Port of LA approves new master plan

   The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners this week approved a new Port Master Plan that updates the port’s development policies and procedures for the first time since its original plan took effect more than three decades ago.
   The plan sets forth development policies for the port to promote commerce, navigation, fisheries, recreation and environmental protection and provides for the port to adapt to changing technology, cargo trends, regulations and competition from other U.S. and foreign seaports.
   Among the items covered in the plan:

• Reduces the number of planning areas from nine to five: San Pedro, West Basin/Wilmington, Terminal Island, Fish Harbor and Waterways.
• Clarifies the planning process and specifies a single land use designation for the most parcels within the port district.
• Simplifies the process for issuing coastal permits by reducing the number of permit types to two from three, and delegates the authority to approve permits for the minor land and/or water use changes to the executive director. Major land and water use developments will continue to require a public hearing and approval by the Board of Harbor Commissioners.
• Updates the port’s risk management plan for assessing the potential risks related to the storage and transfer of crude oil and petroleum products.

   The new plan is subject to certification by the California Coastal Commission. – Eric Johnson