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Community Development: planning surge, short‑term rentals, code enforcement and PCCP mitigation funding
Summary
Community Development and Resource Agency (CDRA) told supervisors that development activity and specific‑plan work continue to strain staff, noted a 124% increase in video building inspections and asked for a one‑time $250,000 general‑fund allocation to support code‑enforcement abatement actions.
Paul Hellman, CDRA director, presented the department’s FY 2025–26 budget and highlighted continuing high development activity — particularly several large specific‑plan areas — while also updating the board on code enforcement, permit modernization and PCCP mitigation contracts.
CDRA reported a large increase in remote video building inspections (about 700 expected for the year, a 124% increase over prior year) and successful completion of long‑running work including the Village at Palisades Tahoe specific plan and multiple housing‑element and rezoning efforts. The department is migrating permitting workflows to a cloud version of its land‑management software (Accela) and is preparing staff training for the California Building Standards code triennial update effective January 1, 2026.
Planning Director Chris Pahootley outlined a supplemental request: a one‑time $250,000 general‑fund allocation to support code‑enforcement abatement on properties where owners do not voluntarily correct hazardous or nuisance conditions. Pahootley said the funds would allow three to five larger properties to be abated and possibly 15 hazardous‑vegetation abatements in FY 2025–26; the department said abatement costs would be recovered via property invoicing or liens placed on the secured tax roll (and repaid over time).
Greg McKenzie, PCCP administrator, described a forecasted shortfall in the Markham Ravine Ranch mitigation contract that supports in‑lieu wetland mitigation credits. McKenzie said roughly $2.7 million remained in that contract and that demand from projects (Placer Commerce, Placer Vineyards, Placer 1 and others) is expected to exhaust the contract next year; the recommendation is to add budget authority so the county does not need frequent mid‑year budget amendments.
CDRA reported no net new allocations for 2025–26 but listed two supplemental items (the $250,000 abatement allocation and a PCCP contract supplemental) to help the department manage high workloads and predictable mitigation obligations. Supervisors praised CDRA staff and asked about streamlining options for small property owners; supervisors recommended CDRA explore more public‑facing guidance and tools to help owner‑applicants navigate small projects.
