Sharing Information  |  Encouraging Engagement

 

This special meeting was called as a joint session to involve the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission, and the public in a seminar regarding the Zoning Code Update that is currently underway.

Here are the notes I took regarding the meeting. Please understand that this is not a comprehensive documentation of discussions and decisions.

PRESENTATIONS

A.1. Community Development – Planning – Receive a presentation and participate in the General Plan Zoning Code update seminar facilitated by Mintier Harnish. No fiscal impact.

Mintier Harnish Representatives walked through an extensive presentation regarding Zoning. The focus of this special session of the board and planning commission was education. Our goal is to establish a strong/shared understanding about this key component of our overall General Plan initiative.

  • Zoning must be consistent with the general plan
  • Compatibility and Character are key components
  • Zoning can include design components… in addition to land use components
  • Shapes location, function, and appearance of all land uses
  • Police Power – authorizes state and local governments to act to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. It is the fundamental legal basis for land use planning and regulation.
    • Must be reasonably related to the public welfare.
  • Steps
    • Where: How private and public property may be used
    • What: Standards for the planning and design of development
    • How: Procedures for review and approval and for code administration
  • Architectural vs Design
    • Zoning defines measurable elements (roof pitch, door/window placement, etc.
    • Subjective aspect can be part of design guidelines and discretionary review
    • Can include some design characteristics
    • Architectural Review Committees and Historical Society authority will be spelled out in the zoning code
  • Process
    • Objectives – this is where the process begins.
    • Diagnosis
    • Draft Regulations
    • Draft Code
    • Final Code
  • Format and Platform
    • We will use a platform similar to that used by Merced County
      • For both the general plan and zoning code
      • Chat Bot – will be an option ($$)
      • Generative AI – not yet integrated
      • Fillable Form – will be an option ($$)
      • Process Flow Documents / User Guides (some are included in scope)
    • Information regarding related code/policies (eg. Federal Land on neighboring property)
      • This can be done on a limited basis
    • Use permit land – need to identify/explain other requirements that might be another layer on top of county code.
  • Legislative Items
    • ADU’s, Wireless Telecommunications, Affordable Housing & Density Bonus (streamlined processes), Sign Regulations, …
    • Housing related limitations, restrictions, incentives
    • Low Impact Camping
  • Code Organization – organize the code to respond to the most frequent questions
    • Where can I put my business/use my property?
    • What’re the standards for development and use?
    • How do I get permits, how long will it take, and who decides if I get a permit?
    • What do the terms mean?
    • Rules before exceptions
    • More important provisions before less important…
    • Sample Outline
      • Introductory Provisions – includes review authority
      • Zone Regulations – purpose statements, land uses regulations, development and design standards specific to each zone
        • Compatibility example
        • Industrial (non-edible)…?
        • Minor Use Permit?
        • Table – built in links/pop ups?
      • Countywide Regulations/Development Standards
        • Compatibility – supported by standards/policies
        • Zone Driven – applies in one or more (but not all) zones
        • Performance – establish thresholds to mitigate impacts
        • General – apply to all zones
        • County standards that impact Federal/State land?
        • Sign Maintenance & Building Maintenance- can be regulated, requiring maintenance to a certain standard.
        • Sign example – limits can be placed on both commercial and residential signs by size, placement, number, etc… just not content
        • Landscaping – State has water-efficient standards.
        • Objective Standards – replaced guidelines with requirements
        • Design Standards – we starting from scratch
        • Overlay Zones – will be reflected in maps
      • Administration and Permits
        • Types of Review
          • Planning Permits
            • Ministerial – no discretion. You meet requirements or you don’t.
            • Discretionary – conditional use permits, variances
          • Legislative Approvals
        • Importance of Findings
          • Provide the basis for decision
          • Provide more certainty in the decision-making process
          • Immunize the community against lawsuits
        • Nonconformities
          • Important to establish clear objectives for dealing with them
          • Can set time limits, lack of active use triggers, update requirements
      • Terms and Definitions
    • Next Steps
      • Community Engagement Underway
        • Stakeholder meetings complete
        • Today’s Seminar
        • Community Meetings (Hayfork/Weaverville)
      • Summer 2024 – initial code drafting
      • Spring 2025
        • Public review draft zoning code
        • Second round of community workshops
        • Planning Commission study sessions
        • Board of Supervisor Study Sessions
      • Summer 2025
        • Updated Zoning Map
        • Adoption
        • Creation of We-based Zoning Code
      • Fall 2025
        • Web-based version of code
  • Unclassified Parcels
    • Being reviewed now
    • Still working on approach
  • CalFire Standards & Impact on our plans
    • Could be folded in – discretion of the board

B. ADJOURN