Protect the Public Beach at Tolovana

The North Coast Chapter is fighting a riprap structure that threatens a stretch of public shoreline in the Tolovana Park neighborhood of Cannon Beach.  Oregon’s public beaches are a cherished treasure, one we hope to leave for future generations. However, rising sea levels and coastal development are shrinking these beaches, threatening public access and recreation. This erosion not only endangers recreational areas but also impacts vital habitats and ecological balance, while reducing climate and storm resilience in coastal communities.

The Stephanie Inn has applied to replace their existing riprap with a more robust structure, after poor construction and a lack of maintenance over the last 25 years left it in disrepair.  This property is eligible for shoreline armoring, given that it was developed prior to 1977, and their riprap structure replaced a seawall that was there previously.  However, as is the case with many applications for shoreline armoring, their application dismisses, with little consideration, less impactful alternatives that would better protect the public beach, and the recreational, scenic, and natural resources that it provides to all people. 

In July 2024, the Cannon Beach Planning Commission denied the application.  The applicant appealed this decision to the Cannon Beach City Council, and in September, the City Council upheld the denial.  We now anticipate that the applicant will appeal to the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).  Surfrider’s North Coast Chapter is working with partner organization Oregon Shores to engage our members in public hearings, comment periods, and provide legal review of the project’s proposal and evaluate impacts to the public beach, and will keep you updated as the process advances.

More information on this application and the staff report findings can be found on the City website.

***This Campaign is a part of the Oregon Beaches Forever Campaign. We’re looking to raise 10,000 voices to safeguard Oregon’s Beaches – add your voice here today!***

UPDATE 9/5/24: Cannon Beach City Council held a public hearing for appeal by the applicant.  Surfrider staff, along with our partners at Oregon Shores and other community members, submitted comments in opposition of the application. View our comments here.

UPDATE 9/17/24: Cannon Beach City Council voted to uphold the Planning Commissions denial of the application for riprap.  The decision includes this language: "There is no doubt that the applicant faces significant potential erosion and that some level of protection is appropriate; however, the Council must remain conscious that shoreline protective structures require the sacrifice of portions of the public beach that the Council must steward for future generations."