Title
a. Find that the acceptance of the Conservation and Scenic Easement Deed is categorically exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines section 15317;
b. Accept a Conservation and Scenic Easement Deed covering approximately 38,768 square feet of environmentally sensitive habitats, remnant native sand dune habitats, habitats of rare, endangered and sensitive native plants and animals, and visually prominent areas, at 1484 Bonifacio Road, Pebble Beach, (Assessor’s Parcel Number 008-341-009-000) to satisfy a condition of approval related to Zoning Administrator Resolution No. 20-020 (Planning File No. PLN1901810);
c. Authorize the Chair to execute the Conservation and Scenic Easement Deed; and
d. Direct the Clerk of the Board to submit the Conservation and Scenic Easement Deed to the County Recorder for filing, with all recording fees to be paid by the applicant.
(Conservation and Scenic Easement Deed - PLN190180, Matthews Patrick H. TR, 1484 Bonifacio Road, Pebble Beach, Assessor’s Parcel Number 008-341-009-000, Del Monte Forest Land Use Plan, Coastal Zone.)
Body
PROJECT INFORMATION:
Planning File Number: PLN190180
Owners: Matthews Patrick H. TR
Project Location: 1484 Bonifacio Road, Pebble Beach
APN: 008-341-009-000
Agent: Carla Hashimoto
Plan Area: Del Monte Forest Land Use Plan, Coastal Zone
CEQA Action: Categorically Exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15317
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Find that the acceptance of the Conservation and Scenic Easement Deed is categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines section 15317; and
b. Accept a Conservation and Scenic Easement Deed covering approximately 38,768 square feet of environmentally sensitive habitats, remnant native sand dune habitats, habitats of rare, endangered and sensitive native plants and animals, and visually prominent areas, at 1484 Bonifacio Road, Pebble Beach, (Assessor’s Parcel Number 008-341-009-000) to satisfy a condition of approval related to Zoning Administrator] Resolution No. 20-020 (Planning File No. PLN190180); and
c. Authorize the Chair to execute the Conservation and Scenic Easement Deed; and
d. Direct the Clerk of the Board to submit the Conservation and Scenic Easement Deed to the County Recorder for filing with all recording fees to be paid by the applicant.
SUMMARY:
On June 11, 2020, the Zoning Administrator adopted Resolution 22-020 approving a Combined Development Permit (PLN190180, Matthews Patrick H. TR) allowing the demolition of an existing single family dwelling, and construction of a new single family dwelling with an attached garage; development on slopes exceeding 30 percent and removal of 3 trees (Coast Live Oak) all within 750 feet of known archaeological resources. The project was subject to 12 Conditions of Approval. Condition No. 5 required the Owner to convey a Conservation Scenic Easement Deed (CSED) to the County of Monterey over portions of the property that have environmentally sensitive habitats, remnant native sand dune habitats, habitats of rare, endangered and sensitive native plants and animals, and visually prominent areas. The acceptance and recordation of this CSED will satisfy the Condition of Approval and ensure long-term protection of resources on property.
The applicant has submitted the CSED and map showing the general location of the easement on the property covering the areas containing all habitat and areas of visually prominence. A metes and bounds description of the area shown in the map was also submitted. Both the map and description are appended to this Report, collectively, as Attachment B. No construction will be allowed within the easement area. Recordation of this easement will be disclosed to future property owners where development is prohibited on the parcel protecting environmentally sensitive habitats, remnant native sand dune habitats, habitats of rare, endangered and sensitive native plants and animals, and visually prominent areas on the property in conformance with the Del Monte Forest Land Use Plan, Coastal Zone requirements and the condition of approval.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA):
Acceptance of the scenic easement qualifies for a Class 17 categorical exemption under CEQA because it constitutes the acceptance of easements to maintain the open space character of the area (CEQA Guidelines, § 15317).
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel has approved the Conservation and Scenic Easement Deed as to form.
FINANCING:
Funding for staff time associated with this project is included in the FY2026-27 Adopted Budget for Housing and Community Development 1001-310002. All costs associated with maintenance of the CSED will be borne by the project applicant (Grantor) of the easement, not the County of Monterey.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
Acceptance and recordation of this conservation and scenic easement supports Board of Supervisors Strategic Goal for Well-Being and Quality of Life, by satisfying a Condition of Approval associated with permitted development that ensures long-term protection of coastal and public resources on the property.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goal
__X__ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Summer Obledo, Permit Technician II, ext. 7096
Reviewed by: Melanie Beretti, AICP, Chief of Planning
Approved by: Craig Spencer, HCD Director
The following attachments are on file with the Clerk of the Board:
Attachment A - Memorandum to the Clerk of the Board
Attachment B - Conservation and Scenic Easement Deed, including:
- Property Legal Description
- Monterey County Zoning Administrator Resolution No. 20-020
- Easement Legal Description and Easement Plat Map
cc: Front Counter Copy; Summer Obledo, Permit Technician II; Craig Spencer, HCD Director; Carla Hashimoto, Agent; Patrick H. Matthews, Owner; The Open Monterey Project (Molly Erickson); LandWatch (Executive Director); Lozeau Drury LLP; Christina McGinnis, Keep Big Sur Wild; Project File PLN190180