Santa Barbara County Municipal Code Appendix I Biological Study Requirements Within the Gaviota Coast Plan Area

Site-specific biological studies must include, at a minimum, the following elements:

1. Introduction. The introduction shall describe the proposed project, include historical and current aerial photographs and maps that provide both a regional context and local detail, and provide photographic documentation of the existing condition of the proposed development site. The introduction must also contain a discussion of the physical characteristics of the proposed development site, including, topography (e.g., slope orientation), soil types, habitat and/or wildlife migration corridors, and microclimate.

2. List of Potential Sensitive Species/Habitats. A list of sensitive species and habitats that could occur on the site must be included as an appendix to the report. This list can be generated from the California Natural Diversity Database and other reliable sources. Sensitive species include rare, threatened, or endangered species that are designated or are candidates for listing under State or Federal Law, California Native Plant Society "1B" or "2" listed species, those species identified as State "fully protected species" or "species of special concern," and any other species and habitats for which there is compelling evidence of rarity or are especially valuable because of their special nature or role in an ecosystem. The consulting biologist must then examine the site and determine whether the various species are present at the time of the survey or whether they are likely to be present at other times based on a habitat analysis and professional opinion.

3. Results of Field Surveys.

a. Biological surveys must consist of field survey methods appropriate to the species or habitat being surveyed. Protocol-level surveys (consult California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), etc.) are required for those sensitive species likely to occur on the proposed development site.

b. The biological report must contain a discussion of all field methods actually employed, including the methods for formal protocol surveys. The detailed survey protocols for particular sensitive habitats or species may be placed in an appendix, but simply referencing another document is not acceptable.

c. The consulting biologist must identify and map within polygons all the vegetation community types present on the proposed development site. The location of observed sensitive plant or animal species shall also be shown on the map.

d. When chaparral and/or coastal sage scrub habitat is identified, provide information about patch size and connectivity, presence of invasive/non-native species (the area covered, number of, and/or, percent cover of invasive/non-native plant species), identification of area and type(s) of disturbance, and the proximity to development.

e. Where trees suitable for nesting or roosting or significant foraging habitat are present, the consulting biologist shall search for evidence of sensitive bird species and raptor use. If there is independent evidence of significant sensitive bird species or raptor use on or near the proposed development site, formal protocol survey(s) must be conducted.

f. Potential wetland areas, including one parameter wetlands, must be identified and mapped as part of the biological assessment. These areas must be subjected to a formal, technical wetland delineation following the methods in the 1987 Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and the 2008 Arid West Supplement.

g. The general biological context of the project site and a description of the actual wildlife use at the time of the assessment and an estimate of probable additional wildlife use. This description will result from the consulting biologist's visual and auditory search for birds and mammals or their sign and a search of leaf litter and under rocks for amphibians or reptiles.

h. If oak trees are present within 25 feet of the proposed development site, an oak tree report and associated survey map shall be prepared by a qualified arborist or resource specialist that identifies and describes all existing oak trees within 25 feet of the proposed development site. The oak tree report must identify the existing health of each oak tree, potential impacts of development on each oak tree, including whether each oak tree is proposed to be removed, to have a substantial encroachment into its protected zone, or a minor encroachment. The report shall contain recommendations for avoiding, minimizing, and/or mitigating oak tree impacts. Oak tree canopy delineations must be conducted by a licensed surveyor, a qualified arborist, or other resource specialist with the expertise to accurately depict the dripline and the protected zone (six feet from the dripline or 15 feet from the trunk(s), whichever is larger) for each oak tree on the survey map. The oak tree canopy delineations must be current (conducted within one year prior to the submittal of the permit application), though project impacts will be addressed based on on-the-ground conditions at the time the application is considered. Include a site plan that shows the development in relation to all oak tree driplines/protected zones that are within 25 feet of any structure or other development and show setback(s) from the proposed development to the protected zones.

i. In addition to an oak tree report, if sycamore, walnut, bay, or any other species of native trees are present within 25 feet of the proposed development site, a native tree report and associated survey map, prepared by a qualified arborist or resource specialist that identifies and describes all existing native trees within 25 feet of the proposed development site, must be prepared. The report must identify the existing health of each native tree, potential impacts of development on each native tree, and whether each native tree is proposed to be removed, to have substantial encroachment into its protected zone, or minor encroachment. The report shall contain recommendations for avoiding, minimizing, and/or mitigating impacts to native trees.

4. Discussion.

a. The biological assessment must contain a map that shows the biological features of the proposed development site with an overlay of the proposed project. The consulting biologist must identify and analyze the potential biological impacts of the proposed development and distinguish between permanent and temporary impacts. The duration of temporary impacts must be specified. Possible cumulative biological impacts must also be discussed.

b. The report must identify any unauthorized development, including grading or vegetation removal, that may have contributed to degradation or elimination of habitat area or species that would otherwise be present on the proposed development site prior to the unauthorized development. Review of historic aerial images, record searches, the results of site-specific surveys in the vicinity, and other available evidence should be used to determine the extent and type of habitat present before the unauthorized development occurred. Habitat that constitutes ESH shall not be deprived of protection as ESH on the basis that is has been illegally removed or degraded.

c. The report shall include an analysis of the frequency of wildfires affecting the proposed development site, the length of time since the last burn, and the impact of fire on the natural habitat on site.

d. Finally, the report must discuss the steps that will be taken to avoid and minimize impacts to sensitive resources, and present a plan to mitigate permissible unavoidable impacts.