Project Title:
15 Morningside Place Tree Permit
County File:
CDTP24-00056
Appellants:
Heather and Mark Simone
Applicant/Owner:
Don Vivatson, Alder Pool & Landscape Co. (Applicant) / Craig M. and Caitlin Hornsby (Owners)
Zoning/General Plan:
R-20 Single-Family Residential District / RL Residential Low Density
Site Address/Location:
15 Morningside Place in the Alamo area of unincorporated Contra Costa County (APN: 188-270-040)
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Status:
Categorical Exemption - Class 3: CEQA Guidelines Section 15303(e), New Construction of Small Structures
Project Planner:
Maria Lara-Lemus, Planner I, (925) 655-2904
maria.lara-lemus@dcd.cccounty.us
Staff Recommendation:
Deny the Appeal and Uphold the Zoning Administrator's Decision (See Section II for full recommendation)
I. PROJECT SUMMARY
This is an appeal of the Zoning Administrator's decision to approve a Tree Permit to allow the removal of four (4) code-protected trees on the project site, including three (3) Valley Oak trees and one (1) California Bay tree with trunk diameters measuring between 9-inches to 40-inches, for installation of backyard improvements (pavilion, pool, and sports court) on the west end of the property.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Department of Conservation and Development, Community Development Division (CDD) staff recommends that the County Planning Commission:
A. DENY the appeal by Heather and Mark Simone.
B. FIND that the project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Section 15303(e) of the CEQA Guidelines.
C. UPHOLD the Zoning Administrator's decision to approve Tree Permit CDTP24-00056 based on the attached findings and subject to the attached conditions of approval.
D. DIRECT staff to file a Notice of Exemption with the County Clerk.
III. BACKGROUND
This application was continued at the request of the applicant from the April 23, 2025 County Planning Commission, meeting, to its meeting on May 14, 2025. The Planning Commission did not...
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