Christine Gimmler, Senior Planner
Marin County Community Development Agency
3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA,

Re: Trans-Global Resources (Olema Farmhouse) Design Review Clearance 01-88

Dear Ms. Gimmler:

The Sierra Club is concerned about what appears to be a deviation from County policies that prohibit a deck extension into the stream conservation area (SCA).  We believe that County policies are clear that even a cantilevered structure such as proposed should not encroach into the SCA.   We are also concerned about what appears to be a deviation from Environmental Health Services policies that prohibit additions and structures over septic systems (grease traps).  Our specific concerns are compounded by our concern regarding the precedent that these proposed deviations would set and the fact that no public hearings have been proposed for a full airing of these concerns.

Furthermore, we are concerned that the proposed new use permit is to be issued without the applicant's fulfillment of the terms of the prior use permit, specifically restoration of the riparian vegetation along Olema Creek and the permanent removal of the sandwich board sign on Sir Francis Drake.

Concern about both Olema Creek and about this sign was mentioned several times during the testimony concerning the applicant's latest proposal.  At that public meeting, the Hearing Officer, Tom Lai, specifically requested the sign's removal and the Farmhouse manager promised that the sign would be removed.   The fact that every passerby continues to this date to dodge this illegal sign gives little comfort to the hope that the Olema Farmhouse is willing to adhere to any condition of its current or proposed use permits.

Unfortunately, the Sierra Club is concerned with more than a sandwich board.  The Farmhouse's unusual septic system is exceptionally close to Olema Creek and its tributaries, which provide major spawning grounds for endangered salmonids.  We have little confidence that the applicant is either willing or able to protect this valuable resource.  More specifically, we have little confidence that the increased deck space in this current proposal will, indeed, truly and without exception, be used ONLY for existing customers, and not for any increase in customer capacity that would exceed design standards for the existing septic system.

For all of these above reasons, the Sierra Club opposes granting of the above Design Review Clearance 01-88 to the Olema Farmhouse.
 

Sincerely,
 
 

Gordon Bennett, Conservation Committee Co-Chair