Marblehead Coastal GPA NO. 96-01/Local Coastal Program

The City of San Clemente has approved an amendment to a previously permitted hotel development within the Marblehead Coastal Specific Plan area, authorizing a height exception up to 62 feet to accommodate a rooftop restaurant featuring outdoor dining, an interior kitchen, and restrooms on a 1.7-acre parcel identified by APN 691-422-04. This amendment is contingent upon compliance with the conditions of approval outlined in the Marblehead Coastal Specific Plan and is supported by Addendum No. 6 to the Final Environmental Impact Report, which concluded that no new significant environmental impacts will result, thereby eliminating the need for additional review under CEQA Guidelines §§15162 and 15183. The project must adhere to strict architectural standards including Spanish Colonial Revival design elements, floor area ratio limits of 0.35, setbacks, and operational hours restricted to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, with no construction permitted on Sundays or holidays. The development requires comprehensive compliance with fire and life safety codes, including the submission and approval of multiple plan packages from the Orange County Fire Authority, such as the Fire Master Plan, emergency responder radio system (DAS/BDA) design, fire alarm and sprinkler systems, and hazardous material storage provisions, with all systems subject to testing and certification before occupancy. Noise and lighting on the rooftop terrace are strictly regulated, prohibiting amplified sound and live entertainment without discretionary approval from the Planning Commission. Visual impacts are assessed through a series of baseline and simulation photographs evaluating eight Key Observation Points, ensuring aesthetic compatibility with the coastal environment. All approvals are administratively finalized by the City Council, with enforcement and oversight responsibilities held by the City of San Clemente; no federal procurement clauses, contract pricing, payment terms, or solicitation-based evaluation factors are applicable, as this is a local land use and environmental compliance matter governed by municipal code and state environmental law. The project site is located at 401 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, CA 92672, and the primary point of contact for administrative matters is City Planner Jonathan Lightfoot.