Staff outlines timeline to update Nevada City general plan open‑space element to meet SB 1425

Planning staff told the commission that Nevada City has launched an update of its general plan open‑space element to align with Senate Bill 1425 and current community needs.

Lisa McCandless said the update will include new goals, policies and implementation measures addressing public access, land preservation, natural resources, recreation and public health and safety. Staff plans community visioning and priorities workshops in August and draft review in September; an online survey and stakeholder group meetings will collect additional input. Staff aims to have a draft ready for commission review in October and for City Council consideration in late 2025.

Commissioners and public commenters asked about which areas the update will consider, whether annexation or sphere‑of‑influence lands are included, and whether guidance from the Office of Planning and Research (noted as the Office of Climate and Land Use Innovation) will be used. Staff confirmed the update will examine sphere‑of‑influence areas and will follow OPR guidance.

Members of the public, including Laurie Oberholser, encouraged the commission to retain strong, specific language from the existing plan, map key parcels such as Hirschman's, Sugarloaf and Deer Creek, and ensure the update supports grant applications by preserving specific open‑space objectives.

Staff committed to targeted outreach, mapping, and making materials available on the city website (nevadacity.gov/openspace) and to engaging partners including the United Auburn Indian Community (referred to in the meeting as the United City Rancheria) and local land trusts.