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a. Find that the acceptance of the Conservation and Scenic Easement Deed is categorically exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines section 15317; and
b. Accept a Conservation and Scenic Easement Deed covering approximately 79,676 square feet of Monterey cypress habitat at 3270 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach (Assessor’s Parcel Number 008-462-005-000) to satisfy a condition of approval related to Planning Commission Resolution No. 25-035 (Planning File No. PLN240069); 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.
(Conservation and Scenic Easement Deed - PLN240069, BECHTEL CORPORATION, 3270 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, Assessor’s Parcel Number 008-462-005-000, Del Monte Forest Land Use Plan, Coastal Zone)
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PROJECT INFORMATION:
Planning File Number: PLN240069
Owners: Bechtel Corporation
Project Location: 3270 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach
APN: 008-462-005-000
Agent: David Stocker
Plan Area: Del Monte Forest Land Use Plan
Flagged and Staked: No
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 79,676 square feet of Monterey cypress habitat at 3270 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach (Assessor’s Parcel Number 008-462-005-000) to satisfy a condition of approval related to Planning Commission Resolution No. 25-035 (Planning File No. PLN240069); 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 September 24, 2025 the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 25-035 (Planning File No. PLN240069) approving a Combined Development Permit consisting of:
a.) Coastal Administrative Permit and Design Approval to allow:
- Exterior modifications to an existing 8,747 square foot single family dwelling.
- Construction of a 643 square foot pavilion structure.
- Conversion of an 1,103 square foot caretakers unit into an accessory dwelling unit with exterior modifications;
- Site improvements including an outdoor seating area and replacement hardscape.
b.) Coastal Development Permit to allow development within 750 feet of known archaeological resources; and
c.) Coastal Development Permit to allow development within 100 feet of Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas.
The project was conditioned to require the property owner to convey a Conservation and Scenic Easement Deed (CSED) to the Del Monte Forest Conservancy over all undeveloped areas of the parcel as required pursuant to Condition of Approval No. 7. The CSED will contain 79,676 square feet total over three areas of the parcel as described in the attached scenic easement document. The CSED will protect and preserve Monterey cypress habitat on the property consistent with the Del Monte Forest Land Use Plan - Policy 20 and the conditions of approval in resolution 25-035.
The applicant has submitted the CSED and map showing the general location of the easement on the property, with the metes and bounds description, both of which are appended to this Report, collectively, as Attachment B. No development 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 ESHA on the property in conformance with the Land Use Plan 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 (HCD)1001-310002. All costs associated with the maintenance of the CSED will be borne by the project applicant.
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 environmental and visual resources on the property.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
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: Steve Mason, Associate Planner - (831) 759-7375
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
- Planning Commission Resolution No. 25-035
- Easement Legal Description and Easement Plat Map
cc: Front Counter Copy; Steve Mason, Associate Planner; Craig Spencer, HCD Director; David Stocker, Agent; Bechtel Corporation, Owners; The Del Monte Forest Conservancy; The Open Monterey Project (Molly Erickson); LandWatch (Executive Director); Lozeau Drury LLP; Christina McGinnis, Keep Big Sur Wild; Project File PLN240069