Planning commission approves Carmel Valley Ranch permit for 27 additional visitor-serving units

The Monterey County Planning Commission voted unanimously July 9 to approve PLN220169, a combined development permit for work at Carmel Valley Ranch that will demolish seven lodge buildings and replace them with seven new buildings, yielding a net gain of 27 visitor-serving units.

Staff planner Steve Mason presented the project, describing the permit as an administrative permit and design approval for a one-story parking structure with 34 parking spaces, demolition of seven lodge buildings containing 29 units and construction of seven replacement buildings with 56 units. Mason said the change would bring the ranch to the 208 visitor-serving-unit limit established in the specific plan. "This concludes staff's presentation. I'm available to answer any questions," Mason said.

The project also includes use permits to allow development on slopes exceeding 25% and to remove seven oak trees, including three identified as landmark oaks; staff said the trees will be replaced…