To: Zoning Administrator
From: Planning and Building Department
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Caltrans Culvert Repair Coastal Development Permit
Assessor Parcel Number (APN) 518-012-002
Record No.: PLN-2025-19456
Big Lagoon Area
A follow-up Coastal Development Permit (CDP) to a previously approved Emergency CDP (PLN-2025-19455) for the installation of a new stormwater DI (drainage inlet), connected to the existing stormwater DI in the pullout with an extended 47 feet of pipe. The existing drainage system is non-functional and is being extended to properly collect water and transport it downslope. The roadway has been undermined and has failed several times due to this runoff saturating the road prism. There was imminent failure of the roadway shoulder and prism if the work was not performed before additional heavy winter storms.
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Zoning Administrator:
1. Adopt the Resolution (Attachment 1), which does the following:
a. Finds that the lead agency has determined the project is exempt from environmental review per section 15269 of the State CEQA Guidelines; and
b. Finds the proposed project complies with the North Coast Area Plan and Zoning Ordinance; and
c. Approves the Coastal Development Permit as staff recommend and subject to the conditions of approval (Attachment 1A); and
Body
DISCUSSION:
Project Location: The project site is in the Big Lagoon area, on the east side of State Highway 101, at post mile 112.3.
Present General Plan Land Use Designation: Commercial Timber (TC) North Coast Area Plan (NCAP). Slope Stability: High Instability (3).
Present Zoning: Public Recreation and special combining zone designations of Archaeological Resource Area Outside Shelter Cove (A), Coastal Elk Habitat (E), Coastal Wetlands (W), Design Review (D), Beach and Dune Areas (B), Flood Hazard Areas (F), Streams and Riparian Corridor Protection (R)
Environmental Review: As lead agency, Caltrans found the project statutorily exempt from environmental review per Section 15269 (d) projects undertaken by an approved agency to repair an existing highway damaged by flood.
State Appeal: Appealable to the California Coastal Commission
Major Concerns: None
Monitoring Required: None
Executive Summary: The project is a follow-up Coastal Development Permit (CDP) to a previously approved Emergency CDP (PLN-2025-19455) for the installation of a new stormwater DI (drainage inlet), connected to the existing stormwater DI in the pullout with an extended 47 feet of pipe. The existing drainage system is non-functional and is being extended to properly collect water and transport it downslope. The roadway has been undermined and has failed several times due to this runoff saturating the road prism. There was imminent failure of the roadway shoulder and prism if the work was not performed before additional heavy winter storms.
The proposed culvert repair and extension is required for the safe operation of public infrastructure which is principally permitted in the zone.
During project scoping a small wetland area was mapped in the field where water collects on the upslope side of the road prism. The wetland has been deemed an isolated wetland and is not federally jurisdictional. There are no bed/bank/channel waterways in the project footprint, thus there will be no impacts to Coastal Wetlands. There are no mapped water courses within 400 feet of the project area. Any short-term impacts are mitigated by the project description, the project is conditioned to implement the Restoration Plan described in the Attachment 1B - Project Description.
A Caltrans archeologist has determined a finding of no potential to affect historical and/or cultural resources within the project area, the closest being 0.2 miles north. The project was referred to the Northwest Information Center (NWIC), the Trinidad Rancheria, and the Yurok Tribe. NWIC responded recommending further study and that the County consult with local tribes. The standard Inadvertent Discovery conditions are included within the conditions of approval for the project.
The project is located within a Flood Hazard Areas (F) combining zone which is intended to minimize public and private losses due to flood and tsunami conditions in specific areas of the County. The project will reduce the risk of flooding that will impact Highway 101.
The Project is in the Design Review combining zone. The project meets the design criteria for the area. The new drainage inlet will not impede the scenic character of the area. The project does not include any beaches or dunes and is thus compliant with the Dune and Beach area combining zone.
The property is located within a Streams and Riparian Corridors Protection (R) combining zone due to its location adjacent to Big Lagoon. The project description includes Restoration Plan to prevent any temporary impacts to watercourses.
The North Coast Area Plan Section 3.4 30233 (a) 5 Resource Protection Policies and Standards states disturbance of wetlands for the purpose of burying pipes shall be allowed where there is no feasible less environmentally damaging alternative, and where feasible mitigation measures have been provided to minimize adverse environmental effects. As stated in the project description the project meets these criteria.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The project was referred to responsible agencies and all responding agencies have either responded with no comment or recommended approval or conditional approval. (Attachment 4)
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The Zoning administrator could choose to approve a modified project; this is not recommended because the work on the project has been completed.
2. The Zoning administrator could choose to modify the conditions of approval for the project.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft Resolution
A. Conditions of Approval
A. Site Plan and Project Description
2. Location Map
3. Applicant’s Evidence in Support of the Required Findings
4. Referral Agency Comments and Recommendations
Applicant:
Caltrans District 1
Attn: Morgan Kipf
1656 Union Street
Eureka, CA 95501
Owner:
State of California
State Parks
3431 Fort Ave.
Eureka, CA 95503
Agent: n/a
Please contact Andrew Whitney, Planner, at awhitney2@co.humboldt.ca.us or 707-268-3735 if you have questions about this item.