Archaeological and Paleontological Trigger

Projects in the Mulholland Specific Plan area proposing more than 50 cubic yards of grading per 5,000 square feet of lot area must submit a preliminary archaeological and paleontological record search obtained from the State Regional Archaeological Information Center at the University of California, Los Angeles. The record search is the first stage of cultural-resources due diligence; subsequent steps (testing, mitigation, monitoring) may be required depending on findings.

The threshold is 50 cubic yards per 5,000 square feet of lot area, prorated to the actual lot:

• A 10,000 sq ft lot triggers at 100 cubic yards of grading.
• A 15,000 sq ft lot triggers at 150 cubic yards of grading.
• A 20,000 sq ft lot triggers at 200 cubic yards of grading.

The threshold is independent of the §5 C and §6 B 1 grading caps. A project well within the grading cap can still cross the archaeological-record-search trigger.

• Total grading quantity from the Grading Plan (Exhibit E-5) compared against the lot-area-prorated trigger.
• The record search obtained from the State Regional Archaeological Information Center (UCLA).
• Where the record search identifies sensitivity, additional documentation: site-specific archaeological/paleontological survey, Phase I or Phase II investigation, mitigation monitoring program.
• Coordination with the Soils and Geology Report where soil disturbance is part of the trigger.
• Project conditions or covenants binding the project to the recommended mitigation.

• Run the trigger calculation at the schematic stage when grading quantities are first sized. The trigger is lot-area-proportional, not absolute.
• Order the record search as soon as the trigger is foreseeable. UCLA processing time is real and can hold the packet.
• Where sensitivity is identified, plan mitigation into the project schedule and budget. Construction monitoring during initial grading is a common condition.
• Coordinate with the project’s Soils and Geology consultant — they may identify paleontological resources during soils investigation.

Source: Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan, §5 B 5 (Archaeological and Paleontological Resources). Record search source: State Regional Archaeological Information Center, University of California, Los Angeles.