Sunset Cliffs Seawall Improvement

Background

This project began in 2022, when engineering and design teams began evaluating the coastal bluffs along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard between the two existing concrete seawalls near Spalding Point. Their assessment found significant erosion, with as little as 12 feet separating the edge of the bluff from the roadway in some areas, indicating a growing risk to infrastructure and public access.

In recent years, rising sea levels and stronger storms have accelerated this erosion. If no action is taken, the bluffs will continue to recede, potentially impacting the roadway, nearby infrastructure, and public access to the area.

Given the increasing risk to infrastructure and public access, the City is advancing the design and construction of a new seawall as a necessary protective measure and will continue to closely monitor the bluffs.

Project Description

The Sunset Cliffs Seawall Improvement project will design and construct a new seawall to protect public access to the coastline, public infrastructure and the surrounding community from ongoing coastal bluff erosion. Public infrastructure in the project area includes roads, sidewalks, curbs and gutters. In addition to the seawall, the project also includes street resurfacing, curb ramp upgrades and guardrail replacement to support safe and reliable access in the area.

The project team has reviewed different seawall design options and their potential environmental effects to identify a recommended approach. The project will include securing all necessary environmental permits for the selected design. In addition, the team has been monitoring the coastal bluffs and will continue regular monitoring throughout the design process.

Throughout the project, the community will be educated on coastal protection solutions and the decisions that shape the final design. The project will prioritize improvements that minimize environmental and infrastructure impacts while providing reliable, long-term coastal protection that balances environmental considerations and community needs.

Sunset Cliffs Seawall Improvement and Coastal Resilience Master Plan

The Sunset Cliffs Seawall Improvement project is a separate and distinct effort from the Coastal Resilience Master Plan. Both projects contribute to protecting San Diego's coastline, but they differ in scope, purpose and timeline.

The Coastal Resilience Master Plan, adopted by City Council on Sept. 9, 2025, takes a longer-term, planning-focused approach by identifying nature-based solutions to protect the coastline, preserve access to coastal resources, maintain the natural integrity of areas like Sunset Cliffs, and improve public safety.

The Sunset Cliffs Seawall Improvement project, which began in 2022 prior to the coastal resilience effort, focuses on a specific location where existing seawalls are already in place and where erosion has become increasingly severe. This project identifies an engineered seawall solution that is necessary due to the rate and scale of erosion at this site and the proximity of existing City infrastructure.

The project team evaluated a range of possible solutions and studied their environmental impacts. This included comparing two main approaches:

• Nature-based (soft) solutions include options like beach nourishment or habitat restoration, which work with natural coastal processes.
• Engineered (hard) solutions include options such as seawalls or rock revetments, which provide strong, long-term protection against waves and erosion.

After careful review, the team determined that an engineered seawall is the most effective option for this location. This section of coastline is unique because existing seawalls are already in place, yet erosion is occurring at their ends. Extending protection across this section of the bluff will create a more continuous and effective barrier against ongoing erosion. High wave energy, ongoing erosion, and the proximity of critical public infrastructure further underscore the need for a seawall that provides the most reliable, long-term protection.

The project team will continue to refine the seawall design based on site conditions and environmental considerations and will obtain all required local, state and federal permits.

Project Schedule

• Spring 2026 – Currently at 60% design.
• Summer 2027 – Complete final design and permitting acquisition.
• Winter 2027 – Tentative construction start.*

*The project schedule is dependent on permit acquisition and funding.

The graphic to the right shows the project location and features, including the proposed seawall, resurfacing efforts and curb ramp improvements.

Community Meeting

The City is committed to keeping the community informed throughout this project. On May 12, residents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to learn about the project, ask questions and stay up to date on progress.

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Point Loma/Hervey Library, Haas Community Room
3701 Voltaire St., San Diego, CA 92107

At this meeting, the City will provide an overview of the proposed improvements, design options, landscaping features, required permits, estimated costs, project timeline and next steps.

Past meeting materials will be posted here following each community meeting.

Email Updates

To receive the email updates, click on this link, fill out the required information and select the "Project Updates: Sunset Cliffs Seawall Improvement" email list.

Contact Us

For questions about this project, contact the Engineering & Capital Projects Department at 619-533-4207, email engineering@sandiego.gov or submit your inquiry online. Please reference "Sunset Cliffs Seawall Improvement" in your inquiry.