Title
PLN170920 - STATE OF CALIFORNIA (CALTRANS)
Public hearing to consider the rehabilitation and widening of the west-bound Castroville Overhead (vehicle) Bridge.
Project Location: State Route 156, between post-miles 1.1 and 2.1, North County Land Use Plan, Coastal Zone
Proposed CEQA Action: Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301(c) of the CEQA Guidelines.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Zoning Administrator:
a. Find that the project is a minor alteration to an existing highway, which qualifies as a Class 1 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301(c) of the CEQA Guidelines, and there are no exceptions pursuant to Section 15300.2; and
b. Approve a Coastal Development Permit allow the rehabilitation and widening of the west-bound Castroville Overhead Bridge.
A draft resolution, including findings and evidence, is attached for consideration (Exhibit A).
Staff recommends approval subject to five (5) conditions.
PROJECT INFORMATION:
Project Owner: State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
APN: 000-000-000-000; Caltrans right-of-way; no APN assigned
Zoning: Caltrans right-of-way; no zoning classification assigned
Parcel Size: Not applicable
Flagged and Staked: Not applicable
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this project is to improve the level of travel safety for existing vehicles, not increase road capacity. The proposed vehicle bridge improvements will increase vehicle safety by providing wider paved shoulders and rails that meet current safety standards. The Applicant proposes to rehabilitate and widen the west-bound Castroville Overhead (vehicle) Bridge on State Route 156, which crosses over existing railroad tracks. The current west-bound bridge is approximately 32 feet wide, consisting of two 12-foot travel lanes, with 1-foot inside/outside shoulders and 3-foot wide curbs with wooden rails on either side. As proposed, the west-bound bridge will be widened by 10 feet to approximately 42 feet, consisting of two 12-foot travel lanes, a 5-foot inside shoulder, a 10-foot outside shoulder, and 1.5-foot wide solid concrete bridge rails on either side. The outside shoulder on the bridge will be increased to a 10-foot width to match existing road standards. Additionally, the roadway shoulders leading to the bridge at each end would be tapered wider to match the wider bridge deck.
Pursuant to Monterey County Code (MCC) Section 20.70.120.R, and the California Coastal Commission’s 1978 Exclusion Letter (i.e., “Repair, Maintenance, and Utility Hook-Up Exclusions from Permit Requirements”), the proposed project is not exempt from the requirement for a coastal development permit because it results in the enlargement or expansion of State Route 156.
The project site is located on State Route 156, between post-miles 1.1 and 2.1, adjacent to the community of Castroville, North County Land Use Plan, Coastal Zone. The proposed construction is located within the Caltrans right-of-way, and the project site is split between the Coastal Zone and inland areas of North County. In the Coastal Zone, the project area is surrounded by properties that are zoned Coastal Agricultural Preserve (Coastal Zone) [CAP (CZ)] and used for agricultural production. As proposed, the project would not result in any impacts to agricultural lands. The surrounding inland or non-coastal properties are within the Castroville Community Plan area, and are primarily developed with medium to high density residential uses. This area, generally west of the subject bridge and within the Caltrans right-of-way, is not subject to a County discretionary entitlement. The inland or non-coastal portion accounts for approximately 50 percent of the project area.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301 categorically exempts minor alterations to existing highways. The project involves the rehabilitation and widening of the Castroville Overhead Bridge on State Route 156. Therefore, the proposed development is consistent with the parameters of this Class 1 exemption. No evidence of significant adverse environmental effects were identified during staff review of the development application.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The following County agencies or departments reviewed this project:
RMA-Public Works
RMA-Environmental Services
North County Fire Protection District
Environmental Health Bureau
Water Resources Agency
The project was referred to the North County Land Use Advisory Committee (LUAC) for review. The LUAC, at a duly-noticed public meeting on May 2, 2018, voted 4 - 0 - 1 to support the project as proposed.
Prepared by: Joe Sidor, Associate Planner, x5262
Reviewed by: Brandon Swanson, RMA Services Manager
Approved by: John M. Dugan, FAICP, RMA Deputy Director for Land Use and Development
Services
The following attachments are on file with the RMA:
Exhibit A Draft Resolution, including:
• Recommended Conditions of Approval
• Site Plans
Exhibit B North County LUAC Minutes (May 2, 2018)
Exhibit C Vicinity Map
cc: Front Counter Copy; California Coastal Commission; North County Fire Protection District; RMA-Public Works; RMA-Environmental Services; Environmental Health Bureau; Water Resources Agency; Joseph Sidor, Associate Planner; Brandon Swanson, RMA Services Manager; Caltrans, Property Owner; The Open Monterey Project (Molly Erickson); LandWatch; Project File PLN170920