Angels Camp lays out development priorities

Posted: Friday, December 14, 2012 11:15 am /Union Democrat

Calaveras County Planner David Hanham has outlined goals and procedures to attract business to Angels Camp designed to streamline the process and benefit the economy.

Speaking to the City Council earlier this month, Hanham said the first priority will be to develop a Business Attraction and Expansion Zone to save on development costs.

Priority two will require a detailed list of types of businesses and an updated ordinance that will expedite the review process for new businesses that move into existing buildings in order to make the permitting process less confusing for developers and contractors.

Priority three will establish a Right to Farm Ordinance which will allow farmers to continue to maintain existing farm operations in the city and preserve the rural, home-town atmosphere of the community.

Priority four deals with the creation of an updated land-use map as well as the establishment of standards and requirements for utilities, roads, water and sewer so that developers will be informed ahead of time as to what infrastructure will be required in their plans.

Hanham pointed out that while LAFCO requires detailed infrastructure plans, at present the county does not make these requirements.

“We want to help the city stay out in front of development instead of being at the whim of a developer,” he said. “It will also save developers money because they’ll know the requirements, restrictions and guidelines ahead of time.”