Title
PLN180558 - WESTERN TRANSPLANTING LLC
Administrative hearing to consider allowing commercial cannabis cultivation and nursery, self-distribution and processing within 176,590 square feet of greenhouses, a metal building and storage containers.
Project Location: 25700 Encinal Road, Salinas
Proposed CEQA action: Consider an adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration and Addendum
Report
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that the HCD Chief of Planning adopt a resolution to:
a. Consider the adopted Multi-Site Cannabis Initial Study/Mitigated Negativie Declaration and Addendum (HCD Planning File No. REF150048, State Clearinghouse No. SCH2020060325), pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162; and
b. Approve an Administrative Permit to allow commercial cannabis uses within 176,590 square feet of structures. The project includes cannabis nursery and cultivation within 168,881 square feet of greenhouses; processing, storage, fertigation, and loading within 6,909 square feet of storage containers and one metal building; and an 800 square foot office for security and sales (non-retail) personnel and restroom facilities.
The attached draft resolution includes findings and evidence for consideration (Exhibit A). Staff recommends approval subject to 17 conditions of approval.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Agent: Hugh Walker, HTW Constrators
Property Owner: Western Transplanting LLC
APN: 137-111-033-000
Parcel Size: 12.75 acres
Zoning: Farmland, 40 acres per unit or “F/40”
Plan Area: Central Salinas Valley Area Plan
Flagged and Staked: No
SUMMARY
Staff is recommending approval of an Administrative Permit subject to the findings and evidence in the attached Resolution (see Exhibit A), and subject to the conditions of approval attached to the Resolution. Please read these carefully and contact the planner if you have any questions. Unless otherwise noted in the conditions, the applicant will be required to satisfy all permit conditions prior to the issuance of a building/grading permits and/or commencement of the approved use.
On March 1, 2023, an administrative decision will be made. A public notice has been distributed for this project. The deadline for submittal of written comments in opposition to the project, its findings, or conditions, based on a substantive issue, is 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. The permit will be administratively approved the following day if we do not receive any written comments by the deadline. You will receive a copy of your approved permit in the mail. We will notify you as soon as possible in the event that we receive correspondence in opposition to your project or if the application is referred to a public hearing.
Note: This project will be referred to the Monterey County Zoning Administrator if a public hearing is necessary. The decision on this project is appealable to the Planning Commission.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
The following agencies have reviewed the project, have comments, and/or have recommended conditions:
HCD-Engineering Services
Environmental Health Bureau
HCD-Environmental Services
Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District
Prepared by: Anna Ginette Quenga, AICP, Principal Planner, x-5175
Reviewed and Approved by: Erik V. Lundquist, AICP, HCD Director
The following attachments are on file with HCD:
Exhibit A - Draft Resolution including:
• Recommended Conditions of Approval
• Site Plans, Floor Plans & Elevations
Exhibit B - Operations Plan
Exhibit C - CEQA Consistency Checklists
Exhibit D - Multi-Site Cannabis Initial Study/Mitigated Nagative Declaration and Addendum
Exhibit E - Vicinity Map
cc: Front Counter Copy; Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District; HCD-Environmental Services; HCD-Engineering Services; Environmental Health Bureau; Anna Ginette Quenga, AICP, Principal Planner; Erik Lundquist, AICP, HCD Director; Western Transplanting LLC, Property Owners; Hugh Walkder, Agent; The Open Monterey Project; LandWatch (Executive Director); Planning File PLN180558