Commission approves ~1,000-foot chain-link fence along Pilaritos Creek to limit dumping and protect riparian area

The Half Moon Bay Planning Commission on Feb. 10 approved a coastal development permit to replace a dilapidated fence with an approximately 1,000-foot chain-link barrier along the outer edge of Pilaritos Creek adjacent to the Strawflower Shopping Center parking lot.

Planner and staff described the project as aimed at protecting the riparian corridor, reducing anthropogenic debris and public-health hazards in encampments near the creek, and limiting access that contributes to illegal dumping. Staff outlined avoidance and minimization measures in the initial study — including pre-construction bird, frog and snake surveys, and an on-site biologist during work windows — and recommended the removal of a hold-harmless clause from the resolution before approval.

Public comment and commissioners focused on the fence's length, visibility, maintenance and impacts on pedestrian access. Paul Yoshida, a nearby Belleville resident, supported extending the fence toward his neighborhood. An online commenter identified as Michelle Dragany (appearing later in the transcript as "Dragoni") said a 4-foot sidewalk clearance is too narrow for people with bikes, strollers and shopping carts and urged extra room for pedestrians and cyclists. Staff acknowledged rights-of-way and utility constraints may limit moving the fence back and warned that moving the fence farther from the curb could trigger additional permitting and environmental review if it required vegetation removal. "We don't want any access to that area at all," a staff speaker said when explaining the project's intent to close informal access points; staff also said they would remove encampments in coordination with social services before installation.

Commissioners pressed staff to prioritize maintenance and aesthetics: staff explained the plan to use a tougher, tighter-weave galvanized chain-link material to make cutting and climbing more difficult, discussed cross-beaming in heavy sections, and said they would include a contractor response arrangement (time-and-materials) to fix breaches quickly. Commissioners asked staff to explore less industrial visual options where feasible; staff said poles and some structure are non-negotiable but committed to seeking options to make the installation more attractive within budget constraints.

After deliberation, the commission voted to approve the CDP and the associated CEQA initial study/categorical exemption with two specific conditions: removal of the hold-harmless language and a staff direction to proactively explore opportunities to lengthen the fence (particularly on the west side) and to pursue the most secure and visually attractive fence feasible within project funding and permitting constraints. The motion carried on roll-call vote.

Next steps: staff will prepare contract documents and bid materials for council consideration of contract award, field-engineer final placement to avoid utilities and sensitive vegetation, and report back on any feasible extensions or design refinements identified during procurement and site assessment.