Von Bubbles LLC Coastal Development Permit and Coastal Development Permit Categorical Exclusion (P6548)

The applicant requests Coastal Development Permit and Coastal Development Permit Categorical Exclusion approvals to authorize the construction of a new water well and associated improvements to support existing agricultural operations on a 548-acre property zoned C-APZ-60 (Coastal, Agricultural Production Zone) in the unincorporated community of Dillon Beach. The proposed development would be confined to an approximately 0.60-acre portion of the property.

Coastal Development Permit approval is required for the construction of the proposed water well and associated access spur. The proposed well development would involve drilling three exploratory borings to determine whether sufficient groundwater is available to establish a permanent water well capable of “support[ing] existing agricultural operations and future development on the ranch.” The permanent water well would be installed at the exploratory boring location determined to yield a suitable groundwater source, together with a wellhead, sanitary seal, pump, and associated controls. The remaining exploratory borings not selected for completion as the permanent water well would be destroyed and sealed in accordance with California Well Standards (Department of Water Resources Bulletins 74-81 and 74-90) and the requirements of Marin County Environmental Health Services (EHS). The proposed development would also include the construction of a short, unpaved access spur extending from the existing compacted-gravel ranch road to the selected well site.

Coastal Development Permit Categorical Exclusion approval is requested for the proposed water storage tank, water distribution lines, and electrical utility improvements, which appear to qualify for categorical exclusion under Orders E-81-2 and E-81-6. The proposed improvements would include the installation of an above-ground water storage tank with a capacity ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 gallons and the extension of water distribution lines, also referred to as conveyance piping, to connect the tank to the existing livestock water distribution system. The proposed electrical improvements would include the installation of underground electrical service to the well pump within a trench extending from an existing overhead utility pole to the wellhead.

Coastal Development Permit approval is required pursuant to Sections 20.68.060(G) and 20.68.060(M) of the Marin County Coastal Zoning Code because the proposed construction of a new water well and access spur does not qualify for an exemption or categorical exclusion from Coastal Development Permit requirements. Additionally, Coastal Development Permit Categorical Exclusion approval is required pursuant to Section 20.68.040 of the Marin County Coastal Zoning Code because the proposed water storage tank, water distribution lines, and electrical utility lines appear to qualify for categorical exclusion under Orders E-81-2 and E-81-6.

Zoning: C-APZ-60 (Coastal, Agricultural Production Zone District with a residential density of 1 unit per 60 acres)
Countywide Plan Designation: C-AG1 (Agriculture Coastal Zone Land Use Designation) 
Community Plan (if applicable): Not Applicable