By JEFF KWASNY
Ever wonder what is going on at that construction site in the neighborhood–is it permitted, and what type of review did it go through prior to receiving a permit? Thanks to Bruce Gibson and the County Supervisors, the North Coast Advisory Council is part of a required review process. The County seeks the advice of Community Advisory Councils on Land Use permit applications so that the community can be involved in any proposed development.
What is a Land Use permit? There are certain types of land use or businesses that will have an impact on the community. These uses are carefully reviewed through the land use review process. Land Use permits authorize a use and set of conditions for its establishment and operation and are required in addition to Construction permits.
Typical Land Use permits on the North Coast are a Minor Use Permit or [Conditional] Development Plan approval. Minor Use permits are required for projects that may have the potential to cause neighborhood concerns. Development Plan approval is required for larger projects or other land uses that have the potential to affect the neighborhood or community.
The Land Use Committee is a Standing Committee established by the NCAC to take the lead in receiving and responding to permit referrals from the County. Committee members are composed of both NCAC members and the community-at-large (non-Advisory Council members). They meet as needed, either through Zoom or on-site with project proponents. New committee members are welcome to review select projects of interest or for a longer term.
The LUC reviews the permit application, confers with County planners and applicants and their agents (usually architects) to make informed comments and recommendations. Recommendations are then formulated by the LUC and brought forward for discussion and approval by the Council during the monthly North Coast Advisory Council meetings.
Community members who want to learn the details of any proposed land use developments in Cambria, Harmony, or San Simeon, join the NCAC for open discussions during the Land Use segment of the meetings. Current LUC activities are posted on the NCAC website with links to the specifics of the proposals. The NCAC needs community involvement to formulate comments about the compatibility with the neighborhood, the indirect effects that only someone from the neighborhood would know, and the conformity with the local Coastal Land Use Policy. NCAC meetings are being held on Zoom on the third Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. The link to the meeting can be found on the NCAC website at: ncacslo.org.
