Archaeological commission requires surveys for four coastal development permit projects

The Mendocino County Archaeological Commission on Oct. 8 voted to require archaeological surveys for multiple coastal development permit applications after referrals from the Northwest Information Center said sites were sensitive and lacked prior field studies.

For CDP2023007 (42501 Eureka Hill Road, Point Arena) staff planner Shelby Miller clarified the applicant seeks a 1,080-square-foot barn and a 640-square-foot single-family residence; she asked commissioners to disregard an earlier label of “accessory dwelling unit,” saying, “So, just disregard the accessory dwelling unit part and just think of it as a single family residence.” The commission noted the Northwest Information Center has no records for the parcel and recommended a professional survey; commissioners voted to require a survey (roll call recorded affirmative votes).

For CDP20240036 (48000 Bill Owens Road, Point Arena), an after-the-fact permit for a 2,784-square-foot barn, planner Jamie Henry told the commission the structure was built on already-disturbed driveway area. NWIC nonetheless recommended a field study; commissioners moved and passed a requirement for a qualified archaeologist to survey the project area.

For CDP20250016 (14140 Hilma Circle, Mendocino), which proposes a 303-square-foot addition and decking, commissioners noted black soil in a flagged area and adjacent recorded site information. Commissioner discussion led to a motion to require a survey focused on whether adjacent recorded resources extend into the parcel; the motion specified the survey is to assess potential impacts to the foundation and addition area rather than the deck.

For CDP20250017 (46800 Iverson Lane, north of Gualala), agent Sarah Bradley told commissioners she completed the parcel’s biological survey and noted an earlier nearby survey had required an archaeological study; the Northwest Information Center recommended a full- parcel archival and field study because the site sits on a coastal terrace near intermittent and perennial water courses. Commissioners voted to require an archaeologist to study the parcel.

Each of these hearings resulted in motions that carried on roll call with commissioners indicating affirmative votes (Commissioner Cole and Commissioner Johnson recorded as voting yes in roll calls). Staff directed applicants to provide survey reports prepared by a qualified archaeologist, consistent with NWIC recommendations.