Date:

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February 24, 2012

STAFF REPORT
Monterey County Coastal Administrative Permit
Resource Management Agency - Planning Department
168 W. Alisal St.2nd Floor, Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 755-5025; FAX (831) 757-9516
Colihty of Monterey, Property Owner
RMA- Public Works Department, Applicant/ Agent
Joseph Sidor, (831) 755-5262 L -
SidorJ@co.monterey.ca.us
Front Counter Copy; City of Carmel-by-the-Sea; California Coastal Commission;
California State Parks (Matt Fuzie ); Cypress Fire Protection District; RMA - Public
Works Department; Parks Department; Environmental Health Bureau; Water
Resources Agency; Monterey County Sheriffs Departn:i.ent; Mbnterey-Salinas
Transit (MST); American Medical Response; Carmel Service Area- 1; Joseph
Sidor, Planner; Latrra Lawrence, Planning Services Manager; The Open Monterey
Project; tandWatch; Project File PLN120123
Scenic Road (PLN120123) Coastal Administrative Perr:nit and Design Approval to
allow the installation of traffic controls (signage and striping) to change Scenic
Road (a County maintained road) to one-way traffic on the County portion of
roadway from Martin Way to Carmelo Street. The project would also include
installing traffic controls (signage and striping) to change Scenic Road to one-way
traffic on the City portion of roadway from Santa Lucia A venue to Martin Way in
coordination with, and upon approval by, the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Properties fronting the affected section of road include Assessor's Parcel Nurtibers:
009-411-001/008 to 011/013-000; 009-413-002 to 004-000; to
015/018/019/022/023/028/029/031-000; to 004/006 to 009-
432-004/007/008/013 to 015/021/025/026/028-000; 009-433"'"001/003 to 005; 009-
441-015 to 017-000; 009-442-007/010 to 015/017/018-000; 009-443-001 to 008 ..
000; 009-463-018 to 021-000; 009-471-001/002/014 to 018/0211022/025-000; 009-
472-001-000; 009-481:004-000; and 010-294-001-000.
Scenic Road from Santa Lucia Avenue (City) and Martin Way (County) to
Carmelo Street
Carmel Area Land Use Plan, Coastal Zone
Staff is recommending approval of the Coastal Adininistrative Permit subject to the fmdings and
evidence in Exhibit B. Please read these carefully and contact the planner if you have any
questions.
On March 14, 2012, 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 or its findings, based on a substantive issue, is 5:00p.m. on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.
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 after the resolution
is reviewed and signed. 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.
SCENIC ROAD (PLN120123) Page 1
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 and the California Coastal Commission.
Attachments: Exhibit A
ExhibitB
Exhibit C
This report was reviewed by LaUl:;;t,
SCENIC ROAD (PLN120123) Page2
Ptoj ectDesctiption
EXHIDITA
PROJECT DISCUSSION
The Monterey Coun:ty Public Works Department proposes to install traffic controls (signage
and striping) to change Scenic Road (a County maintained road) from two-way to one-way
traffic on the County portion of roadway from Martin Way to Carmela Street. The CoUn.ty
has also coordinated with the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea (City) regarding that portion of
Scenic Road roadway within the City jurisdiction from Santa Lucia Avenue to Martin Way.
The City shall petmit and install necessary traffic controls within the portion of roadway
Uilder its jurisdiction.
The County Public Works Department has proposed this project due to the narrowness of the
roadway, and the possibility of further undermining of the roadway by river/lagoon and ocean
wave action. Where the roadway fronts on the Carmel River lagoon, the bluff on which the road
lies is being undermined by river or tidal action. Where the roadway fronts on the Pacific Ocean,
the shoreline on which the road lies has been undermined in the recent past by rain action and
ocean waves on at least one occasion. Parts of the existing Scenic Road are too narrow for two-
way traffic (i.e., segments physically limited to a single vehicle). In addition, shatp/blind
comers create a safety concern that could be removed with the change to one-way traffic flow.
The proposal also reduces the potential need for shoreline armoring by having less width to
maintain for vehicular traffic.
The County Public Works Department has identified the following benefits of one-way travel on
Scenic Road:
Improves the narrow roadway and difficult turning problem at the hairpin turn at
Ca.rmel Point.
Enhances safety for pedestrians, their pets, joggers, and bicyclists using the roadway.
Reduces conflicts between north and southbound traffic for all roadway users to help
calm traffic and make travel on Scenic Road more enjoyable.
Matches the one-way travel on Scenic Road which currently exists in the City of
for most of its length.
Keeps traffic away from the roadway edge on the ocea:n side where stability problems
may exist.
Public Access
Public access presently exists along Scenic Road (a public road). The proposed project will not
physically alter the roadway, but would restrict movement for traffic exiting Carmel River State
Beach to travel north on Carmela Street. One-way traffic would not adversely impact public
access to the beach or parking area because vehicle traffic ca:n continue to access the public
parking area for Carmel River State Beach from either direction. In addition, lateral access to the
beach is maintained for all pedestrian and bicycle uses. Therefore, staff finds that the proposed
project is consistent with the Local Coastal Program for maintaining public access.
Emergency personnel or County Public Works' crews can direct traffic against the one-way on
Scenic Road should the need ever arise because of floods, fires, or other disasters; therefore, the
rare, shallow flooding on Carmela Street should not present a problem. Most vehicles will be
able to turn around at the end of Carmela Street whether the gate is closed to the park or not.
Like many dead end streets, large trucks will not be able to turn around. Adequate signing will
be put in place to warn trucks and other large vehicles.
SCENIC ROAD (PLN120123) Page 3
Viewshed
The project site is within the area identified as General Viewshed of the Carmel Area Land Use
Plan (LUP), and is located in a Design Control (D) District. The project involves installing
signage and striping to safely direct traffic. The number of signs will be minimized, per State
traffic guidelines, to the extent feasible for public safety and to retain the natural scenic character
of the area. In the unincorporated area, new signage will match existing signs. As a result, the
project will not result in any significant impacts to the Visual Resource policies of the Carmel
Area LUP, Chapter 2.2.
Cornrtiunity Involvement
The County of Monterey and the City ofCarmel-by-the-Seajointly hosted a noticed Community
Meeting on January 25, 2012, to receive input on the proposed project. Approximately 50
residents attended, and no substantive objections were raised. A significant majority of those
residents in attendance were supportive of the project.
Envitoninental Review CCEQA)
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301 categorically
exempts existing facilities, including the minor alteration of existing public facilities. This
includes existing streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities.
The project consists of signage and striping as part of the operation and maintenance of Scenic
Road (a County-maintained road). There are no unique circumstances or significant effects
resulting from the proposed project. Therefore, the project is consistent with the 15301
categorical exemption.
SCENIC ROAD (PLN12012:5) Page4
EXHIDITB
DRAFT RESOLUTION
Before the Director of the RMA-Planning Department
in and for the County of Monterey, State of Califo:tllia
In the matter of the application of:
SCENIC ROAD (PLN120123)
RESOLUTION NO.
Resolution by the Monterey County Director of the
RMA.-Planning Departm.ent:
1) Finding the project exempt from CEQA per
CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, and
2) Approving a Coastal Administrative Permit and
Design Approval to allow the installation of
traffic controls (signage and striping) to change
Scenic Road (a County maintained road) to one-
way traffic on the County portion of roadway
from Martin Way to Carmelo Street. The project
would also include installing traffic controls
(signage and striping) to change Scenic Road to
one.-way traffic on the City portion of roadway
from Santa Lucia Avenue to Martin Way in
coordination with; and upon approval by, the City
of Carmel-by.-the-Sea.
(PLN120123, County of Monterey, Scenic. Road
from Santa Lucia Avenue [City] and Martin Way
[County] to Carmelo Street; Carmel Area Land Use
Plan, Coastal Zone, APN: 000-000-000-000)
The SceniC Road application (PLN120123) came on for public heating before the Monterey
County Director of the RMA.-Planning Department on March 14,2012. Having considered
all the written and documentary evidence, the administrative record, the staff report, oral
testimony, and other evidence presented, the Director of the RMA-Planning Department
finds and decides as follows:
FINDINGS
1. FINDING: CONSISTENCY- The Project, as conditioned, is consistent with
the applicable plans and policies which designate this area as
appropriate for development.
EVIDENCE: a) During the course of review of this application, the project has been
SCENIC ROAD (PLN120123)
reviewed for consistency with the text, policies, and regulations in:
the 1982 Monterey County General Plan;
Carmel Area Land Use Plan;
Monterey County Coastal Implementation Plan Part 4; and
Monterey County Zoning Ordinance (Title 20);
No conflicts were found to exist. No communications were received
during the course of review ofthe project indicating any
inconsistencies with the text, policies, and regulations in these
PageS
documents.
b) The project area is located on Scenic Road from Santa Lucia Avenue
[City of Carmel-by-the-Sea] and Martin Way [County of Monterey]
to Carmelo Street (Assessor's Parcel Number 000-000-000-000),
Cannel Area Land Use Plan. Scenic Road is zoned as Public/Quasi-
Public (PQP), which allows public facilities like roadways.
Therefore, the project is an allowed land use for this site.
c) The residential neighborhood adjacent to Scenic Road is zoned
Medium Density Residential, 2 units per acre, with a Design Control
Overlay and 18-foot height limit (Coastal Zone) [MDR/2-D
(18)(CZ)]. The Carmel River State Beach south of Scenic Road is
designated Open Space Recreation, with a Design Control Overlay
(Coastal Zone) [OR-D (CZ)].
d) The project is located in a Design Control (D) District. The project
involves installing signage and striping to safely direct traffic. The
number of signs is minimized to the extent feasible for public safety
and to retain the natural scenic character of the area. In the
unincorporated area, new signage will match existing signs.
e) The project planner conducted a site inspection on February 14, 2012,
to verify that the project on the subject parcel confollhs to the plans
listed above.
f) No tree removal is proposed as part of this project. No development
'will occur on slopes that exceed 30%. All work will occur within the
existing roadway where there is no sensitive vegetation that could be
impacted. Proposed improvements consist of non-invasive work
within the existing disturbed areas so there is no potential to impact
archaeological resources. Installing minimal signs and striping is
designed to help reduce the need for significant improvements to
retain the roadway from erosion, which helps reduce potential
impacts to trees, slope, and vegetation.
g) The project site is within the area identified on Map A, General
Viewshed, of the Carmel Area Land Use Plan. However, the
proposed improvements involve the installation of minimal signage
and striping consistent with State traffic guidelines. As a result, the
project will not result in any impacts to the Visual Resources policies
of the Carmel Area LUP, Chapter 2.2.
h) Public Access: See Finding No.6.
i) The Director of Planning is the appropriate authority to hear a Coastal
Administrative Permit pursuant to Section 20.76.030. Notices of the
Administrative hearing were distributed. No public hearing was held
because there was no evidence of public controversy or public
opposition to the proposed project, and no written request for a public
hearing was made.
j) The project was not referred to the Carmel Highlands Land Use
Advisory Committee (LUAC) for review. Based on the LUAC
Procedure_guidelines adopted by the Monterey County Board of
Supervisors per Resolution No. 08-338, Administrative Permits and
Administrative Design Approvals do not warrant referral to the
LUAC. This project qualified for administrative review and was
therefore not referred to the LUAC.
k) The County ofMonterey and the City ofCarmel-by-the-Seajointly
SCENIC ROAD (PLN120123) Page 6
hosted a noticed Comniunity Meeting on January 25,2012, to receive
input on the proposed project. Approximately 50 residents attended,
and no substantive objections were raised. A significant majority of
those residents in attendance were supportive of the project.
1) The application, project plans, and related support materials
submitted by the project applicant to the Monterey County RMA-
Planning Department fat the proposed development found in Project
File PLN120123.
2. FINDlNG: SITE SUITABILITY- The site is physically suitable for the use
proposed.
EVIDENCE: a) The project has been reviewed for site suitability by the following
departments and agencies: RMA- Planning Department; Cypress
Fire Protection District, RMA - Public Works, and the City of
Carmel-by-the-Sea. There has been no indication from these
departments/agencies that the site is not suitable for the proposed
development. As designed, staff determined that no conditions would
be necessary.
b) Staff conducted a site inspection on February 14, 2012; to verify that
the site is suitable for this use.
c) Site and physical constraints have dictated the necessity of the
project. The County Public Works Department has proposed this
project due to the narrowness of the roadway, arid the possibility of
further undermining of the roadway by river/lagoon and ocean wave
action. Where the roadway fronts on the Carmel River lagoon, the
bluff on which the road lies is being undermined by river or tidal .
action. Where the roadway fronts on the Pacific Ocean, the.shoreline
on which the road lies has been undermined in the recent past by rain
action and ocean waves on at least one occasion. Parts of the existing
Scenic Road are too narrow for two-way traffic (i.e., segments are
physically limited to a single vehicle). In addition, sharp/blind
comers create a safety concern that could be removed with the
change to one-way traffic flow. The proposal also reduces the
potential need for shoreline armoring by having less width to
maintain for vehicular traffic.
d) The application, project plans, and related support materials
submitted by the project applicant to the Monterey County RMA-
Planning Department for the proposed development found in Project
File PLN120123.
3. FINDING: HEALTH AND SAFETY- The establishment, maintenance, or
operation of the project applied for will not under the circutnstances
of this particular case be detrimental to the health, safety, peace,
morals, comfort, and general welfare of persons residing or working
in the neighborhood of such proposed use, or be detrimental or
injurious to property and improvements in the neighborhood or to the
general welfare ofthe County.
EVIDENCE: a) The project was reviewed by RMA -Planning Department, Cypress
Fire Protection District, RMA - Public Works, and the City of
Carmel-by-the-Sea. The respective departments/agencies have
recommended conditions, where appropriate, to ensure that the
SCENIC ROAD (PLN120123) Page 7
project will not have an adverse effect on the health, safety, and
welfare of persons either residing or working in the neighborhood.
As designed, staff determined that no conditions would be necessary.
b) Necessary public facilities are available. Proposed work includes
installation of signs and striping to safely facilitate the flow of traffic
southeast on Scenic Road. These improvements will occur within the
existing improved right-of-way. There are no plans to remove any
portion of the right of way.
c) The County Public Works Department has identified the following
benefits of one-way travel on Scenic Road: 1) improvement of the
narrow roadway and difficult turning problem at the hairpin turn at
Carmel Point, 2) enhancement of safety for pedestrians, their pets,
joggers, and bicyclists using the roadway, 3) reduction of conflicts
between north and southbound traffic for all roadway users that will
help calm traffic and make travel on Scenic Road more enjoyable; 4)
matching of the one-way travel on Scenic Road which currently
exists in the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea for most of its length, and 5)
keeping traffic away from the roadway edge on the ocean side where
stability problems may exist.
d) Preceding findings and supporting evidence for PLN120123.
4. FINDING: NO VIOLATIONS -The subject property is in compliance with all
rules and regulations pertaining to zoning uses, subdivision, and any
other applicable provisions of the County's zoning ordinance. No
violations exist on the property.
EVlDENCE: a) Staff reviewed Monterey County RMA - Planning Department and
Building Services Department records and is not aware of any -
violations existing on subject property.
b) Staff conducted a site inspection on February 14, 2012, and
researched County records to assess if any violation exists on the
subject property.
c) There are no known violations on the subject parcel.
d) The application, plans and supporting materials submitted by the
project applicant to the Monterey County Planning Department for
the proposed development are found in Project File PLN120123.
5. FINDING: CEQA (Exempt): -The project is categorically exempt from
environmental review and no unusual circumstances were identified
to exist for the proposed project.
EVIDENCE: a) California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section
15301 categorically exempts existing facilities, including the minor
alteration of existing public facilities. This includes existing streets,
sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities.
b) The project consists of signage and striping as part of the operation
and maintenance of Scenic Road (a County-maintained road). There
are no unique circumstances or significant effects resulting from the
proposed project. Therefore, the project is consistent with the Class 1
categorical exemption per Evidence Sa above.
c) No adverse environmental effects were identified during staff review
of the development application during a site visit on February 14,
2012.
SCENIC ROAD (PLN120123) Page 8
d) Exceptions to exemptions listed in the CEQA Guidelines Section
15300.2.a-f are inapplicable. The project does not involve: a
historical resource, a hazardous waste site, development located near
or within view of a scenic highway, unusual circumstances that
would result in a significant effect, development that would result in a
cumulatively significant impact, nor development in a particularly
sensitive environment.
e) See preceding and following findings and supporting evidence.
6. FINDING: PUBLIC ACCESS- The project is in conformance with the public
access and recreation policies of the Coastal Act (specifically Chapter
3 of the Coastal Act of 1976, commencing with Section 30200 of the
Public Resources Code) and Local Coastal Program, and does not
interfere with any form of historic public use or trust rights.
EVIDENCE: a) No substantial adverse impact on access, either individually or
cl.imulatively, as described in Section 20.146.130 of the Monterey
County Coastal Implementation Plan can be demonstrated.
b) Figure 3 (Public Access) in the Carmel Area Land Use Plan identifies
lateral access along the coastline. Scenic Road runs along the
coastline abutting the Cartnel River State Beach area. A public
parking area for Carmel River State Beach is located where Scenic
Road meets Carmela Street. The project would not impede existing
public access along Scenic Road.
c) Public access presently exists along Scenic Road (a public road). The
proposed project will not physically alter the roadway, but would
restrict motor vehicular movement in a southeast direction from Santa
Lucia Avenue [City] and Martin Way [County] to Carmela Street.
The only limitation created by this project is for motor vehicular
traffic exiting Carmel River State Beach, which must travel north on
Cartnelo Street. There is currently no parking along Scenic Road so
the lateral access for vehicle traffic remains unchanged.
d) One-way traffic would not adversely impact public access to the
Carmel River State Beach or parking area. Lateral access is
maintained for all pedestrian and bicycle uses. Vehicle traffic can
continue to access the public parking area for Carmel River State
Beach from either direction.
e) The County's intent is to retain the use of Scenic Road for all modes
of travel (e. g.; pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles), consistent
. with LUP Policies 5.3.2.1, 5.3.2.4, and 5.3.2.5. Changing the traffic
flow to one-way helps to achieve this goal by increasing safety for
pedestrians and bicyclists, and reducing the risk of shoreline erosion
impacts on the roadway, consistent with LUP Policy 5.3.2.8.
f) Per the Carmel Area Land Use Plan Policies regarding public access,
the County also intends to plan trail and access improvements along
Scenic Road consistent with LUP Policy 5.3.3.9, as future physical
development occurs.
g) The application, plans and supporting materials submitted by the
project applicant to the Monterey County Planning Department for
the proposed development are found in Project File PLN120123.
h) The project planner conducted a site inspection on February 14, 2012.
SCENIC ROAD (PLN120123) Page9
7. FINDING: APPEALA1ULITY- The decision on this project maybe appealed to
the Board of Supervisors and the California Coastal Commission.
EVIDENCE: a) Board of Supervisors: Section 20.86.030 of the Monterey County
Zoning Ordinance (Title 20). An appeal may be made to the Board of
Supervisors by any public agency or person aggrieved by a decision
of an Appropriate Authority other than the Board of Supervisors.
b) California Coastal Commission: Section 20.86.080.A of the
Monterey County Zoning Ordinance (Title 20). The project is subject
to appeal by/to the California Coastal Commission because it
involves development within 300 feet of the inland extent of any
beach or of the mean high tide of the sea where there is no beach,
whichever is the greater distance.
DECISION
NOW, THEREFORE, based on the above fmdings and evidence, the Director of the
Pla:rutirig Department does hereby:
A. Find the project exempt from CEQA per CEQA Guidelines Section 15301; and
B. Approve a Coastal Administrative Permit and Design Approval to allow the
installation of traffic controls ( s_ignage and striping) to change Scenic :Road (a County
maintained road) to one-way traffic on the County portion of roadway from Martin
Way to Catmelo Street, in general conformance with the attached sketches (Exhibit
1) attached hetetb and incorporated herein by reference.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 14th day ofMarch, 2012.
Mike Novo,
Director of the RMA-Planning Department
COPY OF T.H1S DECISION MAILED TO APPLICANT ON

THIS APPLICATION IS APPEALABLE TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
IF ANYONE WISHES TO APPEAL THIS DECISION, AN APPEAL FORM MUSt BE COMPLETED
AND SUB.MlTTED TO THE CLERK TO THE BOARD ALONG WITH THE APPROPRIATE FILING
FEE ON OR
TB1S PROJECT IS LOCATED IN THE COASTAL ZONE AND IS APPEALABLE TO THE
COASTAL COMMISSION. UPON RECEIPT OF NOTIFICATION OF THE FINAL LOCAL ACTION
NOTICE (FLAN) STATING THE DECISION BY THE FINAL DECISION MAKING BODY, THE
COMMlSSION ESTABLISHES A 10 WORKING DAY APPEAL PERIOD. AN APPEAL FORM
MUSt BE FILED WITH THE COASTAL COMMISSION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION,
CONTACT THE COASTAL COMMISSION AT (831) 427-4863 OR AT 725 FRONT STREET, SillTE
300, SANTA CRUZ, CA.
This decision, if this is the final administrative decision, is subject to judicial review pursuant to California
Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1094.5 and 1094.6. Any Petition for Writ of Mandate must be filed with
the Court no later than the 90th day following the date on which this decision becomes final.
SCENIC ROAD (PLN120123) Page 10
NOTES
1. You may need a buildiri.g permit and must comply with the Monterey County Building Ordinance
in every respect.
Additionally, the Zoning Ordinance provides that no building permit shall be issued, nor any use
conducted, otherWise than in accordance with the conditions and terms of the permit granted or
until ten days after the mailing of notice of the granting of the penilit by the appropriate authority,
or after granting of the permit by the Board of Supervisors in the event of appeal.
Do not start any construction or occupy any building until you have obtained the necessary
petm.its and use clearances from the Monterey County Planning Department and Building
Services Depatfinent offices in Salinas.
2. This permit expires 3 years after the above date of granting thereof unless construction or use is
started within this period.
SCENIC ROAD (PLNi20123) Page 11
EXHIBIT 1
30"
EXHIBIT 1
J
;
The following signage con-
figuraton may be installed
at the following
tions along Scenic Road,
consistent with State traffic
guidelmnes :
Santa Lucia Avenue
Martin Way
Ocean View Avenue (north/south)
Stewart Way
Isabella Avenue
Valley View Avenue
PROPOSED ONE- WAY ON SCENIC ROAD
AT CARMEL RIVER STATE BEACH
COUNTY c;, lotOHTEREY - OCPARll.tNT c;, PUBLIC WORKS
CARMEL AREA
Carme!Pomt
Pac1f/c
0 c e a n
APPLICANT: COUNTY OF MONTEREY
APN:N/A
EXHIBIT C
FILE# PLN120123
~ . F - water ...... 2500' Limit .. --- ~ 300' Limit l""- -,. City Limits
1.-111 --- --
0 500
"""""' Feet
PLANNER: SIDOR