The Butte County Planning Commission on July 24 voted to adopt a resolution extending the expiration date for the approved Tuscan Ridge subdivision map by six years, moving the expiration to Dec. 10, 2032, to allow the applicant additional time to complete design work and obtain required state permits. The commission approved the extension 4‑0.

The commission’s principal planner, Mark Michelino, told commissioners staff recommended approval of the map extension and that there were no changes to the original conditions of approval except removal of a reference to the Board of Supervisors in the resolution language. Michelino said staff’s recommended extension would allow the applicant to complete outstanding engineering and state permitting requirements.

The extension matter drew technical details from the applicant’s consultant, Mark Wolf of Northstar Engineering, who said the project has proved unusually complex and that agencies will require project improvement plans at approximately 65 percent design when permit applications are submitted. Wolf told the commission the applicant is not “anywhere near that at this point” and that acquiring the necessary engineering team and the high‑level plans will take longer than the currently approved two‑year timeframe.

Butte County Public Works Land Development Division representative Kim Hunter told the commission a recent county policy change affecting County Service Areas (CSAs) and permanent road divisions applies to this map extension. Hunter said the Board of Supervisors adopted a policy earlier in the year that restricts the types of services CSAs will provide going forward and that, for this project, CSA provision of wastewater service “is no longer an option, unless there are certain justifications and findings by the board.” Hunter explained that permanent road divisions remain focused on roads, lighting and drainage; broader services such as wastewater and fire suppression typically require contracting outside the Public Works core services and create long‑term financial and management challenges for CSAs.

A public commenter who identified themselves as representing neighborhood interests on The Ridge raised concerns about specific conditions of approval, the desirability of the traffic signal condition at Santa Rosa/Street H versus other intersection alternatives, the extent of grading on the project footprint, and the choice of detached residences over higher‑density housing forms. The commenter also said the project’s map extension to 2032 could permit the applicant to delay construction until market conditions improve, rather than advancing housing construction now.

Richard Otter of the Paradise Rod and Gun Club, which is adjacent to the project area, said the club maintained an interest in the project and thanked the county for a mailed notice.

Commission action: a motion to adopt the resolution extending the Tuscan Ridge map passed 4‑0. The record shows the commission approved a six‑year extension of the map to Dec. 10, 2032; the motion language on the record was to “adopt the resolution approving the map extension extending the expiration date … for 6 years to 12/10/2032.” The record includes a staff correction noting the resolution language had struck a prior reference to the Board of Supervisors because this is a Planning Commission action; a public commenter also pointed out the resolution draft referenced MEXT 25‑5 rather than MEXT 25‑4 and asked the commission to confirm the correct map identifier before finalizing paperwork.

Why it matters: The extension keeps the project’s approvals active while the applicant completes higher‑level design and seeks state permits (including wetlands and wildlife permits referenced by the applicant). The county’s CSA policy change could alter who is authorized or practically able to operate wastewater systems for the subdivision and may require the applicant to identify an alternate service provider acceptable to the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Those service and permitting dependencies affect the project’s timeline and the likelihood that approved lots will proceed to construction.

Background and next steps: Michelino said there are no changes to the original conditions of approval other than the clerical correction to the resolution; the applicant will continue to prepare improvement plans and pursue the permits described during the hearing. Public Works advised the applicant that, under the new CSA policy, wastewater service will likely need to be provided by an entity other than a county CSA unless the Board of Supervisors makes specific findings. The commission did not remove or replace any substantive conditions at the hearing. Future actions will depend on completion of the engineering design and approvals from state agencies and any Board findings about CSA service authority.

Discussion vs. decision: The commission’s vote was a formal action to extend the map (decision). Staff and the applicant discussed technical reasons for the extension and time needed to reach 65 percent design and secure state permits (discussion). Public Works presented a policy change that may direct the applicant to arrange wastewater service through an alternative provider (directional guidance / policy clarification).