Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Archaeology Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves streamlined archaeological waiver for low‑risk sites
Summary
Supervisors adopted amendments allowing a preliminary archaeological assessment (type 1A) outside ultra/highly sensitive mapped areas to make projects eligible for waiver consideration, giving the planning director authority to consider documented low‑likelihood findings.
The Board of Supervisors approved amendments to the zoning and subdivision ordinances permitting waiver consideration when a preliminary archaeological assessment indicates a very low likelihood of archaeological resources outside areas mapped as ultra or highly sensitive.
Planning Director Susan Estanis explained the change would codify existing practice where a qualified professional’s preliminary assessment (a type 1A study) can be used to consider a waiver for full phase‑1 fieldwork. She said the proposed language would preserve protections for ultra‑sensitive bands while offering a streamlined option for lower‑risk parcels.
At the Planning Commission, the proposal was supported (5–0) for streamlining; in the Board discussion, staff and several public commenters — including a local resident and developer (Chris Henderson) — debated the balance between protecting heritage resources and avoiding disproportionate costs for property owners. Staff clarified the waiver would be permissive (an option) for the planning director and would require professional documentation, not unilateral staff discretion.
The Board voted to adopt the ordinance amendment. Supervisors noted that the change is intended to reduce unnecessary project delays while preserving protections where higher sensitivity has been identified.
