Ocean Beach Pier Renewal

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Ocean Beach Pier Background

The Ocean Beach (OB) Pier first opened on July 2, 1966. Conceived as a sportfishing pier, the facility enables the public to access and interact with the ocean. There is no fee for walking out onto the pier and fishing licenses are not required.

During the first 25 years of service, the structure received normal ongoing maintenance required by exposure to the harsh marine environment, where it is subjected to wind, waves and the salt‐laden marine atmosphere. In 1991, the pier underwent major structural rehabilitation. Since the early 2000s, exposure to large waves and ongoing degradation has required structural repairs with increasing frequency. The pier has been temporarily closed several times in recent years due to damage suffered in storms and high surf. In 2023, the pier was closed from January to July, reopening just in time for its 57^th anniversary. But high surf in October damaged the pier and forced it to close again. Given the overall cost, timeline, and environmental permitting required to structurally rehabilitate the existing pier, in addition to the likelihood of additional damage occurring during future winter storms, City engineers have determined that any significant structural rehabilitation is not feasible. At this time, the City has decided to leave the pier as is and move forward with plans for a long-term replacement of the pier.

While the pier does not pose an immediate threat to public safety, additional signage has been posted along the pier reminding visitors to be cautious when visiting the area. It references the San Diego Municipal Code which states it is against the law for anyone to swim, wade, surf or skin dive within 75 feet of any fishing pier owned or operated by the City (SDMC §63.20.16).

Based on the findings of a 2018 study of the OB Pier, the City has determined that pursuing a potential replacement of the pier is the best option considering the ongoing costs of repairs, the need to modernize the existing facility and the anticipation of future sea level rise. The 2018 study by consultant Moffatt & Nichol examined the damage and deterioration of the structure and analyzed three options for the future of the pier: repair, rehabilitate or replace. The study documented various structural problems with the pier and determined that it has reached the end of its service life.

Project Description

This project aims to provide a long-term solution for the nearly 60-year-old pier through a potential replacement.

The City, in partnership with Moffatt & Nichol, has developed the preferred alternative for the potential replacement of the pier based on input from San Diegans, community impacts, environmental permitting, sustainability, operational usage, cost, historical significance and other factors. The City hosted a series of community workshops to share information about the project and gather input from community members.

A task force was created to represent the community’s interest in the project. The Ocean Beach Pier Task Force included volunteer community members who were nominated by local advisory groups and representatives from Mayor Gloria’s office, Council District 2 and the City’s Engineering and Capital Projects Department. The task force completed its role and is no longer active.

After completing extensive public outreach and finalizing the proposed pier concept, the project has transitioned into the permitting and environmental review phase.

Project Timeline*

Tentative timeline for the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal project.

Project Budget*

The current estimated cost range for the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal project is $170 million to $190 million. This estimated total project cost includes everything completed so far for the community engagement process, all the way through the end of construction. Currently, there is $8.4 million in state funding designated for the project and the City will pursue other state and federal grants.

Upcoming Community Workshops

The community engagement process to create a preferred design concept for a potential Ocean Beach Pier replacement is now complete. Please see the "Past Community Workshops" section below for the presentation videos and slides from each workshop. Additional community engagement may occur later in the project.