545 Higuera Mixed-Use Project
Summary
SCH Number
2020060075
Public Agency
City of San Luis Obispo
Document Title
545 Higuera Mixed-Use Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/3/2020
Present Land Use
General Retail / offices
Document Description
Four-story mixed-use project consisting of 5,241 square feet of ground-floor retail, eight hotel suites, and 39 residential (apartment) units. The project includes a three-level mechanical parking lift serving 48 spaces, a fourth floor roof deck, and tree removals.
Contact Information
Name
Shawna Scott
Agency Name
City of San Luis Obispo, Community Development Department
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Agency Name
Taylor Judkins
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Location
Coordinates
Cities
San Luis Obispo
Counties
San Luis Obispo
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
Marsh Street, Higuera Street
Zip
93401
Total Acres
0.79
Parcel #
003-511-033 and 003-511-037
State Highways
California
Railways
UPRR
Airports
San Luis Obispo County
Schools
Mission Prep, Hawthorne Elem., San Luis High School
Waterways
San Luis Obispo Creek and tributaries
Township
30S
Range
12E
Section
34, 35
Base
MDBM
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 32 Infill, Section 15332
Reasons for Exemption
The project is categorically exempt under Class 32, In-Fill Development Projects; Section 15332 of the State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, because the project is consistent with General Plan policies for the land use designation and is consistent with the applicable zoning designation and applicable regulations. The project site occurs on a property of no more than five acres, which is currently developed with existing commercial and office uses and associated parking, is substantially surrounded by urban uses, and has no value as habitat for endangered, rare or threatened species. The project would be served by adequate required utilities and public services. The project has been reviewed by the City Public Works Department, Transportation Division, and no significant traffic impacts were identified, based on the size and location of the project. Based on the current use of the site, the proposed project as designed, the location of the project, and compliance with existing Zoning and Municipal Code Regulations including the City’s Noise and Stormwater Regulations, the project would not result in any significant effects related to noise, air quality, or water quality. Based on the projects location within the Downtown Commercial zone, and the project’s consistency with the General Plan, Downtown Concept Plan, and Zoning Regulations, and presence of historic resources throughout the Downtown and areas subject to the same policies and regulations, no unusual circumstance exists in accordance with the Berkeley Hillside Preservation v. the City of Berkeley, 60 Cal 4th 1086 (2015) case. Furthermore, based on the project’s design, which incorporates forms, step backs, setbacks, landscaping, and materials found to be consistent with the General Plan and Community Design Guidelines, and the initial recommendations of the historic assessment and the conclusion of the Historical Compatibility Letter, the project would not result in a significant adverse impact or cumulative impact to historical resources as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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