Tidwell Variance / N-DRC2025-00028 / ED25-0182
Summary
SCH Number
2025110992
Public Agency
San Luis Obispo County
Document Title
Tidwell Variance / N-DRC2025-00028 / ED25-0182
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/24/2025
Document Description
A request by Troy Tidwell for a Variance to allow major grading (GRAD2024-00179) on slopes in excess of 30 percent (58.7 percent maximum) for the purpose of site improvements (retaining walls) for the existing homestead. The project proposes zero cubic yards of cut, 2,036 cubic yards of fill, and 19,571 square feet of total site disturbance for two retaining walls totaling approximately 553 linear feet. The project is located at 6500 Rocky Canyon Road via Old Adobe Canyon Road (private driveway) approximately 1,250 feet east of the city limits of Atascadero. The 32-acre parcel is designated Agriculture (AG) and is within the El Pomar-Estrella Sub-area of the North County Planning Area.
Contact Information
Name
Eric Tolle
Agency Name
County Of San Luis Obispo
Job Title
Senior Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Troy Tidwell
Agency Name
Applicant
Job Title
Owner
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Atascadero
Counties
San Luis Obispo
Regions
Southern California, Unincorporated
Zip
93422
Total Acres
32
Parcel #
034-551-019
Other Location Info
6500 Rocky Canyon Road Atascadero, CA 93422
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
15061(b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
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].
To supplement this exemption, the applicant submitted a Biological Resources Assessment (BRA) that analyzed the project site for sensitive and protected biological resources. The biologist concluded that the project would occur on previous disturbed ruderal/developed and non-native grassland habitats with a high level of human activity. No special-status plant or wildlife species or sensitive habitat were observed within or near the proposed project area. A preconstruction survey for nesting birds was recommended if vegetation is proposed for removal during the nesting bird season; this was included as a condition of approval (Exhibit B). An arborist report was submitted with the grading permit application which concluded that no native or protected trees are slated for removal. Work will not occur within or near the existing onsite oak woodland.
Finally, a cultural resources field survey was conducted in March 2025 and concluded no prehistoric materials or historic cultural resources within the proposed project area. Recommendations were made in the event human remains are uncovered during the course of the project; these were incorporated into the conditions of approval (Exhibit B).
County Clerk
San Luis Obispo
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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