Coastal permit administrator approves after-the-fact agricultural barn permit in Mendocino County

Mendocino County’s Coastal Permit Administrator on April 23 approved an after-the-fact coastal development permit (CDP 2024-00036) to legalize an approximately 48-by-58-foot agricultural barn at 4800000001 Owens Road, about 3.1 miles southeast of Pinole Vista.

Jamie Henry, a county staff planner, told the hearing that the barn is used for tractor and equipment storage in support of ongoing ranching activities on the 11.6-acre rangeland parcel. Henry said biological surveys found no environmentally sensitive habitat and an archaeological survey requested by the Archaeological Commission was completed and accepted. CalFire reviewed the project and determined the structure is exempt from state fire-safe regulations provided standard defensible-space measures apply. Staff also reported the structure is not visible from State Route 1 and therefore does not affect public views from that highway.

"The project is consistent with the rangeland designation and zoning, supports the agricultural use, and maintains the rural character of the area," Henry stated, and recommended approval of the Coastal Development Permit with conditions. Staff determined the project is categorically exempt from CEQA under section 15303.

The Coastal Permit Administrator opened the public hearing and, finding no speakers, approved the permit subject to the findings and conditions in the staff report. The approval authorizes the existing accessory agricultural structure to remain, subject to the conditions listed in the staff report.

The decision closes the matter at the Coastal Permit Administrator level; no further public comment was made during the hearing on this item.