DATE: May 20, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: City Manager's Office
TITLE: AMENDMENT 4 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH GHD FOR SCOUP PROJECT SUPPORT SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council approve Amendment 4 to the Professional Services Agreement with GHD of San Diego in the amount of $39,860, for a total revised contract price of $359,450; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment upon receipt of all supporting documents.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
Many sections of Oceanside’s coastline experience chronic erosion, with some beaches sustaining little to no dry sand beach. The Sand Compatibility and Opportunistic Use Program (SCOUP) provides a mechanism for the City to beneficially reuse compatible, opportunistic sand sources, such as material generated from construction activities (e.g., basements or parking structures), for small-scale beach nourishment. When pre-approved and verified as compatible with native beach conditions, these sources can be placed efficiently to support localized coastal resilience. SCOUP is one tool available to enhance shoreline stability, particularly along urbanized coastlines such as that of Oceanside.
SCOUP consists of a suite of permits that authorize the City to place approved and permitted opportunistic sand from various sources on the shoreline when suitable sand is available. Several regulatory and resource agencies are involved in SCOUP oversight and sand placement efforts, and include, but are not limited to, the California Coastal Commission (CCC), the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
In 2022, the City renewed its SCOUP permits, which operate on 5-year timelines that require renewal (ideally prior to their expiration). In October 2025, the City successfully implemented its first SCOUP project at Tyson St. beach, placing roughly 2,200 cubic yards of sand, which has sustained the beach and buffer between South The Strand and the shoreline since placement. The Coastal Management Division is currently coordinating with developers of local building projects that may provide compatible sandy material for future SCOUP placements, anticipated as early as Spring 2027.
The Coastal Management Division now seeks to amend and renew the state and federal permits required to maintain continued operation and use of SCOUP. Timely renewal of the regulatory permits for the SCOUP is essential to ensure uninterrupted program continuity and operation. Approval to proceed with the renewal process will allow staff to meet regulatory timelines and support the City’s ongoing objectives of building resilience on the coast.
GHD will provide permitting and agency coordination support for the City’s SCOUP program, including preparation and submittal of applications to the RWQCB and the CCC, as well as support for a time extension request to the USACE. The proposed applications will seek a 10-year extension of the existing RWQCB permit and modifications to increase operational flexibility, including extending allowable sand placement activities through May 28 and expanding acceptable grain size ranges, consistent with recently approved regional SCOUP permits. GHD will also coordinate with RWQCB, CCC, and USACE staff, respond to agency requests for additional information, and attend meetings or hearings as necessary to facilitate permit approvals. The total cost for the proposed services is $39,860, excluding any applicable permit fees.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of Amendment 4 is $39,860 and will be charged to the Sand Replacement Project account 912134200501.5305.10600. The balance of this account is $1,202,352; therefore, sufficient funds are available.
COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE REPORT
Does not apply.
CITY ATTORNEY’S ANALYSIS
City Attorney has reviewed the contract amendment and approved as to form.
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Prepared by: Sam Blakesley, Consulting Coastal Assistant
Reviewed by: Jayme Timberlake, Coastal Zone Administrator
Submitted by: Jonathan Borrego, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Amendment 4