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Planning Commission recommends zoning code change to allow administrative permits for golf‑ball safety nets
Summary
The commission recommended amending the county zoning code to add a definition and administrative-permit process for golf‑ball safety nets, clarifying materials, maintenance and potential heights (determined via professional impact analysis); item forwarded to the Board of Supervisors.
Mark Michellena of Development Services presented a county-initiated zoning code amendment (CCA 25-001) to update walls and fences rules in Butte County Code chapter 24. The proposed changes add a definition for "golf ball safety nets" and create an administrative-permit pathway to allow netting along property lines adjacent to golf courses when owners request protection from errant golf balls.
Michellena said the height of a required net would be determined by a professional golf-ball impact analysis and could exceed 100 feet in some cases; the admin permit would include design standards, building and maintenance requirements, and notification to aerial/agricultural applicators when nets are adjacent to agricultural zones. Staff determined the amendment is exempt from CEQA under section 15.303 (small construction/limited structures).
During Q&A commissioners asked whether the golf course or the homeowner would apply for a permit and whether existing courses would be obliged to install nets; staff responded that the permit is voluntary and may be applied for by either a golf course or an individual property owner, and that existing courses would not be required to install nets. Property owner John Ross described the Butte Creek Country Club adjacency and said, "I need this net to protect my family and my property," and said his HOA unanimously supported installation for safety.
Commissioner (Speaker 11) moved to adopt the resolution recommending the ordinance amendment and finding it exempt from CEQA; Commissioner (Speaker 6) seconded. The commission approved the recommendation and will forward the zoning code amendment to the Board of Supervisors for final action.
