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Commission approves coastal permit and architectural review for agricultural well at Seahawk Ranch parcel
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a coastal development permit and associated architectural review exemption for drilling a well to serve an agricultural parcel (County file PLN2023-00088); staff found the project exempt under CEQA Guidelines section 15303(e).
The San Mateo County Planning Commission on March 26 approved a coastal development permit and architectural review exemption (County file PLN2023-00088) to allow drilling of an agricultural well to serve a pasture/farming property, voting 4-0. Commissioner Ramirez moved approval and Commissioner Hansen seconded.
Project planner Kanala Kelly described the site at 1 Main Road in North San Gregoria and said the proposed well is intended to supplement existing surface-water collection during dry months for livestock and other agricultural uses. Kelly said the site is outside the agricultural exclusion area used by the county, which is why a coastal development permit was required for the activity. Aerial maps in the staff presentation showed prime soils and three potential well locations; Kelly said no vegetation would be removed and the well would be largely screened and have minimal visibility from Cabrillo Highway.
Kelly told the commission the project complies with the General Plan and Local Coastal Program policies and is not in a sensitive-habitat area. For CEQA, staff determined the project is exempt under CEQA Guidelines section 15303(e) for the construction of small accessory structures. Applicant representative Evan Wolf of Water Solutions said well construction typically takes about two weeks.
No members of the public spoke on the item. Commissioners asked about project duration, alternate drilling sites and whether the proposal expands existing uses; the applicant's representative confirmed the well is intended as a supplement to existing surface-water supplies rather than to expand land use. The commission adopted staff findings and conditions of approval contained in Attachment A and approved the permit by voice vote.
The file will reflect Planning Commission approval; conditions require compliance with the adopted findings and any mitigation measures listed in Attachment A.
