Zoning Code Technical Corrections; ORD22-0005

2023030440

Sonoma County

NOE - Notice of Exemption

3/16/2023

3/16/2023

Eric Gage

Sonoma County Permit Sonoma

Planner III

Lead/Public Agency

Sonoma County PRMD 2550 Ventura Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

(707) 565-1391

Eric.Gage@sonoma-county.org

Not site specific

N/A Not site specific

Categorical Exemption

Common Sense Exemption. 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines; Categorical Exemption. 15305 (Class 5) of the State CE

The amendments to Chapter 26 are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines sec. 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the project may have a significant effect on the environment. This ordinance includes amendments to Chapter 26 to restore and reinstate Zoning Code provisions that were erroneously and unintentionally deleted, moved, or modified by adoption of Ordinance 6335 (February 2021). This ordinance also makes editorial amendments necessary to clarify the meaning or intent of restored provisions in context, and to improve the useability of the code, such as by ensuring that all defined terms are listed in the glossary and appropriate cross-references inserted. Accordingly, adoption of this ordinance is covered by the common sense exemption of Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) because the substantive amendments made by adoption of this ordinance merely correct codification errors to restore uses and other requirements as they existed in Chapter 26 before being erroneously deleted by Ordinance 6335. This ordinance restores, to the extent possible, the original wording and practical application, consistent with legislative intent, of those provisions of Chapter 26 that were amended in error. The amendments to the Official Zoning Database are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines sec. 15061(b)(3). It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the project may have a significant effect on the environment because the proposed amendments to the Official Zoning Database will only correct historical errors created when the Official Zoning Database was established, and resolve mapping inconsistencies that were revealed by improvements in mapping techniques. No change in the physical environment would result, because no development is proposed as part of the adjustments to zoning and combining districts, and because the amendments only implement the existing regulations. These updates are needed to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the Official Zoning Database and other zoning information. The amendments to the Official Zoning Database are adopted to satisfy previously approved conditions of project approval and are necessary for compliance with the Sonoma County Subdivision Code (Sonoma County Code, Chapter 25). These zone changes were reviewed and considered in compliance with CEQA prior to and at the time of project approval and are exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15305 (minor alterations in land use limitations), because the amendments merely realign the zoning lines to be coterminous with adjusted property lines.