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Archaeological commission requires field survey to legalize Albion Ridge care unit
Summary
Mendocino County Archaeological Commission voted to require a professional archaeological field survey before staff can approve legalization of an existing structure proposed as a family care unit in Albion (AP20240005). Commissioners cited proximity to recorded Native American sites and lack of previous surveys.
The Mendocino County Archaeological Commission voted unanimously Sept. 10 to require a professional archaeological field study for AP20240005, an application to legalize an existing structure as a family care unit at 31533 Albion Ridge Road.
The commission’s action follows a referral from the Northwest Information Center, which said Native American resources in that part of Mendocino County are often found on ridges, terraces and near riparian areas and recommended a field study because the parcel lacked a prior survey. At the meeting, staff said the parcel is about 21.4 acres and the existing structure appears to have been built between 2006 and 2010 without permits.
“There's no new ground disturbance being proposed,” said Ralph Simmons, project planner, describing the current application as legalization of an existing building. Still, commissioners stressed the nearby records and lack of prior survey justified a field study before issuing approval.
Commissioners questioned how close previously recorded village sites were to the parcel; staff and referrals did not provide a precise distance but noted the parcel is roughly 2,600 feet east and 1,300 feet south of a nearby riparian area. The Northwest Information Center’s referral cited an “ethnographically recorded village site in the vicinity” and the lack of prior survey as the basis for recommending a field study.
After discussion, a motion to require a field survey carried on roll call. Commissioner Bill Cole voted yes; Commissioner Nancy Johnson voted yes; the third commissioner present voted yes. Staff confirmed the motion carried.
The commission did not hear applicant testimony at the meeting; staff said the owner or agent did not appear. The required survey will need to be completed and reviewed by staff and returned to the commission if it identifies cultural resources or if subsequent ground-disturbing work is proposed.
The commission’s action addresses APN 12327030 and was taken under the county’s archaeological commission review procedures for survey-required projects in the unincorporated coastal-adjacent area.
