The Commission or, on appeal, the Board may approve a surface mining permit pursuant to this chapter only if all of the following findings are made:
(a) That the proposed surface mining permit complies with the Act and this chapter;
(b) That surface mining shall be conducted pursuant to a reclamation plan approved in accordance with Chapter 5 of this title;
(c) That surface mining will not be detrimental to the public health and safety;
(d) That the surface mining permit is consistent with the General Plan, any applicable specific plans, and the zoning of the site;
(e) That surface mining is compatible with the existing uses of surrounding lands;
(f) That the site is physically suitable for surface mining, giving consideration, but not limited to such factors as local groundwater conditions, flood protection, drainage, habitat, and aesthetics;
(g) That the surface mining operation includes provisions for a “net gain” to the County;
(h) That the environmental document for the proposed surface mining permit was prepared in accordance with the provisions of CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines; and,
(i) That a written response to the State Department of Conservation has been prepared and considered, describing the disposition of major issues raised by the Department.
(§ 1, Ord. 1190, eff. September 5, 1996; as amended by Ord. 1518, eff. February 13, 2020)