Fields Major Grading Permit; GRAD2023-00103, ED24-056

2024040754

San Luis Obispo County

NOE - Notice of Exemption

4/17/2024

4/17/2024

Blake Maule

County of San Luis Obispo

Planner

Lead/Public Agency

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

(805) 781-4163

bmaule@co.slo.ca.us

026-342-049

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 consists of grading for the construction of a single-family residence and associated uses. The project is located in an agricultural area with similar development on neighboring parcels. The project site is within an area of previous ground disturbance due to on-site agriculture operations. The applicant has designed the grading and site improvements to minimize site disturbance, and the project has a relatively small area of disturbance of approximately 3.4-acres of the 40-acre parcel. The project area is located within the Adelaida Sub-area of the North County Planning Area and is subject to the applicable sub-area standards outlined in County Code Section 22.94.030. This project, as proposed, meets all applicable community standards for development. With the exception of the oak woodland surrounding the proposed project area, the site is not located in an area of biological or botanical sensitivity or potential for identified listed species. The project is not anticipated to impact existing Oak trees; however, the applicant has proposed replacement measures of 2:1 for Oak trees impacted and 4:1 for replacement in the event Oak trees are removed as a result of this project. No mapped wetlands, Sensitive Resource Areas, or Terrestrial Habitats occur on site; therefore, none will be impacted. One mapped intermittent stream does occur on site but is protected by an existing culvert that will not be improved or impacted. The project area does not fall within an area of any mapped listed species, therefore, does not require related mitigation measures. The project will maintain compliance with local policies and ordinances protecting biological resources. The project is not within an area with known archaeological resources; therefore, impacts to cultural resources are not anticipated. In the unlikely event resources are uncovered during grading activities, implementation of County Code Section 22.10.040 (Archaeological Resources) would be required, which states: A. Construction activities shall cease, and the Department shall be notified so that the extent and location of discovered materials may be recorded by a qualified archaeologist, and disposition of artifacts may be accomplished in accordance with state and federal law. B. In the event archeological resources are found to include human remains, or in any other case when human remains are discovered during construction, the County Coroner shall be notified in addition to the Department so proper disposition may be accomplished. Existing grading and drainage regulations will adequately address surface water quality impacts during construction and permanent use of the residence. The project would be subject to the County’s Title 19 (Building and Construction Ordinance, Sec. 19.20.238), which ensures the new development has access to adequate utilities such as water and sewer/septic facilities. The site meets all necessary requirements for onsite wastewater treatment (septic) systems to operate successfully. The project will conform to the applicable General Plan and Area Plan standards, and no measures beyond those required by County Code are necessary to address the environmental impacts associated with the proposed project.