Howes Variance (N-DRC2025-00003 / ED25-0037)

The Howes Variance project (N-DRC2025-00003 / ED25-0037) is a request by Ryan Howes for a variance to allow grading on slopes exceeding 30 percent to facilitate the construction of a residential driveway. This driveway will serve a 6,422-square-foot single-story residence, an 1,131-square-foot attached garage, and three outdoor decks totaling 689 square feet. Located at 1523 Badger Canyon Lane in the unincorporated area of Arroyo Grande, California, the project involves approximately 0.92 acres of site disturbance, including 1,060 cubic yards of cut and 1,600 cubic yards of fill. The project is situated within a 19.2-acre parcel in the Residential Suburban land use category of the San Luis Bay Inland Sub-Area. The project has been approved under a Mitigated Negative Declaration following a California Environmental Quality Act review, with a Notice of Determination issued on November 13, 2025. Key compliance requirements include strict adherence to fugitive dust control, the use of designated staging areas to ensure zero stormwater runoff, and immediate cleanup of hazardous material spills. Additionally, the Department of Toxic Substances Control recommends testing all imported fill material for contaminants of concern to ensure suitability for land use. The County of San Luis Obispo Department of Planning and Building serves as the lead agency responsible for verifying that all conditions of approval, including fire safety plans and exterior lighting requirements, are met prior to final inspection and occupancy.