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Mixed public comments ahead of Nevada County workshop on RV/ADU ordinance; town hall set for Sept. 9
Summary
Public commenters at the Aug. 26 Board of Supervisors meeting expressed strong opposition and support for a draft ordinance that would allow trailers, RVs and campers as accessory dwelling units; a public workshop is scheduled for Sept. 9 at the Grass Valley Vets Hall and the ordinance is planned for board consideration Nov. 4.
Public comment at the Aug. 26 Nevada County Board of Supervisors meeting included sharply differing views about a draft ordinance that would permit trailers, recreational vehicles and campers to count as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in some circumstances.
An unidentified resident opened public comment opposing the ordinance, saying it would be “devastating, unworkable, outrageous” and predicting negative effects on property values, community character and county services. The speaker argued alternatives such as safe sites and tiny-home programs, and cited the 2024 point-in-time count of 516 people experiencing homelessness as context for the concern.
Tom Durkin of the No Place to Go project urged the board to legalize existing encampments and said the ordinance would not bring “hordes” of new people to the county. Durkin said a community survey showed 72% of respondents favored the ordinance and urged that the county pursue safe-site planning in tandem with the ordinance. He said he will present amendments at the Sept. 9 hearing.
County staff and the chair reminded members of the public that a town-hall style workshop on the ordinance is set for Sept. 9 at the Grass Valley Veterans Hall, and that the ordinance is expected to return to the board for consideration on Nov. 4. Chair Hall and staff asked commenters to review the draft ordinance before submitting comments so feedback can focus on specific provisions.
Why it matters: The proposed change touches housing policy, homelessness responses and local zoning practices. The September workshop and November hearing are public opportunities for residents to ask questions, propose amendments and for the board to weigh competing public concerns.
Ending: Staff and board members encouraged residents to read the draft ordinance and submit focused comments ahead of the Sept. 9 workshop and the Nov. 4 board hearing.
