Title
PLN230289 - ZHANG JIAXIANG & DING YUANYUAN
Administrative hearing to consider construction of a 5,459 square foot two-story single-family dwelling with an 805 square foot attached garage, a 954 square foot detached garage and associated site improvements; and removal of 3 Oak trees.
Project Location: 5486 Quail Meadows Drive, Carmel, 93924
Proposed CEQA action: Find the project qualifies for a Class 3 Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15303, and that none of the exceptions pursuant to section 15300.2 apply.
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that the HCD Chief of Planning adopt a resolution to:
a. Find the project qualifies for a Class 3 Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, and there are no exceptions pursuant to section 15300.2; and
b. Approve an Administrative Permit and Design Approval allow allow for construction of a 5,459 square foot two-story single-family dwelling with an 805 square foot attached garage, a 954 square foot detached garage and associated site improvements; and 2) Removal of 3 Oak trees.
The attached draft resolution includes findings and evidence for consideration (Exhibit A). Staff recommends approval, subject to 14 conditions of approval.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Agent: Franshisca Delgado
Property Owner: Jiaxiang Zhang
APN: 157-171-017-000
Parcel Size: 174,240 square feet
Zoning: Low Density Residential, with Building Site, Design Control, Site Plan Review, and Residential Allocation Zoning overlays, or “LDR/B-6-D-S-RAZ”
Plan Area: Carmel Valley Master Plan
Flagged and Staked: Yes
Project Planner: Jordan Evans-Polockow, Assistant Planner
Evans-PolockowJ@countyofmonterey.gov, (831)783-7065
SUMMARY
Staff is recommending approval of an Administrative Permit and Design Approval 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 4th, 2026, 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, September 16th, 2025. 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: Jordan Evans-Polockow Assistant Planner, x7065
Reviewed and Approved by: Jacquelyn M. Nickerson, Principal Planner
The following attachments are on file with HCD:
Exhibit A - Draft Resolution including:
• Recommended Conditions of Approval
• Site Plans, Floor Plans, Elevations, Colors & Materials
Exhibit B - Vicinity Map
Exhibit C - Arborist Report
cc: Front Counter Copy; Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District; HCD-Environmental Services; HCD-Engineering Services; Environmental Health Bureau; Jordan Evans-Polockow, Planner; Jacquelyn M. Nickerson, Principal Planner; Jiaxiang Zhange, Property Owner; Franschisca Delgado, Agent; The Open Monterey Project; LandWatch (Executive Director); Lozeau Drury LLP; Christina McGinnis, Keep Big Sur Wild; Planning File PLN230289