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Board gives conceptual approval to update river ordinance, asks staff to examine fees
Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved conceptual review of changes to county code section 5.48 tied to an update of the five-year South Fork American River management plan and asked staff to review fee options.
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors on June 24 gave conceptual approval to begin revising county code section 5.48, which governs commercial boating on rivers, as part of a five-year update to the South Fork American River management plan.
Why it matters: The river management plan and related ordinance set rules and fees for commercial river users, including commercial rafting and guided recreation operators. Changes could affect local operators, river safety protocols and county revenue from permits.
Jennifer Brannett of the county's Chief Administrative Office told the board the ordinance change is tied to an update of the river management plan. "As the item indicates, this is conceptual approval for us to, look at this ordinance... it relates to how we manage activity on the South Fork Of The American River," Brannett said. Brannett and other staff said the update would include public meetings with stakeholders, the Parks Commission, advisory committees and the planning commission before returning to the board.
Supervisor Chermbu and other board members requested explicit direction in the record for staff to examine fee adjustments during the ordinance revision. "We were wondering, is this a good opportunity to do that? And so we wanted to add very clear direction to this to staff to look at the fees," a supervisor said during discussion.
Public commenters included river users and outfitters who described the river as a county asset and asked the board to consider safety and oversight. Chris Paine, a Diamond Springs resident and river outfitter, described the effort as "a long process for our staff" and urged the board to ensure adequate oversight and safety for people who recreate on the river.
The board voted to approve conceptual review and to instruct staff to include fee analysis as part of the river management plan and ordinance revision. The action was approved unanimously.
Ending: Staff will conduct public outreach, bring revisions to the Parks Commission and planning bodies, and return to the board with specific ordinance changes and any recommended fee schedule for approval.
