Palmer, Major Grading Permit / GRAD2025-00118 / ED25-0119
Summary
SCH Number
2026010031
Public Agency
San Luis Obispo County
Document Title
Palmer, Major Grading Permit / GRAD2025-00118 / ED25-0119
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
1/2/2026
Document Description
A request for a Major Grading Permit (GRAD2025-00118) to allow for the construction of a 1,620-square-foot (sf) single-family residence with associated utilizes. The proposed project will disturb approximately 20,249 sf (0.46 acres) of the 9.78-acre parcel, including 1,227 cubic yards of cut and fill. The proposed parcel is within the Rural Lands use category and is located at 3573 Parkhill Road, Santa Margarita, CA 93453 in the Las Pilitas Sub-Area of the North 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
Kayla Hammer
Agency Name
Applicant
Job Title
Owner
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Unincorporated Santa Margarita
Counties
San Luis Obispo
Regions
Southern California, Unincorporated
Zip
93453
Total Acres
9.78
Parcel #
070-511-036
Other Location Info
3573 Parkhill Road, Santa Margarita, CA 93453
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 15303; Class: 3
Reasons for Exemption
The project qualifies for a Class 3 Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (New Construction of Small Structures). Class 3 consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures, including, per subsection (a) “One single-family residence, or a second dwelling unit in a residential zone.”. This project is also 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].
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
15061(b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
The project proposes grading for the construction of a single-family residence within the Rural Lands land use category, served by an existing roadway network that is adequate to support the development. The applicant has designed the grading and site improvements to minimize site disturbance, resulting in a relatively small disturbance area of approximately 0.46 acres. The proposed residence will be located within a portion of the footprint and area of disturbance as a previous residence to be demolished. The project site is located within the Las Pilitas Sub-Area of the North County Planning Area and is subject to the applicable development standards outlined in County Code Section 22.94.050. As proposed, the project complies with all applicable community development standards and is not located on prime farmland, nor will it result in the conversion of 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, the applicant has proposed on-site replanting at a ratio of 2:1 for impacted oak trees. With twelve oak trees proposed to be impacted, a total of 24 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.
Therefore, the proposed activity qualifies for a Categorical Exemption 15303 (Class 3, New Construction of Small Structures) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 and is further 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.
County Clerk
San Luis Obispo
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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