Hickey Grading Permit (GRAD2025-00019/ ED25-0038)
Summary
SCH Number
2025101111
Public Agency
San Luis Obispo County
Document Title
Hickey Grading Permit (GRAD2025-00019/ ED25-0038)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/23/2025
Document Description
A request for a Major Grading Permit (GRAD2025-00019) to allow for the construction of a 950-square-foot two story accessory dwelling unit. The proposed project will disturb approximately 9,000 square feet (0.21 acres) of the 2.5-acre parcel, including 733 cubic yards of cut and fill. The proposed parcel is within the Residential Suburban use category and is located at 1759 Oak Hill Rd Arroyo Grande, Ca 93420, in the San Luis Bay Inland Sub-Area South of the South County Planning Area.
Contact Information
Name
Blake Maule
Agency Name
County of San Luis Obispo
Job Title
Planner II
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Thomas Hickey
Agency Name
Applicant
Job Title
Owner
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
Arroyo Grande
Counties
San Luis Obispo
Regions
Southern California, Unincorporated
Zip
93420
Total Acres
2.5
Parcel #
044-332-019
Other Location Info
1759 OAK HILL RD ARROYO GRANDE, CA 93420
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
15061(b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
The project includes grading for the construction of an accessory dwelling unit with an attached garage within the Residential Suburban 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 0.21 acres. The project area is located within San Luis Bay Inland Sub-Area South 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 is not categorized as prime farmland and will not convert prime farmland to a non-agricultural use.
The project site is located outside of designated San Joaquin Kit Fox habitat and therefore does not require species-specific mitigation measures. No heritage oak trees or other native tree species will be removed as part of the proposed development. Additionally, there are no known occurrences of special-status plant species within the project area. To address oak tree impacts and removal, the applicant has proposed on-site replanting at a ratio of 4:1 for removed oak trees and 2:1 for impacted oak trees. With three oak trees proposed for removal and three additional trees identified as impacted, a total of 18 replacement oak trees will be planted on-site. As proposed, the project remains consistent with applicable local policies and ordinances related to the protection of 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 has low potential for liquefaction, lateral spreading, and low to moderate potential for landslides based upon the site’s soil quality and condition and the absence of groundwater in the soil. The Geotechnical Engineering Report contains geologic elements with recommendations for construction that will be incorporated into the project.
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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