect of revetment removal is a reduction in passive erosion
during periods of intensified wave action when the revetment is exposed. Passive erosion
occurs when a hard structure is built along a shoreline undergoing a period of erosion,
such that the adjacent shoreline will eventually migrate landward up to or beyond the
structure. The effect of this migration may include the gradual loss of beach in front of
the revetment as the water deepens and the shoreface profile moves landward. The
location of the existing revetments relatively high on the beach profile limits the potential
for passive erosion under existing climatic conditions. Although In addition, historically,
passive erosion associated with the western revetments at Goleta Beach has been minimal
to nonexistent. However, recent modeling of future shoreline position indicates that
removal of the western revetments would avoid potential passive erosion of unknown
duration which may occur during a future major erosional event. Further, this would
avoid the potential for increased passive erosion associated with projected sea level rise
between 2030 and 2050 and beyond. Removal of the revetment would expose areas used
for coastal-related recreation (e.g., activities occurring on the grassy portion of the Park)
to wave attack and erosion during the next erosional event, but would provide for
incremental gains in beach area for coastal-dependent recreational uses. This benefit of
greater beach area would increase with sea level rise, particularly after 2030. Removal of
1,200 feet of revetment at Goleta Beach would constitute the removal of 0.7 percent of
the 33 miles of coastal armoring along the Santa Barbara Littoral Cell between Point
Conception and Point Mugu (Department of Boating and Waterways and California
Coastal Conservancy 2002). Coastal armoring and construction of revetments in the
region has resulted in substantial adverse effects on lateral access in this region,
particularly where such revetments intrude into intertidal or even subtidal areas. Such
existing revetments near Sandyland, at the mouth of the Carpinteria Slough or near
Hammonds Meadow in Montecito significantly impede public access along the coast
except at low or even minus tides. That is not the case with the revetment at Goleta
Beach. Although the revetment at the Park has had minimal effect on lateral access
during its existence, removal of the 1,200 feet of existing revetment would incrementally
reduce coastal armoring in the region and result in an incremental but limited beneficial
impact to regional beach recreation and lateral beach access.
4.10.3.4 Cumulative Impacts
Impact
REC-7
4.10-52
The loss of developed parkland and coastal access parking at the
Project site, in combination with sea level rise and coastal erosion
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
impacts to other coastal recreation areas, would result in regional
developed coastal recreation deficiencies (Class I).
By 2050, the potential long-term loss of developed coastal park facilities at Goleta Beach,
in particular the loss of coastal picnic areas and lawn, would substantially reduce the
recreational value of one the most heavily used County parks and a resource highly
valued by the local and regional community (refer to Impact REC-2). This loss would
occur in combination with the potential reduction and loss of other coastal recreation
resources in the Project vicinity. In particular, low-lying portions of coastal recreational
areas would be similarly forced to retreat as sea level and erosion incrementally reduce
existing recreation areas and facilities. Some developed coastal parks in the Project
vicinity have room for landward retreat; most, however, are limited by adjacent
development or topography that would inhibit replacement of lost parklands and
potentially reduce the recreational value of the parks that may be subject to managed
retreat due to sea level rise, such as at Arroyo Burro Beach County Park. Under current
models, most of the Santa Barbara Waterfront and other low-lying portions of the
coastline are anticipated to be subject to wave run-up, frequent coastal flooding and
potential movement of the shoreline landward over time.
As shoreline recreational areas or amenities become reduced or eliminated, use of and
demand for remaining coastal recreational areas would increase. In addition, population
in the region is anticipated to increase, which would result in additional population with
recreational needs (SBCAG 2007). Demand for structural protection of coastal recreation
areas would likely increase under this potential future condition. Such coastal armoring
has the potential to adversely impact coastal processes and coastal-dependent recreation
and would require long-term upkeep or reinforcement to maintain adequate coastal
protection against a rising sea level. By 2050, this may apply to Goleta Beach as well,
where sea level rise and associated wave run-up during storm events would likely
eventually overtop or damage the existing revetment as well as the proposed geotextile
dune, requiring costly upkeep and maintenance of these structures. Although managed
retreat is the environmentally preferable approach to coastal management and protection
of coastal-dependent recreation due to potential adverse cumulative effects associated
with coastal armoring (refer to Section 4.4, Coastal Processes), this coastal management
approach is anticipated to provide limited options for the public and concerned agencies
when faced with difficult choices over the protection of vulnerable coastal-related
recreational amenities while limiting disruption of natural coastal processes and coastaldependent recreation.
Final EIR
4.10-53
4.10 RECREATION
Based on the State of California’s adopted sea level rise projections, substantial portions
of the regional coastline would be subject to flooding and inundation by 2050. Although
much of the region would be protected from coastal flooding by the bluffs that
characterize much of the coastline, low lying areas would be vulnerable. This includes
much of the most heavily used portions of the coast for recreation, such as Arroyo Burro
Beach County Park and the Santa Barbara waterfront. These areas would be the most
likely alternatives for beach recreational use for people in the Goleta Valley if Goleta
Beach facilities were to be substantially degraded.
The continued conversion and loss of developed coastal parkland due to coastal erosion
and sea level rise would result in a significant cumulative impact. Given the importance
of Goleta Beach County Park from a regional perspective in terms of the coastal-related
recreational facilities that it offers, the future loss and degradation of the Park’s facilities
(including approximately 147 parking spaces) associated with the combination of
revetment removal and sea level rise would result in a cumulatively considerable
contribution to this impact. Mitigation measures proposed to reduce the Project-specific
impact (most notably MM REC-2a) would lessen the Project’s contribution to this
impact; however, significant impacts would remain. Recreation planning in the face of
climate change and sea level rise would help prepare the County to adapt and respond to
changing conditions at publicly owned coastal beaches and parks. Such an effort could
include an assessment of current and anticipated coastal recreational needs, management
plan concepts for individual parks and beaches, identification of locations for the
provision of new coastal recreational facilities, and a public access management plan that
maintains public access to and along the shoreline. However, such a long-range regional
plan is beyond the scope of this project and would instead be more appropriately
conducted as part of the County’s climate action planning efforts.
Impact
REC-8
Construction of the proposed Project, together with other projects in
the Goleta Valley, would generate less than significant short-term
impacts to recreation through generation of nuisance noise,
displacement of parking, and degraded visual resources (Class III).
Past, pending, planned, and approved projects in the Goleta Valley are primarily inland
and would therefore not result in similar coastal recreational impacts. Planned, pending
and approved projects that relate to the primary impacts of this proposed Project include
4.10-54
Final EIR
4.10 RECREATION
replacement of the access bridge across the Goleta Slough, and the Santa Barbara County
Flood Control District (SBCFCD) supplemental transfer to Goleta Beach. Short-term
cumulative impacts may include construction-related noise combined with noise from
flood control maintenance activities in the Goleta Slough or construction of the new
bridge entering Goleta Beach Park. Short-term cumulative impacts may also include
short-term disturbance to recreational access, nuisance construction equipment noise, and
impacts on visual resources due to construction activities. Access to the Park would be
maintained during construction of the bridge. Therefore, construction impacts would be
short-term and would result in a less than significant cumulative effect to recreational
use and access to Goleta Beach.
Other cumulative projects such as the SBCFCD’s sand nourishment would beneficially
contribute to beach width, enhancing the beach recreation area of Goleta Beach. The
County’s acquisition of the Douglas Family Preserve, the Carpinteria Bluffs and Elwood
Mesa has provided a substantial contribution to publicly-owned areas available for
coastal recreation. Cumulatively, these projects enhance coastal recreation opportunities;
however, no substantial new developed recreational improvements or parking facilities
are planned, pending or proposed and developed coastal recreation facilities would
remain deficient in the Goleta Valley.
4.10.3.5 Residual Impacts
Implementation of mitigation measures during construction would reduce constructionrelated impacts to recreation at Goleta Beach (Impact REC-1) to an adverse but less than
significant level. Construction effects such as closure of certain portions of the Park,
nuisance noise and visual effects from construction equipment would remain, but would
be temporary and less than significant. Loss of developed shoreline recreational and
coastal access facilities at Goleta Beach from erosion would result in a substantial impact
to recreational resources and coastal access in the Goleta Valley. These impacts would be
partially reduced through implementation of MM REC-2a, which would identify and
implement plans to maximize the recreational and coastal access values of remaining
Park land; however, impacts associated with loss of Park facilities (Impacts REC-2 and
REC-6) would remain significant and unavoidable (Class I) due to the projected impact
of coastal processes on the Park. While the timing of Park facility loss from coastal
processes is unknown, it is reasonably foreseeable that major damage to the Park would
occur. Implementation of mitigation measures, particularly any long-term major
reconfiguration of the Park, could be delayed if funding is not available. Major projects
Final EIR
4.10-55
4.10 RECREATION
such as construction of new parking or lawn areas, if desired, would need to be
programmed in the County’s Capital Improvement Plan. However, the measures
preliminarily identified in MM REC-2a are considered feasible under reasonably
foreseeable County funding, and separate plans that would be incorporated into the MRIP
would include cost/benefit analyses to identify those responses that could be
implemented within existing budgets.
The removal of 107 coastal access parking spaces, as well as the longer term potential
loss of 40 additional parking spaces (Impacts REC-4 and REC-5) would be considered a
potentially significant but mitigable impact (Class II). Mitigation is available to replace
the lost parking and sufficient space would remain within the Park to create additional
parking spaces if required, although some measures may require the conversion of other
Park facilities (e.g., horseshoe pits, ranger’s residences) to parking spaces, with resulting
adverse effects to recreation. Another potential location for parking would be north of
existing Lots 6 and 7 near SR 217; however, such a location may not be feasible given
Caltrans requirements for clear space adjacent to State highways and the presence of the
bike path. Implementation of MM REC-5a and -5b would reduce the adverse effects to
recreation from loss of parking; however, similar to MM REC-2a, the replacement of
parking lots would be dependent upon obtaining funding and would need to be
programmed in the County’s Capital Improvement Plan which could potentially increase
the amount of time it would take to obtain funding since County funding resources must
be balanced between all County capital improvements. However, given that the majority
of the 107 parking spaces could be replaced through simple restriping, implementation of
the suggested parking lot reconfiguration is economically feasible and consequently
would reduce Impacts REC-4 and REC-5 to a less than significant level.
Cumulative construction impacts (i.e., Impact REC-8) would be short-term and would not
result in residual impacts to recreational use and access to Goleta Beach. However, the
continued conversion and loss of developed coastal parkland, including Goleta Beach,
due to coastal erosion and sea level rise (i.e., Impact REC-7) would result in a significant
cumulative impact, as project-specific mitigation would be insufficient to reduce the
Project’s contribution to the reduction in coastal parkland to a less than significant level.
4.10-56
Final EIR

4.10 Recreation - Santa Barbara County Planning and Development

Transcription

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