Via Monte Conservation Regulations Use Permit Exception for Solar Array
Summary
SCH Number
2024050282
Public Agency
Napa County
Document Title
Via Monte Conservation Regulations Use Permit Exception for Solar Array
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/7/2024
Document Description
Approval of a request for land disturbing activities associated with a proposed exception to the Napa County Conservation Regulations (County Code Chapter 18.108), in the form of a Use Permit in order to allow the development of a solar array on land with slopes over 30% on the approximate 10.36-acre parcel. The proposed solar array would provide energy to the existing single-family residence, and associated accessory structures, on the subject parcel within Napa County (APN 025-300-037-000).
Contact Information
Name
Morrison, Dana
Agency Name
County of Napa
Job Title
Supervising Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
unincorporated area
Counties
Napa
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Via Monte and Camino Vista
Zip
95474
Total Acres
10.36
Jobs
1
Parcel #
025-300-037-000
State Highways
Highway 29
Railways
None
Airports
None
Schools
Foothills Adventist Elementary, Culinary Institute of America,
Waterways
Mill Creek, Napa River, Canon Creek, Conn Creek, and York Creek
Township
08
Range
6W
Section
24
Base
MDM
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15303 Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures
Reasons for Exemption
Under CEQA Guidelines §15300.2, Exceptions, Class 3 Categorical Exemptions cannot be used if the project substantially affects mapped or designated environmentally sensitive areas or resources. The project area is not mapped as containing environmentally sensitive resources subject to state and federal protection, (Napa County Geographic Information Sensitivity maps/layers US Fish & Wildlife Critical Habitat, California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), Owl habitat CNDDB, and Wetlands and Vernal Pools). The parcel is not designated as a critical linkage corridor, and the general vicinity is not mapped as potentially sensitive to archaeological resources (Napa County Geographic Information Sensitivity maps/layers Key Riparian Corridors, Riparian Buffer Zones, Linkage Designs, Archaeologic Sensitive Areas). The area is designated as having very low potential for liquefaction, the nearest fault is approximately 1.85 miles southwest of the project parcel and the fault runs in northwest to southeast direction, and the nearest landslide is 1.3 miles south of the project parcel (Napa County Geographic Information Sensitivity maps/layers Sensitivity maps/layers Faults, Liquefaction and Landslides). The project site is partially visible from certain sections of Silverado Trail (a scenic highway), however solar projects are not subject to viewshed regulations and existing trees and topography block much of the proposed development area from the valley floor roadways. No tree removal is proposed as part of the project. The parcel was impacted by fire in 2020, and the area will continue to revegetate increasing the amount of screening on the subject parcel. The project site is not located on any of the lists of hazardous material sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962. In addition, the area is not located within the Milliken-Sarco-Tulocay water deficient basin nor in the area where groundwater is being actively monitored by the County (Napa County Geographic Information Sensitivity maps/layers Groundwater Deficient Areas and NE Napa Management Area).
County Clerk
Napa
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613. For more information, please visit OPR’s Accessibility Site.