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Commission requires archaeological monitor during demolition and tribal contact for Westport house replacement
Summary
For a Westport parcel where an existing residence will be demolished and replaced, the commission accepted a CEQA‑qualified historical archaeology survey and required a qualified archaeologist to monitor demolition with stop‑work authority and tribal notification if prehistoric materials are found.
The Archaeological Commission approved the archaeological survey for a proposed demolition and rebuild project in Westport and required monitoring during demolition by a qualified archaeologist, with tribal notification if precontact resources are discovered.
The project, an administrative Coastal Development Permit (CDP 2023‑0030) for 24851 Abalone Street in Westport (parcel 013‑300‑39), would remove an existing single‑family residence and replace it with a new residence connected to existing utilities. Staff planner Jesse Waldman said the project had been referred to the Northwest Information Center, which recommended a CEQA‑qualified historical resources survey; that survey was completed and submitted to the commission.
Commissioners and staff noted the survey concluded the existing structure did not qualify as a historical resource but there was a strong potential for buried features (for example, a privy or refuse pit) beneath the ruined structure. The survey recommended retaining a qualified historical archaeologist during building demolition with authority to halt work if an eligible resource or stratified deposit is uncovered. Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians asked that a tribal monitor be present for excavation; tribal representative Valerie Stanley said the tribe is primarily concerned about prehistoric materials and requested to be contacted if such material is encountered.
The commission adopted a motion requiring a qualified archaeologist to monitor demolition, with authority to stop work if buried resources are found, and to notify the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians if precontact material is encountered. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote (commissioners and staff voting in favor).
