California Construction News staff writer
To safeguard the future of San Diego’s coastline and mitigate the risks posed by rising sea levels, the city has unveiled a draft Coastal Resilience Master Plan, inviting public feedback on proposed projects to protect coastal neighborhoods, ecosystems, and access for residents and visitors.
“Our shorelines are increasingly vulnerable, and the Coastal Resilience Master Plan will implement the most cost-effective, natural solutions for long-term viability,” said Joe LaCava, Council President Pro Tem and chair of the Environment Committee. “Backed by science and community input, these projects are designed to adapt our shoreline to the effects of sea level rise while protecting our coastal neighborhoods.”
The city’s coastline, spanning more than 17 miles, is home to vital ecosystems and supports key industries, including trade, tourism, recreation, and military operations. However, the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident, with sea levels in San Diego rising by about 6 inches since 1970. Projections suggest a rise of up to 0.8 feet by 2050 and as much as 6.7 feet by 2100. This increase in sea level threatens to exacerbate coastal flooding, erosion, and the loss of recreational space.
The draft Coastal Resilience Master Plan addresses these challenges by focusing on “nature-based solutions,” which integrate natural features to protect the shoreline and enhance resilience. Unlike traditional engineering approaches, nature-based solutions mimic or restore natural processes to strengthen coastal defenses. These could include restoring habitats, building passive dunes, and creating waterfront parks.
The plan identifies six key sites for nature-based projects: La Jolla Shores, Tourmaline Surf Park, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach (Dog Beach), Ocean Beach (Beachfront Pier), and Sunset Cliffs. For each location, a high-level concept design has been proposed, prioritizing not only protection from rising seas but also enhancing wildlife habitats, preserving cultural resources, and ensuring continued access to the coast for recreation.
“The coast is an irreplaceable resource for San Diego,” said Heidi Vonblum, city planning director. “It provides recreational opportunities, supports our economy, and serves as a vital part of our cultural identity. We must have a plan in place to adapt to the changing environment, and community input is essential to ensuring these projects meet the needs and values of the public.”
To gather input, the city is encouraging residents to participate in an online survey or share their thoughts by emailing Cl****************@sa******.gov. Additionally, the city will host a community webinar today (Nov. 18), from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., where members of the public can learn more about the draft plan, review proposed project concepts, and provide feedback. A recording of the webinar will be available afterward for those unable to attend live.
A draft programmatic environmental impact report (PEIR) is expected to be released in late November, with a public review period open through early January 2025. The city plans to incorporate feedback from the review process into the final version of the plan, which will be presented at a public hearing in spring 2025.
Once adopted, designs will be further refined through engineering studies, environmental analyses, and ongoing community engagement. The city plans to move forward with construction as funding becomes available.
The master plan is a key piece of Climate Resilient SD (CRSD), the city’s broader strategy to address climate change-related hazards, including extreme heat, flooding, drought, and wildfires.
