HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-03; City Council; 02; Continuing the Proclamation of a Storm-Related Local Emergency to Repair Storm Drain Infrastructure in the Coastal Bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar DriveCA Review TL
Meeting Date: Feb. 3, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
Staff Contact: David Edwards, Senior Engineer
david.edwards@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5286
Subject: Continuing the Proclamation of a Storm-Related Local Emergency to
Repair Storm Drain Infrastructure in the Coastal Bluffs near Carlsbad
Boulevard and Solamar Drive
District: 3
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution continuing the proclamation of a storm-related local emergency to repair
storm drain infrastructure in the coastal bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive and
determining the need to continue the emergency storm drain repair work.
Executive Summary
In late December 2025 and early January 2026, Carlsbad experienced rainstorms that
unexpectedly resulted in severe damage to storm drain infrastructure in and near the coastal
bluffs along Carlsbad Boulevard north of Solamar Drive. This damage diminished the storm
drain infrastructure’s ability to effectively and safely convey storm water and increased the risk
of significant damage to nearby property and infrastructure. Emergency repairs are needed to
ameliorate the risk.
The coastal bluffs are on property owned by the California Department of Parks and Recreation,
or State Parks. After being notified of an adjacent sinkhole on Jan. 2, 2026, city staff took
immediate action to cordon off the area to public access and alerted State Parks staff of their
findings and actions.
•On Jan. 7, 2026, the Acting City Manager, in her role as Acting Director of Emergency
Services, proclaimed a local emergency and authorized staff to have the emergency
repair performed as swiftly as possible using emergency construction procurement
procedures rather than the formal bidding process (Exhibit 2).
•On Jan. 13, 2026, the City Council ratified the emergency proclamation and authorized
the City Manager to have the emergency repair performed as swiftly as possible using
emergency construction procurement procedures rather than the formal bidding
process, as shown in Exhibit 3.
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 1 of 18
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•On Jan. 27, 2026, the City Council continued the proclamation of the emergency and
determined there is a need to continue the emergency procurement, as shown in
Exhibit 4.
Staff evaluated proposals from contractors to perform the emergency repair work and
coordinated the project scope with the appropriate environmental permitting agencies. Staff
then processed an emergency contract, and the contractor commenced emergency repair work
with completion estimated in February.
Staff are requesting that the City Council continue the proclamation of a storm-related local
emergency to repair storm drain infrastructure in the coastal bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard
and Solamar Drive and continue to authorize the City Manager to have the emergency repairs
performed using emergency construction procurement procedures.
California Government Code Section 8630 requires the City Council to review the need for
continuing the local emergency, and California Public Contract Code Section 22050(c)(2)
requires the City Council to determine by four-fifths vote at every subsequent meeting that
there is a need to continue the emergency procurement action.
Explanation & Analysis
Background
The storm drain infrastructure was
originally constructed in the 1950s.
State Parks owns the coastal bluff property;
however, the city holds a 10-foot utility
easement1 at the stormwater drainage site
and will lead the repair effort with a right-
of-entry permit from the state. A map
showing the storm drain infrastructure is
provided as Exhibit 5.
Timeline
•On Dec. 24, 2025, Governor
Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency in San Diego County and other counties due
to late December 2025 storms causing conditions of extreme peril.
•Late December 2025 and early January 2026 rainstorms damaged storm drain
infrastructure near the coastal bluffs at Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive, creating
public safety concerns and necessitating emergency repairs.
•On Jan. 6, 2026, city staff determined that an 18-inch-diameter reinforced concrete
storm drain pipe had decoupled near a footpath on State Parks property; the pipe
connects 18-inch-diameter corrugated metal pipe downstream along the coastal bluff
wall, which has also decoupled, exposing underlying materials and increasing the risk of
erosion and bluff undermining.
1 Easements provide the city with access to private property to install or maintain public infrastructure.
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 2 of 18
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•With State Parks’ approval, city staff constructed a wider temporary footpath to redirect
pedestrians away from the affected area.
•On Jan. 7, 2026, the Acting City Manager, in her role as Acting Director of Emergency
Services, proclaimed a local emergency and authorized staff to have the emergency
repair performed as swiftly as possible using emergency construction procurement
procedures rather than the formal bidding process, as shown in Exhibit 2.
•On Jan. 8, 2026, the City Planner issued an emergency coastal development permit
subject to the authority and requirement under Carlsbad Municipal Code Section
21.201.190, as shown in Exhibit 6.
•On Jan. 13, 2026, the City Council ratified the proclamation of the storm-related local
emergency for storm drain repairs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive and
authorized emergency construction procurement procedures, as shown in Exhibit 3.
•On Jan. 15, 2026, the City Manager and State Parks signed a right-of-entry permit, which
allows the contractor to proceed with the emergency work on State Parks property.
•The city received two construction proposals for repairs and issued an emergency
contract to Burtech Pipeline, Inc. for an estimated cost of $245,000. Staff issued a notice
to proceed on Jan. 16, 2026.
•The contractor commenced work on Jan. 21, 2026, and is estimating completion in late
February.
•When the contractor began construction, it was determined that access to the site
would be better from Solamar Drive, which is slightly different from the path shown in
the executed right of entry permit. On Jan. 23, 2026, the Acting City Manager and State
Parks signed an amendment to the right of entry permit to depict the revised
contractor’s path to access the site.
•On Jan. 27, 2026, the City Council continued the proclamation of the emergency and
determined there is a need to continue the emergency procurement, as shown in
Exhibit 4.
Staff request that the City Council continue the emergency proclamation and determine by a
four-fifths vote that there is a need to continue the emergency action to repair the damaged
storm drain infrastructure.
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 3 of 18
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Fiscal Analysis
Sufficient funding is available for the work in the Infrastructure Replacement Fund for the
Storm Drain System Rehabilitation and Repair Program, Capital Improvement Program Project
No. 6607, as shown in the table below, so staff are not requesting any additional appropriation.
City staff will request reimbursement if the emergency work qualifies under federal or state
emergency relief programs.
Next Steps
Staff will continue to work with the contractor until the repair work is completed, which is
expected to be in late February.
Staff will return to the City Council on Feb. 10, 2026, to review the need for continuing the local
emergency and ask the City Council to determine by a four-fifths vote whether there is a need
to continue the emergency procurement action to repair the storm drain infrastructure.
Environmental Evaluation
The proposed action is statutorily exempt from environmental review under the California
Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, pursuant to California Public Resources Code Sections
21080(b)(2)-(4) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15269(a), which apply to emergency activities
undertaken, carried out, or approved by a public agency to maintain, repair, restore, demolish
or replace property or facilities damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster in a disaster-
stricken area in which the government has proclaimed a state of emergency. The statutory
exemption covers both the proclamation of emergency and the emergency coastal
development permit.
Exhibits
1. City Council resolution
2. Proclamation of local emergency for storm-related emergency dated Jan. 7, 2026
3. Staff report from Jan. 13, 2026 (on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
4. Staff report from Jan. 27, 2026 (on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
5. Location map
6. Emergency coastal development permit dated Jan. 8, 2026
Storm Drain System Rehabilitation and Repair Program
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6607
Total appropriation to date $10,512,360
Total expenditures and encumbrances to date -$6,859,894
Total available funding $3,652,466
Construction contract (estimated) -$245,000
Construction contingency (estimated) -$61,000
Construction management, inspection, material testing and support
services (estimated) -$61,000
Total estimated construction costs -$367,000
Remaining balance after total estimated construction costs $3,285,466
Additional appropriation needed $0
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 4 of 18
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Exhibit 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-032 .
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA,
CONTINUING THE PROCLAMATION OF A STORM-RELATED LOCAL EMERGENCY
TO REPAIR STORM DRAIN INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE COASTAL BLUFFS NEAR
CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND SOLAMAR DRIVE AND DETERMINING THE NEED
TO CONTINUE THE EMERGENCY STORM DRAIN REPAIR WORK
WHEREAS, on Dec. 24, 2025, the Governor of the State of California found that conditions of
extreme peril to the safety of people and property exist in San Diego County and other counties due to
the 2025 late December storms and related major risk for rockslides, mudslides, landslides, urban
flooding, rapid rises in small streams, and significant river flooding and proclaimed a state of emergency
to make additional resources available to local governments, formalize emergency actions, and help the
state prepare for the impact of the storms; and
WHEREAS, in late December 2025 and early January 2026, the City of Carlsbad experienced
rainstorm events that unexpectedly resulted in severe damage to storm drain infrastructure in an
easement in the coastal bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive on property owned by the
California Department of Parks and Recreation, or State Parks; and
WHEREAS, the damage to the storm drain infrastructure diminishes the ability of the storm drain
infrastructure to effectively and safely convey storm water, thereby creating and threatening to further
exacerbate conditions of extreme peril to the safety of people and property near the damaged
infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 6.04.100(A)(1) empowers the City Manager, as
Director of Emergency Services, or in the City Manager’s absence, the Assistant City Manager, as Acting
City Manager and Acting Director of Emergency Services, to proclaim the existence of a local emergency
when the City Council is not in session and requires the City Council to ratify the proclamation within
seven days thereafter or the proclamation shall have no further force or effect; and
WHEREAS, the City Council was not in session and could not be immediately called into session
on Jan. 7, 2026; and
WHEREAS, on Jan. 7, 2026, the Acting City Manager/Acting Director of Emergency Services
proclaimed a storm-related local emergency for repair of storm drain infrastructure located in the
coastal bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive; and
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 5 of 18
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WHEREAS, on Jan. 13, 2026, the City Council ratified the proclamation of a storm-related local
emergency for the storm drain infrastructure repair work; and
WHEREAS, on Jan. 27, 2026, the City Council continued the proclamation of a storm-related local
emergency for the storm drain infrastructure repair work and determined there is a need to continue
the emergency procurement of storm drain repair work; and
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 8630 requires the City Council to review the need for
continuing the local emergency at least once every 60 days until the City Council terminates the local
emergency, which the City Council must terminate as soon as conditions warrant; and
WHEREAS, in the case of an emergency, Public Contract Code Sections 22035 and 22050 and
Carlsbad Municipal Code Sections 3.28.110(A) and 3.28.120 provide for an exemption from formal
bidding procedures for emergency construction procurements, and the emergency proclamation allows
the city to utilize the exemption; and
WHEREAS, Public Contract Code Section 22050(c)(2) requires the City Council to review the
emergency procurement action at every subsequent meeting to determine by a four-fifths vote whether
there is a need to continue the emergency action; and
WHEREAS, the emergency repair costs are estimated to be $245,000, not including contingency
and other construction support costs, and sufficient funding is available in the Infrastructure
Replacement Fund for the Storm Drain Rehabilitation and Repair Program, Capital Improvement
Program Project No. 6607; and
WHEREAS, on Jan. 15, 2026, the City Manager and State Parks signed a right-of-entry, or ROE
permit, which allows the contractor to proceed with the emergency work on State Parks property; and
WHEREAS, the contractor Burtech Pipeline, Inc. commenced the emergency work on Jan. 21,
2026, with an estimated completion in late February 2026; and
WHEREAS, the contractor determined that access to the site would be better from Solamar Drive
which is slightly different from the path shown in the executed ROE Permit; and
WHEREAS, on Jan. 23, 2026, the Acting City Manager and State Parks signed an amendment to
the ROE permit to depict the revised contractor’s path to access the site; and
WHEREAS, staff request that the City Council continue the proclamation of a local emergency
and determine the need to continue the emergency procurement action to allow for the completion of
the necessary repair work.
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 6 of 18
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the proposed action is statutorily exempt from environmental review under the
California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, pursuant to California Public Resources
Code Sections 21080(b)(2)-(4) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15269(a), which apply to
emergency activities undertaken, carried out, or approved by a public agency to maintain,
repair, restore, demolish or replace property or facilities damaged or destroyed as a result
of a disaster in a disaster-stricken area in which the government has proclaimed a state of
emergency. The statutory exemption covers both the proclamation of emergency and the
emergency coastal development permit.
3. That there is a need to continue the local emergency and the proclamation of a storm-
related emergency to repair storm drain infrastructure in the coastal bluffs near Carlsbad
Boulevard and Solamar Drive is continued.
4. That there is a need to continue the emergency procurement action to repair damaged
storm drain infrastructure in the coastal bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar
Drive.
5. That the City Manager is directed to return to the City Council at the next regularly
scheduled City Council meeting for a determination of whether conditions warrant the
continuation of the local emergency and whether there is a continued need for the
emergency procurement action.
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 7 of 18
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City
of Carlsbad on the 3rd day of February, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
______________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 8 of 18
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Proclamation of
Local Emergency
City Hall
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
FOR STORM-RELATED EMERGENCY NECESSITATING EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO STORM DRAIN
INFRASTRUCTURE IN BLUFFS NEAR CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND SOLAMAR DRIVE
WHEREAS, on December 24, 2025, the Governor of the State of California found that conditions
of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist in San Diego County and other counties due
to the 2025 late December storms caused by a series of atmospheric rivers and proclaimed a state of
emergency to make additional resources available to local governments, formalize emergency actions
and help the state prepare for the impact of the storms; and
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 8630 allows the City Council or an official
designated by ordinance adopted by the City Council to proclaim a local emergency; and
WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad's Emergency Services Ordinance, including Carlsbad Municipal
Code Section 6.04.100(A)(1), empowers the City Manager, as the City of Carlsbad's Director of
Emergency Services, or, in the City Manager's absence, the Assistant City Manager, as Acting City
Manager and Acting Director of Emergency Services, to proclaim the existence of a local emergency,
subject to ratification by the City Council, when there exists, or there is threatened to exist, conditions of
extreme peril to the safety of persons and property within the City of Carlsbad; and
WHEREAS, in the case of an emergency, California Public Contract Code Section 22050 allows the
City Council, or a person delegated the authority by the City Council, to repair or replace a public facility,
take any directly related and immediate action required by that emergency, and procure the necessary
equipment, services and supplies for those purposes without giving notice for bids to let contracts; and
WHEREAS, under California Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(3) and Title 14, Section
15269(a) of the California Code of Regulations, referred to as the "State CEQA Guidelines", an emergency
project is statutorily exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act if undertaken, carried out, or
approved by a public agency to maintain, repair, restore, demolish or replace property or facilities
damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster in a disaster-stricken area in which the government has
proclaimed a state of emergency; and
WHEREAS, the Acting Director of Emergency Services/Acting City Manager finds:
1.In late December 2025 and early January 2026, the City of Carlsbad experienced
rainstorm events that unexpectedly resulted in severe damage to storm drain infrastructure in and near
the bluffs at Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive.
2.The damage to the storm drain infrastructure diminishes the ability of the storm drain
infrastructure to effectively and safely convey storm water, thereby creating and threatening to further
exacerbate conditions of extreme peril to the safety of people and property in the vicinity of the
damaged infrastructure.
Exhibit 2
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 9 of 18
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3.The unanticipated damage to the storm drain infrastructure in and near the bluffs poses
a clear and imminent danger, requiring immediate action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment
of life, health, property and essential public services.
4.The immediate repair or replacement of the storm drain infrastructure is necessary to
permit the safe operation of the storm drain infrastructure and provision of services to the public and to
avoid danger to life or property.
5.The emergency conditions will not permit a delay to the repair or replacement of the
storm drain infrastructure that would result from a competitive solicitation for bids for the repair or
replacement of the damaged infrastructure.
6.The City Council of the City of Carlsbad was not in session and could not be immediately
called into session.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS PROCLAIMED that, subject to review and ratification by the City Council
at its next regular meeting, a local emergency now exists in the City of Carlsbad, California, in and near
the bluffs at Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive.
IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that during the existence of the Local Emergency the
powers, functions, and duties of the Director of Emergency Services and the emergency organization of
this city shall be those prescribed by state law, charter, ordinances, and resolutions of this jurisdiction.
IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that, under California Public Contract Code Section
22050 and Carlsbad Municipal Code Sections 3.28.110(A) and 3.28.120, city staff may proceed at once to
obtain the necessary permits, equipment, services, and supplies to repair the storm drain infrastructure
in and near the bluffs at Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive without giving notice for bids to let
contracts.
IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that, if the Director of Emergency Services
determines recovery assistance may be available under the California Disaster Assistance Act or other
state or federal assistance program, a copy of this proclamation be forwarded to the State Director of Cal
OES or the agency overseeing the assistance program with a request that the recovery assistance be
made available to the City of Carlsbad.
IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that the Director of Emergency Services is
designated as the authorized representative of the City of Carlsbad for the purpose of requesting,
receiving, processing, and coordinating all requirements necessary to obtain available state and federal
recovery assistance.
•
Dated: 1' rl *Mal() By: efte)
SHEILA BIAN
Acting City Manager / Acting Director of Emergency
Services
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 10 of 18
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Exhibit 3
Staff report from Jan. 13, 2026
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 11 of 18
Docusign Envelope ID: B7D96BF7-40DC-4D1A-B5F5-0732D96FF916
Exhibit 4
Staff report from Jan. 27, 2026
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 12 of 18
Docusign Envelope ID: B7D96BF7-40DC-4D1A-B5F5-0732D96FF916
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3EXHIBITEMERGENCY CONDITION BLUFFS
NEAR CARLSBAD BLVD AND SOLAMAR DR
PROJECT NAME
LEGEND
Damaged Storm Drain Pipe
Storm Drain Pipe
Ditch Channel
Storm Drain Repair Site
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STORM DRAIN
REPAIR SITE
VICINITY MAP
LOCATION MAP
5
Exhibit 5
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 13 of 18
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Community Development Department
EMERGENCY COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NOTICE OF DECISION
January 8, 2026
David Edwards
City of Carlsbad Public Works Division
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008
RE: CDP 2026-0001 (PUB2026-0001) – Storm Drain Infrastructure Repair in the Coastal Bluffs near Carlsbad
Boulevard and Solamar Drive – EMERGENCY PERMIT
The City Planner has completed a review of the request for an Emergency Coastal Development Permit to address a
storm drain failure associated with subsurface erosion and sinkholes located adjacent to a public trail on State Park
land, south of Palomar Airport Road and west of Carlsbad Boulevard. The emergency condition resulted from recent
storm events that caused separation and failure of existing storm drain infrastructure, including 18-inch reinforced
concrete pipe (RCP) and corrugated metal pipe (CMP) segments, leading to the formation of sinkholes and voids that
present an immediate risk to public safety, nearby infrastructure, and the stability of the coastal bluff area.
The proposed emergency work is limited to actions necessary to stabilize the failed storm drain system and prevent
further erosion or ground loss. The authorized work includes repair, reconnection, or replacement of damaged 18-inch storm drainpipe segments on a like-for-like basis; backfilling and compaction of voids and undermined areas to
restore structural support; and internal lining of the repaired storm drain system to improve waterproofing and
reduce the potential for future subsurface erosion. Grading and site restoration may occur as necessary to complete
the emergency repairs. No expansion of storm drain capacity or system upgrades beyond restoration of existing
conditions are proposed. The proposed work is located within the Coastal Zone and within the appealable
jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission.
The proposed action is statutorily exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Sections 21080(b)(2) and (4), and CEQA Guidelines Section 15269(a),
if undertaken, carried out, or approved by a public agency to maintain, repair, restore, demolish or replace property
or facilities damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster in a disaster-stricken area in which the government has
proclaimed a state of emergency. This statutory exemption applies to both the Proclamation of Emergency and the
Emergency Coastal Development Permit.
The City Planner APPROVES this request for an Emergency Coastal Development Permit based upon the following:
Findings:
1.An emergency exists that meets the requirements of Carlsbad Municipal Code 21.201.190 requires action more
quickly than permitted by the procedures for minor coastal development permits or for regular permits and the
work can and will be completed within thirty days unless otherwise specified by the terms of the permit. Due tothe complex nature of the work and access, work is estimated to be completed in sixty days;
2.The work proposed will be consistent with the requirements of the certified land use plan; and,
3.The Emergency Coastal Development Permit authorizes those actions necessary to address the immediate
emergency condition. If subsequent evaluation identifies additional habitat impacts or remediation needs
Exhibit 6
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 14 of 18
Docusign Envelope ID: B7D96BF7-40DC-4D1A-B5F5-0732D96FF916
CDP 2026-0001 (PUB2026-0001) – Storm Drain Infrastructure Repair in the Coastal Bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard
and Solamar Drive
January 8, 2026
Page 2 _______________
beyond the scope of the emergency repairs, such work shall be subject to the separate Coastal Development
Permit review, as required by Condition Number 2.
Conditions:
1.The Emergency Coastal Development Permit is granted subject to completion of the emergency repair work
estimated to be within 60 days.
2.Submit a formal application for a regular Coastal Development Permit to the City of Carlsbad within 90 days of
this letter for any follow-up or permanent storm drain repair work beyond the scope of this emergency
authorization.
CITY OF CARLSBAD
ERIC LARDY, AICP Assistant Director of Community Development
EL:AA:mh
Attachment: Public Works Department Letter dated January 7, 2026 (Request for Emergency Coastal Development Permit)
c: Paz Gomez, Deputy City Manager
Jeff Murphy, Deputy City Manager
Tom Frank, Transportation Director
Mike Strong, Director of Community Development
Michael O’Brien, Public Works Superintendent
Mariel Cairns, Principal Engineer
John Kim, City Traffic Engineer
Rosanne Humphrey, Senior Program Manager
Robb Efird, Principal Planner
Scott Donnell, Senior Planner
Alex Alegre, Associate Planner
File Copy
Planning Division 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 442-339-2600
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 15 of 18
Docusign Envelope ID: B7D96BF7-40DC-4D1A-B5F5-0732D96FF916
Public Works Branch
Transportation Department
1635 Faraday Avenue | Carlsbad, CA 92008 | 442-339-2746
January 7, 2026
Subject: Request for Emergency Coastal Development Permit for Storm Drain Infrastructure
Repair in the Coastal Bluffs near Carlsbad Boulevard and Solamar Drive
Dear City of Carlsbad Planning Division:
This letter is submitted to request an Emergency Coastal Development Permit (CDP) to proceed
with emergency storm drain repair work in response to rainstorm events that damaged storm
drain infrastructure in at least two or three sections and resulted in sinkholes adjacent to
Carlsbad Boulevard and the coastal bluff area north of Solamar Drive.
Nature of the Emergency
A storm drain failure has caused subsurface erosion and the formation of two sinkholes
immediately adjacent to the Carlsbad Boulevard coastal bluffs and an associated nature footpath.
The sinkholes indicate an active loss of supporting material around the storm drain system and
present a potential risk to public safety, nearby infrastructure, and the stability of the bluff area
if left unaddressed.
Cause of the Emergency
Because of the late December 2025 rainstorm events, the storm drain infrastructure decoupled
near the coastal bluffs at Carlsbad Boulevard north of Solamar Drive on or about January 2, 2026.
These rainfall events likely generated elevated stormwater flows within the storm drain systems
resulting in joint separation and eventual failure of portions of the storm drain at two or three
sections. This failure diminished the storm drain infrastructure’s capability and increased the risk
of significant damage to nearby property and infrastructure. Emergency repairs are needed to
ameliorate the risk.
Location of the Emergency
The emergency repair site is located within California Department of Parks & Recreation, or State
Parks, property in the coastal bluff area and near a publicly accessible nature footpath, west of
the southbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard north of Solamar Drive City staff have been in
communications with State Parks staff who have indicated support for the emergency repair
work.
Attachment
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 16 of 18
Docusign Envelope ID: B7D96BF7-40DC-4D1A-B5F5-0732D96FF916
Planning Division – Emergency CDP for Storm Drain Repair
January 7, 2026
Page 2
Proposed Remedial, Protective, or Preventive Work
The proposed emergency repair work is intended to stabilize the failed storm drain system and
prevent further erosion or ground loss. The scope of work includes:
•Repair of the undermined 18-inch reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) storm drain.
•Reconnection of existing 18-inch corrugated metal pipe (CMP) and/or high-density
polyethylene (HDPE) storm drain segments that have become disconnected from their
upstream connections.
The proposed repair approach includes inspection of the existing storm drain pipes to determine
whether the displaced segments can be resituated to their original alignment or if replacement
is required. Where replacement is necessary, pipe segments will be replaced on a for-like basis,
same size diameter, consistent with the existing system.
It is proposed that the existing 18-inch RCP storm drain pipe be reconnected to the upstream
segment and mechanically clamped into position. The underlying void created by the failure will
be filled with suitable local soils sourced from either the nearby Monroe Street Swimming Pool
construction site or from another local source. These materials will have been tested and
determined to be acceptable prior to use in the proposed repair. To complete the repairs, a small
excavator is currently proposed for use within the limits of the existing footpath, east of the bluffs
to repair the pipe separation.
Once this pipe segment is repaired, an inspection will be conducted to evaluate the condition of
the next downstream pipe segment. Based on the findings, the pipe will either be reconnected
to the existing system or replaced with a same size diameter pipe segment, if necessary. The
downstream CMP or HDPE repair is located within the bluff itself; the pipe segment will be
repositioned to its original alignment and backfilled beneath and around the pipe to provide
adequate structural support and long-term stability. Access to the CMP or HDPE pipe segments
located within the bluff will require the use of a larger excavator that will be located at the
footpath above the bluffs.
Following restoration of the storm drain alignment and completion of structural repairs, the
entire storm drain system - from the upstream 18-inch RCP through the downstream 18-inch
CMP or HDPE - will be internally lined. The lining is intended to provide additional waterproofing,
reduce the potential for infiltration and exfiltration, and minimize the risk of future subsurface
erosion and ground loss.
Attachment
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 17 of 18
Docusign Envelope ID: B7D96BF7-40DC-4D1A-B5F5-0732D96FF916
Planning Division – Emergency CDP for Storm Drain Repair
January 7, 2026
Page 3
Emergency Circumstances and Justification for Action
The condition of the storm drain system and the presence of sinkholes indicate an unstable and
potentially progressive failure of the bluffs and damage to nearby property. Delays in the storm
drain repair would risk further erosion, enlarge the sinkholes and increase the likelihood of
further subsurface collapse. This could ultimately threaten the integrity of Carlsbad Boulevard,
the coastal bluffs, and the adjacent nature trail footpath, creating an elevated risk to public safety
and the environment.
Immediate action is therefore necessary to stabilize the storm drain system, prevent additional
ground loss, and reduce the risk of more extensive damage. Delaying repairs could result in more
severe impacts, greater construction disturbance, and higher long-term repair costs.
Based on the conditions observed and the potential consequences of inaction, an emergency CDP
authorization is requested to allow the city to proceed with the necessary storm drain repairs.
Please let me know if additional information or clarification is needed to support this request.
Sincerely,
David Edwards, P.E.
Senior Engineer
Attachment
Feb. 3, 2026 Item #2 Page 18 of 18
Docusign Envelope ID: B7D96BF7-40DC-4D1A-B5F5-0732D96FF916