Council directs repeal of Almeda wildfire executive order and approves narrow like‑for‑like rebuild allowance for properties with CC&Rs

The Talent City Council on Oct. 15 directed the city manager to repeal Executive Order 2023‑01 and issue a new executive order narrowly allowing the like‑for‑like replacement of detached single‑family homes destroyed in the Almeda wildfire when the property’s covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) explicitly permit only detached single‑family residences.

City staff told council the proposed draft is intentionally narrow: it would allow replacements that match the prior detached single‑family form only on parcels in residential high‑density (RHD) zones where recorded CC&Rs restrict rebuilding to detached single‑family houses. Staff clarified that the draft language would not permit other housing types where CC&Rs prohibit them.

A motion to direct the city manager to repeal EO 2023‑01 and issue the replacement executive order carried on roll call with the councilors present voting yes.

Council discussion focused on limiting the policy to the narrow class of properties with CC&Rs that require detached single‑family residences and on ensuring the new order is targeted rather than broadly changing zoning rules. The action directs city staff to prepare and issue the new executive order following the council’s direction.