Schrantz Major Grading Permit; GRAD2023-00176 / ED24-077-PL

2024051008

San Luis Obispo County

NOE - Notice of Exemption

5/22/2024

5/22/2024

Dane Mueller

County of San Luis Obispo

Planner

Lead/Public Agency

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

(805) 788-2959

dmueller@co.slo.ca.us

044-274-008

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 includes grading for the construction of an ADU within the Residential Rural land use category with access to an existing road and roadway network that is adequate to serve the project. The applicant has designed the grading, site improvements, and location of the structure and site improvements to minimize project impact as the ADU and improvements primarily use or are primarily located on previously graded roads and pads. The project has a relatively small area of disturbance of approximately 0.55 acres. The project area is located within the San Luis Bay Inland Sub-Area of the South County Planning area and is subject to the applicable sub-area standards outlined in County Code Section 22.98.050. This project, as proposed, meets all applicable community standards for development. Additionally, the project is proposed to be placed in an area that does not contain prime farmland and will not convert existing agricultural crop area to non-agricultural use. The project area does not fall within San Joaquin Kit Fox habitat, therefore, does not require related mitigation measures. A biological resources assessment was not prepared for this project because the areas proposed for disturbance are located within the sparsely vegetated areas of the parcel and continuously disturbed for fuel management purposes. The project is not located within a Highway Design Corridor and will not be visible from any state designated scenic highways. There is no current proposal for the removal of any heritage oak trees or other native tree species. No archaeological study was performed due to the location, parcel topography and minimal amount of site disturbance. Additionally, nearby previous archaeological and cultural studies are not have resulted in no findings within the project vicinity. 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 ADU and on-site residence. The project will maintain compliance with local policies and ordinances protecting biological and archaeological resources. In conclusion, the project will conform to the applicable General Plan and Area Plan standards, and no measures beyond those required by the County Code are necessary to address the environmental impacts associated with the proposed project.