Port of San Diego Settles Lawsuit Involving Coronado Homeowners

Wednesday, 07 May 2008
Contact: John Gilmore (619) 686-6222

The Port of San Diego and Army Corps of Engineers have settled a federal court lawsuit involving two Coronado homeowners who built a 162-foot long wall without permits.

About three years ago, one of the homeowners received approval from the Port, the Army Corps of Engineers and Regional Water Quality Control Board to remove rocks placed on the beach. The rocks were removed and a new concrete wall, which encroached in Port jurisdiction, was built in front of the waterfront homes.

As part of the settlement, the homeowners have agreed to pay $25,000 to the Port to cover staff costs and $250,000 in penalties to the Army Corps of Engineers. They also agreed to replace the rocks on the beach and remove the footing of the wall from Port jurisdiction.

The Regional Water Quality Control Board ordered the removal of the wall because it violated the Clean Water Act. A separate lawsuit is still ongoing between the homeowners and the Regional Water Quality Control Board.

The settlement was reached on April 30 with the assistance of U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Louisa S. Porter.