- Home
- Government
- Community Development
- Planning
- Biological Reports & Environmental Documents
Biological Reports & Environmental Documents
As required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), passed by the California Legislature in 1970, the City of Half Moon Bay conducts environmental review of public and private projects before they are heard for approval. The environmental documents produced by the City are provided to both decision makers and the public for their consideration and comment. These environmental documents include Initial Studies/Negative Declarations (IS/ND), Initial Studies/Mitigated Negative Declarations (IS/MND) and Environmental Impact Reports (EIR).
Some projects require a biological assessment. This takes place when there is a need to evaluate the potential effects of the proposed project on specified plant and animal species and habitat. The biological assessment determines whether any such species or habitat are likely to be adversely affected by the project.
PROJECTS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW:
Biological Resource Assessment Review (Local Coastal Program) And Environmental Review (CEQA):
1. Single-Family Residence Addition and Remodel (117 Alameda Avenue).
A Biological Resource Assessment (BRA) was prepared evaluating the subject property and surrounding areas North of the Naples/Roosevelt Creek. The BRA was distributed for a 45-day comment period on November 3, 2025. Comments on the BRA may be submitted in writing by mailing to 501 Main Street, Half Moon Bay CA 94019 or via email to Scott Phillips, Senior Planner at sphillips@halfmoonbay.gov no later than 5:00pm on Friday, December 19, 2025.
2. New single-family residence with below market rate accessory dwelling unit (2806 Alameda Avenue).
Biological Resource Evaluation (BRE) and Habitat and Mitigation Monitoring Plan (HMMR) for proposed single-family home and below market accessory dwelling unit. The document consists of: A Draft BRE prepared in 2018; an update to the 2018 BRE, prepared in 2023; and an additional update in 2025 that addresses restoration of riparian vegetation along the Pullman Ditch.
2018 Biological Resource Assessment Report
2025 Habitat and Mitigation Monitoring Plan
The BRE is being distributed for a 45 day comment period beginning on August 17, 2025. Comments on the BRE may be submitted in writing by mailing to 501 Main Street, Half Moon Bay CA 94019 or via email to Scott Phillips, Senior Planner at sphillips@halfmoonbay.gov
3. Smith Field Park Improvements Project (501 Wavecrest Road, west of Highway 1).
An Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) has been prepared for the Smith Field Park Improvements Project. The project would implement the Smith Field Park Master Plan and would expand the park from 13.2 to approximately 16 acres, improve the existing five ballfields, construct a paved parking lot, children’s play area, off-leash dog park, picnic areas, walking path, and install landscaping, drainage, lighting, and utility improvements that include a new water line in the Wavecrest Road right of way. The park property contains Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHAs) which would be conserved by the project.
The Draft IS/MND was circulated for a 30-day public review period that closed on May 30, 2025. The IS/MND concluded that all potentially significant impacts of the project have been avoided through project design or will be reduced to a less than significant level with the implementation of mitigation measures and standard City Conditions of Approval. Comments were received on the Draft IS/MND that resulted in minor revisions and additions to the document. The Final IS/MND was provided to interested public agencies and posted on the City’s website on September 12, 2025.
The IS/MND is intended to support the issuance of a Coastal Development Permit, Architectural and Site Design Review, and Tree Removal Permit. The project is schedule for consideration by the Planning Commission on Tuesday September 23, 2025.
Document links:
- Smith Field Park Improvement Project IS/MND
- Planning Commission Public Hearing Notice
- Smith Field Project Page
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Additional information regarding the proposed project may be obtained by contacting Maz Bozorginia, Public Works Director/City Engineer, at (650) 726-8521 or at mbozorginia@hmbcity.com.
4. Aaron's Beach Hotel – 4150 Cabrillo Highway North, (APNs: 047-252-280, 047-252-290)
A Biological Resource Assessment was prepared evaluating the subject property and surrounding area. The biological analysis and documentation will support the review of the Coastal Development Permit for the proposed hotel and site improvements. The biological documentation distribution for the 45-day comment period started on July 28, 2025. Comments on the biological documents may be submitted in writing by mailing to 501 Main Street, Half Moon Bay CA 94019 or via email to Scott Phillips, Senior Planner at sphillips@hmbcity.com no later than 5:00 pm on Friday September 11, 2025.
Aaron's Beach Inn Biological Resource Evaluation (PDF)
Contact: Scott Phillips, Project Planner, (650) 726-8299 or sphillips@hmbcity.com
5. Coastside Land Trust (CLT) North Wavecrest Trail Project – installation of a trail, parking lot, restroom and two coastal access stairways
A Draft Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) has been prepared as required by CEQA. The comment period for the Draft IS/MND began on June 23, 2021 and ended at 5:00 PM on July 23, 2021. North Wavecrest Draft IS/MND (PDF) The following includes a link to the most recent plans. Coastside Land Trust Trail Plans (PDF) Review of this project by the Planning Commission is scheduled for October 10, 2023.
A biological resource assessment was prepared for this project in 2016. The 45 day comment period on the BRE took place at that time. In 2019, the applicant acquired a large parcel including Ravine 9, and revised the project to include the two beach access stairways. The biological resource evaluation (BRE) was updated to include analysis of the stairways and subsequently integrated into the Draft IS/MND (see link above). In 2022, in order to verify that the biological analysis that took place in 2016 and updated in 2019 was still accurate to present day conditions, biological resources within around the subject property were re-evaluated by the project biologist in 2022 to determine if baseline conditions had changed since the initial fieldwork in 2016. Here is a link to the updated biological resource assessment: North Wavecrest BRE with Coastal Access
The biological resource assessment is intended to support the issuance of a Coastal Development Permit in accordance with Chapter 18.20 of the City of Half Moon Bay Municipal Code. The City’s Zoning Code requires that agencies review the biological resource evaluation and have 45 days from the date the report is received to provide the City with comments on the adequacy of the reports and any suggested mitigation measures deemed appropriate.
Contact: Scott Phillips, Project Planner, (650) 726-8299 or sphillips@hmbcity.com
6. Proposed Pacific Coast Bicycle Connectivity North Project - Draft Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) Circulation
Period: March 29 – April 28, 2023 The Draft IS/MND is available for public review. The public review and comment period is 30 days and ends on April 28, 2023. A biological Resource Evaluation was also prepared for this project. It was circulated for review for 45 days in 2020. Comments on the IS/MND may be submitted in writing by mailing to Attn: Douglas Garrison at 501 Main Street, Half Moon Bay CA 94019 or via email at dgarrison@hmbcity.com no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, April 28, 2023.
Biological Resource Evaluation
Draft IS/MND Report - March 2023
7. Proposed Hyatt Place Project - Draft EIR Circulation Period: July 15 – September 13, 2022
The Draft EIR is available for public review. The public review and comment period is 60 days, which includes an extension beyond the statutory requirement to give interested parties more time to review the Draft EIR and provide comments. Hard copies are available for review at the Half Moon Bay Library (620 Correas Street) and Half Moon Bay City Hall (501 Main Street). Hard copies and CD format copies are also available for purchase. Contact the Community Development Department at 650-726-8270 to order.
Proposed Hyatt Place Project Information Link
08/09/2022 Planning Commission Meeting Agenda includes meeting link
8. Pilarcitos Avenue Outfall Repair Project at Kehoe Watercourse – Repair of existing culvert at southerly terminus of Pilarcitos Avenue
A Biological Resource Evaluation (BRE) was prepared evaluating the project area for the Pilarcitos Outfall Repair Project at Kehoe Watercourse. The BRE was distributed for a 45 day comment period on November 4, 2021. Comments on the BRE may be submitted in writing by mailing to 501 Main Street, Half Moon Bay CA 94019 or via email to Douglas Garrison, Senior Planner at dgarrison@hmbcity.com no later than 5:00pm on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.
Pilarcitos Avenue Outfall Repair Project at Kehoe Watercourse BRE
Contact: Douglas Garrison, Senior Planner, (650) 712-5836 or dgarrison@hmbcity.com
9. MidPen Housing Corporation, Multifamily Housing Development – 940 Main Street, APN: 064-272-100
A Biological Resource Evaluation (BRE) was prepared for the property at 940 Main Street. The BRE was distributed for a 45-day comment period on January 28, 2026. Comments on the BRE may be submitted in writing by mailing to 501 Main Street, Half Moon Bay CA 94019 or via email to Scott Phillips, Senior Planner at sphillips@halfmoonbay.gov no later than 5:00pm on Wednesday March 17, 2026.
Contact: Scott Phillips, Project Planner, (650) 726-8299 or sphillips@halfmoonbay.gov
940 Main Street Biological Resource Evaluation (PDF)
10. Half Moon Bay State Beach (APN: 048-104-120) – Culvert replacement below a driveway access to a beach parking lot and Coastal Trail.
A biological resource assessment was prepared evaluating a culvert replacement along the western end of Pullman watercourse within Half Moon Bay State Beach. The biological resource assessment report was distributed for a 45 day comment period on July 19, 2022. Below are links to the biological resource assessment report and CEQA Exemption.
Biological Report for Culvert Replacement
Biological Report Errata for Culvert Replacement
Contact: Scott Phillips, Project Planner, (650) 726-8299 or sphillips@hmbcity.com
11. New Residence and Street Extension – 1049 Railroad Avenue, (APN: 064-212-150)
A Biological Resource Evaluation (BRE) was prepared evaluating the subject property and surrounding area. The BRE was distributed for a 45 day comment period on October 3, 2023. Comments on the BRE may be submitted in writing by mailing to 501 Main Street, Half Moon Bay CA 94019 or via email to Scott Phillips, Senior Planner at sphillips@hmbcity.com no later than 5:00pm on Wednesday November 20, 2023.
1049 Railroad Avenue Draft Biological Resource Evaluation (PDF)
RFP for Environmental Consultant (PDF)
Contact: Scott Phillips, Project Planner, (650) 726-8299 or sphillips@hmbcity.com
12. Single-Family Residence Addition - 759 Correas St. (APN: 056-179-270)
A Biological Resource Evaluation (BRE) was prepared evaluating the subject property and surrounding areas west of the Arroyo Leon. The BRE was distributed for a 45-day comment period on October 3, 2023. Comments on the BRE may be submitted in writing by mailing to 501 Main Street, Half Moon Bay CA 94019 or via email to Ocoee Wilson, Assistant Planner at owilson@hmbcity.com no later than 5:00pm on Wednesday November 20, 2023.
759 Correas Draft Biological Resource Evaluation (PDF)
Contact: Ocoee Wilson, Project Planner, (650) 726-8284 or owilson@hmbcity.com
13. New Residence and Accessory Dwelling Unit on Arroyo Leon – 921 Miramontes Avenue, (APN: 064-260-060)
A Biological Resource Evaluation (BRE) was prepared evaluating the subject property and surrounding area. The BRE was distributed for a 45-day comment period on February 28, 2025. Comments on the BRE may be submitted in writing by mailing to 501 Main Street, Half Moon Bay CA 94019 or via email to Scott Phillips, Senior Planner at sphillips@hmbcity.com no later than 5:00 pm on Monday May 20, 2024.
921 Miramontes Ave Draft Biological Resource Evaluation (PDF)
Contact: Scott Phillips, Project Planner, (650) 726-8299 or sphillips@hmbcity.com
14. Annual Vegetation Removal – North of Wave Avenue, (APNs: 048-191-040, 048-190-050, 048-190-070)
A Biological Resource Assessment, Wetland Delineation, and Restoration Plan were prepared evaluating the subject property and surrounding area. The biological analysis and documentation will support the review of the Coastal Development Permit for annual vegetation removal on the site. The biological documentation distribution for the 45-day comment period started on May 5, 2025. Comments on the biological documents may be submitted in writing by mailing to 501 Main Street, Half Moon Bay CA 94019 or via email to Scott Phillips, Senior Planner at sphillips@hmbcity.com no later than 5:00 pm on Friday June 20, 2025.
North of Wave Biological Documents (PDF)
Contact: Scott Phillips, Project Planner, (650) 726-8299 or sphillips@hmbcity.com
GENERAL REFERENCES:
The references below provide more information about the required environmental review process: