Is it madness to build on this $2.65 million dollar lot? Calif Coastal Commissioners are rethinking the approval

[Demovictory9]

An empty lot at 35075 Beach Road is the site of a proposed two-story duplex development which was approved by the city, but is being appealed by the Coastal Commission at Capistrano Beach in Dana Point, CA, on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)



https://www.ocregister.com/2024/01/11/beachfront-living-dreams-wiping-out-dana-point-plan-shows-building-challenges-on-the-coast/

Beachfront living dreams wiping out? Dana Point plan shows building challenges on the coast

When the empty beachfront lot hit the market two years ago in Dana Point, it was touted as a rare opportunity to build a dream home right on the sand.

“Enjoy ocean breezes, sensational sunsets and unbeatable panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean,” the listing read. “Coastal California living doesn’t get much better than this!”

The dirt lot sold in 2021 for $2.65 million.

But plans for a two-story duplex envisioned for Beach Road – a stretch of coast once the epitome of oceanfront living – hit a roadblock when two California Coastal Commissioners argued that despite several considerations for sea level rise incorporated into the designs and the previous approval of Dana Point officials, the development could pose a “significant impact” and needs further review. A commission hearing will be scheduled.

Their objections speak to whether builders should have the right to develop along the coast, despite threats from the sea, and how sea level rise and beach erosion are blurring the line between public access rights and private property in some areas.

[intheflow]

1. Anyone considering building on that lot is insane.

It's already half washed away, insurance will be through the roof. I wholly support blocking this development (and all ocean beachfront) development/redevelopment. It's just a darn shame that the developers blew $2.65M on it.

[Demovictory9]

11. Its ok. See the red dozer putting the soil back?

[hunter]

2. It's sacrificial housing protecting the highway and railroad tracks from the ocean.

They are actually saving the state and railroad a lot of money.

I'd post this as sarcasm except I can imagine some overly wealthy person actually making this argument.

I note with some wonder that the lot is next to a storm drain too.

It's just begging the weather gods to take it.

[mopinko]

3. we have to stop building like this.

there was a map here the other day of places that have flooded repeatedly. we absolutely have to stop rebuilding in places where the water has already taken 1 bldg.

[doc03]

4. They will expect taxpayers to foot the bill when it gets washed away. nt

[dutch777]

5. Build on sand in a major earthquake zone next to the ocean... what could go wrong?

There really should be new guidelines for much of existing coastal development, that if you are in a high risk area for earthquake, rising ocean levels, other flooding, etc. You can live there as long as it lasts but if these risks take out the property, you don't get to rebuild there. In many places I think insurance companies by withdrawing their protective coverage are essentially saying that so that only those with money to burn can enjoy that risk ongoing but zoning and other guidelines should support lowering risks long term.

[LiberalFighter]

6. Will they be able to get home insurance?

[cojoel]

7. How will they get insurance in California?

It is hard enough for any property these days.

[Demovictory9]

12. Not sure. The vast majority of the value is in the location so maybe they don't care

[CoopersDad]

14. They don't care about insurance, they have cash.

They aren't like you and me.

[tinrobot]

8. Considering what's already built along that stretch, I don't see this as pristine land.

That whole area is already built up, just look at the neighbors. If they want to take a risk that the parcel might be underwater in a few decades, that's their call.

At least they're not trying to develop untouched land in Yosemite or something.

[wackadoo wabbit]

13. Underwater "in a few decades"? More likely by the end of this decade!

Climate change is proceeding much faster than most people realize. And every climate milestone that we pass is always, inevitably declared to have been "sooner than expected."

Once the Thwaites Glacier collapses, sea levels could rise as much as 5 meters. (That's 15 feet in freedom units.)

https://www.newscientist.com/definition/thwaites-glacier/

[Fla Dem]

9. At some point all those homes will be sliding into the ocean.

And across the Coast Highway all those million dollar homes are built on a slowly eroding mountain of sand, they'll be gone too. Maybe not in my lifetime but at some point.



https://www.google.com/maps/place/35075+Beach+Rd,+Dana+Point,+CA+92624/@33.4533779,-117.6652652,296m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x80dcf16c9e02e6fd:0x6f6d263cadf2df7b!8m2!3d33.4530349!4d-117.6650965!16s%2Fg%2F11c2f1vr60?entry=ttu

I live in NE Florida and along the coast in Ponte Vedra the same thing is happening. Every major storm takes more of the coastline away, yet developers and investors continue to rebuild along the coastline. Some home are just on stilts with stairs leading up to the living quarters.

[CoopersDad]

15. They are building on stilts, caissons, as required. It should outlive the neighborhood.

I live adjacent to a row of such homes, one street back from the beach, and the most recently built home was built a full 12 feet or more above its neighbors.

[usonian]

10. Who remembers "The Price is Right"

For all its leadership, California has the most corrupt commissions, starting with the PUC.

OPINION