The project proposes a development that would consist of employee housing and support facilities to support vacation rental management operations in Yosemite West. The proposed site is a 6.22-acre parcel (APN 006-150-003). The parcel is zoned Rural Residential and designated Residential Land Use and (Yosemite West) Planning Study Area. It will require a General Plan Zoning Amendment (GPZA No. 2020-096) and an environmental determination pursuant to The California Environmental Quality Act.

APPLICATION INFORMATION 

Applicant: Scenic Wonders Inc. 

General Plan Zoning Amendment Application No. 2020-096   Site Plan Review Application No. 2023-064 Site Address: 7548 Henness Circle, Yosemite West; APN 006-150-003

Project Description

General Plan Zoning Amendment No. 2020-096 Phase I construction of a primary and a secondary residence used for long term rental, in addition to a detached garage structure. The garage structure is proposed to include laundry facilities inside to service the Scenic Wonders vacation rentals. Phase I water systems will serve the primary, secondary, garage and a proposed laundry facility. Project proposes completion of the existing on-site water well with storage tanks and an engineered septic system with secondary treatment. 

Phase II of the development proposes  low cost apartment-type units to be utilized for staff employed by Scenic Wonders. ( For full detailed description please see the Initial Study and Mitigated Negatvie Declaration link below). Summary:

Employee Housing:

The project includes five multi-unit buildings; three small buildings of about 1,100 sq. ft. each would contain two 1-bed, 1-bath units; two larger buildings of about 2,400 sq. ft. each would contain four units each, two 1-bed, 1-bath and two 2-bed, 2-bath units.  There will be a one-bed apartment unit in the laundry facility structure.  These facilities will total approximately 10,808 square feet.  The units are proposed to house 32 people. 

Laundry Facility: 

The conversion of an existing garage building on the site will include the installation of a 600 sq. ft. laundry facility to be used to centralize laundry services for the vacation rental facilities managed by Scenic Wonders. The project proponents state that the laundry facility will save approximately 12,068 round trips per year to vacation homes within Yosemite West by Scenic Wonders housekeeping staff, which would be about a 63 percent reduction in local traffic. 

Phase II will include the expansion of Phase I septic and water facilities, including storage of up to 500 gallons of diesel and gasoline for private use only. The applicant states that there is approximately 17,500 square feet of possible septic field area. Water tanks are proposed to be installed on the property. Access is proposed via Henness Circle and onsite driveways. And on-site parking s proposed.

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
Notice OF INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION

The project requires an environmental determination and a Initial Study pursuant to CEQA was prepared for for the project. The document includes all studies and background documentation for the project for the CEQA determination.

The Notice of Intent and Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration documents may be found here:

Notice of Intent To Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration - Initial Study and Attachments/Documents

FUTURE PROJECT ACTIVITIES

The project will require both Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors Public Hearings for consideration and actions

Board of Supervisors  Hearing -  November 21,  2023 (at 2pm, or as soon thereafter as possible).
*Staff Report is available here:

Board of Supervisor's November 21, 2023 Agenda Packet

Planning Commission Hearing Occurred October 6, 2023.

The Planning Commission recommended the Board of Supervisors adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration, adopt zone change ordinances and approve the project with findings conditions and mitigation measures.
*Staff Report is available here:

Planning Commission Meeting - October 6, 2023 • Agendas & Minutes - Mariposa County, CA • CivicClerk

The hearing was continued from September 15, 2023 to date-certain Planning Commission meeting of October 6, 2023.

Please see above link for the published Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration.

For Additional Project Background Documents use the following link:

Scenic Wonders Background Documents

For any questions please let us know!

Planner Contacts:

Skip Strathearn Senior Planner, Email: sstrathearn@mariposacounty.org

Steve Engfer, Planning Director, Email: sengfer@mariposacounty.org