(A) Prior to the issuance of any grading permit, the Director of Public Works shall refer the application for such permit to the community development department for review and determination whether the proposed grading could have a significant effect upon the environment. The environmental review shall be conducted in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines and state statutes. However, such application need not be referred to the community development department if the following condition is met: The City Council, a commission or city officer having final authority for project approval has adopted an environmental impact report which considered the proposed grading or has determined that the project, which included the proposed grading, would not have a significant effect upon the environment.
(B) Anything contained in this section to the contrary notwithstanding, if in the opinion of the Director of Public Works and the Community Development Director, there are unusual conditions with respect to the property for which an application is filed which renders an environmental review desirable or necessary, the Director of Public Works shall refer the application to the community development department for the aforementioned determination. Such unusual conditions include but are not limited to land located in resource conservation areas as follows:
(1) Watercourses;
(2) Scenic corridor zones or other area officially designated by federal, state or local governments as scenic areas;
(3) Areas of severe geologic hazard;
(4) Hillside areas;
(5) Archeological sites.
(Ord. 1449, passed 10-19-05)