Council denies appeal‑fee reimbursement after downtown notice dispute

The Angels Camp City Council on Dec. 16 debated whether to reimburse an appellant’s appeal fee tied to a conditional use permit decision. Staff explained options: reimburse the full fee, reimburse a reduced amount, or deny the request. The staff memo noted prior council decisions had once approved and once denied similar reimbursements.

Public commenters representing downtown businesses said many merchants did not receive notice and recommended expanding notification to include tenants or a larger radius; one speaker said, "300 feet is not that far," urging that the city revise notice practices so downtown business owners receive timely planning notices. Staff said standard practice (in most jurisdictions) is to notify property owners using tax rolls, typically a 300‑foot radius, and that the item could be addressed on a future agenda.

After council discussion about consistency and the costs of appeals, Councilmember Alvin moved a motion for no fee reimbursement (no refund) for the appeal; that motion was seconded and after roll call was recorded as passing on the motion on the floor (motion passes on a recorded 3‑3‑2 measure). The council directed staff to consider notification changes for downtown business owners for future planning notices.