Planning commission approves Pebble Beach house project allowing removal of 33 protected trees

Monterey County planners and the Planning Commission on March 12 approved a combined development permit for a new 3,111‑square‑foot single‑family home at 2819 Congress Road in Pebble Beach that includes a use permit allowing removal of protected trees.

Staff planner McKenna Bowling described project PLN 240234 as a combined development permit proposing removal of 33 protected trees within the building footprint plus four additional dead or hazardous trees (37 trees total), construction of a 3,111‑square‑foot residence with a 649‑square‑foot attached garage and a 500‑square‑foot junior accessory dwelling unit, and 477 square feet of covered porches and patios. Bowling said the project meets site development standards and that the Del Monte Forest Land Use Advisory Committee (LUAC) recommended approval by 6–0.

Bradley Green, representing owners Paul and Alisa Donovan (Hastings Construction on the record), told commissioners the design was sited to minimize tree removal and that the applicant removed only trees located within the proposed building footprint or identified as hazardous. Commissioners asked about the proposed replanting and whether off‑site mitigation had been considered. Bowling and the applicant said the project arborist recommended planting 12 15‑gallon coast live oaks on site given spacing constraints; staff said off‑site planting was not considered for this application and noted county requirements for oak woodland habitat restoration if the property qualified as woodland habitat.

Bowling told the commission staff’s biological report found no impacts to protected species and that the proposal met the criteria for a Class 3 categorical exemption under CEQA Guidelines section 15303. Commissioner Lehi moved to adopt staff’s recommendation; Commissioner Work seconded. The motion carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

The approved permit includes a tree removal use permit for 33 protected trees within the footprint (plus four dead/hazardous removals), and a planting requirement of 12 15‑gallon coast live oaks on site per the arborist. The record notes the Del Monte Forest LUAC support and one public comment expressing concern about tree removal; staff’s biological review concluded the project will not affect protected plant or animal species.

Votes at a glance: approval of PLN 240234 (Donovan) — motion by Commissioner Lehi; second by Commissioner Work; outcome: approved (voice vote; no recorded opposition).