Coastal permit administrator OKs modular home and driveway on rural parcel near Gualala under mitigated negative declaration
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Summary
The Coastal Permit Administrator approved CDP 2024-0006 allowing a 640-square-foot modular single-family residence, driveway work and ancillary structures in the coastal zone near Gualala, subject to mitigation measures and conditions recommended by county staff and reviewers including CDFW and the Coastal Commission.
The Mendocino County Coastal Permit Administrator approved March 27 a coastal development permit (CDP 2024-0006) for a modular single‑family residence, driveway graveling, a roof-mounted solar system, storage shed, septic pump tank and related utility connections at 37891 Old Coast Highway near Gualala.
Project planner Shelby Miller told the administrator the property lies in the rural residential zoning district and includes extensive wetlands and sensitive natural communities. The application included two wetland delineations, botanical and wildlife surveys and a reduced buffer analysis. With mitigation measures incorporated, staff recommended adoption of a mitigated negative declaration under CEQA; the administrator accepted staff's recommendation and approved the project with the recommended conditions.
Miller said the project will be served with water by North Gualala Water Company and septic service by the Gualala Community Services District. Agency referrals from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Coastal Commission recommended conditions including low fencing to prevent encroachment into buffers, removal of nonnative invasive plants, and planting of locally appropriate native species in buffer areas; those recommendations were added as conditions of approval.
Daniel McGrath, one of the property owners, stated the owners reviewed the project materials and agreed with the conditions. There were no public comments at the hearing.
County staff also noted geotechnical recommendations requiring foundation, pier drilling and earthwork to be supervised and certified by a licensed engineering geologist or registered civil engineer with soil analysis expertise. The permit includes those conditions and other mitigation measures intended to reduce impacts on coastal and wetland resources.
The administrator moved to approve the project under the findings and conditions contained in the staff report; the motion passed with approval recorded in the hearing transcript. The decision requires the permittee to implement the mitigation measures, record any required deed restrictions and comply with the county's monitoring and reporting conditions before and during construction.
