Jul
7
2010
Ambitious Agenda Also Includes Review of Infrastructure and More
This Thursday, July 8th, the Planning Commission will continue its’ discussion of Land Use Classifications. According to staff “The Commission intends to conclude the ongoing discussion of the draft Land Use Element, in particular, Section 4.8 Land Use Classifications (which include the text of the plan, not the proposed mapping changes) and begin review of the remainder of Part 2, which includes Chapter 5, Community Infrastructure and Services Element, Chapter 6, Telecommunications, Chapter 7, Circulation Element and Chapter 9, Economic Development Element.”
It’s important to note that the remaining classifications to be discussed on Thursday include such key designations as Open Space (OS), Agricultural Exclusive (AE), Agriculture General (AG), Agriculture Ranchland (AGR), Timber (T) and Industrial Timber (TI).
Although the Commission seems to have moved away from the Alternative “A” – proposed “TI” designation, it is still in the charts and we must ensure that it is dropped in this chapter. “TI” calls for a density of one home per 600 acres.
Similarly, the proposed “AGR” classification remains in this chapter. It calls for a minimum density of 160 acres under Alternative “B” and again, one home per 600 acres under Alternative “A”.
If the Commission concludes its’ discussion of Chapter 4.8, it will then move to Chapter 5 (Community Infrastructure and Service). This section will deal with such issues as the Adequacy of Infrastructure to meet discretionary development needs and the fiscal impact of those developments. It will also address On-site Sewage disposal and Expanded Fire Protection Services.
Jun
15
2010
Also Vote to Revise Merger Ordinance
On June 10th the Planning Commission almost completed their review of Section 4.6 (Forest Resources) of the GPU. In the process they cast some important votes regarding TPZ landowners’ property rights.
The issue of a two-tiered approach to TPZ land regulation came up under Forest Standard FR-S4; Commissioners voted 4-1(Smith, Emad, Nelson and Kreb) in favor of Alternative B and against the two tiered designation of Timberland (T/IT) that was contained in Alternative A.
The commission was split on the issue of the Merger Ordinance with the vote going 3-2 against full implementation; Commissioners Kreb and Gearhart voted for Alternative A which calls for full implementation. Commissioners Smith, Emad and Nelson voted for Alternative B which calls for a revision of the ordinance and would limit merger to TPZ parcels under Williamson Act Contract.
The commission also looked at rezoning “Substandard” TPZ parcels (FR-IMxx) and had a long discussion regarding their concerns about the size of parcels to be rezoned out of TPZ. The issue; “Substandard” would be any TPZ parcel under 160 acres. Some commissioners spoke of limiting the rezoning to parcels under 40 acres, others to parcels under 10 acres. The item was sent back for staff to try a re-write for consideration at the next meeting, Thursday June 17th.
Apr
28
2010
Second Units – Allowed on Parcels Greater Than 160 Acres, Conditional on Smaller Parcels
Daniel Mintz, The Independent 4/20/2010
Homebuilding on Timber Production Zone (TPZ) parcels is one of the most argued-about aspects of the General Plan Update (GPU) and a majority of the county’s Planning Commission supports allowing one residence per parcel as an unconditional right.
The Commission reviewed the policies of the draft GPU’s Forest Resources chapter and debated whether allowing a residence on a TPZ parcel should be based on a connection to logging operations. Four of the five commissioners at the meeting said they think a single TPZ residence should be allowed through a ministerial permit – one that doesn’t require conditions – and that second units should be similarly allowed on parcels bigger than 160 acres.
That will disappoint those who view small-scale residential development of timberlands as a slippery slope toward conversion. But those who support it say that it maintains property rights and land value.
Apr
16
2010
Planning Commission Votes in Favor of Homes on TPZ
In a stunning reversal of recent trends, the Humboldt County Planning Commission voted 4-1 in favor of language that would allow homes on land zoned TPZ at it’s GPU meeting in Eureka Thursday April 15th.
The vote came at the end of a night filled with public testimony in favor of rural rights and after much wrangling over other language in the Forest Section (4.6) of the Land Use Element.
In fact, the issue of residential construction on timberlands was deemed so controversial that commissioners first thought it would have to be put over to the next meeting since there were only 10 minutes left on the clock by the time they got to that policy.
But it appears our voices were heard after all and a quick straw poll resulted in the 4-1 vote.
Specifically, the commissioners voted to adopt language provided by the Humboldt County Resource Lands Working Group which is comprised of The Buckeye Conservancy, the Humboldt County Farm Bureau, Humboldt Del Norte Cattlemen Association, Large Timberland Owners Group and the Forest Landowners of California (Humboldt Co. Representatives).
The language is very similar to that provided by the Forestry Review Committee and we at HumCPR have been very vocal in our support.
The Policy As Approved:
“Residential Construction on TPZ Zoned Parcels: Recognize the right to construct a residence under a ministerial permitting process subject to physical standards set by the County. Second units; may be allowed on TPZ parcels greater than 160 acres; And, may be allowed on TPZ parcels less than 160 acres as a conditional use only in the area already converted, intended to be converted, or that does not meet the definition of timberlands. Second units may be allowed on TPZ parcels less than 40 acres within Community Planning Areas.”
[To underline the significance of this vote it's worth taking a look at the policy proposed under Alternative A, which language had just been revised. It read as follows: "FR-P9. Residential Construction on TPZ Zoned Parcels: Preserve continued viability of timber production on TPZ zoned parcels by requiring demonstration of active management for timber production prior to issuance on new residential permits and by mitigating the impacts of residences on water resources, biological resources, wildland fire potential and public services. . Residential uses shall be limited to individuals employed on the premises for lands planned Industrial Timber (IT) or necessary for the management of timberlands on lands planned Timber Production (T)". ]
This is a clear victory for rural rights and it’s important to note that we must continue to speak out! There is still a lot to be discussed and clarified. And it will be the Supervisors who decide in the end!
A Big Thanks to all who showed up at the meetings so far! Let’s keep up the good work!
Apr
12
2010
Controversial Land Use Issue Discussion Continues!
The Humboldt County Planning Commission will return to its deliberations on rural lands policies on Thursday April 15th
According to Planning Department staff the Commission intends to continue discussion of section 4.6 of the land Use Element. The meeting begins at 6:00 PM at the Supervisors’ Chambers in Eureka.
Public Comment Will be Accepted at this Meeting.
It is very important to attend this and subsequent meetings if you can. There are several very controversial aspects to this section especially relating to your right to build a home on your land if it is zoned for timber. The proposed mandatory merging of contiguous parcels in single ownership is also a key issue. This is when resource land owners will learn the Commissioners’ responses (if any) to their issues and concerns. Decisions made at this level will have major impacts on your stewardship rights.
