Robinson family, neighbors protest county denial of rebuild permit after Carr Fire; public asks board to review easement claim

Several residents spoke during public comment urging the board to resolve a long‑running property dispute concerning a Middle Creek Road parcel that burned in the 2018 Carr Fire. Christina Robinson told the board her family owned and occupied the property for decades and that the county later claimed an 80‑foot easement across the site, a claim she and supporting title research say is unfounded.

Robinson and neighbors described years of permitting delays, relocation to temporary housing and repeated requests to allow a rebuild on the same footprint. Contractors and a local construction cost analyst who worked with Carr Fire survivors supported the family and said county actions had introduced long delays and hardship for a family with limited insurance and resources.

Speakers cited a recent court ruling that found aspects of county claims lacking and asked the board to provide clarity, speed permitting and if necessary purchase or settle with the family to allow replacement housing. Board members said they had discussed the matter in closed session and acknowledged the sensitivity of pending litigation and title questions; they did not announce a new public action at the meeting but asked staff to continue legal review and to provide records responsive to public requests.