A coastal plan amendment will require developers to identify if raptor habitat exists on their property or in a nearby sensitive habitat area.
By Sylvie Belmond/Special to The Malibu Times
Several species of raptors currently inhabit the Malibu landscape and if the California Coastal Commission has its way, these birds, which are already protected by several state and federal agencies, will also be under the cover of the Malibu Local Coastal Program (LCP).
The Coastal Commission has added a new biological study requirement for developers to the final implementation draft of the LCP, released Aug. 23, which mandates that property owners who plan to develop their land identify the potential for sensitive species habitats, specifically that of raptors such as owls, hawks or eagles.
Property owners will have to pay for a study that identifies biological resources on their property if it is within an environmentally sensitive habitat area (ESHA), adjacent to an ESHA (where the proposed development is within 200 feet of an identified ESHA), or if there is the presence or “potential” for sensitive species or habitat.
The biological study will have to account for seasonal variations as well as the presence and abundance of birds. It will follow standard protocols developed by state and federal resources agencies, according to the Coastal Commission draft.
City biologist David Crawford explained that raptors are birds of prey and several species such as hawks, white tail kites and eagles live in the area.
“Most of them nest in trees,” he said. Some prefer to nest near creeks or streams and others live in dryer areas, but there is not really a particular tree that they like, Crawford said.
As he discussed the possible impacts of the new provision to protect raptor habitat on owners’ property, Crawford noted that while it can delay development, it wouldn’t make much difference because there already are similar rules in place.
“It is my understanding at this point that what is going to be required is that any property that is within an ESHA or immediately adjacent will require a biological survey, whether they have nesting areas or not,” he said.
But if an area not near an ESHA has nesting trees, the property will have to be surveyed to avoid impacts on the raptors.
“These birds are already protected by several agencies and acts and any of these nesting birds are not supposed to be disturbed,” Crawford said.
Typically, the Department of Fish and Game requires a 150-foot setback.
Among other things, the survey will require a biologist to spend a certain number of hours spread out over a period of time at the site to determine the raptors’ nesting and hunting habits and needs.
In the end, the cost for the extra biological studies, if they are necessary, will depend on the type of natural resources present on individual properties. It is likely to range from a few hundred dollars to possibly $2,000, Crawford said.