Torrey Pines State Beach Sea Level Rise Adaptation Engineering and Design
2 Documents in Project
Summary
SCH Number
2023070490
Public Agency
California State Coastal Conservancy
(SCC)
Document Title
Torrey Pines State Beach Sea Level Rise Adaptation Engineering and Design
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/5/2023
Document Description
Notice of exemption for Coastal Conservancy approval of grant funding. The previous planning phase of the Torrey Pines State Beach Sea Level Rise Adaptation project, funded by the Conservancy, included a site conditions analysis, technical studies, a feasibility analysis, and an evaluation of three preliminary concept designs. Emphasizing the use of multiple benefit sea-level rise accommodation strategies, including managed retreat, nature-based strategies, and living shoreline design techniques, the previous planning phase developed three strategies and preliminary concept designs for the North Lot. Based on the results from additional technical analysis and stakeholder input, the Reduced Footprint: Retreat to the North option was selected as the preferred managed retreat strategy (Exhibit 2 Feasibility Study). This strategy presents unique opportunities to expand and re-connect native habitats that support rare/sensitive plants and listed species while still serving the public need for coastal access along with improved amenities and utilities for park patrons and State Parks staff, including first responders. The Reduced Footprint: Retreat to the North alternative will remove parking spaces, convert removed infrastructure to restored habitat area, improve State Parks Lifeguard facilities, construct a stormwater infiltration swale along the edge of the North Lot to capture and treat runoff, provide improved tidal connection to the salt marsh area north of McGonigle Road, and provide other amenities, such as nature trails, interpretive panels, and parking lot amenities.
The engineering and design phase will build upon efforts and deliverables generated in project planning and include refining the project design, additional surveys and models needed for engineering, special status species surveys, engineering design for the preferred alternative, generation of construction plans and specifications, and securing project permits needed for construction of the newly designed North Lot. Stakeholder engagement will occur throughout this phase of the project through presentations, meetings, and workshops open to the public, along with outreach efforts targeting key user groups.
Contact Information
Name
Kellan Warner
Agency Name
California State Coastal Conservancy
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Del Mar, La Jolla
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
North Beach Parking Lot at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The North Lot is a six-acre triangular-shaped asphalt parking lot with 502 parking spaces located near the intersection of Carmel Valley Road and the North Torrey Pines Road section of Highway 101.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class: 4 Section: 15304
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is exempt from review under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15304, which exempts projects that consist of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes. The project site is currently developed as a parking lot. No healthy, mature, scenic trees will be removed as part of the project. The project will consist of minor alterations to land, such as minor grading, landscaping, and backfilling (see Guideline 15304 subsections (a), (b), (c), and (f). State Parks determined that there was no potential to affect wildlife habitat and that the project qualifies as exempt under Guideline 15304.