Title
PLN190155 - ELLA INDUSTRIES INC
Administrative hearing to consider action of restoration of 0.99 acres of slopes in excess of 25% to partially clear Code Enforcement Case No. 21CE00499.
Project Location: Less than ½ mile northeast of the intersection of Lewis Road and Vega Road, Royal Oaks (nearest address is 146 Vega Road, Royal Oaks).
Proposed CEQA action: Find the project qualifies for a Class 33 Categorical Exemption 15333, and that none of the exceptions pursuant to section 15300.2 apply.
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that the Chief of Planning adopt a resolution to:
a. Find the project qualifies for a Class 33 Categorical Exemption 15333, and that none of the exceptions pursuant to section 15300.2 apply.
b. Restoration Permit to to restore 0.99 acres of slopes in excess of 25% to partially clear Code Enforcement Case No. 21CE00499.
The attached draft resolution includes findings and evidence for consideration (Exhibit A). Staff recommends approval subject to five conditions of approval.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Agent: Trinh Retterer
Property Owner: Ella Industries, Inc.
APN: 117-471-007-000 and 117-471-016-000
Parcel Size: 27.20 acres and 21.61 acres
Zoning: Low Density Residential, 5 acres per unit or “LDR/5”
Plan Area: 29.435 acres and 23.029 acres
Flagged and Staked: No
SUMMARY
Staff is recommending approval of a Restoration 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 November 5th, 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 4th, 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
North County Fire Protection District
Prepared by: Jordan Evans-Polockow, Assistant Planner, x7065
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
• Restoration Plan
Exhibit B - Vicinity Map
cc: Front Counter Copy; North County Fire Protection District; HCD-Environmental Services; HCD-Engineering Services; Environmental Health Bureau; Jordan Evans-Polockow, Planner; Fionna Jensen, Principal Planner; Ella Industries Inc., Property Owners; Trinh Retterer (JRG Attorneys at Law), Agent; The Open Monterey Project; LandWatch (Executive Director); Lozeau Drury LLP; Christina McGinnis, Keep Big Sur Wild; Planning File PLN190155