The Pacific Ocean has risen 4 to 8 inches along the Northern California coast over the last century, and is expected to continue to rise two to three feet more by the end of the century.
Bay Area communities are struggling for a strategy to cope. The California Coastal Commission has encouraged city governments to plan for the future by fortifying flood defenses, restoring wetlands, or making people move.
The latter prospect, in particular, is politically charged with valuable coastal properties comprising major investments for residents. The last resort of relocation has been chosen in Pacifica, where coastal bluffs have eroded so quickly that city officials have already demolished some properties before they fell into the water.
Fortification projects are moving forward. San Francisco voters approved a $425 million bond to start bolster a sea wall along the Embarcadero, the road along the bay. Builders of a new real estate development in a former industrial area called Mission Creek are raising old roads and warehouses by as much as 10 feet.
Communities face an overriding question: How much do you armor the coast, what areas do you save, and who will have to move?
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 18, 2015
New document addresses school safety and security
In an effort to balance security and fire safety features within codes, standards and planning, NFPA hosted a two-day workshop, “School Safety, Codes and Security”, last December. The findings are now available in an NFPA report.
Codes and Standards | Jun 18, 2015
Two myths regarding NFPA 101 Life Safety Code debunked
NFPA life safety engineer Ron Coté settles the debate over second egress doors and exit signs.
Codes and Standards | Jun 18, 2015
How to prevent corrosion in sprinkler system piping
The technical committees responsible for NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, have been looking at ways to eliminate or reduce corrosion in sprinkler systems for several revision cycles.
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2015
Steel Framing Alliance updates ‘Thermal Design and Code Compliance for Cold-Formed Steel Walls’ design guide
Includes results of new tests and addresses IECC and ASHRAE compliance paths.
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2015
Helena, Mont., may charge commercial developers a fee to fund public art
The fee would apply to new construction or alteration of nonresidential buildings of at least 20,000 sf.
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2015
DBIA releases new document on choosing a project delivery method
Provides owners and others with factors to consider when choosing the best method of delivery for their project.
High-rise Construction | Jun 5, 2015
Japanese policymakers discuss mandate for toilets in elevators
This quirky-sounding building code is a safety measure for the earthquake-prone nation.
Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2015
OSHA publishes guide to restroom access for transgender workers
The guide advises employers to allow employees to use restrooms that correspond to their gender identity.
Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2015
Guide helps Building Teams maximize team integration
The guide includes forms to support a two- to four-hour workshop to help an owner select the most appropriate delivery strategy.
Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2015
NIBS, RICS to explore P3 as tool to achieve high-performance buildings
The idea of applying the P3 concept more to buildings, and especially building performance, is a potentially promising new avenue in the U.S., according to the trade groups.
