Half Moon Bay Planning Commission Meeting - May 26, 2026

The Half Moon Bay Planning Commission met on May 26, 2026, to consider a sign permit for a permanent mural, a coastal development permit for modifications to the California Coastal Trail, and the Capital Improvement Program for fiscal years 2026-2029. The meeting included public comments on trail safety and discussions on surface materials, managed retreat, and project prioritization.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dell Kitchen, owner of property at 2 Morada Road, expressed strong concerns about the safety of the existing trail section, calling it an emergency with a 25-foot drop-off. He criticized the proposed solution as a temporary band-aid and noted that orange barriers have been in place since 2016/2017. He also mentioned ongoing litigation between Casemira and the California Coastal Commission, and stated that State Parks had been unresponsive to his outreach.
• Tyler Landinski, a professional with coastal erosion experience, recommended hiring a consultant to study erosion rates to design a longer-lasting solution, noting that the area is prone to rapid bluff retreat during El Niño years.

Discussion Items

• Sign Permit for Permanent Mural at 507 Perissima (PDP 26-032): Staff presented the proposal for a mural on a blank west-facing wall. The mural includes the phrase "Half Moon Bay" and is purely artistic. The project meets sign code standards and is categorically exempt from CEQA. Commissioners expressed support, noting the mural enhances visual character. No public comments were received. The permit was approved unanimously.
• Coastal Development Permit for California Coastal Trail Modifications: Staff presented a proposal to relocate approximately 50 linear feet of the trail eastward, install split-rail fencing, and use decomposed granite (DG) with a binding agent. The project is intended as an interim safety fix due to bluff erosion. Public comments raised safety concerns and questioned the choice of DG over asphalt. Commissioners debated the surface material, with some favoring asphalt for consistency with the rest of the trail and bicycle safety. The applicant (State Parks) noted cost constraints but indicated flexibility. A motion to approve with a condition requiring asphalt (or a thinner asphalt section) passed 4-0.
• Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for FY 2026-2029: Staff presented a streamlined three-year CIP with 34 projects across seven categories. Key new projects include the Coastal Trail Safety and Rehabilitation Project, Main Street Bridge work, and stormwater improvements. Commissioners asked about undergrounding utilities, evacuation planning, and school access safety. The commission adopted a resolution finding the CIP consistent with the General Plan.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes from the May 12, 2026 meeting (with a correction) by a vote of 3-0 (one commissioner abstained due to absence).
• Approved Sign Permit PDP 26-032 for the permanent mural at 507 Perissima (4-0).
• Approved Coastal Development Permit for trail modifications with a condition to use asphalt as the surface material (4-0).
• Adopted Resolution finding the Capital Improvement Program consistent with the city's General Plan (4-0).
• The meeting adjourned after commissioner communications.