Ventura County Municipal Code Appendix E1 Site-Specific Environmental Assessments for ESHA

This section provides the requirements for a site-specific environmental assessment in the Ventura County coastal zone, as required by Coastal Zoning Ordinance (CZO) Section 8178-2.3. Site-specific assessments include a site-specific map of all environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHA), which are used in conjunction with the standards provided by CZO Section 8178-2.4. A site-specific assessment includes an analysis of all potentially adverse direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts on ESHA resources. Such assessments are prepared on a case-by-case basis based upon site-specific evidence provided by a biological report called a Coastal Initial Study Biological Assessment (CISBA), the CISBA provides the analysis required for the biological section of an environmental (CEQA) document.

The first section of this appendix contains information on ESHA determinations/mapping, while the second section contains detailed information on the required contents of a CISBA. Information within these two (2) sections is organized as follows:

AE-1.2 — ESHA Determinations:

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AE-1.2.1 — Factors Used for ESHA Determinations

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AE-1.2.2 — Additional Factors for ESHA Determinations

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AE-1.2.3 — Habitat Categories Classified as ESHA

AE-1.3 — Guidelines for Coastal Initial Study Biological Assessments (CISBA):

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AE-1.3.1 — General Requirements

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AE-1.3.2 — Required Content of CISBA Components

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AE-1.3.3 — Summary of CISBA Data and Maps

(Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

This Section provides background information on the three (3) factors used for ESHA determinations. ESHA is defined as "any area in which plant or animal life or their habitats are either rare or especially valuable because of their special nature or role in an ecosystem and which could be easily disturbed or degraded by human activities and developments" (Public Resources Code §30107.5). As such, a determination regarding the classification of a habitat or species as ESHA includes an evaluation of the following three (3) elements:

(1) The presence of species or habitats that are rare; or

(2) The presence of species or habitats that are especially valuable; and

(3) The sensitivity of the species or habitat to human introduced disturbance or degradation.

To be considered ESHA, the habitat or species only needs to meet one (1) of the first two (2) criteria (1 or 2) above. In all cases, the third criteria (3) must be met for the habitat or species to be considered ESHA.

Criteria 1 — Rare habitat/species: The first test is to determine the presence of a habitat or a species that is rare. The categories listed below represent types of rare habitats and habitats that support rare plant/animal species:

a. Rare Plant Communities. Plant communities ranked G1 or S1 (critically imperiled globally or sub-nationally [state]), G2 or S2 (imperiled), or G3 or S3 (vulnerable to extirpation or extinction) by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's (CDFW) Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB, Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program, List of California Vegetation Alliances, as amended) and by NatureServe's Natural Heritage Program. Native communities are defined based on the general habitat descriptions in "Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California" (Holland 1986) and the more detailed membership rules laid out in "A Manual of California Vegetation," second edition (Sawyer, Keeler-Wolf, Evens, 2009) or the most recent version.

b. Habitat Areas that Support Rare/Plant and Animal Species. Native plant and animal species ranked G1 or S1 (critically imperiled globally, sub-nationally, or statewide), G2 or S2 (imperiled), or G3 or S3 (vulnerable to extirpation or extinction) by the CDFW CNDDB. Species listed as endangered, threatened, or rare under the Federal or State Endangered Species Acts, Candidate Federal or State endangered, threatened, or rare species, California Fully Protected Species, California Species of Special Concern, or any species for which there is compelling evidence of rarity and, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15380(d). Plant species with a California Rare Plant Rank of 1 (plants presumed extinct in California, or rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere), 2 (plants that are rare, threatened, or endangered in California but more common elsewhere) (California Native Plant Society (CNPS) "1B," "2A," and "2B" listed plant species).

c. US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Designated Critical Habitat. For USFWS critical habitat to be designated as ESHA, it must currently or historically have been occupied by the species and retain the functions of the primary constituent elements of its designation. Primary constituent elements are the physical or biological features that qualify the habitat as essential for the species recovery and survival and are listed within the Federal Register announcement when a critical habitat area is designated for a federally listed species.

Criteria 2 — Valuable habitat/species: The second test is to determine the presence of a species or habitat that is especially valuable because of its special nature or role in an ecosystem. Areas may be valuable because of their "special nature," such as being an unusually pristine example of a habitat type, containing an unusual mix of species, supporting species at the edge of their range, or containing species with extreme variation. Examples of habitats or species that are valuable because of their "special nature" can include, but are not limited to, the following: plants/animals on the County's Locally Important Species List; all other species tracked by the CNDDB, which are considered to be those species of greatest conservation concern; or plant species with a California Rare Plant Rank of 4 (plants of limited distribution in California). Species tracked by the CNDDB are listed in CDFW's lists of Special Plants and Special Animals.

Habitats or species may also be considered valuable because of their special "role in the ecosystem" because they provide habitat for endangered species, protect water quality, provide essential corridors linking one sensitive habitat to another, or provide critical ecological linkages, such as the provision of pollinators or crucial trophic connections. Examples include but are not limited to the following:

a. The habitat within the defined areas (i.e., polygons are connected to other natural areas (i.e., undeveloped areas) plant communities such that plants or wildlife can disperse from the defined area to other habitats nearby—for foraging, breeding, migration, or dispersal of offspring. Alternately, the habitat is itself a large contiguous area such that wildlife can move within the defined area for foraging, breeding, migration, or dispersal of offspring; or

b. The habitat within the defined area performs one (1) or more of the following ecological functions* that sustain the ESHA ecosystem†:

1. Provides a buffer zone for riparian, wetland, or other wet environment habitats; or

2. Provides foraging, denning/nesting, or moving/migrating habitat for native wildlife; or

3. Provides habitat and linkages for pollinators; or

4. Provides habitat and conditions for abiotic and/or biotic seed dispersal of native plant species, supporting a self-sustaining community capable of natural regeneration.

Criteria 3 — Sensitivity: The third test is to determine whether the species or habitat is easily disturbed or degraded by human activities or development. Due to the historic record of adverse impacts to native plants, animals, and natural communities caused by the urbanization of coastal California, the Coastal Commission has concluded that the third test is met for rare or especially valuable species and habitats, which are in danger of direct loss or significant degradation due to human activities and development.

(Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

*Ecological functions (d) and (e) come from the following reference: Brigham, C. 2007. Managing rare plants at the wildland urban interface: An example from the Santa Monica Mountains and the Simi Hills. In Flora and ecology of the Santa Monica Mountains: Proceedings of the 32ndannual Southern California Botanists symposium, ed. D.A. Knapp, 1-17. Southern California Botanists Special Publication No. 4, Fullerton, CA.

†The definition of ESHA is not limited to native habitat, as the definition allows consideration of habitat function and not just vegetation type. For a discussion of ecological function, see Longcore, T. and Rich, C. 2003. Protection of Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas in Proposed Local Coastal Plan for the City of Malibu. The Urban Wildlands Group, Inc., P.O. Box 24020, Los Angeles, CA 90024.

Please see Section 8178-2.4.2 for additional circumstances that can affect an ESHA determination. The following criteria shall be used in an ESHA determination associated with a natural disaster. Habitat removed/degraded by natural disaster that met the definition of ESHA before the natural disaster shall be afforded the protections of ESHA (see CZO Section 8178-2.4.2). Also, areas subject to the minimal fuel modification measures that are required in riparian or woodland habitats meet the definition of ESHA (see CZO Section 8178-8.4.2.3). An exception to this provision may be provided for an ESHA that was permanently destroyed by a natural disaster, in accordance with CZO Section 8178-2.4.2(b), provided that such determinations meet all the following standards:

a. The Planning Staff Biologist or County's designated biological consultant finds that the habitat no longer meets the definition of ESHA. Such determinations shall be supported by substantial evidence prepared by a qualified biologist in accordance with Section AE-1.2.1. If the destruction of one ESHA type led to its replacement by another ESHA type, the area shall remain classified as ESHA. For example, if an ESHA coastal sage scrub habitat was replaced by an ESHA grassland habitat, the area shall remain classified as ESHA; and

b. The Planning Staff Biologist finds that twenty (20) or more years passed since the most recent natural disaster (with no intervening natural disaster events). For all areas cleared of native vegetation that contain ruderal vegetation (or bare ground), historical aerial imagery shall be reviewed, and a determination shall be made that the ESHA was destroyed by natural disaster unaided by human intervention. A description of the natural disaster(s) shall be provided in conformance with Section AE-1.3.2(h) and Section AE-1.3.3(c); and

c. All modifications to the ESHA map must be approved by the decision-making body for the Coastal Development Permit and shall be conducted in accordance with standards in Sections AE-1.3.2, AE-1.2.3, and AE-1.2.1.

(Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

A comprehensive list of the habitat groups classified as ESHA in the Ventura County coastal zone is in CZO Section 8178-2.4.1. Additional information on many of the habitat groups classified as ESHA is provided below:

a. Coastal Bluff Habitats. Coastal bluff habitats are found in the northern and southern portion of the County's coastal zone. They are characterized by cliff faces (with at least ten (10) feet of vertical relief) whose toe is or was subject to marine erosion. The vegetative community (referred to as coastal bluff scrub) includes California bush sunflower (Encelia californica) and giant coreopsis (Leptosyne gigantea) and several succulent species, including localized forms of more widespread species (e.g., prostrate goldenbush, (Isocoma menziesii vars.), as well as a mixture of coastal cactus scrub types including but not limited to, prickly pear (Opuntia spp.), our lord's candle (Hesperoyucca whipplei) and live-forevers (Dudleya species)).

b. Coastal Dune Habitats. Coastal sand dune systems occur in areas with actively or formerly shifting sand that is associated with the immediate coastal environment. Moving landward from the shore, dunes may become stabilized by vegetation communities characterized by distinct species. In Article 2, a dune habitat is defined as follows:

A fragile habitat that contains accumulations of sand in ridges, hummocks, or mounds, which typically support native and non-native species of vegetation located landward of the sea.

The foredune habitat that is closest to the sea, is most exposed to onshore winds and salt spray and is typically characterized by species such as beach bur (Ambrosia chamissonis), beach saltbush (Atriplex leucophylla), sand verbena (Abronia umbellata), red sand-verbena (Abronia maritima), beach morning glory (Calystegia soldanella), beach evening-primrose (Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia, as Camissonia cheiranthifolia), and salt grass (Distichlis spicata) with few other species. Interdune and back dune (dune scrub) vegetation communities are characterized by species such as California croton (Croton californicus), California mock heather (Ericameria ericoides), Menzies' goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii), etc. Non-natives plants brought to stabilize dunes and change dune formation patterns include European beach grass (Ammophila arenaria), and iceplant (Carpobrotus spp).

c. Coastal Sage Scrub and Chaparral (Santa Monica Mountains). Coastal sage scrub and chaparral (CSS/chaparral) may be defined as ESHA because some members of the plant community are identified as a special status species (e.g., the rarity ranking is S1-S3 or G1-G3, see CZO Section 8178-2.4.1). In 2003, the California Coastal Commission found that "large contiguous areas of relatively pristine native habitat in the Santa Monica Mountains meet the definition of ESHA under the Coastal Act." The result of the Commission's action is that most areas that contain coastal sage scrub (CSS) and chaparral are now classified as ESHA within the Santa Monica Mountains. This habitat is described in a March 25, 2003 memorandum from the Commission* as follows:

Coastal Sage Scrub/Chaparral. Coastal sage scrub is characterized primarily by aromatic drought-deciduous shrubs such as California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), California sunflower (Encelia californicus), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), and black (Salvia mellifera) and purple sage (Salvia leucophylla) and provides important habitat for wildlife. This community has been substantially reduced from its historical extent due to development, with approximately fifteen (15) percent remaining in California. Chaparral is dominated by deep-rooted evergreen shrubs such as chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), redshank (Tringa totanus), manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), and ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.). While still relatively common, chaparral habitats serve a wide variety of essential ecosystem roles in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Within Ventura County's portion of the Santa Monica Mountains, coastal sage scrub or chaparral communities that do not support a special status species are defined as ESHA if the habitat meets all the following criteria:

1. The plant community within the polygon is an association (as defined in the Manual of California Vegetation) in which the dominant, co-dominant, or characteristic plants are native chaparral or coastal sage scrub species; and

2. The defined area meets Criteria 2 in Section AE-1.2.1 above.

*See memorandum to Ventura Staff from John Dixon, 2003 (California Coastal Commission): Designation of ESHA in the Santa Monica Mountains. March 25, 2003.

d. Habitat Connectivity Corridors. A habitat connectivity corridor is an area of contiguous natural habitats of sufficient width to facilitate the movement, migration, foraging, breeding, and dispersal of multiple animal or plant species between two (2) or more core habitat areas. These areas provide important ecological functions such as seed and wildlife dispersal or pollination, a connection for species with limited mobility to other wildlife sub-populations, and escape routes for species during a wildfire or drought conditions. Habitat connectivity corridors are defined at regional and local planning scales as follows:

1. Regional Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors. Regional scale corridors link large protected core habitats across the Counties of Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Kern. The two (2) regional-scale corridors in the coastal zone are the Ventura River and the Santa Clara River. These corridors contain large, relatively intact vegetation communities that link remaining undeveloped coastal areas to large protected core habitats in the Los Padres National Forest and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. These two (2) regional corridors are necessary to the long-term health of remaining core habitat areas in the coastal zone. The geographic extent of a regional corridor shall be based on: (i) regional maps adopted by the Board of Supervisors; or (ii) the combination of the wet environment and its buffer zone, whichever is greater.

2. Local Corridors. The local habitat connectivity corridor is a smaller-scale linear area that contains specific habitats and landscape features that are frequently used for plant dispersal and wildlife movement. The first type of local corridor occurs within linear wet environments (e.g., streams, elongated estuary or wetland). The second type of local corridor provides linkages between adjacent headwater streams (see Figure AE-1.2.3 and Figure AE-1.2.4).

[Figure]

[Figure]

Ridgeline corridors are defined using two (2) criteria: (i) The ridgeline must serve as a boundary between subwatersheds using the highest USGS Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) available to define subwatershed boundaries; and (ii) the delineated stream buffer zones from the adjoining watersheds must be in reasonable proximity to one (1) another on the ridgeline (approximately one thousand (1,000) feet). The geographic extent of a local corridor shall be based on the following:

i. For a linear wet environment, the minimum width of a local corridor shall be three hundred thirty (330) feet or the combined width of the ESHA wet environment and its buffer zone, whichever is greater.

ii. For a ridgeline corridor, the minimum width shall be three hundred thirty (330) feet (see area shaded in red, Figure AE-1.2.4). The corridor shall be delineated using the following guidance: 1) the centerline of the ridgeline corridor shall follow the drainage pathway* of each headwater stream to the top of the ridgeline (where the slope levels off—see dotted navy blue line in diagram above); and 2) the centerline of the corridor shall then follow the shortest distance between the headwater streams at the top of the ridgeline. In Figure AE-1.2.4, the topography levels at the dirt road, where then a direct link is made to the centerline of the wet environment buffer zone from the adjoining subwatershed.

iii. Adjustments to the width of a local corridor may be approved based on the recommendation of the Planning Staff biologist or County contracted qualified biologist if substantial evidence provided that shows that width adjustments will not adversely impact the function of the habitat connectivity corridor due to species requirements supported by the habitat type/area; quality or type of habitat within and adjacent to the habitat connectivity corridors, presence of chokepoint, topography, and land use within or adjacent to the corridor.

*The pathway that water would travel down the slope of the mountain.

e. Native Grassland Habitat. Native grassland habitat consists of perennial native needlegrasses: purple needlegrass, (Nassella pulchra), foothills needlegrass, (Stipa lepida) and nodding needlegrass (Nassella cernua) in addition to associated native forb species (e.g., golden-stars (Bloomeria crocea)) as well as non-native annual species that are characteristic of California annual grassland. Native grassland habitat ESHA determinations are made on a case by case basis as they must take into consideration several factors—including patch size, number of patches/level of habitat fragmentation, connectivity of patches, connectivity to other ESHA, and the nature of adjacent habitat (level of disturbance, ESHA classification). Areas supporting ten (10) percent or more native grassland species cover (including both grasses and forbs) have typically been defined as native grassland habitat by the CNDDB, but areas with a lower percentage of native cover may also be considered native grasslands based on assessment of the above factors. See Section AE-1.3.2(g)(6) for additional information on the delineation of native grassland communities.

f. Oak and Native Woodland Habitats. Coast live oak woodland occurs mostly on north slopes, shaded ravines and canyon bottoms. Besides the coast live oak, this plant community includes holly leaf cherry (Prunus ilicifolia), California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica), redberry (Rhamnus crocea), and poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). California black walnut (Juglans californica) and other native tree (e.g., California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica), sycamore (Plantus spp.), alder (Alnus spp.) are common native woodland species. While these woodland habitats are most often components of riparian habitats, they also occur in mesic conditions found in pockets, canyons, and west, north-west, and/or north-east facing slopes.

g. Rock Outcrop Habitats. Rock outcrop habitats are exposed rock areas that support a distinctive and unique flora including lichens, spikemoss (Selaginella sp.), liverworts, and rare or regionally-restricted plant taxa found in few parts of the coastal zone, including Santa Susana tarplant (Deinandra minthornii), several species/subspecies of live-forever (Dudleya spp.), Wright's buckwheat (Eriogonum wrightii var. membranaceum), silverleaf trefoil (Lotus argophyllus) and others. Rock outcrops serve as refugia for various sensitive and localized native plants and animals and are found on the County's north coast and in the Santa Monica Mountains.

h. Wet Environments. A wet environment is associated with the presence of water, either perennially, intermittently, or ephemerally. Wet environments include wetlands, rivers, lakes, streams, estuaries, lagoons, seeps, springs, and the vegetative communities associated with these physical settings. Wet environments do not include beaches that abut the sea, except where the beach includes an estuary, lagoon or wetland.

1. Wetlands. A wetland is defined as land where the water table is at, near, or above the land surface long enough to promote the formation of hydric soils or to support the growth of hydrophytes. Some types of wetlands lack vegetation, and the soil is poorly developed or absent as a result of frequent and drastic fluctuations of surface water levels, wave action, water flow, turbidity or high concentrations of salts or other substances in the substrate. Such wetlands can be recognized by the presence of surface water or saturated substrate at some time during each year and their location within, or adjacent to, vegetated wetlands or deep-water habitats. (14 CCR Section 13577). This definition requires evidence of a single parameter to establish wetland conditions. See Section AE-1.3.2(g)(8) for additional information on wetland delineation.

Conversely, a wetland created by the presence of (and associated with) agricultural ponds and reservoirs, where the pond/reservoir was constructed by a farmer/rancher for agricultural activities, is not defined as wetland unless there is evidence (e.g., aerial photographs, historical survey) showing that the wetland habitat pre-dated the existence of the pond or reservoir. Areas with drained hydric soils that are no longer capable of supporting hydrophytes are not considered wetlands.

2. Seeps or Springs. Seeps and springs are small, discrete communities with their own associated flora and fauna, including numerous specialized ferns, wildflowers, invertebrates, and amphibians (especially salamanders). Their component species differ according to the surrounding plant communities. For example, seeps in shady oak woodlands will support different species than seeps in arid chaparral. While some of these habitats could be maintained or augmented by anthropogenic water sources, in general these habitats are treated as fully natural features. Important springs microhabitats include: cave environments, wet walls, madicolous (fast-flowing water) habitats, hyporheic (saturated subfloor) habitats, open-water pools, spring streams (including those partially or more completely dominated by surface flow), wet meadows, riparian habitats, waterfall spray zones, and barren rock habitats adjacent to springs. Due to their small size, seeps and springs are rarely identified on certified ESHA maps and must be identified during the site-specific mapping process. See Section AE-1.3.2(g)(8) for additional information on seep or spring delineation.

3. Vernal Pools. A vernal pool is a habitat typically inundated by shallow water during the wet season and dry during the warm season. Vernal pools are most common on coastal terraces where there is a seasonally perched water table or impenetrable clay or hardpan soil. They hold water long enough to allow some purely aquatic organisms to grow and reproduce, but not long enough to permit the development of a typical wetland ecosystem. Many vernal pool species are found only in vernal pools. All species that occur in vernal pools must be able to tolerate a wide range of conditions and grow/reproduce in a short time frame. Vernal pool species include but are not limited to blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), red maids (Calandrinia ciliata), California tiger salamanders (Ambystoma californiense), and invertebrates such as fairy shrimp (Anostraca spp.). See Section AE-1.3.2(g)(8) for additional information on vernal pool delineation.

4. Streams/Creeks. A topographic feature that periodically (intermittent or ephemeral) or continuously (perennial) conveys water through a bed or channel. This term also applies to watercourses having a surface or subsurface flow that support or have supported riparian or alluvial vegetation. See Section AE-1.3.2(g)(8) for additional information on stream delineation.

5. Vegetative Communities for Wet Environments.

i. Riparian Habitat: The transitional habitat between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems located adjacent to perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams, lakes, and estuarine-marine shorelines. Riparian habitat is distinguished by gradients in biophysical conditions, ecological processes, and biota, where surface and subsurface hydrology are connected to the terrestrial system. In the Ventura County coastal zone, riparian habitat includes all vegetation (canopy and understory species) associated with a creek or stream or other waterbody including, but not limited to, sycamore (Platanus racemosa), coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), black walnut (Juglans californica), white alder (Alnus rhombifolia), Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremonti), black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), red willow (Salix laevigata), blackberry (Rubus ursinus), California mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), and Mexican elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana). Where chaparral and/or coastal sage scrub occur within or adjacent to creeks or streams and function as riparian habitat, the area is considered to be riparian habitat or alluvial scrub (see below).

ii. Alluvial Scrub Habitat: This vegetation community occurs on drainages and outwash fans at elevations that range between sea level and one thousand eight hundred (1,800) meters. It is typically found on coarse-grained recent-alluvial soils near flood channels in areas that are occasionally or rarely inundated. Examples of soils that support alluvial scrub communities in Ventura County may include the following soil series: Anacapa, Corralitos, Cortina, Garretson, Gaviota, Hueneme, Metz, Moco, Pico, Riverwash, Sorrento, Vina, Zamora, and Sandy Alluvial Land. Soils supporting alluvial scrub drain rapidly, have slow runoff, and contain low amounts of organic matter. These areas typically do not support extensive hydrophytic (i.e., wetland) vegetation because of the scarcity of surface water for much of the year. Alluvial scrub is made up predominantly of phreatophytes*, where the dominant species is scalebroom (Lepidospartum squamatum). Alluvial scrub also shares many of the same species with coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats because of the ephemeral hydrology associated with these systems. Other shrubs present may include California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), redberry (Rhamnus crocea) mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber), bladderpod (Isomeris arborea), brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), burrobush (Hymenoclea salsola), chaparral yucca (Yucca whipplei), thick-leaf yerba santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium), Deerweed (Acmispon glaber), Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia), Poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.), and sugar sumac (Rhus ovata). Emergent individuals of Western Sycamore (Platanus racemosa), Southern California black walnut (Juglans californica var. californica), Fremont Poplar (Populus fremontii), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia), and Mexican elderberry (Sambucus Mexicana) may be present. Periodic disturbances such as floods and fires remove shrubs and trees. If stands are not disturbed for a long period of time, emergent trees gradually take over this shrubland.

*Plants that send their roots down to a (relatively) shallow ground water table.

(Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

This section contains a detailed description for the required contents and procedures for a site-specific environmental assessment in the coastal zone, called a Coastal Initial Study Biological Assessment (CISBA). A CISBA that meets the standards of this section is required for proposed development that is subject to the ESHA regulations in CZO Section 8178-2 (see Section 8178-2.2). The CISBA must be completed by a qualified biologist. As required by CZO Section 8178-2.3(a), the CISBA shall include a site-specific ESHA map and an analysis of all potentially adverse direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts on ESHA resources. When preparing the site-specific ESHA map, the biologist shall utilize the ESHA identification requirements in CZO Section 8178-2.4, as well as the more detailed ESHA identification requirements in Appendix E1, Section AE-1.2. Utilizing the best available science, the qualified biologist shall provide substantial evidence that supports ESHA determinations and the mapped location and extent of ESHA. Finally, the CISBA shall include information that provides a factual basis for the least damaging alternative analysis (see CZO Section 8178-2.3(b)), which is required for all projects that will potentially result in adverse impacts to ESHA or buffer zone.

a. Required CISBA Components. The CISBA report shall include all the components listed below. All CISBAs received shall be organized and formatted in the following order, where all components of the document clearly depict the requested information (i.e., maps, tables, references). See Section AE-1.3.2 below for detailed information on these CISBA components:

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Report Summary

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Introduction (*)

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Existing Physical and Biological Conditions (*)

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Permit History

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Removed or Degraded Vegetation

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List of Potential ESHA and Species (*)

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Field Surveys/Maps (*)

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Site-Specific ESHA/Buffer Zone Map (*)

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ESHA Impact Analysis

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ESHA Mitigation Summary

CISBA components that will be used during the preparation of the least damaging alternatives analysis are indicated with an (*). See CZO Section 8178-2.3(b) for more information on the least damaging alternatives analysis. See AE-1.3.2(g)(2) below for information on field survey and mapping requirements for the least damaging alternatives analysis and AE-1.3.3(b) for fuel modification zone documentation.

b. Geographic Extent of CISBA. The geographic area covered by a CISBA shall be adequate to conduct the site-specific environmental assessment; determine all potentially adverse direct, indirect and cumulative impacts to ESHA resources; and confirm that the proposed project represents the least damaging alternative. The geographic scope varies for different components of the CISBA. For example, the permit history, record of unpermitted impacts, and list of potential ESHA and species shall be provided for the entire legal lot. The geographic extent of a cumulative impact analysis extends beyond the boundary of the 500-foot general survey area and usually includes either the watershed or biogeographical area. However, the geographic extent of field surveys/maps will depend on the size of the development envelope and the type/location of the biological resource. For more detailed information on the required geographic extent of field surveys and maps, see Section AE-1.3.2(g)(1).

(Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

a. Report Summary. This section will be written as an "executive summary" of the CISBA and will include a condensed synopsis of the findings of the report. The length of the report summary depends directly on the nature and complexity of the biological resources within the survey area, the potential impacts of the proposed project, the measures that will be implemented to avoid and minimize those impacts, and how unavoidable adverse impacts will be mitigated pursuant to CZO Section 8178-2.10.

b. Introduction. The introduction shall describe the proposed project and provide information on existing and historical uses or development on the subject property. The format of the report is as follows:

1. Project Site Information. Address; Assessor Parcel Number (APN); land use regulations (General Plan designation, Area Plan designation, Zoning classification); and size of the project site.

2. Contact Information. Names, phone numbers and addresses of the property owner, applicant, and project consultants.

3. Report Preparation Details. The dates, names, and qualifications of the persons preparing the report.

4. Statements. Provide a statement specifying the accuracy of the report. If applicable, provide a statement that defines areas where the County should alter the official ESHA map during an LCP amendment process.

5. Project Summary. A description of the proposed project, identification of the type of permit requested, list of any previous permits issued for the property (see permit history). The description of the project shall contain a description of the approximate size and purpose of all proposed development. Include details such as disturbance area (i.e., the total area of the proposed development envelope, as well as subsets for size of building site and size of fuel modification zone), grading volumes and areas, stormwater best management practices (BMPs), parking and staging areas, roads (and associated fire hazard brush clearance areas), fire department turnarounds, utility infrastructure (water wells, pipelines, and septic fields and setbacks), agricultural operations and cultivation species (includes garden areas), confined animal facilities, fences, and outdoor lighting (when applicable). See Section AE-1.3.3 for related map/data requirements. Provide a general timeline of construction and maintenance tasks, including heavy equipment needed for each task.

c. Existing Physical and Biological Conditions. Information on regional and local site conditions shall be provided using historical/current aerial photographs, site specific survey maps, as well as photographic documentation. Refer to Section AE-1.3.3 for related map/data requirements for the subsections below. The CISBA shall include necessary information regarding the local and regional context of the proposed project, including the following:

1. Regional Context. Description and map(s) of the regional features showing the project location, including watershed boundaries, wet environments, wetlands, ESHA, existing mapped sensitive species (Section 1.3.2(f)), existing adjacent land uses and development, habitat connectivity to protected conservation areas and all roads. The map shall depict the location of any mature tree stands one thousand (1,000) feet from the edge of the proposed development envelope (Section AE-1.3.2(g)(1)(iii)). For regional extent of the cumulative impact evaluation, see Section AE-1.3.2(i)(6) below.

For proposed land divisions only. All lot sizes (or parcel sizes if the legal lot status is unknown) shall be identified within a quarter-mile radius from the edge of the subject lot. To determine whether a proposed land division meets the rural land division criteria of Section 30250 of the Coastal Act, also provide a calculation of the median size of the existing lots within the quarter-mile radius.

2. Physical Characteristics. A description, maps and photos of the physical characteristics (e.g., topography, soil types/disturbance, slope orientation) or prominent features (e.g., rock outcroppings, caves, cliff faces, drainages) of the project site (i.e., the legal lot) that may be important for unique biological conditions on the site.

3. Biological Conditions. Provide a site description with accompanying maps and photos of the overall habitat quality on the subject property (the current capacity of ESHA serving its natural function within the ecosystem) that includes the following information: disturbance history (removed or degraded vegetation, fire frequency and history, soil disturbance (Section AE-1.3.2(d)—(f)), results of site specific mapping of vegetative communities (including the presence/density of invasive or invasive watch list plant species (Section AE-1.3.2(f)-(h)), ESHA types, man-made or natural barriers or chokepoints to species movement proximity to wildlife/habitat corridors, and the connectivity to surrounding offsite core habitats and connectivity corridors.

d. Permit History. Provide a list and summary of all permits, including permit numbers, for previously authorized development on the project site. Include a written summary, maps, and a tabular/quantitative summary of ESHA removed, degraded or altered through permitted development (see below). Also provide documentation that shows whether compensatory mitigation was provided for the impacted area.

e. Removed or Degraded Vegetation. Summarize and map all ESHA that was removed, degraded or altered on the lot. This includes all ESHA altered without legal documentation, as well as, ESHA altered from legally established development (See Section 8178-2.4.2 and Subsection (d) above). Within the discussion, include a tabular/quantitative summary of ESHA impacted. The tabular information shall identify the habitat type/category, acres impacted, year of impact, and if area has grown back to the pre-disturbance vegetative community (only areas with no soil disturbance/grading/invasives or invasive watch list plant species). To determine the extent and type of ESHA present before disturbance, the applicant shall provide a legible depiction of historic aerial images of the site, database searches, the results of site-specific surveys on and adjacent to the subject parcel, and other available evidence.

f. List of Potential ESHA and Species.

1. Before conducting the field survey(s) (see AE-1.3.2(g)), the qualified biologist shall review and prepare a comprehensive list of all ESHA and special status habitats/species that could occur on the project site. Provide a brief summary of the potential ESHA and special status habitats/species on the project site in the body of the report and include the comprehensive list previously prepared as an appendix to the CISBA. The comprehensive table shall contain the following:

i. Recommended survey date(s) for each potential, special-status species on the project site (see Section AE-1.3.2(g)(3)).

ii. Protection status;

iii. Habitat requirements; and

iv. Likelihood of its occurrence on-site given the physical and biological conditions (non, low, moderate, high, or observed). For observed species, provide the number of each species observed (see Section AE-1.3.2(g)(2)).

2. Existing, mapped biological information shall be supplemented with evidence or data from other published sources that include the following:

i. CDFW RareFind, California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), Natural Communities List;

ii. USFWS National Wetland Inventory Database (NWI), USGS National Hydrographic Dataset, and California Rapid Assessment Method field results in EcoAtlas;

iii. Watershed Protection District Data;

iv. Mapped Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors;

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Ventura County Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridor;

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Data Basin Climate Resilient Connectivity Prioritized Linkage Network;

v. Vegetation Classification of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Environs (see CZO Section 8178-2.4.1(j) for list of habitat and sensitive species categories);

vi. USFWS Critical Habitat, Environmental Conservation Online System (ECOS) and Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC);

vii. Audubon Important Bird Areas;

viii. Ventura County Locally Important Species List;

ix. California Native Plant Society Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California;

x. Xerces Society and Audubon Red Lists; and

xi. Site-Specific Environmental Assessments (CISBA) for abutting or adjacent properties (when applicable).

3. Some sensitive species may only occur after fires, in certain soils, elevations, etc. Therefore, the following additional sources are recommended to help determine the suitability of the site for the potential presence of listed species:

i. USGS Web Soil Survey;

ii. California Fire Plan, the Fire and Resource Assessment Program (FRAP) Fire Perimeter Data; and

iii. USGS GAP Analysis Program (GAP) GIS Datasets.

g. Field Surveys and Maps. This Section identifies the information required for field surveys and related maps within the CISBA. It includes information on the geographic extent of biological field surveys, the timing of field surveys, and survey/mapping requirements for specific types of wildlife/habitats. The qualified biologist shall use a GPS to map all species/plant communities present within the survey area. Refer to Section AE-1.3.3 for detailed map/data requirements for mapping standards and other data requirements for subsections (1)—(9).

1. Geographic Extent of Field Surveys/Maps. All biological field surveys shall be conducted within a minimum of 500-feet from the edge of the proposed development envelope.* Additional information, and exceptions to the 500-foot standards, are provided as follows:

*See definition for development envelope in Article 2. It includes on-site and off-site development.

i. Additional Surveys/Maps for Least Damaging Alternative Analysis. General floristic mapping of all ESHA plant communities shall be conducted for all portions of the subject lot that lie outside the required 500-foot survey area. Such mapping shall be completed using available GIS vegetation maps, aerial photographs, and other available information (see Section AE-1.3.2(f) for a list of available resources). At the request of the Planning Staff Biologist or County contracted qualified biologist, the qualified biologist preparing the CISBA shall conduct a field visit to ground-truth mapped vegetation data. Refer to Section AE-1.3.2(g)(8) for surveying wet environments or wetlands partially/fully located off-site within the survey area.

ii. Survey Data for Off-Site Locations. When a portion of the survey area lies outside the property, a field survey of that area is not required if the land is privately-owned or is publicly-owned but not accessible. For such areas, an assessment and map of biological conditions shall be conducted based on a visual survey with binoculars and a review of aerial photographs, biological assessments prepared for permits processed on abutting/adjacent properties, and habitat/wildlife information available from federal/state/local natural resource agencies;* and

*Examples of such resources include the National Park Service vegetation maps, Ventura County and other GIS data available for soils and slopes, wildlife tracking GIS data, monarch butterfly overwintering sites, and California Natural Diversity Database.

iii. Monarch Overwintering Roosts. When suitable Western monarch butterfly overwintering habitat is within one thousand (1,000) feet of a proposed development envelope, two (2) targeted monarch butterfly overwintering surveys each conducted by a different qualified biologist shall be required for all habitat that has the characteristics of a suitable roost site (see Section AE-1.3.2(g)(4)(iv)(below)). Suitable habitat includes trees that provide shelter from storms or prevailing winds, with nearby water and nectar sources in fall/winter.

iv. Expanded Fuel Modification Zones for Existing Development. A biological field survey shall be required for an expanded fuel modification zone for existing development. The geographic extent of the survey area shall include a 100-foot radius beyond the extended fuel modification zone.

2. Field Survey Results. The qualified biologist carrying out the field survey(s) shall identify, characterize, and delineate all site characteristics and ESHA that may be found in the site area based on the list of potential species (e.g., rare plants, bat, insects, and birds). All field surveys shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of this section, and field survey results shall include the following information:

i. A table that contains the recommended protocol detection dates to conduct the species/habitat survey(s), the survey date and time (start/end), acreage surveyed, name of County-approved biologist and conducting the surveys;

ii. A map depicting the area surveyed and survey route;

iii. A discussion of all field methods employed, including the methods for formal protocol surveys, and survey methods used to detect special-status species or sensitive plant communities. Constraints on the accuracy of the report (e.g., wrong season, time-of-day) should be explicitly discussed;

iv. A map depicting the area surveyed, all vegetation sampling locations and survey route.

v. ESHA delineation/mapping products (include location of rare plants, nests, burrows, dens, colonial roosts), site condition assessments (include vegetation communities, soil disturbance, wildlife barriers, chokepoints, connectivity features), photographs/videos associated with field surveys, shall be used to prepare the following maps and discussions: Section AE-1.3.2(a) Executive Summary, (c) Existing Physical and Biological Conditions, (e) Removed or Degraded ESHA, (f) List of Potential ESHA and Species, (h) Site-Specific ESHA Map, (i) ESHA Impact Analysis, (j) ESHA Mitigation Analysis, and Appendix E2, AE-2.5(b)(2) ESHA Vegetation Management Plan.

vi. If special status species or vegetation communities are observed, copies of the CNDDB California Native Species Field Survey Forms, Combined Vegetation Rapid Assessment and Releve' Field Forms, and/or a California Natural Community Field Survey Form shall be sent to CDFW and included in the CISBA.

vii. Color photographic or video documentation of the existing condition of the proposed development envelope, rare plants, and other noteworthy features (Appendix E1, AE-1.3.3; Appendix E2, AE-2.4(b)(2)).

3. Field Survey Timing. At least one (1) field survey shall be conducted for the CISBA. While field surveys are typically conducted in the spring, the number/timing of field surveys is dependent upon the types of potential special status species that may be found on the site (see AE-1.3.2(f)), and more than one (1) field survey is often required due to different blooming periods, migration arrival times, and breeding seasons. Wildlife surveys shall not be conducted during periods of excessive cold, heat, wind, rain, or other inclement weather that individually or collectively reduces the likelihood of detection. To avoid project delays, consultation with the Planning Staff Biologist or County contracted qualified biologist is recommended, as the County may determine that one (1) or more additional surveys are required based on a site visit and/or the following criteria:

i. The likelihood that the detection window for special status plant/bryophyte communities, such as rare native annuals, is limited to a particular time of year or during a year following normal/high rainfall. In successive dry years, requirements associated with yearly rainfall will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. CDFW's most recent protocol(s) for surveying for rare plants, (Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities) shall be followed when conducting surveys for special status plant/bryophyte communities. If special status plants are discovered, they shall be avoided.

ii. To detect rare invertebrate species (e.g., terrestrial snails (Helminthoglypta), monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) or Crotch bumblebee (Bombus crotchii)), surveys shall be conducted during the flowering period of flowers on which the invertebrates depend or when microsite characteristics (e.g., shelter from prevailing wind, temperature, nectar, water) may support habitat use during the overwintering season;

iii. Presence of year-round water (i.e., surface water in the dry season (late summer/fall)) rock outcrops, vegetation containing large woody debris, chaparral, etc. that are capable of providing habitat for sensitive amphibians and reptiles (e.g., coast range newt (Taricha torosa torosa), California red-legged frog (Rana draytoni), California Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans occidentalis), San Diego Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata pulchra), or southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida));

iv. During drought years, schedule site visits for the identification of ephemeral wet environments during the rainy season. Historic aerial photographs also may be used to aide in the identification of wet environments, particularly during multi-year drought periods. See Section AE-1.3.2(g)(8)(iii) below.

v. Arrival of special-status nesting birds that would be possible to detect only during specific times during spring/early summer (e.g., yellow warbler (Setophaga petechia), summer tanager (Piranga rubra), yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens), or Least-Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus));

vi. Survey timing for sites containing appropriate habitat for roosts used by special-status bats (e.g., Western Mastiff Bat (Eumops perotis), Mexican Long Tongue Bat (Choeronycteris mexicana), or Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus)); and

vii. Survey timing for sites containing appropriate foraging habitat for raptors during winter and early spring migration period (e.g., northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipter striatus) or peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)).

viii. When an expanded fuel modification zone is proposed, pre-disturbance vegetation surveys for the expanded fuel modification zone shall be conducted when vegetation growth is at its greatest density (e.g., March—June). This survey may be combined with the general floristic mapping required for the site-specific ESHA map.

4. Surveys for Special Status Species. Additional surveys shall be conducted to determine the presence of any special status species with the potential to occur on the site as follows:

i. For certain special status species that potentially occur on site, state or Federal agency protocol surveys are required for the species (consult California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Xerces Society, US Forest Service (USFS), etc.).

ii. Where trees suitable for nesting or roosting or significant foraging habitat are present, the biologist should 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 property, formal protocol survey(s) shall be conducted using the most recent raptor protocol surveys* (USFWS or CDFW protocols for similar genus, USFS, etc.).

*USFS Multiple Species Inventory and Monitoring Technical Guide, Gen. Tech. Report WO-73 August 2006.

iii. A daytime bat assessment that identifies the presence of on-site sensitive bat species roosts shall be required when the distribution and range of a sensitive bat species coincides with the site location and the site contains suitable habitat to support such species (e.g., water sources, trees with cavities, shedding bark, rock faces with cracks). If the daytime assessment identifies evidence of on-site bat roosts (e.g., guano piles, urine stains), additional bat surveys (e.g., acoustic detection) are required during bat activity periods for sensitive bat species. Provide photographs of confirmed roost sites and surrounding habitat in the four (4) cardinal directions.

iv. Surveys to identify overwintering roosts for monarch butterflies shall be required when the site contains suitable habitat to support such species (e.g., shelter from storms/prevailing winds, nearby water, fall/winter nectar source). Monarch butterfly habitat includes the clustered trees that monarchs use as roosts as well as surrounding trees/shelter that influence the microclimate of the grove. If an initial assessment identifies potential monarch overwintering habitat within one thousand (1,000) feet of the proposed development, then two (2) surveys shall be conducted by two (2) different qualified biologists to account for seasonal or annual differences in environmental conditions at the microsite level (e.g., wind, temperature, humidity). Conduct the first survey during the first half of the overwintering season (e.g., November), and conduct the second survey during the second half of the season (e.g., January). Provide photographs of confirmed overwintering roost sites and surrounding habitat in the four (4) cardinal directions.

v. Surveys to detect the presence of special status reptile species shall be conducted during appropriate weather conditions (e.g., cool and sunny; or overcast and warm). If applicable to the site, evening road surveys shall be conducted during appropriate weather conditions such as after a warm day (crepuscular/nocturnal snakes).

5. Survey/Mapping of Rare Plant Populations and Plant Communities. Plant communities and rare plant populations shall be inventoried and mapped using a GPS for all the habitat/plant community types. Rare plant populations and association level vegetation mapping shall be conducted using the most recent versions of California Native Plant Society (CNPS) "Guidelines for mapping rare vegetation" and California Department of Fish and Wildlife's (CDFW) "Survey of California Vegetation Classification and Mapping Standards. A description, tables, maps, and photos depicting vegetation onsite shall include the following:

i. A map and photos that document all rare plant populations using the State Vegetation Classification System maintained by the Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program of CDFW, described in the Manual of California Vegetation by Sawyer et al. 2009 or subsequent editions;

ii. An association-level vegetation map that highlights the location and identification of invasive or invasive watch list plant species on the site as defined by the California Invasive Plant Council, CDFW, US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and US Geological Survey (USGS);

iii. A table containing all plant associations and rare plant species present onsite and their acreages or population numbers (see Section AE-1.3.2(f);

iv. Description and photos of the ecological context of the plant community in terms of species diversity, structure (seral stage), overall condition (i.e., disturbance type, burned, intact, diseased density and distribution of invasives or invasive watch list plant species, and level of connectivity (on-site and off-site) to adjoining ESHA. The overall condition of the plant community will include an analysis of the frequency of wildfires affecting the proposed development site that includes the length of time since the last burn and the impact of fire on the natural habitat on site;

v. The qualified biologist/botanist shall use a GPS to map all the habitat/plant community types present within the survey area.

vi. The location of plant communities using aerial photography interpretation or other methods defined in Section AE-1.3.2(g)(1) above for the following: (i) on-site areas that lie; and (ii) off-site areas that lie within the survey area;

vii. For proposed development that will have an expanded fuel modification zone, the density of the ESHA vegetation communities (association level) shall be measured using the most recent version of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife—California Native Plant Society Protocol for the Combined Vegetation Rapid Assessment and Releve' Field Form and percent cover diagram, as may be amended. A description and photos/videos shall depict the density of the plant community and the location of the sampling quadrats using the most recent aerial photos with respect to the sampling date; and

viii. Vegetative sampling units shall be defined using the standards in Section AE-1.3.2(g)(6) below.

ix. Results of inventory and mapping shall be presented in appropriate tables and discussions outlined in Section AE-1.3.2(g)(2).

6. Survey/Mapping of Grassland Communities. Grassland communities shall be inventoried and mapped by species composition using the most recent version of CDFW-CNPS Sampling Protocol for the Combined Vegetation Rapid Assessment and Releve' Field Form and CDFW's "Survey of California Vegetation Classification and Mapping Standards to map native grassland and forb habitat. The minimum width of the mapping polygons depends on the project size but is generally no less than thirty (30) feet. Results of inventory mapping shall be presented in appropriate tables and discussions outlined in Section AE-1.3.2(g)(2).

7. Survey/Mapping of Protected Trees. An inventory and health assessment shall be prepared for all protected trees, including those classified as ESHA (see requirements in Section 8178-7.8). Results of inventory mapping shall be presented in appropriate tables and discussions outlined in Section AE-1.3.2(g)(2).

8. Survey/Delineation of Wet Environments. All wet environments shall be mapped (see Section AE-1.3.2(g)(3)(iv) for survey timing during drought years), along with mapped information for topography, soils, and vegetation between the proposed development and the wet environment. If the wet environment is partially/fully located off-site and will not be directly impacted by the project, mapping of the wet environment may occur using aerial imagery at the 1":200' or greater resolution. Initial identification of a wet environment can occur using the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) from USGS in conjunction with USFWS National Wetland Inventory. However, the NHD may not accurately reflect the total extent of ephemeral or intermittent streams, as it does not include stream segments less than one (1) mile in length, combines intermittent and ephemeral streams, and is based on 1:100,000 scale topographic maps. The NHD dataset should be supplemented with the most recent guidance documents used to delineate wet environment features as follows:

i. The technical guidelines and methods of the 1987 Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and the 2008 Arid West Supplement shall be used to delineate wetlands. U.S. wetland delineations must be conducted per the definitions of wetland boundaries contained in Section 13577(b) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations where the presence of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, or hydrology may classify it as a wetland. The delineation maps shall be prepared using the standards for wet environments listed below. When delineating vernal pools, seeps, springs, estuaries, and lagoons, use the same guidance documents as those cited for wetland delineations, supplemented with technical guidance provided by the USFWS Cowardin Classification System.

ii. Stream features shall be identified through CDFW's "A Review of Stream Processes and Forms in Dryland Watersheds"* and a delineation and map that is prepared in conformance with the California Energy Commission's Appendix G: Field Guide to Mapping Episodic Stream Activity (MESA) (12/18/2014).

*The CZO definition of stream does not include the historic flow regime as described in this document.

iii. The delineation survey report shall include (at a minimum):

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A map at a scale of 1":200' or greater resolution with polygons delineating all wet environments, polygons delineating all areas of vegetation with a preponderance of wetland indicator species, and the location of sampling points; and

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A description of the surface indicators used for delineating the wetland polygons. Paired sample points will be placed inside and outside of vegetation polygons and wetland polygons identified by the consultant doing the delineation.

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Seasonally timed photographs of wetland features.

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Results of inventory mapping shall be presented in appropriate tables and discussions outlined in Section AE-1.3.2(g)(2).

9. Measurements for Buffer Zones. Buffer zone widths shall be measured from the outer extent of the ESHA vegetation or as follows:

i. Riparian Areas: The outer edge of the cover of riparian vegetation community, or the outer edge of the bank of the subject stream if riparian vegetation is not present.

ii. Alluvial Scrub: Edge of alluvial soils located on alluvial fans, alluvial valley slopes, stream deltas, and along stream bottoms.

iii. Native Woodland: The outer edge of the woodland tree canopy stand.

iv. Wetland: The upland limit of wetland habitat. In the case of wetlands without vegetation or soils, the setback shall be the boundary between land that is flooded or saturated at times (during years of normal precipitation) and land that is not.

v. Rocky Outcrops: The outer extent of the plant community supported by the rocky outcrop habitat.

vi. Protected Parkland/Open Space: The outer edge of the boundary for parkland/open space areas acquired by natural resource agencies or conservation organizations for habitat protection.

h. Site-Specific ESHA and Buffer Zone Map. A site-specific map of all ESHA and buffer zones shall be provided that includes illegally removed ESHA and buffer zone locations. The map shall be based on field survey results (see subsection (g) above) and LCP standards for site-specific maps (see CZO Sections 8178-2.3 and 8178-2.4). If applicable, also provide a written justification, based on substantial evidence, to support the following ESHA determinations made when preparing the site-specific map:

1. Extent of ESHA based on the evaluation of legally removed or degraded vegetation (see subsection (e) above);

2. Revisions to the mapped extent of ESHA on an adopted ESHA map in the Coastal Area Plan; and

3. Revisions to the mapped extent of ESHA due to natural disaster, when determined pursuant to CZO Section 8178-2.4.2.

The Planning Staff Biologist will conduct a site visit to confirm the conclusions of the proposed classification or reclassification of ESHA within the site-specific ESHA map.

i. ESHA Impact Analysis. The CISBA shall contain a discussion and analysis of all unavoidable direct, indirect, and cumulative adverse impacts to ESHA that would result from the implementation of the proposed project. Information required to support the discussion and analysis within this subsection is detailed in Section AE-1.3.). For each ESHA species/vegetative community observed (see Section AE-1.3.2(f) and (g)(2)), discuss and analyze the potential for adverse impacts to any ESHA as follows:

1. Based upon the project description in Section AE-1.3.2(b), and the biological and physical characteristics of the site (Section AE-1.3.2(c)), discuss and analyze all direct impacts to observed ESHA that may: reduce a population (mortality or injury/damage); reduce a habitat (vegetation removal or degradation); increase habitat fragmentation (see subsection (4) below); and restrict reproductive capacity. Use maps and tables to locate and quantify adverse direct impacts.

2. Provide a map, a detailed description and an analysis of potential indirect impacts to ESHA outside the development envelope that includes but is not limited to project-related factors such as stormwater runoff, noise, lighting, animal keeping, or other impacts that encroach into a buffer zone.

3. Evaluate all cumulative impacts from existing, recently approved, and reasonably foreseeable future projects that may directly or indirectly impact ESHA species/communities. The following factors shall be considered:

i. The spatial limits of the cumulative analysis may be broader than the site-specific survey boundary because the analysis must consider all activities that affect those environmental components, even outside the area affected by the proposed development (see Section AE-1.3.2(c)).

ii. If the proposed activities affect (or could affect) ESHA, the cumulative analysis shall take into account activities that occurred before the proposed action is initiated and after the proposed action is completed. It should describe the incremental contribution of the proposed development to cumulative effects.

iii. Discuss the significance of the impacted ESHA on a local and regional scale, as well as, the rarity or abundance of the resource in the region or elsewhere.

4. Identify local or regional habitat connectivity corridors (see CZO Section 8178-2.7.5), and evaluate movement barriers or constrained areas (chokepoints, stepping stones) for species identified in the field survey (see Section AE-1.3.2(g)). Provide maps and an analysis of the project site's location in relation to local or regional habitat connectivity corridors and the potential of the project site to contribute habitat-value to local or regional habitat connectivity corridors.

5. Proposals to alter a wet environment (e.g., channelization, diversion, diking, bridging) shall include an analysis of potential impacts on the depletion of groundwater, wildlife migration, downstream erosion and sedimentation, sand supplies to beaches, as well as the identification of risks and procedures to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and contaminants (e.g., USFWS Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Planning).

6. Provide an analysis of the native biodiversity in the study area and quantify the degradation or loss (historic and current) of the ESHA in the area. (Refer to Section AE-1.3.2(c), (d), (e), and (g)(2) for data associated with this discussion. For proposed on-site restoration or enhancement projects, the analysis, shall contain recommendations for the successful restoration of any degraded ESHA on the project site relative to any listed potential or observed ESHA species/community to utilize the site if ESHA is restored on-site after development.

7. If Oak Woodland/Savannah and Native Tree Woodland is present, provide an analysis of project alternatives that would avoid removal or encroachment (see CZO Section 8178-2.7.4.1).

8. Provide information on the proposed project design features and other measures required to minimize or avoid impacts to ESHA. This information shall include: 1) A description of construction methods and timing required to avoid adverse impacts; 2) If confined animal keeping facilities are proposed within a fuel modification zone that overlaps with ESHA or buffer zone, then these measures shall address manure management, BMPs/site design for runoff, livestock security from predators (if applicable), minimizing wildlife attractants, poison use, lighting, etc.

j. ESHA Mitigation Summary. Include a summary discussion of the steps that will be taken to avoid and mitigate adverse impacts to ESHA (all potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts to ESHA are considered significant and cumulatively considerable). Refer to Section AE-1.3.3 for detailed map/data requirements. Present a preliminary plan to mitigate unavoidable impacts, in accordance with the compensatory mitigation requirements in CZO Section 8178-2.10, including but not limited to the following information:

1. Provide a summary of project design features and other mitigation measures (see Section AE-1.3.2(i)(8) above) that shall be incorporated into the project design or conditions of approval for the project.

2. Provide a quantitative summary of the number of acres for each impacted habitat type that will be required to adequately compensate for ESHA loss or degradation. Refer to Coastal Zoning Ordinance, Figure 8178-2.10;

3. Describe the proposed approach to compensatory mitigation, including the type of mitigation (e.g., preservation, restoration) and whether on-site and off-site compensatory mitigation; and

4. If off-site mitigation is proposed outside of an in-lieu fee program or approved mitigation bank, include preliminary information on available off-site mitigation areas, including one (1) primary and one (1) contingency mitigation site that meet the criteria set forth in the LCP (see CZO Section 8178-2.10

This information will also be applicable to Appendix E2, Sections AE-2.1.1(a)(1) and AE-2.4 if an expanded fuel modification zone is requested.

(Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)

a. Digital GIS file formats and legibly depicted printed maps to scale must be provided with all CISBAs and shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. All habitats/ESHA boundaries, along with any appropriate metadata (e.g., address, APN, Permittee's name, purpose of files; GIS data- map projection, date data collected, map processing steps, etc.). ESHA data shall be provided in accordance with the County's metadata standards and shall be digitized using a GPS for uploading to a GIS system.

2. If an ESHA or buffer zone overlaps with any fuel modification zone that has been widened for the proposed project beyond the 100-foot mandatory fuel modification standard, then a written determination shall be obtained from the Ventura County Fire Protection District that states the widened fuel modification zone (see CZO Section 8178-2.6.9.2 is necessary to protect life and property from wildland fires. This determination shall be used for the permit findings and for alternate sites identified during the least damaging alternatives analysis (see CZO Section 8178-2.3(b)).

3. If the on-site vegetation map does not conform to the County's digital certified GIS ESHA map (greater than a five (5) percent plus-or-minus margin of error), additional data shall be required within the CISBA to provide substantial evidence for any proposed ESHA map changes. The Planning Staff Biologist may recommend an adjustment to the ESHA map after a site visit and the evaluation of the following documentation:

i. Photos with GPS location, date, time, and directional bearing of the area in question;

ii. A modified map that shows the location(s) of the increase or decrease in the respective habitat category(s); and

iii. An estimate of the difference in area (increases or decreases) measured in square feet (or acres), based on the spatial data.

The Planning Division is responsible for maintaining all recommendations on ESHA map adjustments within the County's database. Such recommendations will be compiled within the County's database and maintained by the Planning Staff Biologist. However, official changes to the ESHA map will only occur through an LCP amendment process.

b. Required Data in CISBA Sections.

1. Section AE-1.3.2(b)(5): Introduction (Project Description). Provide a site plan that shows all proposed components of the development and surrounding coastal resources that include the following (when applicable):

i. All proposed buildings, structures, parking and staging areas, fuel modification zones (mandatory and expanded), roads, fire department turnarounds, utility infrastructure (water wells, water tanks, pipelines, and septic fields and setbacks), agricultural facilities and cultivation areas, confined animal facilities, fences, recreational facilities, landscaped areas, and outdoor lighting locations (see Section AE-1.3.2(b)(5) and (h)).

ii. Property lines, development envelope, building site, and boundaries of easements.

iii. Boundaries of ESHA, ESHA buffer zones, existing/proposed slope, and other pertinent environmental features (see subsection (3) below).

iv. Stormwater treatment areas that are within or adjacent to ESHA or buffer zone.

2. Section AE-1.3.2(c)(1): Regional Context Map. Provide a map of features within the biogeographic region showing the project location with the following spatial data: watershed boundaries, existing streams/wetlands (highest USGS Hydrological Unit Code), topography, existing land use and development (including protected conservation public lands or core habitat areas), special status species that occur within five (5) miles of the project site (Section AE-1.3.2(f)) and potential on-site or off-site western monarch overwintering roosts (Section AE-1.3.2(g)(2)(iv)), and existing/proposed roads. The context map should depict habitat connectivity within and outside the property boundaries. Include GIS layers that may represent barriers to wildlife movement and any features that promote connectivity (e.g., road crossing structures, habitat corridors).

3. Section AE-1.3.2(c)(2): Physical and Biological Maps. Below are data requirements for physical and biological maps and data. Depending on the site conditions, the biological and physical maps may be combined into one (1) map provided that all features requested can be clearly illustrated.

i. Map of Physical Features: Provide legible map(s) of the project property and survey area that shows all physical features (i.e., topography (slopes), slope orientation, rock outcroppings, riprap, caves, cliff faces) and areas where fire, soils, or disturbance history (e.g., soil disturbance, areas of degraded habitat) that affects the existing biological community. Label wildlife barriers or chokepoints.

ii. Map of Biological Features. Depict the location of all vegetation communities as described in Section AE-1.3.2(g), subsections (5)—(8), types of ESHA (include location of observed rare plants, nests, burrows, colonial roosts, or denning sites detected with field surveys), protected or core habitat areas within or immediately outside the property.

4. Section AE-1.3.2(d) and (e)): Permit History and Removed/Degraded Vegetation.

i. If available, any maps or data associated with previous permits issued documenting ESHA removal, alteration, mitigation;

ii. If any major vegetation has been removed or disturbed on site, provide historic aerial images of the site that pinpoint the timeframe and area(s) that removal and/or disturbance took place (i.e., photo(s) before and after removal and/or disturbance); and

iii. A table of ESHA removed or degraded specifying: either permitted/non-permitted removal, ESHA type, acres/individuals impacted, year of impact, and if area has recovered (no soil disturbance/grading/invasives or invasive watch list plant species).

5. Section AE-1.3.2(f): List of Potential ESHA and Species. Provide a table of all potential special status species and communities that contain the following information: recommended survey dates (Section AE-1.3.2(g)(3)), date and time field survey was conducted, protection status, habitat requirements, and likelihood of species occurrence (none, low, moderate, high, or observed). For observed species, provide the number of individuals (rare or special status) and acreage of plant communities observed (Section AE-1.3.2(g)(2)).

6. Section AE-1.3.2(g): Field Survey Maps and Data.

i. Provide maps of all survey areas, vegetation and wetland sampling locations, and field survey routes;

ii. Provide a table of potential species/communities on site, recommended detection dates for potential species being surveyed, the date and time the field survey was conducted, acreage surveyed, and name of qualified biologist conducting survey; and

iii. For any special status species or vegetative communities detected, provide copies sent to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife of the CNDDB California Native Species Field Survey Form and/or a California Natural Community Field Survey Form.

7. Section AE-1.3.2(g)(1)(d): Expanded Fuel Modification Zones. If applicable, provide two (2) site plan maps pursuant to Appendix E2, Section AE-2.4(b)(1) and Appendix 1, Section AE-1.3.2(g)(1)(iv).

8. Section AE-1.3.2(h), (i), and (j): Site-Specific ESHA/Buffer Zone Map, Adverse Impacts to ESHA, and Mitigation. The following information shall be provided to identify and quantify all adverse impacts to ESHA:

i. Provide a map and table of ESHA types and buffer zones removed without a permit and/or proposed to be removed, altered, or degraded within the survey area. The table shall include ESHA and buffer zone types impacted, acreage of impact, and whether it is permitted or unpermitted removal. Impacts to ESHA resulting from encroachment into the buffer zone from lighting, noise, erosion, etc., (see CZO Section 8178-2.4) and should also be evaluated;

ii. Provide a table summarizing potential environmental impacts (direct, indirect, and temporary) associated with project construction (Section AE-1.3.2(i)(2)—(4), (6), (7));

iii. If applicable, provide GIS files to support the classification or reclassification of the County ESHA Map (Section AE-1.3.3(c)); and

iv. Maps of proposed protected mitigation area locations (on-site and/or off-site) relative to proposed development.

c. Videos and Photographs. Provide color photographic documentation of the existing condition of the proposed development site and other noteworthy features such as:

1. Prominent physical features (bluffs, cliffs, drainages, etc.) (Sections AE-1.3.2(c)(2) and AE-1.3.2(f)) and overall condition of the plant communities;

2. ESHA and wetlands (Sections AE-1.3.2(c)(3) and AE-1.3.2(g)(4)—(8) and (h));

3. Aerial photographs or other maps/photo evidence to document any historical removal or degradation of ESHA (Section AE-1.3.2(d) and (e));

4. Any wildlife crossing structures, barriers, or other features associated with wildlife movement or seed dispersal (Section AE-1.3.2(i)(7)).

5. If applicable, provide photos to support the classification or reclassification of the ESHA (Section AE-1.3.3(c)); and

6. If applicable, provide pre-clearance video/photos of the entire expanded fuel modification zone (Appendix E2, AE-2.4).

(Ord. No. 4586, 10-19-2021)