Title
Facilities, a division of the Chief Administrative Office, recommending the Board:
1) Make findings that the fence relocation and expansion are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under sections 14CCR 15301, 14CR 15304, and 14CCR15061(b)(3); and
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Notice of Exemption which allows the Pilot Hill Cemetery Fence Relocation and Expansion be completed by pushing the fence line approximately 100 feet on the south border, and approximately 40 feet on the east border.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The County owns a 1.91-acre parcel at Pilot Hill Cemetery (APN 104-320-003; 4781 PEDRO HILL RD), of which approximately 60% is currently fenced and used for burials.
To accommodate future interments, staff proposes relocating the cemetery fence outward by approximately 40 feet on the eastern side and approximately 100 feet on the southern side. This will expand burial capacity without changing the use of the property or affecting adjacent parcels. Exact fence expansion measurements will be determined on site to accommodate for boundary lines, rock outcroppings, and tree obstructions.
Additionally, the Division requests the Board make findings that this fence relocation and expansion is exempt from CEQA based on the following sections:
CEQA Determination:
1. Class 1 - Existing Facilities (14 CCR § 15301):
Applies to minor alterations to existing structures or facilities with negligible expansion of use, such as fence adjustments for burial area expansion
2. Class 4 - Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR § 15304):
Covers minor land alterations (grading or landscaping) on non-sensitive land-such as shifting fence lines on a previously disturbed cemetery parcel.
3. Common-Sense Exemption (14 CCR § 15061(b)(3)):
The project will not have a significant environmental impact. No exceptions under § 15300.2 apply; no scenic highways, no endangered species habitat, no cumulative impacts.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may reject the expansion of the Pilot Hill Cemetery, which would keep the current limitations.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Relocating the fence includes minimal costs. There is no change to Net County Cost. A potential increase in revenue presents itself as additional burial fees are possible for more plot availability.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Obtain the Chair’s signature on the Notice of Exemption for CEQA and return to department contact: Carrie McChesney - Facilities Cemetery Administration
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Chuck Harrell, Facilities Division Manager