Coastal permit administrator approves CDP modification for Donahue Ranch property in Elk

Mendocino County coastal permit administrator Nash approved a modification to Coastal Development Permit CDP54-04 on Aug. 27, 2026, allowing after-the-fact improvements at the Donahue Ranch property in the village of Elk. The approval, recorded as CDPM 2025-0007, covers an after-the-fact connection from the main residence to an existing detached laundry room, an after-the-fact deck, installation of a 2,500-gallon water tank, construction of a guest cottage above the detached garage, a greenhouse, installation of a picket fence enclosing the residential area, partial removal of an attached storage/utility room and removal of a hot tub. Project planner Marco Rodriguez told the administrator, "The project requests a standard coastal development permit modification to coastal development permit 54Dash04 to allow improvements to the existing single family residence."

Rodriguez said the project materials include a biological scoping survey and a reduced buffer analysis by Dark Gulch Consulting, which identified a creek (an environmentally sensitive habitat area) about 89 feet from the proposed water tanks. The project was referred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Elk Community Services District and the Northwest Information Center; Fish and Wildlife recommended reduced-buffer mitigation and invasive-species removal with native riparian planting, and Elk Community Services District recommended additional on-site water storage and fire-access improvements including a turnout and a 12-foot-wide vehicle access gate or equivalent. Rodriguez also reported a historic resource evaluation concluding the property (referred to in the evaluation as the Donahue Ranch) may qualify for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources under local agricultural significance. Staff recommended approval with conditions that incorporate agency recommendations.

Joanna Gonzales, the applicant agent, identified herself for the record and said she had no substantive additions, adding: "I think Marco did a really good job in covering all of our bases and all of, the agency's input and conditions that we will be required to fulfill with this project." The administrator noted the project is categorically exempt from further CEQA review under the California Code of Regulations sections 15301, 15303 and 15331 and moved to approve CDPM 2025-0007 based on the staff findings and conditions of approval. Nash announced the decision as approved and explained there is a 10-day written appeal period to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors; appeals must be filed in writing with the clerk of the board and accompanied by the applicable fee. No members of the public spoke during the hearing. The administrator adjourned the meeting at 11:10 a.m.