Council advances vacant‑property registration pilot and state‑mandated ADU code changes; garbage ordinance definition to be revised
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Summary
The council introduced and directed revisions to several zoning/code updates: a no‑fee 12‑month vacant parcel registration pilot (approved), ADU code updates to comply with California law (introduced and first reading waived), and a proposed change to the garbage collection definition (staff asked to narrow the change to nonpayment sections).
The Placerville City Council on Jan. 13 took action on multiple code and land‑use matters. Development Services Director Carol Kendrick presented three related zoning items.
Mandatory garbage collection (Ordinance Amendment 26‑01): staff proposed adding a definition of "property owner" to mean "any property owner, tenant, or lessee" so the franchise (El Dorado Disposal) and the city can improve compliance and billing. Council members questioned whether expanding the definition across the code would cause conflicts where penalties (liens, tax assessments) fall only on the title owner. The city attorney and staff advised narrowing the change so it applies specifically to nonpayment/delinquency sections; the council directed staff to return with a revised ordinance focusing the change on collection and delinquency provisions rather than changing the definition city‑wide.
Vacant parcel and building registration pilot (Ordinance Amendment 25‑4): staff presented a no‑fee, 12‑month pilot to register vacant parcels (commercial/industrial and all vacant parcels citywide; developed residential zones exempt). The pilot requires annual self‑certification (due Oct. 15), reasonable property maintenance (locked/boarded, trimmed vegetation, removal of visible graffiti), and a one‑year automatic sunset (12/31/2026). Staff estimated 4–6 hours per month of staff time to administer the pilot and said a report will return by Nov. 1, 2026 with participation and compliance metrics. Public commenters supported the program as a tool to prevent blight and fire hazards. The council voted to introduce and waive the first reading and direct implementation of the pilot.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) update (Ordinance Amendment 25‑01): Kendrick stressed that recent state laws (AB 1154, SB 543, SB 9) require Placerville to update its ADU/JADU code by Jan. 1, 2026. The proposed ordinance aligns local code with state requirements (including 15‑day application review targets and other compliance items) while retaining objective local standards where permissible. The Planning Commission recommended approval with edits; council held a public hearing, discussed parking and historic‑district protections, and voted to find the project CEQA exempt and introduce/waive the first reading of the ordinance.
What to watch: staff will return with the revised garbage ordinance language focused on nonpayment/delinquency, and staff will report back on the vacant‑property pilot by Nov. 1, 2026 with participation and compliance metrics.
