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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter from Guillon Brouhard 02.08.09 - GP 2030 GUILLon BROUHRAD r=_;�t_;c:r_:�.�Wt: � rlcvfL.f�'=:��> 'r I �:r.r.:<_;r�uc:'r,r:ati I twnr;��•�rJcnrr February 8, 2009 Butte County Board of Supervisors V���RI`tsoRs CIO Mr. Dan Breedon 12 Butte County Planning Department 2009 25 County Center Orov Ile CA 95965Drive OROv'!��' �AC'FORMA Re: Comments to Draft Goals and Policies Butte County GP 2030 Dear Honorable Board Members: The following comments and requests are offered for your consideration in review of the Butte County draft Goals and Policies element of the 2030 General Plan update., scheduled for February 18th and 19'h A few of the suggestions relate to minor but meaningful refinements in wording, aimed at fashioning policy which is more constructive to those involved in the planning process, and ultimately the greater public interests. Other suggestions relate to opportunities inherent in large scale and comprehensive planning endeavors, which we feel merit greater emphasis than exists in the current draft. County Character New Development and Housing 6. How should the County improve the design and architectural quality of new development? We respectfully suggest that draft policy 6.m. 'image Avoid development eeipjpa�ibe-wM4-on ridgelines" be replaced with policy that more effectively promotes improved design and architectural quality of new development. Our concerns are as follows: 9st County staff, professional land planners, applicants and or the general public may differ on both the definition of"ridgelines" and the specific site conditions which constitute where development should and should not be avoided. 2"d However defined, "Ridgelines" are one of the many natural characteristics (i.e. location, slope orientation, topography, geology, vegetation etc..) which establish both opportunities and constraints for sensible and quality planning and development, and it is important that County policy provide and not limit opportunity for them to be considered comprehensively and on a site specific basis. We encourage the Board to replace the above policy with the following 2 policies which promote improved design and architectural quality by relating General Plan text more directly to the comprehensive planning effort. V FEB 13 2009 Letter to County Supervisors February 8, 2009 GP Draft Goals and Policies 6.1 In considering development proposals, the County should ensure that proposed site improvements, buildings and structures are appropriately fitted into the natural setting (for example slope, orientation, valley and ridgeline topography, geology, vegetation and other natural features). 6.2 Where opportunities for large scale master planned development exist, the County should support and encourage the adoption of specific project site, landscaping and architectural design guidelines in order to promote quality development with distinctive community character. Water Resources 17. How should the General Plan protect and enhance Butte County's water supply? We encourage the Board to add the following policy regarding public awareness: 17.1 Promote public awareness of water conservation programs and techniques which are available through California Water Service and the Public Utilities Commission. We respectfully suggest that draft policy 7.o. iv. "Protect groundwater recharge through the establishment of Recharge Zones in which development and eemsti-ueted will be limited and historical groundwater recharge levels will be Vie,e- .ensured" be modified to reflect the following concerns: 1st The clear implication that the sole act of establishing recharge zones to limit development can somehow"ensure" historical groundwater recharge levels is patently flawed. 2"d While such a policy can and should prescribe methods which promote recharge stewardship, it should not be tied to the false premise that more limited development is the exclusive factor from which historical groundwater levels could be "ensured". We encourage the Board to modify the above policy and add additional policies which would more realistically and more constructively protect and enhance the County's water supply as follows:. 17.2 Replace the word "ensure"with "better maintained". 17.3 County should encourage natural resources such as wetlands, flood plains, recharge zones, riparian areas, open space, and native habitats be identified and incorporated into project design as valued assets for flood protection, water quality improvement, groundwater recharge, habitat, and overall long-term water resource sustainability. 17.4 County should promote water holding areas such as creek beds, recessed athletic fields, ponds and other features that serve to recharge groundwater, reduce runoff, improve water quality and decrease flooding. Page 2 of 5 Letter to County Supervisors February 8, 2009 GP Draft Goals and Policies 18. How should the General Plan seek to maintain and enhance Butte County's water quality? We encourage the Board to include the following policies which describe more completely various opportunities which may be available in large scale planning to maintain and enhance the County's water quality. 18.1 The County should support and encourage large scale and comprehensive master planning applications which preserve Open space and natural drainage corridors and incorporate methods and techniques to promote groundwater recharge and long term water resource sustainability in a manner more efficient and effective than individually planned and developed properties.. 18.2 Where opportunities for large scale master planned development exist, the County should support and encourage a variety of land uses, comprehensive bike and walking trails and other design elements which promote walkability to minimize auto generated urban runoff and maximize rainfall infiltration. 19. How should septic systems and package sewage treatment plants be regulated to support water quality? We encourage the Board to include the following policy to address challenges of overflow capacity during winter periods of groundwater saturation, and improve the feasibility and use of package sewage and dual pipe systems which is directly responsive to water conservation and groundwater recharge goals of the General Plan. 19.1 In cooperation with incorporated Cities, allow on a case by case basis combination on-site wastewater treatment systems that utilize both reclaimed wastewater for"purple pipe" irrigation together with overflow discharge into public sewer treatment facilities. 20. How should the County minimize flood hazards? We respectfully suggest that draft policy 20. a. "Discour a A• -development in areas mapped by FEMA as within the 100 year flood plain" be modified as follows to reflect instances where project design would enhance flood plain capacity. 20.1 Discourage development in areas mapped by FEMA as within the 100-year flood plain except in instances where project specific design elements and features include mitigation measures which would on an overall basis result in a "net improvement"to flood control ca aci 22. What strategies should the County use to support the local tourism economic sector? We encourage the Board to add the following policy to describe an approach to broaden amenities which support local tourism related to large scale planning. 22.1 Encourage large scale master planned projects to incorporate amenities, such as regional parks, conference and athletic facilities which serve and support local and regional tourism, and work cooperatively with landowners, recreation districts and local agencies to facilitate their development.. Page 3 of 5 Letter to County Supervisors February 8,2009 GP Draft Goals and Policies Transportation 25. How should the General Plan address bicycle issues? We encourage the Board to add the following policy to promote bicycle recreation on large scale development projects. 25.1 Where opportunities for large scale master planned development exist, the County should support and encourage comprehensive bicycle circulation plans and other design elements which promote on and off road bicycle recreation and transit.. Comprehensive and project specific bicycle plans may include design criteria which varies from County standards, subject to County approval. Utilities and Public Services 28. How should the County ensure that the infrastructure needs of new development are met? We encourage the Board to add the following policy to promote the efficient design and installation of infrastructure. 28.1 Where appropriate, consider entering into Development Agreements and or other contractual arrangements with development applicants to ensure public infrastructure required by the project and or capital improvements otherwise required are constructed in a timely , logical and efficient manner. 29. How should the General Plan address the provision of sheriff and fire service in rural areas? We encourage the Board to add the following policy to promote the responsive project design and the efficient planning of Fire and Sheriff sub-stations. . 29.1 Where appropriate, facilitate early consultation between development applicants and Sherriff and Fire Departments to promote "crime and fire protection through project design" and determine the suitability locations within the project which may be suitable for sub-stations and in-lieu fee land dedications. Parks and Recreation 32. How should the General Plan address parks and recreation issues? We encourage the Board to add the following policy to promote parks and recreation on large scale development projects. 32.1 Where opportunities for large scale master planned development exist, the County should support and encourage comprehensive planning of natural open space areas, neighborhood and special use parks which promote recreation, including assurances for development and maintenance of park facilities based on benefit area. In order to provide the County greater flexibility and cost efficiencies on park and recreation facilities, we encourage the Board to add the word "development" on Policy 32.m "Institute Mello-Roos and/or lighting districts to fund development. ongoing maintenance and operation of parks and recreation facilities". Page 4 of 5 Letter to County Supervisors February 8, 2009 GP Draft Goals and Policies Trails 33. How should the General Pian address recreational trails facilities, such as hiking, bicycle, equestrian and off-highway vehicle trails? We encourage the Board to add the following policy to promote bicycle recreation on large scale development projects. 33.1 Where opportunities for large scale master planned development exist, the County should support and encourage comprehensive planning of recreational hiking and bicycle trailways within open space areas suitable for such purposes. We believe the above referenced changes both strengthen the County's General Plan policies and promote good planning and development stewardship. As always, your thoughtful consideration is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Page 5 of 5