Mark Noack [ mark@hmbreview.com ]

The Half Moon Bay City Council on May 20 discussed ways to potentially fix the source of the original confusion that spawned Beachwood.

At the heart of the problem is forming a definitive definition of what constitutes wetlands. The issue was put on hold pending Councilwoman Naomi Patridge’s request to have staff find out whether there are inconsistencies in the city’s definition. Half Moon Bay’s current wetlands guidelines draw from several agencies, including the California Coastal Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and San Mateo County government. “We’re operating under four different guidelines,” said City Manager Marcia Raines, following a report from Planning Director Steve Flint. “It would be infinitely easier to explain the requirements to anyone in Half Moon Bay if those definitions were in one place.”

But the suggestion to unify, and perhaps simplify, the city’s wetlands definition may be mired in its own mud. The language from various agencies should be recognized by the city, said Councilman Jim Grady.

“I’m not sure if it’s conflicted,” Grady said. “I just don’t think the definition resides in one place.”

But Patridge said she firmly believed the city’s definition needed revision, despite the lengthy meetings and planning it would require.

“Like it or hate it, if we want to change our city’s Local Coastal (Program), it takes a lot of public meetings,” said Grady. “It’s a lot of work.”

Mayor Bonnie McClung and Patridge agreed that the issue should be discussed further at the city’s strategic planning meeting in July.