Interim Building Director Corina Miranda and building‑department staff outlined a multi‑part implementation plan Sept. 30 that includes a test rollout of e‑inspections, development of a Limited Density Owner‑Built Rural Dwelling (LDRD) ordinance under Title 25, adoption of a tiny‑home appendix and additional administrative updates.

Why it matters: staff said the programs are intended to expand affordable housing options, streamline inspections for contractors and provide a mechanism to legalize some unpermitted dwellings. Miranda said title 25 “allows for some flexibilities” that Mariposa County had not adopted previously and described public engagement and planning steps to follow.

E‑inspections: Miranda said the county plans a trial period between October and Jan. 1 with a full opening to eligible contractors after Jan. 1. A staff member working on the Tyler permitting system, Racy, summarized the pilot: “so far, I have created 1 application type in the system. It's generators right now... you would apply to be part of the program,” upload photos and checklists, and inspectors would review electronically.

Owner‑built rural dwelling (LDRD) program: Justin Meissner, senior building inspector and plan checker, described the LDRD approach under Title 25 as a different standard that permits alternative materials and methods while retaining life‑safety protections. He said, “It still needs life health safety. It is not a lesser than, it's an equivalent to which is a huge difference.” Staff emphasized key features under discussion: owner‑occupancy requirements (commonly one year), permanent deed restrictions preventing short‑term rentals, zoning limits to rural districts in most counties and possible square‑footage thresholds that would trigger additional requirements such as sprinklers.

Legalization and AB 2533: Staff described AB 2533 as a state amnesty pathway for certain accessory dwelling units built before 2020; under Title 25 the county could provide an alternative route to legalize some previously unpermitted dwellings at lower cost than full Title 24 upgrades. Miranda said AB 2533 provides a five‑year temporary certificate of occupancy under the state program.

Public comment and industry response: Planning Director Steve Hink and members of the public supported the measures and urged coordination between planning and building. Leslie Langslett, who said she is assisting family members to secure permanent housing, urged the board to “adopt the owner builder ordinances and make housing more affordable.” Doug Benoese, a county resident and former sheriff and fire chief, told the board the package “makes so much sense” for rural housing needs.

Technical questions: Board members asked about milled lumber and standards for locally milled materials. Justin said jurisdictions differ and that the county could allow non‑stamped, locally milled lumber only where inspection can confirm the material meets the structural intent: “it does read that it does not have to have, a milled stamp from, the certified lumber... but it would still have to meet the intent.” The board also discussed whether the LDRD would be allowed in town planning areas; staff said that the initial practice in many counties limits the option to rural zoning but that the planning commission will review allowed locations.

Timeline and next steps: staff said they will take a draft ordinance to the Planning Commission on Oct. 10 for input, begin public engagement in November, aim for a public draft by early December and develop associated administrative items (addressing, construction‑site standards, refund policies and an appeals process) in early 2026.

No formal action required: the third item was presented for information; the board and staff asked for continued contractor and public input before ordinances return for formal adoption.

Sources: Staff presentation and public comments at the Sept. 30 Mariposa County Board of Supervisors meeting; direct staff quotations from the meeting transcript.