Development Plan N-DRC2023-00053 (ED25-0175)
Summary
SCH Number
2025100916
Public Agency
San Luis Obispo County
Document Title
Development Plan N-DRC2023-00053 (ED25-0175)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/21/2025
Document Description
A hearing to consider a request by Verizon Wireless for a Development Plan / Coastal Development Permit to allow the construction and operation of a 55-foot-tall faux mono-eucalyptus tree wireless communications facility consisting of the following: 1) six panel antennas, 2) six remote radio units, 3) four surge suppressor units, and 4) one GPS antenna. The project also includes associated trenching, equipment, cabinets, and hardware including a 30-kW emergency diesel generator. The proposed project will result in the ground disturbance of 3,580 square feet on a 1.37-acre parcel. The proposed project is within the Commercial Service land use category and is located at 1155 Los Olivos Avenue (behind of the Grocery Outlet), in the community of Los Osos within the Estero Planning Area Coast Zone.
Contact Information
Name
Elizabeth Moreno
Agency Name
County Of San Luis Obispo
Job Title
Senior Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Armando Montes
Agency Name
Applicant
Job Title
Authorized Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
Unincorporated Los Osos
Counties
San Luis Obispo
Regions
Southern California, Unincorporated
Zip
93402
Total Acres
1.37
Parcel #
074-292-003
Other Location Info
155 Los Olivos Avenue, Los Osos, CA. 93402
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 15303; Class: 3
Reasons for Exemption
This project qualifies for a Class 3 Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) because it involves the installation of a new cellular facility and associated equipment and accessory infrastructure within an approximately 900 square-foot area surrounded by an 8-foot-tall chain-linked fence. The project does not trigger Section 15300.2 exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption as it is not located in a sensitive environment; would not contribute to a cumulatively significant impact; would not result in a significant effect due to unusual circumstances; would not affect scenic resources within a scenic highway area; is not located on a listed hazardous materials site; and it would not affect historic or cultural resources. Cellular facilities are not explicitly included as an example provided for the exemption; however, it is comparable in scope and in function to those listed including a single-family residence or secondary dwelling, duplexes and multi-family dwellings, a commercial development not exceeding 2,500 square feet in floor area, utility extensions, accessory structures, and sterilization units for treatment of medical waste.
The project site is located within the Commercial Service land use category and it is surrounded by commercial services and retail uses. The project site is also within a mapped Archaeologically Sensitive combining designation area. The applicant submitted a Phase I Cultural Resource Survey prepared by Central Coast Archeological Research Consultant, dated April 2024. The report did not identify any prehistoric or historical cultural resources within the project area.
The project is not located within the boundaries of a FEMA-designated 100-year flood zone, near any mapped streams or drainage, and would not have a significant effect on drainage or water quality. The proposed diesel backup generator is the main source of noise and powered in the event of a power outage and for occasional routine maintenance and testing. While in operation, the telecommunications facility would not result in substantial air pollution. There are no unusual circumstances surrounding the project. Existing grading and drainage regulations will adequately address surface water quality impacts during construction.
The construction of a wireless communications facility at this location is consistent with the General Plan designation, existing uses on site, and all applicable zoning designations and regulations. The Environmental Coordinator has determined that it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed project may have a significant adverse effect on the environment, and this Notice of Exemption has been prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15062.
County Clerk
San Luis Obispo
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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