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Residents say unpermitted slab, tree removal and creek work threaten Canyon Creek; county staff says it will investigate
Summary
Multiple Auburn‑area residents told the Board of Supervisors that a 1,200‑square‑foot concrete slab and other work were installed along Canyon Creek without permits, that trees were cut and footings were poured into the creek bed, and that a variance request would reduce setback requirements. County staff said enforcement staff are investigating.
Several residents of the Canyon Drive area in Auburn told the Placer County Board of Supervisors on July 22 that a large, unpermitted concrete slab and other recent work along Canyon Creek are harming the creek bank, increasing flood and fire risk, and may involve illegal construction.
Antoinette Fabella said neighbors have contacted county code enforcement, the Placer land trust and other agencies, and that a planning meeting was delayed when notices were sent to the wrong residents. Tom Fosanna, who said he has lived on the street for almost 40 years, said a roughly 1,200‑square‑foot concrete slab—about three feet thick—was poured last fall at or near the top of the eastern bank where several tributaries converge. He said large trees (about 3.5 feet in diameter) were recently removed and that a variance has been requested to reduce a required 50‑foot creek setback to roughly eight feet from the creek’s centerline.
Andrew Wald said the owners clear‑cut the side of the creek facing neighbors, that footings for a fence were poured into the creek bed, and that there are safety concerns including stored propane tanks, machinery and chemicals potentially entering the water. Several speakers said they planned to appeal any zoning administrator decisions; the Park (P A R C) and Placer land trust provided opposition letters, several residents said.
After public comments, Supervisor Gustafson told the board that county staff and enforcement staff are working to investigate the reported issues and respond to the public. No formal board action was taken at the meeting beyond staff follow‑up.
Neighbors asked the board and staff to ensure proper permitting, to verify that erosion and flood risks have been assessed, and to clarify how the county will enforce setbacks and protect creek banks in the face of variance requests. Staff indicated an investigation is underway; no enforcement outcome was recorded in the meeting transcript.
