Supervisors press for general plan update funding as planning staff report permit workload

Planning staff told the board the department reviewed more than 100 building permit matters in calendar 2025 and that long-term planning work — not short-term staffing increases alone — would be the more effective lever for stimulating development.

Heidi, the planning lead, reported: "Our planners reviewed over 100 building permits for conformance with zoning and land use regulations. We process 4 coastal development permits, 5 minor subdivisions, 2 rezones, 19 use permits, and 3 lot line adjustments." Supervisor Howard and others argued the county’s zoning and local coastal plan are dated and restrict economic activity; one supervisor estimated a full general plan and environmental document could exceed $1 million and urged setting aside fund balance to start an update.

The board also heard that a county‑wide fee study is already under way — the CAO reported an RFP had been issued and at least one proposal received — and supervisors discussed whether fee increases and targeted ordinance changes might better support planning capacity and fee recovery. Planning staff said the Coastal Conservancy grant for Camp Park is delayed but remains planned, and that consulting dollars shown in the current budget represent remaining commitments (for example, an SHN Consulting agreement to finish the county safety element).