Donaldson Grading Permit (GRAD2025-00221/ CEQA2024-00006)
Summary
SCH Number
2026080405
Public Agency
San Luis Obispo County
Document Title
Donaldson Grading Permit (GRAD2025-00221/ CEQA2024-00006)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/13/2026
Document Description
A request for a Major Grading Permit (GRAD2025-00221) to allow for the construction of a two-story, approximately 4,910 square-foot mixed-use motel. The proposed project will disturb the entire 0.18-acre parcel, including 290 cubic-yards of cut and fill. The proposed parcel is within the Commercial Retail land use category and is located on South Ocean Ave, in the Estero Planning Area of the Coastal Zone.
Contact Information
Name
Eric Hughes
Agency Name
County Of San Luis Obispo
Job Title
Division Manager - Planning
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Maurice Donaldson
Agency Name
Property Owner
Job Title
Applicant
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Unincorporated Cayucos
Counties
San Luis Obispo
Regions
Southern California, Unincorporated
Zip
93430
Total Acres
0.18
Parcel #
064-119-036
Other Location Info
17 South Ocean Ave, Cayucos, CA 93430
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
15061(b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
The project includes grading for the construction of a two-story, mixed-use motel the Commercial Retail 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 0.18 acres. The project area is located within the Estero Planning Area of the Coastal Zone and is subject to the applicable standards outlined in County Code. 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 will not result in impacts to special status plant and animal species known to exist within the project area. Therefore, the project will maintain compliance with local policies and ordinances protecting 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 will not be impacted by geologic conditions, and all geotechnical recommendations have been incorporated into the project design, if applicable. 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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