TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Mark Danaj, City Manager
FROM:
Marisa Lundstedt, Community Development Director
Mark Leyman, Parks and Recreation Director
Laurie B. Jester, Planning Manager
Eric Haaland, Associate Planner
Jessica Vincent, Recreation Manager
SUBJECT:Title
Conduct Public Hearing and Adoption of Resolution No. 15-0044 for a Coastal Development Permit to Allow a Program for Recreational Beach Rentals and a Welcome/Information Center in the Sand Lot South of the Lower South Pier Parking Lot (Community Development Director Lundstedt and Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 15-0044
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Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 15-0044 approving a Coastal Development Permit for the Welcome/Information Center and Recreational Beach Rentals in the Sand Lot South of the Lower South Pier Parking Lot annually from April through September, beginning in 2016.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
If approved, under the terms of the attached contract, the operator, Nikau Kai Waterman Shop will pay the City 15% of the monthly gross receipts. As per the agreement with the State of California, any charges, fees, or collections made by CITY for services, benefits, or accommodations to the general public shall be limited to actual needs for maintenance, control, operation, and improvements of said property.”
BACKGROUND:
In summer 2014, staff partnered with Nikau Kai on a trial program, to provide information, referral and beach rentals in the sand lot south of the lower pier parking lots. On a daily basis, Nikau Kai staff placed a 10 foot by 10 foot canopy in the sandy lot and provided surf, paddle, and boogie boards for rentals. In addition, they placed a trailer in the sand lot to store equipment. Feedback from the community was positive and visitors enjoyed the opportunity to rent a surf, paddle, or boogie board, or learn about city sponsored beach programs. Additionally, visitors were guided on dining and shopping options. Although bike rentals were not included in the 2014 program, the majority of rental inquiries were for bicycles.
Due to the success of the program, staff issued a request for quotations (RFQ) to provide beach rentals and information and referral in the sand lot south of the lower south Pier parking lot.
DISCUSSION:
During the City Council meeting on June 2, 2015, City Council approved the proposal from Nikau Kai Waterman Shop to continue the seasonal pilot program to provide beach rentals and a Welcome/Information Center in the Sand Lot South of the lower South Pier Parking Lot. The program was intended to launch in summer 2015; however, if no appeal is made to the Coastal Commission the earliest the operation would be ready to open is September 16, 2015, as the agreement term would begin on August 19, then the vendor needs up to six weeks to purchase and retrofit the facility.
The Welcome/Information Center will provide a total beach experience to visitors and locals by providing referrals for beach programs, and dining and shopping in Manhattan Beach. The Welcome Center will also increase recreational opportunities and access to the beach through beach equipment rental services to include surfboards, stand up paddle boards, body boards, a maximum of 8 beach cruisers, and beach equipment. Additionally, the selected vendor has proposed to retail beach and bike essentials, such as sunscreen, bike locks, sunscreen, beach towels, water, sports drinks, sand toys, waterproof cases, frisbees, volleyballs, hats, fin keys, wax, leashes, energy bars, energy gels, sunglasses, bike locks, bike multi-tools, tire repair kits, intertubes, brake pads, chains, bells, lights, and baskets. Based on City Council direction, there will be no advertisements on the facility.
Given the timing of the permit process, Nikau Kai Waterman Shop has proposed to operate the Welcome Center from April 1, 2015 through Labor Day to capture visitors during spring recess. The hours of operation would be 9 am to 7 pm daily. Upon completion of the season, the vendor will be responsible for storing the container offsite.
In addition to the attached City agreement, Staff has sent a request of the proposed operating plan to the State of California for use of the sandy triangle lot.
Staff will provide a status update to the City Council upon completion of the first six month trial period.
Environmental Review
The proposed temporary program is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Per the CEQA Guidelines, the program is exempt pursuant to the following provisions: Section 15304 (e), “Minor Alterations to Land;” and Section 15311 (c), “Accessory Structures;”
The proposed project is a removable facility adjacent to a public beach in which the project will not result in any degradation or alteration to the condition of land, water or vegetation.
Coastal Development Permit
The beach area is located within the Open Space (OS) district of the City’s Zoning Code and is regulated by the provisions of the City’s certified Local Coastal Program. The Open Space District allows “Park and Recreation Facilities,” as a permitted use. The proposed welcome/rental facility would be an incidental component of the overall beach recreational use, as an accessory use, similar to snack bar, lifeguard, and maintenance facilities.
The required coastal permit notice was published in the Beach Reporter and mailed to owners and residents of properties within 100 feet of the parcel on which the facility is to located, as well as to interested parties. Notice of the City Council’s action on of the permit will be provided to the California Coastal Commission. The Coastal Commission will then initiate an appeal period, which could result in further review of the project extending at least 7 weeks beyond a City Council approval date. Staff’s review of the coastal development permit finds the proposed installation to be consistent with the City’s coastal program as follows:
The structures would serve beach users to enhance their coastal experience, and not obstruct access ways within the coastal zone. The project will provide a multi-faceted visitor serving use. While the use will occupy some space near the beach, access to the beach, Strand, bike path and pier will not be obstructed. The removable facility would be located at the base of a retaining wall supporting The Strand, adjacent to existing utility structures where coastal views would not be significantly affected.
PUBLIC OUTREACH/INTEREST:
Staff delivered the staff report to FunBunns Beach Rentals in Downtown Manhattan Beach and personally notified residents along The Strand adjacent to the proposed site.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 15-0044 approving a Coastal Development Permit for the Welcome/Information Center and Recreational Beach Rentals in the Sand Lot South of the Lower South Pier Parking Lot from April through September 2016.
Attachments:
1. Resolution 15-0044
2. Nikau Kai Waterman Shop Agreement to Operate Welcome/Information Center