Summary of Calaveras Planning Commission meeting November 10, 2016

Summary of Calaveras Planning Commission meeting November 10, 2016

(Meeting video is posted on CAP Video page https://calaverascap.com/video/ )

Chair McLaughlin was absent; Commissioner Allured chaired the meeting

• 2016-1061 Song Vang Appeal of Denial of Personal Cannabis Cultivation Registration Application was decided on a tie vote 2-2-0 (one absent). A tie vote upholds the Planning Department decision, thus the appeal was denied. This was 1/1/2 hrs. of complicated legal discussion about whether an application for a 100-sf personal grow was obligated under the urgency ordinance to disclose that they were actually cultivating 13,000 sf. Commissioner Wooster sided with the applicant’s attorney that the urgency ordinance does not require disclosure of the amount currently grown; Stopper concurred. Lisa and Ted agreed with Planning that the applicant was clearly misleading, and that her application included “false & misleading” information (the basis for denial). The applicant has 15 calendar days to appeal to the BOS.
• 2016-1070 Zoning Amendment & Ag Preserve contract was approved for 200 acres near Sheep Ranch. This was for an organic, diversified farm producing sheep, wool, hogs, duck & chicken eggs, cattle, and other agricultural specialty crops.
• A County-initiated Zoning Amendment was approved for the Winkler Building in San Andreas, to correct a previous zoning error
• Planning Director Maurer reported: 1) they are down 2 people in Planning (one out on temp. maternity leave) and are recruiting for a Planner III; 2) Measure C passed and Measure D did not, so they’re operating as usual with the urgency ordinance in place until the BOSextends or not; 3) County Counsel is looking closely at Meas. C—how to apply and implement—it does apply to this year’s crop, so taxes will be paid next spring; and 4) they met with the general plan EIR consultant, are moving forward, & hope to have by the middle of next year. Ted asked about the “Amador situation” and Peter said that EIR was “sidetracked.” He hoped that wouldn’t happen here; an EIR can be contentious but our consultants and counsel will make sure to adequately address all environmental issues in our EIR; Peter hopes the debate will be on policy issues not adequacy.
• No Planning Commission meeting November 24; next PC meeting December 8.

Thank you Colleen Platt of the Calaveras Planning Coalition