Nicholson Major Grading Permit: GRAD2024-00116 / ED25-0016
Summary
SCH Number
2025061361
Public Agency
San Luis Obispo County
Document Title
Nicholson Major Grading Permit: GRAD2024-00116 / ED25-0016
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/30/2025
Document Description
A request for a Major Grading Permit (GRAD2024-00116) to allow for grading on slopes between 10 and 30 percent for replacement single family dwelling and driveway. The proposed project will result in approximately 35,000 square-feet of site disturbance on the approximately 33.14-acre parcel, including 1070-cubic-yards of cut and fill. The proposed project is within the Residential Rural land use category and is located at 2200 Orchard Lane, in the Salinas River Sub-area of the North County Planning Area.
Contact Information
Name
Dane Mueller
Agency Name
County Of San Luis Obispo
Job Title
Planner II
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Scott Nicholson
Agency Name
Owner
Job Title
Applicant
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Unincorporated Templeton
Counties
San Luis Obispo
Regions
Unincorporated
Zip
93465
Total Acres
33.14
Parcel #
039-331-005
Other Location Info
2200 Orchard Ave, Templeton, 93465
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
15061(b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
The project includes grading for the alterations of an existing single-family residence with driveway within the Residential Rural land use category with access to an existing roadway network that is adequate to serve the project. 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 35,000 square-feet. The project area is located within the Salinas River Sub-area of the North County Planning Area and is subject to the applicable sub-area standards outlined in County Code Section 22.94.080. This project, as proposed, meets all applicable community standards for development. Additionally, the project is proposed to be placed in a previously disturbed/developed portion of the site and will not convert prime farmland to a non-agricultural use.
The project area does not fall within San Joaquin Kit Fox habitat and, therefore, does not require related mitigation measures. Impacts to Oak Trees will occur. The project is required to replace seven (7) removed Oak Trees and eleven (11) impacted Oak Trees at 4:1 and 2:1 ratios respectively. No special status species are known to occur in the vicinity of the project site; therefore, a Biological Resource Assessment was not required. Therefore, the project will maintain compliance with local policies and ordinances protecting biological resources.
The project is not located near a stream or in 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.
The project area does not have a high potential for liquefaction, lateral spreading, or landslide based upon the site’s Official Maps of the County of San Luis Obispo Land Use Element
Existing grading and drainage regulations will adequately address surface water quality impacts during construction and permanent use of the residence. 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.
County Clerk
San Luis Obispo
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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