Projects Along the Shoreline - Public Access

Public access is required by the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) as a condition of approval for most shoreline developments. “Public access” includes physical public access to and along the shoreline of the Bay and visual public access (views) to the Bay from other public spaces. Below are BCDC handouts and information regarding public access.

Design Guidelines:

• Shoreline Spaces Handout

• Shoreline Signs Handout

• BCDC approved signage graphics webpage

• Landscape Guide for the San Francisco Bay - Shoreline Plants Handout. BCDC Incorporating natural and nature-based features in your project webpage has additional resources and information.

• Types of public access can be found in BCDC's incorporating public access into your project webpage.

How Much Public Access to Provide:

State law requires projects in BCDC’s jurisdiction to provide the “maximum feasible public access” consistent with the project. BCDC staff can help assess opportunities for public access. When inquiring with BCDC, you may be asked to share specific circumstances of the project, project's impacts to existing public access (if applicable), and public access demand generated by the project.

How Long will the Public Access be Required:

When the BCDC Commission approves a permit, projects must usually ensure that public access remains available to the public on a permanent basis. Typical permittee compliance pathways:

• Placing a deed restriction on the public access areas.

• Granting an easement. This may require applying for a subdivision map submission or dedication through the online permit center https://beniciaca.portal.opengov.com/ and an easement agreement. This process will require City Council approval with City and County recordings. For more information contact Public Works engineering@ci.benicia.ca.us 707-746-4240.

• Transferring ownership of the access areas to a public agency at no cost.

For templates, requirements, and more information please visit BCDC Guaranteeing public areas webpage or contact Benicia's liaison.

BCDC Maintenance Requirements

• Permanently guarantee the public access areas. See "Granting an easement" above.

• Maintain the public access areas in good repair.

• Create an operation and maintenance manual

• Provide funding source for perpetual maintenance

For more information contact Public Works engineering@ci.benicia.ca.us 707-746-4240.

• Adapt public access areas to rising sea levels