Title
PLN210086 - WOOD LAWRENCE E & SHARON P TRS
Administrative hearing to consider construction of a 7,367 square foot single-family dwelling with a 785 square foot attached garage, 1,384 square feet of decks, a 130 square foot shed, associated site improvements, less than 100 cubic yards of excavation on slopes in excess of 30%, development within 750 feet of known archaeological resources, and the conversion of a test well into a domestic well.
Project Location: 232 Lower Walden Road, Carmel.
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 a Coastal Administrative Permit and Design Approval to allow construction of a 7,367 square foot single family dwelling with a 785 square foot attached garage, 1,384 square feet of decks, and associated site improvements including after-the-fact approval of a 130 square foot shed; Coastal Administrative Permit to allow less than 100 cubic yards of excavation on slopes in excess of 30%; a Coastal Administrative Permit to allow development within 750 feet of known archaeological resources; and a Coastal Administrative Permit for the conversion of a test well into a domestic well.
The attached draft resolution includes findings and evidence for consideration (Exhibit A.1). Staff recommends approval subject to 11 conditions of approval.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Agent: Lawrence Wood
Property Owner: Wood Lawrence E & Sharon P Trs
APN: 241-241-005-000
Parcel Size: 2.12 acres
Zoning: Low Density Residential with a density of 1 unit per acre and a Design Control overlay in the Coastal Zone or “LDR/1-D(CZ)”
Plan Area: Carmel Area Land Use Plan
Flagged and Staked: Yes
Planner: Jade Mason, Assistant Planner
masonj@countyofmonterey.gov, (831) 755-3759
SUMMARY
Staff is recommending approval of four Coastal Administrative Permits and a 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 November 5, 2025, 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, November 4, 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 Board of Supervisors.
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
Carmel Highlands Fire Protection Distrcit
Prepared by: Jade Mason, Assistant Planner
Reviewed and Approved by: Fionna Jensen, Principal Planner
The following attachments are on file with HCD:
Exhibit A - Draft Resolution including:
• Recommended Conditions of Approval
• Site Plans, Floor Plans & Elevations
Exhibit B - Vicinity Map
cc: Front Counter Copy; Pebble Beach Community Services District; HCD-Environmental Services; HCD-Engineering Services; Environmental Health Bureau; Joseph Alameda, Planner; Fionna Jensen, Principal Planner; Lawrence E & Sharon P Wood, Property Owners; Lawrence Wood, Agent; The Open Monterey Project; LandWatch (Executive Director); Lozeau Drury LLP; Christina McGinnis, Keep Big Sur Wild; Planning File PLN210086