County of San Luis Obispo Weed Abatement Program / ED26-0075
Summary
SCH Number
2026050523
Public Agency
San Luis Obispo County
Document Title
County of San Luis Obispo Weed Abatement Program / ED26-0075
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/13/2026
Document Description
The project is to implement the County of San Luis Obispo’s weed abatement activities on improved/unimproved County owned lands throughout the incorporated and unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County. The purpose of the weed abatement is to remove combustible vegetation that can potentially become a fire hazard.
The annual weed abatement program specifically deals with the removal of rubbish, litter or combustible material of any kind, as well as clearance of native and non-native vegetation, stubble, brush, dry leaves, tumbleweeds or other vegetative growth which is flammable and endangers the public safety by creating a fire hazard and is, therefore, deemed a public nuisance. Clearance of said vegetation or material shall be limited to what is necessary to establish sufficient fire prevention/protection and/or defensible space i.e., up to 100 feet from structures, on adjoining properties per Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 4291 and includes preventative measures such as removing dead vegetation, separating fuels, and pruning lower limbs.
All abatement activities are directed by the County of San Luis Obispo Real Property Services, Parks and Recreation, or Library Departments on a site-specific basis.
Contact Information
Name
Ellie Jordan
Agency Name
The County of San Luis Obispo, Department of Central Services
Job Title
Assistant Real Property Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Eric Hughes
Agency Name
County Of San Luis Obispo
Job Title
Environmental Coordinator
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Countywide
Counties
San Luis Obispo
Regions
Countywide, Unincorporated
Other Location Info
Please see attached document
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 15301 and 15304; Class: 1 and 4
Reasons for Exemption
The project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption (Class 1 and 4) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, Existing Facilities, and 15304, Minor Alterations to Land, because the project consists of weed abatement maintenance activities using mechanical equipment that will not result in expansion of the existing use. Additionally, the abatement activities will involve fuel clearance within 100 feet of structures, and there is no proposed grading or other earth moving activities other than the minimum necessary for fuel management.
Each property has been reviewed by a County-qualified biologist for the potential presence of areas which may support rare, threatened, and endangered species and other environmentally sensitive habitats, and avoidance and minimization measures will be implemented to ensure there will be no potential impacts to sensitive plant and animal species. Avoidance and minimization measures include environmental awareness training for all weed abatement contractors and pre-activity surveys conducted by a County-qualified biologist, where applicable.
The parcels are not located in an area which may have an impact on an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern which is designated, precisely mapped and officially adopted by a federal, state or local agency. Further, there are no unusual circumstances surrounding the project as the proposed project consists of general weed abatement activities commonly implemented for fire prevention/protection.
The proposed project does not impact any scenic resources for any officially designated scenic highways. The proposed project is not located on a site which is included on any hazardous waste site list compiled pursuant to Gov. Code § 65962.5. The proposed project does not involve or does not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. The proposed project will not impact cultural resources as there is minimal to no ground disturbance associated with the abatement activities, and the parcels are not known to contain cultural resources based on available County data.
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
15061(b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
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].
County Clerk
San Luis Obispo
Attachments
Draft Environmental Document [Draft IS, NOI_NOA_Public notices, OPR Summary Form, Appx,]
Notice of Exemption
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