RCA board approves clerical change limiting third appraisals in MSHCP conflict process, 13-4

The Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority on Aug. 4 approved a clerical change to the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) conflict-resolution language intended to keep the value established by a third appraisal within the range of the first two appraisals.

Board members adopted a resolution approving the clerical change by a 13–4 vote after public comment and a prolonged discussion about legal risk and appraiser practice.

The change, introduced by Ward Simmons, General Counsel for the RCA, would clarify that when a property owner requests a third review appraisal in the HANS (Habitat Evaluation and Acquisition Negotiation Strategy) acquisition process, the value established during conflict resolution must fall within the range set by the owner’s appraisal and the RCA’s appraisal. Simmons told the board the amendment is intended to fix ambiguous language about the third-appraiser role that staff say has created uncertainty.

The rationale given by staff was procedural clarity: under the plan RCA orders an independent appraisal according to applicable standards and, if the owner disagrees,…