Hearst Ranch
Environmental Constraints Analysis
– San Luis Obispo
County
Since 1975 Envicom Corporation has served under an ongoing consulting services contract to the Hearst Corporation and has undertaken a variety of property entitlement, development and environmental due diligence-related assignments in the planning for the eventual development of the 88,000 acre Hearst Ranch in coastal San Simeon, California.
Planning efforts focused on sub-parcel-specific ecological sensitivity/hazards, land suitability, development capability for selected areas utilizing a composite synthesis of each of the environmental data topics involving specific physical, ecological, and resource factors. Planning studies included: (1) preparation of a comprehensive environmental data-base to meet San Luis Obispo County concerns over the Ranch’s development that included in-depth original research of biological, physical, ecological and historical factors for the entire ranch; (2) preparation of Master Plans and alternatives for the dispersed development of five destination resorts on the ranch property; (3) preparation of a master environmental impact report for the development and appropriation of groundwater reserves to serve the developments; (4) liaison with County of San Luis Obispo officials to gain appropriate general plan designation for development of the Hearst Ranch and approval of the Master Plan by the County and the California Coastal Commission; and (5) site specific development planning and environmental due diligence for the first phase of development.