HomeMy WebLinkAboutLAND USE ELEMENT BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLANLAND
USE
ELEMEN T
BUTTE COUNTY
GENERAL PLAN
1991
Butte County Planning Department
7 County Center Drive
Oroville, CA 95965
7'
Nina Lambert .
George Gilbert
LAND USEEl NT
County : d.
Bute
BOARD OF SIXERMSORS
Robert E. I-emke ,
Chairman
Kilda Wheeler
Robert A. Winston
PNG COIF M18SION .
Rae Wheeler
Chairman
Ron Max
Dr. Frank Bennett
SIAEF
Bettye Kircher
Director of Planning
Larry Brooks - Advance Planning Coordinator
*Kyle Butterwick -. Advance Planning Coordinator
Robert Gaiser - Planner II
Steve Smith - Planner I
.David Hiironimus - Planning Technician
Joe Pauko - Planning Technician
8 x 1
a TAE - OF CONTMN'I'S
I. Introduction -
-Pan
A.
State Requirements
1
B.
C.
Scope
Relationship to other Elements and Plans
. 2
.31
D.
Development of band Use Element
4`
II. , - Development
Setting
A.
Natural Environment
6
B.
Population Growth and Characteristics*
F 11
. C.
Economic Characteristics
15
D.
Development Patterns and Trends
20
E.
Public Facilities and Services
1 23
III. County.
Concerns and Policies
a.
A.
Purposes and Application. , .
27
B.
General
27
C.
-Resource Management
30
D.
Residential Development
"' y , 33
E.
t
Economic Development
35
F.
Public Facilities
36 .
G.
Environmental Preservation
-' 39
' H.
Natural. Hazards
43
IV. Land
Use Categories
A.
Functional Separation
44
B.
Principles and Standards
44
Orchard and Field Crops
46
Grazing and Open Land
47
Timber Mountain
48
Agricultural Residential
49
Foothill Area Residential
50
Low Density Residential
51
Medium Density Residential
52
High Density Residential
53
Commercial
54
Industrial
155
Solid Waste Management Facility
56
Public
57
V. Implementation Program
A. Land Use Plan Maps 58
B.Zoning 60
C. Development Review 62
D. Coordination of Plans 64
E. Review and Amendment 68
VI. Chico Area Greenline
A.
Purposes
B.
Findings
C.
Definitions
D.
Establishment of Chico Area Greenline
E.
Establishment of Chico Area Land Use Policies
F.
Reserved
G.
Zoning Regulations
H.
Zoning Consistency and Timing
I.
Amendment and Review
VII. Policies
Applicable to Specific Planning Areas
A.
Oroville Area Land Use Plan
Chico Area Land Use Plan
A. Gridley -Biggs Area Land Use Plan
Exhibit A-4 Paradise Urban Reserve Policy Statement
70
70
72
73
74
74
74
75
75
77
79
81
82
September 8, 1982
RUT -M,1 M_ e y
TO THOSE WHO USE THE BUT'T'E COUNTY GENERAL PLAN
The Butte County General Plan contains eleven separate documents or elements. Each
element sets forth the County's adopted goals, objectives, policies and standards for
various issues affecting 'Butte County. Together these Elements make up the Butte
County General Plan:
1 ement
Year Adopted
1.
Land Use
1979
2.
Circulation
1971
3.
Housing
1981
4.
Conservation
1971
5.
Open Space
1973
6.
Seismic Safety
1977
7.
Safety
1977
8.
Noise
1977
9.
Scenic Highways
1977
10.
Recreation (optional)
1971
11.
Economy (optional)
1971
The first nine Elements are mandated by the State. The last two, Recreation and
Economy, although optional, have the same force and effect as mandated Elements once
adopted. State law requires that zoning and subdivision approvals be consistent with the
General Plan.
Each General Plan Element contains maps, diagrams, and written policies. Written
policies carry as much authority as do those depicted graphically. Likewise all Elements
of the General Plan have equal status and authority; no Element is more important than
another. Thus while most individuals are interested in the Land Use Element it is
imRnrtant to stress that all Elements of the General Plan are used to evaluate projects
which reguire findings of consistency with the General Plan
Because the Elements of the General Plan are interactive the policies of one Element can
influence and modify the policies of another. For example the policies of the Noise
Element or Safety Element can affect the zoning or dubdivision of property. Individuals
using, the General Plan are encouraged to review all Elements of the Butte County
General Plan as well as the Land Use Element,
Because the Element contains several maps graphically depicting Butte County's land use
policies. One map shows land use designations on a County -wide basis. In addition there
I
{,
are maps for various urban areas and other designated planning areas throughout the
County (see Housing Element). Some of these more detailed maps either supplement 1
(the white areas) or supersede the County -wide map as amendments. Please be certain
to examine the maps,adoption dates and written polici s closely.
The Board of Supervisors amends the General Plan from time to time (permitted by law
four times a year). These' amendments take two forms: changes to the maps and changes
to the written policies of the text. Some amendments are initiated by individuals through
an application and some are initiated by the Board or Planning Commission.
Amendments to the planning area maps reproduced by blue print will be reflected in
appropriate revisions to those maps. Amendments to the printed colored maps and text
changes are provided as attachments.
T
I. INTRODUCTION
_ It�__ • . Lf if w
The purpose of this document is to provide a complete statement of the policies
and intentions of the County of Butte and the Butte County Association of
Governments regarding future development of land. Through the development and
implementation of this plan, County government is attempting to provide for the
health, safety, and welfare of the area's present and future residents.
The responsibility for land use planning has long been delegated to counties and
cities by the State of California. Since 1955 local governments have been directed
to prepare and adopt a general plan containing a land use element. Government
Code Section 65302 (a) requires:
"A land use element which designates the vroposed general aistrtdutton
and general location and extent of the uses of the land for housing, business,
industry, open space, including agriculture, natural resources, recreation, and
enjoyment of scenic beauty, education, public buildings and grounds, solid
and liquid waste disposal facilities, and other categories of public and
private uses of the land. The land use element shall include a statement
of the standards of population density and building intensity recommended
for the various districts and other territory covered by the plan. The land
use element shall also identify areas covered by the plan which are subject
to flooding and shall be reviewed annually with respect to such areas."
(Underlining added)
The intended content and organization of the land use element is suggested in
more detail in advisory guidelines prepared by the State Office of Planning and
Research. Land use elements of local general plans should contain the following:
A. Identification of issues
B. Statement of policies
C. Description of uses and pattern
D. Development standards and criteria
E. Implementation program
This element attempts to fulfill legislative requirements and advisory guidelines in
a clearly -written and well -organized fashion. Background information is presented
to increase understanding and support for the proposed policies as well as to
provide the "Environmental Setting" section required. as part of the requirements
for an environmental impact report on this project.
i •'
The term "land use" can include all aspects of occupying, exploiting or modifying
the surface of the earth. However, this element focuses largely on the more
intense types of use, especially those requiring building construction, public utilities
and government services. Development activities by both the public and private
sectors are subjects of concern herein.
Like the other elements of the "general" plan, the land use element need not be
specific or precise as to the locations and boundaries of proposed uses. However,
the land use map is precise to the general use of land within a given land use
pattern. The discussion, policies and maps in this document deal with the broad
outlines of the future development pattern. A major reason for the "generalized"
character is the difficult and speculative nature of predicting the future and
providing for needs that we can only estimate. The Government Code does not
define how "long-term" a plan is required but the General Plan Guidelines ;suggest
that 15 years or more be considered a long-range time span.
It is important to keep in mind the differences between the land use element and
the current zoning of property. Zoning has immediate legal effect, precise
boundaries and detailed regulations. California law requires zoning ordinances to
be consistent with the objectives, policies and proposals contained in the local
general plan. The translation of a land use element to current zoning thus requires
the continual interpretation and application to specific situations by the Planning
Commission and Board of Supervisors.
California law does not exclude the area of incorporated cities from the coverage
of county general plans. Therefore, the proposals in this land use element are
county -wide in scope and are not limited to unincorporated areas. The current
boundaries of the four incorporated cities (Biggs, Chico, Gridley, and Oroville)
were not considered limiting factors because boundaries change frequently through
annexation. More importantly, the problems and interests, of our urban areas are
community -wide and transcend jurisdictional boundaries. With the adoption of this
land use element, the County of Butte and the Butte County Association of
Governments again accept the joint responsibilities of intergovernmental
coordination and area -wide leadership in planning.
Finally, it must be noted that the practical scope of a land use element is limited
by the entire legal framework of constitutional rights and delegation of powers.
Legislative actions and court cases have authorized only certain types of regulation
or action as proper and reasonable means of implementing County desires. The
County's control of development derive largely from its review of private proposals
and applications. Actual development activities by local government are usually
limited to construction of utilities, public facilities, and small numbers of public
housing units.
2
C:
RELAME NSHIP TO OTHER ELEMENTS AND PLANS
State legislation to date has mandated nine separate elements or sections of local
general plans and, allows the adoption of elements on several other subjects as well.
The following list gives the title of each element, a summary of the subject and the
date of Butte County's adoption or last major revision.
ELEMENT CON'VEN'TS t��k'TiC)N
1.�a d Use Distribution, location, intensity 1971
and extent of land uses.
2. Circulation Location and extent of transportation 1971
facilities.
3. ous'n Standards and plans for improvement 1974
and provision of housing. (update in
progress)
4. Conservation Conservation, development and utili- 1971
zation of natural resources.
5. wen Spaces Preservation ,of land for natural 1973
resources, resource production,
outdoor recreation and environmental
hazards.
6. Seismic Sa etv Identification and appraisal .of 3-15-77
seismic hazards.
7. N2igLe Noise levels of transportation 3-15-77
facilities and stationary sources.
g. Scenic Hig_hw us Development and protection of scenic 3-15-77
highways and corridors.
9. Safe
Protection. from fire and geologic 3-15-77
hazards.
. 10.bI'u lic Facilities
Standards and locations' of water and 1971
(optional)
sewer facilities, waste disposal sites,
schools and other public buildings
11. Recreation
Standards and locations of parks, trails 1971
and other recreation facilities.
3
r
The elements of the general plan are all related and interdependent because they
all are concerned with the future physical development of the same area. Because 4
the use of land plays. such a critical role in the general plan, the land use element
can be considered the most important element and a partial summary of the entire
plan. The dominance of the land use element is reinforced by the attention usually
given to the land use plan map by the public and decision -makers.
Since all of the other elements provide information and concerns that are relevant
to land use, the development of the land use element must consider each other
element carefully. The circulation element controls the accessibility to land which
affects development patterns which, in turn, affect traffic volumes and movement
patterns. The housing element deals with the need for adequate housing for the
entire population of the county and thus affects the location and intensity of
residential land uses. The conservation, open space and scenic highway elements
consider certain valuable resources and areas which should be preserved for non-
urban land uses. The safety and seismic safety elements affect the land use
element by defining natural hazard areas which are not suitable for urban
development. The noise element affects the land use element by providing data
on noisy uses and noise -sensitive uses.
The land use element must also consider several other types of long-range plans.
The Butte County Association of Governments is now preparing an update to the
Regional Transportation Plan and a new Air Quality Implementation Plan. Land
use planning must also consider the Spheres of Influence or future growth plans
adopted by the Local Agency Formation Commission for each city and utility
district. Finally, the land use element should be coordinated with the general plans
adopted in the past few years by the four incorporated cities.
�COONS KIM _
The County's first involvement in General Plans came with the adoption of a Parks
and Recreation Element in 1952. Thereafter, in 1966, a comprehensive General
Plan was adopted which consisted of Land Use and Circulation Elements, with
maps of topography, population distribution, geology, land use plans, and the street
and highway pattern. The County's first housing element was added to the plan
in 1970. Restrictive zoning in the County was introduced in 1953 with several
general zoning classifications which allowed all uses but required a conditional use
permit for some "objectionable" activities. Within a few years, more restrictive
zones were applied to several large agricultural and residential areas at the request
of residents and property -owners.
The Butte County Association of Governments received a federal grant to prepare
a comprehensive general plan. The document prepared by the County. Planning
Department contained the mandatory land use, circulation and housing elements,
and optional sections on conservation, recreation, and public facilities. After public
hearings, the completed document was adopted by B.C.A.G. and the County Board
of Supervisors in August 1971. The adopted plan thus serves as both the County
General Plan required by State law as well as the comprehensive regional plan
required for federal grants.
4
The 1971 Land Use Element has been amended only once since its
adoption; in 1977 a statement was added concerning the consistency of
existing and proposed uses not shown on the plan map. Since 1971,
however, the other parts of the General Plan have changed considerably.
A more complete Housing Element was adopted in 1974 and a further
update is underway. An Open Space Element with distinct policies but no
maps was adopted by the County in 1973. In response to new State
requirements, the Safety, Seismic Safety, Eloise and Scenic Highways
Elements were prepared by a consultant and County staff and adopted in
1977.
The most significant recent change in land use planning and the strongest reason
for revision of the County's Land Use Element is the State legislative requirement
that zoning ordinances shall be consistent with adopted general plans. Since the
consistency requirement took effect at the beginning of 1974, the inconsistencies
between County zoning and the County plan have led to several interim zones, a
lawsuit, major changes in the development review process, several large rezonings
and above all, much more attention to the words and maps of the General Plan.
The enhanced legal status of the General Plan due to the consistency requirement,
when combined with the passage of time since 1971, has made the need for a new
land use text a necessity.
After considerable discussion on revision procedures, the Planning Commission in
January 1978 initiated preliminary hearings on draft proposals for Land Use Plan
Map changes in. the Chico and Paradise areas. Due consideration of the planning
issues involved in each area made it obvious that some map changes -co ' uld not
properly proceed without an expansion, clarification and refinementof the
objectives, policies, criteria and standards contained in the text of the Land Use
Element. This new text is intended to fill that need and provide the framework
and direction required to prepare and adopt new plan maps for areas of the
county.
5
II. DEVELOPMENT SETTING
1. Topogr_apby and Geology: Butte County encompasses approximately 1670
square miles (1.07 million acres) which is divided into two topographical
sections: a valley area which is the northeast portion of the Sacramento
Valley and a foothill/mountain region east of the Valley. Topography
includes the relatively flat Sacramento Valley Floor and associated alluvial
fans, with elevations from 60 to 200 feet generally, extensive rolling foothills
with an elevational range from 200 to 2100 feet, and the Cascade and Sierra
Nevada Mountain Ranges, with elevations from 2100 to 6000 plus feet
above sea level. The valley comprises 45% of the county area, foothills
23%, and mountains 31%.
The county includes parts of three geomorphic provinces. One is the
Sacramento Valley, composed of sedimentary deposits and extensive areas
of alluvial fan deposits along the edge of the valley floor formed by foothill
streams. Another geomorphic province is the northern extreme of the fault
block Sierra Nevada mountain range, which lies in the southeastern and
eastern portions of the county. This granitic Sierra batholith is exposed in
numerous areas of the county, flanked by metamorphic, metavolcanic, and
sedimentary rock. The third province is the southern portion of the
Cascade Mountain Range. The mud flows of the Tuscan Formation form
the foothills along the westward extent of the volcanic Cascades, adjacent
to the valley floor. The foothill and mountain areas have deep -cut canyons
which were formed by streams and rivers flowing westward from the glacial
areas of geologic times. Elevations are generally lower in the Sierras than
in the Cascades within Butte County, but slopes are generally steeper in the
Sierras. There is a foothill transition zone between the Sacramento Valley
on the west and the mountain ranges on the east.
Factors which would limit development of these mountain and foothill areas
include shallow soils, steep slopes, erosion potential and landslide
susceptibility. Erosion rates vary with slope and soil characteristics, but are
generally high in the foothill and mountain regions. The appendix contains
a map indicating slopes and topography in the county.
2. &Jh: Soil types in the county include (1) the deep, nearly level, very fertile
valley basin and alluvial soils of the Sacramento Valley and associated
alluvial fans, which support intensive agriculture, (2) the shallow, gentle to
steep sloping, less fertile residual soils of the foothill areas, and (3) shallow
to deep, moderate to steep sloping residual soils of the mountain areas,
which are suitable for rangeland, forestry and wildlife habitat uses. High
clay -content expansive soil conditions (creating shrink -swell soil
characteristics) predominate throughout the southwestern portion of the
county (and the western portion to some extent).
6
Generalized soil association and soil land -use capability classifications have
been mapped by the Soil Conservation Service (1967), and are illustrated
in the appendix: Soil Capabilities. The eight basic categories (I through
VIII) are described in the appendix.
3. So smicity: Despite the numerous faults which traverse the Sierra Foothills,
the County has not experienced the high levels of seismic activity
characteristic of many other parts of the state. The Oroville area and
Wyandotte area are laced with fault zones of recent activity (recent major
earthquakes occurred in August, 1975). The Cleveland Hills Fault lies east
of Oroville, running in a north -south direction, with an inferred fault lying
directly beneath Lake Oroville. Other important faults in the county
include th'e Tuscan Monocline several miles east of Chico, the Foothills
Shear Zone lying between Oroville and Chico in the low foothills, and the
Big Bend Fault lying north and east of Berry Creek and Feather Falls.
4. Climate - Air Ouali : Butte County has a typical Mediterranean climate
with hot dry summers and cool wet winters. Higher elevations experience
cooler summers and cold winters. Annual precipitation, generally in the
form of rain, ranges from 18 inches along the Sacramento River to 80
inches in areas of high elevation. Snow falls occur regularly at higher
elevations. East -west winds are common above 3,500 feet in elevation.
Average wind speeds are less than 8 miles per hour, and prolonged calm
periods are common.
Prevailing winds are from the southwest during half of the year and from
the northwest the other half, generally. Southerly winds are normally
associated with approaching winter storms and are usually moisture -bearing
due to their origin over the Pacific Ocean. Northerly winds are usually
associated with winter and spring high pressure ridging (fair weather) and
occasional summer daytime breezes. North winds tend to be dry.
Air quality is relatively good in the valley, and excellent in mountain areas.
The county has been classified as a nonattainment area because carbon
monoxide, suspended particulate and photochemical oxidant standards are
occasionally exceeded. Because the Sacramento Valley Air Basin is a
natural cul-de-sac acting in synergism with natural light -wind movements
and high atmospheric stability, air quality may undergo a rapid degradation
at any time of the year due to temperature inversions.
5. Hydrology-- Water Quality: Butte County is part of the Sacramento River
Basin watershed. Numerous streams and rivers drain the western slopes of
the Sierra Nevada and Cascades, emptying into the Sacramento River.
Surface water quality is good to excellent except for local degradation as
streams pass through urbanized areas. Large quantities of high quality
ground water exist in the recent alluvial and Tuscan Formation strata of the
valley floor. In the foothill and mountain areas, ground water is generally
not abundant and occurs mostly in fracture zones.
7
Few natural lake bodies exist in the county. However, numerous artificially -
created lakes have been built to provide domestic and irrigation water,
recreation, flood control, and watershed management. The more important
reservoirs include Oroville, Philbrook, Round Valley, Ponderosa, Wyandotte,
Concow, Magalia, Paradise, and Madrone totalling about 35 square miles.
The watershed area within the county produces enough surface water to
allow water exports to other parts of the state. A large portion of the
county (predominately Sacramento Valley areas) is underlain by extensive
ground water reservoirs. However, several areas in the county (primarily
in the foothills) have very limited water resources available, either surface
or ground water, such as Forest Ranch, the Cohasset Ridge, Bangor, and
the Feather Falls area.
Various areas of the Sacramento Valley have flooding potential, depending
on elevation and proximity to streams and flood plains. Most streams and
rivers of substantial flow have been controlled by the construction of levee
and diversion systems. (See Flood Hazard Map opposite page 8.2 of the
General Plan Conservation Element).
6. Vegetation: Butte County contains abundant and diversified vegetation
types including the non-native agricultural crop and pasture regions of the
valley, native foothill and mountain oak and conifer forest communities, dry
land chaparral areas, and water -oriented riparian and marshland areas of
restricted and diminishing distribution which have a high value as wildlife
habitat. The major vegetation types identified within Butte County include
nine general plant communities.
Extensive agricultural areas (AG) dominate the western one-third of the
county. Grasslands (GR) and Fresh -Water Marshes (FM) occur in the
lower elevations (up to 1000 feet) in west -central Butte County, containing
numerous vernal pool areas of transitory occurrence. Yellow pine forest
(YP), dominated by Ponderosa Pine, covers the slopes of the Sierra Nevada
and Cascade mountain ranges throughout eastern Butte County. Foothill
Woodland (FW) forms a transition zone between the valley grasslands and
the mountain forests.
Chaparral (CH) intermixes with foothill woodland and yellow pine forest
in the drier, more exposed areas. Riparian woodland habitat communities
(RW) occur along the rivers and streams throughout the county and contain
limited and rather narrow belts of dense vegetative growth along the water
bodies and watercourses. Red Fir (RF) is found in several restricted areas
of the county at higher elevations above yellow pine forest, with isolated
areas of Montane Chaparral (MC).
In addition to the general vegetation types, the Vegetation map designates
specific locations of 17 rare and endangered botanical areas. The appendix
provides descriptions of and further information about these categories.
X11
The eastern portion of the county is generally dominated by native
vegetation communities and natural habitats. Natural vegetation in the
county has been modified especially in valley and foothill areas where
intensive urbanization, agriculture, and rural residential development has
occurred. In the valley grassland and foothill woodland communities, native
bunch grasses have been largely replaced by exotic annual grasses. Native
oaks (particularly blue oaks) are being removed for firewood and rangeland
development by ranchers who apparently believe that removal of oaks from
pasture rangeland will increase grassland production. Extensive marsh and
riparian habitat areas have been converted to agricultural uses and modified
for streamflow control. Stands of tan oak and other non -coniferous species
("weed" species) have replaced Ponderosa pine and other commercial timber
species in mountain forested areas because of logging operations, fires and
development.
7. Wildlife: The wildlife species within the county are distributed according
to available food, water and cover, as well as in relation to opportunities for
breeding and nesting. These factors within the vegetation communities
create the various wildlife habitats. The general basic habitat types found
within the county are described in the Vegetation section and identified on
the Ve etg atim map contained in the appendix.
Special wildlife habitats of significance of critical concern are mapped in the
Special Wildlife Habitats map and are described in the appendix. These
critical habitats include riparian habitat, the mid -elevation mixed forest
habitat of the transition life zone, the migratory deer range, waterbird
winter habitat, falcon winter range, turkey winter range, red fox range,
fisheries habitat, and the range of three rare or endangered bird species:
bald eagle (winter range), yellow -billed cuckoo and black rail.
8. Acoustic _Quality: The current ambient noise level in Butte County is low,
typical of a rural setting generally, and provides a good living environment
almost everywhere in the county. A few areas within the county have higher
noise levels from various noise -generating sources, such as traffic noise
along State Routes 99E, 70 and 32; the railroad and airport flight -path
corridors near Chico and Oroville; the industrial areas south of Oroville and
Chico; weekend recreational noise in the Lake Oroville area; and numerous
dispersed noise -generating activities such as agricultural production, off-
road motorcycle use, etc. Additional detailed information is contained in
the Noise Element of the Butte County General Plan.
9. Visual Qua ity: The county is predominantly rural, having an agricultural
character throughout most of the western portion of the county and a
foothill/mountain natural environment character in the eastern portion of
the county. The western half of the county, comprising the agricultural and
urban areas, is dominated or largely influenced by human development, but
provides extensive scenic views of the foothills and mountains toward the
east from the valley. The eastern half of the county has a predominantly
natural setting with dispersed human activities and modification throughout
9
the region, such as grazing, residential and recreational uses throughout the
lower and middle elevations and logging activities in portions of the middle
and higher elevations. The road network throughout the area influences the
visual character of the county, with corridor types including the state
freeway routes, the extensive county road system, logging roads and
numerous private residential access roads. Most roads have required some
degree of topographic or vegetation alteration thezieby influencing the visual
quality of the county.
10. coloidcal and Historical resources• Parts of Butte County are
archaeologically sensitive with numerous known and recorded archaeological
sites of Native American importance (Maidu and Yahi tribes) and there is
also assumed to be a large number of as yet undiscovered sites. Over 700
archaeological sites are on record, many of which occur in the Lake Oroville
region. These were discovered as a result of intensive surveying prior to
reservoir completion. Canyon and stream areas are particularly likely to
contain sites. The Society for California Archaeology, District 2
Clearinghouse, maintains records of known resources and conducts site
surveys in sensitive areas.
The county has experienced a rich history. First historical activities relate
to the exploration, settlement and early economy of Butte County starting
in the late 1840's particularly as a direct result of the discovery of gold in
the foothills. At the time of European, settlement, the land was inhabited
by the Yahi and Maidu Indians. The last survivor of the Yahi tribe was
discovered near Oroville in 1911. Thirty-one historical sites are identified
in the California Inventory of Historic Resources (1976).
10
1. Historical Trends: When gold was discovered along the Feather River in
1848, the European or non-native population of this area was only 100.
Two years later when Butte County was formed as one of the 27 original
counties of the new State of California, gold miners and other recent
newcomers to the County were stall outnumbered by the native American
Indian population. Since the County's present boundaries were fixed in
1856, the increase in resident population has been somewhat uneven but
generally slow. As shown in the table below, the Federal Census totals have
actually decreased three times in the County's history. Since the first census
in 1860, Butte County has grown slower than the state as a whole in all but
two decades, thus gradually reducing the County's share. of California
population.
1860-1970 POPULAMON GROMMI
. (FEDERAL CENSUS TOTALS)
Census
County
County
State
County
Year
PoRulation
-Growth
v�
1860
12,106
3.19%
1870
11,403
-6%
47%
2.04%
1880
18,721
64%
54%
2.17%
1890
17,939
4%
40%
1.48%
19,00
17,117
-5%
22%
1.15%
1910
27,301
59%
60%
1.15%
1920
30,030
10%
.44%
.88%
1930
34,093
14%
65%
.60%
1940
42,840
26%-
22%
.62%
1950
64,930
52%
53%
.62%
1960
82,030
26%
48%
.52%
1970
101,969
24%
27%
.51%
2. Recent Growth: In a definite reversal of historical trends, Butte County's
population growth rate has dramatically ,increased since 1970, averaging
more than 3% per year in the 70's or at least 21/2 times California's growth
rate. This growth and the resulting increase in the County -State ratio is
clearly shown by the population estimates and percentages below.
11
Date of County County StateCounty %
EstimatePoRulatio1 Growth 1 • Lt of
4-1270
101,9692
.51 %
7-1271
105,700
3.65 %
1.58%
.52%
7-1272
110,100
4.16%
.73%
.54%
7-1273
113,400
3.00%
1.11 %
.55 %
7-1-74
117,300
3.44%
1.17%
.56 %
7-1-75
120,700
2.90%
1.39%
.57%
7-1276
124,400
3.07%
1.52%
.58 %
7-1277
128,100
2.97%
1.73%
.59%
7-1-78
131,9005
3.00 %s
Result from Federal census.
Estimates by State Finance Department for 7-1271 through
7-1-'77.
C. Estimates by Planning Department Staff.
3. Reasons for Growth: Only a small part of the County's steady population
growth in recent years represents a net natural increase (births minus deaths).
Over 90% of the County's recent growth is due to in -migration of new
residents, most from the metropolitan areas of the State. This growth reflects
a nationwide trend of urban -to -rural migration in the 1970's. The reasons for
this movement are complex, but the essential factors in all migration trends
are the negative aspects of the migrants' previous residential settings, the
positive aspects of their new locations, and their financial capabilities to make
the move and support themselves. In this case, people are moving to escape
the congestion, pollution and irrigation of large urban environments and to
enjoy the natural, semi -rural character of this area. This migration directly
increases the County's labor force and service employment, although many of
the new residents are retirees and others not in the labor market or able to
support themselves without employment earnings.
4. Population Distribution: The results of the 1975 County -wide Special Census
are summarized in the table below for cities, urban areas, high school districts
and the entire County. Although less than 30% of the County's population
resides within the limits of the four incorporated cities, it is important to note
than an additional 50% live in Paradise and the unincorporated parts of the
Chico and Oroville urban areas. The Chico and Paradise High School
Districts have the highest proportion of residents living in cities or urban
areas. While the City of Chico, Chico Urban Area and Chico High School
District each remain the largest in their class, the corresponding Paradise areas
all showed the largest growth by far in the 1970-75 period, with an annual
growth rate of 6% or more.
12
5. Population Characteristics: The table below also summarized the two census
statistics which have the most bearing on land use planning. Age is an
important factor because the needs for various services and the sensitivity to
surrounding development can both vary greatly by different age groups.
Household size can provide an idea of current overcrowding and the number
of housing units needed in the future. The concentration of elderly in
Paradise is obvious from the low household sizes and very high median ages.
'Che County's overall median age, however, is not raised significantly by the
number of retirees because of the relatively low median ages of the 13,500
students enrolled at California State University of Chico. In a similar fashion,
the effect of Paradise's small households on the County average are counter-
balanced by the large families found in the Durham, Biggs and Gridley areas.
Oct. '75 '70275 Median Persons/
,Asea Pmlation Growth % AY& Household
BUTTE COUNTY
120,901
19 %
29
2.56
Unincorporated
85,176
12 0/0
34
2.61
Incorporated
35,725
12 %b
23
2.44
Biggs High School
2,921-9
13 %
29
3.00
District
City of Biggs
1,377
24%
27
3.05
Chico H.S.D.
51,982
18 %
24
2.54
Chico Urban Area
49,062
24%
24
2.60
City of Chico
23,348
19%
22
2.44
Durham H.S.D.
3,230
1 %
30
2.84
Gridley H.S.D.
8,529
3%
30
2.91
City of Gridley
3,632
3%
31
2.66
Oroville H.S.D.
29,923
9%
34
2.61
Oroville Urban Area
21,717
23 %
34
2.55
City of Oroville
7,368
-2%
35
2.26
Paradise H.S.D.
22,169
36 %
50
2.34
Paradise Urban Area
20,658
35 %
53
2.26
Paradise Irr. Dist.
19,239
32%
48
2.34
1. High School district figures do not add up to County total because the table
does not include data for small portion of County in Marysville H.S.D.
(Forbestown and Clipper Mills).
b. Growth percentages for unincorporated and incorporated areas are
confounded by annexation of unincorporated residents into incorporated cities.
13
6. Future Growth: The State Finance Department and other reliable sources
predict that Butte County will continue to grow faster than the State and
increase its share of California's population. If the County's recent
population growth of 3% per year were to continue into the distant future,
the total population would reach 200,000 in 1993 and double every 24 years.
However, it is also anticipated that birth rates and fertility levels will
continue to decline throughout the country, gradually reducing natural
increases in Butte County and nationwide.
Nonetheless, migration from California's metropolitan areas is expected to
continue and will undoubtedly continue to represent the largest part of the
County's population growth in coming years. This general expectation, and
all related population projections, are based on assumptions about the
preferences and financial capabilities of retirees and other urban dwellers,
the future characteristics of the metropolitan areas, and the County's
capacity to accommodate new residents with housing, services, employment
and maintenance of environmental quality. Recent migration rates could be
accelerated, if the State's metropolitan areas suffered major earthquakes or
other drastic reductions in habitability or if the County became the site of
new industry or other large new employers. Factors that could inhibit or
slow down future growth in the County include limited water and sewer
systems in some communities, insufficient employment opportunities or
implementation of strict air quality standards.
In 1977 State Finance prepared careful estimates of the net migration into
each county for the 1960-1976 period and used them in developing
population projections for all 58 counties. Their projections for Butte
County, which are shown in the table below, assume that there will be no
major wars, earthquakes or other catastrophes, that fertility levels and
mortality rates will gradually decline, and that future migration into both
California and the County will reflect recent trends. For purposes of
comparison, the table also shows the County population projections from the
1971 General Plan and the results of 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0% growth rates
from 1980 to 2000. Note that the State's projections fall within the ranges
of the 1971 County projections and that the State has apparently assumed
the County growth rate will gradually decline over the next 20 years.
14 ,,;:
C.
1. ra • Reflecting the increase in population, Butte County has shown
substantial economic growth in the 1970's. The Civilian Labor Force has
increased almost 35% since 1972 to 55,575 in 1977. Wage and salary
employment in 1977 was 39,250, an increase of 39% since 1972.
Unemployment remains persistently high, representing 12.2% of the labor
force in 1977, well above the state average of 8.2%.
Lake employment patterns of the previous decade, wage and salary
employment in non-agricultural industries continued to show the highest
gains in the County, with agriculture losing a proportionate share of total
employment, declining 2% since 1972. The most significant increases in
employment in recent years have occurred in retail and wholesale trade and
government services. Agriculture, however, continues to be the County's
largest industry in terms of production value and will continue to support
other sectors of the economy, including retail sales and services and food
processing. The shift in employment from agriculture and related support
services to other trades has resulted in a diversification and greater balance
in the County's employment base.
2. Crop Land: The 1977 total crop value in the county was $124,801,000, more
than doubling crop production values for 1972. Presently, nearly 8% of the
wage -and -salary employment in the county is associated with agriculture
15
State
1971
2% Annual
2-1/2% Annual
3% Annual
Finance
Gen. Plan
Growth Rate
Growth Rate
Cxvwb Rate
Dept.
(Low -High
e
ranee)
19$0-2000
1980-2000
19$0-2000
1970
102,500
1975
120,500
1980
139,600
132-140,000
139,600
139,600
139,600
1985
157,000
154,000
157,000
161,800
1990
174,000
164-184,000
170,000
178,700
187,600
1995
190,400
187,900
202,200
217,500
2000
207,300
185-225,000
207,400
228,800
252,100
ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
1. ra • Reflecting the increase in population, Butte County has shown
substantial economic growth in the 1970's. The Civilian Labor Force has
increased almost 35% since 1972 to 55,575 in 1977. Wage and salary
employment in 1977 was 39,250, an increase of 39% since 1972.
Unemployment remains persistently high, representing 12.2% of the labor
force in 1977, well above the state average of 8.2%.
Lake employment patterns of the previous decade, wage and salary
employment in non-agricultural industries continued to show the highest
gains in the County, with agriculture losing a proportionate share of total
employment, declining 2% since 1972. The most significant increases in
employment in recent years have occurred in retail and wholesale trade and
government services. Agriculture, however, continues to be the County's
largest industry in terms of production value and will continue to support
other sectors of the economy, including retail sales and services and food
processing. The shift in employment from agriculture and related support
services to other trades has resulted in a diversification and greater balance
in the County's employment base.
2. Crop Land: The 1977 total crop value in the county was $124,801,000, more
than doubling crop production values for 1972. Presently, nearly 8% of the
wage -and -salary employment in the county is associated with agriculture
15
16
activities. Total crop acreage has increased approximately 9% since 1972,
from 212,979 acres to 233,268 acres in 1977. Nearly 21% of the County's
land is thus utilized for crop production.
In 1977, fruit and nut crops provided $63,348,600 in crop value with almonds
and persian walnuts accounting for $28,441,000 and $11,059,000 respectively.
Approximately 56,300 acres or 25% of the County's crop land was devoted
to tree crops, with almonds covering 28,176 acres.
Field crops provided an additional $60,494,400 in crop value in 1977 with
rice accounting for $33,115,000. Approximately 176,900 acres or 75% of the
County's crop land was utilized for field crops, with rice covering 60,100
acres.
3. Farm Animals and Poultry: In 1977 livestock and poultry production was
third in total agricultural value, following fruit and nut crops and field crops.
livestock and poultry contributed $16,595,700 to the agricultural industry,
an increase of 7.4% from 1972. Grazing land in the county has declined
from 331,000 acres in 1972 to 300,000 acres in 1977. Production values from
grazing on this land accounted for approximately $900,000 in 1977.
4. Lumber and Wood Processing: In 1976, 33.5% of the County's land area,
or 356,000 acres, was devoted to commercial forest land. Approximately
240,000 acres was under ownership of private interests, and public land
accounted for the remaining 116,000 acres. From this land, nearly 70 million
board feet of lumber was harvested on 1976, amounting to a stumpage value
of about 7.5 million dollars.
The processing of lumber and wood products accounts for approximately
50% of all manufacturing employment in the County, except for the
agricultural processing season. Approximately 4% of wage and salary
employment or 1,650 persons were employed in the lumber and wood
industry in 1977. Several large sawmills and hardwood manufacturing plants
are located in Chico and Oroville. Small businesses which process a variety
of wood products are also found throughout the populated areas of the
county.
5. Government Services and Education: While the total number of persons
employed in Butte County increased 30% from 1972 to 1977, employment
in city, district, and county government and in public schools and colleges,
increased 33%. These services accounted for 23%m of all wage and salary
employment in the county in 1977.
The County of Butte is the single largest government employer, budgeting
some 1,100 positions in 1977, of which 112 were public service employees
sponsored by the Comprehensive Employment Training Act. The state
employed 750 persons in the county in 1377, and the federal government had
nearly 400 persons.
Educational services at the elementary junior high and high school levels
collectively have an enrollment of more than 2.4,000 students. Advanced
education in the county is provided at two academic centers. California
State University, Chico, enrolled approximately 13,400 students in 1977,
requiring 671 instructional faculty positions. On * smaller scale, Butte
Community College offers a two-year academic program oriented to
vocational training. In the Fall of 1978, nearly 8,000 students attended the
college, with about 62% of the students enrolled on a part-time basis. The
college employs approximately 470 persons, 238 of which work part-time.
6.` Retail Trade: After government services, retail trade constitutes the second
largest labor force in the county, providing nearly 8,000 jobs in 1977. Since
1972, employment in retail services has increased, 7.8% annually. Much of
this growth is tied to the county's continually expanding urban population.
In 1977, 1,493 new businesses in the county were licensed by the State Board
of Equalization to sell taxable retail merchandise. Taxable sales from these
businesses accounted for nearly $432,000. Approximately 52% of these. new
businesses were operating in unincorporated areas of the county. In 1970,
1,199 licenses for retail sales were issued with 49% of these distributed in
unincorporated areas. Eating and drinking establishments have led all other
retail trade industries in job gains in recent years.
17
EMPLDYMENI CHARAMRI TICS FOR 1972 AND 1977
(California Employment Development Department)
im
1977
Labor Force 41,700
55,575
Unemployed 3,750
6,800
(9.0%)
(12.2%)
Employed 37,950
48,775
Wage and Salary Employment"
Total, all industries 29,925
Agricultural wage & salary 2,575
Agricultural production 2,375
Agricultural services,
forestry & fisheries 200
wae & salary 1 27,350
Construction & mining
1,125
Manufacturing
3,500
Food processing
775
Lumber and wood products
1,425
Other manufacturing
1,300
Transportation & public utilities
1,950
Wholesale trade
1,025
Retail trade
5,600
Finance, insurance, & real estate
1,075
Services
5,200
Governmentb
7,875
Federal
300
State
625
Local and education'
6,950
"Employment reported by place of work. Does not include the s
or unpaid family workers, private household workers,
and per
management trade disputes.
b Includes all civilian employees of federal, state, and local gover
activity in which the employee is engaged.
`Local government includes employees of counties, cities, and spe
includes employees of public schools at both the State
and local,
18
39,250
3,000
2,725
275
36,250
1,700
3,775
800
1,650
1,325
2,250
1,600
7,925
1,550
6,925
10,525
400
750
9,375
nployed, volunteer
involved in labor-
nents, regardless of the
ial districts. Education
levels.
Commodities
Field Crops
Seed Crops
Vegetable Crops
Fruit & Nut
Crops
Livestock &
Poultry
Grazing Land
ApiarV Products
Nurser'V Stock
•(Plants)
Grand Total
Commodities
Field Crops
Seed Crops
Vegetable Crops
Fruit & Nut
1972
$ 28,967,800
2,502,500
386,200
27,957,200
12,368,'000
993,000
477,900
SUMMARY OF CROP VALUES
1973
$ 61,715,900
3,412,700
536,000•
53,775,000
17,065,300
1,158,000
643,800
1974
$ 68,307,000
3,645,800
733,600
37,587,300
13,525,900
1,155,000
1,011,800
1975
$63,942,000
6,087,000
1,484,200
36,277,700
14,304,600
1,152,000
1,234,400
662,000
654,500
790,600
1,278,000
$ 74,296,600
$128,961,200
$.126,757,000
$ 125,759,900
1972
151,320
14,625
1,358
SM%ARY OF PLANT CROP ACREAGES
1976
$ 55,161,000
5,936,000
1,428-1000
46,121,100
14,753,800
930,000
1,451,700
1,452,200
$127,233,800
1973
1974
1975
1976
165,750
.177,300
189,380
179,010
8,710
7,600
14,465
20,108
1,890
1,460
1,965
1,923
Crops 45,676
49,699
50,592
51,586 -
54,029
Grazing Land 331.000
331.000
330,000
.329,000
310,000
Grand Total 543,979
557,049
566,952
586,346
565,070
**Butte County Annual
Crop -Report
Aqricultural
Commissioner's
Office.
1977
$ 53,335,400
5,768,000
1,392,000
63,348,600
16,595,700
900 , 000
1,394,500
958,000
$143,691,200
1977
157,750
17,900
1,277
56,341
300,000
533,268
IN
AXi7
DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS AND TRENDS
1. Und Use: The Land Use Map appearing in the appendix of this document
illustrates the current distribution of land uses in the county. The county's
resource management and undeveloped areas which include most agriculture,
timber and grazing lands, account for approximately 71% of the county's
total land area of 1670 square miles. Land in ithe county under the
ownership of government interests represents an additional 21% of this land.
However, a large proportion of government proper{y, particularly national
forest land, could be considered as resource management land as well.
Approximately 70 square miles or 4% of all land in the county is devoted
to urban uses (i.e. areas within community water or sewer systems with
parcels of less than one acre). The urban areas of Chico, Oroville and
Paradise each represent about 1% of county land. I The remaining 1% of
urban uses in the county are found in 15 smaller urban areas. Transitional
uses in Butte County (i.e. areas outside of community', water or sewer systems
with parcels of less than ten acres) account for approximately 4% of the
existing land use in the county. I
R
Land Divisions: The net gain or loss of available parcels in a given area
reflects, in part, the potential for land to develop.'he division of land in
the county is accomplished by processing parcel maps (where four or less
new parcels are created); or subdivision maps (for I five or more parcels).
The table below illustrates the general location of approved lots created in
the county since 1972 according to assessors map books. The distribution
of these parcels has not been concentrated in any one particular location in
the county. Only five areas have received 3% or mare of the total number
of new parcels since 1972, with Kelly Ridge and North and East Chico
accounting for 15% and 13% respectively. Approximately 60% of all land
divisions (3660 parcels) have been scattered throughout the remainder of the
county with one assessors map book experiencing a `concentration of more
than 3% of such divisions.
NEW LAND DIVISIONS
(Since March 1972)
0
Kelly Ridge
North and East Chico
Las Plumas Area
Lake Wyandotte Area
South Paradise -
(Map Book 55)
Other
Total
915
15%
793
13%
305
5%
244
4%
183
3%
3.660 '6 0 ole
6,100 100%
* (Assessors map book areas which receive less than
total land division)
3% of the county's
3. Residential Construction: Permanent housing facilities within the County include
single family homes, mobile homes, duplexes, multi -family units, and mobile hoines
in designated parks. The table below indicates the total number of new dwelling
units constructed in the County, including the incorporated areas, from April 1973
to April 1978.
New Housing Units (1973-1978)
Incorporated
Single
Mobile
Mobile Homes
Multi -
Cities
Family
DuRlexes
comes
in Parks
Far -nit
Chico
498
40
0
2
1,747
Oroville
157
84
0
3
239
Gridley
138
2
0
2
20
Biggs
69
0
10
6
0
Total - all cities
862
126
10
13
2,006
Total - unincorp-
orated areas
2.432
_9_Q
3.031
1.417
1.052
Total - Butte
County 3,294 216 3,041 1,430
3,058
Residential construction in the past five years has been directed principally to the
urban areas of the county. Generally, the Chico area has experienced some 4,329
new dwelling units since 1973 or 40% of all new housing construction in the County.
The Paradise/Magalia area has received 25% of this housing construction and
Oroville 18%. Approximately 27%m of all housing units have been constructed in
incorporated areas of the County, with Chico leading all cities with 2,287 units or
75% of the total. The County's unincorporated areas have received the largest
volume of residential growth, accounting for 73% of all new housing construction
since 1973.
Mobile homes have outnumbered all other housing types in the County, resulting in
4,477 units or 40% of all new dwellings. Only 23 of these mobile homes have been
located within city boundaries and 1,430 units are found in designated mobile home
parks.
Another 23% of the housing construction since 1973 has been devoted to
conventional single-family units with 2,432 dwellings built in unincorporated areas
and 862 within cities. Approximately 57% of all housing built within cities since 1973
is found in Chico.
Multiple -family housing has accounted for 27% of all housing construction. The
21
2% of the new housing construction has been devoted to
which has been constructed within cities.
the majority of
4. Commercial and Industrial Construction: Since 1973, 420 knew commercial and/or
industrial buildings have been constructed in the County including: 113 office
complexes; 152 general commercial buildings; 122 warehouse facilities; and 33
manufacturing structures.
The table below presents a breakdown of this
the County experiencing the greatest activity.
New Commercial/Industrial Buildings
(1973-1978)
Building Type
Incorporated
Office
General
Areas
Complexes
Commercial
Wareh,
Chico
31
31
4
Oroville
30
34
8
Gridley
4
3
1
Biggs
0
1
0
Total - all cities
65
69
13
Total - unincorp-
orated areas
A,$
M
-10-2
Total -
Butte County 113 152 122
Unlike patterns of residential construction over the
commercial and industrial buildings have been cc
unincorporated areas of the County. Nevertheless, the gf
of these buildings have been directed to the County's urba
for example, has received 36% of the new commercial/ind
1973 and the Oroville area and Paradise-Magalia area
activity.
Approximately 40% of the building construction has
the County with the City of Oroville leading all new
or 51% of the total. Chico represents 43% of this
The construction of "general -commercial" buildings has c
types, and manufacturing facilities have accounted
commercial/industrial building construction since 1973.
22
according to areas in
Manufacturine
7
14
0
0
21
33
previous 5 years, new
nstructed primarily in
neral locational patterns
rn areas. The Chico area,
ustrial construction since
represents 28% of this
in incorporated areas of
action with 86 buildings
uction activity.
-ded all other building
only 8% of all new
116
1. Direct Utilities
a. DOMESTIC WATER
Berry Creek Water Company
City of Biggs
Bloomer Mountain Mutual
Water Company
Brush Creek (U.S.F.S.)
Butte Creek Estates
California Water Service
Co. (Chico urban area &
part of Oroville area)
Del Oro Water Company
(Paradise Pines)
De Sabla (P G & E)
Durham Irrigation District
Feather Falls (Louisiana
Pacific)
Forest Ranch Mutual
Gran Mutual (Skansen
Subdivision)
Green Acres (Glenwood Dr.
Chico)
City
City of Gridley
Gridley Farm Labor Camp
Lake Madrone Water District
Magalia Co. Water District
Berry Mtn. Mutual (Clipper
Mills)
Mulberry Water (SE Chico)
Northwoods Mutual (Forest
Ranch)
Oroville-Wyandotte Irrigation
(Oroville foothills & Kelly
Ridge)
Paradise Irrigation District
Springs of Living Waters
(Richardson Springs)
Stirling City
(Diamond International)
Thermalito Irrigation District
Vista Mutual (Durham)
Durham Mutual Water Co.
b. IR IGA-TION WA'T'ER
Oroville-Wyandotte Irrigation Table Mtn. Irrigation Dist.
District Thermalito Irrigation Dist.
Paradise Irrigation District Biggs -W. Gridley Water Dist.
Richvale Irrigation- District Butte Water District
c.��
City of Biggs
City of Chico
City of Gridley
City of Oroville
Richvale Sanitary District
d.
e.
f.
ELECTRICAL POWER
City of Biggs
City of Gridley
NATURAL GAS
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
N. Burbank Pub. utility Dist.
(S. Oroville & Kelly Ridge)
Thermalito Irrigation District
(Co. Service Area 26)
Skansen Sub. (CSA 21)
Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
(remainder of County)
TELEPHONE
Pacific. Telephone & Telegraph Company
23
g. CABLE TV AND RADIO_
State TV Cable (Chico)
Norcal Cablevision (Oroville, Gridley &
h. DRAINAGE
Drainage District 1
(E. Gridley)
Drainage District 2
(W. Nelson)
Drainage District 100
(Richvale)
Drainage District 200
(E. Richvale)
Reclamation District 833
(Biggs & W. Gridley)
Co. Service Area 4
(Paradise Pines)
i. STREET LIGHTS
City of Biggs
City of Chico
City of Gridley
City of Oroville
2. Other Facilities and Services
a.
24
22 (N.V.P. Mall & N.
co)
23 (NE Chico)
24 (N. half of Chico
25 (N. Chico -Shasta
don)
38 (Paradise)
41 (NW Chico)
47 (NW Chico)
51 (S. Oroville)
County Service Areas #1,
11112, 3013,14,15,16,17,
27
18 , , 33, 36, 39, 40,
47, 49, & 56.
City of Biggs (1) E
City of Chico (3)
City of Gridley (1) Po
City of Oroville (1)
County of Butte, (12) - Upper Ridge,
Durham, N. Oroville, Kelly Ridge, BAngor
& Richvale.
State Forestry Division (8) - Cohasset, Fores
Stirling City, Jarbo Gap, Harts Mill, Robin
Volunteer Fire Companies (22) - Cohasse
City, De Sabla, Magalia, Paradise, N.
Concow, Berry Creek, Feather Falls, Cli
Oroville, Thermalito, Palermo, Bangor, Y
Richvale.
Medio Fire Protection
Dist. (1)
-adise Fire Dist. (3)
ord, Chico, S. Chico,
'alermo, Gridley, Biggs
Ranch, Butte Meadows,
on Mill & Feather Falls.
Forest Ranch, Stirling
',hico, Chico, Durham,
per Mills, Kelly Ridge,
uncut, Gridley, Biggs &
b. SCHOOLS
Biggs Unified (3) - Biggs High, Biggs Elementary & Richvale
Elementary.
Chico Unified Schools District (20) -
High Schools - Chico, Pleasant Valley, Fairview & Chico Adult
Junior Highs - Bidwell & Chico
Elementary Schools - Chapman, Citrus, Cohasset, Forest, Hooker
Oak, Marigold, McManus, Neal Dow, Nord, Parkview, Partridge,
Rosedale, Shasta & Sierra View.
Durham Unified (2) - Durham High & Durham Elementary
Gridley High (2) - Gridley High & Esperanza High
Gridley Union (3) - McKinley, Wilson & Sycamore Elementary
Manzanita Union (1) - Manzanita Elementary
Oroville Union High (4) - Oroville, Las Plumas, Prospect
Oroville Adult High Schools
Bangor Union (1) - Bangor Elementary
Feather Falls Union (1) - Feather Falls Elementary
Golden Feather Union (2) - Concow Elem. & Spring Valley Elem.
Oroville Elementary (7) - Bird Street, Central, Eastside, Oakdale,
Ophir, Stanford Ave. & Wyandotte Ave. Elementary.
Palermo Union (3) - Honcut, Palermo & Helen Wilcox Elementary
Pioneer Union (1) - Berry Creek Elementary
Thermalito Union (3) - Nelson Ave., Poplar Ave. & Sierra Ave.
Elem.
Paradise Unified (7) - Paradise High, Ridgeview High, Paradise
Intermediate, Paradise Pre -School, Paradise, Ponderosa & Horace
Brakebill Elementary.
Butte Community College
Butte County Superintendent of Schools (2) - special education
schools, Sierra Del Oro & Mesa Vista
California State University, Chico
C. RECREATION FACILITIES
City of Biggs CSA 31 Biggs Swimming Pool
City of Gridley CSA 34 Gridley Swim. Pool
City of Chico Chico Area Rec. & Park Dist.
City of Oroville Feather River Rec. & Park
Paradise Rec. & Park Dist. District
Richvale Rec. & Park Dist.
State Parks & Recreation - Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park &
Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
State Fish & Game - Oroville Wildlife Area, Gray Lodge Wildfowl
Management Area & Feather River Fish Hatchery
d. POI iCE PROTECTION
City of Biggs City of Chico
City of Gridley City of Oroville
Butte County Sheriff & Constables - Headquarters in Oroville &
substations in Chico, Paradise & Gridley.
State Highway Patrol - Offices in Chico & Oroville
25
2,6
e.
L
9.
h.
t IOSPTTA L S
Biggs -Gridley Memorial Feather Iver
Chico Community Memorial Oroville Medical Center
Enloe Memorial
Butte County Library (9) - Oroville, Chico (2), Paradise, Gridley,
Biggs, Durham, Feather Falls & Clipper Mills
MOSQUITO ABATEMENT I3ISMCTM
Durham, Oroville fit, Butte County
CEMETERY DISTRICTS
Bangor Pine Creek (Cana)
Gridley -Biggs Thompson Flat (S. Table Mtn)
Nimshew (Magalia north) Upham (rRackerby)
Oroville Paradise
Wyandotte
H
y'ii-
III. COUNT' CONCERNS AND POLICIES
MWAISCIV
When an analysis and understanding of the "Development Setting" section,
especially the information on recent growth and trends, is combined with a general
regard for the health, safety and welfare of Butte County's future residents, a
number of more specific concerns emerge. The many social, economic and
governmental subjects of concern within the scope and the Land Use Element are
frequently viewed as debatable points or perplexing questions. The intent of this
section is to present all of these significant problems and issues in a clear and
concise form.
The identification of each land use issue is immediately followed by a statement
of the County's adopted policies on that subject. In this context, "policies" are
official declarations of government's rules and courses of action, based upon its
analysis of the issues and the material interests of the citizenry. Policy statements
serve as guides for consistent and logical decision-making and together function as
an indicator of goals and priorities, a vision of the future, a device for
intergovernmental coordination, and a focus for public interest and discussion. The
effectiveness of this element depends largely on the public understanding, wide
acceptance and regular use of these adopted statements of County policies on land
use.
The policies are stated as incomplete sentences which should be thought of as
being preceded by "The County should ....". In this case "should" indicates a
definite preference for a certain response, course of action or development pattern.
However, because our desires for the future are so numerous, diverse and idealistic,
some conflicts between policies are unavoidable and to be expected. No one policy
by itself should always determine County action; decision -makers must consider Ail
adopted policies which are relevant to a particular situation. The continual
interpretation and application of policy statements to individual situations will
frequently result in compromises reflecting balances and priorities among
conflicting policies.
B. GENERAL
1. General Welfare: Under our Constitutional system, land use planning and
regulation is a power generally reserved to the States, a police power
enacted to promote and perpetuate the moral and material welfare of the
people. The material welfare of the people is served by the free -enterprise
economic system, based on the private ownership of land. Like most other
States, California has delegated much of this authority to local governments.
The County's goal in this document must therefore be the "general welfare"
of its citizens or, in other terms, "the quality of life" of its residents and their
"pursuit of happiness", both as individuals and as members of society.
Policy:
a. Provide for the health, safety and well-being of the County's present
and future residents.
27
2. Planning Area: California Government Code Section 65300 allows the
general plan of a city or county to include "any land outside its boundaries
which in the planning agency's judgement bears relation to its planning".
Most of the County boundary in the valley follows the', Sacramento River and
other smaller streams. Existing development just outside County boundaries
is very limited, with the small urban centers of live Oak and Hamilton City
lying one to two miles away. However, development within the County's
incorporated cities is of direct concern to the Couniy and is not exempted
in any way from the scene of county general plans.
Policy:
a. Plan for future development of all incorporated and unincorporated
areas with County boundaries.
b. Consult with incorporated cities and neighboring counties in the
development of planning proposals for areal of mutual concern.
3. Time Frame: The Government Code does not define how "long-term" a
general plan's focus should be. The General Plan Guidelines suggest that
fifteen years or more be considered a Iong-range" time span. Lacking a
binding requirement, the County can define "long-term" as it wishes. Future
projections and predictions become more speculative and less reliable as the
time period increases.`
icy:
a. Plan for development within the County for the ensuing 20 years,
giving emphasis to the more immediate years; while at the same time
considering the long range factors and trends.
4. Population Growth: Since 1970 the population of, the entire County has
increased about 3% per year. Growth rates for individual communities have
varied widely, with some areas growing steadily at more than 5% per year.
Most of the new residents have moved here from -the large metropolitan
areas of the state; this urban -rural migration is a nationwide trend and is
likely to continue for some years to come. Despite significant natural
limitations and some localized constraints, Butte County has sufficient space
for considerable future development and continued growth. A reasonable
surplus of available development sites is desirable to avoid artificial
constriction of market supply and unnecessarily high land prices. Such a
flexibility factor also allows for the possibility that -population growth and
development needs may be significantly greater than projected.
Policy: '
a. Based upon continuous analysis of population trends, provide plans
which allow reasonable "freedom of choice" of sites and facilities for
the population growth of the County, both in the County as a whole
and in its various sections.
28
b. Designate adequate land for free-market competition among land
suppliers to avoid artificially constricting land availability.
5. Public Participation: To secure the maximum coordination of plans during
the formation of a local general plan, the Government Code mandates
planning agencies to:
".... consult and advise with public officials and agencies, public utility
companies, civic, educational professional and other organizations,
and citizens generally ...."
Inventorying community needs, identifying significant issues and
problems, defining basic goals, choosing priorities, clarifying policies -
all of these planning activities require high levels of public
participation in order to develop an effective plan. Citizens'
involvement not only provides them access to the decision-making
process but increases the public's understanding and support of plan
proposals.
LQ is
a. Seek wide public participation in development of land use policies
and proposals.
6. Interzovernmental Coordination: Many County departments, cities, special
districts and State and federal government agencies are involved in various
aspects of the physical development of the County. The complexity of this
system of authority and responsibility makes coordination of government
plans and programs extremely difficult. At the same time, the power of this
system and the limited scope of individual agencies means that maximum
cooperation is necessary to avoid haphazard and costly future development.
Policy:
a. Attempt to coordinate all government plans and programs so that
they are mutually supportive in all areas.
7. Orderly Development: Government agencies, private companies and the
public at large have invested substantial amounts of money in Butte County's
existing system of roads, utilities and other public facilities. To maximize
this investment and the level of services, utilization of existing facilities is
desirable, recognizing that all designated land for development is not
immediately available for use. Land owners have plans for the timing of
development on their land which are to be respected.
Policy:
a. Encourage annexation to existing cities and existing districts.
b. Promote the full utilization of sites served by existing public facilities.
C. Encourage development in and around existing communities with
public facilities.
29
C.
1. Agricultural and Crop Land: Almost 21% of the County's land, mostly
irrigated sites on good soils in the valley and low foothills, was devoted to
orchards and field crops in 1977. Crop production from this land was valued
at over 120,000,000 and provided an average 7.6%1 of the wage -and -salary
employment in the County in 1977. The importance of agriculture in the
local economy is further evidenced and enhanced by the tremendous public
investment in advisory services, irrigation systems,I drainage facilities and
rural roads. Residential and commercial development in commercial crop
areas creates conflicts with certain agricultural ac{ivities and induces tax
pressures and conversion of nearby crop land to nonagricultural uses. Urban
growth into agricultural lands also results in permanent restrictions in the
potential for crop production. To counter this, agricultural zoning has been
used extensively in the more rural parts of the county. This is less evident
close to the urban areas where over the years development and official
actions have taken place which has made agricultural zoning impractical,
unwise, and at times an undue financial burden upon individual citizens.
Policy:
a. Maintain agricultural crop production as a major source of food,
employment and income.
b. Retain in an agricultural designation on the Land Use Map areas
where location, natural conditions and water availability make lands
well suited to orchard and field crop use, while considering for non-
agricultural use areas where urban encroachment has made inroads
into agricultural areas and where past official actions have planned
areas for development.
C. Allow a wide range of agricultural and necessary accessory uses in
crop production areas. I
d. Maintain minimum parcel sizes in designated agricultural areas by
following comprehensive zoning principles)
e. Encourage urban expansion toward the least productive soils.
f. Allow rural residential development as a buffer between urban
development and intensive crop land.
2. Grazing LAnd: About 28% of the County is used at least part of the year
for grazing cattle, sheep, goats and other livestock on natural vegetation
which varies by season and elevation. Consequently, livestock which graze
in the valley and low foothill areas in the winter are frequently moved to
summer..:pasture on timberland and other mountain areas. Because the per -
acre pi'616ction and value of grazing land is low relative to other uses, it is
usually-.�'susceptible to development pressures if other prerequisites for
30
development exist. An additional 2% of County and is developed as
irrigated pasture, a much more intense and productive type of livestock
operation.
Policy:
a. Maintain extensive areas for primary use as livestock grazing land.
b. Allow livestock grazing on all suitable sites not needed for
development or crop production.
C. Prevent scattered. development in grazing areas.
d. Discourage irrigation of grazing land with poor drainage or which has
a high risk of mosquito production.
e. Retain in a Grazing -Open Land category areas on the Land Use
Map where location and natural conditions make lands well suited
for grazing land, while considering for non -grazing use areas where
urban encroachment has made inroads into grazing areas and where
past official actions have planned areas for development.
3. Timber Land: The extensive pine and fir forests in the mountainous eastern
third of the County are owned and managed, for the most part, by the U.S.
Forest Service or by several large timber companies. Much of the timber
is processed in large mills in Oroville and Chico. The manufacturing of
lumber and wood products accounts for about 4% of the wage -and -salary
employment in the County and a healthy share of basic income to the
County economy. Timberland also has significant value for wildlife habitat,
recreation and watershed protection. Following the provisions of the 1976
Forest Taxation Reform Act the County placed most of the best private
timberland in a restrictive "Timberland Preserve Zone". This zoning reduces
property taxes and thus encourages longer -range management policies.
aolicy Limit the use of timberland to forestry activities and compatible uses.
b. Encourage "'Timberland Preserve" zoning for all suitable sites.
C. Encourage management of timberland to maintain long-term
productivity.
d. Retain in a "Timber Land" category areas on the Land Use Map
where location and natural conditions make lands well suited for
timberland, while considering for non -timber use areas where urban
encroachment has been made inroads into timber areas and where
past official actions have planned areas for development.
4. Water Resources: Due to the high precipitation levels in the Sierras, Butte
County has an abundance of water resources in the form of large streams,
many reservoirs, an extensive irrigation and canal system, and a permanent
ground w.ter supply in the valley. The Feather River and the Sacramento
31
I
River are the key supply elements in enormous water projects providing for
agricultural irrigation and domestic uses in distant parts of the State. Local
use of our water resources by residents, industry and recreation is growing
steadily. As the County grows, the potential also i icreases for degradation
of water resources through pollution and erosion-se'dimentation.
Policy:
a. Maintain quantity and quality of water resources adequate for all
uses in the County. l
b. Support water development projects needed to supply local demands.
C. Control development in watershed areas to minimize erosion and
water pollution. I
d. Require proof of adequate water supply fot all new development.
e. Conservation of water and energy will be 6onsidered in approving
plans for new development.
L Exercise constant vigilance in the protection against export of our
ground water supply.
I
5. Air Resources: The relatively high quality of air resources which has
attracted people to Butte County is gradually being ;affected by that growth.
Climatic variables and the surrounding mountains create a significant
potential for air pollution in the entire Sacramento Valley. Pollution
problems are combustion by-products from vehicles and such stationary
sources as burning of rice stubble and other wastes; space heating, industry
and power plants. Air pollution can not only damage human health and
impair visibility, but also has the potential to decrease the productivity of
agricultural and industry. Air quality in this region is regulated mainly by
the State Air Resources Control Board with increasing federal requirements
and local involvement. In response, to the Clean Air Act Amendments of
1977, the Butte County Association of Governments has prepared an Air
Quality Implementation Plan for attainment of federal ambient air standards.
policy:
a. Evaluate carefully the air pollution potential of all development plans
and proposals. E
i
J
6. Mineral Resources: The extensive gold mining activities of the 1800's and
early 1900's have long since diminished to a numberiof small operations and
recreational "panning", leaving behind tunnels, 4hafts, waterworks and
cobbles. Nonetheless, the residual deposits left �y hydraulic and barge
mining operations,'hiwe become a major mineral resource in their own right.
The processing o 8a1 d, gravel and other building materials is currently the
only large scale'. eginmercial mining activity in � the County, although
potentials do exist for future development of limestone, clay, silica sand and
some metals. I
32
a. Encourage extraction and processing of identified deposits of building
materials and other valued mineral resources.
b. Encourage the reclamation of lands subject to mineral extraction.
7. Energy Resources: The County's natural supply of combustible fossil fuels
appears very limited at this time, consisting of several small underground
deposits of natural gas along the County's western boundary. With
numerous power -plants operated by the Department of Water Resources,
Pacific Lias and Electric and the Oroville-Wyandotte Irrigation District, the
hydroelectric resources of the Feather River and its branches are among the
largest and most developed in California. This .method of power generation
provides clean, inexpensive and reliable electric power for the entire grid
system as well as substantial employment income, property taxes and
revenues from power sales.
LOAM.
a. Encourage expansion, construction and efficiency of hydroelectric
power plants in the County.
b. Encourage the development of natural gas fields and other fossil fuel
sources.
C. Encourage the development of alternate forms of energy production,
including solar power and burning of waste.
d. Promote conservation of energy resources in reviewing proposed
developments.
1.o supply and ariety: Housing which provides adequate shelter,
security and space is basic to the welfare of all county residents. Satisfying
these housing needs requires conservation and rehabilitation of existing
housing and construction of new housing. Because the economic well being
of the County and satisfaction of housing needs are both dependent on
balancing housing supply and demand, the County can best assist the housing
market by assuring enough suitable space for new housing construction.
Policy;
a. Establish appropriate zoning to provide sites (including various
choices) to meet housing needs for the ensuing 20 years.
b. Provide a diversity of housing sites varying in size, density and
location.
2. sties: The distribution of County population and the needs for public
services and facilities is largely determined by the densities of residences in
33
3.
CI
34
different areas of the County. Density is also imp rtant in its effect on the
quietness, "elbow room" and overall quality of housing situations. the
intensity of residential development is related to a number of factors,
including the natural capabilities of property, the availability of public
facilities, the value of property and proposed dwelling units, and the
developing trend and characteristics of the surrouAding area.
Policy:
a. Correlate residential densities to soil, slop and other natural site
characteristics.
b. Correlate residential densities to availability of water and sewage
disposal and proximity to other public facilities.
C. Relate residential densities to intensity and compatibility of adjacent
uses. I
d. Balance residential densities with traffic -carrying capacities of existing
and proposed circulation plans.
Commercial Uses: Small businesses in the home can provide self-
employment and a degree of financial independence for the residents.
Similarly, offices and commercial uses in residential areas can sometimes
provide convenient services to area residents. Horne businesses and some
offices and services can be compatible with residential uses if sufficient
limitations and conditions are placed upon the buiiness activities. Several
of the County's existing categories currently allow certain limited types of
commercial use.
Policy:
a. Allow home occupations and compatible types of commercial uses
where approved of in residential areas.
b. Regulate visibility, employment, advertising, parking, etc. of
businesses allowed in residential areas in order to maintain a
predominantly residential character.
AgriculturalUses: Because plant crops and the raising of livestock and
poultry require extensive space and can have offensive characteristics, such
uses are not always compatible with urban residential development. At
suburban and rural residential densities, however, agricultural uses are
frequently desired and expected by residents and can be an acceptable
accessory use with controls on the intensity of such use.
Policy: I
a. Allow agricultural uses and farm animals in designated residential
areas where appropriate.
b. limit density of farm animals in relation to Type of animal and parcel
size.
1,Economic Growth: Economic growth and vitality is based on a strong, stable
and diversified economy that provides a wide range of meaningful
employment and investment opportunities. Individuals who enter the
business sector gain independence for themselves, create jobs for others and
help to increase the tax base.
aa.. Provide sites and facilities to accommodate a variety of economic
activities.
2. Properly nights: Enhancing the value of private property increases both the
potential sales prices and the assessed value, bringing benefits to both the
private and public sectors. The American concept of property rights requires
the County to allow wherever possible a profitable economic use for each
parcel and to maintain surrounding property values.
Policy:
a. Maintain economic use and value of private property.
3. Commercial Services: The purpose and function of commercial facilities
relates directly to the market demand for such services. The public derives
the most value for its investments when individuals are encouraged to enter
the market place who are willing to compete in offering goods and services
in relation to "supply and demand".
Policy:
a. Encourage a full range of commercial services at the regional,
community and neighborhood levels.
b. Coordinate future commercial facilities with existing and proposed
transportation systems,utilities and other public facilities.
C. Designate sufficient land for commercial facilities to fulfill needs for
services and employment.
d. Encourage the grouping of convenience and service facilities into
integrated centers.
e. Designate retail and service commercial areas in close proximity to
residential development.
4. Manufacturing and Processing: in recent years industrial activity has
assumed an increasing role in the economic growth of the County. A
continued expansion of the industrial base will be necessary to provide
sufficient employment opportunities and strengthen the economic base of the
County.
35
Policv:
a. Promote the development of new industry in the County.
b. Locate industry near major transportation facilities which carry raw
materials, finished products and commuting; workers.
C. Direct new industry to locations adequately served by major utilities
and provide sufficient services and utilities to meet future industrial
needs.
{
d. Promote the full utilization of existing industrial areas.
i
e. Encourage the grouping of industrial and heavy commercial uses into
integrated industrial parks.
5. Compatibility of Business Activities: Not all commercial and industrial uses
are compatible with each other or with other uses! Similar business uses
sometimes group together to serve working relationships or to attract each
other's customers. Industrial activities frequently have noises, odors or other
characteristics which are offensive to residences, offices and retail
commercial uses. A functionally efficient busineis environment is thus
facilitated by the separation of incompatible types of use.
police,
a. Relate the intensity and variety of commercial uses to the market
accessibility of each site.
b. Limit light commercial uses in planned industrial areas.
I
C. limit manufacturing and wholesale activities in light commercial
areas. j
I
d. limit residential uses in industrial and commercial areas.
e. Encourage the separation of heavy industrial and residential area
with other uses, natural barriers or public facilities.
F.
1. Circulation System: Taken together, streets, roads, airports, railroads,
sidewalks and other transportation facilities constitute a major land use. The
location and growth of communities and the local pattern of development
are largely dependent on transportation systems. i The interrelationship
between transportation and land use is exemplified in the Government Code
which requires the correlation of the Circulation Element with the Land Use
Element of the General Plan. The Circulation Element adopted by the
County in 1971 was supplemented in 1975 by al county -wide Regional
Transportation Plan adopted by the Butte County Association of
Governments.
36
0�m.
a. Provide transportation facilities of all types to supply needs for rapid,
efficient, comfortable, and safe passage of people and commodities.
b. Provide a circulation system and plan that is consistent with and will
support existing and proposed patterns and densities of land use.
C. Anticipate public facilities needs so land acquisition and new
construction will be timely and take place with a minimum of cost.
2. Nater and Sewer System: Approximately 85% of the County's residents
currently receive domestic water and/or sewer service from community
systems. County Health Department guidelines allow much higher densities
on property served by such systems than on parcels with individuals wells
and septic tanks. Consequently, the location of water and sewer lines largely
determines the size and shape of urban development in the County. Because
the extension of such lines so significantly affects government costs and land
use patterns, all annexations to public systems must be reviewed and
approved by the County -level Local Agency Formation Commission.
Policy:
a. Encourage expansion of public water and sewer systems where
development to be served conforms to adopted land use plans.
3. Drainagg and Flood Control Facilities: The numerous winter rainstorms in
this area frequently cause accumulations of standing water which can damage
buildings and crops, block traffic flow and disrupt most land uses. In recent
years the Sacramento River and marshy valley areas have occasionally
experienced rather large scale flooding. Most of the urban areas and
irrigated crop lands, however, are protected by a complex network of gutters,
ditches, and overflow channels. Drainage problems and greatly increased
by urban development and its buildings and pavement, both of which prevent
ground absorption and increase surface run-off.
lim
aa.. Plan drainage facilities to serve areas of future urban growth.
b. Require adequate drainage improvements for new development.
C. Encourage improvement of flood control facilities along the
Sacramento River, while at the same time preserving the riparian
habitat of the river.
d. Direct future urban growth away from flood -plain areas.
4. Private Utility Lines: Most of the County obtains electrical power and
telephone service from large companies whose regulation is almost totally
in the hands of the State Public Utilities Commission. Similarly, the County
has very little control over the non-governmental systems which provide
domestic water service to the entire Chico urban area, part of the Oroville
37
urban area and several smaller communities. It is obvious, however, that the
location of these private utility lines affects the timing and pattern of new
development. I
Policy:
a. Encourage expansion of private utility systems consistent with County
plans and policies.
5. RegreationFacilities: Butte County adopted a "Mas#er Plan for Parks and
Recreation" in 1952 and in 1971 adopted a Recreation Element as part of
the General Plan. The County's role in recreation thus far has been limited
to construction of the Lime Saddle Boat Ramp and allocation of state grants.
Most recreation facilities in the county are managed by 4 cities, 5 special
districts, the State Department of Parks and Recreation and the U.S. Forest
Service. A total inventory of recreation facilities must also include the
extensive sports facilities of local schools, Butte College and California State
University, Chico and private enterprises such as golf courses, tennis and
hunting clubs, race tracks, riding stables and bowling alleys. The health of
the County's citizens benefits greatly from the 'variety of recreation
opportunities and their continuing availability.
Policy:
a. Work with public agencies to designate sites for new parks and
recreation facilities.I
b. Support development of commercial recreation facilities on suitable
sites. I
C. Encourage maximum recreational use of public schools.
1
6. Schools: Public schools in the County are presently operated by 10
elementary school districts, 2 high school districts, 4 unified school districts
and the Butte Community College District. Because the quality of education
is affected by the number of students in the school and classroom, careful
coordination of school locations with land use plans is necessary to avoid
over crowed or under utilized schools. Educational facilities also need
locations easily accessible to their entire service area and away from noisy,
disruptive or dangerous environments. I
[.
Provide information on projected population growth and
development patterns to school districts to facilitate adequate school
facilities. I
Consider proximity to students and compatibility of adjacent uses in
locating schools. l
C. Relate land use to designated school sites.
38
7. Fire, Stations and Other Public Buil: The average time needed to
respond to fire calls depends largely on road access and the location of fire
fighting equipment and personnel. More than 20 stations providing year-
round protection to valley areas are operated by the County, the four cities
and two independent districts. Most foothill and mountain areas are served
by community volunteer companies and seasonally by the State Division of
Forestry and U.S. Forest Service. These government agencies and others
serving this area require many offices, meeting rooms, garages, parking lots,
storage areas and other structures. The efficient arrangement of these
facilities and their location in proximity to the population served can
maximize the level of service and minimize public costs.
Policy:
a. Locate new fire stations with consideration to accessibility, future
development and natural fire hazards.
b. Encourage central and convenient locations for all government
buildings consistent with land use plans.
C. Encourage central and convenient locations for hospitals, meeting
halls, private schools and other quasi -public uses.
8. Solid and Liquid Waste Disposal Facilities: The management and disposal
of solid and liquid wastes is closely monitored by Federal and State
governments. As a result of Government Code 66700 FT SEQ., Butte
County adopted a solid waste management plan in 1975 for the purpose of
setting forth a program for the storage, collection, processing and disposal
of all solid wastes generated in the county. The collection and disposal of
solid waste material is performed by several privately owned transfer stations
and one central sanitary land -fill site which is owned by the county and
leased to a private company for operation and management. The use,
storage and disposal of liquid waste is regulated by the County Health
Department in cooperation with the State Water Quality Control Board.
Policy:
a. Protect the public health and safety of Butte County residents and
the natural environment through efficient solid and liquid waste
management practices.
b. Support the continued review and study of alternate locations for the
disposal of solid and liquid wastes.
G. ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION
1. Quality of Environment: The relatively low intensity of land use in much
of the County has created a generally safe and pleasant living and working
environment. Many types of land use, especially some commercial and
industrial activities, can be detrimental to the health and safety of nearby
residents and workers. However, the blighting effects of many
39
"objectionable" uses can be minimized by requiring suitable locations and
mitigating design measures.
Policy: 1
a. Maintain public health and safety by requiring proper location and
design for uses with offensive odors, dust, smoke, light, traffic,
vibration, explosives, pollutants, insects and similar blighting
influences.
2. ojs : The detrimental effects of noise is a subject of a separate element
of the County's General Plan. The "Noise Element" adopted in 1977
contained several policies and implementation measures on noise that relate
directly to land use planning. The most significar+t ones are summarized
below.
Policy:
a. Consider recommended noise levels in review of proposed
development. I
b. Locate noise -sensitive uses away from
C. Control locations of noisy recreational
3. Qpen Space: The low proportion of land presently
uses is an indicator of the spacious and natural sett
live in. Undeveloped areas are valuable not only f<
fiber but also for the diverse functions of maintai
community boundaries and identities, providing
recreation, and reminding urbanites of natural rese
Policy:
a. Provide open space areas near and
on the Land Use Map.
4. Scenic Areas: The open character of the County
and elevation provides many beautiful vistas an
highways. These picturesque natural landscapes
existing residents but are also an attraction to to
Maintaining the benefits of scenic highway:
development in scenic corridors and continual cons
the road. Following are policies from the Scenic H
in 1977 which affect land use.
Po igy:
a. Protect valuable scenic areas and parks
and visitors.
b. Consider development of a system of
40
ties and events.
-voted to intense urban
g County residents now
production of food and
ng air quality, defining
ace for relaxation and
,-ces and rural activities.
designated urban areas
id its variety of terrain
panoramas from rural
e not only of value to
ists and new residents.
requires controls on
;ration of the view from
sways Element adopted
enjoyment by residents
highways.
C.. Encourage compatible land use patterns in scenic corridors and
adjacent to scenic waterways, rivers, and creeks.
5. Biological Habitat: The County has a variety of wildlife species dependent
on protection of their natural habitat for continual survival. The high
mountain areas provide summer range for deer herds; the lower foothills
provide winter range. Marsh, areas and vegetation along streams are home
for many waterfowl, game birds and other small animals. Lake Oroville and
the County's larger streams are highly valuable habitats for trout, salmon,
bass and other game fish. Several rare and/or endangered plants and
animal species are found within the County.
Policy:
a. Regulate development in identified winter deer ranges to facilitate
the survival of deer herds.
b. Prevent development and site clearance other than river bank
protection of marshes and significant riparian habitats.
C. Limit development which would increase sediment loads in prime
fishing waters.
d. Regulate development to facilitate survival of identified rare or
endangered plants and animals.
6. Natural Areas: A small portion of the Plumas National Forest land within
the County is included in the officially designated Feather Falls Scenic Area
and the National Wild and Scenic River (Middle Fork of the Feather River).
Several areas near the northeast County boundary are now being considered
for wilderness designation. The State of California manages two large areas
for recreation and wildlife habitat: the Grey Lodge Waterfowl Management
Area and the borrow area along the Feather River:
Policy
a. Encourage the creation and expansion of natural and wilderness'
areas.
7. Archaeological Sites: Evidences of pre -historic human activities have been
found throughout the County but especially along fishing streams in the
foothill oak areas. Our knowledge of early Native American culture depends
almost entirely on the examination of these archaeological sites and their
contents. California law now requires investigation of identified
archaeological sites during the environmental review process.
Pow
a. Identify and evaluate all cultural resources impacted proposed
projects before approval and development.
41
b. Preserve significant sites or, require their detailed investigation by
competent archaeologists.
8. ]Historical Sites: The first substantial settlements of white Americans in
Butte County began in the 1840's. The gold m'I 'ng settlements which
constituted
most of the early development eventually disappeat.ed but left many traces
in the form of buildings, mines, canals, roads, tools, coins, etc. Many of
these artifacts are preserved in place, in museums, or just with
commemorative plaques.
Policv:
a. Encourage preservation of significant historical sites.
U'
Y
1 _
42 y:..
p, NATURAL HAZARDS
Fire Hazards: Most of the mountain and foothill areas of the County have a
significant natural fire hazard whose severity varies with vegetation, slope and
elevation. The number of wildfire occurrences is increasing along with the increase
in visitors and new residents. Fire control and suppression in rural areas is often
restricted by inadequate water supplies and protection services. Existing policies
on fire hazards are contained in the Safety Element adopted in 1977 and are
restated below.
Policy:
a. Consider fire hazards in all land use and zoning decisions, environmental
review, subdivision review and the provision of public services.
b. Guide development to areas with adequate fire protection services.
2. ,Seismic Hazards: Butte County contains many known geologic fault lines; and a
number of minor earthquakes have occurred in the area in historic times. The
largest movement and damage came with the Oroville-Palermo earthquake of
August 1975 and related tremors. The associated Cleveland Hill fault east of
Oroville showed two miles of surface cracking at that time and is the only fault in
the County to be declared a Special Studies Zone by the State.
Policy:
a. Consider the most recent information on seismic hazards in all zoning and
subdivision decisions.
b. Restrict development along known active fault areas.
3. Flood Hazards: Despite the construction of numerous dams, levees and diversion
channels, there are still extensive valley areas subject to occasional flooding. In
peak rain years, major flooding can occur along the Sacramento River, lower Butte
Creek and lower Honcut Creek. Localized drainage problems also plague many
other small areas in the valley.
Policy:
a. Limit development in areas with significant drainage and flooding problems
until adequate drainage or flood control facilities are provided.
4. eologic Hazards: The risk of landslides is greatest in areas with steep slopes,
weak rock and high rainfall; some areas around Lake Oroville and its branches
have very high risk. Erosion potential varies by the same factors but is greatest
in granite areas. Findings and policies on these subjects and other geologic
hazards are presented in the Safety Element adopted in 1977.
Policy:
a. Correlate allowable density of development to potential for landslides,
erosion and other types of land instability.
43
IV. LAND USE CATEGORIES
A. FUNCTIONAL SEYA_K&HUN I
The above policies express County desires and objectives on future development and are
implemented largely by applying them to the arrangement of variaus uses on a map. The
translation of policies to map form requires a set of land use chissifications to serve as
a mp legend and as possible choices for designating the proposedgeneral distribution of
uses.
Land use categories combine similar and compatible activities into groups with differing
needs for location and space. Agriculture, forestry, mining, outdoor recreation,
environmental preservation activities and other "open space" rises generally require
extensive land areas with little structural development and few residents. In contrast to
land and resource -oriented uses, most residential, commercial, industrial and public uses
occupy small areas of land intensely developed with buildings, pavement, and human
activities. Because of employment, service needs and travel time~, urban uses are more
location -oriented than rural uses and require sites in proximity to each other. The various
location and space requirements of land uses can only be satisfied by separating uses into
categories and attempting to provide suitable sites for each category.
The following categories and associated standards for development; when applied to the
land use plan map, together provide the framework for determining 'consistent zoning and
judging development proposals.
A complete explanation of the format and subjects used for ca egory description is
presented here and immediately followed by the principles and standards for the legend
categories used on the County's land use plan maps.
Prima Uses: The proposed development pattern is to be illustrated through the
designation and arrangement of general categories of land uses. The title of each
category refers to the predominant character of an area, and the description of primary
uses defines the intended principle uses in that area. Providing suitable locations and
space for the primary uses is the basic purpose of each category.
Secondary Uses: This section includes other appropriate uses which are less extensive but
similar, compatible or necessary to the primary uses. It is assumed that the terms include
necessary and customary subordinate uses incidental to the stated ulses.
Site Designation Criteria: The statements present the preferred site attributes for this
category. Using the criteria to choose the appropriate category, requites a comprehensive
evaluation of natural characteristics, public facilities, existing develdpment and growth
trends of every site and the surrounding area. The criteria for each category are not
intended to be conclusive and mutually exclusive, but rather ai basic guidelines.
consequently, some sites may appear to be suited for more than one or perhaps none of
the categories. Such areas should be assigned to the category whose uses and standards
seem most compatible to the site characteristics.
44
QRC AND* FIELD IR®PS
Pa°lm8a uses' 7
Cultivation, harvest, storage, processing, sale and distribution of all plant'crops, especially
annual food crops. _
Segoild-w Uses,
Animal husbandry and intense animal uses, resource extraction and processing, hunting.
and water -related , recreaiion ' ficiliifles; dwellings,' airports,' utilitiee, ',environmental
preservation activities, public and quasi -public uses, home -occupations:
Sitedes4natIon ceiiria :
1, Soil conditions well suited for plant csop operation`s.
2:,' Adequate water supply. {
3.. Predominate parcel' sizes of 5. acres of more:
i 4. Used, for crop production "or 'econda'ry` uses.
' 5. Adjacent uses compatible with primary and 'secondary uses: "'
Intensity.d Use: z .I,.•. f,. : ^+.
Minimum parcel size of acres. One single-family dwelling.per parcel -with additional
housing: -for on -site -employees.
Consistent Zones.,
`".
A 20. thru A-160, RC fir, ' PQ.
Conditlonally Consistent_ Zones:
A=5, A=10, subject to findings of conformance with Conditional Zoning and Development
Criteria listed below. .
Condid6al Zoning and Development Criteria:
L. Predominate existing parcel sizes range from 5 to 10 acres.
2. Adjacent to or in the general vicinity of urban boundaries.
3.. Present status of agricultural production will not .be significantly impaired.
.Zoning Factors:
1.. ' Existing parcel sizes and dwelling densities.
Proximity to urban development.
3: Effects on adjacent uses.
4. Potential for pest insect breeding. a
5. - Economic viability.
6: Focal desires.',:°F;
46
4
Intensity of Use: Specific limitations on parcel sizes and residential densities are
indicated for most categories. Other uses which should be restricted in some fashion are
also presented. Each zone should regulate all uses as need to maintain primary uses and
protect adjacent uses.
Consistent Zones: According to Government Code Section 65860, a local zoning
ordinance and adopted general plan are consistent only if:
"The various land uses authorized by the ordinance are compatible with the
objectives, policies, general land uses and programs specified in such a plan."
The prescribed zones for each category represents a collection of all current county
zoning classifications which could be consistent to that category. This consistency
determination, however, is insufficient as it only related zoning regulations to category
provisions and not to the application of policies and implementation measures to specific
proposals. The consistent zones listed in each category, therefore, relate to the intended
primary and secondary uses only and not to other policy or implementation
considerations. The consistency of zoning regulations is further considered in the
"Implementation Program" section.
Zoning Factors: These are subjects which are to be considered in the evaluation of
consistent zones and the choice of the most appropriate zoning classification. Like site
designation criteria, the use of these factors requires extensive analysis of site
characteristics and evaluation of individual situations. These factors should guide
decisions on residential densities and intensity of use for rezonings, use permits and all
development proposals.
45
Prima Uses;
Livestock grazing, animal husbandry, intense animal uses and -animal matter processing.
Secondat% Uses:.,
Resource extraction and processing, forestry, plant crops, agricultural support services,
outdoor recreation facilities, airports,' dwellings, utilities, environinental preservation.
activities, public and quasi -public uses and home occupations.
Site Designation Criteria: .
1. Natural conditions poorly suited for plant crops' or timber.
2. Predominate parcel sizes of 40 acres or more. R J
3. Used for grazing and secondary ,uses. `
4. Adjacent uses conducive to livestock grazing.`
X _
Intensity of Use:
Minimum parcel size of 40 acres. Where a PA-C,is used the minimum -gross density
could vary from 20 to ,40 acres per dwelling' unit' provided at least 80% of`the 'total
acreage. of a project is set aside for open space uses." One single-family dwelling per
parcel with additional housing for on-site .employees.
Consistent Zones:
' I M-40 thru TM -160, A-40 thru A-160, FR -40 thru FR -160, R -C, C=FI". -w
TP -160, PA -C . r .. - .
Zo'nina Factors:
.1. Existing parcel parcel sizes and dwelling densities.
2. Livestock carrying capacities.
3. Slope.
4. Proximity to urban development.
S. Effects on adjacent uses.
& Local desires:
I
I
47
PrlmarY_LJses:
Forest management and the harvesting and processing of forest products.
SecondaryUses:
Animal husbandry, resource extraction and processing environmental preservation
activities, outdoor recreation facilities, dwellings, utilities, public and quasi -public uses,
home occupations, and airports.
Site Designation Criteria:
1. Climates, slope and soils generally suitable for conifer forests and commercial
timber production.
2. Predominate parcel sizes of 40 acres or more.
3. Ownership by U.S. Government or timber companies..
4. Adjacent uses conducive to timber production.
Intensity of Use:
Minimum parcel size of 40 acres. There a PA -C is used the minimum gross density
could vary from 20 to 40 acres per dwelling unit provided at least 80% of the total
acreage of a project is 'set aside for open space uses. One single-family dwelling per
parcel with additional housing for on-site employees.
Consistent Zoaes:
TM -40 thru TM -160, A40 thru A-160, FR40 thru FR -160, R -C, C -FTP -160, and PA -C.
.2oning Factors:
1. Existing parcel sizes and dwelling densities.
2. Slope.
3. Elevation.
.4. Road access.
5. Effects on adjacent uses.
6. Local desires.
48
AGRICULTURAL RESIDE TEMAL
05
PdMary I.1ses:
Agricultural_,uses and single-family dwellings it -rural densities. ,
Secondary'USeS• 3 `, _ _ Y • -
Animal husbanday; forestry, intense_ animal ,'uses,home ®ccupations,' mining, outdoor
recreation facilities, environmental preservation activities,, ;airports, utilities, public and
quasi -public uses, group quarters, care homes and transient lodging.
�•te s ati _HE Crite�"ia• -•c h ,.i:-. ` _ i ..
41., ; Beyond -service areas sof community water and, sewer,,systems.. r
2.. Less than 30% slopes.
3. Adjacent or near to existing roads and public utilities.,- r ,
4. Not within floodplain or known,active faults. .
5:. t Past official actions.
Intensityof Use: ' -
Minimum parcel size of one to forty acres. ®ne single-family dwelling per parcel. Idor ie
occupations, farm animals, other uses and setbacks regulated to maintain rural character.
Consistent Zones: A-20, A-40, .'i M-20, 'I M-40, FR -20, lFR-40; & C -F:
Conditionally Consistent Zones A-5, A-10, TM -.1 thru 'I'llit-10, FR -2 thru FR -10, SR -1,
A17=MH-3, RT -1A, & PA -C, subject to findings of conformity with Conditionally Zoning
and Development criteria listed below.
Conditional Zoning* and Development Critedw, ,
.1. Compatible with neighboring agricultural activities.
2. Evidence of. adequate water, and sewage disposal•capacity.
3. Availability of adequate fire protection facilities.
4. Adequately 'maintained approvedroad, access with sufficient •capacity, to. service
area. ,
5. Reasonable accessibility to commercial services; and schools.,
_ �-
Zonine Factors.
• r
1. Existing parcel sizes and residential densities.
2: Slope. -
3. Soil conditions and water availability.
4. Effects on adjacent uses, crop production, • livestock grazing, forestry, resources
extraction and wildlife habitat.
5. Proximity to public roads and , other public facilities.
6. Distance from airports, railroads 'and industrial uses.
7. Existing utilities and drainage facilities..
g. Potential for surface cracking, landslides •and erosion. r'
9. Effects on noise, traffic flow and safety, water quality, air quality, wildlife habitat
and general environmental quality.
10. Local desires.
11. Potential for pest insect breeding.
,T 49
Pri„ mare Uses: Single family dwellings at rural densities.
Secondary Uses: Agricultural uses, animal husbandry, home occupations, resource
extraction and processing, forestry, outdoor recreational facilities, environmental
preservation activities, airports, utilities, public and quasi -public uses, dwellings, group
quarters, care homes, and other secondary uses which are consistent with the Foothill
Area Residential designation.
Site Designation Criteria:
1. Needed for rural foothill residential development within 20 years.
2. Not important for the maintenance of commercial livestock, forestry or agricultural
industries of Butte County.
3. Located in rural foothill areas outside of the urban communities.
4. Located beyond the service areas of community water and sewer systems.
5. Having topography, slope and soil conditions conducive to foothill rural residential
development, in conformity with safety, health, and environmental requirements.
6. Adjacent or near to existing roads and public utilities.
7. Past official actions.
Intensity of Use: Minimum parcel size of one to forty acres, with the specific -density
being subject to the zoning factors and development criteria listed below.
Consistent Zones: FR -5, FR -10, FR -20, FR -40, FR -160, A-5, A-10, A-20, A-40, A-160,
AR -5, SR -5, TM -5, TM -10, TM -20, TM40, TM -160, C -F, R -C, P -Q, and PA -C (5 acre
minimum).
onditionally Consistent Zones: FR -2, AR -MH -1, AR -MH -3, SR -1, SR -3, TM -1, TM -
2, TM -2 1/2, RT -1A, P -Q, FR -5, AR -5, SR -5, TM -5, A-5, PA -C, subject to findings of
conformity with Conditional Zoning and Development criteria listed below.
Zoning Factors and Development Criteria:
1. Compatible with neighboring development activities.
2. Evidences of adequate water and sewage disposal capacity.
3. Availability of adequate fire protection facilities and law enforcement protection.
4. Adequately maintained approved road access with sufficient capacity to service
area.
5. Reasonable accessibility to commercial services and schools.
6. Slope.
7. Soil conditions and water availability.
8. Effects on adjacent uses.
9. Proximity to public roads and other public facilities and public utilities.
10. Potential for surface cracking, landslides, and erosion.
11. Effects on noise, traffic flow and safety, water quality, air quality, wildlife
habitat and general environmental quality.
12. Local desires.
50 'is
-tow DENSITY RESIDENTIAL -
Primary Uses:
Detached single. family dwellings at urban densities.
Secondary -Uses:
Agricultural uses, animal husbandry, home occupations, outdoor recreation facilities,
utilities, public and quaii-public uses, group quarters and care homes.
Site Designation Criteria: X
1. Needed for urban residential development-w�ithin 20jeirs-'
2. Adequate water,supply.
3. Sewers available nor natural conditions suitable for septic tanks.
4. Adjacent or . near to eiisting utilities, "roads 'afid' -single-family residential
development. P.
5. Good accessibili "schools, fire and other
tyJo, comniercial'-Servic6 0 r
..community Jacilities.,
Intensity of -Use:
Zoning allows net parcel sizes of one acre to 6,500 square feet. One single-family
dwelling per parcel with other residential uses limited to a. maximum d6nsity'of 6 dwelling
other ther' uses
its 'per -gross, acre., * and setbaUs
un Home occupations, farm an
regulated, to maintain single-family, rpsiilentia-lJchar'a*'cier.
gu
Consistent- Zones:
R-1, R-1 A & C, RT -1, RT -1A, ASR, NI -R, S -R, SR -5, SR -1, TM -1, R. -MH,
PA -C.
Zoning Factors:
1. ' Existing parcel sizes and residential densities.
2. Availability of sewers or suitability for septic. tanks.
3. Effects on adjacent uses, water . quality, air'qluality, noise,'iraffic flow. and safety,
and,general environmental quality.,
4. Proximity to major streeti, commercial 's'ervices' and all,'Oublic facilities.
5. Distance from airports, railroads and industrialuses:
6. Existing utilities,' walkways',and aiainage'facilit'i'es. 4 A .
7. Local desires;
s- 0' c I
Developments with densities in exce S. f 4 dwelling units per gross a ril ti izin septic
lealth Department' iiiiemi'
waste' disposal systems must meet,I artmini'v*q requirements and, be cluitered
(PA -C) or be provided withsewerservice,
--Amended by. the Hou sing Element 10-29-81
51
R
Primary Uses:
A mixture of urban residential uses, including, detached single-family homes,
condominiums, multiple -dwelling structures, mobile home parks, group quarters and care
homes.
Secondagy Uses:
Home occupations, professional and business offices, outdoor recreation facilities,
utilities,public and quasi -public uses.
Site Designation Criteria:
1. Needed for urban residential development within 20 years.
2. Adequate water supply.
3. Sewers available or natural conditions well suited to septic tanks.
4. Adjacent or near existing utilities and urban development.
5. Excellent accessibility to commercial services, schools, fire protection and other
community facilities.
Intensity of Use:
Zoning allows net parcel size of 6,500 square feet. Maximum density of 13 dwelling units
per gross acre with group quarters and care homes limited to similar densities. * Home
occupations, commercial uses, other uses and setbacks regulated to maintain residential
character.
Consistent Zones:
R-1, R-1 A& C, RT -1, ASR, S -R, SR -5, R -MH, A -R, R-2, R-3, R-4,.AR-MH, MHP,
PA -C.
oning Factors:
1. Existing parcel sizes and residential densities.
2. Method and capability of sewage disposal.
3. Effects on adjacent uses, water quality, air quality, noise, traffic flow and safety,
and general environmental quality..
4. Proximity to major streets, commercial services and all public facilities.
5. Distance from airports, railroads and industrial uses.
6. Existing utilities, walkways and drainage facilities.
7. Local desires.
* For areas dependent upon septic tank waste disposal, soil conditions and the effluent
volume based on the number of bedrooms will determine the actual number of units per
acre not to exceed 13 dwelling units per gross acre in any case.
Amended by the Housing Element 10-29-81
52
f
HIGH IDENSI'TY RESIDENTIAL
Primary Uses:
Higher -density urban residential uses, including - condominiums; multiple_dwelling
structures, mobile home parks, group quarters and care homes.
w
Secordaa Uses: r , : -
r Home occupations, professional and business, offices,. outdoor. recreation faLiIities, utilities,
public and quasi -public, uses.
SiteDesi nation Criteria:
1. Needed for higher -density urban residential,development within 20 years.
2. Within service areas of -community water, systems.
3. Sewers available or natural conditions well suited to septic tanks:'
4. Adjacent or near existing utilities and-urban.,development. -
5. Excellent accessibility to commercial: services,. schools, fire protection 'and other
community facilities. (.• , '' .- -
Intensity of Use:
Zoning allows parcel,sizes-of 6,500 square, feet.. -Maximum density of 20 dwelling units
per gross acre with group quarters and care homes limited to similar densities.`* Home
occupations, commercial uses, other uses and setbacks regulated to. maintain residential
character.* T T . ; .
Consistent Zones:
A -R AR-MHR2R-3 R-4 1�IH-P PA -C.
, ,.�, r o ,
Zoning Factors:
1. Existing parcel sizes and residential densities.
f'
2.. --Method and capability of sewage disposal. ry,;
3. Effects on adjacent uses, water quality, -, air. quality, noise; traffic, flow'and safety,
:r... ,
and general environmental quality. ;
4. Proximity to major streets, commercial services and public' facilitie"s.- "
5. Distance from airports, railroads and industrial uses.
6. Existing utilities, walkways and drainage facilities.
7. Local desires.
* For areas dependent upon septic tank waste disposal, soil conditions and the effluent
volume based on the number of bedroom will determine the actual number of units per
acre not to exceed 20 dwellings per gross acre in any case.
Amended by the Housing Element 10-29-81
0
: `- 53
Primary Uses;_
Structures and activities providing a full range of merchandise and services to the general
public.
econdary Uses:
Wholesale storage and distribution, processing and manufacturing, transient lodging,
dwellings and group quarters, home occupations, utilities, public and quasi-public uses.
Site Designation Criteria:
1. Needed for commercial development within 20 years.
2. Good road accessibility to service area or traveling public.
3. Adjacent or near utilities, walkways and commercial development.
4. Less than 20% slopes.
5. Adequate fire and police protection.
6. Adequate water supply and sewage disposal capabilities.
tensiLv of Use:
Minimum parcel sizes, dimensions and setbacks to facilitate commercial development.
Residential and industrial uses limited to minimize conflicts with commercial uses.
Consistent Zones:
C-1, C-2, C -C, H -C, N -C, PA -C, R-4, S -H.
Zoaring
Factors:
1. Existing types of commercial and non-commercial uses in area.
2. 'Traffic volumes on nearby streets.
3. Number of residents in service area.
4. Parcel sizes.
5. Effects on adjacent uses, water quality, air quality, noise, traffic flow and safety,
and general environmental quality.
6. Local desires.
54
INDUSTRIAL.
_ Prirnaa Uses:
i Processing, manufacturing;,packaging, storage and distribution of goods and commodities.
Secondary Uses:
Light commercial uses,, dwellings, utilities, public and quasi -public uses.
r Site" Designation Criteria:.
1. .Needed,for industrial development within 20 years:
I 2. Adequate water supply and sewage kdisposal capabilities.' �!
3. Adjacent or near utilities and industrial development.
4: itAdjacent+or near arterial roads, -railroads or major airports.
lry 5. Less than 20% slopes.
r6. Adequate fire and police protection:}
.7. , 3 Not immediately adjacent to residential uses.
Interisity of Use:
Minimum parcel sizes, dimensions and setbacks to facilitate intense ''industrial
development. Residential and light commercial uses limited to minimize conflicts with
.induustrial uses:
'c •" 4 '�.1 � rl .'HJT +I ♦ ... - • ..., ...1
CoresWent Zones:
M-1, M-2.
Zoning factors: ..li .
1. Existing types of industrial use in area.
2. Parcel sizes.'
3. Effects on adjacent uses, water quality, air quality, noise, traffic flow and safety,
and general environmental quality.
4. Local desires.
h
f
/
s" 55
To identify existing solid waste facilities including landfills, dumps, and solid waste
transfer stations, expansion areas and to reserve future sites.
A potential site for a solid waste facility or site expansion may be designated on the land
use snap only when land uses authorized in the applicable city or County General Plan
adjacent to or near the site expansion or potential site are compatible with the
establishment or expansion of the site are compatible with the establishment or expansion
of the site for a solid waste facility.
The solid waste management designation shall preempt the property from being
concurrently used for residential purposes.
When a property is designated solid waste management facility, the underlying General
Plan designation shall be retained' to show the planned future land use.
The solid waste management designation shall be retained on the property until one of
the two following conditions are met:
1. The site has been closed and fully reclaimed to Solid Waste Management Board,
Regional Water Quality Control, and other regulatory agency standards; or
2. The site was a designated expansion area or reserved site never utilized, and
determined to be inconsistent with surrounding land uses or the Butte County
Solid Waste Management Plan.
Adopted: 11/19/85
Resolution: 85-191
56
PUBLIC.
Primary Uses.•
Large facilities owned and ,operated by government, agencies, including schools, colleges,
airports, dams and reservoirs; -disposal sites, recreation, facilities, conservation areas, fire
stations' -and other government buildings and •property's. -
- Secondary Uses: r.
Hospitals and'other- large. quasi -public uses, housing for stridents oc.on-site employees,
utilities.
Site Desiinmation Criteria: .
1. Needed -for public.use within 20 years.. +
2. Adequateutilities, water supply and, sewage: disposal capabilities.;
3. • -Suitable, location and road access for type of use.;.
4. : Adequate police and fire -protection., -
J.
5. Sufficient space for future expansion.
Intensity of Use: a
No standards, except where necessary to protect adjacent uses and public welfare.
Consistent Zones:
P -Q and any zone which; allows proposed use and public and quasi -public uses.
Zoning Factors: _ ~
1. Size of parcel and proposed use.
2. Permanency of facility., .
3. Protection of surrounding residences and other uses.
4. Suitability, of site for proposed use.
•5. Effects on water quality, air quality, noise, traffic flow and- safety; and general
environmental,quality.`-
6. Local desires.
4' • 57
,f
V. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
A. I nd Use Plan Maus
1. SCALE T 1R a u� � °g'BBPR, .TATION- The comprehensive land use map for Butte
County is essentially one official map. The land use element "map", however,
consists of a single over-all map of Butte County which depicts the land use
designations in the rural areas of the county. Separate land use maps are provided
for each of the areas around the five incorporated areas. In addition, the county
is divided into planning areas (based on census tracts). The designated land uses
for these areas are displayed on maps having a larger scale than the over-all
county comprehensive land use map. The purpose is to provide greater detail for
the urban and community areas. 'The small communities in the county will have
maps of larger scale and detail taken for these areas. As each planning area map
is amended and adopted, the detail of land uses for these areas will be found on
their respective land use plan map. Ultimately, these planning area maps with
greater data will be used in conjunction with the more generalized map.
The Government Code recognizes the general plan as consisting of a diagram or
map in addition to a text which sets forth policies and standards for development.
'Section 65302 reads:
"The general plan shall consist of a statement of development policies and
shall include a diagram or diagram and text setting forth objectives,
principles, standards, and plan proposals."
The text defines guidelines for development and establishes the framework for
making judgments and decisions on land use and planning concerns.
When this general plan is reviewed as to consistency with any project, reliance for
any finding of consistency or inconsistency shall not be solely based on the land
use map.
As an example, Government Code 65860 defines the requirement of consistency
as regards rezoning as:
"The various land uses authorized by the ordinance are compatible with the
objectives, policies, general land uses, and programs specified in such a
plan."
Government Code 66473.5 dealing with subdivision, in defining consistency, states:
"A proposed subdivision shall be consistent with a general plan or a specific
plan only if the local agency has officially adopted such a plan and the
proposed subdivision or land use is compatible with the objectives, policies,
general land uses and programs."
58 ;eye
Government Code 65402 requires ;that prior to acquisition or disposition of
property that such proposed action be'reviewed'as to "conformity" with the general
plan.
Thus, it is readily apparent that. the 'required consistency finding for either a
subdivision or zoning may not be based solely on a map determination, but rather
upon the objectives, policies, general land uses and programs'specified in the
entire general plan.
Due to their "general" and long-term nature, land use plan maps do not need, nor
ordinarily show, precise locations and definite boundaries. 'For this reason, land
use plan maps do not operate as, or in the place of, zoning maps.
a Implementation: ,
a. Land use plan maps shall have an appropriate `scale`'as determined by the
Planning Director (generally 1" = 4 miles for the over-all maps, 1" = 2,000
feet for urban and planning areas and 1" = 400 or 800 feet fo'r special
circumstances). `-
b. - the, -decision-making agency .shall decide which land use category is "the
more appropriate where "development sites are+split by or adjacent to
indefinite category boundaries not *fol lowing known ;physicaf feature or,
Property lines.
C. Proposed uses that ' would•',be inconsistent with ' the land use plan map
designations, but are surrounded by the contiguous io similar existing uses
shall be considered consistent with the land use plan map.
s 2. MAP REVISION:; Butte County adopted its first' land use plan map in 1966. A
new comprehensive land use map was adopted with the'19711and use element.
For the reader and decision -maker to really understand proposedland use patterns
land use plan maps show whole 'communities, whether .they are small rural
residential communities or complex urban areas. Focusing"on an entire community
area facilitates understanding existing growth trends' future growth estimates and
allocating sufficient land. A community wide focus during the development of plan
maps similarly builds community identity and pride and engenders a wide base of
public support for planning proposals.
The designation 'of land from one, category to another `requires considerable
j research and analysis. Both determining the relevancy of each'adopted policy and
choosing a category requires evaluation of a variety of specific data such as existing
development, natural resources, soil conditions, utilities and growth trends. Only
' when this information is presented in a complete and well -organized fashion is the
public able to participate effectively and the County prepared' to'iender reasonable
decisions.
Implementation:
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M
a. Planning staff shall prepare and the Commission shall adopt land use plan
map boundaries for each community or area of the county.
b. Before holding public hearings; planning staff shall prepare and present a
comprehensive report of all relevant policies and environmental
considerations.
C. The County shall seek wide public participation before and during
consideration of map amendments through the use of public meetings, local
groups, questionnaires and other methods and notification of affected
property owners.
d. Before approving land use plan map amendments, the Commission and
Board shall each hold at least one public hearing after notifying all affected
property owners.
1. Consistency: The zoning ordinance is a set of districts with different regulations
on permitted uses, residential densities, lot sizes, signs, parking, and the intensity
and placement of structures. The written text of the ordinance must be
accompanied by maps dividing the entire jurisdiction into zoning districts. The
immediate effect, detailed regulations and precise boundaries of the zoning
ordinance make it the most effective tool available for controlling physical
development according to County policies.
State law had always recommended zoning to reflect adopted general plans, but
it was not until 1974 that local zoning ordinances and general plans were required
to be consistent. The remaining inconsistencies between the County zoning
ordinance and the land use plan map reflects several distinct types of planning
problems:
a. Portions of the County are still included in the "A-2" and "A-2 Limited"
zoning districts which allow all uses, though some require a conditional use
permit. These two general zones do not reflect either the text or maps of
the General Plan and thus have not been listed as "Consistent Zones" for
any of the land use categories described above.
b. This new text was made imperative because of the difficulties of trying to
use the 1971 land use element as a guide in securing consistent zoning and
in initiating land use map amendments. It is believed that zoning
consistency in many areas will be greatly improved by the clarification of
policies and standards and by future map amendments reflecting current
data and complete site evaluation.
C. There are a number of minor inconsistencies between existing zones and
the existing land use categories which could be remedied through rather
60
simple changes in the zoning regulations. A few obvious examples would
be; deleting intense residential uses from the list of conditional uses in the
"A -R" and "T -M" zones; requiring use permits for residential uses in the
commercial zones; increasing the minimum lot sizes of the "S -H" and "M-
R" zones; and setting maximum densities for the "R-2", "R-3" and "R-4"
zones.
It is important to note that urban categories (Residential, Commercial and
Industrial) require zoning which allows urban uses and densities immediately. The
greater range of consistent zoning classifications allowed in the rural categories
(Orchard and Field Crops, Grazing and Open Land, Timber -Mountain and Rural
Residential), places more attention and emphasis on zoning to determine densities.
Implementation:
a. The County shall eliminate the "A-2" and "A-2 Limited" zones through the
rezoning of such areas to more consistent classifications as soon as practical.
b. The zoning ordinance shall be reviewed and amended as necessary to
consistently reflect the policies and standards of this element.
2. INI'T'IATION OF REZONING: The zoning ordinance allows changes in zoning
district boundaries only when requested by the Planning Commission, by the Board
of Supervisors or by a petition of the owners of at least 60% of the property to be
rezoned. Until recent years most rezonings were initiated formally or informally
by the property owners affected. Since legal consistency with the General Plan has
become an issue, several large rezonings of valley agricultural land have been
initiated by the County Planning Commission. Developing and initiating consistent
zoning proposals concurrently with land use plan map changes improves public
participation, clarifies consistency relationships and integrates the environmental
review process. Indeed, state law requires that consistent zoning be adopted within
a reasonable time after a general plan change.
a. Planning Staff shall review consistency of zoning proposals with private
applicants at the time of application and with the Planning Commission
before initiation of rezoning.
b. The County shall establish precise zoning of all unincorporated areas
consistent with the proposals of this element.
c. All land use plan map changes should be immediately followed by
consistent rezoning.
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C. DEVE�MENT ulpxnEW
1, USE PEg MIT AND VARIANCES: In most of the County's zoning classifications,
a use permit is required for some uses which might be incompatible or
objectionable to the other permitted uses. These uses are also called "conditional"
uses because the approval of a use permit may be conditioned upon specific
requirements for hours of operation, fencing, parking, building size and location,
dedication, street improvements, drainage facilities, and other conditions
reasonably related to the proposed use. A use permit is also required when a
legal nonconforming use is changed to a more restrictive use or a use of the same
nature. Applications for use permits are presently administered by the Planning
Commission, although the law allows this function to also be performed by either
a zoning administrator or other special committee appointed by the Board of
Supervisors.
According to the County's zoning ordinance, the Planning Commission may grant
use permits when it finds that the proposed use will not impair the integrity or
character of the zone, will not be unreasonably incompatible with or injurious to
surrounding properties, and will not be detrimental to the health, welfare and
safety of the County and people living or working nearby.
The Planning Commission also reviews applications for variances to zoning
requirements for lot size and dimensions and building setbacks. According to state
law, variances can be granted only when the requirements would deprive the
property of privileges enjoyed by nearby property in the same zone, and when
approval of a variance will not constitute a special privilege or permit an
unauthorized type of use. like use permits, variances can be subject to reasonable
conditions and are not now required to be consistent with the General Plan.
Implementation:
a. Conditions for approval of use permits and variances should serve to
maintain primary uses in the area or to allow a continuation of a legal
nonconforming use.
2. SUBDIVISIONS AND LAND DIVISIONS• The details of the ultimate
arrangement of individual land uses are largely controlled by regulations on the
subdivision of land. Butte County's subdivision ordinance was first adopted in
1949, 5 years before the zoning ordinance and has been revised many times since.
The stated purposes of the ordinance are to insure the orderly development of
land to implement state subdivision laws and to:
"...effectuate the General Plan, specific plans and adopted community plans
of the County relative to the subdivision of land."
The review and approval of subdivisions per ordinance requirements was
performed by the Planning Commission until 1976 but, now is administered by a
committee of County staff members. This "Advisory Agency" is required to review
a report from the planning director on the relationship of each proposed
62
t,
subdivision to the.State Map.,Act, the County's subdivision ordinance;'the zoning
ordinance, other ordinances, the General Plan,'specific plans and community plans.
If they determine an application is inconsistent with the general'plan or any other
applicable plans adopted by the Board of Supervisors, the Advisory Agency must
disapprove the project. ' f '•
....The subdivision± ordinance sets design standards not only for lot dimensions and
configuration, but also for the locations, widths, alignments, grades and surfacing
of new streets; for the improvement of existirig'rights-of-way; for the installation
of curbs, gutters; sidewalks, fire hydrants, private, utilities, sewers and drainage
facilities; for dedication of park land; and for any other aspect of the entire
subdivision ,"as may be necessary - or convenient to insure conformity to or
�- implementation of the General Plan or ari adopted,specific plan of the County".
Land use plans, zoning regulations and community preferences are now considered
in improvement requirements only as 'far as they influence' the above size and
location of lots. The lack of specific community plans for streets, parks and
• drainage facilities has often delayed or prevented installation or dedication.
Implementation: ,
a. t Consistency. with.. the provisions of , this element shall ; be' a condition of
approval of all proposed divisions of real property reviewed by the County.
b. Subdividers shall be required to meet, all design standards necessary to
implement this element and.provide improvements made necessary by their
project.
r
C. Land. use + designations, zoning classifications,. street' functions, and
community preferences shall be considered in the development of
improvement standards.
;d.
e.
. • -r s,
The County shall prepare' `street and drainage plans' for areas which are
designated for urban uses on land use plan map's:
The County shall work with local recreation agencies to properly amend the
Recreation Element of the General Plan so as to permit'dedication of land
ffor park purposes. ,_+ ;
3. FNVIRiJNMENTAL REVIEW -The California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) was passed in 1970 to ensure that government agencies give adequate
consideration to possible environmental effects in their, review and approval of
construction activities and development" projects'. "Since 1973 the county has
fulfilled CEQA provisions by requiring environmental review for public facilities,
general plan changes, rezonings, use permit's; variances; subdivisions, land divisions,
annexations. and other type's of development' projects. Projects are reviewed
r through an initial study to determine. possible effects on the .environment. The
initial study must specifically, determ&.if the proposal will result in significant
4 xi alteration of the planried larid' use of an area or is in significant conflict with
established uses. If a substantial adverse environmental impact is identified, then
63
an Environmental Impact Report is prepared which describes all significant effects,
especially those which are unavoidable, irreversible, cumulative, controversial or
growth -inducing.
Implementation:
a. The County's environmental review process shall consider the concerns of
all policies of the entire general plan and possible effects on all existing and
planned land uses.
lid
1. CITY PLANNING ACTIVITIES: The four cities in Butte County have much the
same planning and zoning powers as the County, including developing general
plans for areas beyond their jurisdiction boundaries if the need is apparent. The
actual enforcement of zoning and subdivision regulations, however, is limited to
areas within current boundaries of each respective jurisdiction. Consequently,
neither the County or cities maintain absolute authority to implement their
general plans throughout their planning areas. The obvious need for city -county
cooperation in the development and implementation of plans is made even more
apparent by the fact that almost one-third of Butte County's residents now reside
within city boundaries, another third live in adjacent urban areas, and another 20%
live in a community with growing support for incorporation.
The Government Code provides several mechanisms for coordinating the plans of
cities and counties. Both are required to seek comments from the other when
considering general plan amendments and consult with public agencies generally
to secure maximum coordination of plans. Planning law also allows the cities to
adopt applicable portions of the County General Plan and the County to adopt city
general plans.
Since the county currently controls development in areas which may eventually lie
within city boundaries, cities which are contemplating future expansion can
significantly benefit from the coordination of city and county planning activities.
Their concern in this regard is often focused on differences in zoning regulations
and especially on city -county variations in standards for the design and
improvement of subdivisions near city boundaries. The acute need for frequent
city -county consultation during the implementation process can be filled only by
the establishment of regular procedures for review of proposed rezoning and
development in these fringe areas.
In the Spirit of Cooperation:'.
a. The County will review development policies and proposals for both County
and city general plans with the incorporated cities.
b. County planning staff shall review all city planning agendas and request
consideration of County plans where necessary.
IN
c. :All ;proposed,. zoning activities and 'development projects 'within a city's
general plan .area shall be referred to the city for reVeewl and comment.
d. County subd'avisioh standards' shall' consider city standards in areas.
designated for urban development on both city and county general plans.
+
CITY -AND DTS:' I QQ NDAP.IES_, .Development of urban character and
;densities a asually.requiies d6mestic water and sewer'systems and -a variety of other
services provided prirziarily ley C.R.Ris, special districts'and Co -unity service areas.
Since 1963, all formations, annexations, mergers;-detaclimerits` or dissolution of
,local government .agencies in ,California must be reviewed by a Local Agency
Formation Commission (IAFC1®),in :each `county. 'To 'meet its responsibilities to
discourage urban sprawl arid encourage the orderly formation and development of
local government agencies, each I.AFCO is. required to "review and approve or
disapprove, with or without amendments,-wliolly,`partially', or conditionally all
proposals for boundary changes.
The general principles adopted ,by ti e_ Butte Couhty LAFCO establish policies on
intergovernmentai cooperation; ' on,.' preferred'service 'pri'orities; " annexation of
islands, - strips; _streets and ,valuable properties, and on' the 'preservation of
established agricultural and open space arenas. The LAFCO criteria for evaluating
annexations requires'considerati®n of:adopted city'and •county general plans, needs
for services, the respective agency�s ;capabilities: and reasonable' alternatives.
The -1971 LAFCOs were'given the responsibility
.for developirDg projected ultimate
service area boundaries for, each gov ernment agency. 'rhes' "spheres of influence"
are to guide LAFCO decisions on specific 'proposals, as well -as promote
cooperative intergovernmental planning of services. Butte County Ii :AFCO adopts
spheres or long. range service plans for+ all the cities and districts ifi the County,
1tak.ing into account. existing boundai�ies;rtatural and -inanr►7ade features, service
,capabilities and theprobable future service' needs of the area• based on growth
trends, population projections and the Butte County General Plan acid appropriate
City General, Plan.
Implementation:
a. The County shall ensure adequate consideration of the provisions of the
f . General Plan,in LAFCO review of all proposed boundary changes.
b. Planning Commission and staff 'shall work' with LAFCO to develop
mutually -supportive spheres of influence and land use plans in all areas of
the County.
3. OTHER GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS, Through four separate actions in 1971,
1973, 1974, and 1977, the County has adopted Ahe, nine required general plan
elements (See "Introduction" for details). At this writing, the Housing and Public
Facilities elements are also b'eing updated. "Because all the elements are
concerned with the -future development -®f the same area; they are interdependent
and should logically be consistent with each other. To this end, the development
4 65
of this element has taken into account the information and policies of the other
adopted elements, especially the four new elements added in 1977. All future
revisions of this element or any other will require a detailed review of other
elements to find and change conflicting policy statements on the same subject.
Implementation:
a. Future revisions in this text and future revisions of land use plan map
amendments shall correlated with stated concerns and policies in all
adopted elements.
b. The County shall review and amend, if necessary, the other general plan
elements to minimize conflicts with the provisions of the land use element.
4.
B C A G AIR QUALITY IMPLEMENTATION 1!LA1�L:
Pursuant to the Federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977, the State Air
Resources Board identified Butte County and the entire Sacramento Valley as not
having attained national ambient air quality standards for several types of
pollutants. In response to this designation and the Federal mandate to achieve
attainment, the Butte County Association of Governments agreed to become the
lead agency responsible for preparing an implementation plan for attainment of
national ambient air quality standards by December 31, 1982, or, given special
circumstances, December 31, 1987. The plan must describe pollutant sources and
emissions, require certain permits, contain emission limitations, implement control
measures, and commit the necessary resources.
The ability to minimize air pollution from moving vehicles will be critical to
achieving air quality standards in the county and makes transportation and land
use planning very important considerations. The efficiency of transportation
systems, the distribution and density of county residents and the proximity of
homes to employment and services will all have a long-term affect on air quality.
Air pollution control measures may also affect the location and extent of industry
and other stationary sources.
Implementation:
a. The County shall evaluate potential impacts on air quality in the
development of land use plans.
b. The County shall ensure adequate consideration of its adopted General
Plan policies in the development of the Air Quality Implementation Plan
by the Butte County Association of Governments.
CAPITAL IMPROVEME PROGRAM:
The Government Code c66 ins very specific provisions for Planning Commission
review of all public facilities projects.
66
c . J r
Section 65401 requires each.city, special -district, school district, board, commission
and county department to submit th`e County a list of the..public works projects
proposed for planning initiation or construction during the'ensuing fiscal year. An
official agency designated by the Board must classify all proposals, prepare a
:.. coordinated program, of public 'Works for• the next fiscal. year, and' submit the
piogram to the, County Planning.Cominission for their review and report as to
conformity with the adopted general plan., Section 65402 also stipulates that no
property shall be acquired.for public purposes, no public'property disposed of, no
streets,'aband®ned, and. no public structures constructed or authorized until the
Planning Commission has reviewed the project for conformity .with the General
F 'Plan. ; _ .,
In .1976 the Board moved to implement Section 65401 by'designating the County
i- Ddpartment of Public Works as•the official agency to receive proposals and submit
.•.a coordinated program or public works to,the- Commission.,The'Board resolution
t' ,also established annual deadline;,for 'submission'of projects by local- government
_--agencies, ,,program preparation by Public Works, and the Planning Commission
review -and report as well as requiring Public Works to transmit the Commission's
determinations to the Board or project -sponsoring agency: This review procedure
has not t:been, consistently followed since its initiation, largely^ because public
agencies have not been submitting ,descriltions of proposed projects' to Public
Works.
The` magnitude of expenditures, ,theS;permanence' of public facilities and their
significant effects on land use planning` demonstrate the need for'augmenting year-
a'•to-year approach , of p.Governm'ent Code requirements withi longer -range
programming of public works projects. _Development of a capital improvements
program similar to those of other California jurisdictions would facilitate sound
fiscal management and the implementation of the County's _adopted policies on
future development. The program would describe all desired'peojects, estimate the
-priority and•cost,of each,project, and, formulate .a schedule, for construction and
financing based upon,forecasts of future revenues and'expenditure capabilities.
By planning.public facilities in 4hi's fashion'projects can be scheduled when most
needed, funds can be accumulated forlarge projects' and interested agencies and
the general public will know about projects in advance of construction:
:+ Implementation: ,
a. .County staff shall notify all local public, agencies. �of the Government -Code
-.requirements for review of l ublic works projects and solicit their assistance
and timely _submittal` of proposed -projects.
b. The official agency designated by the Boacd of Supervisors shall'prepare a
coordinated program of all public works projects proposed for the ensuing
fiscal year and shall submit `the program to the Planning Commission for
+, Their ,review of its conforniity,. with the General Plan.
i
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C. The County shall prepare, adopt and maintain a 5 -yeas capital
improvements expenditures program which takes into account the provisions
of the General Plan.
�j���� "�rT•, wT T 'IZtANS ORTATION PLA&*
Following the enactment of the Transportation Development Act of 1971 (SB 325),
the Butte County Association of Governments was designated by the California
Business and Transportation Agency as the Regional Transportation Planning
Agency charged with the responsibility of preparing and adopting Transportation
Plan for the Butte County Region and administering the Local Transportation
ion Plan is directed to the achievement of
Fund. The Regional Transportat
coordinated and balanced regional transportation systems that are consistent with
the regional needs and goals.
In 1975 BCAG adopted a Regional Transportation Plan for Butte County and
submitted the document to the California Department of Transportation for
incorporation into the California Transportation Plan. This same plan was
subsequently readopted and resubmitted in 1976 and 1977 and is undergoing a
major revision at this time.
The goals of the adopted plan are to develop a transportation system which
satisfies the reasonable needs for movement of people and commodities via all
roads, rail, air and all other transportation modes. It is also intended that the
system "supports the physical development, urban growth and land use patterns
proposed by regional and local planning bodies". Though the Regional
Transportation Plan is closely related to general plan concerns and even duplicates
the focus of the Circulation Element, there is no requirement for Planning
Commission approval.
j�p1ementation• �.ri
a. The County shall ensur "4dequate consideration of its Land Use policies
and plans in the development of the Regional
Transportation Plan by the Butte County Association of Governments.
E. REVIEW AND AMLT
1. TEXT REVISION: As the legal significance and practical application of the
General Plan has increased, it has become much more important to maintain an
up-to-date document accurately reflecting current policies. Consequently, the
Government Code now requires the Planning Commission to file an annual report
with both the Board of Supervisors and the State Office of Planning and Research
on the status of the plan, the progress in its implementation and its compliance
with General Plan guidelines.
Evaluation of the policies and standards in this text will continue after adoption
as a natural part of the day-to-day interpretation and application of its provisions
68
T
by staff and decision makers. It is•likely,that changing conditions and experience
in policy implementation will uncover a number .od adopted policies requiring
modification and the need for written policies on additional subjects. Because the
provisions of the General Plan ai•e designed for application to the,'development, of
the entire County, text amendments require careful consideration`by the
Commission and Board of all possible implications.
r+ V
Implementation:
a. The County will consider all suggestions for need,.changes in the General
4a. Plan and shall initiate formal approval proceedings'.on,proposals it deems
worthy of'ffuhher consideration."
Tbh annual report`required by Government Code Sections 34217 and 65400
shall be prepared by staff and `submitted to the Planning1Commission and
Board of Supervisors.
2. ' "MAP Rb9SION: County regulations n4i, allow revisions in the land. use plan
maps to be initiated by the County or private partiesat any time"with applications
and fees similar to rezoning.. California planning law somewhat restricts the
' revision process by .permitting' the • actual adoption off'` amendments to any
mandatory element no more -than three times per calendar year. However,since
the , Board is free to accumulate' numerous' revisions for adoption on each
amendment" date, this 'restriction may result Zin -oi ly a • short' delay for some
amendments..
' IrnplemeWtatidi :
a.. Subsequent to the revision and adoption of a land use,plan map for each
community area, the County will consider formal applications for changes
from• one -land use category .to another• de§ignati6n on the land use plan
maps.
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I
VI. CHIC® AREA GREENLINE
In addition to the other policies of the Butte County General Plan, the following policy
is applicable to the Chico Area Land Use Plan:
The purposes of this policy are:
a. To define the limits of future urban development which may occur on
agricultural lands in the Chico Area of Butte County.
b. To provide for the long-term protection of agricultural resources of the
Chico Area of Butte County.
C. . To mitigate the threat to agricultural resources posed by urban
encroachment into and conversion of agricultural lands in the Chico Area
of Butte County.
d. To reduce agricultural/urban conflicts in the Chico Area of Butte County.
e. To establish County cooperation with the City of Chico in land use planning
of urban and agricultural lands located in the Chico Area of Butte County.
f: To identify urban development limits in or near agricultural lands within
the County's Chico Area Land Use Plan by use of a certain bold dashed
boundary line.
g. To establish.a certain and clear policy text for Butte County's Chico Area
Land Use Element which will enhance and uphold the aforementioned
boundary line and policy text.
h. To establish certain land use designations for the Chico Area of Butte
County in conformity with the aforementioned boundary line and policy
text.
MINEFUMN
The Board of Supervisors of Butte County hereby find and determine that:
70
a. Butte County possesses valuable agricultural lands with prime and non-
prime soils and one of the finest growing climates in the world.
b. Agriculture and its related businesses are critical to Butte County's
economic stability. Inappropriately placed urban development in the Chico
Area of Butte County {threatens the ° continued• economic viability and
cultivation practices of commercial agriculture in the Chico Area.
c. !fit present, the Chico Areas of Butts County is substantially surrounded by
agricultural lands: on its northwestern, western; a.nd southwestern borders.
These agricultural. lands playa vital. role, iii the overall economic vitality of
Butte County and must be conserved.
d. The Chico Area of Butte County has experienced the, continued conversion
of valuable agricultural lands to urban and, suburban;development. Unless
the band Use Element of the Butte'County General:Plan, as it pertains to
the Chico Area, is amended" toy inclaide - an urbari limit line and . a clear
_ policy text, dt is likely that the, Chico Area of Butte County will continue to
,14,,. experience such coriver'sion in the future; with significant'adverse effects on
the viability of agricultural uses'in the Chico area., -
�e. .1t is critically important to the `citizens`6f Butte County -that the Chico Area
-Greenline be establis6d"in order to - conserve agricultural lands and to
ensure that the agricultural viability of'agricultiiral lands in the Chico Area
is not permanently destroyed by premature and inappropriate conversion
to non-agricultural uses.
•f. The population of the`Chico Area of Butte County will continue to grow.
The City of ChicoGeneral Planestimates aniarban area, population range
of from 56,500 to 71,100 individuals by the year 1995, which will result in
urbanization of -up to 1,600 acres in the Chico area. 'There exist in the
Chico Area of.Butte County productive agricultural soils already "committed
to future urbanand suburban,development, as well as 7less productive soils
capable of supporting future urban and suburban development: Such less
productive soils are generally located easterly of the! urban limit line
established by this ordinance. Unless an urban limit line is established to
,:protect uncomrhitted' productive agriculturaVlands imthe Chico Area of
.Butte,County, ;it is,likely, based upon historical tse`nds; that future. urban
and suburban .growth will not: be directed towards those lands which are
L already committed to or capable of supporting,ucban and suburban land
{ use.
9-1 -It is the desire of the people of Butte County that future urban land
development required'to accommodate planned' -population growth in the
_ Chico Area shall be directed and accommodated on the Urban Side of the
Chico Area .Greenline.. Such' direction and accommodation of urban land
development' is hereby declared" to be"an `essential component of the
conservation of agricultural uses on _the. Agricultural Side of Chico Area
Greentine. It is further ' the desire. of, the people of Butte County that
public officials of the County of Butte cooperate with -public officials of the
City of Chico in order that this policy's purposes of accommodating planned
71
population growth and of conserving agricultural lands in the Chico Area
are carried out.
Nothing herein is intended to relieve the proponents of future urban land
developments in the Chico Area of all proper and reasonable assessments, fees or
charges required in order to fund the cost of providing public services to such
urban land developments or the residents thereof.
For purposes of this policy, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings
respectively ascribed to them by this section:
a. "Chico Area" means that geographic area shown on the Chico Area Land
Use Plan Map, a part of the Butte County Land Use Element.
b. "Official Chico Area Greenline Maps" means the Chico Area Land use
Plan and that large scale map certified by the Planning Director and on file
in the Planning Department office located at 7 County Center Drive,
Oroville, California.
C. "Chico Area Greenline" means the boundary line established by this policy
and delineated on the Official Chico Area Greenline Map which line
separates urban/suburban land uses from agricultural land uses in the Chico
Area.
d. "Butte County Land Use Element" shall refer to the Butte County General
Plan Land Use Element, which element was adopted by the Butte County
Board of Supervisors on October 30, 1979, and as amended from time to
time.
e. "Agricultural" land use designation and "Agricultural Uses" mean the
"Primary Uses" and` the "Secondary Uses" set forth in the "Orchard and
Field Crops" land use designation of the Butte County Land Use Element
as it existed on March 1, 1982, and as amended from time to time.
L' "Agricultural Residential" land use designation means the "Agricultural
Residential" land use designation of the Butte County Land Use Element
as it existed on March 1, 1982, and as amended from time to time.
g. "Urban/Suburban Land Uses" means all lawful uses of land (including
agricultural and agricultural residential land uses).
h. "Agricultural Side of the Chico Area Greenline" shall refer to lands within
the Chico Area which are located westerly of the Chico Area Greenline.
72
"Urban Side of the Chico Area Greenline' - shall refer to -lands within the
Chico Area which are located easterly of the Chico°Area Greenline.
D.' ES'I`ABLISHIMtENT OECHICO AREA GREEN) INE
'The General Plan of the County of Butte is hereby aa�iended as follows:
a. There` is"hereby established the-Chico'Area Greenline=which shall "be
located as shown on the Official Chico Area Greenline Map. The Official
Chico -Area Gseenline 1VIap` is incorporated into' this policy by ' this
reffererice. - ~ . . ,
if
b. Shoulda dispute arise or ambiguity appear'as to the''exact location of the
Chico Area Greet -dine, the following rules shall be applied in determining
the exact location of such line: „
i L The Gr`eeraline shall be identified in the Chico Area Land Use Plan
with a boWdash line as shown`on the Chico'Area Land Use flan
Map. The Greenline is specific; large scale maps certified by the
Planning Directorshall be 'C'0 nsulted in the' event of a dispute.
2. Where the Greenline is indicated as approximately following street,
alley, railroad right-of-way, creels or channel lines; the centerline of
such street, alley, railroad right-of-way, creek or channel lines shall
be construed to be the location of the Greenline..
3. Where the Greenline is indicated as approximately following a lot
- line, such lot line, shall,,be construed to 'be'the location of the
4. With respect to property that is -not subdivided, and where the Chico
Area Greenline bisects a lot or parcel, the location of the G-reenline,
unless the'sarne is indicated by dimensions shown upon the Official
„ . Chico Area Greenline Map, shall be determined by the use of the
scale appearing, ori, the Official_Chico`Area Greenline Map.
C. .The Chico Area. Greenline shall constitute the boundary between the
"Urban -Side of the Chico Area Greenline' and."A.gricultural Side of the
Chico Area Greenline".
d. Agricultural Residential land uses may occur on the Agricultural Side of the
Chico Area Greenline only within those areas designated for Agricultural
Residential use on' the `Official Chico Area Greenline Map.
e. Except as provided for in subsection (d), of this section, all land use on the
Agricultural Side of the Chico Area Greeriline`shall consist solely of
73
Agricultural land uses as provided by the Orchard and Field Crop
designation.
L Land uses on the Urban Side of the Chico Area Greenline shall be guided
by the policies of the Land Use Element and the applicable urban land use
designation as contained in the Land Use Element.
In order to minimize or eliminate the adverse effects which premature and inappropriate
conversion to urban/suburban land uses are likely to cause to the agricultural lands in the
Chico Area of Butte County, the following policies are hereby adopted as part of the
Land Use Element of the Butte County General Plan, applicable to the Chico Area of
Butte County:
a. It shall be the policy of Butte County to conserve and protect for
Agricultural Use the lands in the Chico Area that are situated on the
Agricultural Side of the Chico Area Greenline.
b. It shall be the policy of Butte County to accommodate future
urban/suburban growth that occurs in the Chico Area of Butte County on
lands situated in the Urban Side of Chico Area Greenline.
a. In order to carry out the purposes of this policy, properties located on the
Agricultural Side of the Chico Area Greenline shall subsequently be zoned
or rezoned in accordance with this policy as follows:
1. All areas which are zoned A-5, A-10 on the effective date of this
policy are deemed consistent with this policy.
2. All areas which are shown as Agricultural Residential on the Chico
Area Greenline Map shall hereafter be rezoned to a consistent zone
or a conditionally consistent zone, as the same were listed as of
March 1, 1982, in the Agricultural Residential Land Use Designation
of the Butte County General Plan. Rezoning shall be accomplished
by the Butte County Bid of Supervisors in the manner prescribed
by law.
3. After the effective date' of this policy, except as specified in this
subsection (a), no property on the Agricultural Side of the Chico
Area Greenline shall be rezoned to an A-2, A-5, A-10 zoning district
classification.
74
H.
4. All lands located on the Agricultural side of the Chico Area
• Greenline that are not affected by the.above (a) -shall -hereafter be
zoned or rezoned, consistent with this policy. Such zoning"or`"
rezoning shall be done by the Butte County Board- of Supervisors
through. the exercise of its discretion and in the manner prescribed
' by law.
b. All4eferences to A-2, A-5, A40, A-20,• A=40,- and A-160 zoning districts, as
"well, as references to the consistent and conditionally consistent designations
applicable to the, Agricultural Residential .land Use Designation; -shall be
deemed to mean those same zoning district designations and"terrns as
'defined in Chapter 24 of the Butte County' Code as the same read on
March 1, 1982 and • as amended from ;time to time.
C. Any existing legal lot of record located on the Agricultural Side of the
Chico -Area Greenline which, as a result of the adoption of this policy, does
not ' conform with the minimum size; required by, the zoning district
designation assigned by this policy shall be a nonconforming* lot and shall
be entitled to the benefits and the restrictions of nonconforming lots as
established by law. Y i' �: ;� f. `... _
r t i. •' •. t3 .. t,r
d. Nothing -contained in this policy shall be deemed to prohibit`the.application
of -the agricultural' nuisance ordinance ($utte County Ordinance Number
2238) or the agricultural segregation, or'dinance (Sections 24-54 acid 24-55
Chapter 24; -of the Butte County. I3oe), .as the same may now exist or
hereafter be amended. '
ZONING CONSIS'T'ENCY AND TIMING.t , :• r
1. The Chico Area Land Use Plan establishes land use desigriations,.which
depict desirable future land use patterns. State law requires consistency'
between general planpolicies and zoning.:.In order�to encourage an orderly
transition of land use from the existing to the, desired, pattern, the' County
shall undertake to rezone those lands consistently with the Chico Area Land
Use Plan. Zoning in these areas shall be upgraded through time with a
commensurate showing of need,' adequate,. services,'. drainage?, etc. as
= provided for in the Butte County Land Use Element. Zoning in these areas
to less than the maximum provided for in the Plan's .designations shall be
considered consistent with the Butte County's General Plan by" virtue of
policies directed at Orderly Development (page, 29), , and Residential
Development (pages 33). Priority shall -,be given ,to_ those areas with
infrastructure capacity... r- :, _• ,
75
J
The above Greenline policy may be amended as follows:
1. By a majority vote of the Butte County Board of Supervisors provided,
however, that if any such amendment involves a change in the location of
the Chico Area Greenline, that the Board of Supervisors shall approve such
amendment only after the adoption of written findings of fact, supported
by substantial evidence in the public record, showing.
a. That the public benefits of converting the agricultural land to urban
land substantially outweigh the public 'benefits of continued
agricultural production; and
b. There are no other urban or suburban lands reasonably available
and suitable for the proposed development.
2. The Greenline is established for the period covered by the General Plan,
20 years. To insure that the land use needs of the Chico Area are being
met, the location of the Greenline shall be reviewed and evaluated every
five (5) years. For this purpose the Board of Supervisors commits itself to
initiate such a review at the time interval specified above. Any changes or
amendments shall be made only upon the findings specified in subsection
1 above. Nothing in this policy shall prevent an individual at any time from
petitioning the Board of Supervisors for a general plan amendment
including a change in the location of the Greenline in accord with the
applicable laws and policies of the County of Butte and State of California.
3. Study Area No. 1
The area generally known as the Bell -Muir area located in northwest Chico
(bounded on the west by the Southern Pacific Railroad Tracks, on the south
by East Avenue and Henshaw Avenue, on the east by Alamo Avenue and
on the north by Bell Road and Muir Avenue) is designated as a "Study
Area No. 1". This designation shall be in addition to that shown on the
Chico Area Land Use Plan Map. This area designated as a Study Area No.
1 shall be subject to the special policies of this section.
a. The Board of Supervisors, by simple majority vote, may revise the
location of the Chico Area Greenline so as to place the Study Area
No. 1 on the Urban Side of the Chico Area Greenline.
76
VII. POLICIES APPLICABLE TO'
SPECIFIC PLANNING AREAS
Butte County is physically, environmentally, socially and economically diverse. Because
of this diversity, land use policy developed -on a county -wide basis may not adequately
address issues unique :to different parts of the County; a fact recognized by the adoption
of planning areas and 'their respective "area land ruse plans" ,W' hick together with the
county -wide Elements collectively comprise Butte County's General flan. The policies
described below address specific concerns of the identified planning area- These policies
supplement and elaborate on the general,county-wide' policies"of the Butte County
General Plan for 'each' planning area listed below-,
A. OmAlle Area I.,and il.lse Plan
1. Approximately 2000+ acres, south and east of'' Wyman Ravine are
t ` t designated` Love Density. Residential. ,n Development -.to the densities
inticipated in the`Plari can only be i6i&ed by the'extension of sewer and
b water services to this area. In addition,,downstream flood hazards, drainage
and circulation' need to be addressed,- before 'Low, Density Residential
development takes place., To preserve the Low Density residential option,
and to coordinate the. County's policies with the -provision of services and
• circulation, the'policies.beloiv-are applicable'to this area:'
2.
a.
r i
This area shall'be managed as an "Ihban•Reserve, permitting rural
residentiaV developm'ent and- uses .on parcels of not less than ten
acres; and
b. ' ` +Mini -for' the exterision of se*eis,'water,. circulation and means to
"control downstream flooding shall be developed before development
and uses on parcels of , less than ten acres are permitted
,M
Drainage problems and downstrearh flooding affect the Wyman Ravine and
Ruddy Creek (Thermalito) watersheds. Development restraint such as
described in policy I above, will=only partially offset these problems in the
Wyman Ravine watershed and have no effect in the Thermalito area. To
address this problem and advance the development objectives reflected in
the Butte County blousing Element, the policy described .below shall be
applicable in the Wyman Ravine and Thermalito drainage:
a. Development in the Wyman Ravine watershed and Thermalito basin
which significantly increase runoff from pre -development levels shall
be required to annex to (or from) the appropriate district formed for
drainage or retain the increased runoff on site using appropriate
techniques.
3. Virtually all land uses east of -the City of Oroville are dependent on the
Olive Highway (SR -162) arterial for circulation to and through the planning
area. "Traffic forecasts indicate that congestion will become extreme as
development proceeds east. To reduce both congestion and total vehicle
77
miles traveled (VMT) the following policies are applicable in the planning
area:
a. Residential development at relatively higher densities (High,
Medium and Low, R-3, R-2, R-1 zones) should be emphasized and
encouraged in the area south of Oroville between Oroville and
Palermo adjacent to the community's planned industrial district, and
b. Urban development in this area should be coordinated with the
simultaneous provision of east -west collectors (e.g. V-6, Ophir Road;
as major thoroughfares). Planning in the area should recognize the
need for road improvements to increase the carrying capacity of
Lincoln Boulevard.
4. An area west of State Route 70 south of the intersection of Pacific Heights
Road (northern section) is designated Commercial on the Plan Map.
Because State Route 70 is designated and managed as a controlled access
highway these properties can not be developed without alternative access.
to fully realize the commercial potential of these properties without
disrupting the safety and capacity of State Route 70, a frontage road, single
central ingress -egress point and turn lanes are needed. The policy below
is applicable to this portion of the planning area:
a. Commercial zoning for the west side of State Route 70 in the area
described above shall be contingent upon the approval of a plan for
the development and financing of a frontage road, single central
ingress -egress point and turn lanes. Acceptable methods for this
purpose shall include but not be limited to specific plans, planned
unit development zoning or area wide development agreements.
The AR -MH -2 1/2 acre zoning shall be applied as a holding zone
.until such time as the plan is approved.
Adopted: March 29, 1984
78
CHICO AREA Ai17 USE PbAI�
r
The Highway 32 corridor provides both opportunities and constraints to development of
frontage properties.
Approximately 50 acres now in orchard. are slated for commercial. development. In order
to implement the General Plan's ' goals and policies regarding orderly growth and.
circulati®n,• the 4ollowing policies apply to development proposal's. r
s
y
1. All properties on the northeast side of Highway 32 between Lando Channel
and 660 ft. north of East Eighth shall be managed.as an urban reserve.
2. Permitted uses under the urban reserve include 1 d.u./10 acres, agricultural
operations arid. accessory uses permitted by the A -10 -zoning districts. r
' 3 , Any proposal to remove thee urban reserve designation shall be coordinated
` with extension of coinmunity water, sewer, drainage and fire hydrants.
4. • Circ Ylatlon: '.. �... .R 1 _ i I ♦.� ,
�1 ,.�g -?r , .,rte' •R
a. -Parcels 42-14-77,-78•shall.talke access from Und_o,Avenue.
b. Parcels 42-14-98, -103, =104,,,shall be allowed one.:access each onto
Highway 32. 7._
c:
'Along Highway 32, •a 1. ft. no -access strip' shall, be • deeded to Butte
•°•' j
County,, with the, exception of approved encroachments.
Subdivision of.the parcels'.shall be coordinated with construction of
} a frontage road between. approved access points.'
e. Development shall contribute its fair share (as, determined by the
' "• Director of Public Works) towards improvement, of the Highway
32/Sacramento Avenue intersection... Improvement : includes
. widening, realignment, or signalization.
5. All structures shall be located a minimum.of 25 ft. from the northeast right-
of-way of Highway 32.
6. bighting shall be shielded fromHighway.,32.
7. The following high traffic generators are specifically prohibited in this area:
ao Gasoline stations. t:
b. Fast-food operations' (does not.. include . _delicatessens, cafes or
restaurants).
X79
C. Dry cleaners.
d. Banks.
e. Coin laundries.
8. Development to contribute fair share to Westside Fire Station improvement
fund for establishment of a new fire station.
Adopted: March 18, 1990
A. Gridla-Riggs Area Land Use Plan
1. Situated on and surrounded by agricultural soil resources which provide no
alternative to the planned conversion of agricultural lands to accommodate
future urban/rural development, the Gridley -Biggs Area band Use Plan
provides for a relatively large amount of land designated Low, medium, and
High Density Residential and Agricultural Residential. These areas are
located adjacent to the City of Gridley. Currently devoted to a mixture of
agricultural and rural residential uses, these areas are designated for future
urban expansion. To preserve these residential density options, for the time
frame of the plan (2000), and to coordinate the County's policies with those
of the City of Gridley, the area of the Gridley -Biggs Plan within the
adopted sphere of the City of Gridley should be an "Urban Reserve." To
achieve these ends in a manner consistent with the Land Use Element's
policies regarding Orderly Development (B.7) and the Housing Element's
policy regarding adequate facilities and services (III -2 (d), 2 (h)), the
policies below are applicable to this portion of the Gridley -Biggs Area
I -,and Use Plan.
a. The County's land use policy, zoning and subdivision shall be
coordinated with the City of Gridley; and
b. The urban residential designations adjacent to the City of Gridley's
current boundaries shall be managed as an "Urban Reserve",
permitting rural residential development and uses on parcels of not
less than five acres until such time as they are needed for
development and adequate services are available to serve these
areas; and
C. Properties planned for industrial or commercial development shall
be mans&.' as an "urban reserve:, permitting industrial or
commerclses on parcels of not less than 10 acres until such time
as they aie deeded for development and adequate services are
available; acid
80
Ll
d. Any proposal for a General Plan Amendment, rezoning or
subdivision which would permit parcels of less than five acres to be
created for residential use or 10 acres for commercial or industrial
use shall'be coordinated with the plans'of the, City of Gridley for
extension of sewer, water, circulation, drainage, and means to control
down stream flooding, prior to or concurrently with the adoption;
and
e. Any residential lot -'Which is now less than 5 acres or. commercial or
industrial lot less tlian' 10 acres which was legally created, pre-
existing, and nonconforming may. be developed according to its
zoning and the provisions of Butte County Code 24-37. ,•
f. Development, standards compatible;with the City of Gridley shall be
utilized for urban development projects within the city's established
sphere of influence. '' i. '
Adopted: 8/5/86
Resolution: 86-106
81
EXHIBIT A-4
PARADISE URBAN RESERVE POLICY STATEMENT
South Paradise Area
Situated on a Mountain ridge top divided by canyon areas which restrict the development
opportunities of the Paradise area many challenges for future urban/rural residential
development are created. This area is located adjacent to the Town Limits of Paradise.
Currently devoted to a mixture of mountain recreation, open space, and rural residential
uses, this area is designated "Agricultural -Residential" by the Butte County General Plan
and the Paradise Area land Use Plan for future urban expansion. To preserve the
residential density options, for the time frame of the plan, and to coordinate the county's
development policies with those of the town's, the county area within the South Paradise
Area as depicted by the attached Exhibit "C" shall be an "URBAN RESERVE." To
achieve these ends in a manner consistent with the Land Use Element's policies regarding
orderly development and the Housing Element's policy regarding adequate facilities and
services, the policies below are applicable to the Paradise Area land Use Plan and that
portion of the Butte County General Plan as depicted by Exhibit "C".
A. The County's land use policy, zoning and subdivision shall be coordinated with the
Town of Paradise and any other service district within the Urban Reserve; and
B. The Agricultural -Residential land use designations in the South Paradise Area as
depicted by Exhibit "C" shall be managed as an "URBAN RESERVE", permitting
rural residential development and uses on parcels of not less than forty (40) acres
in those areas designated by the California Department of Fish and Game as NO
DEVELOPMENT ZONES for the protection of critical deer herd winter ranges
and twenty (20) acres on all other properties until such time as they are needed
for development and adequate services are available to serve this area; and
C. Any proposal for a General Plan Amendment, Rezoning or Subdivision which
would permit .parcels of less than twenty (20) acres to be created shall be
coordinated with all public agencies which provide utility and public services as
well as the plans of the Town of Paradise for extension of water, sewer,
circulation, drainage, and shall be required to submit the following plans prior to
or concurrently with the adoption:
A capital improvement plan or such other program that indicates where and
when physical improvements are to be made, the size of these
improvements, standards, phasing of treatment facilities and lines to service
the area, and how they will be financed. This plan should be based on the
desired land pattern for future growth, the costs of initial service, and the
continued operation costs to the designated area.
82
2. A park and open space plan that identifies locations and standards for park
and recreation areas to serve future growth, and natural open space areas
that are to be preserved. ,
3. An environmental plan that identifies critical areas that ihould be-protectedr
from development if applicable. ,
4. A street and transportation plan that indicates the location, capacity, and
nature of the system and off-site transportation impacts.
. .. S. Health Department standards for control of septic systems, and water wells.
Areas where wells and septic systems are not permissible should be
identified.
6. Afiscal plan that identifies the proportion of costs of public facilities and
services that is to be reimbursed, from new subdivisions. { -
D. Any parcel which is now less than forty (40) acres which was legally created,..pre-
existing, and -nonconforming may be developed accordini ' to :its zoning and the
3. provisions' of Butte County Code Section 24-37.
E. Development standards compatible with the Town of Paradise shall be utilized for
urban development projects with the Urban Deserve Area as depicted by Exhibit
f r t
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_ Resolution 81-303
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Adoption: 12-5-81
FILE No. et- ®8 A
BUTTE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
HEARING DATES: 21 0,.r;, e/
APPLICANT: 0--NwYS OWNER: sa%•-►E
REQUEST' EXISTING ZONE:'A-2"' "A-+0" SCALE
'75 "-=2000'
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BUTTE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION 65-7
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