Coastal Clash: The Battle Over Seawalls in Half Moon Bay and Their Implications for California

California’s coastline is no stranger to controversy, and the ongoing battle over a proposed 257-foot concrete seawall in Half Moon Bay is no exception. The clash between local residents, environmental advocates, and state authorities highlights the complex tension between protecting private property and preserving public beaches.

Half Moon Bay is one of California’s most vulnerable areas to rising sea levels and coastal erosion. After a powerful storm in 2016 caused significant damage, concerned residents urged the California Coastal Commission to build a seawall to shield the area from further erosion. However, the commission denied their request, citing the California Coastal Act, which restricts the use of seawalls to protect properties built before 1977.

This denial led to a legal battle. The local homeowners’ association sued the commission and initially won. However, the commission appealed the decision, bringing the matter to a court in San Francisco. According to local reports, the court is poised to overturn the original ruling, siding with the commission and blocking the seawall’s construction.

Seawalls, while effective at halting bluff erosion, have significant drawbacks. Around 33 percent of Southern California’s coastline is already protected by seawalls or similar structures. While these barriers safeguard properties from encroaching waves, they disrupt the natural migration of beaches. This can lead to the gradual disappearance of accessible beaches, sparking concern among environmental advocates and beachgoers alike.

Organizations like the Surfrider Foundation have been vocal in their opposition to seawalls. They argue that such structures prioritize private property at the expense of public access to California’s iconic beaches. The Surfrider San Diego branch actively opposed the Half Moon Bay seawall proposal, fearing it would set a precedent for more seawalls along the coast. Jennifer Savage, California Policy Associate Director for Surfrider, explained the issue succinctly: “When you put up the seawall, you essentially kill the beach. It destroys the natural interaction between the waves and the landscape, leading to the sand being scoured away. Every seawall approved sends a message that protecting private property is more important than the public’s right to enjoy the beach.”

Instead of seawalls, environmental advocates propose alternative methods to address coastal erosion. Restoring naturally forming dunes and other nature-based solutions provide a buffer against the ocean while preserving the coastline’s ecological balance and accessibility.

The debate isn’t isolated to Half Moon Bay. Similar concerns have arisen elsewhere in California. In November, a 3,200-foot-long seawall in San Francisco faced backlash from environmental groups. A Surfrider spokesperson highlighted the broader implications, stating, “Every time a seawall is approved, it increases the likelihood of more seawalls being built, guaranteeing the loss of our beaches.”

California’s coastal challenges are compounded by extreme weather events linked to climate change. In recent months, severe storms have wreaked havoc along the West Coast, including a bomb cyclone that caused widespread power outages and fatalities. These events underline the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to protect both coastal communities and natural landscapes.

A final decision on the Half Moon Bay seawall is expected after a December 11 hearing. The ruling will likely have far-reaching implications for how California balances the need for property protection with its commitment to public beach access and environmental preservation.

For Glendale, CA, the debate over the Half Moon Bay seawall highlights the importance of precise planning and environmental consideration in construction projects. Glendale, CA land surveying and story pole installation are critical steps in any development process, ensuring structures are properly sited and potential environmental impacts are minimized. In coastal or sensitive areas, accurate land surveys can identify erosion risks, while story poles help visualize how new structures will integrate with the surrounding landscape. By prioritizing these methods, Glendale can avoid conflicts like those seen in Half Moon Bay, ensuring developments are sustainable, community-focused, and environmentally conscious.