SCH Number 2025090494

Project Info

Title

Vegetation Removal Permit / PL25-0181

Description

The Project consist of a Vegetation Removal Permit for the removal of occupied Coastal Sage Scrub. The subject site was originally approved in 2006 (2006-04 VRP) under an earlier Vegetation Removal Permit and 4(d) incidental take permit under the “de-minimus” exemption provided by the Draft Subarea Plan for unoccupied coastal sage scrub. The Draft Subarea plan in coordination with the wildlife agencies allotted the City of Escondido the ability to issue incidental take permits for the removal of 5% Coastal Sage Scrub in the subregion pending the implementation of the overall plan. Due to the expiration of the “take permit” in 2006 and inability to use the 5% allowance, the applicant was subject to review of a Vegetation Removal Permit once more. Per the Escondido Municipal Code, the permit required an updated biology report which determined the on-site coastal sage scrub was occupied by a lone Gnatcatcher. This information was provided to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Agency for a determination of the Project under the Endangered Species Act 10(a)(1)(b) as a “no take”. Staff further coordinated with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife who also had no additional concerns beyond conditioning for a pre-construction survey. Following these coordination efforts, staff has evaluated the Project and determined there are no unusual circumstances involved in the Project, it remains consistent with the development standards and use of the property as envisioned.

1 documents in project