§ 22.36.020. Applicability.

A.

Permit and reclamation plan required. No person shall conduct surface mining operations unless a permit, financial assurances, and reclamation plan have first been approved by the County for such operations, except as otherwise provided by this Chapter.

B.

Exceptions. The provisions this Chapter are not applicable to:

1.

Excavations or grading conducted for farming or on-site construction, or to restore land following a flood or natural disaster when the excavation is conducted only on the land directly affected by disaster.

2.

Prospecting and exploration for minerals of commercial value where less than 1,000 cubic yards of overburden is removed in any one site of one acre or less, provided:

a.

A grading permit is required for such exploration in compliance with Chapter 22.52 (Grading); and

b.

Each such site is restored to a natural appearing or otherwise usable condition to the approval of the Director upon completion of exploration.

3.

Any surface mining operation that does not involve either the removal of a total of more than 1,000 cubic yards of minerals, ores, and overburden, or cover more than one acre in any one site. (This does not exempt the owner from obtaining a Grading Permit if required by 22.52 (Grading)).

4.

The solar evaporation of sea water or bay water for the production of salt and related minerals.

5.

Other mining operations categorically identified by the State Board in compliance with Sections 2714(d) and 2758(c), California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975.

C.

Conflicting provisions. Where any conflicts arise as to materials, methods, requirements, and interpretation of different sections between this Chapter, and Chapter 22.52 (Grading), the most restrictive shall govern.

[Amended 1992, Ord. 2553; 1994, Ord. 2696] [22.08.180b, c, d]