Mendocino County archaeological commission requires surveys for two Fort Bragg projects, accepts Manchester survey

The Mendocino County Archaeological Commission voted Wednesday to require archaeological surveys for two Fort Bragg coastal development permit applications and accepted a completed survey for a Manchester property, adding a standard discovery clause to the Manchester approval.

Commissioners voted 3-0 to require a cultural resources survey for CDP 2025-0005, a proposed 2,504-square-foot single-family residence with a 1,009-square-foot garage and associated site work at 334501 Sunset Way, Fort Bragg. The commission also voted to require a targeted survey limited to the proposed fence alignment for a separate CDP modification at 33041 Virgin Creek Lane — a 316-linear-foot, 6-foot cedar fence with a 16-foot rolling gate and an 8-foot double-swinging gate. For a Manchester project, the commission accepted a previously completed cultural resources survey for CDP 2025-0001 and added the commission discovery clause.

The votes followed staff presentation and referrals from the Northwest Information Center, which recommended surveys in light of ground disturbance. "The parcel subject parcel is approximately 55 feet above mean sea level, and roughly 300 feet east of the bluff edge on a flat coastal terrace," staff planner Shelby Miller said during the discussion of the Sunset Way application. Miller told the commission the Northwest Information Center had recommended a survey "due to a large amount of ground disturbance." Miller said no applicant representative was present for that item.

Commissioner Bill Cole recused himself from the Sunset Way discussion after noting a prior contact; the…