Board backs Forest Service site as preferred location for new Nevada County courthouse

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors voted June 25 to forward a letter to the Judicial Council of California recommending the U.S. Forest Service property as the county’s preferred site for the new Nevada County Superior Courthouse.

Chief of Staff Jeffrey Thorsby outlined the Judicial Council’s land-acquisition phase and the three sites under consideration: the USDA Forest Service site, a parcel near Hirschman Pond/Melopelo, and a parcel at Highway 49 and Coyote Street. Thorsby said consultants are completing technical reviews and the public‑advisory group will review reports later in the summer.

Vice Chair Hall and neighborhood groups said the Forest Service parcel scores best against technical criteria and carries fewer neighborhood impacts. Multiple public commenters — most members of the Greater Cement Hill Neighborhood Association and others — urged the board to support the Forest Service site, citing infrastructure already in place (paving, utilities) and fewer impacts on historic neighborhoods and trails.

Several supervisors echoed concerns about traffic, pedestrian access and the need to coordinate with regional transportation projects, but said the Forest Service site appears to balance courthouse needs and neighborhood impacts. The board approved sending a letter of support for the Forest Service parcel to the Judicial Council by roll call vote.

Why it matters: The Judicial Council will make the final site selection, and county input — especially joint suggestions from cities and neighborhoods — can influence technical scoring and mitigation conditions.

Next steps: The Judicial Council’s consultants will complete technical studies and the public advisory group will review draft scores; the county will continue to monitor traffic and environmental reviews.

Source: Nevada County Board of Supervisors meeting, June 25, 2024.