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Commission waives new survey for Elk bluff‑edge demolition but requires discovery clause and tribal contact
Summary
The commission approved a modification to a coastal development permit allowing hand demolition of dilapidated outbuildings on an Elk bluff‑top parcel without a new archaeological survey, adding a discovery clause and tribal notification if resources are encountered.
The Mendocino County Archaeological Commission voted to allow demolition of dilapidated outbuildings on a bluff‑top property near Elk without requiring a new archaeological survey, while adding a standard discovery clause and tribal notification if cultural materials are encountered.
The application, a modification of Coastal Development Permit CDP 2023‑0028 for a parcel at 5800 South Highway 1 (parcel 127‑181‑01), was presented by Megan Durbin of Wind Coastal Planning and Biology on behalf of the applicant. Durbin said the structures — a garage/carriage storage building and a chicken coop — are failing at the bluff edge and that demolition will be done by hand, without heavy machinery, and material will be removed by hand or wheeled to disposal containers. "We are hopeful that the applicant will not have to go to the extra expense and time of obtaining an archeological survey," Durbin said, describing the proposed hand‑demolition approach.
Commissioners reviewed the applicant’s submitted materials, noted that the Northwest Information Center had recommended a survey in its referral letter, but that the earlier related coastal permit (2023) had not required a survey. Commissioners asked about the timing of the applicant’s fieldwork; staff indicated the applicant’s memo was dated January 30, 2025. The commission discussed tribal outreach and monitoring; staff reported that three tribes were contacted and Valerie Stanley requested to be contacted if cultural resources were encountered.
After discussion, the commission approved a motion to not require an archaeological survey for the demolition itself but to add a tribal monitor/notification requirement and a standard discovery clause in permit conditions. The motion passed on a roll-call vote: Commissioner Johnson — yes; Commissioner Cole — yes; Commissioner (name redacted) — yes; planning staff — yes (tally 4–0). Agent Megan Durbin confirmed she received the decision and thanked staff and the commissioners.
