Since the Board of Supervisor’s final direction on the Draft Butte County General Plan 2030 on January 21, 2010, Development Services had received numerous emails commenting on the Board’s decision to change a land use designation in Butte Creek Canyon for several parcels at the request of Jim Mann of Rural Consulting, Inc. 

Specifically, at the special Board meeting held on January 19, 2010 devoted to General Plan 2030, Mr. Mann requested an alternative General Plan land use designation for three parcels located near Centerville Road, approximately two miles northeast of Honey Run Road.  As stated in his letter, Mr. Mann was acting on the behalf of the Dan Allen family.  Mr. Mann objected to the Agriculture General Plan 2030 designation, which requires a minimum parcel size of 20-acres, and asked that General Plan 2030 recognize current land use on the property.  In addition, Mr. Mann stated concerns over the designated deer herd overlay, which also requires a 20-acre minimum parcel size.   

At the January 21, 2010 meeting, the Board directed staff to designate these properties as Foothill Residential under General Plan 2030.  The Foothill Residential designation is prevalent in the residential areas of the Butte Creek Canyon area. The Board also instructed staff to designate other properties in the general vicinity as Foothill Residential.

It is important to note that the Board only acted to change the General Plan designation and did not make a decision concerning zoning.  Since the Deer Herd Overlay for this area is designated Winter Range, a 20-acre minimum parcel size would still be recommended by staff for future zoning implementation.  In other words, the zoned density of the site would not change from the current 20-acre minimum.  A reduction below 20-acres would require a reduction or removal of the Deer Herd Overlay.  However, the Board did not change the Deer Herd Overlay for this site. 

The comment emails that staff has received concerning the decision for this area object to the new designation, citing concerns over land use impacts to neighbors and circulation.  Several of the emails requested that the Board reconsider this decision, citing negative impacts to Butte Creek Canyon residents and lack of public input from area residents.  

On February 23, 2010 Development Services staff brought this to the attention of the Board of Supervisors during an update on the General Plan 2030 process.  Upon considering this information, the Board instructed staff to set a meeting for April 13, 2010 to provide an opportunity for the public to express their concerns and comments about this decision.