Hearst Holdings, Inc. Minor Use Permit/Coastal Development Permit; C=DRC2022-00057/ ED23-121

2024040550

San Luis Obispo County

NOE - Notice of Exemption

4/11/2024

4/11/2024

Ana Luvera

County of San Luis Obispo

Project Manager

Lead/Public Agency

976 Osos Street, Room 300
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

(805) 788-2009

aluvera@co.slo.ca.us

011-181-018

Categorical Exemption

Section 15061 (b)(3)

This project is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this project may have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, the activity is not subject to CEQA. [Reference: State CEQA Guidelines sec. 15061(b)(3), General Rule Exemption]. The project is not located in an area which may have an impact on an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern which is designated, precisely mapped, and officially adopted by a federal, state or local agency. The project qualifies for a General Rule Exemption pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because the project consists of minor alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees. A Biological Resources Assessment conducted April 28, 2021 (David Wolf Environmental, LLC), concluded direct and indirect project impacts on biological resources would be considered less than significant and no mitigation measures are recommended. The proposed project does not involve or does not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. A Phase 1 Cultural Resource Study (Phil Clarkson, Applied Earthworks, Inc.) and an Extended Phase 1 Cultural Resource Testing (Phil Clarkson, Applied Earthworks, Inc.) were conducted November 8, 2018, and November 8-12, 2021. The Phase 1 Cultural Resource Study (November 8, 2018) concluded with no cultural materials or features observed. The results of the Extended Phase 1 Subsurface Survey (November 8-12, 2021) concluded no further archaeological actions are recommended for the Project. The area contains little to no subsurface cultural material and the potential for encountering additional cultural resources, such as artifacts or subsurface features is low. Pursuant to CZLUO, if cultural materials are encountered during construction activities, all work must be halted near the discovery, and a qualified archaeologist must be contacted to assess the find and evaluate what further steps will be taken. No federal lands are associated with the proposed Project. Therefore, all applicable California State laws will be followed in the unlikely event human remains or associated funerary items are identified during ground-disturbing activities. Should human remains and/or associated cultural materials be encountered, work in that area must be halted and the San Luis Obispo County Coroner’s Office shall be immediately contacted pursuant to Health and Human Safety Code Section 7050.5. If the remains are determined to be of Native American origin, the NAHC shall be notified within 24 hours of the determination, as required by Public Resource Code Section 5097. The project will conform to the applicable General Plan and Area Plan standards, and no measures beyond those required by State Law and County Code are necessary to address the environmental impacts associated with the proposed project.