HomeMy WebLinkAbout02_Draft_Housing_Element_Update_,_Amendments_to_the_Land_Use_Element_,_and_approval_of_EIR_Addendum 2014-06-05
Butte County Planning Commission ‐ Draft Housing Element
June 5, 2014
Page 1 of 7
Butte County Department of Development Services
TIM SNELLINGS, DIRECTOR | PETE CALARCO, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
7 County Center Drive
Oroville, CA 95965
(530) 538-7601 Telephone
(530) 538-7785 Facsimile
www.buttecounty.net/dds
www.buttegeneralplan.net
Butte County Planning Commission
AGENDA REPORT
Housing Element Update and EIR Addendum
June 5, 2014
To: Butte County Planning Commission
From: Dan Breedon, Principal Planner
Subject: Housing Element Update and EIR Addendum
Recommendation:
Approve the Resolution (Attachment A) recommending that the Board of Supervisors
adopt the updated Housing Element, and approve the related EIR Addendum.
Background
The Planning Commission held a Public Workshop on the Draft Housing Element on February
27, 2014. The Planning Commission recommended that the Board of Supervisors transmit the
Draft Housing Element to HCD for a 60‐day review period. The Board held a Public Workshop
on March 25, 2014 and directed staff to transmit the Draft Housing Element to HCD for the 60‐
day review. This review period was scheduled to close on May 28, 2014. The updated Housing
Element contains amendments as recommended by HCD during this review. However, the
County voluntarily suspended the review period in order to address several technical issues
1
Butte County Planning Commission ‐ Draft Housing Element
June 5, 2014
Page 2 of 7
with HCD. These issues concerned the provision of adequate sites for housing at a density of 20
units/acre or greater. Staff determined that sites designated HDR (High Density Residential) on
the County Zoning Map provide a density of 14 to 20 units/acre; however, HCD requires these
sites to be designated for a minimum of 20 units/acre in order to provide the amount of units
necessary to be consistent with the County’s Regional Housing Needs assessment (RHNA)
share. At the time of writing this staff report, staff was working with HCD representatives and
the Housing Element Consultant to propose program changes that will address HCD’s
requirements. Further information and recommendations regarding this subject will be
provided to the Planning Commission at the hearing.
State Housing Element Law
According to Section 65302 of the California Government Code, all jurisdictions must adopt a
General Plan with seven mandatory elements. The Housing Element is one of the seven
required elements. Unlike the other mandatory elements of the General Plan, the Housing
Element is subject to detailed statutory requirements regarding its content and must be
updated on a cycle of every five years. Upon this current update, this cycle is changing to every
8 years pursuant to new State law.
The Housing Element is also subject to mandatory review by a state agency, the State
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This reflects the statutory
recognition that the availability of housing is a matter of statewide importance and that
cooperation between government and the private sector is critical to attainment of the State’s
housing goals.
Butte County previously updated its Housing Element in 2010 (for an effective planning period
of June 15, 2009 – June 15, 2014). The Housing Element update was part of a comprehensive
update to the entire Butte County General Plan (“Butte County General Plan 2030”) adopted in
October 2010. The purpose of the current update effort is to address housing needs of the
residents of the Unincorporated Area of Butte County for an effective planning period of June
15, 2014 through June 15, 2022.
At this hearing, County staff and Housing Element consultant PMC will present the final Draft
Housing Element to the Planning Commission. The public is also encouraged to attend and
provide comment to the Planning Commission regarding the Draft Housing Element. The Board
of Supervisors is scheduled to consider the adoption of the updated Housing Element on June
10, 2014.
2
Butte County Planning Commission ‐ Draft Housing Element
June 5, 2014
Page 3 of 7
Public Outreach
Butte County has actively solicited public participation in the preparation of the Housing
Element update, and has considered all input in the drafting of the proposed Housing Element
update. Opportunities for public participation have included a stakeholder study session on
December 18, 2013, and a public workshop on February 5, 2014. Summaries of both of these
meetings are available in the Housing Needs Assessment (pgs. 5‐6). The County also solicited
input by sending out a community needs survey. Additionally over 20 different agencies
associated with the provision of housing in Butte County were invited to participate and
comment on the Housing Element Update.
Draft Housing Element
The Draft Housing Element documents are available for review via the Development Services
website: http://www.buttecounty.net/dds/Planning/GeneralPlan/HousingElement.aspx.
The Housing Element consists of two documents: the Housing Needs Assessment, which
analyzes the needs of residents of the Unincorporated Area through the eight‐year planning
period, and the Housing Policy Document that establishes policies and programs to help Butte
County meet the needs identified in the Housing Needs Assessment.
The Housing Needs Assessment analyzes population and housing characteristics, identifies
special housing needs among certain population groups, evaluates housing conditions, and
provides other important information to support the goals, policies, and programs to meet the
needs of current and future residents. The Housing Needs Assessment also provides an
evaluation of achievements under the policies and implementation programs included in the
previously adopted Housing Element. The evaluation provides valuable information regarding
which programs have been successful in achieving stated objectives and addressing local needs
and which of these programs continue to be relevant in addressing current and future housing
needs in Butte County. The evaluation also provides the basis for recommended modifications
to policies and programs and the establishment of new objectives in the Housing Element.
The Policy Document presents the goals, policies, and actions that will guide Butte County’s
efforts in housing production, rehabilitation, and preservation over the next eight‐year Housing
Element planning period. This Policy Document responds to the findings of the Housing Needs
Assessment by providing an updated set of policies and actions designed to help the County
achieve its stated Housing Element goals.
3
Butte County Planning Commission ‐ Draft Housing Element
June 5, 2014
Page 4 of 7
The goals of the Butte County Housing Element Update include the following:
Goal H‐1: Provide for the County's regional share of new housing for all income groups
and future residents as identified in the Housing Needs Assessment.
Goal H‐2: Encourage the provision of affordable housing in the Unincorporated Area.
Goal H‐3: Partner with property owners to preserve and rehabilitate the existing supply
of housing.
Goal H‐4: Collaborate with existing service providers to meet the special housing needs
of homeless persons, elderly, large families, disabled persons, and farmworkers.
Goal H‐5: Ensure equal housing opportunity.
Goal H‐6: Promote energy conservation.
Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA)
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) identifies the supply
of housing necessary to meet the existing and projected growth in population and households
in California. Each of the 38 councils of governments (COG) in the state receives a Regional
Housing Needs Allocation from HCD that specifies the number of units, by affordability level,
that the COG region must plan to accommodate during its Housing Element planning period.
Each COG then distributes the allocations throughout the cities and counties pursuant to Article
65584 of the California Government Code. Table A‐36 presented below and copied from the
Housing Needs Assessment shows unincorporated Butte County’s RHNA share, pursuant to the
Butte County Association of Governments (BCAG). Based upon the inventory of vacant sites
suitable for development, the County has adequate capacity to accommodate its 2014‐2022
RHNA for households of all incomes. However, based upon on‐going discussions with HCD,
further recommendations will be forthcoming in order to remain compliant with the County’s
RHNA share (see discussion above).
4
Butte County Planning Commission ‐ Draft Housing Element
June 5, 2014
Page 5 of 7
Senate Bill 244 (Land Use, General Plans, and Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities)
Analysis
Government Code sections 65302.10, 65588 and 56430 (SB 244) requires, on or before the next
adoption of its housing element of its general plan, potential amendments to the Land Use
Element of the General Plan necessary to identify and analyze disadvantaged unincorporated
communities or “DUCs” (also known as “Legacy Communities”). This new legislation requires
the County to review small communities within its jurisdiction and determine if they are
underserved with basic services.
According to legislative findings in SB 244, hundreds of unincorporated
communities in California lack access to basic community infrastructure like
sidewalks, safe drinking water, and adequate waste processing. These
communities range from remote settlements throughout the state to
neighborhoods that have been surrounded by, but are not part of, California’s
fast‐growing cities. This lack of investment threatens residents’ health and safety
and fosters economic, social, and education inequality. Moreover, when this lack
of attention and resources becomes standard practice, it can create a matrix of
barriers that is difficult to overcome.
The purpose of SB 244 is to begin to address the complex legal, financial, and
political barriers that contribute to regional inequity and infrastructure deficits
within disadvantaged unincorporated communities. Including these communities
in the long range planning of a city or county, as required by SB 244, will result in
a more efficient delivery system of services and infrastructure including but not
limited to sewer, water, and structural fire protection. In turn, investment in
5
Butte County Planning Commission ‐ Draft Housing Element
June 5, 2014
Page 6 of 7
these services and infrastructure will result in the enhancement and protection
of public health and safety for these communities.
(Source: Governor’s Office of Planning and Research Technical Advisory on Senate Bill 244: Land
Use, General Plans, and Disadvantaged Communities).
This requires an analysis of water, wastewater, stormwater, drainage, and structural fire
protection needs or deficiencies, and alternatives that could make the extension of services
financially feasible. This legislation does not require the County to undertake any work to
provide services, only to identify communities, potential deficiencies, and alternatives that
could make services available.
At this time staff is not recommending amendments to the Land Use Element. Additional
analysis is being completed which will determine if communities in the County are underserved
and which will require amendment to the Land Use Element. These amendments will be
brought back separately to the Planning Commission if required.
EIR Addendum
An EIR Addendum has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15164 to serve as an Addendum to the previously certified Butte
County General Plan Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse No. 2008092062).
The environmental analysis provided in Section 3.0 of the Addendum provides substantial
evidence to support that none of the circumstances set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162
would result from adoption and implementation of the Updated Housing Element. CEQA
Guidelines Section 15162 and the Addendum’s consistency with these guidelines are addressed
in the Addendum.
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval the EIR Addendum to
the Board of Supervisors (Exhibit B under Attachment A).
Next Steps
Upon receiving the Planning Commission’s direction, the Board of Supervisors will hold a public
hearing on June 10, 2014. The Board will consider adoption of the updated Housing Element,
and approval of the EIR Addendum. Upon Board adoption, the final Housing Element is
submitted to HCD for a 90‐day review period. At the conclusion of this review period, the State
officially certifies the Housing Element as being compliant with State law.
6
Butte County Planning Commission ‐ Draft Housing Element
June 5, 2014
Page 7 of 7
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Planning Commission Resolution
a. Housing Element (Policy Document + Housing Needs Assessment)
b. EIR Addendum
7
ATTACHMENT A
Planning Commission Resolution
Butte County Housing Element
and
EIR Addendum
8
Resolution No. PC
A RESOLUTION OF THE BUTTE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDING THAT THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISROS AMEND THE BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN AND ADOPT THE BUTTE
COUNTY HOUSING ELEMENT AND APPROVE AN EIR ADDENDUM
WHEREAS, the County of Butte has prepared a Housing Element Update that addresses the
County’s housing needs and obligations through June 15, 2022. The Draft Housing Element
Update was submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development
(HCD) on March 28, 2014 for a mandatory 60‐day review pursuant to State Law, and revisions
were made to the Housing Element in accordance with HCD’s review; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has considered all input from the Housing Element Public
Workshop held on February 27, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Butte County has actively solicited public participation in the preparation of the
Housing Element Update, and has considered all input in the drafting of the proposed Housing
Element Update. Opportunities for public participation have included a stakeholder study
session held on December 18, 2013, and a public workshop held on February 5, 2014; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has considered all public comments and reports from the
Department of Development Services received at a public hearing on February 27, 2014,
participated in a facilitated discussion on the Housing Element, and received presentations
from its Housing Element consultant, PMC, and staff concerning the Housing Needs Assessment
and the Housing Policy Document; and
WHEREAS, the General Plan EIR (SCH #2008092062) was certified on October 26, 2010 by the
Butte County Board of Supervisors (Resolution 10‐150) and the Supplemental EIR (SCH
#2012022059) was certified on November 6, 2012 (Resolution 12‐123); and
WHEREAS, the County has determined that the Housing Element Update does not meet
the criteria for preparing a subsequent or supplemental EIR under CEQA Guidelines Section
15162; and
9
WHEREAS, an Addendum to the General Plan EIR and Supplemental EIR has therefore
been prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164 for the Housing Element
Update; and
WHEREAS, the Addendum provides analysis and cites substantial evidence that
supports the County’s determination that the Housing Element Update does not meet
the criteria for preparing a subsequent or Supplemental EIR under CEQA Guidelines
Section 15162 including:
1) Implementation of the Housing Element would not cause any new significant impacts or
substantially increase the severity of previously identified significant impacts identified
in the General Plan EIR (per State CEQA Guidelines Section 15162[a][1]) that would
require major revisions to the General Plan EIR – State Clearinghouse No.
2008092062. Additionally, the General Plan was amended in 2012 and a Supplemental
EIR (SCH No. 2012072025) was prepared for the amended General Plan. All impacts
associated with this project’s implementation would be equivalent to, or less than, the
impacts previously analyzed in the General Plan EIR and General Plan Supplemental EIR.
2) Implementation of the new Housing Element would not result in substantial changes in
physical circumstances that would cause a new significant impact or substantially
increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact, and there have been
no other changes in the circumstances that meet this criterion (State CEQA Guidelines
Section 15162[a] [2]). There have been no changes in the environmental conditions in
the unincorporated county not contemplated and analyzed in the General Plan EIR
that would result in new or substantially more severe environmental impacts in
association with implementation of this project.
3) As documented in this section, there is no new information of substantial importance
(which was not known or could not have been known at the time of the General Plan
adoption on October 26, 2010) that shows any of the following:
a) A new significant impact (Condition A under State CEQA Guidelines
Section 15162[a] [3]).
b) A substantial increase in the severity of a previously identified significant
impact (Condition B under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15162[a][3]).
c) Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found infeasible that would now
be feasible and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the
General Plan; or mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably
different from those analyzed in the General Plan EIR which would substantially
reduce one or more significant effects on the environment (Conditions C and
D under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15162[a][3]); and
10
WHEREAS, offers to consult regarding the Housing Element Update was provided to local
Native American Tribes, as required by Government Code Section 65352.3; and
WHEREAS, the Housing Element Update has been prepared in accordance with the provisions
set‐forth in Government Code Section 65583 regarding the contents of a Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, an assessment of housing needs and an inventory of resources and constraints
relevant to the meeting of these needs was prepared; and
WHEREAS, a statement of the County’s goals, quantified objectives and policies relative to
maintenance, preservation, improvement and development of housing was prepared; and
WHEREAS, a program which sets forth an eight‐year schedule of actions that the County is
undertaking or intends to undertake to implement the policies and achieve the goals and
objectives of the Housing Element through the administration of land use and the development
controls, provisions of regulatory concessions and incentives, and the utilization of appropriate
Federal, State, and local financing and subsidy programs was prepared; and
WHEREAS, adoption of the Housing Element Update is consistent with the provisions of
Government Code Section 65300 et seq. regarding the adoption of a General Plan and its
associated elements; and
WHEREAS, implementation of the proposed General Plan Amendment to adopt the Housing
Element Update is consistent with the provisions of Government Code Section 65300.5
regarding internal consistency; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Housing Element Update has been processed in accordance with the
provisions of Government Code Section 65585 allowing for HCD review of the Housing Element
Update. The First Draft of the Housing Element Update was sent to HCD on March 28, 2014;
and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code Section 65585(f) (1), the County amended the
Housing Needs Assessment and the Preliminary Housing Policy Recommendations of the
Housing Element Update to respond to issues raised by HCD to ensure substantial compliance
with Article 10.6 of Chapter 3 of Division 1 of Title 7 (Housing Elements) of the Government
Code; and
WHEREAS, the County intends to pursue certification of the Housing Element Update by HCD
pursuant to Government Code Section 65585.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission hereby recommends to the
Butte County Board of Supervisors the following findings:
11
1. Notice of the Planning Commission hearings on the Housing Element Update, DSEIR and
FSEIR was given as required by law and the actions were conducted in accordance with
CEQA, and the State CEQA Guidelines.
2. An EIR Addendum was prepared that provides analysis and cites substantial evidence
that support’s the County’s determination that the project does not meet the criteria for
preparing a subsequent or supplemental EIR under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162
3. All individuals, groups and agencies desiring to comment were given adequate
opportunity to submit oral and written comments on this project and the environmental
review documents. These opportunities for comment meet or exceed the requirements
of the Planning and Zoning Law and CEQA.
4. The Planning Commission was presented with all of the information described in the
recitals and has considered this information in adopting this resolution.
5. The proposed adoption of the Housing Element Update is in the public interest, and
protects the health, safety, and welfare of the County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Butte County Planning Commission hereby recommends to
the Butte County Board of Supervisors the adoption of the Housing Element Update as set forth
under Exhibit A, and recommends approval of the EIR Addendum as set forth under Exhibit B.
DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 5th day of June, 2014, by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners Donati, White, Wilson, Kennedy, and Chairman Nelson
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_____________________________
Chuck Nelson, Chairman
Planning Commission
County of Butte, State of California
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Kim McMillan, Secretary
Planning Commission
County of Butte, State of California
Attachments:
Exhibit A, Housing Element (Housing Policy Document + Housing Needs Assessment)
Exhibit B, EIR Addendum
12
EXHIBIT A
Butte County Housing Element
(Policy Document + Housing
Needs Assessment)
13
5 HOUSING ELEMENT
This Policy Document presents the goals, policies, and actions that will guide Butte
County’s efforts in housing production, rehabilitation, and preservation over the next
eight-year Housing Element planning period. This document represents the second
of two documents that comprise the Butte County Housing Element. The first
document, the Housing Needs Assessment, reviews the County’s progress in
implementing the 2014 Housing Element, and analyzes the current and projected
housing needs of the residents of the Unincorporated Area of Butte County. This
Policy Document responds to the findings of the Housing Needs Assessment by
providing an updated set of policies and actions that are designed to help the County
achieve its stated Housing Element goals, as follows:
The goals of the Butte County Housing Element Update include the following:
♦ Goal H-1: Provide for the County's regional share of new housing for all income
groups and future residents as identified in the Housing Needs Assessment.
♦ Goal H-2: Encourage the provision of affordable housing in the Unincorporated
Area.
♦ Goal H-3: Partner with property owners to preserve and rehabilitate the existing
supply of housing.
♦ Goal H-4: Collaborate with existing service providers to meet the special housing
needs of homeless persons, elderly, large families, disabled persons, and
farmworkers.
♦ Goal H-5: Ensure equal housing opportunity.
♦ Goal H-6: Promote energy conservation.
BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030 1
14
HOUSING ELEMENT
A. Goals, Policies, Actions, and Objectives
Goal H-1 Provide for the County's regional share of new housing for all
income groups and future residents as identified in the
Housing Needs Assessment.
Policies
H-P1.1 Evaluate the impact on the County’s regional share of
housing when considering General Plan Amendments.
H-P1.2 Focus development in the unincorporated areas of the
spheres of influence of the cities to accommodate the
County’s housing allocation.
H-P1.3 Work to transfer portions of the County’s Regional Housing
Needs Allocations to cities in conjunction with annexations
and when cities are more able to provide urban services
needed by housing.
H-P1.4 Promote infill development on appropriate sites in existing
neighborhoods and reuse underutilized parcels throughout
the Unincorporated Area.
H-P1.5 Ensure that local land use policies updated as part of Butte
County General Plan 2030, and any corresponding changes
in zoning, are consistent with accommodating the County's
regional share of housing for all income groups.
2 BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030
15
HOUSING ELEMENT
Actions
H-A1.1 Provide Adequate Sites for Housing by Expanding
Infrastructure: The County shall work with the incorporated cities
to expand the supply of developable land, particularly for
multifamily housing projects within each city’s sphere of influence.
a. Apply for available state and federal funding for water, sewer,
and storm drainage improvements.
b. Seek financial assistance of developers in preparing
community plans or specific plans which can address public
service and facilities for new developments.
c. Work out appropriate financing arrangements with applicable
special districts to charge reasonable fees on new development
to pay for the expansion of water and sewer services within
their spheres of influence.
d. Provide technical assistance to developers interested in
establishing community facilities and community service
districts to finance needed infrastructure and services where
these are financially feasible.
e. Identify appropriate areas within existing undeveloped,
residentially focused specific plans, as well as future specific
plans identified under the Butte County General Plan 2030
process which have not yet been approved.
Responsibility: Administrative Office
Funding: Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG),
USDA Rural Development, state Clean Water grants or loans,
developer fees
Time Frame: Ongoing; apply for funding as available, as NOFAs are
released.
H-A1.2 Development of Sites for Multifamily Housing: The County
shall provide developers with information about suitable sites for
small-scale multifamily projects located in unincorporated
communities that are closest to employment and services. The
information will be disseminated by the Department of
BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030 3
16
HOUSING ELEMENT
Development Services when developers inquire about opportunities
to build housing in the Unincorporated Area. In addition, the
County shall offer density bonuses, assist interested developers in
acquiring surplus government land suitable for multifamily
development, and expedite permit processing for housing units
affordable to lower-income households. The level of project
assistance shall be commensurate with the amount of affordable
housing provided as well as the level of affordability. The County
shall meet with interested developers on a case-by-case basis to
discuss project possibilities, with priority given to developers of
projects that would include units affordable to extremely low-
income households and/or provide affordable studio and/or one-
bedroom units.
Responsibility: Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Time Frame: Ongoing
H-A1.3 Negotiate Transfer of a Portion of the County’s Regional
Housing Need Allocation in Conjunction with Annexations:
If cities plan to annex residential sites that would accommodate a
portion of the County’s current RHNA, the County will work with
the affected cities, LAFCo, and BCAG to transfer an appropriate
portion of the County’s RHNA to the City.
Responsibility: Department of Development Services
Funding: No special funds are needed
Time Frame: In conjunction with annexation proceedings
H-A1.4 Negotiate Transfer of a Portion of the County's Next Regional
Housing Need Allocation: During the next regional housing
needs determination process, the County shall continue to reach
agreements with the incorporated areas that can provide urban
services. These agreements are intended to transfer to the cities a
portion of the County’s share of the region’s housing needs in
unincorporated areas within existing spheres of influence. In this
way, the numbers of housing units assigned to Butte County will be
reduced, with the difference being accommodated within the cities.
4 BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030
17
HOUSING ELEMENT
Responsibility: Department of Development Services
Funding: No special funds are needed
Time Frame: Next regional housing needs determination process
H-A1.5 Zoning for Transitional and Supportive Housing Units: The
County will amend the zoning ordinance to clarify that transitional
and supportive housing units are considered a residential use, and
are only subject to the same restrictions as other residential
dwellings of the same type in the same zoning district.
Responsibility: Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Time Frame: Within one year from adoption of the Housing
Element
H-A1.6 Lot Subdivision: The County recognizes that most assisted
housing developments utilizing state and federal financial resources
include 50 to 150 units. The County will provide technical
assistance and incentives to subdivide parcels in the housing sites
inventory larger than 15 acres. The County will offer expedited
review for the subdivision of larger sites into buildable lots as long
as the development is consistent with County land use and
environmental regulations, and priority processing for subdivision
maps including affordable housing.
Responsibility: Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Time Frame: Ongoing, as projects are processed through the
Department of Development Services
Goal H-2 Encourage the provision of affordable housing in the
Unincorporated Area.
Policies
H-P2.1 Support the development of affordable housing in locations
with adequate services and transportation accessibility.
BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030 5
18
HOUSING ELEMENT
H-P2.2 Work with other public agencies, developers, the
incorporated municipalities, and nonprofit housing
corporations to make use of state and federal programs for
lower- and moderate-income housing, with priority for
projects that will include units affordable to extremely low-
income households and/or provide affordable studio or one-
bedroom units.
H-P2.3 Consistent with state law, provide density bonuses to
homebuilders proposing to include a minimum specified
percentage of lower- and moderate-income dwelling units
within residential developments.
H-P2.4 Ensure that developers and county residents are made aware
of key housing programs and development opportunities,
and offer County assistance as deemed appropriate for
affordable projects.
H-P2.5 Work with employers and housing partners to encourage the
production of housing units on either employer-owned sites
or other areas adjacent to their job sites.
H-P2.6 Allow secondary dwellings in addition to a primary residence
on a parcel to provide additional housing opportunities.
H-P2.7 Provide technical assistance to agencies and organizations
that are involved in the development and construction of
housing and/or provide support services.
H-P2.8 Encourage self-help housing as an appropriate means of
providing affordable ownership housing.
Actions
H-A2.1 Explore Possibilities of Affordable Housing Goals for Large-
Scale Residential Developments: Large-scale developments can
include a range of residential categories and therefore have the
potential to include affordable housing. Although the County
cannot initiate development proposals for large-scale development,
through the development agreement process, the County can seek
6 BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030
19
HOUSING ELEMENT
commitments from developers that a percentage of dwelling units
be affordable to lower-income households.
Responsibility: Administrative Office, Department of Development
Services
Funding: Specific and Master Plans (paid for by developers)
Time Frame: Ongoing, as development proposals for large-scale
development come forward
H-A2.2 Pursue Funding under State and Federal Programs: There are a
number of state and federal programs that provide low-cost
financing or subsidies for the production of low- and moderate-
income housing. Butte County will pursue available funding under
those state and federal programs that require its direct participation,
such as CDBG and HOME.
Responsibility: Administrative Office
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Time Frame: Ongoing; apply for funding annually, as NOFAs are
released
H-A2.3 Identify Surplus Government Land for Affordable Housing:
The County’s Administrative Office shall provide records on
surplus government property to the Department of Development
Services. From these records, the Department of Development
Services will select suitable housing sites and advertise their
availability for low-income housing via a developer RFP process,
with preference given for developers who commit to provide units
affordable to extremely low-income households and/or that address
identified special needs, such as young adults transitioning from
foster care to living independently.
Responsibility: General Services Department will select sites and issue
a developer RFP.
Funding: Some additional staff time would be required.
Time Frame: Receive list of sites from the General Services
Department in 2016.
BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030 7
20
HOUSING ELEMENT
H-A2.4 Work with Cities: Thus far, all subsidized housing projects have
been built in the incorporated areas of the county where there is
easy access to sewer lines as well as services. County staff will work
with Chico and Oroville housing staff to increase the supply of
affordable housing in the incorporated cities and their spheres of
influence since infrastructure and services are limited in the
Unincorporated Area. The cities and County will consider applying
for some state or federal funds together. By working with these
cities and the Housing Authority of Butte County, the County will
be able to expand its affordable housing activities, for example, by
developing a joint down payment assistance program.
Responsibility: Administrative Office
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Time Frame: Butte County will set up an annual meeting to discuss
potential projects with the Housing Authority and the cities of
Oroville and Chico in 2017.
H-A2.5 Delivery of Housing Element to Water and Sewer Providers:
The County shall deliver the completed Housing Element to all area
water and sewer providers within one month of adoption in
accordance with Government Code section 65589.7. The bill
requires the providers to give priority to proposed housing projects
that will include units affordable to lower-income households when
capacity is limited.1
Responsibility: Administrative Office, Department of Development
Services, and water and sewer providers
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Time Frame: Directly following adoption of the Housing Element
1 Senate Bill 1087, Effective 1087, Effective January 1, 2006. “Water and Sewer Service Priority for
Affordable Housing to Low Income Households” http://www.hcd.ca.gov/hpd/memo_sb1087.pdf. Accessed
on May 2, 2008.
8 BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030
21
HOUSING ELEMENT
Goal H-3 Partner with property owners to preserve and rehabilitate the
existing supply of housing.
Policies
H-P3.1 Inspect residential buildings and identify code violations.
H-P3.2 Continue to apply, when feasible, for state and federal
assistance for housing rehabilitation for low-income
households. Require that rental housing that is repaired with
government assistance remain affordable to low-income
households for a specified period of time.
H-P3.3 Require the abatement or demolition of substandard housing
that is not economically feasible to repair.
H-P3.4 Seek the private rehabilitation of substandard dwelling units
(as identified through code enforcement) and provide
financial assistance, when available, to owners of dwelling
units occupied by low-income households. In applying this
policy, the County shall seek to avoid the displacement of
low-income households.
Actions
H-A3.1 Code Enforcement and Abatement: Continue to enforce the
Nuisance Abatement Ordinance that authorizes the County to
initiate appropriate action against owners of properties with public
nuisances. A component of this ordinance calls for the case-by-
case removal of dilapidated dwellings. Another component of this
ordinance requires the property owners to pay for the costs of
abatement.
Responsibility: Department of Development Services
Funding: Under the current budget, five dwelling units can be
removed annually. This does not include potential funds from
property owners.
Time Frame: Ongoing
BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030 9
22
HOUSING ELEMENT
H-A3.2 Rehabilitation of Substandard Dwelling Units: The County uses
its CDBG funds for rehabilitation of owner- and renter-occupied
housing units. However, there are still several hundred dwelling
units in need of rehabilitation identified in the 2013 Housing Survey
completed as part of the Housing Element Update Needs
Assessment. Therefore, the County will seek additional funding for
rehabilitation.
Responsibility: Department of Development Services
Funding: CDBG and additional public funds
Time Frame: Apply as funds become available and as NOFAs are
released
Quantified Objective
H-O3.2 To encourage rehabilitation, the County will utilize its CDBG
funds fully and apply for additional public funds, such as HOME,
that can be used for housing rehabilitation, and will use these funds
to rehabilitate five units annually.
Goal H-4 Collaborate with existing service providers to meet the special
housing needs of homeless persons, elderly, large families,
disabled persons, and farmworkers.
Policies
H-P4.1 Provide referrals for housing and services to homeless
persons.
H-P4.2 Partner with service providers to accommodate the needs of
the homeless population in the Unincorporated Area.
H-P4.3 Encourage transitional housing as a bridge between homeless
facilities and independent living.
H-P4.4 Continue to facilitate efforts of individuals, private
organizations, and public agencies to provide safe and
adequate housing for farmworkers.
10 BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030
23
HOUSING ELEMENT
H-P4.5 Support appropriate amounts of farmworker and farm family
housing in agriculturally zoned areas where it promotes
efficiency in the farming operation and has a minimal impact
on productive farmland.
H-P4.6 Promote increased housing opportunities for the elderly,
large families, young adults exiting the foster care system,
and disabled persons.
H-P4.7 Encourage alternative living arrangements for seniors,
including market rate retirement communities and affordable
rental housing.
H-P4.8 Encourage developers of rental units to build units for large
families, and studio and one-bedroom units to facilitate
independent living for persons with mental illness.
H-P4.9 Provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with
disabilities to ensure equal access to housing.
Actions
H-A4.1 County Housing Coordination: The County shall encourage staff
in various County departments and outside agencies and
organizations to coordinate housing activities. Coordination will be
encouraged among the Department of Behavioral Health, the
Community Action Agency of Butte County, and the Housing
Authority of Butte County, among others, to operate Butte
County’s housing programs. The County Administrative Office will
be charged with gaining an understanding of all of the housing
assistance programs to assist special populations, develop a list or
brochure, and have that info available on the County's website.
Responsibility: Administrative Office
Funding: Administrative Overhead
H-A4.2 Time Frame: Ongoing, 2014–2022 The County Administrative
Office will develop a list or brochure and have that info available on
the County's website by June 2015.
BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030 11
24
HOUSING ELEMENT
H-A4.3 Funding Program for Accessibility Improvements: The County
shall consider funding a program to make accessibility
improvements to rental units to be occupied by persons with
disabilities. The County could use a portion of the CDBG program
income or apply for additional CDBG funds.
Responsibility: Administrative Office
Funding: To be determined
Time Frame: Ongoing, 2014–2022
H-A4.4 Homeless Task Force: The County shall work with the
Homeless Task Force to address the needs of the homeless in Butte
County and collaborate in providing financial resources to local
agencies serving homeless persons.
Responsibility: Department of Behavioral Health, and Department of
Social Services
Funding: Administrative Overhead; annual funding for the
Homeless Task Force's Emergency Housing Assistance Program
(EHAP)
Time Frame: Continue annual funding for the Homeless Task Force
H-A4.5 Need for Homeless Services: In order to plan for homeless
services, the Butte County Office of Education and Butte County
Behavioral Health shall continue to participate in the annual Butte
County Continuum of Care Point in Time Homeless County
Report.
Responsibility: Office of Education and Behavioral Health
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Time Frame: Annually, starting in January 2015
H-A4.6 Farmworker Housing: The County shall provide technical
support and offer incentives to developers who wish to complete
applications for funding for farmworker housing including the
Housing and Community Development Department’s Joe Serna Jr.
Farmworker Housing Grant Program. Incentives may include
expedited permit processing, plan checking, and inspections.
12 BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030
25
HOUSING ELEMENT
Responsibility: Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Time Frame: Ongoing, County staff will meet with farmworker
housing developers and advocates on an annual basis to discuss
their needs and offer assistance in the form of letters of
recommendation for grant applications.
H-A4.7 Rehabilitation of Existing Farmworker Housing: The County
will support the efforts of the Housing Authority of Butte County
to rehabilitate the existing Gridley Farm Labor Housing facility,
including providing expedited permit processing, plan checking, and
inspections. In addition, the County will assist the Housing
Authority in the event that it requires County assistance in pursuing
grant funding or other financial assistance.
Responsibility: Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Time Frame: Ongoing assistance as requested by Housing
Authority. The County can offer assistance in the form of letters of
recommendation for grant applications for funding on an annual
basis.
H-A4.8 Farmworker Preference in New Affordable Housing: For new
affordable housing projects developed with County assistance,
incentives, and/or subject to County requirements, the County will
require that the developer give qualified farmworker households a
preference for 15 percent of the new units. Should demand from
farmworker households be insufficient to fill the set-aside units,
then the units will be made available to other qualified households.
Responsibility: Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative Overhead, CDBG, HOME, USDA Rural
Development, development agreements for major projects
Time Frame: Ongoing, as projects are processed through the
Planning Division and Department of Development Services.
H-A4.9 Extremely Low-Income Households: The County will
encourage the development of housing for extremely low-income
BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030 13
26
HOUSING ELEMENT
households through a variety of activities such as coordinating with
potential housing developers, providing financial assistance (when
feasible) or in-kind technical assistance or land write-downs,
providing expedited processing, identifying grant and funding
opportunities, applying for or supporting applications for funding
on an ongoing basis, considering local funding, and/or offering
additional incentives beyond the density bonus. The County will
support the development at least 40 extremely low-income units
(the number was determined by the extremely low-income RHNA
allocated to the County).
Responsibility: Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative Overhead, CDBG, HOME, USDA Rural
Development
Time Frame: Ongoing; at least annually monitor NOFAs and
consider applying, as projects are processed through the Planning
Division and Department of Development Services.
H-A4.10 Persons with Developmental Disabilities: The County will work
with the Far Northern Regional Center to implement an outreach
program that informs families within the county on housing and
services available for persons with developmental disabilities. The
program could include the development of an informational
brochure, including information on services on the County’s
website, and providing housing-related training for
individuals/families through workshops.
Responsibility: Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Time Frame: Development of outreach program within one year of
adopting the Housing Element
Goal H-5 Ensure equal housing opportunity.
Policies
H-P5.1 Continue to promote housing opportunities for all persons
regardless of age, race, religion, gender, marital status,
14 BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030
27
HOUSING ELEMENT
national origin, disability, or other barriers that prevent
choice in housing.
H-P5.2 Continue to work with other public and local private
organizations to provide referral services to individuals with
housing discrimination complaints and to remedy instances
of housing discrimination.
Actions
H-A.5.1 Fair Housing: Information will be available at the County
Department of Development Services, and at other public locations
in the county as deemed appropriate by County staff.
Responsibility: Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Time Frame: Ongoing, 2014–2022
H-A.5.2 Family Definition: Amend the Butte County zoning ordinance to
define “family” to include groups of residents living together as a
household unit, and residents of group homes, community care
facilities, emergency or transitional housing, residential care
facilities, or other special needs housing and remove the
requirement of six or fewer.
Responsibility: Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Time Frame: Amend code by December 2014.
Goal H-6 Promote energy conservation.
Policies
H-P6.1 Continue to implement state energy-efficiency standards.
H-P6.2 Provide energy conservation assistance to low-income
households.
BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030 15
28
HOUSING ELEMENT
Actions
H-A6.1 Building Code Standards: The County will stay informed of the
impending regulations related to green building as the state
government enacts laws in accordance with the Building Energy
Efficiency Standards, Part 11 of Title 24 of California’s new Green
Building Standards Code.
Responsibility: Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Time Frame: Ongoing, 2014–2022
H-A6.2 Energy Conservation Assistance: Substantial energy conservation
and reduced utility payments can be realized from weatherizing and
insulating older dwelling units. Many low-income households and
owners of rental units lack the financial resources, however, to
undertake such home improvements. There are several programs
that can provide financial assistance to low-income homeowners
and rental unit owners whose tenants are low income. The
County’s website will provide links to these funding programs. In
addition, the County shall collect information from program
participants on an annual basis regarding the number of households
assisted with weatherization assistance.
Responsibility: Administrative Office
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Time Frame: Ongoing, 2014–2022
Quantified Objective
H-O6.2 To facilitate energy conservation, the County will direct five low-
income households annually toward programs of other agencies
that provide financial assistance to improve the energy efficiency of
their dwelling units.
H-A6.3 Energy Efficiency Incentives: The County shall promote
increased energy conservation by encouraging builders to exceed
California Title 24 standards. As an incentive to exceed Title 24
16 BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030
29
HOUSING ELEMENT
requirements, the County will offer priority processing for projects
that will improve upon Title 24 requirements by at least 10 percent.
Responsibility: Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Time Frame: Ongoing, 2014–2022
BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030 17
30
HOUSING ELEMENT
B. Summary of Quantified Objectives for the Housing Element
Planning Period (January 1, 2014, through June 15, 2022)
The quantified objectives represent the number of housing units that are likely to be
rehabilitated, preserved, and produced as a result of the policies and actions in the
Butte County Housing Element Policy document.
1. Rehabilitation of Existing Housing Stock
These objectives are based upon the use of CDBG, HOME funds, and other
resources as described in Objectives H-O6.2.
Income Category Unit Objective
Extremely Low 20
Very Low 10
Low 10
Moderate 10
TOTAL UNITS 50
2. Preservation of Assisted Units at Risk of Conversion
No units in the Unincorporated Area are at risk of conversion in this Housing
Element planning period. Thus, there is no quantified objective for preservation.
3. Production of New Housing Units
These objectives are based upon the number of units targeted for construction
pursuant to the actions listed under Goals H-1 and H-2. These numbers vary from
the RHNA. While the RHNA states the number of housing units that the County
must accommodate through provision of appropriate zoning for housing
development to be undertaken by the private sector, these quantified objectives
express the County’s goals for housing production in certain housing developments
where it would take a more active role in planning and facilitating the projects to
meet certain County housing goals.
Income Category Unit Objective
Extremely Low 40
Very Low 40
Low 90
Moderate 250
Above Moderate 500
TOTAL UNITS 920
18 BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN 2030
31
County of Butte
2014–2022 Housing Element
Housing Needs Assessment
May 2014
32
33
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ...........................................................................................................1
Review of Existing Housing Element ................................................................................. 1
Demographic and Economic Trends................................................................................... 1
Housing Conditions .......................................................................................................... 1
Special Housing Needs ..................................................................................................... 2
Housing Sites Inventory .................................................................................................... 2
Introduction ........................................................................................................................3
Housing Element Purpose ................................................................................................. 3
Authority ......................................................................................................................... 3
Consistency with the General Plan ..................................................................................... 3
Data Sources .................................................................................................................... 4
Public Participation........................................................................................................... 4
Review of Existing Housing Element ..............................................................................7
Demographic and Economic Trends .............................................................................19
Population and Household Characteristics ........................................................................ 19
Employment Trends........................................................................................................ 24
Housing Conditions .........................................................................................................27
Existing Housing Conditions ........................................................................................... 27
Housing Market Conditions............................................................................................. 32
Affordable Housing Stock ............................................................................................... 34
Special Housing Needs ...................................................................................................35
Persons with Disabilities ................................................................................................. 35
Seniors........................................................................................................................... 37
Large Families................................................................................................................ 39
Single Female-Headed Households with Children ............................................................. 39
Farmworkers .................................................................................................................. 40
Families and Persons in Need of Emergency Shelter ......................................................... 42
Governmental and Non-Governmental Constraints ....................................................44
Governmental Constraints ............................................................................................... 45
Non-Governmental Constraints ....................................................................................... 61
Housing Sites Inventory and Analysis ..........................................................................63
Regional Housing Needs Allocation................................................................................. 63
Inventory of Land Suitable for Residential Development ................................................... 63
Summary ....................................................................................................................... 69
Infrastructure Availability ............................................................................................... 76
Environmental Constraints .............................................................................................. 79
Opportunities for Energy Conservation ........................................................................81
Appendix: Housing Condition Survey Results ............................................................85
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
i 34
List of Tables
Table A-1 Population Trends, 2000–2013 .......................................................................................... 19
Table A-2 Growth Trends, 2010–2035 Low Growth Scenario.............................................................. 20
Table A-3 Existing Households by Tenure, 2000–2010 Unincorporated Area ....................................... 21
Table A-4 2010 Household Characteristics ......................................................................................... 22
Table A-5 Household Size, 2000–2010 –Unincorporated Area............................................................. 22
Table A-6 Area Median Incomes in Incorporated Cities and Butte County, 2010 .................................. 23
Table A-7 State Income Limits for Butte County, 2013 ....................................................................... 23
Table A-8 Employment by Industry, Unincorporated Area, 2010 ........................................................ 24
Table A-9 Fastest-Growing Occupations (Projected), 2010–2020......................................................... 25
Table A-10 Butte County Commute Profile, 2010 ............................................................................... 26
Table A-11 Overcrowded Housing in Unincorporated Area, 2010 ........................................................ 27
Table A-12 Households Overpaying by Income – Unincorporated Area, 2009 ...................................... 28
Table A-13 Housing Units by Type, 2000–2013 ................................................................................. 29
Table A-14 Vacancy Rates in the Unincorporated Area, 2000–2010..................................................... 30
Table A-15 Age of Housing Units...................................................................................................... 30
Table A-16 Housing Conditions Survey Results ................................................................................. 32
Table A-17 Median Home Sales Price, 2012 and 2013 ........................................................................ 32
Table A-18 Affordable Payments by Household Size (Based on a Four-Person Household) ................... 34
Table A-19 Affordable Housing Stock, Unincorporated Area, 2009 ..................................................... 34
Table A-20 Persons with Disabilities by Disability Type, 2000 ............................................................ 35
Table A-21 Persons with Disability by Employment Status, 2000 ........................................................ 36
Table A-22 Developmentally Disabled Residents, by Age ................................................................... 37
Table A-23 Developmentally Disabled Residents by Residence Type................................................... 37
Table A-24 Senior (65+ Years Old) Population in the Unincorporated Area ......................................... 38
Table A-25 Unincorporated Area Householders by Tenure by Age, 2010 ............................................. 38
Table A-26 Large Family (5+ Family Members) Households by Tenure, 2010 ..................................... 39
Table A-27 Female-Headed Households in the Unincorporated Area, 2011 .......................................... 40
Table A-28 Number of Farmworkers, Butte County ............................................................................ 41
Table A-29 Homeless Needs in Butte County, 2011 ............................................................................ 42
Table A-30 Butte County Residential Site Development Regulations by Zoning District ....................... 46
Table A-31 Parking Standards ........................................................................................................... 46
Table A-32 Housing Types Permitted by Zone .................................................................................. 47
Table A-33 Government Fees for Single-Family Development, Butte County, Effective 12/8/13 ........... 54
Table A-34 Government Fees for Multiple-Family or Mobile Home Development................................ 56
Table A-35 Schedule of Residential Processing Times, Butte County ................................................... 58
Table A-36 Regional Housing Needs Plan (2014–2022) ...................................................................... 63
Table A-37 Projects Approved or In Process ...................................................................................... 66
Table A-38 Comparison of Regional Housing Need and Residential Sites ............................................ 70
Table A-39 Adequate Sites Inventory................................................................................................. 70
List of Figures
Figure 1 Adequate Sites Inventory ..................................................................................................... 76
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
ii 35
Executive Summary
The Housing Needs Assessment analyzes population and housing characteristics, identifies special
housing needs among certain population groups, evaluates housing conditions, and provides other
important information to support the goals, policies, and programs to meet the needs of current and future
residents.
Review of Existing Housing Element
The last Butte County Housing Element was reviewed by the California Department of Housing and
Community Development on December 1, 2010, and deemed in compliance with California Housing
Element Law.1 The 2009 Housing Element Policy Report established a series of goals, policies, and
implementation programs for Butte County to achieve during the Housing Element Planning Period, 2009
through 2014. The County implemented many of the programs from the 2009 Housing Element including
completion of zoning ordinance amendments to comply with state law requirements, completion of
rezone efforts to provide for all income levels, and the completion of the Butte County Continuum of
Care Point in Time Homeless Count Report. Please refer to the Review of Existing Housing Element
section of the document for a full review of the 2009 – 2014 Housing Element.
Demographic and Economic Trends
The population and number of households in the Unincorporated Area decreased from 2000 through 2010
by approximately 13 percent, from 96,042 residents to just under 84,000 residents. During the same time
frame, the Unincorporated Area of Butte County experienced growth. The root cause of the population
decrease is annexation, and a similar pattern occurred in 1990 through 2000 in the Unincorporated Area.
The median household income for a family of four in 2013 for Butte County, for both incorporated and
unincorporated areas, is $58,700. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) 2009 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data set, in 2009 approximately 12
percent of households fell into the extremely low-income category. Nearly half of all households in the
Unincorporated Area were at or below the low-income level. Approximately 23 percent of households fell
in the moderate-income category, with an additional 29 percent in the above moderate-income category.
Approximately 80 percent of all households in the Unincorporated Area earning 30 percent or less of the
area median income (AMI) spent more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs, with 69 percent
of households experiencing severe housing costs burdens.
Housing Conditions
Housing in the Unincorporated Area consists of mainly single-family, attached units, similar to the pattern
in Butte County and the state of California. In 2013, approximately 68 percent of all housing units in the
Unincorporated Area consisted of single-family, detached housing. The percentage of multifamily units,
however, is significantly lower and the percentage of mobile homes significantly higher than that in Butte
County and the state as a whole. With the limited multifamily options available to residents given
infrastructure limitations, mobile homes are a major provider of affordable housing in the Unincorporated
Area. Overall, the housing stock in the Unincorporated Area is relatively new, with few units built prior to
1 California Department of Housing and Community Development. 2008. “Housing Element Compliance Report.” Accessed April 17,
2008. http://www.hcd.ca.gov/hpd/hrc/plan/he/status.pdf.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
1
36
1969, only a small number of incidences of overcrowding, and a high vacancy rate. A housing conditions
survey was conducted of 400 units in the Unincorporated Area. Of surveyed units, 35 percent were in
sound condition or needed minor repairs. Over 30 percent of surveyed units (32 percent, or 126 units)
were in dilapidated condition. Data on the housing cost burden of Unincorporated Area residents implies
that extremely low-income renters, followed by extremely low-income owners, should be the targets of
affordable housing programs.
Special Housing Needs
Numerous special needs populations are present throughout the Unincorporated Area, requiring special
needs housing that meets their particular needs, indicating that the greatest unmet needs occur among the
elderly, disabled, and the homeless. Currently, 2000 is the most recent year with Census data for
disabilities. As of 2000, approximately 27,774 persons in the Unincorporated Area ages 5–64 had a
disability. Elderly persons ages 65 years and older comprise 18 percent of the total population in the
Unincorporated Area in 2010. In 2011, single female-headed households represented approximately 13
percent of total households. Female-headed households with children constituted 9 percent of total
households, whereas female-headed households without children comprised 4 percent of total households.
Farmworker data indicate that approximately 5,021 persons work as either full-time or seasonal
employees in Butte County. Some farmworkers have special housing needs due to the seasonal nature of
their work, along with their need to migrate based on seasonal demand for their services. Additionally, in
2012, Butte County had roughly 760 homeless individuals, with approximately 513 of these individuals
unsheltered. These special needs populations have diverse and unique housing needs. The County, in
conjunction with the incorporated municipalities, must work together to find ways to provide additional
shelters to the homeless.
Housing Sites Inventory
The Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for Butte County mandates that the Unincorporated
Area allow for the development of 2,974 units across all income categories, and the housing sites
inventory analysis section demonstrates how the Unincorporated Area can accommodate the units. Given
current General Plan land use designations and zoning districts, infrastructure, and environmental
constraints, the Unincorporated Area surpasses the requirement and has land available to accommodate
the development of more than enough units to satisfy the RHNA.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
2 37
Introduction
Since its establishment in 1969, the California housing element law has mandated that California local
governments develop plans to supply housing to current and future residents, regardless of income level.2
Housing Element Purpose
The purpose of the Housing Element is to address housing needs of the residents of the Unincorporated
Area of Butte County through June 15, 2022. The Housing Element consists of two documents: the
Housing Needs Assessment, which analyzes the needs of residents of the Unincorporated Area through
the eight-year planning period, and the Housing Policy document that establishes policies and programs
to help Butte County meet the needs identified in the Housing Needs Assessment. The complete Housing
Element document is an update of the 2009 Butte County Housing Element.
Authority
According to Section 65302 of the California Government Code, all jurisdictions must adopt a General
Plan with seven mandatory elements. The Housing Element is one of the seven required elements, and it
is the only element that must be reviewed by the state for compliance to ensure that each jurisdiction is
doing its part to help meet the state housing goals.
Consistency with the General Plan
State law requires that the Housing Element contain a statement of “the means by which consistency will
be achieved with other general plan elements and community goals” (California Government Code
Section 65583[c][6][B]). This requires an evaluation of two primary characteristics: (1) an identification
of other General Plan goals, policies, and programs that could affect implementation of the Housing
Element or that could be affected by the implementation of the Housing Element; and (2) an identification
of actions to ensure consistency between the Housing Element and affected parts of other General Plan
elements.
The Butte County General Plan (adopted 2010) contains several elements with policies related to housing.
A review of the other General Plan elements demonstrates consistency with all other policies and
programs. The County will maintain this consistency in the future by ensuring General Plan amendments
are evaluated for consistency with all other General Plan elements.
2 California Department of Housing and Community Development. 2008. “Housing Element Compliance Report.”
Accessed April 17, 2008. http://www.hcd.ca.gov/hpd/hrc/plan/he/status.pdf.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
3
38
Data Sources
Data sources for the Housing Element include the 2010 and 2000 Census, 2007–2011 American
Community Survey (ACS), 2009 CHAS, California Department of Finance (DOF), HUD, the California
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and the 2007 Agricultural Census, as well
as information from local data sources including the Butte County Continuum of Care and a survey of
online real estate resources such as trulia.com. Additional information came from the Butte County
Department of Development Services, Planning Division as well as a windshield survey of physical
housing conditions conducted by PMC in December 2013. Projections from Butte County Association of
Governments (BCAG) show anticipated trends in population.
The data packet developed by HCD for jurisdictions in Butte County is the primary source of data for this
document. Where additional information is required, the US Census is the preferred data source as it
provides the most reliable and in-depth data for demographic characteristics of a locality.
Public Participation
Butte County has actively solicited public participation in the preparation of the Housing Element update,
and has taken the public input into consideration in the drafting and revisions to the proposed Housing
Element update. Opportunities for public participation have included a stakeholder study session on
December 18, 2013, and a public workshop on February 5, 2014. The County also solicited input by
sending out a community needs survey.
In addition to public input solicited at the meetings described above, the Housing Element was available
on the County website during the entire update process.
The following is a list of providers that were invited to participate in this Housing Element update.
• Berry Creek Rancheria
• Butte County Behavioral Health
• Butte County Continuum of Care
• Butte County Department of Development
Services
• Butte County Housing Authority
• Caminar
• Catalyst Domestic Violence Services
• Chico Community Shelter Partnership
• Chico Community Shelter Partnership
• City of Biggs
• City of Chico Planning Services Department
• Club Stairways
• Independent Living Services of Northern
California, Inc.
• Jesus Center
• Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria
• Nicole Bateman, Executive Director
• Northern California AIDS Consortium
• Northern California Youth And Family Program
• Northern Valley Catholic Social Service
(NVCSS)
• Oroville Rescue Mission
• Regional Housing Authority of Sutter and
Nevada Counties
• Rob Hickey
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
4 39
• Community Action Agency of Butte County
• Community Housing Improvement Program
(CHIP)
• Eric Almquist
• HERE Program
• Housing Services Town of Paradise
• Independent Living Services
• Sackett Corporation
• SK Management Company
• Steve Orsillo Construction
• The Well (Transitional Housing)
• VECTORS (homeless veterans)
• Youth for Change
Stakeholder Study Session – December 18, 2013
The County held a stakeholder study session on December 18, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. in the Butte County
Development Services Training Room. The study session was noticed in the paper and on the County’s
website, and letters inviting service providers in the region were also sent out. There were two
participants at the meeting: Brian Lowden, Executive Director for Chico Rancheria Housing Corporation,
and Nicole Bateman, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity. There was a brief presentation that
included the update schedule and 2010 demographic information. The rest of the meeting consisted of a
roundtable discussion on community needs. Habitat for Humanity recently opened an office in the region
and would like to partner with the County in the future. The representative from the Rancheria Housing
Corporation also identified an interest in working with the County in the future.
To encourage additional public participation, the County sent out a follow-up survey with questions
regarding the county’s housing needs and how housing programs can be improved.
Public Workshop – February 5, 2014
The County held a Housing Element public workshop on February 5, 2014, at 6 p.m. in the Butte County
Development Services Training Room. The meeting was noticed in the paper and on the County’s
website, and letters inviting service providers in the region were also sent out. There were three
participants at the meeting. The meeting started with a brief presentation made by the consultant. The
presentation included a summary of Housing Element state law requirements, identification of new laws
that affect this Housing Element update, a summary of demographic information from the 2010 Census,
and a timeline for the next step in the process for adoption of the 5th round Housing Element update that
is due to be adopted by June 2014.
Following the presentation was a roundtable discussion about needs throughout the county.
The three participants at the meeting were:
• Thomas Tenorio, Executive Director of Community Action Agency of Butte County, Inc.
• E. M. “Mo” West, Foothill West Associates
• Edward Mayer, Executive Director Housing Authority of the County of Butte
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
5 40
Discussion items from the meeting:
Needs/programs identified by the group:
• There is a need for more senior housing (all types, from independent to assisted care and memory
care).
• Create/support housing project with supportive services included.
• Incorporate information from the 10-year plan to end homelessness (draft to be released in March).
• Support the creation of equity pools (i.e., housing trust funds) to create affordable housing (there is
a group creating a North Valley Housing Trust Fund).
Community Action Agency
• With the loss of redevelopment funds, they aren’t able to secure funding for development.
• Pursuing acquisition/rehabilitation projects using the PACE Program and Cal Debit Limit
Allocation Bonds.
• Partnering with Fig Tree out of San Diego on rehab projects.
• Would like to partner with the County on a rehab program.
Housing Authority
• Elderly, disabled, and low income are the groups most in need of housing.
• Butte County has highest per capita foster youth.
• Foster youth phasing out of foster care and onto the street in the county.
• Received a $20,000 grant from Sierra Council to complete a 10-year plan to end homelessness;
draft will be available in March 2014.
• Stressed that a common approach, between the County and all cities, on the homeless population
needs to be promoted.
• Chronic homelessness has grown, while the marginally homeless has decreased.
• Feds changing emphasis from emergency and transitional housing to “Housing First” model.
• The Housing First model is working for veterans but lacking for the rest of the special needs
population, and it does not emphasize transitional housing.
• To make up the gap the North Valley Community Foundation (includes 3Core) is establishing the
North Valley Housing Trust Fund that will partner with banks to raise money, with matching funds
from the state for new affordable housing.
• Section 8 vouchers were reduced by government cuts over the last two years but are slowly being
reinstated.
Foothill – West Associates
• Need more housing with supportive services integrated into the project.
SB 244 Discussion
• Chapman could be a candidate.
• The Gridley Farm Labor Camp in the unincorporated county might be a candidate.
The County will incorporate any comments received into the document.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
6 41
Review of Existing Housing Element
An important aspect of the Housing Element is an evaluation of achievements under the policies and implementation programs included in the
previously adopted Housing Element. The evaluation provides valuable information on the extent to which programs have been successful in
achieving stated objectives and addressing local needs, and to which these programs continue to be relevant in addressing current and future
housing needs in Butte County. The evaluation also provides the basis for recommended modifications to policies and programs and the
establishment of new objectives in the Housing Element.
The following is a summary of accomplishments of Butte County’s 2009 Housing Element.
Action Responsibility/Funding/
Timing Result Continue/
/Modify/Delete
H-A1.1 Provide Adequate Sites for Housing by Expanding Infrastructure: The
County shall work with the incorporated cities to expand the supply
of developable land, particularly for multifamily housing projects
within each City’s sphere of influence.
a) Annually apply for available State and federal funding for water,
sewer, and storm drainage improvements.
b) Seek financial assistance of developers in preparing community
plans or specific plans which can address public service and
facilities for new developments.
c) Work out an appropriate financing arrangement with the Cities
of Chico and Oroville to charge reasonable fees on new
development to pay for the expansion of water and sewer
services within their spheres of influence.
d) Provide technical assistance to developers interested in
establishing community facilities and community service districts
to finance needed infrastructure and services where these are
financially feasible; and
e) Identify appropriate areas within existing undeveloped,
residentially-focused Specific Plans, as well as future specific
plans identified under the Butte County General Plan 2030 process which have not yet been approved.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Development Services,
and Public Works Departments
Funding: Community
Development Block Grant
Program, U.S.D.A. Rural
Development, State Clean
Water grants or loans,
developer fees
Timeframe: Ongoing; apply for
funding annually
The County identified
appropriate areas for high-
density housing as part of the
adoption of the Zoning
Ordinance. See Butte County
Zoning Ordinance Article 10,
Overlay Zones.
There was a minimal amount of
development taking place
during this reporting period and
very little demand for the items
discussed by this housing
program. Additionally, many if
not all of the cities in Butte
County recently updated their
General Plans or are finishing an
update process. As a result,
growth inventories are up to
date and there isn’t much going
on in the way of annexation into
sphere areas. Due to the lack of
demand, these items did not
receive a lot of attention during
the last reporting period. It is
expected that once the
economy recovers, cities will
Continue.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
7 42
Action Responsibility/Funding/
Timing Result Continue/
/Modify/Delete
start looking toward expansions
into their spheres in cases
where they are identified by
their General Plans. Staff does
not expect this to happen,
however, for five or more years
based on historical growth
trends.
H-A1.2 Parking Requirements: The County shall review its parking
requirements for multifamily housing and reduce the number of
required spaces in order to reduce costs for multifamily housing
development. At a minimum, the County will modify the Zoning
Ordinance to reduce the parking requirements for studio and one-
bedroom units.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Planning Division
Funding: No additional staff
time would be required
Timeframe: 2010
This was completed with
adoption of the Zoning
Ordinance. See Butte County
Zoning Ordinance Article 19,
Parking and Loading.
The County reduced parking for
studio apartments from two
spaces to one space per unit,
and reduced its one-bedroom
parking requirements from two
spaces to 1.5 spaces per unit.
Delete.
H-A1.3 Development of Sites for Multi-Family Housing: The County shall
provide developers with information about suitable sites for small-
scale multifamily projects located in unincorporated communities
that are closest to employment and services. The information will be
disseminated by the Development Services Department when
developers inquire about opportunities to build housing in the
Unincorporated Area. In addition, the County shall offer density
bonuses, assist interested developers in acquiring surplus
government land suitable for multifamily development, and expedite
permit processing, for housing units affordable to lower-income
households. The level of project assistance shall be commensurate
with the amount of affordable housing provided as well as the level
of affordability. The County shall meet with interested developers on
a case-by-case basis to discuss project possibilities, with priority given
to developers of projects that would include units affordable to
extremely low-income households and/or provide affordable studio
and/or one-bedroom units.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative
Overhead
Timeframe: Ongoing
Offer of density bonuses was
completed with adoption of the
Zoning Ordinance. See Zoning
Ordinance Article 23, Density
Bonuses.
The County works with dozens
of customers each day regarding
development projects. There is
a very small percentage
(estimate 2–3 individual
projects) of these that pertains
to multifamily development
projects. The County’s building
permit records do not show a
multifamily housing project in
the last three years.
The County met with one
developer and the Butte County
Continue.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
8 43
Action Responsibility/Funding/
Timing Result Continue/
/Modify/Delete
Housing Authority to discuss a
plan to provide low-income
housing at the Tuscan Ridge
Development (a Planned
Development under the General
Plan). It has been determined
that this idea is not being
pursued by the developer.
H-A1.4 Negotiate Transfer of a Portion of the County’s Regional Housing
Need Allocation in Conjunction with Annexations: If cities will annex
residential sites that would accommodate a portion of the County’s
current RHNA, the County will work with the affected cities, LAFCo,
and BCAG, to transfer an appropriate portion of the County’s RHNA
to the City.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Department of Development Services
Funding: No special funds are
needed
Timeframe: In conjunction with
annexation proceedings
The County did not transfer any
portion of its RHNA to
surrounding jurisdictions. The
County received the final 2012
allocations for the Regional
Housing Needs Plan (RHNP).
Staff worked with the Butte
County Association of
Governments to evaluate the
possibility of completing a joint
Housing Element with other
jurisdictions within the county.
Modify. Combine
with Program
H-A1.5.
H-A1.5 Negotiate Transfer of a Portion of the County's Next Regional Housing
Need Allocation: During the next regional housing needs
determination process, the County shall continue to reach
agreements with the incorporated areas that can provide urban
services. These agreements are intended to transfer to the cities a
portion of the County’s share of the region’s housing needs in
unincorporated areas within existing spheres of influence. In this
way, the numbers of housing units assigned to Butte County will be
reduced, with the difference being accommodated within the cities
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Department of Development Services
Funding: No special funds are
needed
Timeframe: Next regional
housing needs determination
process
The County did not transfer any
portion of its RHNA to
surrounding jurisdictions.
Modify. Combine
with Program
H-A1.4.
H-A1.6 Zoning for Single-Room Occupancy Units: The County will amend the
zoning regulations to clarify that Single-Room Occupancy (SRO) units
are allowed in zoning districts where multi-family housing units are
allowed, and to provide appropriate development standards for
SROs.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Planning Division,
Department of Development
Services
Funding: Administrative
Overhead
Timeframe: 2010
This was completed with
adoption of the Zoning
Ordinance. See Part 2 – Zoning
Districts, Land Uses, and
Development Standards, and
Part 7 – Definitions (Multiple-
Family Dwelling).
Delete.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
9 44
Action Responsibility/Funding/
Timing Result Continue/
/Modify/Delete
H-A1.7 Zoning for Transitional and Supportive Housing Units: The County will
amend the zoning ordinance to clarify that transitional and
supportive housing units are considered a residential use, and are
subject to the same restrictions as other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zoning district.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Planning Division,
Department of Development
Services
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Timeframe: 2010
This was completed with
adoption of the Zoning
Ordinance. See draft Butte
County Zoning Ordinance Article
6, Residential Zones, and Part 7
– Definitions (Residential Care
Homes).
Continue. While the
County amended
the Zoning
Ordinance to
include transitional
and supportive
housing, to further
address the
requirements, the
County will
continue this
program.
H-A1.8 General Plan Land Use Designations and Zoning for Lower-Income
Housing Development: Given that many sites identified to
accommodate the County’s RHNA for construction of units affordable
to lower-income households currently lack appropriate zoning to
support high density multifamily development, the County, in
conjunction with the 2030 General Plan update, will update General
Plan land use designations and amend the Zoning Ordinance as
necessary to assign sites numbered 1 through 7 on Table 36 of the
Housing Needs Assessment, with a minimum of 72.94 acres and a
realistic unit capacity of 1,170 units, zoning designations that will,
allow high density multifamily residential development by right. At a
minimum, these updates will ensure the provision of adequate sites
zoned to allow multifamily residential development by right, without
a conditional use permit or other discretionary action or approval,
allowing densities at a minimum of 20 dwelling units per acre, and
permitting a minimum of 16 units per site (except sites 6 and 7), and
ensuring that at least 50 percent of the lower-income need is
accommodated on sites designated for residential use only. In
addition, Program H-A1.9 below will facilitate the subdivision of large
parcels included in the inventory into smaller parcels that could be
more easily developed for affordable housing. As part of this action,
the County will also work with the owner/developer of Parcel #4 in
Table 36 of the Housing Needs Assessment (APN #007-010-058) to
prioritize the site, which is within the North Chico Specific Plan Area,
for infrastructure development to make the site available for
multifamily housing as soon as possible within the Housing Element
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Planning Division,
Department of Development
Services
Funding: Administrative
Overhead, Developer Funding
(Rio D’ Oro Specific Plan)
Timeframe: General Plan
designations to be adopted with
General Plan Update in
September, 2010; conforming
zoning amendments, Rio D’ Oro
Specific Plan adoption, etc., by
March 2011.
Responsive General Plan land
use designations were adopted
with the comprehensive General
Plan update on October 26,
2010. General Plan designations
were adopted with the General
Plan update in October 2010.
Conforming zoning amendments
were adopted with the Zoning
Ordinance. See Zoning
Ordinance Article 3, Zones and
Zoning Map, and Article 6,
Residential Zones.
The County completed General
Plan land use amendments and
appropriate zoning changes to
sites 1–7. These sites now allow
for high-density residential
development. Based on the
analysis included in the Housing
Element, the County
determined that adopting a
minimum density of 20 units per
acre was not needed and that
there were sufficient sites
currently zoned to meet the
Delete.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
10 45
Action Responsibility/Funding/
Timing Result Continue/
/Modify/Delete
planning period.. lower-income RHNA.
H-A1.9 Lot Subdivision: The County recognizes that most assisted housing
developments utilizing State and federal financial resources include
50 to 150 units. The County will provide technical assistance and
incentives to subdivide parcels in the housing sites inventory larger
than 15 acres, including sites 2, 4, and 5 in the inventory on Table 36.
The County will offer expedited review for the subdivision of larger
sites into buildable lots as long as the development is consistent with
County land use and environmental regulations, and priority
processing for subdivision maps including affordable housing.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Planning Division,
Department of Development
Services
Funding: Administrative
Overhead
Timeframe: 2010 and ongoing
While sites 2, 4, and 5 were not
subdivided, the County did
implement zoning to support
the General Plan in 2012 and
continues to work with the
developers of site 2 on
development.
Continue.
H-A2.1 Explore Possibilities of Affordable Housing Goals for Large-Scale
Residential Developments: Large-scale developments can include a
range of residential categories and therefore have the potential to
include affordable housing. Although the County cannot initiate
development proposals for large-scale development, through the
development agreement process, the County can seek commitments
from developers that a percentage of dwelling units be affordable to lower-income households.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Department of Development Services
Funding: Specific and Master
Plans (paid for by developers)
Timeframe: Ongoing
In conjunction with the Rio D’
Oro project (site 2), the County
worked with developers to
include affordable units and also
explored low-income housing in
conjunction with the Tuscan
Ridge development (APN: 040-
520-100).
Continue.
H-A2.2 Pursue Funding Under State and Federal Programs: There are a
number of State and federal programs that provide low-cost
financing or subsidies for the production of low- and moderate-
income housing. Butte County will annually pursue funding under
those State and federal programs that require its direct participation,
such as CDBG and HOME.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Development Services
Department
Funding: Administrative
Overhead
Timeframe: Ongoing; apply for
funding annually.
The County applied for housing
rehabilitation funds through
CDBG, HOME, and CalHOME.
Due to the high level of need
from the competition, the
County was unable to secure
additional funds.
Continue.
H-A2.3 Identify Surplus Government Land for Affordable Housing: The
County’s Administrative Office shall provide records on surplus
government property to the Department of Development Services.
From these records, the Department of Development Services will
select suitable housing sites and advertise their availability for low-
income housing via a developer RFP process, with preference given
for developers who commit to provide units affordable to extremely
low-income households and/or that address identified special needs,
such as young adults transitioning from foster care to living independently.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office and Department of
Development Services will select sites and issue a developer RFP
Funding: Some additional staff
time would be required
Timeframe: Receive list of sites
from the County’s
Administration Office and Issue
an RFP in 2010
This program was not
completed due to lack of
demand.
[Pending]
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
11 46
Action Responsibility/Funding/
Timing Result Continue/
/Modify/Delete
H-A2.4 Work with Cities: Thus far, all subsidized housing projects, with the
exception of the Gridley Farm Labor Housing and the Palm Crest
Village Subdivision, which is currently under construction, have been
built in the incorporated areas of the County where there is easy
access to sewer lines as well as services. County staff will work with
Chico and Oroville housing staff to increase the supply of affordable
housing in the incorporated cities and their spheres of influence since
infrastructure and services are limited in the Unincorporated Area.
The cities and County will consider applying for some State or federal
funds together. By working with these cities and the Housing
Authority of Butte County, the County will be able to expand its
affordable housing activities, for example, by developing a joint down
payment assistance program.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Department of
Development Services
Funding: Administrative
Overhead
Timeframe: Butte County will
set up a meeting to discuss this
program with the Cities of
Oroville and Chico in 2009
This program was not
completed due to lack of
demand.
[Pending]
H-A2.5 Affordable Housing in the Greater Chico Redevelopment Project
Area: Since the Greater Chico Redevelopment Project Area includes
both unincorporated areas and areas within the city limits of Chico,
the County shall work with the City to use housing set-aside funds to
complete the housing goals for the Project Area as outlined in the
Five-Year Implementation Plan for the time period 2009–2010
through 2013–2014. To achieve this goal, the County will set a
meeting with the Chico Redevelopment agency in early 2010 and
outline a strategy for how the County can assist with housing
development in the Greater Chico Redevelopment Project Area.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Department of
Development Services and Chico
Redevelopment Agency
Funding: Administrative
Overhead
Timeframe: 2010
Per AB 26, RDA has been
dissolved in California. Only
those projects and programs
that are determined to be
“enforceable obligations” by the
Department of Finance are
allowed to be implemented by
the successor agency to the
RDA. Therefore, no new housing
projects or programs have been
pursued.
Delete.
H-A2.6 Affordable Housing Program: The County shall investigate the
feasibility of using incentives and partnerships as a means of providing affordable housing units.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative
Overhead
Timeframe: 2010
No projects came forward that
have necessitated such
conversations.
Continue.
H-A2.7 Delivery of Housing Element to Water and Sewer Providers: The
County shall deliver the completed Housing Element to all area Water
and Sewer Providers within one month of adoption in accordance
with Government Code section 65589.7. The Bill requires the
providers to give priority to proposed housing projects that will
include units affordable to lower income households when capacity is
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Department of
Development Services and
water and sewer providers
Funding: Administrative
This was completed in
November 2010.
Continue.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
12 47
Action Responsibility/Funding/
Timing Result Continue/
/Modify/Delete
limited. Overhead
Timeframe: 2009
H-A3.1 Code Enforcement and Abatement: Continue to enforce the Nuisance
Abatement Ordinance that authorizes the County to initiate
appropriate action against owners of properties with public
nuisances. A component of this Ordinance calls for the case-by-case
removal of dilapidated dwellings. Another component of this
Ordinance requires the property owners to pay for the costs of
abatement.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Building Inspection
Division
Funding: Under the current
budget, five dwelling units can
be removed annually. This does
not include potential funds from
property owners.
Timeframe: Ongoing
The Department of
Development Services
completed numerous code
enforcement and abatement
actions in 2010/2011.
In 2010, the County completed
17 abatement actions and
demolished one structure.
In 2011, the County completed
nine abatement actions and
demolished one structure.
Continue.
H-A3.2 Rehabilitation of Substandard Dwelling Units: The County already
uses its CDBG funds for rehabilitation of owner- and renter-occupied
housing units. However, there are still several hundred dwelling units
in need of rehabilitation, with around 750 units in need of repair or
replacement in the Census block groups identified in the 2008
Housing Survey completed as part of the Housing Element Update
needs assessment. Therefore, the County should seek additional funding for rehabilitation.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Department of
Development Services
Funding: CDBG and additional public funds.
Timeframe: Ongoing
The County applied for funds
through CDBG, HOME, and
CalHOME but was unsuccessful
due to the level of competition.
Currently housing rehabilitation
projects are being funded as
funds become available through
the County’s Housing Revolving
Loan Fund from monthly
payments and payoffs.
Continue.
H-A4.1 County Housing Coordination: The County shall encourage staff in
various County departments and outside agencies and organizations
to coordinate housing activities. Coordination will be encouraged
among the Department of Behavioral Health, the Community Action
Agency of Butte County, and the Housing Authority of Butte County,
among others, to operate Butte County’s housing programs. The
County Administrative Office will be charged with making affordable
housing a more visible and important issue within the County, improving housing program coordination for special needs groups.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office
Funding: Administrative
Overhead
Timeframe: Ongoing
The County’s Development
Services staff worked with a
representative of the
Community Action Agency (CAA)
and CHIP to identify mobile
home parks for possible
rehabilitation activities.
County staff also fielded various
inquiries from Habitat for
Humanity concerning
rehabilitation work in the
Chapman neighborhood and
applicability rules under the
Continue.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
13 48
Action Responsibility/Funding/
Timing Result Continue/
/Modify/Delete
Chapman Mulberry Plan.
H-A4.2 Funding Program for Accessibility Improvements: The County shall
consider funding a program to make accessibility improvements to
rental units to be occupied by persons with disabilities. The County
could use a portion of the CDBG Program Income or apply for
additional CDBG funds.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Department of
Development Services
Funding: To be determined
Timeframe: 2010
Accessibility improvements are
eligible under the CDBG Housing
Rehabilitation Guidelines.
Continue.
H-A4.3 Reasonable Accommodation: The County shall adopt a Reasonable
Accommodations Ordinance with rules, policies, practices, and
procedures that ensure equal access to housing, in accordance with State law.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Department of
Development Services
Funding: No additional funding needed
Timeframe: 2010
This was completed with
adoption of the Zoning
Ordinance. See Article 33,
Reasonable Accommodations.
Delete.
H-A4.4 Homeless Task Force: The County shall work with the Homeless Task
Force to address the needs of the homeless in Butte County and
collaborate in providing financial resources to local agencies serving
homeless persons.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office; Department of
Behavioral Health and
Department of Social Services
Funding: Administrative
Overhead; annual funding for
the Homeless Task Force's
Emergency Housing Assistance
Program (EHAP)
Timeframe: Continue annual
funding for the Homeless Task
Force
County staff participated in two
meetings hosted by the Housing
Strategy Team. The Housing
Strategy Team is currently
working on a 10-year strategy
related to housing and
homelessness.
Continue.
H-A4.5 Need for Homeless Services: In order to plan for homeless services,
The Butte County Office of Education and Butte County Behavioral
Health shall continue to participate in the annual Butte County
Continuum of Care Point in Time Homeless County Report.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Office of Education and Behavioral Health
Funding: Administrative
Overhead
Timeframe: Annually
The County annually
participates in the Butte County
Continuum of Care Point in Time
Homeless count.
Continue.
H-A4.6 Emergency Shelters: The County shall amend the Butte County Responsibility: Administrative This was completed with Delete.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
14 49
Action Responsibility/Funding/
Timing Result Continue/
/Modify/Delete
Zoning Ordinance to allow homeless shelters as a permitted use in
the Light Industrial zoning district, to provide sites where the unmet
demand for shelters within the Unincorporated Area can be
accommodated without the need for discretionary approvals. The
County will establish development standards that will encourage and
facilitate the use and only subject shelters to the same development
and management standards that apply to other allowed uses within the identified zone.
Office, Planning Division,
Department of Development
Services
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Timeframe: 2010
adoption of the Zoning
Ordinance. See Zoning
Ordinance Article 8, Industrial
Zones, and Section 24-161,
Emergency Shelters-Permanent.
H-A4.7 Farmworker Housing: The County shall amend the Butte County
Zoning Ordinance to allow agricultural employee housing for six
persons or less as a permitted use in all zones that allow single-family
housing by-right. Clarifying language will also be added to the Butte
County Zoning Ordinance to specify that the agricultural zones allow
housing by-right for up to 12 farmworker families or group quarters
with up to 36 beds in compliance with Health and Safety Code
sections 17021.5 and 17021.5.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Planning Division,
Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative
Overhead
Timeframe: 2010
This was completed with
adoption of the Zoning
Ordinance. See Butte County
Zoning Ordinance Part 2 –
Zoning Districts, Land Uses, and
Development Standards.
Delete.
H-A4.8 Additional Farmworker Housing: The County will provide technical
support and offer incentives to developers who wish to complete
applications for funding for farmworker housing including the
Housing and Community Development Department’s Joe Serna Jr.
Farmworker Housing Grant Program. Incentives may include expedited permit processing, plan checking, and inspections.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Planning Division,
Department of Development
Services
Funding: Administrative
Overhead
Timeframe: Ongoing (County
will monitor the availability of
funding bi-annually, with a goal
to assist in the application of
funding for at least two projects in the planning period)
The County was not contacted
by any developers looking to
complete applications for
farmworker housing.
Continue.
H-A4.9 Rehabilitation of Existing Farmworker Housing: The County will
support the efforts of the Housing Authority of Butte County to
rehabilitate the existing Gridley Farm Labor Housing facility, including
providing expedited permit processing, plan checking and
inspections. In addition, the County will assist the Housing Authority
in the event that it requires County assistance in pursuing grant
funding or other financial assistance.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Planning Division,
Department of Development
Services
Funding: Administrative
Overhead
Timeframe: Ongoing assistance
as requested by Housing
On August 10, 2010, Butte
County provided a letter to the
California Department of
Housing and Community
Development supporting a $2.5
million grant for the Jose Serna
Farmworker Housing program.
On December 2, 2010, DDS staff
Continue.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
15 50
Action Responsibility/Funding/
Timing Result Continue/
/Modify/Delete
Authority met with Gridley Farm Labor
Housing Development staff to
discuss assisting in the
rehabilitation of homes in the
area for farm labor housing.
H-A4.10 Farmworker Preference in New Affordable Housing: For new
affordable housing projects developed with County assistance,
incentives, and/or subject to County requirements, the County will
require that the developer give qualified farmworker households a
preference for 15 percent of the new units. Should demand from
farmworker households be insufficient to fill the set-aside units,
then the units will be made available to other qualified households.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Planning Division,
Department of Development
Services
Funding: Administrative
Overhead, CDBG, HOME, USDA
Rural Development,
development agreements for
major projects.
Timeframe: Policy will take
effect upon adoption of the
Housing Element, targeted for
first quarter 2010.
The County was not contacted
regarding any such
developments.
Continue.
H-A5.1 Fair Housing Information will be available at the County Department
of Development Services, and at other public locations in the County
as deemed appropriate by County staff.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative
Overhead
Timeframe: Ongoing
Fair Housing information is
available on all material and
public notices related to the
County's CDBG program.
Continue.
H-A6.1 Building Code Standards: The County will stay informed of the
impending regulations related to green building as the State
government enacts laws in accordance with the Building Energy
Efficiency Standards, Part 11 of Title 24 of California’s new Green
Building Standards Code. The codes were adopted in 2008, and the
currently voluntary standards will become mandatory for all new
construction, both residential and nonresidential, in 2010.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Department of
Development Services
Funding: Administrative
Overhead
Timeframe: 2010
The County adopted CalGreen
Building Code Standards in
November 9, 2010.
Continue.
H-A6.2 Energy Conservation Assistance: Substantial energy conservation and
reduced utility payments can be realized from weatherizing and
insulating older dwelling units. Many low-income households and
owners of rental units lack the financial resources, however, to
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative
The County provides
information on the CAA
weatherization program and
utility payment assistance
Continue
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
16 51
Action Responsibility/Funding/
Timing Result Continue/
/Modify/Delete
undertake such home improvements. There are several programs
that can provide financial assistance to low-income homeowners and
rental unit owners whose tenants are low income. The County’s
website will provide links to these funding programs. In addition, the
County will shall collect information on an annual basis regarding the
number of households assisted with weatherization assistance.
Overhead
Timeframe: Ongoing
program on the County's
website:
www.buttebusinessresources.co
m
H-A6.3 Develop site design guidelines for energy conserving development
patterns.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Department of Development Services
Funding: Administrative
Overhead
Timeframe: Ongoing
This program was not
completed, and the County is no
longer interested in developing
site design guidelines under the
Housing Element. In its place
the Butte County Climate Action
Plan (pending adoption) sets
forth supportive measures to
accomplish the same goals.
Delete.
H-A6.4 Energy Efficiency Incentives: The County shall promote increased
energy conservation by encouraging builders to exceed California
Title 24 standards. As an incentive to exceed Title 24 requirements,
the County will offer priority processing for projects that will improve upon Title 24 requirements by at least 10 percent.
Responsibility: Administrative
Office, Department of
Development Services
Funding: Administrative Overhead
Timeframe: Ongoing
The County approved offering a
Property Assessed Clean Energy
program for nonresidential
properties as a way to
encourage energy efficiency and
energy generation.
Continue.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
17 52
This page intentionally left blank
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
18 53
Demographic and Economic Trends
This section analyzes the need for housing in the Unincorporated Area using data on population,
employment trends, and household characteristics. It updates the information from the 2009 Butte County
Housing Element Background Report.
It should be noted that the large population of college students living in Butte County due to the presence
of California State University, Chico, and Butte Community College can have the effect of skewing some
of the demographic statistics in Butte County. For example, student populations tend to increase the
proportion of “non-family households” due to the presence of college students sharing housing with
unrelated roommates. Also, due to the tendency for college students to not report support from parents or
financial aid as “income,” student households tend to have lower incomes, which tends to paint a picture
of high proportions of lower-income households. Finally, because college students tend to be transient
within a community, they are more likely to rent housing than to purchase housing; thus, communities
with large student populations tend to have lower proportions of homeownership. Although these types of
characteristics are very evident in demographic data for the City of Chico, where many students are
concentrated, they also influence the statistics for Butte County as a whole and for the Unincorporated
Area.
Population and Household Characteristics
Population Trends
Table A-1 provides population growth in the Unincorporated Area and Butte County from 2000 to 2013.
From 2000 to 2010, the population in the Unincorporated Area declined by 13 percent. The population
loss in the Unincorporated Area is partially attributable to annexations by cities of developed areas that
were previously unincorporated. Population in the Unincorporated Area remained relatively steady from
2010 to 2013, with less than 1 percent decline over this time frame. In contrast, Butte County experienced
8 percent growth from 2000 to 2010, and 1 percent growth from 2010 to 2013.
Table A-1
Population Trends, 2000–2013
2000
Population
2010
Population
Percentage
Change
2000–2010
2013
Population
Percentage
Change
2010–2013
Unincorporated Area 96,042 83,758 -13% 83,357 0%
Butte County 203,171 220,000 8% 221,485 1%
Source: 2000 US Census; Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
19 54
Population and Household Projections
Table A-2 presents the Butte County Association of Governments’ population growth projections
between 2006 and 2035 for Butte County, including the Unincorporated Area. The BCAG Butte County
Long-Term Regional Growth Forecasts provide low, medium, and high population projections for all
cities in Butte County and the Unincorporated Area. Table A-2 reports low-level BCAG projections.
Over this period, BCAG forecasts total countywide population growth of 33 percent and 43 percent for
the Unincorporated Area and Butte County, respectively. Similarly, by 2035 BCAG forecasts the number
of households to grow by 51 percent and 56 percent for the Unincorporated Area and Butte County,
respectively. BCAG projections are consistent with the growth expectations of the Butte County 2030
General Plan, accounting for the annexations of key growth areas into incorporated cities that are
identified in the Butte County General Plan 2030 Environmental Impact Report.
As shown in Table A-2, the regional BCAG forecasts assume total population in the Unincorporated
Area of 111,560 by 2035. This regional growth is consistent with the growth expectations identified in the
Butte County General Plan, which assumes buildout population of 114,700. By 2035, households in the
Unincorporated Area will grow 51 percent above 2010 levels to 49,228 households. In comparison,
households throughout all of Butte County are expected to grow by 56 percent above 2010 levels to
136,782 households.
Table A-2
Growth Trends, 2010–2035 Low Growth Scenario
2010 2020 2030 2035 Percentage Change
2010–2035
Population
Unincorporated Area* 83,758 94,493 105,550 111,560 33%
Butte County 220,000 251,890 293,285 315,698 43%
Households
Unincorporated Area* 32,526 41,696 46,576 49,228 51%
Butte County 87,618 109,513 127,210 136,782 56%
Source: 2010 US Census; Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013; BCAG Butte County Long-Term Regional Growth Forecasts, 2011.
*Note: Forecast figures for Unincorporated Butte County exclude growth in areas anticipated for annexation identified in the
Butte County General Plan 2030 Environmental Impact Report as Bell Muir/Chico Area, Doe Mill/Honey Run Specific Plan, Thermalito Afterbay, Biggs Area, and Gridley Area and includes shared growth (50%) of Thermalito, Southern Oroville, and
Eastern Oroville.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
20 55
Household Type and Composition
A household refers to the people occupying a home, such as a family, a single person, or unrelated
persons living together. Family households often prefer single-family homes or condominiums to
accommodate children, while non-family households generally occupy smaller apartments or
condominiums. As shown in Table A-3, the number of households in the Unincorporated Area fell from
2000 to 2010 by approximately 4,680 units, or 13 percent.
Owner-occupied households comprised 74 percent of total households in 2010, with renter-occupied
households comprising 26 percent. Table A-3 shows changes in household numbers by tenure since
2000. Both owner-occupied and renter-occupied households experienced a decline, with a 16 percent
decrease in renter-occupied households and an 11 percent decrease in owner-occupied households. The
decrease in total households from 2000 to 2010 was proportional with the decrease in population, with
both indicators experiencing a 13 percent decrease over the 2000 to 2013 time frame.
Table A-3
Existing Households by Tenure, 2000–2010 Unincorporated Area
Household Type 2000 2010 Number
Change
Percentage
Change Number Percentage Number Percentage
Occupied Housing Units 37,206 100% 32,526 100% -4,680 -13%
Owner Occupied 27,077 73% 24,061 74% -3,016 -11%
Renter Occupied 10,129 27% 8,465 26% -1,664 -16%
Source: 2000 US Census; Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013
Table A-4 further details the types of households—family versus non-family—in the Unincorporated
Area, Butte County, and California. The percentage of family households, those containing two or more
related people living together, remained consistently higher in the Unincorporated Area through 1990,
2000, and 2010 than in Butte County. The percentage of family households in the Unincorporated Area in
2000, about 73 percent, was slightly higher than the proportion in California, 69 percent, but significantly
higher than the 62 percent in Butte County.
In 2010, the average household size in the Unincorporated Area grew to approximately 2.56 people per
household. Table A-4 displays household composition as reported by the 2010 Census. Within the
Unincorporated Area, families comprised 69 percent of all households, of which 25 percent have children
less than 18 years of age. Butte County as a whole has a slightly lower percentage of families (60 percent)
and the same percentage of families with children less than 18 years of age (25 percent).
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
21 56
Table A-4
2010 Household Characteristics
Jurisdiction Households
Average
Household
Size
Percentage of Households
Families Families With Children Under 18 Non-Family
Unincorporated Area 32,526 2.56* 69% 25% 31%
Butte County 87,618 2.45* 60% 25% 40%
Source: 2010 US Census
*Note: Average household for the Unincorporated Area is provided by the California Department of Finance. The US Census does
not provide average household size for the Unincorporated Area.
The distribution of households by size has changed little since 2000. Table A-5 shows the percentage of
each household size within the Unincorporated Area. From 2000 to 2010, the percentage of two-person
households increased by 1 percent, while the percentage of four-person households decreased by 1
percent. Otherwise, the distribution of percentages by household size was unchanged. According to the
estimates provided by the American Communities Survey, the total number of households declined by
approximately 15 percent, from approximately 37,206 households in 2000 to 31,553 households in 2010.
Table A-5
Household Size, 2000–2010 –Unincorporated Area
Household Size
2000 2010 Number
Change
Percentage
Change Number Percentage Number Percentage
1 person 8,845 24% 7,471 24% -1,374 -16%
2 person 14,215 38% 12,424 39% -1,791 -13%
3 person 5,584 15% 4,752 15% -832 -15%
4 person 4,694 13% 3,766 12% -928 -20%
5+ person 3,868 10% 3,140 10% -728 -19%
Total* 37,206 100% 31,553 100% -5,653 -15%
Source: 2000 US Census; Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013
*Note: Total households figure may differ from the total reported in other parts of this document. The Butte County Housing
Element Data Packet uses American ACS data for this table. The ACS is an estimate based on a sample and therefore may vary
from Census figures, which count the entire population. Although the absolute numbers may vary, this information is the best
available householder data.
Household income
The 2010 Census does not provide information on the median household income in the Unincorporated
Area. The median household income for Butte County was $43,170 in 2010. Median household income
for the incorporated cities in Butte County ranged from a low of $37,141 in Oroville to a high of $52,125
in Biggs. The average median income for all incorporated cities in Butte County was $42,260, slightly
lower than the Butte County median income of $43,170. Due to the similarity of median income for all of
Butte County in comparison to the incorporated cities, it is reasonable to expect that median income in the
Unincorporated Area is similar to the ranges presented below.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
22 57
The median family income for Butte County was $54,924. In comparison, the average of median
household family income levels for incorporated cities was $52,741. Similarly, the median non-family
income for Butte County was higher than the average of median non-family income for the incorporated
cities ($26,364 in Butte County, versus the average of $23,701 for incorporated cities).
Table A-6
Area Median Incomes in Incorporated Cities and Butte County, 2010
Average for Incorporated Cities* Butte County
Area Median Household Income $42,260 $43,170
Area Median Family Income $52,741 $54,924
Area Median Non-Family Income $23,701 $26,364
Sources: US Census Bureau, 2006–2010 American Community Survey
*Presents the average levels of incorporated cities of Biggs, Chico, Gridley, Oroville, and Paradise within Butte County. Median
income for the Unincorporated Area is unavailable through the American Communities Survey.
Household Income Categories
For the purpose of evaluating housing affordability, housing need, and eligibility for housing assistance,
income levels are defined by guidelines adopted each year by HCD. For Butte County, the Area Median
Income for a family of four in 2013 is $58,700.
HCD has defined the following income categories for Butte County, based on the median income for a
household of four persons:
• Extremely low income: 30 percent and below ($0–$17,600)
• Very low income: 31 to 50 percent of median income ($17,601–$29,350)
• Low income: 51 to 80 percent of median income ($29,351–$46,950)
• Moderate income: 81 to 120 percent of median income ($46,951–$70,450)
• Above moderate income: 121 percent or more of median income ($70,450+)
Based on the 2013 income limits HCD has defined for Butte County, Table A-7 shows the maximum
annual income level for each income group adjusted for household size for Butte County. The maximum
annual income data is used to calculate the maximum affordable housing payments for different
households (varying by income level) and their eligibility for federal housing assistance.
Table A-7
State Income Limits for Butte County, 2013
Income Category Number of Persons in Household
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Extremely Low $12,350 $14,100 $15,850 $17,600 $19,050 $20,450 $21,850 $23,250
Very Low $20,550 $23,500 $26,450 $29,350 $31,700 $34,050 $36,400 $38,750
Low $32,900 $37,600 $42,300 $46,950 $50,750 $54,500 $58,250 $62,000
Median $41,100 $46,950 $52,850 $58,700 $63,400 $68,100 $72,800 $77,500
Moderate $49,300 $56,350 $63,400 $70,450 $76,100 $81,700 $87,350 $93,000
Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development 2013
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
23 58
Extremely Low Income Households
The HUD 2009 Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data set provides information on
households by income group for the Unincorporated Area. According to the CHAS data, in 2009
approximately 2,985 households (9 percent of total households) in the Unincorporated Area were
extremely-low income, including both renter-occupied and owner-occupied households. Of owner-
occupied households, 1,690 were within the extremely low-income category. Of renter-occupied
households, 1,295 were within the extremely low-income category. Approximately 78 percent of
extremely low-income owner-occupied households paid greater than 30 percent of income for housing
costs, whereas 83 percent of extremely low-income renter-occupied households paid greater than 30
percent of income for housing costs.
Employment Trends
Jobs by Industry
Table A-8 presents data on the number of jobs in establishments located in the Unincorporated Area.
Overall, in 2010 there were approximately 29,000 jobs across all industries in the Unincorporated Area.
Approximately half of the County’s jobs are attributed to the Services sector, including finances,
professional, scientific, management, educational, arts and entertainment, and other non-public services.
The primary employers within Butte County lie within the spheres of influence of Oroville and Chico.
Agriculture has traditionally served as the primary economic influence. However, the role of agriculture
has declined since the 1990s, with services and information-based sectors playing an increasingly
important role in the County’s economic development.
Table A-8
Employment by Industry, Unincorporated Area, 2010
Industry 2010
Number Percentage
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting and Mining 1,809 6%
Construction 2,440 8%
Finance, Insurance and Real Estate 1,400 5%
Government 1,134 4%
Information 416 1%
Manufacturing 1,951 7%
Retail Trade 3,287 11%
Services 15,366 51%
Transportation, Communications and Public Utilities 1,409 5%
Wholesale Trade 684 2%
Total* 28,896 100%
Source: Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013 * Total represents all employed civilians 16 years of age and over.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
24 59
Table A-9 shows employment projections from 2010 through 2020 as related to occupation growth for
the Chico Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes all of Butte County. The California
Employment Development Department (EDD) does not provide employment projections for the
Unincorporated Area; accordingly, the Chico MSA data is the best available employment projection data.
Over the next seven years, the Chico MSA expects new employment to be concentrated in a variety of
occupations ranging from personal care aides to laborers. When comparing annual incomes to the median
income for Butte County for 2013 ($58,700), only the Registered Nurses occupational category is above
the median income. The remainder of the occupations would provide an income for a family of four that
is “very low.”
Table A-9
Fastest-Growing Occupations (Projected), 2010–2020
Chico Metropolitan Statistical Area, Butte County
Occupational Title
Estimated
Employment
(2010)
Estimated
Employment
(2020)
Numeric
Change
Percentage
Change
Annual
Salary
Income
Category
Personal Care Aides 2,330 3,340 1,010 43% $18,724 Very Low
Retail Salespersons 2,930 3,570 640 22% $20,139 Very Low
Combined Food Preparation
and Serving Workers, Including
Fast Food
1,980 2,470 490 25% $18,839 Very Low
Registered Nurses 2,090 2,530 440 21% $90,888 Above
Moderate
Home Health Aides 780 1,190 410 53% $18,756 Very Low
Cashiers 2,260 2,660 400 18% $19,936 Very Low
Waiters and Waitresses 1,000 1,190 190 19% $18,516 Very Low
Receptionists and Information
Clerks 680 840 160 24% $24,025 Very Low
Landscaping and
Groundskeeping Workers 580 710 130 22% $23,998 Very Low
Laborers and Freight, Stock,
and Material Movers 670 800 130 19% $24,709 Very Low
Source: California Employment Development Department, 2013; 2013 HCD Income Limits (based on a four-person household)
More precise jobs forecasts are unavailable for the Unincorporated Area. The Butte County General Plan
does not provide forecasts for the Unincorporated Area. Under a low growth scenario, the BCAG Long-
Term Regional Growth Forecasts 2010–2035 (2011) project the number of jobs countywide will grow 49
percent by 35,189 jobs. Across all industries, BCAG projects the number of jobs will grow from 71,501
in 2010 to 106,690 by 2035. BCAG does not forecast jobs for the Unincorporated Area.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
25 60
Commute
Commute distance is important to look at when determining options for housing availability and
affordability and is also an indicator of jobs/housing balance. Communities with extended commute
distances generally have a poor jobs/housing balance, while communities with short average commutes
tend to have a strong jobs/housing balance or a greater balance between jobs and housing available in the
community. The burden of the additional costs associated with extended commuting disproportionately
affects lower-income households who must spend a larger portion of their overall income on
transportation-related expenses. This, in turn, affects a household’s ability to occupy decent housing
without being overburdened by cost. Data on commute patterns are unavailable for the Unincorporated
Area. However, because the same industries generally employ both residents of incorporated cities and
unincorporated communities, commute patterns for all of Butte County are expected to generally reflect
commute patterns of residents in Unincorporated Areas. The 2007- 2011 American Communities Survey
shows that residents in Butte County in 2010 had a mean travel time to work of just 21.5 minutes. Table
A-10 indicates that the majority of residents in Butte County (77 percent) travel less than 30 minutes from
home to work. This figure indicates that the majority of jobs are within 20 miles of where residents live.
Only 23 percent of Butte County residents travel more than 30 minutes to work.
Table A-10
Butte County Commute Profile, 2010
Travel Time to Work Percentage
Less than 15 minutes 48%
15 to 29 minutes 29%
30 to 59 minutes 17%
60 minutes or above 6%
Source: 2007–2011 American Communities Survey
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
26 61
Housing Conditions
Existing Housing Conditions
Overcrowding
The US Census defines overcrowding as more than one person per room in a given housing unit (not
including kitchens and bathrooms). Overcrowding can be a result of a low supply of affordable and
adequate housing. Households that are unable to afford larger housing units, or face a lack of vacant
larger housing units in an area, may be forced to rent or purchase housing that is too small to meet their
needs. From 2000 to 2010, the percentage of housing units that were overcrowded declined from 7
percent to 4 percent of total housing units. Table A-11 shows that in 2010 overcrowding is generally
similar between both renter-occupied and owner-occupied units. A total of 706 renter-occupied units were
overcrowded in 2010, just slightly higher than the number of owner-occupied units that were
overcrowded (619 units). In 2010, 4 percent of total housing units were overcrowded, while 1 percent of
total housing was severely overcrowded (with 1.5 or more persons per room).
Table A-11
Overcrowded Housing in Unincorporated Area, 2010
Type
Overcrowded
(1.01–1.50 persons per room)
Severely Overcrowded
(1.50+ persons per room) Total
Number
Percentage of Total
Housing Units Number
Percentage of Total
Housing Units Number
Percentage of Total
Housing Units
2000
Owner 672 2% 353 1% 1,025 3%
Renter 739 2% 686 2% 1,425 4%
Total 1,411 4% 1,039 3% 2,450 7%
2010
Owner 523 2% 96 0% 619 2%
Renter 474 2% 232 1% 706 2%
Total 997 3% 328 1% 1,325 4%
Source: 2000 US Census; Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013
Housing Cost Burden
Table A-12 exhibits the housing cost burden experienced by households in the Unincorporated Area. The
table reports 2010 CHAS data for households by HUD-defined household income categories. Definitions
of housing affordability can vary, but in general a household should pay no more than 30 percent of its
monthly income on housing costs. Households that pay more than this are considered “cost-burdened”
and households that pay more than 50 percent are considered “severely cost-burdened.” Measuring the
number of households paying more than these percentages helps define an area’s affordability problem.
The HUD CHAS database reports information on overpayment by tenure. Income limits are defined
relative to the Area Median Income (AMI). All households experience some level of housing cost burden,
but households paying between 30 and 50 percent of their income for housing experience “excessive”
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
27 62
housing cost burden. The housing cost burden qualifies as “severe” at levels above 50 percent of
household income.3
In the Unincorporated Area, approximately 80 percent of households earning 30 percent or less of the
area median income (AMI) spent more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs, with 69 percent
of households that spent more than 50 percent of their income on housing costs, experiencing severe
housing cost burdens. Approximately 65 percent of households earning between 30 and 50 percent of
AMI were also burdened by the cost of housing. Rates of housing cost burden are higher for renter-
occupied households, as shown in Table A-12. For households at all income levels, approximately 37
percent of households spent more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs, with 17 percent of all
households experiencing severe cost burdens.
Table A-12
Households Overpaying by Income – Unincorporated Area, 2009
Housing Stock Characteristics
Table A-13 provides information on the type of housing in the Unincorporated Area. Although the
Unincorporated Area lost approximately 1,320 single-family detached units from 2000 to 2013, the
percent of single-family detached units grew from 65 percent of housing in the Unincorporated Area in
2000 to 69 percent of total housing stock in the Unincorporated Area in 2010 and 68 percent in 2013. As
shown in Table A-13, the percent of two- to four-unit structures declined from 5 percent of total housing
stock in 2000 to 2 percent of total housing stock in 2013. The percent of five- or more unit structures from
3 US Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research. 2007. “Affordable
Housing Needs: A Report to Congress on the Significant Need for Housing.” Accessed November 27, 2007.
http://www.huduser.org/Publications/pdf/AffHsgNeedsRpt2003.pdf.
Total Renters Total Owners Total Households
Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage
Household Income ≤30% AMI 1,295 100% 1,690 100% 2,985 100%
% Cost Burden >30% 1,073 83% 1,319 78% 2,392 80%
% Cost Burden >50% 1,008 78% 1,058 63% 2,066 69%
Household Income >30 to ≤50% AMI 1,550 100% 2,350 100% 3,900 100%
% Cost Burden >30% 1,235 80% 1,286 55% 2,521 65%
% Cost Burden >50% 727 47% 677 29% 1,404 36%
Household Income >50 to 80% AMI 1,480 100% 3,980 100% 5,460 100%
% Cost Burden >30% 818 55% 1,636 41% 2,454 45%
% Cost Burden >50% 145 10% 730 18% 875 16%
All Households 7,050 100% 24,175 100% 31,225 100%
% Cost Burden >30% 3,483 49% 8,191 34% 11,674 37%
% Cost Burden >50% 1,890 54% 3,373 14% 5,263 17%
Source: CHAS 2009
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
28
63
2000 to 2010 experienced a similar decline, dropping from 3 percent of total housing stock in 2000 to just
1 percent in 2013. From 2000 to 2013, the County experienced a 10 percent decline in the total housing
stock with declines in all categories. Decreases by category range from a 5 percent decline in single-
family detached housing stock to a 58 percent decline in five- or more unit structures.
Table A-13
Housing Units by Type, 2000–2013
Units in
Structure
2000 2010 2013 Number
Change,
2000–2013
Percentage
Change,
2000–2013 Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage
Single-family,
detached 26,326 65% 25,065 69% 25,006 68% -1,320 -5%
Single-family,
attached 870 2% 689 2% 689 2% -181 -21%
2 to 4 units 1,928 5% 880 2% 872 2% -1,056 -55%
5 or more 1,060 3% 444 1% 444 1% -616 -58%
Mobile home,
other 10,599 26% 9,509 26% 9,625 26% -974 -9%
Total 40,783 100% 36,587 100% 36,636 100% -4,147 -10%
Source: 2000 US Census, Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013
Occupancy Rates
Table A-14 depicts the vacancy rate for the Unincorporated Area in 2000 and 2010. Typically, a vacancy
rate of 5 percent is considered an indicator of a healthy housing market, balancing availability of a variety
of housing options for prospective buyers and renters with reasonable occupancy rates for sellers and
rental owners. Of the total 11 percent vacancy in the Unincorporated Area in 2010, approximately 4
percent is attributable to housing units whose primary use is seasonal, recreational, or occasional. The 11
percent vacancy rate in the Unincorporated Area represents a slight increase above the 2000 vacancy rate
of 9 percent. It is likely that seasonal dwelling units will continue to account for a proportion of
Unincorporated Butte County’s vacant housing stock.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
29 64
Table A-14
Vacancy Rates in the Unincorporated Area, 2000–2010
Description 2000 2010
Number Percentage Number Percentage
Total Units 40,768 100% 36,587 100%
Vacant Units
For rent 728 2% 639 2%
For sale only 509 1% 575 2%
Rented or sold, not occupied 262 1% 229 1%
For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use 1,154 3% 1,484 4%
For migrant workers 8 0% 0 0%
Other vacant 901 2% 1,134 3%
Total vacant units 3,562 9% 4,061 11%
Effective Vacancy Rate 9% 11%
Source: 2000 US Census; Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013
Age of Housing Stock
Table A-15 indicates that in 2010, the Unincorporated Area had a slightly newer housing stock relative to
Butte County. In the Unincorporated Area, 28 percent of the housing stock was built before 1970, while
35 percent of Butte County’s housing stock was built prior to 1970. Almost 30 percent of housing units in
the Unincorporated Area were built between 1970 and 1979, totaling 9,954 units. Since the 1970s, the
number of housing units produced has declined in each decade in the Unincorporated Area, with 7,951
units from 1980 to 1989, 4,390 units from 1990 to 1999, and just 3,072 since 2000.
Table A-15
Age of Housing Units
Year Constructed Number Percentage
Built 1939 or earlier 2,322 7%
Built 1940–1949 1,546 4%
Built 1950–1959 2,661 8%
Built 1960–1969 3,395 10%
Built 1970–1979 9,954 28%
Built 1980–1989 7,951 23%
Built 1990–1999 4,390 12%
Built 2000–2004 2,052 6%
Built 2005 or later 1,020 3%
Total 35,291 100%
Source: 2006–2010 American Communities Survey
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
30 65
Housing Conditions Survey
The connection between housing conditions and the age and tenure of housing can be confirmed with a
survey of housing conditions. In December 2013, Butte County conducted a housing conditions survey of
400 housing units. To identify the greatest portion of substandard units, the survey focused on areas
known to have a higher concentration of older housing stock and then randomly selected sites with units
built prior to 1980. The areas selected were the unincorporated areas of Chapman/Mulberry, Magalia,
Palermo, and South Oroville. Please refer to the Appendix for more detailed results.
The condition of housing was assessed by an exterior survey of the quality and condition of the building
and what improvements (if any) were needed. Each structure was scored according to criteria established
by HCD in five categories: foundation, roofing, siding, windows, and electrical. Based on scores assigned
to the five categories, each structure was classified as being in sound or dilapidated condition, or in need
of minor, moderate, or substantial repairs (as defined on the next page). Interior conditions were not
assessed.
Housing
Condition Terms Definition
Sound
A building that appears new or well maintained and structurally intact. The foundation should appear
structurally undamaged and there should be straight roof lines. Siding, windows, and doors should be
in good repair with good exterior paint condition. Minor problems such as small areas of peeling
paint and/or other maintenance items are allowable under this category.
Minor A building that shows signs of deferred maintenance or which only needs repair or replacement of
one major component, such as a roof.
Moderate A building in need of replacement of one or more major components and other repairs, such as roof
replacement, painting, and window repairs.
Substantial
A building that requires replacement of several major systems and possibly other repairs, such as
complete foundation work, roof structure replacement and re-roofing, painting, and window
replacement.
Dilapidated
A building suffering from extensive neglect, which appears structurally unsound and maintenance is
nonexistent, is not fit for human habitation in its current condition, may be considered for
demolition, or major rehabilitation will be required at a minimum.
Results
Nearly one-quarter of all homes surveyed were categorized as sound (22 percent), with an additional 36
percent of the homes categorized as minor or moderate. Over 40 percent (169 homes) were observed to be
in the substantial or dilapidated categories. Table A-16 illustrates the overall condition of all of the homes
surveyed in the Unincorporated Area. Please refer to Figures 1 through 5 for maps of the survey results.
As shown in Table A-16, 35 percent of the homes surveyed in the Unincorporated Area were in sound
condition or needed minor repairs. A house in sound condition is well maintained and structurally intact.
This includes a good foundation, straight roof lines, good exterior paint condition and siding, and
windows and doors that are in good repair. Homes in sound condition may have minor maintenance needs
or require some paint or siding repair. Homes deemed to be in need of minor repairs require general
maintenance or one major repair such as a new roof. Approximately 23 percent of the remaining homes
surveyed were in moderate condition, which means they are in need of one or more major repairs, such as
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
31 66
a roof replacement and window repair or replacement. Approximately 43 percent of homes fell into the
substantial or dilapidated categories. These homes require many repairs and replacements that often
include structural needs (e.g., roofs or foundations). The dilapidated homes were categorized this way
because they appeared unfit for human habitation and require major rehabilitation.
Table A-16
Housing Conditions Survey Results
Condition Number of Units Surveyed Percentage
Sound 86 22%
Minor 52 13%
Moderate 93 23%
Substantial 43 11%
Dilapidated 126 32%
Total 400 100%
Source: PMC Housing Conditions Survey, December 2013
Housing Market Conditions
Housing Sales Costs
Table A-17 shows that the median home sales price in September 2012 for Butte County was
approximately $140,000 and in September 2013 was approximately $155,000. There was a slight home
value increase between 2012 and 2013, which mirrors state trends, although with only two data points, no
definitive trend can be drawn from that increase.
Table A-17
Median Home Sales Price, 2012 and 2013
September 2012 September 2013 Income to Afford 2013 Median
Home Price1
Butte County $140,000 $155,000 $46,000
1 Income to afford median home price assumes a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with an annual percentage rate (APR) of 5.5
percent and a down payment of 10 percent.
Source: California Association of Realtors 2013, March Home Sales and Price Report,
http://www.car.org/newsstand/newsreleases/2013releases/marchsales
A household can typically qualify to purchase a home that is two and one-half to three times its annual
income, depending on the down payment, the level of other long-term obligations (such as a car loan),
and interest rates. In practice, the interaction of these factors allows some households to qualify for homes
priced at more than three times their annual income, while other households may be limited to purchasing
homes no more than two times their annual income.
The qualifying annual income identified above in Table A-17 is based on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage
with an annual percentage rate (APR) of 5.5 percent and a down payment of 10 percent. In 2013, the
qualifying income for the median home sales price ($155,000) would require an approximate income of
$46,000. Based on the 2013 HCD income limits, the average home sales price would be affordable to a
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
32 67
four-person moderate-income household and may be within the affordable range for low-income
households. However, the median home price in Butte County is not affordable to extremely low-income
or very low-income households.
Rental Housing
A limited number of rental options exist in the Unincorporated Area. The Unincorporated Area contains
mostly single-family homes that are offered for rent. The County conducted a point-in-time survey using
online resources such as trulia.com and rent.com to identify a range of rental costs in the vicinity of the
Unincorporated Area, including rentals in incorporated cities. The rental costs of housing in the
incorporated cities is generally indicative of what the market rents would be for apartments in the
Unincorporated Areas surrounding each of the incorporated cities. Generally, a greater amount of
affordable apartment rentals are available in the Chico vicinity, while the areas of Magalia, Paradise, and
Oroville have a larger selection of two- to three-bedroom rentals. The rental survey indicated the
following prevailing market rents for the incorporated cities and areas of Chico, Magalia, Paradise, and
Oroville:
• Studio: No units available at the time of the survey.
• 1-bedroom: $330–$850 ($590 average)
• 2-bedroom: $550–$1,225 ($888 average)
• 3-bedroom: $895–$1,200 ($1,048 average)
• 4-bedroom: $2,500 (only one unit available at the time of the survey)
Housing Affordability
HCD calculates annual income limits by household size. Given the 2013 Butte County median income for
a family of four of $58,700, HCD calculated the income limits for the various income categories and
household sizes.
Rents are considered affordable if a household spends no more than 30 percent of its income on rent and
utility costs. Taking 30 percent of the given income limits led to an estimate of what households can
afford to pay monthly to rent a housing unit. Table A-18 indicates that the affordable monthly prices for a
one-person household range from around $353 for extremely low-income to $1,409 per month for
moderate-income households. The affordable rent for a three-person household varies from about $396
per month for extremely low-income households to $1,585 for moderate-income households.
Table A-18 shows the maximum affordable payment for household income levels. The maximum
affordable payment for a four-person household with a very low income is $734 monthly, whereas
affordable payment for a low-income household is $1,174 monthly. A comparison between the affordable
prices based on income limits in Table A-18 and the market rate rents provided above indicates that a
two-bedroom market rate apartment or home rents for $888 per month on average, and it is affordable to
four-person low-income households. The average price of a three-bedroom market rate apartment or
house is $1,048, which is affordable to four-person low-income households. However, the average two-
or three-bedroom market rate apartment is unaffordable to very low-income households. Similarly, the
median home sales price in Butte County in 2013 ($155,000) is affordable to low-income households, but
unaffordable to very low-income households. The maximum home purchase price for a four-person very
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
33 68
low -income household in 2013 was $95,276, indicating that the median home sales price in 2013 is
unaffordable to the four-person very low-income household.
Table A-18
Affordable Payments by Household Size (Based on a Four-Person Household)
Income Level
Very Low Low Moderate
Annual Income $29,350 $46,950 $70,450
Monthly Income $2,446 $3,913 $5,871
Maximum Monthly Gross Rent1 $734 $1,174 $1,761
Maximum Purchase Price2 $95,276 $152,249 $228,854
Source: 2013 Income Limits, Department of Housing and Community Development, monthly mortgage calculation:
http://www.realtor.com/home-finance/financial-calculators/home-affordability-calculator.aspx?source=web 1 Affordable housing cost for renter-occupied households assumes 30% of gross household income, not including utility cost. 2 Affordable housing sales prices are based on the following assumed variables: approximately 10% down payment, 30-year
fixed rate mortgage at 5.625% annual interest rate.
Affordable Housing Stock
Table A-19 displays the limited affordable housing stock in the Unincorporated Area, Palm Crest Village
Phase I and Phase II, and a Farm Labor Center. The Palm Crest Village Phase 1 included 27 units and
Phase II included 29 units. This is the only new affordable housing project in the Unincorporated Area
since 2004. The Farm Labor Center continues to operate outside of Gridley and provides 130 beds for
farmworkers. Both projects serve low-income households.
Table A-19
Affordable Housing Stock, Unincorporated Area, 2009
Development Location Total
Units
Income Limits Special Needs
Served
Palm Crest Village Phase I and Phase II Thermalito 56 Low income and below Not applicable
Farm Labor Housing Center
Unincorp. Area
surrounding
Gridley
130 Low income and below Farmworkers
Source: 2009 Housing Element; Juan Meza, Housing Authority of the County of Butte, Farm Labor Housing Manager
“At Risk” Units
State housing element law requires an evaluation of whether any existing subsidized affordable housing
units are at risk of conversion to market rates during the next 10 years. No such units exist in the
Unincorporated Area. As of the last Housing Element, the only “affordable family housing developments
located in the Unincorporated Area was the Housing Authority’s farm labor housing project East of
Gridley.” The farm labor project contains 130 units for farmworker families. As the Butte County
Housing Authority owns and operates the project, they can be assumed to remain affordable.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
34 69
Special Housing Needs
California Government Code Section 65583 (a) (7) requires an analysis of any special housing needs,
such as those of the elderly, persons with disabilities, large families, farmworkers, single-female headed
households, and families and persons in need of emergency shelter.
Persons with Disabilities
Table A-20 provides information on the number of non-institutionalized disabled residents in the
Unincorporated Area in 2000. The different types of disabilities include sensory, physical, mental, and
self-care disabilities. Each has a different relationship to housing need. The severity of these disabilities
varies widely, and may require substantial changes to the housing units or only require slight adjustments.
Approximately 40,009 persons had disabilities in the Unincorporated Area in 2000, with 69 percent of
persons with disability between the ages of 5 and 64. Necessary accessibility adjustments may include
features such as ramps, extra wide doors, handrails, lowered counters, raised toilets, and a variety of other
accessibility features. Other types of disabilities may not require physical alterations to homes, but instead
call for supportive services to assist those who may not be able to live independently. Compared to the
general population, disabled persons are more likely to live alone, earn less, and be homeless. 4
Table A-20
Persons with Disabilities by Disability Type, 2000
Disability by Type Number Percentage
Total Disabilities Tallied* 40,009 100%
Total Disabilities for Ages 5–64 27,774 69%
Sensory disability 2,206 6%
Physical disability 6,834 17%
Mental disability 5,064 13%
Self-care disability 2,010 5%
Go-outside-home disability 4,029 10%
Employment disability 7,631 19%
Total Disabilities for Ages 65 and Over 14,069 35%
Sensory disability 2,858 7%
Physical disability 5,116 13%
Mental disability 1,896 5%
Self-care disability 1,460 4%
Go-outside-home disability 2,739 7%
Source: Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013
*Note that the total does not match the sum of constituent parts because the total aggregates incidents of one person with
more than disability.
4Tootelian, Dennis, and Ralph Gaedeke 1999. “The Impact of Housing Availability, Accessibility, and Affordability on People with
Disabilities.” Sacramento: State Independent Living Council. As cited in the Analysis of Senate Bill 1025.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
35
70
The data on persons with disabilities are presented by type of disability including sensory, physical,
mental, self-care, go-outside-home, employment, and two or more disabilities. The Unincorporated Area
and Butte County as a whole have similar distributions across the different types of disabilities
Table A-21 shows disabilities by employment status for working age persons 16–64 years old in the year
2000. Approximately 5,000 persons ages 16–64 were unemployed, or 44 percent of total persons with a
disability. In comparison, 14 percent of disabled persons in the Unincorporated Area were employed
(1,579 persons).
Table A-21
Persons with Disability by Employment Status, 2000
Disability Category Number Percentage
Age 5–64, Employed Persons with a Disability 1,579 14%
Age 5–64, Not Employed Persons with a Disability* 4,950 44%
Persons Age 65 Plus with a Disability 4,539 40%
Total Persons with a Disability* 11,373 100%
Source: Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013
*Note that the total does not match the sum of its constituent parts because total persons not employed with a disability ages 5–64 excludes persons under the age of five with a disability, whereas total persons with a disability includes persons with a
disability under the age of 5.
Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Senate Bill (SB) 812 requires the City to include in the special housing needs analysis needs of
individuals with a developmental disability within the community. According to Section 4512 of the
Welfare and Institutions Code, a "developmental disability" means a disability that originates before an
individual attains age 18 years; continues or can be expected to continue indefinitely; and constitutes a
substantial disability for that individual which includes mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and
autism. This term shall also include disabling conditions found to be closely related to mental retardation
or to require treatment similar to that required for individuals with mental retardation, but shall not
include other handicapping conditions that are solely physical in nature.
Many developmentally disabled persons can live and work independently within a conventional housing
environment. More severely disabled individuals require a group living environment where supervision is
provided. The most severely affected individuals may require an institutional environment where medical
attention and physical therapy are provided. Because developmental disabilities exist before adulthood,
the first issue in supportive housing for the developmentally disabled is the transition from the person’s
living situation as a child to an appropriate level of independence as an adult.
The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) currently provides community-based
services to approximately 243,000 persons with developmental disabilities and their families through a
statewide system of 21 regional centers, four developmental centers, and two community-based facilities.
The Far Northern Regional Center serves Butte County and is one of 21 regional centers in the state of
California that provides point of entry to services for people with developmental disabilities. The center is
a private, nonprofit community agency that contracts with local businesses to offer a wide range of
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
36 71
services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Table A-22, provided by the
Butte County Housing Element Data Packet (2013), reports the Unincorporated Area’s population of
developmentally disabled persons by age; Table A-23 reports developmentally disabled residents by
residence type.
Table A-22
Developmentally Disabled Residents, by Age
Zip Code Area 0–13 Years 14–21 Years 22–51 Years 52–61 Years 62+ Years Total
95914 2 1 3 0 0 6
95916 3 0 3 2 2 10
95938 8 7 12 1 0 28
95941 1 1 1 1 0 4
95942 4 0 0 1 0 5
Total 18 9 19 5 2 53
Source: Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013. Note: This table presents for all zip codes in the Unincorporated Area
available from the data packet. Additional zip codes are within the Unincorporated Area but not available in the data packet: 95901, 95925, and 95932.
Table A-23
Developmentally Disabled Residents by Residence Type
Zip Code Parent or Guardian Independent Living Total
95914 6 0 6
95916 6 4 10
95938 24 4 28
95941 3 1 4
95942 5 0 5
Total 44 9 53
Source: Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013. Note: This table presents for all zip codes in the Unincorporated Area available from the data packet. Additional zip codes are within the Unincorporated Area but not available in the data packet:
95901, 95925, and 95932.
Seniors
The housing needs of seniors depend on a combination of factors related to the aging process. Seniors are
identified here as any person 65 years or older. Seniors may have special housing needs that can include a
combination of increased medical costs and fixed incomes that are often lower than incomes of the
general population, leading to special need for affordable housing. Due to frailty, some senior people
require full- or part-time care, while others may be able to live on their own with minor accessibility
adjustments in their homes like handrails and grab bars to make bathing, toileting and other activities of
daily life safer. The elderly often prefer housing like condominiums and apartments that require less
maintenance since physical activities can become more difficult with age.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
37 72
Although the total population and senior population in the Unincorporated Area have declined since 2000,
the total percentage of seniors has remained steady. Total population in the Unincorporated Area has
dropped by approximately 13,000 since 2000, whereas the senior population of the Unincorporated Area
has declined by less than 1,000. As shown in Table A-24, seniors comprised approximately 18 percent of
population in the Unincorporated Area in 2010, just slightly below the percent of seniors in 2000 (17
percent).
Table A-24
Senior (65+ Years Old) Population in the Unincorporated Area
Age Group
2000 2010
Population
Percentage of Total
Population Population
Percentage of Total
Population
65 Years and Over 15,996 17% 15,001 18%
Total Population, All Ages 96,630 100% 83,758 100%
Source: 2000 US Census; 2010 US Census
Age of Householder
Households by age and tenure are shown in Table A-25. Within the Unincorporated Area in 2010, there
were fewer than 10,000 senior households, comprising approximately 31 percent of total households. Of
senior households, approximately 90 percent were owner-occupied. Unincorporated Butte County has
8,839 owner-occupied senior households and 943 renter-occupied senior households.
Table A-25
Unincorporated Area Householders by Tenure by Age, 2010
Householder Age Owner Occupied Renter Occupied Total
15 to 24 years 182 706 888
25 to 34 years 1,157 2,010 3,167
35 to 44 years 2,994 1,668 4,662
45 to 54 years 4,941 1,309 6,250
55 to 59 years 2,950 682 3,632
60 to 64 years 2,818 354 3,172
65 to 74 years 5,057 604 5,661
75 to 84 years 2,773 232 3,005
85 years and over 1,009 107 1,116
Total 23,881 7,672 31,553
Source: Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
38 73
Large Families
The US Census defines a large family as containing five or more related members, and HCD recommends
using this definition of a large family.5 Often, large lower-income families live in overcrowded conditions
and, due to the presence of minor children, may require affordable child care as well as family-sized
living units.
Table A-26 presents the number of large households (5+ family members) by tenure in 2010. Out of
31,553 total households in the Unincorporated Area, approximately 10 percent consisted of large
households with five or more family members. Of total households in the Unincorporated Area,
approximately 6 percent, or 2,008 households, were large owner-occupied households. In comparison,
approximately 4 percent of total households in the Unincorporated Area consisted of renter-occupied
households, or 1,132 households. Consideration should be given to the provision of housing with a larger
number of rooms. Since larger families tend to have greater expenses than smaller families, affordable
housing for large families is an issue. In addition, larger households may require safe outdoor play areas
for children.
Table A-26
Large Family (5+ Family Members) Households by Tenure, 2010
2010
Households Percentage of Total Households
Owner-Occupied Large Households 2,008 6%
Renter-Occupied Large Households 1,132 4%
Total Large Households 3,140 10%
Total Households 31,553 100%
Source: Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013
Single Female-Headed Households with Children
Single female-headed households with children tend to have a higher need for affordable housing
compared to family households in general. Table A-27 shows the prevalence of single female-headed
households in the Unincorporated Area. In Butte County in 2011, single female-headed households
represented approximately 13 percent of total households. Female-headed households with children
constituted 9 percent of total households, whereas female-headed households without children comprised
4 percent of total households.
5 California Department of Housing and Community Development. Building Blocks for an Effective Housing Element: Special Needs,
Large and Female-Headed Households. Accessed February 6, 2014. http://www.hcd.ca.gov/hpd/ housing_element/index.html.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
39
74
Table A-27
Female-Headed Households in the Unincorporated Area, 2011
Householder Type Number Percentage of Total Households
Total Householders 22,030* 100%
Female-Headed Householders 2,932 13%
Female Heads with Own Children 1,976 9%
Female Heads without Children 956 4%
Female-Headed Householders Under the Poverty Level 874 4%**
Total Families Under the Poverty Level 2,463 11%**
Source: Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013
*Note: Total households figure may differ from the total reported in other parts of this document. The Butte County Housing Element Data Packet uses American ACS data for this table. The ACS is an estimate based on a sample and therefore may vary
from Census figures, which count the entire population. Although the absolute numbers may vary, this information is the best
available female-headed householder data. **Note: The Butte County Housing Element Data Packet presents these figures as a percent of total families under the poverty
level. This table presents these figures as a percent of total households in order to provide a relative sense of scale.
Farmworkers
Farmworker data indicate that approximately 5,021 persons work as either full-time or seasonal
employees in Butte County. Some farmworkers have special housing needs due to the seasonal nature of
their work, along with their need to migrate based on seasonal demand for their services. Butte County
has a fluctuating population of seasonal workers as well as a small base of workers who work more than
150 days a year in farm labor. The needs of seasonal workers may be met with farm labor camps, but
farmworkers who choose to reside in the county year-round need long-term affordable housing.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Census of Agriculture reports farmworkers for all of Butte
County, as shown in Table A-28. According to the USDA Census of Agriculture, there were 5,021
farmworkers in Butte County in 2007, representing a 26 percent decrease from the 6,786 farmworkers
reported by the 2002 Census of Agriculture. The decline in farmworkers is largely due to the 4 percent
decrease in total farms, dropping from 2,128 farms in 2002 to 2,048 farms in 2007. Of over 2,000 farms
in Butte County, the majority employed fewer than 10 workers. Only 118 farms had 10 or more workers;
the total number of workers employed by these farms declined by more than 2,500 employees between
2002 and 2007. This decline may be primarily explained by the mechanization of agriculture, which
reduces the number of workers needed for farm operations.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
40 75
Table A-28
Number of Farmworkers, Butte County
Description 2002 2007
Total Farms 2,128 2,048
Hired Farm Labor
Farms -739 671
Workers 6,786 5,021
Farms with 10 Workers or More
Farms 220 118
Workers 5,838 3,249
Laborers Working 150 Days or More
Farms 412 354
Workers 1,972 1,439
Farms with 10 or More Laborers Working 150 Days or More
Farms 54 32
Workers 1,008 586
Laborers Working Fewer Than 150 Days
Farms 752 534
Workers 4,814 3,582
Source: 2002 and 2007 USDA Census of Agriculture; Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013
Approximately 71.3 percent of county farmworkers worked fewer than 150 days in a year, or less than
about 60 percent of the year. There were 1,439 farmworkers that were known to work more than 150
days. These indicators suggest that farmworkers need housing that is not exclusively located near work on
farms, but that can accommodate work at other locations. The 2007 Census of Agriculture did not indicate
the number of farmworkers living in the Unincorporated Area. The Butte County 5th Cycle Housing
Element Data Packet states that 1,809 persons age 16 and over in the Unincorporated Area were
employed in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industry. However, this count does not likely
include seasonal or temporary employees, nor does it include migrant workers who may reside
temporarily in the Unincorporated Area during harvest time.
One farmworker housing facility is located in the Unincorporated Area outside of Gridley and is
administered by the Housing Authority of Butte County. The facility offers 130 units of year-round
housing to farmworkers. Currently, this facility in the Unincorporated Area provides housing for
approximately 450–500 residents. Of these residents, an estimated 85 percent are farmworkers and their
families.6 The residents pay about $535 a month ($17.83 per day) to live at the facility and rental
assistance is available for those who meet the USDA Rural Development guidelines-Approximately 90
rental units are currently assisted through the USDA Rural Development program. The length of time that
6 Meza, Juan. 2013. Farm Labor Housing Manager. Personal communication. December 2.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
41
76
farmworkers live at Gridley Farm Labor Housing (FLH) varies greatly, as around one-third of residents
have been living there for anywhere from five to more than 20 years, while other families only stay for
one or two years. Gridley FLH serves mainly the farmworkers in the Live Oak, Biggs, and Gridley area,
and the housing available at Gridley FLH seems sufficient to meet the needs of farmworkers in the area,
given that there continue to be vacant units in the facility.7
Families and Persons in Need of Emergency Shelter
State law requires that Housing Elements estimate the need for emergency shelter for homeless people.
Homeless individuals and families, along with those needing emergency shelter, have the most immediate
housing need of any group. They also have one of the most difficult sets of housing needs to meet, due to
both the diversity and complexity of the factors that lead to homelessness and to community opposition to
the siting of facilities that serve homeless clients. Among the primary groups that comprise the homeless
population are traditional single male transients, deinstitutionalized mental patients, teen runaways,
evicted families and individuals, battered women and their children, victims of disaster, and alcohol and
drug addicts.
Table A-29 provides a snapshot of the homeless population in Butte County in 2011 and 2012. The data
is reported by The Butte County 5th Cycle Housing Element Data Packet, which provides information on
homeless individuals. Table A-29 presents total numbers for the Butte, Chico, and Paradise Continuum of
Care network areas for which Butte County is a participating number. In 2012, Butte County had roughly
760 homeless individuals, with approximately 513 of these individuals unsheltered. In 2012, Butte
County also had approximately 137 homeless persons in families. Of all homeless persons and families,
approximately 263 are chronically homeless, with 236 chronically unsheltered.
Table A-29
Homeless Needs in Butte County, 2011
2011 2012
Individuals
Total Homeless 753 760
Total Sheltered 240 247
Total Unsheltered 513 513
Persons in Families
Total Homeless 144 137
Total Sheltered 117 110
Total Unsheltered 27 27
Total Chronically Homeless 258 263
Total Chronically Sheltered 22 27
Total Chronically Unsheltered 236 236
Source: Butte County Housing Element Data Packet, 2013
7 Meza, Juan. 2013. Farm Labor Housing Manager. Personal communication. December 2.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
42
77
The data packet does not include homeless data for the Unincorporated Area. It is expected that within the
Unincorporated Area exclusively, very few people are homeless. The Continuum of Care indicates that 16
homeless persons in total reside in Butte County outside of Chico, Gridley, Oroville, and Paradise. Of
these 16 homeless persons in other areas of Butte County, six people are unsheltered and 10 people in the
“other” category. These 16 homeless persons can reside either within the Unincorporated Area or other
incorporated areas of Butte County such as the City of Biggs. The small number of other homeless
persons outside of Chico, Gridley, Oroville, and Paradise is potentially due to the fact that there are no
homeless services in the Unincorporated Area.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
43 78
This page intentionally left blank
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
44 79
Governmental and Non-Governmental
Constraints
Constraints on the development of housing are divided into governmental constraints and non-
governmental constraints. Governmental constraints include land use controls, on- and off-site
improvement standards, fees and exactions, processing and permit procedures, regulations on housing for
persons with disabilities, and government codes and enforcement. Non-governmental constraints include
the availability of financing, price of land and cost of construction.
Governmental Constraints
General Plan
The residential General Plan land use designations include Very High Density Residential (20 to 30 units
per acre), High Density Residential (HDR, 14 to 20 units per acre), Medium High Density Residential
(MHDR, up to 14 units per acre), Medium Density Residential (MDR, up to six units per acre), and Low
Density Residential (LDR, up to 3 units per acre).8 Residential development is also permitted in the
Agriculture, Timber Mountain, Resource Conservation, Foothill Residential, Rural Residential, land use
designations at rural densities and the Mixed Use land use designations at urban densities.
Zoning
Butte County’s 2012 General Plan Land Use Element, included in the Butte County Zoning Code,
updated in 2013, establishes 11 different residential zoning designations. Residential uses are allowed in
multiple land use categories, including Rural Zones (Agriculture and Natural Resource Zones) and Urban
Zones (Residential Zones, Commercial, and Mixed Use Zones). Allowed residential densities range from
1 housing unit per 40 acres to 1 housing unit per acre in Foothill Residential Zones, and 1 housing unit
per 5-10 acres in Rural Residential Zones, with single-family homes and accessory units allowed as of
right. Residential Zones allow for 1 unit per acre in Very Low Density Residential (VLDR) and Very
Low Density Country Residential (VLDCR) zones to 30 units per acre in Very High Density Residential
(VHDR) zones. Multiple-family dwellings are allowed as of right without a use permit in MHDR, HDR,
and VHDR zones. Duplex homes are also allowed by right in MHDR, HDR, and VHDR, in addition to
the MDR zone.
Table A-30 examines the site development requirements for residential zones. The minimum lot width
and minimum yard setbacks deviate little between the residential zones. The minimum parcel area varies,
with the largest minimum parcel area associated with the FR-40 designation at 40 acres per parcel and the
smallest minimum parcel area for MHDR, HDR, and VHDR at 3,500 square feet per parcel. All primary
structures are limited to a maximum of 35 feet for all residential zones. Table A-31 provides parking
standards by housing type. The County’s parking is not considered a constraint to development.
8 Butte County 2030 General Plan. 2012.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
45
80
Table A-30
Butte County Residential Site Development Regulations by Zoning District
FR/ FCR RR/ RCR VLDR, VLDCR LDR MDR MHDR HDR VHDR
Maximum Density (Units)
1 unit/acre to 1
unit/40 acres
1 unit/5 acres to 1
unit/10 acres
1 unit/acre to 1
unit/2.5 acres
3 units/acre 6
units/acre
14
units/acre
14-20
units/acre
20-30
units/acre
Minimum Parcel Area (a, b) 1 acre – 40 acres (d) 5 acres – 10 acres (e) 1 acre – 2.5 acres (f) 13,500 sq. ft. 6,000 sq. ft. 3,500 sq. ft. 3,500 sq. ft. 3,500 sq. ft.
Minimum Parcel Width (a, c) 65 ft. 65 ft. 65 ft. 50 ft. 50 ft. 35 ft. 35 ft. 35 ft.
Minimum Yard Setback for Primary Structure (Feet)
Front 20 20 20 20 20 20 10 10
Interior Side 10 10 5 5 5 5 5 5
Street Side 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Rear 10 10 105 10 10 5 5 5
Primary Structure Height (Max, feet) 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35
(a) Applies only to the creation of new parcels through the subdivision process.
(b) Corner parcels may exceed maximum permitted parcel area by up to 10 percent.
(c) A minimum 40-foot parcel width is permitted for cul-de-sac parcels.
(d) Minimum parcel area ranges from 1 acre for FR-1 to 40 acres for FR-40.
(e) Minimum parcel area ranges from 5 acres for RR-5 to 10 acres for RR-10/RCR-10.
(f) Minimum parcel area ranges from 1 acre for VLDR to 2.5 acres for VLDR-2.5
Table A-31
Parking Standards
Housing Type Parking Requirements
Duplex Homes 2 per dwelling
Mobile Home Parks 1 per dwelling plus 1 guest space for every 5 dwellings and 1 recreational vehicle parking space for every 5 dwellings
Multiple-Family Dwellings
Studio units: 1 per dwelling
One-bedroom units: 1.5 per dwelling
Two-or-more bedroom units: 2 per dwelling
Residential Care Homes 1 per 4 beds plus 1 per 300 sq. ft. of office and other nonresidential areas
Second Units 1 per dwelling
Single-Family Homes 2 per dwelling
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
46 81
Zoning for a Variety of Housing Types
The Zoning Ordinance that became effective on October 11, 2013, allows for a variety of housing types across residential and nonresidential
categories and MU zoning districts. Table A-32 shows housing types in residential zoning districts. “P” notes permitted uses; “M” notes uses that
require a Minor Use Permit; and “C” notes uses that require a Conditional Use Permit.
Table A-32
Housing Types Permitted by Zone
Land Use FR FCR RR RCR VLDR VLDCR LDR MDR MHDR HDR VHDR MU LI
Agricultural Worker Housing Center (a)
Caretaker Quarters (b)
Duplex Homes P P P P P
Emergency Shelters (c) C P
Mobile Home Park C C C
Multiple-Family Dwelling (d) P P P P
Residential Care Homes, Large
(7 or more persons) (e) (f) M M M M M M C
Residential Care Homes, Small
(6 or fewer persons) (e) (f) P P P P P P P P P P P P
Second Units P P P P P P P P P P P
Single-Family Home P P P P P P P P P P P P
Single Room Occupancy Units (d) P P P P
(a) Permitted in AG zoning districts as an accessory use.
(b) Permitted in AS zoning districts as an accessory use subject to an Administrative Use Permit.
(c) Also permitted in GC, NC, CC, and LI zoning districts.
(d) The Zoning Code defines single-occupancy units as a type of multiple-family use, but single-occupancy units are also presented separately in this table for reference (see Zoning
Code Part 7, Article 42).
(e) Residential care homes include supportive housing and transitional housing, including orphanages, rehabilitation centers, and self-help group homes.
(f) Supportive and transitional housing are defined as types of residential care home use (see Zoning Code Part 7, Article 42). Supportive and transitional housing for six or fewer
persons is permitted as small residential care homes in all residential zoning districts; supportive and transitional housing for seven or more persons is permitted subject to a Minor
Use Permit in the VLDR, LDR, MDR, MHDR, HDR, and VHDR districts as a large residential care home.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
47 82
Emergency Shelter
As of January 1, 2008, Government Code Section 65583(a)(4) requires the County to accommodate the
development of at least one year-round emergency shelter within its jurisdiction and have capacity in the
Unincorporated Area’s emergency shelters for homeless residents.9 10 As previously mentioned, the
Unincorporated Area can meet this requirement in one of two ways: (1) designate zone(s) within one year
that allow emergency shelters as a permitted use, or (2) by “adopting and implementing a multi-
jurisdictional agreement, with no more than two adjacent jurisdictions, to develop at least one year-round
emergency shelter within two years.” If the County decides to fulfill the requirement by supporting the
development of a shelter, then it must also designate a zone in the Unincorporated Area that allows for
development of an emergency shelter with a conditional use permit.
The updated Zoning Code that went into effect October 11, 2013, allows emergency shelters by right in
the Light Industrial zone. Emergency shelters are also allowed with a Conditional Use Permit in several
Commercial and Mixed Use zones: GC, NC, CC, and MU. County staff previously determined that the LI
zone alone provides adequate vacant land for emergency shelters. County staff estimates that there are
approximately 342 acres on 25 vacant parcels within the LI zone, much of which is located along major
highways and transportation corridors that would allow access to transit, and adjacent to the incorporated
cities so clients would have access to services. There are sites in both the Chico and Oroville urban areas.
The Light Industrial zone is an appropriate location to allow emergency shelters by right, since the zone is
compatible with the operation of emergency shelters, whose clients may arrive and leave at various hours
of the day and night on a transient basis. Additionally, the other uses allowable within the Light Industrial
zone are limited such that their operations would be compatible with the operation of emergency shelters.
Transitional and Supportive Housing
The Butte County Zoning Code defines residential care home facilities, regardless of size, as inclusive of
transitional and supportive housing needs.11 These housing types may include children’s homes,
transitional houses, orphanages, rehabilitation centers, and self-help group homes either as of right or with
a Conditional Use Permit. Residential care home facilities with six or fewer persons (small residential
care homes) are allowed by right in all residential districts, whereas residential care homes of seven or
more persons (large residential care homes) are permitted in VLDR, LDR, MDR, MHDR, HDR, and
VHDR zoning districts. The Housing Element update includes program H-A1.5 to amend the zoning
regulations to conform to state law and clarify that transitional and supportive housing developments will
be treated as a residential use, and will be treated the same as other similar residential uses in the same
zone, with no additional regulatory requirements.
Single-Room Occupancy Units
As noted above, single-room occupancy (SRO) residential dwelling units are allowed as a multiple-family
dwelling unit in MHDR, HDR, and VHDR as of right, based on the definitions of the Zoning Code. These
provisions conform to state law and allow SRO units where multifamily units are allowed, subject to the
same standards as other multifamily units in the same zone.
9 Building Block for Effective Housing Elements. “Adequate Sites Inventory and Analysis: Zoning for Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing.” Accessed April 25, 2008. http://www.hcd.ca.gov/hpd/housing_element/index.html. 10 Senate Bill 2, Chapter 633. Amendment to Acts 655582, 65583 and 65589.5. Approved by Governor on October 13,
2007. Effective January 1, 2008.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
48
83
Manufactured Housing
California Government Code Section 65852.3(a) requires that local jurisdictions “allow the installation of
manufactured homes certified under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety
Standards Act of 1974 (42 USC Section 5401 et seq.) on a foundation system, pursuant to Section 18551
of the Health and Safety Code, on lots zoned for conventional single-family residential dwellings.”11
Subsequently, manufactured dwellings, certified by this 1974 Act, and the lots on which they are situated,
cannot be subject to development standards, like lot setback requirements, parking standards or minimum
lot size requirements, different from those required for regular residential development. However,
additional standards may be set for architectural features such as roof overhangs and siding or roofing
materials.
The Butte County Zoning Code currently complies with Section 65862.3(a) of the Government Code by
defining manufactured housing as a single-family residential dwelling.
Second Units
The Second Dwelling Ordinance 24-280 outlines the requirements and standards for development of
second units in compliance with California Government Code Section 65852.2. According to the Zoning
Code, a second unit is “an attached or detached residential dwelling unit which provides complete
independent living facilities for one or more persons.”12 A second unit must be equipped with its own
separate entrance, in addition to private kitchen and bathroom facilities.
The County's second dwelling unit ordinance permits the construction of one second unit as an accessory
use, subordinate to the primary use, on any parcel a residential zone.13 County code states that second
units cannot be constructed on parcels already occupied by more than one residential dwelling and are
“not allowed in the North Chico Specific Plan area, Timber Production (TPZ) zones, or on Williamson
Act contracted property.”
Development standards for second units require one parking space per dwelling unit, in addition to those
for the primary residence. Otherwise, second units are subject to the development standards that apply to
the primary dwelling, “including, but not limited to, building setbacks, parcel coverage, and building
height.” A deed restriction must be executed stating the second unit cannot be sold separately, and that the
property owner shall reside in either the primary or second unit, and that these restrictions shall be
binding on successors in ownership.
11 California Government Code Section 65854.3(a). Accessed September 5, 2008. http://www.leginfo.ca.go v/cgi-bin/waisgate?WAISdocID=6578427152+0+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve. 12 Butte County Zoning Code, Part 7, Section 24-304. Accessed December 2013. http://www.buttecounty.net/dds/Planning/Zoning.aspx 13 Butte County Zoning Code, Part 3, Section 24-173. Accessed December 2013.
http://www.buttecounty.net/dds/Planning/Zoning.aspx
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
49
84
Farmworker Housing
The AG Zoning District allows by right agricultural worker housing centers as an accessory use.
Agricultural worker housing centers are defined as “housing for agricultural employees, consisting of no
more than 36 beds in a group quarters or 12 units for use by a single family or household subject to a
permit from the State.”14
Drainage
The Butte County Improvement Standards, updated in 2006, state that all development projects,
residential and nonresidential, “shall be protected from inundation, flood hazard, sheet overflow and
ponding of local storm water, springs, and other surface waters. The design of improvements shall be
such that water accumulating within the project will be carried away from the project without injury to
any adjacent improvements, residential sites, or residences to be installed on sites within the project, or to
adjoining areas…Drainage design within the project shall accommodate anticipated future development
within the drainage area.”15 General development requirements include construction of drainage
improvements resulting in no increase in runoff from its predevelopment peak. If the developer is unable
to utilize adjacent natural drainage channels, or if nearby channels lack sufficient capacity, an impact fee
is assessed in accordance with Chapter 3 of the Butte County Code. Projects located within a storm
drainage assessment district, the Thermalito Master Drainage Plan area, or the Chico Storm Drainage
Master Plan area require additional minimum improvements in addition to payment of a storm drainage
impact fee.
Water and Sewer Connections
Where feasible, developers are required to provide proposed residential subdivisions with access to
existing and operational water and sewer systems. This includes additional sewer and water mains, lift
stations, etc. that may be required both within the subdivision to serve the needs of residents, and those
necessary to provide a connection with an existing system, given that the system is within a reasonable
distance from the project. When such a connection is impractical due to lack of capacity or other factors,
the developer can choose to construct a community sewer system for the subdivision, to include treatment
and disposal facilities.16 In areas where a public sewer is provided without a public water system, the
developer may be required to provide a community water system as part of the tentative map approval. A
community water system is required for all subdivisions with 10 or more lots, and for subdivisions that
are located fewer than 700 feet from a public water system that is capable of supporting the development.
When public water and sewer services are not available, the developer is permitted to install individual
well water and septic waste disposal systems. Installation of these systems requires percolation and soil
depth tests that determine the minimum allowable lot size for each parcel. This is necessary in order to
promote a healthy water supply for the property owner and surrounding residents.
14 Butte County Zoning Code, Part 7, Section 24-304. Accessed December 2013. http://www.buttecounty.net/dds/Planning/Zoning.aspx 15 Butte County Improvement Standards. Accessed February 18, 2014. http://www.buttecounty.net/publicworks/Services/ImprovementStandards.aspx 16 Butte County Improvement Standards. Accessed February 18, 2014.
http://www.buttecounty.net/publicworks/Services/ImprovementStandards.aspx
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
50
85
To comply with Government Code section 65589.7, the County has included program H-A2.6 which
states it will deliver the completed Housing Element to all area water and sewer providers within one
month of adoption in accordance with. The bill requires the providers to give priority to proposed
housing projects that will include units affordable to lower-income households when capacity is limited.
Chico Urban Area Nitrate Compliance Program
Within the Chico Urban Area, there are restrictions on development that would be served by individual
septic systems, due to nitrate contamination in the soil from a proliferation of septic systems. Central
Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board Prohibition Order No. 90-126 was issued in 1990, and it
prohibits waste discharges from individual septic systems within the Chico Urban Area. Effectively, this
necessitates that housing in the Chico Urban Area be served by community wastewater treatment systems.
Parking Requirements
On- and off-street parking requirements for residential development directly impact the amount of land
available for the development of residential units and can greatly influence the cost of a project. The
Zoning Code currently requires two parking spaces per single-family home. For multifamily dwellings,
the County requires a minimum of 1 space per studio unit, 1.5 spaces per each one-bedroom unit, and 2
spaces per each two-or-more bedroom unit (see Table A-31).17
Minimum surfacing guidelines require a dust minimizing treatment or installation of paved asphalt,
concrete or permeable paving materials such as porous concrete/asphalt, open-jointed pavers, and
turf/gravel grids as permitted surface material. Parking lots adjacent to a public private street or with a
main drive aisle that functions as a street require a 10-foot landscaped strip between the parking area and
the street or drive aisle. Parking lots adjacent to a residential zone shall provide an eight-foot landscaped
strip between the parking area and the street, drive aisle, or residential property. Additionally, all parking
lots shall be landscaped as required by Table 24-95-2 of Article 19 of the Zoning Code, with a minimum
landscaping requirement that ranges from 5 to 15 percent of the total project site area, depending on the
size of the project.
Street Widths
For subdivisions, a minimum of 60 feet is required for public right-of-way improvements, while only 50
feet is required for local access roads, through streets, and cul-de-sacs.18 Where necessary, easements may
be provided in urban areas for access to residential parcels. Access easements can serve only one single-
family unit, must be no longer than 200 feet, and require a “building-free turning area.” Minimum width
is 20 feet, including four feet to be used for the installation of necessary utilities.19
17 Butte County Zoning Code, Part 3, Article 19, Section 24-93. Accessed November 2013.
https://www.buttecounty.net/Development%20Services/Zoning%20Code%20Ordinances%20-%20Butte%20County%20Code.aspx. 18 Butte County Code Chapter 20.134. Accessed February 18, 2014. http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientid=16065 19 Butte County Code Chapter 20.136. Accessed February 18, 2014,
http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientid=16065
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
51
86
Street Lighting
Street lighting is required only for subdivisions with an average lot frontage between 125 feet and 200
feet. Single-family subdivisions with lot frontages less than 125 feet, or greater than 200 feet, do not
require street lighting, except along public street frontages outside the subdivision. In cases where lighting
is required, the system is to be installed by the developer.20
Pedestrian and Bicycle Paths
Depending on the size of the project, developers may be required to include land for use as pedestrian and
bicycle paths. Such paths are required to be a minimum of 10 feet in width and are intended to provide
ease of access for local residents to public parks, schools, and nearby destinations. Pedestrian paths may
only be required for subdivisions of 50 or more parcels, while subdivisions with 200 or more parcels may
also require bicycle paths.21
Park Dedications
Dedication of public open space is required to conform to the Recreation Element of the General Plan for
residential projects that submit a tentative subdivision map and have “lots averaging two acres or less.”22
For lots with 50 or more units, the required land dedication is calculated by multiplying the total number
of dwelling units, in the case of single-family residential development, or the maximum allowed density
for multifamily projects, by a factor of 0.008 for single-family or 0.005 for multifamily units. This is
aimed at providing between 2 and 2.5 acres of dedicated land per 1,000 residents. In the case that the
dedication is less than 1 acre, an in-lieu fee is substituted. For projects with fewer than 50 lots and when
land for dedication cannot be located within the project, the developer may be required to pay an in-lieu
fee calculated by multiplying the total acres required for land dedication by the “full cash value per acre
of the property to be subdivided.”23 If the developer chooses to provide privately owned parks and open
space, the equivalent acres or in-lieu fee may be subtracted from the total amount required by the County.
Watershed Protection Overlay Zone
As noted in the Butte County Zoning Code, the Watershed Protection Overlay zoning designation
provides additional development standards and requirements in Butte County’s unique watershed areas.
These additional requirements are designed to maintain and improve water quality in sensitive watershed
areas. This is done through additional regulation of land uses, vegetative buffers, septic system
regulations, and measures for erosion control and timber harvesting.
Site Development Regulations
Table A-30 reports site development regulations for all residential zoning designations. Multifamily and
high density residential development is permitted by right in MHDR, HDR, and VHDR. The lowest
density is the FR-40 zone with a maximum density of one unit per 40 acres. The highest density is in the
VHDR zone with maximum density of 30 units per acre. Both the HDR and VHDR zones are the only
20 Butte County Code Chapter 20.152. Accessed February 18, 2014.
http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientid=16065 21 Butte County Code Chapter 20.140 and Chapter 20.141. Accessed February 18, 2014.
http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientid=16065 22 Butte County Code Chapter 20.74. Accessed February 18, 2014. http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientid=16065 23 Butte County Code Chapter 20.79. Accessed February 14, 2014. http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientid=16065
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
52
87
two zones with minimum residential densities, at 14 units and 20 units per acre, respectively. For many
rural developments, maximum densities may be limited by the land area made available due to septic
system requirements. There are no set minimum densities.
Fees and Exactions
Residential permit fees offset the cost to various Butte County departments to process development
projects. In addition, development impact fees cover new development’s fair share of necessary
community infrastructure, facilities, and other capital improvements, to ensure adequate services as the
community grows.
Tables A-33 and A-34 calculate the total fees on both a per unit and per square foot basis for single-family
detached homes and multifamily or mobile home units in Butte County and in areas covered by the North
Chico Specific Plan. Impact fees became effective on December 8, 2013, whereas planning and building
fees became effective on December 7, 2012. Impact fees are determined based on impact fee area: Chico
Urban Area, El Medio Fire District, North Chico Specific Plan, and County areas that fall outside of these
areas. For single-family detached homes in the Unincorporated Area, the lowest fees apply to the El Medio
Fire District area, with fees of approximately $5,170 per unit, or $3.45 per square foot. The highest fees for
single-family detached homes are within the Chico Urban Area, which includes unincorporated areas, with
fees of approximately $8,467 per unit, or $5.64 per square feet. Building permit fees and sheriff fees are
among the highest categories of fees for all areas within the county. Other types of impact fees also present
among the highest permit costs, but the applicability of impact fees varies by area. For instance, the average
single-family detached development with 20 units is subject to a transportation of fee of $21,400 if within
the County area or El Medio Fire District, whereas the same development in the Chico Urban area is subject
instead to additional fees of $73,743 for trails, roads/bridges, and other services. The amount of fees for a
single-family detached home in the Chico Urban Area, the area with the highest single family costs in the
county, represents approximately 5 percent of the median sales price for single-family units in Butte County
($155,000). Impact fees are slightly higher for single-family detached units within the North Chico Specific
Plan boundaries because additional trails, storm drain, and parks fees apply. Within the North Chico
Specific Plan, fees equal $12,600 per unit, or $8.40 per square foot.
Multifamily developments have a lower per unit cost than single-family detached units, largely because of
lower impact fee costs per unit across all impact fee categories. Similar to the areas with the lowest and
highest single-family development fees, the lowest fees for multifamily or mobile home units fall within
the El Medio Fire District at approximately $4,050 per unit, or $4.50 per square foot, with the highest fees
within the Chico Urban Area at $6,400 per unit or $7.11 per square foot.
Tables A-33 and A-34 also include additional fees applicable under special circumstances. These
additional fees include Planning and Administration fees for variance, use permits, and Zoning Ordinance
amendments, as well as environmental fees for mitigated/negative declarations. While these additional
fees do not apply to every residential project, Table A-33 and A-34 contains a complete list of these
additional fees. These additional fees are calculated on a time and materials basis, with varying time
maximums and deposit requirements.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
53 88
Table A-33
Government Fees for Single-Family Development, Butte County, Effective 12/8/13
General Applicable Fees
Single-Family Single-Family Single-Family Single-Family
Detached
Subdivision
Detached
Subdivision
Detached
Subdivision
Detached
Subdivision
County (a) Chico Urban Area
(a)
El Medio Fire
District (a)
North Chico
Specific Plan (a, b)
Planning and Administration Fees
Pre-Application Meeting (c)
$1,467
($163/hour)
$1,467
($163/hour)
$1,467
($163/hour)
$1,467
($163/hour)
Planning Clearance Reviews(d) $326 ($163/hour) $326 ($163/hour) $326 ($163/hour) $326 ($163/hour)
Planning/Processing Fee $400
Subdivision Fees
Parcel Map (e)
$6,846
($163/hour)
$6,846
($163/hour)
$6,846
($163/hour)
$6,846
($163/hour)
Construction Fees
Building Permit (f) $17,766 $17,766 $17,766 $17,766
Impact Fees (g)
Criminal Justice $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 $6,000
Fire $13,600 $13,600 n.a. n.a.
General Government, County-Wide (GC) $11,600 $11,600 $11,600 $11,600
General Government, Unincorporated Area (GU) $10,800 $10,800 $10,800 $10,800
Health & Social Services $2,200 $2,200 $2,200 $2,200
Library $4,600 $4,600 $4,600 $4,600
Sheriff $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000
Transportation $21,400 n.a. $21,400 n.a.
Chico Urban Area Fees (h)
$73,743 n.a. $73,743
Total Fees $117,005 $169,348 $103,405 $155,748
Total Fees per Square Foot $3.90 $5.64 $3.45 $5.19
Total Fees per Unit $5,850 $8,467 $5,170 $7,787
Additional Applicable Fees in Special Circumstances
Planning and Administration Fees
Minor Variances (i) $2,934 ($163/hour)
Variances (j) $4,238 ($163/hour)
Use Permit (k) $6,194 ($163/hour)
Zoning Ordinance Amendment (l) $9,780 ($163/hour)
Planned Unit Development (m) $18,908 ($163/hour)
Specific Plan Amendment (n) $163/hour
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
54 89
General Applicable Fees
Single-Family Single-Family Single-Family Single-Family
Detached
Subdivision
Detached
Subdivision
Detached
Subdivision
Detached
Subdivision
County (a) Chico Urban Area
(a)
El Medio Fire
District (a)
North Chico
Specific Plan (a, b)
Development Agreement (o) $163/hour
Development Agreement Minor Amendment (p) $163/hour
Subdivision Fees
Lot Line Adjustment $672
Mitigated/Negative Declaration (q) $2,934 ($163/hour)
Notes:
(a) Assumes a 20 unit development with each unit 1,500 square feet.
(b) Fees for residential developments within the North Chico Specific Plan area, part of which lies outside of the City of Chico boundaries.
These fees represent the fees applied to areas with R-1 Zoning. There are slightly different impact fee schedules for SR-1, SR-3, SR-1/PD, R-1 and R-3 zoned areas. The example here is of R-1 because it has the highest per unit impact fees of all the zoning designations in the
North Chico Specific Plan area.
(c) Fee is billed per hour, with $489.00 deposit. 9 hour maximum. Assumes 9 hour maximum.
(d) Fee is billed per hour with a 1/2 hour minimum and a 2 hour maximum. Assumes 2 hour review time.
(e) Fee is billed per hour, with $3,423.00 deposit. 42 hour maximum. Assumes 42 hour maximum.
(f) Building permit fees for California Building Code occupancy R-3 for house plans that have been "mastered."
(g) Each impact fee includes a 2% administration fee, which is applied to each fee category.
(h) Includes fees for trails, roads/bridges, storm drainage, fire, and parks.
(i) Minor variance fee of $163 per hour, with $1,467.00 deposit. 18 hour maximum; assumes 18 hour maximum.
(j) Variance fee of $163 per hour, with $2,119.00 deposit. 26 hour maximum; assumes 26 hour maximum.
(k) Use permit fee of $163 per hour, with $3,097.00 deposit. 38 hour maximum; assumes 38 hour maximum.
(l) Zoning Ordinance Amendment fee of $163 per hour, per hour, with $4,890.00 deposit. 60 hour maximum; assumes 60 hour
maximum.
(m) Planned Unit Development fee of $163 per hour, with $9,454.00 deposit. 116 hour maximum.
(n) Specific Plan fee of $163 per hour, with $14,018.00 deposit.
(o) Development agreement fee of $163 per hour, with $4,890.00 deposit.
(p) Development agreement minor amendment fee of $163 per hour, with $652.00 deposit.
(q) Mitigated/Negative Declaration Fee of $163 per hour, with $1,467.00 deposit. 18 hour maximum.
Sources: Butte County Department of Development Services. 2012. Master Fee Schedule. Accessed December 2013.
http://www.buttecounty.net/Development%20Services/Fees.aspx; Butte County Department of Development Services. 2013.
Countywide Impact Fee Schedule. Accessed December 2013.
http://lf.buttecounty.net/weblink7/Search.aspx?dbid=0&searchcommand=%7B%5BDS-
WebSite%5D:%5BDocument%20Name%5D=%22CWIF2013-12-08*%22%7D.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
55 90
Table A-34
Government Fees for Multiple-Family or Mobile Home Development, Butte County, Effective 12/8/13
General Applicable Fees
Multiple-Family or
Mobile Home
Complex
Multiple-
Family or
Mobile
Home
Complex
Multiple-
Family or
Mobile Home
Complex
Multiple-Family or
Mobile Home
Complex
County (a) Chico Urban
Area (a)
El Medio Fire
District (a)
North Chico
Specific Plan (a ,b )
Planning and Administration Fees
Pre-Application Meeting (c)
$1,467
($163/hour)
$1,467
($163/hour)
$1,467
($163/hour)
$1,467
($163/hour)
Planning Clearance Reviews(d)
$326
($163/hour)
$326
($163/hour)
$326
($163/hour)
$326
($163/hour)
Planning/Processing Fee $400
Subdivision Fees
Parcel Map (e)
$6,846
($163/hour)
$6,846
($163/hour)
$6,846
($163/hour)
$6,846
($163/hour)
Construction Fees
Building Permit (f) $14,370 $14,370 $14,370 $14,370
Impact Fees (g)
Criminal Justice $4,600 $4,600 $4,600 $4,600
Fire $10,800 $10,800 n.a. n.a.
General Government, County-Wide (GC) $9,200 $9,200 $9,200 $9,200
General Government, Unincorporated Area (GU) $8,400 $8,400 $8,400 $8,400
Health & Social Services $1,600 $1,600 $1,600 $1,600
Library $3,600 $3,600 $3,600 $3,600
Sheriff $15,800 $15,800 $15,800 $15,800
Transportation $14,800 n.a. $14,800 n.a.
Chico Urban Area Fees (h) n.a. $50,999.80 n.a. $50,999.80
Total Fees $92,209 $128,009 $81,009 $117,209
Total Fees per Square Foot $5.12 $7.11 $4.50 $6.51
Total Fees per Unit $4,610 $6,400 $4,050 $5,860
Additional Applicable Fees in Special Circumstances
Planning and Administration Fees
Minor Variances (i) $2,934 ($163/hour)
Variances (i) $4,238 ($163/hour)
Use Permit (k) $6,194 ($163/hour)
Zoning Ordinance Amendment (l) $9,780 ($163/hour)
Planned Unit Development (m)
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
56 91
General Applicable Fees
Multiple-Family or
Mobile Home
Complex
Multiple-
Family or
Mobile
Home
Complex
Multiple-
Family or
Mobile Home
Complex
Multiple-Family or
Mobile Home
Complex
County (a) Chico Urban
Area (a)
El Medio Fire
District (a)
North Chico
Specific Plan (a ,b )
Specific Plan Amendment (n) $18,908 ($163/hour)
Development Agreement (o) $163/hour
Development Agreement Minor Amendment (p) $163/hour
Subdivision Fees
Lot Line Adjustment $672
Environmental Compliance Fees
Mitigated/Negative Declaration (q) $2,934
(a) Assumes one building with 20 units with each unit 900 square feet.
(b) Fees for residential developments within the North Chico Specific Plan area, part of which lies outside of the City of Chico
boundaries. Presents fees for North Chico Specific Plan R-3 designation because R-3 zoning allows for multifamily development.
(c) Fee is billed per hour, with $489.00 deposit. 9 hour maximum. Assumes 9 hour maximum.
(d) Fee is billed per hour with a 1/2 hour minimum and a 2 hour maximum. Assumes 2 hour review time.
(e) Fee is billed per hour, with $3,423.00 deposit. 42 hour maximum. Assumes 42 hour maximum.
(f) Building permit fees for California Building Code occupancy R-2 Apartment Building and are construction type IIB, IIIB, IV, or VB.
Assumes 1,000 sq. ft.
(g) Each impact fee includes a 2% administration fee, which is applied to each fee category.
(h) Includes fees for trails, roads/bridges, storm drainage, fire, and parks.
(i) Minor variance fee of $163 per hour, with $1,467.00 deposit. 18 hour maximum.
(j) Variance fee of $163 per hour, with $2,119.00 deposit. 26 hour maximum; assumes 26 hour maximum.
(k) Use permit fee of $163 per hour, with $3,097.00 deposit. 38 hour maximum; assumes 38 hour maximum.
(l) Zoning Ordinance Amendment fee of $163 per hour, per hour, with $4,890.00 deposit. 60 hour maximum; assumes 60 hour
maximum.
(m) Planned Unit Development fee of $163 per hour, with $9,454.00 deposit. 116 hour maximum.
(n) Specific Plan fee of $163 per hour, with $14,018.00 deposit.
(o) Development agreement fee of $163 per hour, with $4,890.00 deposit.
(p) Development agreement minor amendment fee of $163 per hour, with $652.00 deposit.
(q) Mitigated/Negative Declaration Fee of $163 per hour, with $1,467.00 deposit. 18 hour maximum.
Sources: Butte County Department of Development Services. 2012. Master Fee Schedule. Accessed December 2013.
http://www.buttecounty.net/Development%20Services/Fees.aspx; Butte County Department of Development Services. 2013.
Countywide Impact Fee Schedule. Accessed December 2013.
http://lf.buttecounty.net/weblink7/Search.aspx?dbid=0&searchcommand=%7B%5BDS-
WebSite%5D:%5BDocument%20Name%5D=%22CWIF2013-12-08*%22%7D.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
57 92
Processing and Permit Procedures
Table A-35 provides estimates of the time it takes for Butte County to process and approve new
residential projects in Butte County. Not all of the listed procedures are required for every development,
so the time it takes for the approval of a residential project is dependent upon the necessary procedures.
Since single-family developments are permitted as of right in all of the zoning districts except for some
Commercial and Industrial zones, only a building permit is required and the development is not subject to
the processing and permitting procedures listed in Table A-36. The same holds true for multifamily
dwellings that are permitted as of right in HDR and VHDR zones. Therefore, given the prevalence of land
that already allows single-family and multifamily development as of right, the long processing times for
zoning and General Plan requirements do not represent an undue constraint on developers’ abilities to
build housing in the Unincorporated Area.
Since 2010, three Tentative Subdivision Maps (TSM) have been approved with an average processing
time of 13.5 months. Eight Tentative Parcel Maps (TPM) have been approved with an average processing
time of 8.4 months. The combined (TPM and TSM) processing time averaged 9.8 months. The date on
which an application is “complete” is difficult to determine, so these estimates are based on the time span
from application date to date of approval.
Single-family dwelling plan reviews average two to three weeks for the initial review and approximately
one to two weeks for any subsequent reviews. The County has not had any multifamily projects submitted
in the last few years but the time frames would be close to the same.
Table A-35
Schedule of Residential Processing Times, Butte County
Residential Approval Approximate Processing Time
Rezoning 15 months
Use Permits Requiring Public Hearing 10 months
Planned Unit Residential Development 24 months
Amendment to the Butte County Zoning Code, Specific Plan or General Plan 24 months
Tentative parcel maps 8.7 months
Subdivision maps 13.5 months
Variance 6 months
Appeals to Board of Supervisors 30–90 days
Environmental Documentation Varies from 180 to 365 days
Sources: Butte County 2014
Constraints to Housing for Persons with Disabilities
On January 1, 2002, SB 520 went into effect, requiring local jurisdictions to analyze potential
governmental constraints to the development, improvement, and maintenance of housing for persons with
disabilities as part of a jurisdiction’s housing element update. The County adopted a Reasonable
Accommodations Ordinance in 2013, which provides a formal process for individuals with disabilities
seeking equal access to housing in the application of the Zoning Code or other land use regulations,
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
58 93
policies, and procedures. Reasonable Accommodations applications may request modifications or
exceptions to rules, standards, and practices of housing or housing-related facilities that would eliminate
regulatory barriers and provide a person with a disability equal opportunity to housing of their choice.
The Zoning Administrator shall take action to approve, approve with modifications, or deny a request for
Reasonable Accommodation, subject to the criteria of Section 24-239 of the Zoning Code. Criteria for the
review of applications includes factors such as whether the housing will be used by an individual defined
as disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act and whether the request is necessary to make the
specific housing available to the individual. 24
Zoning and Land Use
Butte County has not evaluated how the County’s policies adhere to fair housing laws. However, Butte
County has made some policy concessions for the disabled. The parking standards for certain types of
housing in Butte County are unique whereby residential care homes require 1 parking space per 4 beds,
plus 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of office and other non-residential areas. Convalescent homes, rest homes, or
nursing homes for the disabled do not otherwise have any unique parking requirements.25 This is in
contrast to the higher parking requirements for traditional multifamily development, which requires a
range of one space per dwelling for studio units to two spaces per dwelling for units with two or more
bedrooms.26 27
In accordance with state law, Butte County permits small residential care homes with six or fewer persons
in all of the residential zoning districts subject to Zoning Clearance. Large residential homes with seven
or more persons are allowed subject to a minor use permit in the LVDR, LDR, MDR, MHDR, HDR, and
VHDR zoning districts. The prevalence of sites zoned for residential use does not unreasonably restrict
the siting of group homes. In addition, Butte County Zoning Code defines a family as up to six related or
unrelated persons living in the same household, Housing Element Action H-A.5.2 requires the County to
amend the Zoning Code to remove the number of persons from the definition of family,28 and therefore
occupancy standards do not differentiate between families and unrelated adults, thus complying with fair
housing laws. Finally, the current General Plan Land Use Element does not set a minimum distance
between special needs housing facilities.
Permits and Processing
As discussed above, Butte County provides Reasonable Accommodations to retrofitting homes for equal
accessibility, but rather such an improvement or addition would be subject to the general regulations in
the Butte County Building Code. As discussed in the previous section, the County does allow residential
care homes, or group homes, with six persons or fewer by right in residential zones, and allows residential
care homes with seven or more persons with a Minor Use Permit in 6 of the county’s 11 residential zones.
24 Butte County Zoning Code, Part 5, Article 33. Accessed November 2013.
http://www.buttecounty.net/dds/Planning/Zoning.aspx 25 Butte County Zoning Code, Part 3, Article 19. Accessed November 2013.
http://www.buttecounty.net/dds/Planning/Zoning.aspx 26 Ibid. 27 The guest parking requirement only applies to multifamily projects containing more than eight units. 28 Butte County Zoning Code, Part 7, Article 42. Accessed November 2013.
http://www.buttecounty.net/dds/Planning/Zoning.aspx
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
59
94
This use permit requirement has not prevented large group homes from being approved in the county,
considering that Butte County did approve a 50-unit adult rehabilitation facility operated by the Salvation
Army in 2003, which was later annexed to the City of Chico.29 The Minor Use Permit process for
residential care homes is the same as for all other residential developments that require a use permit.
Building Codes
Butte County has adopted the 2010 California Building Standards Code (including 2010 editions of the
California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes, in addition to the 2010
California Energy Standards, 2010 California Fire Code, and 2010 California Green Building Standards).
As noted above, the County has adopted a Reasonable Accommodations Ordinance to provide reasonable
accommodations for persons with disabilities. In addition, the County has adopted the following
amendments to the 2010 California Building Standards Code:
1. FEMA flood mapping requirements based upon the Butte County Flood Hazard Prevention ordinance.
2. A one-year life to building permit issuance with two 1-year time extensions to reduce permitting
requirements.
3. Limited density owner-built rural dwellings to help facilitate loss of over 200 dwellings in the
Concow area of Butte County to the July 2008 Butte Complex Lightning Fires. These regulations help to facilitate the availability of affordable, owner-built homes which is essential to the
continued health and welfare of the residents and these rural communities.
Conclusion
Butte County has already made some changes to its County Code to accommodate the disabled, including
permitting residential care homes of six or fewer persons as a right in residential zones, and adopting a
Reasonable Accommodations Ordinance to comply with SB 520. Specifically, the Reasonable
Accommodations process formalizes the process for disabled persons to obtain concessions related to
zoning, permit processing, and building laws that will allow them equal access to housing. Single-room
occupancy units are considered multiple-family units as defined by the Zoning Code, and subject to the
same requirements as other multifamily units in the same zoning district. Transitional and supportive
housing units are also defined as residential care homes, with small facilities (six or fewer persons)
permitted as of right in all zoning districts and treated the same as other comparable housing units that are
not designated as transitional or supportive, in the same zone, without any additional regulatory
constraints.
Building Permits
The building permit process in Butte County remains relatively unchanged since 2004. Reviewing and
issuing permits consistently takes about two weeks for a single-family unit and four weeks for a
multifamily unit. If the plans have to be altered the process can take longer, but the standard process
allows for a quick turnaround in the Building Division and is not an undue burden.
29 Breedon, Dan. 2014. Principal Planner, Butte County Department of Development Services. Personal communication.
February 18.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
60
95
Codes and Enforcement
As of January 1, 2011, Butte County enforces the 2010 editions of the California Building, Residential,
Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes, in addition to the 2010 California Energy Standards, 2010
California Fire Code, and 2010 California Green Building Standards.30 Prior to 2011, Butte adhered to the
2008 editions. In November 2013, Butte County began hosting Building Energy Code Training events for
the 2013 Title 24 Energy Code.
Butte County maintains a Code Enforcement Division within its Development Service Department. Butte
County Code Enforcement is concerned with complaints pertaining to Planning and Building codes and
ordinances in the unincorporated areas of Butte County. Code Enforcement also addresses complaints for
the Medical Marijuana Ordinance, the Noise Control Ordinance, and the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement
(AVA) program, as well as for Nuisance Abatement clean-up and removals as they occur. The goal of the
Code Enforcement Division is always to achieve voluntary compliance. However, if voluntary
compliance is not possible, the Ordinance clearly outlines the enforcement process.
Non-Governmental Constraints
Availability of Financing
Butte County is affected by the conditions in the national credit market. High national foreclosure rates
and failing banks have tightened the credit market and made it hard for developers to obtain construction
and permanent loans to build units. The credit crisis has seriously curtailed the availability of
nontraditional mortgage products like adjustable rate mortgages and subprime mortgages.
Quality credit scores, documentable income, and a significant down payment are now crucial to obtaining
a home loan, thereby limiting the number of households able to obtain financing to purchase homes. This
will exclude certain households that previously could have qualified to buy homes, forcing them into the
rental market. This decrease in the availability of credit indicates that Butte County may have to facilitate
an increase in the number of rental units available, to provide these households displaced from the for-
sale market with adequate rental housing options.
Price of Land
The cost of developable land creates a direct impact on the cost for a new home and is considered a non-
governmental constraint. A higher cost of land raises the price of a new home. Therefore, developers
sometimes seek to obtain City approvals for the largest number of lots allowable on a parcel of land. This
allows the developer to distribute the costs for infrastructure improvements (e.g., streets, sewer lines,
water lines) over the maximum number of homes. As of December 2013, a wide range of vacant parcels
are available throughout Butte County with a range of prices. Based on listings available on
www.trulia.com, the range of price was drastic, from a low of about $2,120 per acre for 66 acres in the
Paradise area to a high of around $211,540 per acre for 0.26 acres, also in Paradise. The costs of surveyed
vacant land in the Magalia area ranges from $32,610 to $130,010 per acre, whereas the costs in Oroville
were much lower, ranging from $6,000 per acre to $11,000 per acre. The price of land in the
Unincorporated Area does not appear to hinder the development of housing.
30 Butte County Department of Development Services. 2007. “Announcement: New Codes Coming in January.” September 6.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
61
96
Cost of Construction
The cost of construction in Butte County remains reasonable for both single-family and multifamily
housing developments.
Single-Family Market Rate Housing
Factors that affect the cost of building a house include the type of construction, materials, site conditions,
finishing details, amenities, and structural configuration. An Internet source of construction cost data
(www.building-cost.net), provided by the Craftsman Book Company, estimates the per square foot cost of
a single-story four-cornered home in the unincorporated county, in 2013, to be approximately $121 per
square foot. This cost estimate is based on a 2,000-square-foot house of good-quality construction
including a two-car garage, central heating and air conditioning. The total construction costs excluding
land costs are estimated at $242,209 for a house built in a housing tract and $470,102 for a custom home.
If labor or material costs increased substantially, the cost of construction could rise to a level that impacts
the price of new construction and rehabilitation. Therefore, increased construction costs have the potential
to constrain new housing construction and rehabilitation of existing housing.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
62 97
Housing Sites Inventory and Analysis
This section discusses that the Unincorporated Area has a sufficient amount of land available for the
development of housing to meet its Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA), as determined by the
Regional Housing Needs Plan (RHNP).
Regional Housing Needs Allocation
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) identifies the supply of
housing necessary to meet the existing and projected growth in population and households in California.
Each of the 38 councils of governments (COG) in the state receives a Regional Housing Needs Allocation
from HCD that specifies the number of units, by affordability level, that the COG region must plan to
accommodate during its Housing Element planning period. Each COG then distributes the allocations
throughout the cities and counties pursuant to Article 65584 of the California Government Code.
Regional Housing Needs Allocation, 2014–2022
The 2012 Regional Housing Needs Plan (RHNP) was prepared by Butte County Association of
Governments (BCAG) and approved by the BCAG Board of Directors on December 13, 2012. Table
A-36 presents the RHNA for the 8½-year period from January 2014 to June 2022.
Table A-36
Regional Housing Needs Plan (2014–2022)
Income Level Allocation Percentage of Total2
Extremely Low1 341 12%
Very Low 341 12%
Low 545 18%
Moderate 480 16%
Above Moderate 1,267 43%
Total 2,974 100%
Source: BCAG 2014–2022 Regional Housing Needs Plan.
1 Assumes that 50 percent of the very low-income RHNA is for extremely low-income
2 Percentages may not add up due to rounding
Inventory of Land Suitable for Residential Development
To determine the development capacity of the land currently available in the Unincorporated Area to meet
the County’s RHNA, state housing law mandates an analysis of suitable land. The following sections
describe available land, including projects approved or in process and vacant land. Table A-37
summarizes projects that will help accommodate the RHNA. Table A-39 presents a list of vacant land
available for residential development. State law also requires analysis that refines the unit capacity of the
available land. The other factors that determine the suitability of the vacant land include:
Infrastructure capacity such as water, sewer.
Environmental constraints such as floodplains and watershed protection zones.
Viability of the sites within the Housing Element planning period through June 15, 2022.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
63 98
Realistic Capacity
It is important to examine additional constraints in order to determine a realistic estimate of residential
development capacity in the Unincorporated Area. After taking into account environmental constraints
and/or limited infrastructure capacity, the County has determined that a realistic capacity of 75 percent is
appropriate for all residential sites and 50 percent is appropriate for mixed-use sites. The purpose of the
75 percent holding capacity is to reflect the reality that oftentimes developers build housing in Butte
County at lower densities than land use and development controls allow. This reduction reflects current
and historic development patterns in the county. Although the County has no experience to suggest that
there are any existing constraints to developers wishing to build at the maximum allowable densities, the
County believes that this 75 percent holding capacity provides a conservative estimate of the total unit
capacity on the identified sites.
Projects Approved and In Process
Projects approved or in process provide capacity to meet the County’s RHNA. A summary of these sites
is provided in Table A-37 below. These are projects that are anticipated to be developed during the 5th
RHNA cycle, based on the status of plan review and information from project developers. The following
sections provide a description of each approved or in process project.
Rio D’ Oro Specific Plan
Butte County is currently working through the approval process for the Rio D’ Oro Specific Plan.31 The
Rio D’ Oro Specific Plan encompasses 685 acres, and proposed land uses include residential, commercial,
public facility, park and open space, and environmental conservation. The plan proposes up to 2,700
residential units, which includes a variety of densities, ranging from low-density single-family residences
to high-density condominiums. A total of 26 acres of the residential acreage will allow for housing at a
density of 13 to 20 dwelling units per acre, and 6 acres will be zoned for a density of 20 to 30 dwelling
units per acre.32 Two commercial centers are proposed, totaling up to 248,000 square feet of building
space. Public facilities, which include a school site and public safety office space, encompass 25.9 acres.
Sixty-five (65) acres are proposed for parks and open space, and 246.5 acres for environmental
conservation. The site is located on the east and west sides of State Route 70, south of Ophir Road and
north of Palermo Road, south of the City of Oroville.
Under the current project review process, the land will be designated with an approved Specific Plan and
zoned consistent with the various land use designations referenced above by 2016. This would allow six
years of development timeframe within the 2022 horizon of the Housing Element. Future development is
required to be consistent with the requirements of the Specific Plan and related conditions of approval
including installation of infrastructure. It is noted that the project location was included in the Lake
Oroville Area Public Utility District (LOAPUD) Sphere of Influence as part of a comprehensive update
approved in 2013. LOAPUD provides sewer service in the unincorporated areas of the Oroville region.
31 Rio D’Oro Specific Plan Draft. 2009. Accessed August 10, 2009. http://www.buttecounty.net/dds/Planning
/specific_plans/Rio_d_Oro/2009-03-05/07375_SPB_March%202009.pdf. 32 Ibid.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
64
99
Durham Villas Tentative Subdivision Map
The Durham Villas project proposes a compact senior community consisting of 139 single-family
residential lots ranging in size from ±5,173 to ±9,313 square feet, together with a community center
(±0.60 acres), and open space is proposed in the southern and southeastern portion of the site. In addition,
a neighborhood-oriented commercial/retail center will be located on a ±0.66-acre parcel to accommodate
a small retail center (e.g., food/drug store or other related commercial/retail uses) to serve residents of the
project as well as residents of the Durham community. The project application includes rezoning the
property to PUD (Planned Unit Development) and proposes a 20 percent density bonus for senior (ages
55+) housing in accordance with state law and local ordinances. The project site is located in the northern
Sacramento Valley on the eastern side of the valley between Durham and Butte Creek, east of Durham
and on the south side of Durham Dayton Highway.
Under the current project review process, the land will be designated with an approved Planned
Development designation and a phased Tentative Subdivision Map (TSM) by early 2015. The approved
project would be available to the target population (senior housing age 55+) for seven years within the
2022 horizon of the Housing Element. Future development is required to be consistent with the
requirements of the Planned Development and related TSM conditions of approval including installation
of infrastructure.
Oroville Area Urban Greening Grant
In collaboration with the City of Oroville and the Feather River Recreation and Park District (FRRPD),
and in coordination with other local agencies, Butte County will complete a Master Greening Plan to
serve as the master document guiding and coordinating greening projects in the Oroville urban area. The
plan will cross Oroville, County, and FRRPD jurisdictional boundaries and will be consistent with the
state’s strategic growth goals of increasing forest canopy, reducing stormwater runoff, improving air and
water quality, conserving energy, providing open space, and achieving long-term community
sustainability.
Summary of Capacity from Projects Approved or In Process
As described above, sites from projects that are approved and in process will allow for housing at a
variety of densities. Table A-37 summarizes total unit capacity for projects by density range. Projects
anticipated with more than 20 dwelling units per acre include the VHDR and HDR zones/land use
designations. Projects with less than 20 dwelling units per acre consist of the MHDR and MDR
zones/land use designations.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
65 100
Table A-37
Projects Approved or In Process
Project Name Zoning Acreage Unit Capacity
Rio D’ Oro Specific Plan
VHDR (30 du/acre) 6.3 170
HDR (20 du/acre) 26.8 485
Durham Villas
– 0.66 139
Total 794
Total HDR or VHDR (20+
du/acre)1
655
Total MHDR or MDR (<20
du/acre)2
139
Source: Butte County 2014
Notes: 1. Higher density projects that will meet the County’s lower-income RHNA, as shown in Table A-38.
2. Medium and lower-density projects that will meet the County’s above moderate income RHNA, as shown in Table A-
38.
Large Sites
While some of the sites in the land inventory are large (greater than 15 acres) these sites are still
appropriate for affordable housing development because of the opportunity for specific plan development
followed by subdivision of the property into smaller parcels which could be acquired and developed by
affordable housing developers. Similarly, specific plans for other large sites could also be developed to
facilitate housing development in the future. The Housing Element update includes a program to facilitate
the subdivision of large sites into smaller sites that could more easily be acquired and developed by
affordable housing developers.
To assist with lot subdivisions, the County has included program H-A1.6, which states that the County
will provide technical assistance and incentives to subdivide parcels in the housing sites inventory larger
than 15 acres. The County will offer expedited review for the subdivision of larger sites into buildable lots
as long as the development is consistent with County land use and environmental regulations, and priority
processing for subdivision maps including affordable housing.
Zoning to Accommodate the Development for All Income Levels
Sites to Accommodate Housing for Lower-Income Households
Government Code Section 65583.2 sets default minimum allowable densities for zoning presumed to
accommodate housing that would be affordable for lower-income households. The Government Code
classifies jurisdictions in four different categories. Butte County is categorized as a suburban jurisdiction,
where the default minimum density to accommodate housing affordable for lower-income households is
at least 20 dwelling units per acre.33 Under the current General Plan, the VHDR land use designation and
33 Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of Housing Policy Development, “Amendment of State
Housing Element Law – AB 2348.” June 9, 2005.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
66
101
zoning district allow up to 30 units per acre, while the HDR land use designation and zoning district allow
up to 20 dwelling units per acre. Currently, the County does not have any land zoned VHDR, but the Rio
D’Oro Specific Plan, as detailed previously, will have approximately 6 acres of land zoned VHDR.
While the County is not able to meet its entire lower-income RHNA on sites zoned at the state’s default
density of 20 units to the acre, the remainder of its lower-income RHNA can be met on land currently
zoned MHDR, which can be developed at densities of up to 14 dwelling units per acre. Butte County is a
unique jurisdiction, consisting of primarily rural land. Development occurs more slowly and at lower
costs and densities than would be typical for comparable communities. The following information
demonstrates that sites with the MHDR zoning can feasibly accommodate housing for lower-income
households.
The reasoning behind the default minimum densities laid out by California Government Code Section
65583.2(c)(3) is that by allowing developers to build at higher densities, affordable housing developers
may purchase less land in order to accommodate a given number of housing units. The code section then
assumes that this translates into a lower average land cost per housing unit produced. When combined
with other costs for housing development, this lower land cost is then presumed to contribute to an overall
lower average cost per unit to produce housing, thus facilitating affordable housing production. The
discussion that follows is intended to explain how the relatively low land values in the Unincorporated
Area create a situation where affordable housing can feasibly be built at densities allowed in the MHDR
zoning district.
First, it is necessary to establish a reasonable assumption for the value of residential land that could be
developed for medium-density housing in the Unincorporated Area. In addition, information was
previously provided that demonstrates that residential land costs in the Unincorporated Area are very
reasonable, with a median cost of $16,000 per acre. Based on this price, at densities of 14 dwelling units
per acre, land costs might average approximately $1,150 per housing unit compared with an average land
cost of about $800 per housing unit at 20 dwelling units per acre. The median cost per acre for sites zoned
at 14 dwelling units per acre is almost 50 percent higher than zones zoned at 20 units per acre. While that
percentage is significant, this translates into an actual increase in cost of only $350 per housing unit.
Therefore, a subsidy in the amount of $350 per unit would make the cost of building housing at 14
dwelling units per acre equal to the cost to build at 20 dwelling units per acre. This demonstrates that in
unincorporated Butte County, the difference in land cost per unit between 20 dwelling units per acre and
14 dwelling units per acre would have a minimal effect on overall housing production costs.
In addition, the lower density of 14 units per acre may even facilitate some development cost savings,
since the lower density would give developers more flexibility in siting and designing their units to
economize in the construction process. For example, the Community Housing Improvement Program
(CHIP) is developing multiple affordable housing projects consisting of detached single-family housing
units at low densities, including the Palm Crest Subdivision that was developed at densities of just under
5 units per acre for lower-income households on land that has a Low Density Residential designation.
Discussions with CHIP indicated that projects do not become any more financially feasible with densities
above 15 dwelling units per acre. CHIP also provides two additional examples of affordable single-family
self-help housing examples at densities less than 14 dwelling units per acre. Both the Martha’s Vineyard
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
67 102
Project and North Biggs Estates consist of single-family housing with average lot sizes of approximately
6,000 square feet that provide guaranteed affordable housing, with project densities of approximately 8
units per acre. CHIP worked with project developers to select affordable sites for each project, which
would allow for the development of single-family homes and met the affordability requirements of
lenders. CHIP staff provided the following information on these projects:
• North Biggs Estates is a self-help housing project currently under construction in the incorporated
city of Biggs, which falls within Butte County. The project will provide 56 affordable units. At
the time of report preparation, CHIP is currently constructing the first twenty units. The primary
lender for the project is the USDA Rural Development, which requires that low-income borrowers for the project cannot pay more than 33% of gross income.
• Martha’s Vineyard is a self-help housing project developed and operated by CHIP in incorporated
Chico, within Butte County. The project consists of single-family residential homes with
estimated sales prices of $235,500 - $245,000. The project offers thirteen units, with three- and four-bedroom single-family options. The project was completed in 2012. All units have been
sold. The state lender required that borrowers pay no more than 35% of gross income.
The Enterprise Rancheria also developed a subdivision in Oroville at densities below 14 units per acre to
provide affordable housing for the Tribe’s low income tribal members The Tribe sought rezones from R-1
(3-6 dwelling units per acre) to MHDR (6 to 14 dwelling units acre) to proceed with development of a
planned subdivision. Developing at densities up to 14 units per acre was sufficient for the tribe to provide
affordable housing. The ongoing provision of affordable housing from this project is guaranteed by the
Tribe’s 50-year lease with the Enterprise Rancheria Indian Housing Authority (ERIHA). The ERIHA is
responsible for completing the development and management of the project in accordance with the federal
regulations contained within the Native American Housing Assistance And Self Determination Act
(“NAHASDA”).
Considering that (a) residential land costs in Butte County are minimal; (b) these costs mean that a
reduced maximum density from 20 dwelling units per acre to 14 units per acre has a minimal effect on
overall housing production costs; and (c) market conditions, as demonstrated by Community Housing
Improvement Program’s choice to develop affordable housing on land designated at lower densities,
suggesting that there may even be a feasibility advantage to developing affordable housing at lower
densities than the default minimum densities prescribed by state law, Butte County believes that land
available for multifamily housing development at up to 14 dwelling units per acre is suitable to
accommodate a portion of its RHNA for lower-income households.
Table A-39 lists sites with MHDR zoning that are larger than an acre in size and that could permit
multifamily residential development. While the table also includes MHDR sites at less than 1 acre in size,
these sites are credited toward meeting the moderate-income RHNA. The sites presented in Table A-39
were previously available for development during the 4th cycle RHNA. The County rezones were
accomplished with a Zoning Code update, adopted in 2012, and amended in 2013, which followed
adoption of the County’s General Plan update in 2010. Due to slow development in the County since the
rezones were completed in 2012, the sites presented in Table A-39 remain available to satisfy the 5th
cycle RHNA.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
68 103
Sites for Development of Housing Affordable to Moderate-Income Households
Both MDR and MHDR sites smaller than 1 acre in size are assumed to be appropriate to accommodate
the development of housing affordable to moderate-income households, such as market-rate multifamily
rental units. In addition, mobile homes represent a valuable source of housing in Butte County, because
they can be developed at costs that are affordable to moderate-income households. Approved and in
process projects listed in Table A-37 at densities less than 20 dwelling units per acre will be credited
towards the County’s above moderate RHNA.
Sites for Development of Housing Affordable to Above Moderate-Income Households
The County’s lower-income RHNA will be met on the approved and in process projects listed in Table
A-37 that provide for development at 20 dwelling units per acre and above with VHDR and HDR land
use designations.
Summary
Based on approved and in process projects presented in Table A-37 and the vacant sites inventory
presented in Table A-39, the County has adequate capacity to accommodate its 2014–2022 RHNA for
households at all income levels. See Figure 1 for a map of all sites. As noted earlier, the vacant sites
inventory includes sites the County made available for development during the 4th cycle RHNA with
rezones adopted in 2012. However, numerous rezoned sites remain vacant and are available to
accommodate the 5th cycle RHNA.
North Chico Specific Plan
The North Chico Specific Plan was adopted in January 1995. The plan area encompasses 3,590 acres
bounded by Sycamore Creek to the south, State Route 99 to the west, Rock Creek to the north, and Chico
Municipal Airport to the east. The purpose of the North Chico Specific Plan is to comprehensively
respond to development proposals and incorporate them into a concept for land use for the area, while
evaluating and providing for area-wide solutions to drainage, circulation, and public services. Although
development impact fees have been adopted to help fund various improvements within the North Chico
Specific Plan area, the funding mechanisms necessary to pay for all the needed infrastructure have yet to
be established. The North Chico Specific Plan includes 20.8 acres zoned for 20 units per acre (HDR),
64.1 acres zoned for 14 units per acre, and 122.7 acres at 6 units per acre.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
69 104
Table A-38
Comparison of Regional Housing Need and Residential Sites
Income Group 5th Round
RHNA
Projects
Approved/
In Process
Mixed
Use land
Vacant
HDR
Land
Vacant
MHDR Land
(>1 acre)
Vacant MHDR
(<1 acre) &
MDR Land
Unit
Surplus
Extremely Low 341
6551 227 337
1,359
25
896 Very Low 341
Low 545
Moderate 480
Above Moderate 1,267 1391 1,223 95
Total2 2,974 794 227 337 1,359 1,248 1,081
Source: Butte County 2014
Notes: 1. Approved and in process projects. See Table A-37 for more information.
2. Excluding approved and in process projects, capacity is provided in the adequate sites inventory presented in Table A-
39.
Table A-39
Adequate Sites Inventory
APN GP Zoning
Allowable
Density Acreage
Max
Capacity
75%
Capacity
Constraints
Environmental Infrastructure
HDR Land Use Designation
043-230-011-000* HDR HDR 20 0.30 6 4
043-242-041-
000* HDR HDR 20 0.26 5 4
002-050-214-
0001 HDR HDR 20 1.1 22 17
North Chico Sites
007-010-057
(HDR portion)2* HDR HDR 20 4.6
324 312
007-010-058
(HDR portion)2* HDR HDR 20 16.2
22.46 357 337
MHDR (sites 1 acre or larger)
078-170-044-
000* MHDR MHDR 14 19.93 279 209
078-170-062-
000* MHDR MHDR 14 6.85 96 72
078-170-055-
000* MHDR MHDR 14 6.45 90 68
078-100-033-
000* MHDR MHDR 14 3.91 55 41
078-110-039-MHDR MHDR 14 23.58 330 207 Partially within
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
70 105
APN GP Zoning
Allowable
Density Acreage
Max
Capacity
75%
Capacity
Constraints
Environmental Infrastructure
000** 100-yr floodplain
078-110-030-
000** MHDR MHDR 14 9.67 135 47
Partially within
100-yr
floodplain
078-290-044-
000** MHDR MHDR 14 2.07 29 22
078-290-045-000** MHDR MHDR 14 1.98 28 21
North Chico Specific Plan
007-010-057
(MHDR
portion)2** MHDR MHDR 14 23.29
899 673
007-010-058
(MHDR
portion)2** MHDR MHDR 14 23.50
047-710-0232**
MHDR MHDR 14 17.4
Total
138.63 1,941 1,359
MHDR (sites under 1 acre)
040-234-003-
000* MHDR MHDR 14 0.55 8 0
No sewer service
007-150-061-
000* MHDR MHDR 14 0.41 6 0
No sewer service
030-220-019-
000** MHDR MHDR 14 0.31 4 3
030-220-023-
000** MHDR MHDR 14 0.30 4 3
040-232-005-
000* MHDR MHDR 14 0.26 4 0
No sewer service
030-212-036-
000** MHDR MHDR 14 0.25 4 3
030-212-025-
000* MHDR MHDR 14 0.24 3 0
No sewer service
040-250-025-
000** MHDR MHDR 14 0.24 3 2
030-212-034-
000** MHDR MHDR 14 0.24 3 2
030-212-035-
000** MHDR MHDR 14 0.24 3 2
030-212-031-
000** MHDR MHDR 14 0.24 3 2
030-212-033-
000** MHDR MHDR 14 0.24 3 2
030-212-032-
000** MHDR MHDR 14 0.24 3 2
030-212-027-MHDR MHDR 14 0.17 2 2
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
71 106
APN GP Zoning
Allowable
Density Acreage
Max
Capacity
75%
Capacity
Constraints
Environmental Infrastructure
000**
078-290-043-
000** MHDR MHDR 14 0.21 3 2
Total
4.14 52 25
MDR
078-110-026-000 MDR MDR 6 19.03 114 86
078-110-028-000 MDR MDR 6 9.91 59 45
068-230-044-000 MDR MDR 6 5.06 30 0
No sewer service
035-300-036-000 MDR MDR 6 4.24 25 19
035-130-185-000 MDR MDR 6 3.25 19 15
035-130-188-000 MDR MDR 6 1.04 6 5
035-130-186-000 MDR MDR 6 1.02 6 5
035-300-039-000 MDR MDR 6 1.02 6 5
035-130-187-000 MDR MDR 6 1.01 6 5
035-300-038-000 MDR MDR 6 1.01 6 5
035-130-179-000 MDR MDR 6 49.79 299 224
030-270-076-000 MDR MDR 6 20.62 124 49
Partially within
100-yr
floodplain
078-290-003-000 MDR MDR 6 7.08 42 32
078-290-002-000 MDR MDR 6 6.72 40 30
078-290-059-000 MDR MDR 6 4.33 26 19
078-290-015-000 MDR MDR 6 3.47 21 16
078-290-019-000 MDR MDR 6 3.03 18 14
078-290-020-000 MDR MDR 6 2.99 18 13
078-290-071-000 MDR MDR 6 2.72 16 12
035-180-008-000 MDR MDR 6 1.64 10 7
078-290-033-000 MDR MDR 6 1.46 9 7
078-290-062-000 MDR MDR 6 1.44 9 6
078-290-065-000 MDR MDR 6 1.42 9 6
078-290-025-000 MDR MDR 6 1.16 7 5
078-280-039-000 MDR MDR 6 1.00 6 5
035-130-074-000 MDR MDR 6 0.34 2 2
078-290-014-000 MDR MDR 6 0.54 3 2
035-173-003-000 MDR MDR 6 0.20 1 1
035-172-014-000 MDR MDR 6 0.14 1 1
078-290-005-000 MDR MDR 6 0.10 1 0
078-290-064-000 MDR MDR 6 0.95 6 4
078-290-021-000 MDR MDR 6 0.90 5 4
078-290-048-000 MDR MDR 6 0.63 4 3
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
72 107
APN GP Zoning
Allowable
Density Acreage
Max
Capacity
75%
Capacity
Constraints
Environmental Infrastructure
078-290-047-000 MDR MDR 6 0.59 4 3
078-290-054-000 MDR MDR 6 0.58 4 3
078-290-051-000 MDR MDR 6 0.56 3 3
078-290-007-000 MDR MDR 6 0.46 3 2
035-180-025-000 MDR MDR 6 0.41 2 2
Partially within
100-yr
floodplain
078-290-026-000 MDR MDR 6 0.28 2 1
035-180-024-000 MDR MDR 6 0.27 2 1
078-290-028-000 MDR MDR 6 0.26 2 1
078-290-011-000 MDR MDR 6 0.26 2 1
078-290-010-000 MDR MDR 6 0.26 2 1
078-290-027-000 MDR MDR 6 0.14 1 1
078-290-029-000 MDR MDR 6 0.13 1 1
030-194-008-000 MDR MDR 6 0.11 1 1
030-194-006-000 MDR MDR 6 0.11 1 1
035-180-002-000 MDR MDR 6 0.11 1 1
North Chico Specific Plan
007-010-057-000
(MDR portion)2 MDR MDR 6 5.95
631 552
007-010-058-000
(MDR portion)2 MDR MDR 6 9.93
007-010-063-000 (MDR portion)2 MDR MDR 6 17.18
007-550-046-000
(MDR portion)2 MDR MDR 6 21.19
007-550-047-000 (MDR portion)2 MDR MDR 6 51.04
Total
269.09 1,614 1,223
Mixed-Use Sites (50% capacity)
078-170-004-
0003 MU MU-3 20 18.74 375 187
Water and
sewer service
in area
078-180-014-
0004 MU MU-3 20 0.54 11 5
Water and
sewer service
in area
035-226-006-
0005 MU MU-3 20 0.59 12 6
Water and
sewer service
in area
078-190-005-000 MU MU-3 20 1.00 20 10
078-190-008-000 MU MU-3 20 0.36 7 4
035-200-021-000 MU MU-3 20 0.36 7 4
035-200-007-000 MU MU-3 20 0.17 3 2
078-180-001-000 MU MU-3 20 0.11 2 1
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
73 108
APN GP Zoning
Allowable
Density Acreage
Max
Capacity
75%
Capacity
Constraints
Environmental Infrastructure
078-180-014-000 MU MU-3 20 0.78 16 8
Total
22.7 453 227
Source: Butte County 2014
Notes:
* Available in the 4th round
** Available in the 4th round but not counted as a site that can accommodate lower-income units.
1. Site 1 from previous Housing Element Table 36
2. Site 4 from previous Housing Element Table 36 3. Site 5 from previous Housing Element Table 36
4. Site 6 from previous Housing Element Table 36
5. Site 7 from previous Housing Element Table 36
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
74 109
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
75 110
Infrastructure Availability
All sites included in the adequate sites inventory table (Table A-39) and on which the County is relying
to meet its RHNA have adequate water and sewer service available. A more detailed description of key
service providers for vacant sites is provided below. The analysis of infrastructure availability relies on
information from the service providers and the Butte County General Plan 2030 Environmental Impact
Report (EIR). All vacant sites were created through rezones to implement the General Plan 2030 and
analyzed through the EIR process that the County completed for General Plan adoption.34
The majority of sites zoned MHDR and MDR currently have both water and sewer service available on
site. Water is provided by the South Feather Water and Power Agency, Paradise Irrigation District,
Durham Irrigation District, Lake Madrone Water District, Thermalito Water and Sewer Irrigation District,
California Water Service Company-Oroville District, or the California Water Service Company-Chico
District, and sewer service from the Lake Oroville Area Public Utility District or the Thermalito Irrigation
District.
A few MHDR and MDR sites included in the inventory are currently lacking services (see notes in Table
A-39) and therefore have a realistic unit capacity of zero units, although the sites could be developed in
the future if water and/or sewer service is expanded onto these sites.
Sewer Capacity and Availability
Lake Oroville Area Public Utility District
The Lake Oroville Area Public Utility District (LOAPUD) provides sewer service to all HDR sites in the
south county area. Countywide, the LOAPUD provides sanitary sewer collection services to
approximately 4,400 customers, mainly in unincorporated areas east and south of the City of Oroville. As
of January 2010, LOAPUD provides service for approximately 6,045 equivalent dwelling units (EDUs).
Population growth in the service area is expected to grow only slowly.
On average, LOAPUD collects 853 million gallons of wastewater per day (mgd). Current total flow
projections are expected to grow by 0.216 mgd to 1.777 mgd over the next 20 years. As noted in the 2010
LOAPUD Sewer Master Plan, it is unlikely that the entire population within the District’s sphere of
influence would be served by public wastewater collection and treatment due to limitations in capacity,
costs, population densities, and topographical constraints. Some areas are anticipated to be served by
septic systems. In general, the collection system is in good condition and lines requiring service are
maintained by LOAPUD. Several capital improvements are outlined in the 2010 Sewer Master Plan.
Currently, there are no collection capacity issues and no plans for capacity expansion. The LOAPUD is
able to provide sewer service to sites in the inventory.
Thermalito Water and Sewer District
The Thermalito Water and Sewer District (TWSD) provides sewer services to the south county area.
TWSD provides wastewater collection services to approximately 1,985 customers or approximately 2,650
EDUs. Wastewater dry weather flows presently average 0.41 mgd, or approximately 155 gpd per EDUs,
and are expected to grow to 0.67 mgd within the next 20 years. Instantaneous PWWFs are 4 mgd.
34 Butte County. 2010. Butte County General Plan 2030. Final Environmental Impact Report. Butte County.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
76
111
TWSD’s collection system consists of 40 miles of sanitary sewer line and is generally in adequate
condition. TWSD’s collection system discharges into the SCOR west interceptor pipe for treatment at
their plant. On average, dry weather flows are at approximately 30 percent of system capacity and wet
weather flows are at approximately 70 to 80 percent of capacity. During extreme wet weather events, the
system experiences the highest level of inflow and infiltration impact at the east trunk line. During major
storm events, the east trunk line has almost overflowed. Currently, TWSD has issued “will serve” letters
that commit to serving approximately 30 additional EDUs. Although TWSD has issued these letters, there
are no plans for future infrastructure capacity expansion. Developers are required to either upgrade
existing infrastructure or install new infrastructure for new development within TWSD’s Sphere of
Influence (SOI). The TWSD is able to provide sewer service to sites in the inventory within its service
area, recognizing that these sites would be responsible for the costs of new infrastructure.
Water Capacity and Availability
California Water Service Company-Chico District
California Water Service Company-Chico District (Cal Water Chico) provides water service for MHDR
and MDR sites in the Chico area. Although there are approximately 86,000 people in the service area, Cal
Water Chico does not provide water to the entire population within the service area because some are
served by private wells. Supplied water is used solely for urban purposes.
Cal Water Chico has sufficient water supplies to meet existing water demands and a portion of the
projected future demand. The future water demand from this growth in the service area is estimated to be
237 AFY, which would exceed the groundwater pumping supply sometime before 2020. However, for
purposes of the 2014-2022 RHNA planning period, Cal Water Chico is able to provide water service to
sites in the inventory within its service area. This finding is further supported by Butte County General
Plan 2030 policies, which ensure the protection of water resources and adequate water service. The Butte
County General Plan 2030 Environmental Impact Report found the impact of new development on water
use to be less than significant, which indicates that Cal Water Chico water supplies are adequate to meet
the needs of new development within its service territory.
California Water Service Company-Oroville District
California Water Service Company-Oroville District (Cal Water Oroville) provides water service for
MHDR and MDR sites in the Oroville area. Cal Water Oroville is a private company that has been
serving the water supply needs of the greater Oroville area since 1927. The population within the service
area is approximately 10,000. Almost all of the water that Cal Water- Oroville provides is dedicated to
urban use (residential, industrial, and commercial).
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
77 112
Cal Water Oroville has sufficient water capacity of 10.74 mgd for its existing service area in the Oroville
urban area, which has maximum demand of approximately 6.3 mgd. It is estimated that the water
demands associated with Butte County General Plan growth, plus the growth anticipated within the City
of Oroville, would approach the water system supply around the year 2025. Existing supplies may be
insufficient to meet the demand from the 2030 growth projections; however, additional water supplies are
available for purchase from PG&E. For the nearer-term purposes of the 2014-2022 RHNA planning
period, Cal Water Oroville is able to provide water service to sites in the inventory within its service area
with existing supply.
Durham Irrigation District
The Durham Irrigation District (DID) provides water service for MHDR and MDR sites. The DID provides
water services to approximately 350 parcels in an area south of the City of Chico. Distribution, testing
and maintenance operations are currently contracted out to Cal Water Chico. The District’s water comes
from three groundwater wells. These have a maximum pumping capacity of approximately 4.176 MGD;
in 2004, an estimated 142 MG was delivered, which equates to 0.39 MGD.
The Durham Irrigation District has more than sufficient water supplies for existing and forecasted with
Butte County General Plan growth anticipated through 2030. The District supply of 4.176 mgd is more
than ten times the current water demand of about 0.39 mgd. General Plan 2030 is projected to result in
approximately 100 new dwelling units within this District. This additional growth would demand
approximately 33 AFY, which would be well within the capacity of the existing supplies. The DID is able
to provide water service to sites in the inventory within its service area with existing supply.
Lake Madrone Water District
The Lake Madrone Water District provides service to 15 year-round residents in the Lake Madrone area,
which is principally a vacation and recreation community. Water supply is obtained from two wells, with
a third inactive well in reserve. The combined capacity of the two active wells is approximately 160,000
gallons per day (gpd). Average daily demand is approximately 25,000 gpd. The District has several water
tanks with a combined storage capacity of 145,000 gallons.
The Lake Madrone Water District has sufficient water well production capacity to meet existing demands.
Development allowed by General Plan 2030 is projected to increase retail and office uses by 400 square
feet in 2030 within this service area, which would cause an increase in demand of 80 gpd, an insignificant
amount that can be accommodated by the existing supplies. The Lake Madrone Water District is able to
provide water service to sites in the inventory within its service area using existing supply.
South Feather Water and Power Agency
The South Feather Water and Power Agency provides water services to HDR sites in the south county
area. The South Feather Water and Power Agency serves approximately 38,000 acres. The Districts
current service population is 21,400 with 6,210 domestic water accounts. The South Feather River Water
and Power Agency has water rights for 51,000 AFY compared with existing demands of about 7,000
AFY for potable and 21,000 AFY for agricultural use.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
78 113
Development allowed by General Plan 2030 is projected to increase the service area population by 14,700
people through the addition of 5,950 dwelling units by 2030, and add about 300,000 square feet of retail
and office development and about 150,000 square feet of industrial development by 2030 within the
service area. This additional growth would demand approximately2,048 AFY, which is still within the
available water supply of the Agency. Therefore, the South Feather Water and Power Agency is able to
provide water service to sites in the inventory within its service area using existing supply.
Thermalito Water and Sewer District
The TWSD serves MDR and MHDR. The TWSD delivers potable water to a combination of residential,
industrial, and governmental users. TWSD now delivers almost exclusively potable water to a
combination of residential, industrial, and governmental users. TWSD has rights to 8,200 acre-feet per
year, compared with existing water demands of approximately 2,800 AFY.
Two-thirds of TWSD’s customers are in the unincorporated county area, with the remainder in the City of
Oroville. Development allowed by the Butte County General Plan 2030 is projected to increase the
unincorporated service area population for TWSD by 1,100 people through the addition of 450 dwelling
units by 2030, and add 655,200 square feet of retail and office development by 2030. This additional
growth would demand approximately 296 AFY, which is within the available water supply entitlement
of the TWSD. Additional growth in the City of Oroville could also be accommodated by the TWSD’s
available supply. Therefore, the Thermalito Water and Sewer District is able to provide water service to
sites in the inventory within its service area using existing supply.
Environmental Constraints
For the majority of sites included in Table A-39, there are no known environmental constraints. The sites
lying partially within a 100-year floodplain have a reduced realistic unit capacity that coincides with the
portion of the site within the 100-year floodplain.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
79 114
This apogee intentionally left blank
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
80 115
Opportunities for Energy Conservation
Energy conservation plays a key role in affordability because low utility costs decrease the costs of
owning and renting. Additionally, energy conservation is a key principle of sustainability. Government
Code Section 65583 (a) (7) mandates an “analysis of opportunities for energy conservation with respect to
residential development.”35 The analysis consists of two parts. The first reports the current planning and
development standards in Butte County that promote energy conservation and the second considers the
opportunity for new programs that increase conservation.
In 1978, Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations established the Energy Efficiency
Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings to reduce the California’s energy consumption.36
Title 24 is continually updated in response to new technologies, with Butte County enforcing the 2010
version of the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen).37 In addition, the Butte County
Department of Development Services, Building Division, makes the Title 24 Compliance forms readily
available on its website. Butte County also actively promotes green building practices and energy
efficiency trainings, hosting code training workshops in addition to providing a Green Building
Brochure.38 Through adherence to the Title 24 standards, the County will reduce the electricity and
natural gas costs in its new residential buildings.
In addition, Butte County recently completed a 2030 General Plan update, adopted by the Board of
Supervisors on November 6, 2012, and effective December 10, 2012. The General Plan update provides
numerous policies and programs to achieve energy efficiency through the unincorporated county,
including the following:
• COS-P2.4: All new subdivisions and developments should meet green planning standards such as
LEED for Neighborhood Design.
• COS-A2.1: Design and publish handouts and web-based information describing green building practices and explaining relevant County permitting approval processes.
• COS-A2.3: Develop and adopt incentives for the construction of green buildings, such as
expedited permitting or reduced building fees, provided that building fee reductions are covered
through outside funding sources, such as grants, and not from the General Fund.
Implementing another General Plan policy that called for creation of a Climate Action Plan (Policy
COS-A1.1), Butte County adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) on February 25, 2014 that identifies
numerous actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency in addition to renewable
energy, and use, transportation, agriculture, waste reductions, and agricultural practices. The Public Draft
35 HCD Building Block for Effective Housing Elements. “Opportunities for Energy Conservation.” 36 California Energy Commission. Accessed May 5, 2008. http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/. 37 A Codification of the General Codes of Butte County. Accessed December 13, 2013. http://municipalcodes.lexisnexis.com/codes/butteco/. 38 Butte County Department of Development Services, Building Division. Accessed December 2013.
http://www.buttecounty.net/Development%20Services/BUILDING%20DIVISION.aspx.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
81
116
CAP presents several recommended energy strategies, or reduction measures, that will promote energy
efficiency in new and existing housing:
• Measure EN1. Connect homeowners to financing and resources for retrofits.
Actions:
o Participate in a program to provide additional low-cost financing for energy retrofits in
Butte County to supplement available rebates from programs such as Energy Upgrade
California and the California Home Energy Retrofit Opportunity (HERO) program.
o Host booths at home fairs.
o Encourage home remodels or additions to achieve California Green Building Standards
Code (CALGreen) compliance by promoting available financing programs such as
Energy Upgrade California or other local rebate programs.
o Provide pamphlets on financing programs with permits.
o Partner with local contractors to promote retrofits in the low-income housing stock
through weatherization programs.
2020 Target: 4,920 households participate in a retrofit program (20% of single-family homes
built before 2006).
• Measure EN2. Promote residential appliance upgrades.
Actions:
o Track the number of energy-efficient or smart-grid-integrated appliances installed in new
development and major remodels through the County's permit tracking system.
o Promote Energy Star or energy-efficient appliances with County materials, including
existing home improvement programs, rebate programs, and program monitoring.
2020 Target: 3,940 households participate in appliance upgrades (20% of homes built by 1990).
• Measure EN3. Connect low-income homeowners to financing and resources for retrofits.
Actions:
o Work with nonprofits to identify highest opportunities for a successful low-income
program.
o Encourage workforce training programs to provide free weatherization services to
qualified households.
o Partner with workforce training programs such as Living Elements and Valley
Contractors Exchange.
o Leverage federal funding for home improvements, such as Community Development
Block Grants (CDBG), to improve the energy efficiency and livability of Butte County's
lowest-income households.
2020 Target: 1,310 low-income households undergo weatherization (10% of low-income
households).
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
82 117
• Measure EN8. Expand distributed generation, renewable energy systems for new residential
development.
Actions:
o Encourage all new discretionary development projects consisting of more than 500
residential units to achieve zero net energy using solar photovoltaics and high-efficiency
construction.
o Offer expedited processing for developers providing on-site solar, such as participants in
the state’s Homebuyer Solar Program.
o Encourage all new discretionary multifamily developments to offer solar options or
provide off-site power purchase agreements, following the Homebuyer Solar Program.
o Encourage all new discretionary projects to include solar prewiring for photovoltaics.
2020 Target: 900 new households constructed to net-zero energy standards (13% of all new
households constructed by 2020).39
The CAP outlines a work plan for County staff to implement and monitor progress implementing these
measures. The County will integrate CAP measures and actions into existing policies and programs,
including revising other local and regional plans, developing new programs, and initiating new activities.
Measures and actions in the CAP identify amendments to existing codes, policies, and documents or
programs. As the County moves forward with Zoning Ordinance updates, specific plans, and other
planning documents, staff will ensure that these documents support and are consistent with the CAP.
Existing regional partnerships and collaborations can also support implementation. County staff will
maintain these existing networks and support programs and resources that reduce emissions and support
energy efficiency in housing throughout Butte County.
39 Butte County, Public Draft Climate Action Plan. 2014. www.buttecap.net.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
83
118
This page intentionally left blank
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
84 119
Appendix: Housing Condition Survey
Results
Detailed Survey Results
In December 2013, Butte County conducted a housing conditions survey of 400 housing units. To identify
the greatest portion of substandard units, the survey focused on areas known to have a higher
concentration of older housing stock and then randomly selected sites with units built prior to 1980. The
areas selected were the unincorporated areas of Chapman/Mulberry, Magalia, Palermo, and South
Oroville (see Figure 1).
Nearly one-quarter of all homes surveyed were categorized as sound (22 percent), with an additional 36
percent of the homes categorized as minor or moderate. Over 40 percent (169 homes) were observed to be
in the substantial or dilapidated categories. Table 1 illustrates the overall condition of all of the homes
surveyed in the Unincorporated Area.
As shown in Table 1, 35 percent of the homes surveyed in the Unincorporated Area were in sound
condition or needed minor repairs. A house in sound condition is well maintained and structurally intact.
This includes a good foundation, straight roof lines, good exterior paint condition and siding, and
windows and doors that are in good repair. Homes in sound condition may have minor maintenance needs
or require some paint or siding repair. Homes deemed to be in need of minor repairs require general
maintenance or one major repair such as a new roof. Approximately 23 percent of the remaining homes
surveyed were in moderate condition, which means they are in need of one or more major repairs, such as
a roof replacement and window repair or replacement. Approximately 43 percent of homes fell into the
substantial or dilapidated categories. These homes require many repairs and replacements that often
include structural needs (e.g., roofs or foundations). The dilapidated homes were categorized this way
because they appeared unfit for human habitation and require major rehabilitation.
Table 1: Housing Conditions Survey Results
Condition Number of Units Surveyed Percentage
Sound 86 22%
Minor 52 13%
Moderate 93 23%
Substantial 43 11%
Dilapidated 126 32%
Total 400 100%
Source: PMC Housing Conditions Survey, December 2013
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
85 120
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
86 121
Chapman/Mulberry
Within the Chapman/Mulberry survey area (see Figure 2), nearly 30 percent of the homes surveyed were
in sound condition (see Table 2). In comparison to other areas surveyed, this survey area had the highest
percentage of homes in sound condition. This means very little maintenance, if any, was needed. A
number of the homes surveyed (8 percent) needed only minor repairs or possibly one major repair, while
25 percent of the homes required moderate repairs. Of all surveyed homes in the Chapman/Mulberry
survey area, 39 percent needed substantial repair or were in dilapidated condition. Surveyed homes in the
Chapman/Mulberry area comprised 15 percent, or 60 units, of the 400 total units surveyed.
Table 2: Chapman/Mulberry
Condition Number of Units Surveyed Percentage
Sound 17 28%
Minor 5 8%
Moderate 15 25%
Substantial 13 22%
Dilapidated 10 17%
Total 60 100%
Source: PMC Housing Conditions Survey, December 2013
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
87 122
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
88 123
Magalia
Units surveyed in the Magalia area (see Figure 3) comprised 35 percent of total units surveyed, or 140
units, the highest percentage of total units surveyed. Surveyed units in the Magalia area had the highest
percentage of dilapidated units with a greater need for repairs. As shown in Table 3, approximately 51
percent of the surveyed units, or 72 units, were dilapidated, with an additional 6 percent in need of
substantial repair. Units in sound condition that are well maintained and structurally intact comprised 17
percent of surveyed units in the Magalia area.
Table 3: Magalia
Condition Number of Units Surveyed Percentage
Sound 24 17%
Minor 14 10%
Moderate 22 16%
Substantial 8 6%
Dilapidated 72 51%
Total 140 100%
Source: PMC Housing Conditions Survey, December 2013
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
89 124
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
90 125
Palermo
Within the Palermo area (see Figure 4), 100 units were surveyed (25 percent of total units surveyed).
Table 4 depicts the condition of the structures surveyed within the Palermo area. Approximately 25
percent of the structures surveyed were in sound condition, 13 percent needed minor repairs or one major
repair, while 25 percent of the structures were in moderate condition. Additionally, another 37 percent
were in need of substantial repair or dilapidated.
Table 4: Palermo
Condition Number of Units Surveyed Percentage
Sound 25 25%
Minor 13 13%
Moderate 25 25%
Substantial 10 10%
Dilapidated 27 27%
Total 100 100%
Source: PMC Housing Conditions Survey, December 2013
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
91 126
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
92 127
South Oroville
Within the South Oroville area (see Figure 5), 100 units were surveyed (25 percent of total units
surveyed). Approximately 20 percent of surveyed units in this area were in sound condition, with another
20 percent in need of minor repairs or one major repair. A significant portion, 31 percent, were in need of
moderate repair, with 12 percent in need of substantial repair, and 17 percent in dilapidated condition.
Table 5: South Oroville
Condition Number of Units Surveyed Percentage
Sound 20 20%
Minor 20 20%
Moderate 31 31%
Substantial 12 12%
Dilapidated 17 17%
Total 100 100%
Source: PMC Housing Conditions Survey, December 2013.
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
93 128
Butte County Housing Needs Assessment
94 129
EXHIBIT B
EIR Addendum
Butte County Housing Element
130
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 1 of 1
BUTTE COUNTY
Department of Development Services
ADDENDUM
to the
GP 2030 EIR & Supplemental EIR
Amendments to the
Butte County Housing Element
BUTTE COUNTY
Department of Development Services
7 County Center Drive, Oroville, CA 95965
530‐538‐7629
June 5, 2014
131
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 2 of 2
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This Addendum was prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines. This document has been prepared to serve as an
Addendum to the previously certified General Plan Environmental Impact Report (General
Plan EIR, State Clearinghouse Number 2008092062) and Supplemental Environmental
Impact Report (GPA and Zoning Ordinance EIR, State Clearinghouse Number 2012022059)
for the Butte County General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
This Addendum addresses proposed amendments to the Housing Element of the Butte
County General Plan in relation to the previous environmental review prepared for the Butte
County General Plan EIR and Supplemental EIR. The County of Butte is the lead agency for
this project.
CEQA Guidelines Section 15164 defines an Addendum as:
The lead agency or responsible agency shall prepare an addendum to a previously certified
EIR if some changes or additions are necessary but none of the conditions described in Section
15162 calling for preparation of a subsequent EIR have occurred.
…..A brief explanation of the decision not to prepare a subsequent EIR pursuant to Section
15162 should be included in an addendum to an EIR, the lead agency's findings on the project,
or elsewhere in the record.
Information and technical analyses from the Butte County General Plan EIR and
Supplemental EIR are utilized throughout this Addendum. Relevant passages from this
document (consisting of the General Plan EIR and Supplemental EIR) are cited and available
for review at:
Butte County Department of Development Services
7 County Center Drive, Oroville 95965
Dan Breedon, AICP, Principal Planner
530‐538‐7629 │ dbreedon@buƩecounty.net
132
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 3 of 3
1.1 Background and Purpose of the EIR Addendum
The General Plan EIR (SCH #2008092062) was certified on October 26, 2010 by the Butte
County Board of Supervisors. The Supplemental EIR (SCH #2012022059) was certified
on November 6, 2012. Refer to Section 2.0 (Project Description) for a detailed description
of the proposed amendments to the Housing Element.
In determining whether an Addendum is the appropriate document to analyze the
modifications to the project and its approval, CEQA Guidelines Section 15164 (Addendum to
an EIR or Negative Declaration) states:
(a) The lead agency or a responsible agency shall prepare an addendum to a
previously certified EIR if some changes or additions are necessary but none of the
conditions described in Section 15162 calling for preparation of a subsequent
EIR have occurred.
(b) An addendum to an adopted negative declaration may be prepared if only
minor technical changes or additions are necessary or none of the conditions
described in Section 15162 calling for the preparation of a subsequent EIR
or negative declaration have occurred.
(c) An addendum need not be circulated for public review but can be included in or
attached to the final EIR or adopted negative declaration.
(d) The decision‐making body shall consider the addendum with the final EIR or
adopted negative declaration prior to making a decision on the project.
(e) A brief explanation of the decision not to prepare a subsequent EIR pursuant
to Section 15162 should be included in an addendum to an EIR, the lead agency’s
required findings on the project, or elsewhere in the record. The explanation must
be supported by substantial evidence.
1.2 Basis for Decision to Prepare Addendum
When an environmental impact report has been adopted for a project, Public Resources
Code Section 21166 and CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15164 set forth the criteria for
determining whether a subsequent EIR, subsequent negative declaration, addendum, or no
further documentation be prepared in support of further agency action on the project.
133
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 4 of 4
Under these Guidelines, a subsequent EIR or negative declaration shall be prepared if any of
the following criteria are met.
(a) When an EIR has been certified or negative declaration adopted for a project,
no subsequent EIR shall be prepared for that project unless the lead
agency determines, on the basis of substantial evidence in the light of the whole
record, one or more of the following:
(1) Substantial changes are proposed in the project which will require
major revisions of the previous EIR or negative declaration due to the
involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial
increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects;
(2) Substantial changes occur with respect to the circumstances under which
the project is undertaken which will require major revisions of the previous
EIR or negative declaration due to the involvement of new significant
environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously
identified significant effects; or
(3) New information of substantial importance, which was not known and
could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at
the time the previous EIR was certified as complete or the negative
declaration was adopted, shows any of the following:
(A) The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed
in the previous EIR or negative declaration;
(B) Significant effects previously examined will be substantially
more severe than shown in the previous EIR;
(C) Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be
feasible would in fact be feasible and would substantially reduce
one or more significant effects of the project, but the project
proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative;
or
(D) Mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably
different from those analyzed in the previous EIR would
134
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 5 of 5
substantially reduce one or more significant effects on the
environment, but the project proponents decline to adopt the
mitigation measure or alternative.
(b) If changes to a project or its circumstances occur or new information
becomes available after adoption of a negative declaration, the lead agency shall
prepare a subsequent EIR if required under subdivision (a). Otherwise the lead
agency shall determine whether to prepare a subsequent negative declaration,
and addendum, or no further documentation.
As demonstrated in the environmental analysis provided in Section 3.0
(Environmental Analysis), the proposed Project does not meet the criteria for preparing a
subsequent EIR or negative declaration. An addendum is appropriate here because, as
explained in Section 3.0, none of the conditions calling for preparation of a subsequent EIR or
negative declaration have occurred.
135
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 6 of 6
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This section provides a detailed description of the Housing Element Update (“Project”), and
the purpose of this Addendum. The reader is referred to Section 3.0 (Environmental
Analysis) for the analysis of environmental effects of this Project in relation to the analysis
provided in the previously certified General Plan Environmental Impact Report (General Plan
EIR, State Clearinghouse Number 2008092062) and Supplemental Environmental Impact
Report (GPA and Zoning Ordinance EIR, State Clearinghouse Number 2012022059). Both the
Housing Element Update are available in their entirety at the Department of Development
Services, 7 County Center Drive, Oroville, CA. and are also available online at
www.buttecounty.net/dds.
2.1 Project Location
Butte County lies in north central California at the northeastern end of the Sacramento Valley,
approximately 150 miles northeast of San Francisco and 70 miles north of Sacramento. State
Highways 70 and 99, which extend in a north‐south direction through Butte County, are the
principal transportation corridors connecting the County to the region. State Highways 32 and
162 provide subregional connections to areas to the east, northeast, and west of the county
and to Interstate 5.
From the northeastern end of the Sacramento Valley, Butte County extends into the foothills
at the confluence of the southern Cascade and the northern Sierra Nevada mountain ranges.
The total land area of Butte County is approximately 1,680 square miles, and can be divided
into three general topographical areas: the western 45 percent of the County is a valley area,
about 25 percent of the county is foothills to the east of the valley, and the eastern 30
percent of the county is mountainous.
This project applies to the unincorporated portion of Butte County.
2.2 Overview of the Butte County Housing Element and
Associated EIR and Supplemental EIR
Housing Element Update
The Housing Element consists of two documents: the Housing Needs Assessment, which
analyzes the needs of residents of the Unincorporated Area through the eight‐year planning
period, and the Housing Policy Document that establishes policies and programs to help
136
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 7 of 7
Butte County meet the needs identified in the Housing Needs Assessment.
The Housing Needs Assessment analyzes population and housing characteristics, identifies
special housing needs among certain population groups, evaluates housing conditions, and
provides other important information to support the goals, policies, and programs to meet
the needs of current and future residents. The Housing Needs Assessment also provides an
evaluation of achievements under the policies and implementation programs included in the
previously adopted Housing Element. The evaluation provides valuable information regarding
which programs have been successful in achieving stated objectives and addressing local
needs and which of these programs continue to be relevant in addressing current and future
housing needs in Butte County. The evaluation also provides the basis for recommended
modifications to policies and programs and the establishment of new objectives in the
Housing Element.
The Policy Document presents the goals, policies, and actions that will guide Butte County’s
efforts in housing production, rehabilitation, and preservation over the next eight‐year
Housing Element planning period. This Policy Document responds to the findings of the
Housing Needs Assessment by providing an updated set of policies and actions designed to
help the County achieve its stated Housing Element goals.
The goals of the Butte County Housing Element Update include the following:
Goal H‐1: Provide for the County's regional share of new housing for all income
groups and future residents as identified in the Housing Needs Assessment.
Goal H‐2: Encourage the provision of affordable housing in the Unincorporated
Area.
Goal H‐3: Partner with property owners to preserve and rehabilitate the existing
supply of housing.
Goal H‐4: Collaborate with existing service providers to meet the special housing
needs of homeless persons, elderly, large families, disabled persons, and
farmworkers.
Goal H‐5: Ensure equal housing opportunity.
Goal H‐6: Promote energy conservation.
Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA)
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) identifies the
supply of housing necessary to meet the existing and projected growth in population and
households in California. Each of the 38 councils of governments (COG) in the state receives a
Regional Housing Needs Allocation from HCD that specifies the number of units, by
137
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 8 of 8
affordability level, that the COG region must plan to accommodate during its Housing
Element planning period. Each COG then distributes the allocations throughout the cities and
counties pursuant to Article 65584 of the California Government Code. Table A‐36 presented
below and copied from the Housing Needs Assessment shows unincorporated Butte County’s
RHNA share, pursuant to the Butte County Association of Governments (BCAG). Based upon
the inventory of vacant sites suitable for development, the County has adequate capacity to
accommodate its 2014‐2022 RHNA for households of all incomes.
Purpose of the General Plan 2030 EIR
The General Plan 2030 Environmental Impact Report (EIR) provides an assessment of the
potential environmental consequences of adoption and implementation of the proposed
Butte County General Plan. This assessment is intended to inform County residents,
decision‐makers, and responsible and trustee agencies of the nature of General Plan 2030,
and their effect on the environment. This EIR was prepared in accordance with and in
fulfillment of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements.
This document is a Countywide Program EIR that analyzes potential environmental impacts
of the adoption of the proposed General Plan 2030. Program EIRs are not project‐specific
and do not evaluate the impacts of specific development ‘projects’ that may be proposed
under General Plan 2030. Such projects will require separate environmental review to
secure the necessary development entitlement. This EIR is intended, where
appropriate, to be used as a first‐tier environmental document for future projects, but it is
not intended to address impacts of individual development projects.
By incorporating policies intended to avoid environmental impacts and by steering
development to existing incorporated and unincorporated cities and communities,
General Plan 2030 is largely self‐mitigating. Rather than mitigating impacts from
implementation of General Plan 2030 through mitigation measures in this EIR, the
policies and land use map in General Plan 2030 are intended to prevent the majority
of environmental impacts altogether. This includes some policies within the General
Plan that are required as means to mitigate environmental impacts under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These policies all use the imperative “shall,” and in all
cases are mandatory. These policies are marked with an asterisk (*), and are provided under
Appendix A.
The implementation of the proposed General Plan 2030 has the potential to generate 24
significant environmental impacts. Of these impacts, 18 are the result of the proposed
General Plan 2030, and six are the result of General Plan 2030 combined with other
cumulative development in the larger region.
138
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 9 of 9
Section 15126.2(b) of the CEQA Guidelines requires that an EIR describe any significant
impacts that cannot be avoided, even with the implementation of feasible mitigation
measures. As described in Chapter 4 of the Draft EIR, significant unavoidable impacts
were identified in the areas of agriculture, biological resources, hydrology and water
quality, noise, transportation and circulation, and greenhouse gas emissions. On
October 26, 2010, the Butte County Board of Supervisors adopted a Statement of
Overriding Considerations for the Significant and Unavoidable Impacts identified under
the General Plan 2030 EIR.
Purpose of the Supplemental General Plan EIR
The purpose of the Supplemental EIR is to inform the general public and decision
makers of the changes to the environmental impacts of General Plan 2030 caused by
General Plan 2030 (the “Approved Project” in this Supplemental EIR), in combination
with an Amendment to the General Plan and the Zoning Ordinance Update (“Modified
Project”). The Supplemental EIR looks at the differences between the Modified Project
and the Approved Project and evaluates whether the impacts would be increased or
reduced, and how they would differ.
As a Program EIR, the Supplemental EIR is not project‐specific. It does not evaluate the
impacts of specific projects that may be proposed under the GPA or Zoning Ordinance. Such
projects will require separate environmental review to secure the necessary discretionary
development permits. While future environmental review may be tiered off this
Supplemental EIR, this Supplemental EIR is not intended to address impacts of individual
projects.
The Supplemental EIR determined that Implementation of the proposed GPA and Zoning
Ordinance has the potential to generate five new significant environmental impacts beyond
what was identified in the 2010 EIR for the Approved Project. All of the impacts are
considered significant and unavoidable. The proposed GPA contributes to all of the impacts
on a programmatic level. Because it implements General Plan 2030, as modified by the
proposed GPA, the Supplemental EIR found that the proposed Zoning Ordinance would not
create any new impacts in and of itself. Rather, the Zoning Ordinance would work to reduce
potential impacts of General Plan 2030 and the GPA by including specific standards and
regulations that would restrict development beyond the restrictions established in the
General Plan. On November 6, 2012, the Butte County Board of Supervisors adopted a
Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Significant and Unavoidable Impacts identified
under the Supplemental General Plan 2030 EIR.
139
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 10 of 10
3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
This section of the Addendum provides analysis and cites substantial evidence that
support’s the County’s determination that the proposed amendments to the Housing
Element do not meet the criteria for preparing a subsequent or supplemental EIR under
CEQA Guidelines Section 15162.
First, as addressed in the analysis below, the proposed amendments to the Housing are
not substantial changes to existing policies and actions. Some policies in the General Plan are
also required as means to mitigate environmental impacts under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These policies all use the imperative “shall,” and in all
cases are mandatory. These policies are marked with an asterisk (*), and are provided under
Appendix A. The proposed Project would not cause a new significant impact or substantially
increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact from the General Plan EIR
or Supplemental EIR (CEQA Guidelines Section 15162[a][1]) that would require major
revisions to either EIR. All impacts would be nearly equivalent to the impacts previously
analyzed in the General Plan EIR and Supplemental EIR. Relatedly, the Project is not
inconsistent with any of the General Plan policies set forth under Appendix A.
By incorporating policies intended to avoid environmental impacts and by steering
development to existing incorporated and unincorporated cities and communities,
General Plan 2030 is largely self‐mitigating. Rather than mitigating impacts from
implementation of General Plan 2030 through mitigation measures in the EIR, the
policies and land use map in General Plan 2030 are intended to prevent the majority
of environmental impacts altogether.
Second, proposed modifications to the Housing Element are programmatic in nature
and are not changes in physical circumstances that would cause a new significant impact or
substantially increase the severity of a previously identified significant impact, and there have
been no other changes in the circumstances that meet this criterion (CEQA Guidelines
Section 15162[a][2]). There have been no changes in the environmental conditions in the
Butte County Planning Area not contemplated and analyzed in the General Plan EIR or
Supplemental EIR that would result in new or substantially more severe environmental
impacts.
Third, as documented in Section 3.0, there is no new information of substantial importance
(which was not known or could not have been known at the time of the General Plan
140
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 11 of 11
adoption in October 2010, or General Plan Amendment and Zoning Ordinance adoption in
November 2012), that identifies: a new significant impact (condition “A” under CEQA
Guidelines Section 15162[a][3]); a substantial increase in the severity of a previously
identified significant impact (condition “B” CEQA Guidelines Section 15162[a][3]);
mitigation measures or alternatives previously found infeasible that would now be feasible
and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the General Plan; or
mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably different from those analyzed in
the General Plan EIR which would substantially reduce one or more significant effects on
the environment (conditions “C” and “D” CEQA Guidelines Section 15162[a][3]). The
reader is referred to County Resolution No’s. 10‐150 and 12‐123 regarding findings on the
feasibility of alternatives evaluated in the General Plan EIR and Supplemental EIR. None of
the “new information” conditions listed in the CEQA Guidelines Section 15162[a][3] are
present here to trigger the need for a subsequent or Supplemental EIR.
CEQA Guidelines Section 15164 states that “The lead agency or a responsible agency shall
prepare an addendum to a previously Certified EIR if some changes or additions are
necessary but none of the conditions described in Section 15162 calling for preparation of
a subsequent EIR have occurred.” An addendum is appropriate here because, as explained
above, none of the conditions calling for preparation of a subsequent EIR have occurred.
3.1 Housing Element Amendments Impact Discussion
AESTHETIC/VISUAL RESOURCES:
Development as a result of the proejcty will not adversely modify the visual character since
proposed residential development will be taking place where general plan land use
designations have already been established. The majority of the new residential development
will occur near communities where there is existing residential development.
The project will not introduce new areas to urban development or change the intensity of
development that is allowed under the existing General Plan. Therefore, the project will have
no significant adverse impacts on aesthetic resources within Butte County.
AGRICULTURE RESOURCES:
Agricultural production in Butte County is a significant portion of the county’s economy.
Approximately 60 percent of the county’s total agricultural land is devoted to field crops, with
rice being the most prominent. Fruit and nut crops make up another 38 percent of the
agricultural land, with the remainder consisting of seed and vegetable crops.
141
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 12 of 12
Butte County contains land designated for agricultural use. However, potential housing sites
proposed by the Housing Element that are designated for agricultural use by the General Plan
also permit residential development. Furthermore, the project will not include any land use
designation changes that would increase the area of potential urban development beyond
that already allowed by the existing General Plan.
The project does not introduce new areas to urban development or change the intensity of
development that is allowed under the existing General Plan. Therefore, the Housing Element
would have no significant adverse impacts on agricultural resources within Butte County.
AIR QUALITY:
Development as a result of the preojct will not affect any applicable air quality plan or violate
any standards. All residential development provided for in the Housing Element Update will
be on land already designated under the General Plan for residential uses. The Housing
Element Update will not introduce new areas to urban development or change the intensity
of development that is allowed under the existing General Plan. Therefore, no new adverse
air quality impacts were determined to be connected with the Housing Element Update.
Furthermore, General Plan policies that address air quality issues will be applied to
development sites as they are proposed.
Only residential development will occur as a result of the Housing Element Update. Since the
development as a result of the project will not involve any industrial land uses, it is not
expected that objectionable odors will be produced.
The Housing Element Update will not introduce new areas to urban development or change
the intensity of development that is allowed under the existing General Plan. Therefore, no
new adverse air quality impacts were determined to be connected with the Housing Element
Update.
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES:
All residential development provided for by the project will be on land already designated
under the General Plan to allow residential uses. It is possible that biological resources will be
discovered on undeveloped sites identified by the Housing Element. Proposed residential
development of these sites will be evaluated for impacts to biological resources and other
environmental impacts on an individual project basis in accordance with CEQA.
The project does not introduce new areas to urban development or change the intensity of
development that is allowed under the existing General Plan. Therefore, no new adverse
142
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 13 of 13
biological impacts were determined to be connected with the Housing Element.
CULTURAL RESOURCES:
Of the 2,982 archaeological sites recorded in Butte County, 1,519 sites are either prehistoric
archaeological resources or include a prehistoric archaeological component. There are 1,552
sites that are historic period sites or contain a historical archaeological component. According
to the California Office of Historic Preservation, a total of 129 archaeological sites are listed
on or have been formally recommended eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places (and therefore by default on the California Register of Historical Resources). Of these,
98 are prehistoric archaeological sites, 25 are historic period archaeological sites, and six are
archaeological sites that contain both prehistoric and historic period components. (Source:
Butte County General Plan 2030 Setting and Trends Report).
The acreage and location of land identified for future residential development under the
project is not different from what has been proposed in the existing General Plan. However, it
is possible that subsurface cultural resources, including human remains, may be discovered
during future development (i.e., grading and excavation). Proposed residential development
of these sites will still be evaluated on an individual project basis to determine site specific
cultural impacts that may occur. Should any archeological finds be made during construction
or development, the Butte County Planning Division is notified, and all work ceases until a
qualified archaeologist has examined the artifacts and the site. The Planning Division
suspends further work pending the findings and recommendation of the archaeologist prior
to granting clearance to continue. Furthermore, General Plan policies that address cultural
resource issues will be applied to development sites as they are proposed.
The project does not introduce new areas to urban development or change the intensity of
development that is allowed under the existing General Plan. Therefore, no new adverse
impacts to cultural resources were determined to be connected with the project.
GEOLOGIC PROCESSES:
As of 2003 there is only one identified active fault located within Butte County, the Cleveland
Hills fault. The State Geologist has mapped and studied it since 1977. It is subject to the
Alquist‐Priolo Act and is identified pursuant to AB6x as an “earthquake fault zone.” This fault
was responsible for the 1975 Oroville earthquake of Richter magnitude 5.7, an event that
produced surface displacement along about 2.2 miles of the fault. Ground motions
corresponding to Modified Mercalli Intensity VIII were experienced at Gridley and Oroville.
Significant structural damage occurred to unreinforced masonry buildings in Oroville.
143
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 14 of 14
Geologic studies indicate that the total length of the Cleveland Hills fault is probably 11 to 15
miles. The maximum credible earthquake on this fault is probably about magnitude 6.5 to 6.7.
An event of this magnitude would cause substantially more damage than the 1975 event.
In addition, all of Butte County has been identified as a “seismic hazard zone” by the Seismic
Hazards Mapping Program of the California Geological Survey, since the entire county is
subject to earthquakes of Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale VIII. The Oroville
earthquake of 1975 is the only earthquake of this intensity recorded in Butte County.
However, in 1984 a study published by the California Geological Survey correlated this seismic
activity with the filling and emptying of Lake Oroville. The study, titled Open File Report 84‐25,
concluded that other earthquakes of the same or greater intensities are unlikely in Butte
County.
Landslides do occur in Butte County, but they are not common. Most landslides in Butte
County occur on slopes greater than 15 percent, and most new landslides occur in areas that
have experienced previous landslides. The areas of highest landslide potential are in the
mountainous central area of the county where well‐developed soils overly impervious
bedrock on steep slopes which at times undergo heavy rainfall. The slopes around flat
uplands, such as Table Mountain, are also highly susceptible to landslides. Most of the rest of
Butte County has moderate to low landslide potential. The areas of lowest landslide potential
are the flat lands of the Sacramento Valley. There may, however, be some landslide hazard
due to possible liquefaction of soils bordering the Sacramento River and its tributaries.
There are a variety of varying factors influencing erosion, subsidence, landslides, and
expansive soils in Butte County. Any proposed residential development of these sites will be
evaluated on an individual project basis to determine site specific geologic impacts that may
occur.
The project does not include any policy changes that would increase the area of potential
urban development beyond that already allowed by the existing General Plan. However,
geologic and soil erosion hazards may still be present for other sites identified by the
inventory. Proposed residential development of these sites will still be evaluated on an
individual project basis to determine site specific geologic and soil impacts that may occur.
This will be done as part of the standard grading permit evaluation to ensure all construction
is appropriately designed.
There are parcels identified in the Housing Element that will be connected to septic tanks,
which is typical for single family residential development in the County. These sites will be
evaluated on an individual basis prior to their development to determine if their soils can
144
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 15 of 15
support the use of septic tanks. Properties that are being considered for development and
will be permanently served by on‐site wastewater systems are carefully evaluated for their
ability to support such systems. The Butte County Department of Public Health, Division of
Environmental Health, works closely with the Building Division of the Development Services
Department to ensure that all development complies with applicable codes and regulations.
The Housing Element Update does not introduce new areas to urban development or change
the intensity of development that is allowed under the existing General Plan.
The project does not introduce new areas to urban development or change the intensity of
development that is allowed under the existing General Plan. Therefore, no new adverse
geologic or soils impacts were determined to be connected with the project.
HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:
All residential development provided for in the project will be on land already designated under
the General Plan for residential uses. Residential land uses typically do not involve the use,
transport, and disposal of hazardous material.
The project directs policies and programs rather than specific projects. In the absence of
specific information regarding the location and type of additional residential units, a residential
development site cannot be identified as being located in or near an area identified as a
hazardous material site. Review of potential impacts related to this issue would be conducted
during the environmental review of specific residential developments.
The county contains four principal airport facilities: the Chico Municipal Airport, the Oroville
Municipal Airport, the Paradise Skypark Airport, and the Ranchaero Airport. However, sites that
have been identified for development by the Housing Element Update will be on land designated
under the General Plan for residential uses, and will not be located in Airport Compatibility
Zones where specific development restrictions apply.
The project does not introduce new areas to urban development or change the intensity of
development that is allowed under the existing General Plan. Therefore, the proposed projects
would not impair the implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan.
Some of the potential sites identified in the Housing Element Update are located adjacent to or
in wildland fire areas. Development in areas potentially impacted by wildland fires will be
subject to standard building reviews and statutory requirements.
145
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 16 of 16
The project involves the identification of sites for residential development. Residential
development is typically not associated with the use, transport, or emission of hazardous
materials. The project does not introduce new areas to urban development or change the
intensity of development that is allowed under the existing General Plan. Therefore, no new
adverse impacts regarding hazardous materials were determined to be connected with the
proposed project.
HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY:
All residential development provided for under the project will be on land already designated
under the General Plan for residential uses and analyzed for water quality impacts under the
General Plan EIR. Furthermore, the Housing Element Update will not change the intensity of
development that is allowed under the existing General Plan
The proposed housing sites identified in the Housing Element Update are generally located
outside of areas designated as Zone A (areas of 100 year flooding) by the FEMA Flood Insurance
Rate Map (FIRM), and therefore will not expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss,
injury or death involving flooding. Butte County’s Flood Hazard Prevention Ordinance appoints
the Department of Development Services to review all applications for new construction or
subdivisions within flood hazard areas. The Ordinance’s basic requirement, in order to reduce
flood hazards, is that the lowest floor of any new construction or substantial improvement
within Flood Zones A, AE, AH and shaded Zone X be elevated one foot or more above the
regulatory flood elevation, and that it can be shown that development within the floodplain will
not raise the existing flood level. There are other criteria for building within flood hazard areas,
which include flood proofing nonresidential structures and designing structures to withstand
hydrostatic pressures and hydrodynamic loads. Within areas subject to flooding that are
proposed for subdivision, the County is required to ensure the following:
a) All such proposed developments are consistent with the need to minimize flood
damage.
b) Subdivisions and parcel maps shall, as a condition of approval, establish
regulatory flood elevations and note same on final maps prior to recordation of
the final map.
c) Adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards.
d) All public utilities and facilities are located so as to minimize or eliminate flood
damage
The project does not introduce new areas to urban development or change the intensity of
development that is allowed under the existing General Plan and evaluated in the associated
EIR. Therefore, no new adverse impacts regarding water quality or flooding were determined to
146
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 17 of 17
be connected with the proposed project.
LAND USE:
The project will not require any changes in the existing zoning densities or the County’s existing
General Plan’s land use pattern. Housing sites that have been identified in the Housing Element
have already been designated to allow residential development by the General Plan, and are
adjacent to compatible land uses. Furthermore, development of these sites will not conflict
with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan (there is
one large‐scale Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) under development within Butte County: the
Butte County Association of Governments (BCAG) is preparing the Butte Regional Conservation
Plan (BRCP) in consultation with Butte County (including the five incorporated municipalities),
Caltrans, the Federal Highway Administration, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for proposed
highway improvements along State Route 70 and State Route 149). Therefore, there would be
no adverse land use impacts. The proposed project will have no significant adverse impacts on
land use.
MINERAL RESOURCES:
Mining activities in Butte County focus on three industries: sand and gravel, stone, and gold.
Butte County does contain extensive mineral resources. However, the Housing Element Update
will not require any changes in the existing zoning densities or the County’s existing General
Plan’s land use pattern. Housing sites that have been identified in the Housing Element have
already been designated to allow residential development by the General Plan, and are
adjacent to compatible land uses. Furthermore, development of these sites will not conflict
with any mineral resource extraction activities. The proposed project will have no significant
adverse impacts on mineral resources.
NOISE:
Butte County experiences noise from several different noise sources, including traffic on State
highways, County roadways, railroad operations, airport operations and industrial facilities.
The sites identified by the Housing Element Update are already designated for residential land
use by the General Plan, and have been evaluated for noise impacts. The Housing Element
Update does not introduce new areas to urban development. Development of these sites will
result in temporary increases in noise levels due to construction. These increases are, however,
similar to construction noise increases generated by new development throughout the region.
Due to the nature and intensity of the development (no commercial or industrial land uses), no
147
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 18 of 18
significant increases in noise levels are expected to occur on a permanent basis. Therefore, no
adverse impacts on noise were determined to be connected with the Housing Element Update.
There are four existing public airports within Butte County: the Chico Municipal Airport, Oroville
Municipal Airport, Paradise Skypark Airport, and Ranchaero Airport. The Chico Municipal and
Oroville Municipal airports are owned and operated by the cities of Chico and Oroville,
respectively. The noise impacts from these public airports were analyzed in the “Butte County
Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan,” adopted by the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) on
December 20, 2000. The data for airports in this analysis was obtained from the “Butte County
Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan.” All land uses located outside of the 65 dB CNEL
contours are considered compatible. However, based upon the Airport Land Use Compatibility
Plan, which was prepared in 2000, residential and lodging land uses located between the 55 dB
and 60 dB CNEL contours could generate complaints. This can be expected as the background
noise levels, absent of aircraft overflights, are low. Maximum noise levels due to typical single
engine aircraft overflights can range between 65 dB and 80 dB, which may be considered
annoying to individuals. The Butte County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan establishes
procedures and criteria by which, in accordance with the California State Aeronautics Act, the
ALUC shall review proposed land use development in Butte County and affected cities within
the county. However, all residential development in Butte County has received zoning
designations that are consistent with the Airport Land Use Compatability Plan.
The County also adopted a Noise Control Ordinance as per direction provided by the General
Plan. The Noise Control Ordinance in order to assess complaints of noise alleged to exceed
County standards as set forth by the Noise Element of the Butte County General Plan and to
address violations of these standards.
The Housing Element Update does not introduce new areas to urban development or change
the intensity of development that is allowed under the existing General Plan. All residential
development provided for in the Housing Element Update will be on land already designated
under the General Plan for residential uses. Further, the Zoning and General Plan, including all
residential zoning, is consistent with the Airport Land Use Compatability Plan. The proposed
project will have no adverse impact on existing noise levels and exposure of persons to noise
within Butte County.
HOUSING:
The goal of the Housing Element Update is to ensure the County adequately provides for an
appropriate range of housing opportunities. The Housing Element Update will not introduce
new areas to urban development or change the intensity of development that is allowed under
148
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 19 of 19
the existing General Plan. All residential development provided for in the Housing Element
Update will be on land already designated under the General Plan for residential uses. The
Housing Element Update protects existing housing resources and provides programs to
maintain the affordable housing stock and promote rehabilitation of sub‐standard units.
The project does not introduce new areas to urban development or change the intensity of
development that is allowed under the existing General Plan. The goal of the project is to
ensure the County adequately provides for an appropriate range of housing opportunities that
are consistent with the goals and policies of the existing General Plan. Therefore, the proposed
project would have no significant adverse impact on population and housing, but will actually
have a beneficial impact on housing.
PUBLIC SERVICES:
Residential development provided for under this project will be on land already designated
under the General Plan for residential uses. The General Plan provides adequate protections to
address public services, and the Housing Element Update does not modify these protections.
However, proposed residential development of these sites will still be evaluated on an
individual project basis to determine site specific public service impacts, including impacts to
fire protection, police protection, and schools that may occur.
The project does not introduce new areas to urban development or change the intensity of
development that is allowed under the existing General Plan. Therefore, the proposed project
would have no new significant adverse impacts on public services.
RECREATION:
All residential development provided under the project, which will be on land already
designated under the General Plan for residential uses, has been analyzed for impacts to
recreation under the General Plan EIR. Development of the sites identified by the Housing
Element Update may result in an increase in the use of existing local recreational facilities, and
an eventual need for new or expanded facilities. However, proposed residential development
of these sites will still be evaluated on an individual project basis to determine site specific
impacts to recreation that may occur.
The project will not introduce new areas to urban development or change the intensity of
development that is allowed under the existing General Plan. The proposed project would have
no significant adverse impacts on recreational facilities.
TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC:
149
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 20 of 20
All residential development provided for in the project will be on land already designated under
the General Plan for residential uses. The Housing Element Update will not introduce new areas
to urban development or change the intensity of development that is allowed under the
existing General Plan. The General Plan provides adequate protections to address
transportation/traffic impacts resulting from future growth and the Housing Element Update
does not modify these protections Therefore, no new adverse transportation impacts were
determined to be connected with the Housing Element Update. Proposed residential
development of these sites will still be evaluated on an individual project basis to determine
site specific impacts to traffic that may occur.
The project will not impact air traffic patterns. Air transportation in Butte County is served by a
number of private and public airfields and heliports serving general aviation and agricultural
users. Commercial flights to distant or out‐of‐state destinations are available at the Sacramento
International Airport, about 60 miles south of Oroville.
The project does not conflict with adopted policies, plans or programs supporting alternative
transportation. The Housing Element Update does not introduce new areas to urban
development or change the intensity of development that is allowed under the existing General
Plan.
The project will not introduce new areas to urban development or change the intensity of
development that is allowed under the existing General Plan. Therefore, no new adverse
transportation impacts were determined to be connected with the Housing Element Update.
UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS:
While private septic systems are adequate for single‐lot development, most of the larger
developments, including multifamily residential developments, will require wastewater
collection and treatment through the use of service districts. Rural areas, and areas on the
periphery of urban areas not served by districts, in most cases, use individual, on‐site disposal
methods (septic systems) for waste disposal. Additional capacity may be provided by expansion
and/or enlargement of the treatment facilities. In Chico, Gridley, and Biggs sewage disposal
systems are provided by incorporated communities and are available only upon annexation.
Oroville services are provided in both incorporated and unincorporated areas.
While private water wells are adequate for single‐lot development, most of the larger
developments, including multifamily residential developments, will require water via
community service districts, County water districts, and public water systems. However,
proposed residential development of these sites will still be evaluated on an individual project
150
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 21 of 21
basis to determine site specific impacts that may occur. Water supply is usually not a constraint
to development in the county, as abundant groundwater and surface supplies are generally
available.
It is anticipated that the total capacity of the Neal Road Landfill will not be exceeded until at
least the year 2033. Solid waste management in Butte County is conducted under federal and
State regulatory policies that are implemented and enforced by the California Integrated Waste
Management Board (CIWMB), the State Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and
the Butte County Air Quality Management District.
The Housing Element Update does not introduce new areas to urban development or change
the intensity of development that is allowed under the existing General Plan. Existing County
policy directs higher density housing to urban areas where services, such as adequate drainage,
are available. Therefore, no adverse impacts on water, wastewater, stormwater drainage, or
solid waste facilities were determined to be connected with the Housing Element Update.
The project does not introduce new areas to urban development or change the intensity of
development that is allowed under the existing General Plan. Therefore, no new adverse
impacts on utilities were determined to be connected with the proposed project.
3.2 GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR Significant Impacts Discussion
The following includes a detailed discussion of applicable significant impacts identified
under the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR in relation to the proposed Project. All
impacts identified under both EIRs have been determined to be Significant and
Unavoidable, and were addressed under a Statement of Overriding Considerations at
the time of adoption of the General Plan, the General Plan Amendment, and the
Zoning Ordinance (County Resolution #10‐150 and #12‐123).
AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
Impact AG‐1: Although the goals, policies, actions and regulations of General Plan 2030
would reduce and partially offset the conversion of farmland, the proposed
project designates approximately 5,120 acres (4,700 acres addressed in the
original General Plan 2030 EIR + 420 acres addressed in the Supplemental
EIR) of farmlands of concern under CEQA for non‐agricultural uses (significant
and unavoidable impact).
Mitigation Adopted by the County: No feasible mitigation is available.
151
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 22 of 22
Impact AG‐2: Although the goals, policies, actions, and regulations of General Plan 2030
would reduce and partially offset conflicts with Williamson Act contracts, the
proposed project designates approximately 90 acres of lands with existing
Williamson Act contracts for residential or industrial uses (significant and
unavoidable impact).
Mitigation Adopted by the County: No feasible mitigation is available.
Impact AG‐3: Although the goals, policies, actions, and regulations of General Plan 2030
would reduce and partially offset regional agricultural impacts, the proposed
project would contribute to cumulatively significant agricultural impacts in
the region(significant and unavoidable impact) .
Mitigation Adopted by the County: No feasible mitigation is available.
Impact AG‐4: The GPA would allow 4,460 acres of forest land to be redesigned to a non‐
forest designation (significant and unavoidable impact) .
Mitigation Adopted by the County: No feasible mitigation is available.
Impact AG‐5: The GPA would allow for the conversion of forest lands to non‐forest use
because they include non‐forest designations on such lands, as described in
Impact AG‐4 (significant and unavoidable impact).
Mitigation Adopted by the County: No feasible mitigation is available.
Impact AG‐6: Although General Plan 2030 goals, policies, and actions related to forest land
would reduce and partially offset Butte County’s contribution to forest land
impacts, the overall cumulative impact would remain significant (significant
and unavoidable impact).
Mitigation Adopted by the County: No feasible mitigation is available.
Discussion
These impacts were identified and discussed on pages 4.2‐1 through 4.2‐18 of the General
Plan 2030 EIR and pages 4.2‐1 through 4.2‐22 of the Supplemental EIR.
None of these impacts reference or pertain to the Project. In addition, the Project would not
affect agriculture or forestry impacts because they would not change land use designations or
the extent of anticipated urban development or increase in land use intensity or density.
Thus, no new or increased severity of significant land use or agriculture or forestry impacts
152
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 23 of 23
would occur beyond what was addressed in the General Plan Final EIR and Supplemental EIR.
There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for
requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162.
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Impact BIO‐1: General Plan 2030 contains extensive goals, policies, and actions that
mitigate impacts to undeveloped lands that support sensitive biological
resources, including special‐status species, sensitive natural communities,
federally‐protected wetlands, and wildlife and fish movement corridors, to a
less‐than‐significant level and that additionally minimize the effects of
development on biological resources in general. Development allowed
under General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning Ordinance Update would
contribute to the on‐going loss of undeveloped lands that support such
sensitive biological resources in Butte County. The cumulative loss of habitat
and sensitive natural communities in Butte County could potentially
contribute to a general decline for the region, and might result in the loss or
displacement of wildlife that would have to compete for suitable habitats
with existing adjacent populations (significant and unavoidable impact).
Mitigation Adopted by the County: No feasible mitigation is available.
Discussion
These impacts were identified and discussed on pages 4.4‐1 through 4.4‐86 of the General
Plan 2030 EIR and pages 4.4‐1 through 4.4‐18 of the Supplemental EIR.
None of these impacts reference or pertain to the proposed Project. In addition, the Project
would not affect Biological Resource impacts because it would not change land use
designations or the extent of anticipated urban development or increase in land use intensity
or density. Thus, no new or increased severity of significant Biological Impacts would occur
beyond what was addressed in the General Plan Final EIR or Supplemental EIR. There are no
changed circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further
environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162.
HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Impact HYDRO‐1: Although General Plan 2030 policies and actions reduce risks associated with
levee failure, they do not eliminate risks to people and property. In addition,
153
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 24 of 24
recently‐adopted policies by FEMA would de‐certify a number of levees in
Butte County, which indicates that larger areas of Butte County are subject to
levee inundation than realized under previous policies (significant and
unavoidable impact).
Mitigation Adopted by the County: No feasible mitigation is available.
Impact HYDRO‐2: Although General Plan 2030 policies and actions reduce risks associated with
dam failure, they do not eliminate risks to people and property(significant
and unavoidable impact) .
Mitigation Adopted by the County: No feasible mitigation is available.
Impact HYDRO‐3: General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning Ordinance Update would
contribute to development in levee and dam inundation areas, resulting in a
significant cumulative impact (significant and unavoidable impact).
Mitigation Adopted by the County: No feasible mitigation is available.
Discussion
These impacts were identified and discussed on pages 4.8‐1 through 4.8‐36 of the General
Plan 2030 EIR and pages 4.8‐1 through 4.8‐18 of the Supplemental EIR.
None of these impacts reference or pertain to the proposed Project. In addition, the Project
would not affect Hydrology and Water Quality impacts because it would not change land use
designations or the extent of anticipated urban development or increase in land use intensity
or density. Thus, no new or increased severity of significant Hydrology and Water Quality
impacts would occur beyond what was addressed in the General Plan Final EIR and
Supplemental EIR. There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the
standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162.
NOISE
Impact NOI‐1: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would cause a substantial permanent increase in
ambient noise levels because more people would be living, driving, and
flying in Butte County (significant and unavoidable impact).
Mitigation Adopted by the County: No feasible mitigation is available.
154
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 25 of 25
Impact NOI‐2: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would contribute to conditions that exceed County
noise standards and that cause a substantial permanent increase in
ambient noise levels, causing a significant cumulative noise
impact(significant and unavoidable impact) .
Mitigation Adopted by the County: No feasible mitigation is available.
Discussion
These impacts were identified and discussed on pages 4.10‐1 through 4.10‐48 of the General
Plan 2030 EIR and pages 4.10‐1 through 4.10‐8 of the Supplemental EIR.
None of these impacts reference or pertain to the proposed zoning Project. In addition, the
Project would not affect Noise impacts because it would not change land use designations or
the extent of anticipated urban development or increase in land use intensity or density.
Thus, no new or increased severity of significant Noise impacts would occur beyond what was
addressed in the General Plan Final EIR and Supplemental EIR. There are no changed
circumstances or new information that meets the standard for requiring further
environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162.
TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION
Impact TRAF‐1: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would lead to unacceptable LOS F operations on State
Route 32 between Muir Avenue and W. 1st Street(significant and
unavoidable impact) .
Mitigation Adopted by the County:
Mitigation Measure TRAF‐1: Widen State Route 32 to four lanes through
this section.
Impact TRAF‐2: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would lead to unacceptable LOS F operations on State
Route 99 between the Sutter County Line and East Biggs
Highway(significant and unavoidable impact) .
Mitigation Adopted by the County:
155
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 26 of 26
Mitigation Measure TRAF‐2: Widen and convert State Route 99 to a four‐
lane conventional highway through this section.
Impact TRAF‐3: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would lead to unacceptable LOS F operations on State
Route 99 between State Route 149 and the Skyway (significant and
unavoidable impact).
Mitigation Adopted by the County:
Mitigation Measure TRAF‐3: Convert State Route 99 to a grade separated,
limited access freeway facility though this section(significant and
unavoidable impact) .
Impact TRAF‐4: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would lead to unacceptable LOS F operations on State
Route 99 between East 20th Street and Cohasset Road(significant and
unavoidable impact).
Mitigation Adopted by the County:
Mitigation Measure TRAF‐4: Widen State Route 99 to six lanes through
this section.
Impact TRAF‐5: Implementation of General Plan 2030 would lead to unacceptable LOS F
operations on State Route 99 between Eaton Road and Keefer
Road(significant and unavoidable impact) .
Mitigation Adopted by the County:
Mitigation Measure TRAF‐5: Widen State Route 99 to four lanes through
this section.
Impact TRAF‐6: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would lead to unacceptable LOS E operations on State
Route 162 between Larkin Road and State Route 70 (significant and
unavoidable impact) .
Mitigation Adopted by the County:
Mitigation Measure TRAF‐6: Widen State Route 162 to four lanes through
this section.
156
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 27 of 27
Impact TRAF‐7: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would lead to unacceptable LOS F operations on State
Route 162 between State Route 70 and Lower Wyandotte Road
(significant and unavoidable impact) .
Mitigation Adopted by the County:
Mitigation Measure TRAF‐7: Widen State Route 162 to six lanes through
this section.
Impact TRAF‐8: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would lead to unacceptable LOS E operations on State
Route 162 between Foothill Boulevard and Canyon Drive.
Mitigation Adopted by the County:
Mitigation Measure TRAF‐8: Widen State Route 162 to four lanes though
this section.
Impact TRAF‐9: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would lead to unacceptable LOS F operations on
Cohasset Road between State Route 99 and East Avenue (significant and
unavoidable impact) .
Mitigation Adopted by the County:
Mitigation Measure TRAF‐9: Construct a raised median on this roadway
section to enhance capacity.
Impact TRAF‐10: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would lead to unacceptable LOS D operations on
Midway between the planned Southgate Extension and Durham‐Dayton
Road (significant and unavoidable impact).
Mitigation Identified, but Not Adopted, by the County:
Mitigation Measure TRAF‐10: Widen Midway to four lanes though this
section.
Impact TRAF‐11: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would lead to unacceptable LOS F operations on the
Skyway between State Route 99 and Notre Dame Boulevard (significant
and unavoidable impact).
157
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 28 of 28
Mitigation Adopted by the County:
Mitigation Measure TRAF‐11: Construct a raised median on this roadway
section to enhance capacity.
Impact TRAF‐12: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would lead to unacceptable LOS D/E operations on the
Skyway between Neal Road and Bille Road (significant and unavoidable
impact).
Mitigation Adopted by the County:
Mitigation Measure TRAF‐12: Convert this section of the Skyway to a
four‐lane limited access expressway.
Impact TRAF‐13: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would lead to unacceptable LOS D/E operations on the
Skyway between Bille Road and Pentz Road (significant and unavoidable
impact).
Mitigation Adopted by the County:
Mitigation Measure TRAF‐13: Widen the section of the Skyway between
Bille Road and Wagstaff Road to a four‐lane, divided arterial, and widen
the section of the Skyway from Wagstaff Road to Pentz Road to a four‐
lane, undivided arterial.
Impact TRAF‐14: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would cause increased traffic that would exacerbate
existing deficiencies along regional roadways, contributing to a
cumulatively significant transportation impact (significant and
unavoidable impact).
Mitigation Adopted by the County: No feasible mitigation is available.
Impact TRAF‐15: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would lead to unacceptable LOS F operations on State
Route 99 between East Biggs Highway and the southern intersection of
State Route 99 and State Route 162 (significant and unavoidable impact) .
Mitigation Adopted by the County:
Mitigation Measure TRAF‐15: Incorporate passing lanes into the section
158
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 29 of 29
of State Route 99 between East Biggs Highway and the southern
intersection of State Route 99 and State Route 162 as described in the
State Route 99 Transportation Concept Report published by Caltrans in
August 2010. The County will support the Butte County Association of
Governments (BCAG) and Caltrans for the procurement of necessary
State and federal highway funds for this improvement (significant and
unavoidable impact).
Impact TRAF‐16: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would lead to unacceptable LOS D operations on
Honey Run Road between Skyway and Centerville Road (significant and
unavoidable impact).
Mitigation Identified, but Not Adopted, by the County:
Mitigation Measure TRAF‐16: Upgrade the section of Honey Run Road
between Skyway and Centerville Road to the County’s arterial roadway
standards.
Discussion
These impacts were identified and discussed on pages 4.13‐1 through 4.13‐60 of the General
Plan 2030 EIR and pages 4.13‐1 through 4.13‐10 of the Supplemental EIR.
None of these impacts reference or pertain to the proposed Project. In addition, the Project
would not affect Transportation and Circulation impacts because it would not change land
use designations or the extent of anticipated urban development or increase in land use
intensity or density. Thus, no new or increased severity of significant Transportation and
Circulation impacts would occur beyond what was addressed in the General Plan Final EIR and
Supplemental EIR. There are no changed circumstances or new information that meets the
standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15162.
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Impact CC‐1: Implementation of General Plan 2030, the GPA, and the Zoning
Ordinance Update would result in greenhouse gas emissions that would
contribute to cumulative greenhouse gas emissions and global climate
change. The 2020 greenhouse gas forecast for the county indicates that
emissions would be greater than 85 percent of current (2006) conditions,
159
Butte County Department of Development Services
Addendum to the GP 2030 EIR and Supplemental EIR – Butte County Housing Element
Page 30 of 30
creating a significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and
associated climate change impacts. Policies and actions would provide a
comprehensive framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the
county, but they would not ensure that the County can meet the
reduction goal (significant and unavoidable impact).
Mitigation Adopted by the County: No feasible mitigation is available.
Discussion
These impacts were identified and discussed on pages 4.15‐1 through 4.15‐66 of the General
Plan 2030 EIR and pages 4.15‐1 through 4.15‐6 of the Supplemental EIR.
None of these impacts reference or pertain to the proposed Project. In addition, the Project
would not affect Greenhouse Gas Emission impacts because it would not change land use
designations or the extent of anticipated urban development or increase in land use intensity
or density. Thus, no new or increased severity of significant Greenhouse Gas Emission
impacts would occur beyond what was addressed in the General Plan Final EIR and
Supplemental EIR. Further, Butte County adopted a Climate Action Plan as directed by the
General Plan in order to take steps necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a
countywide basis. None of the actions proposed by the Project trigger measures required
under the Climate Action Plan. There are no changed circumstances or new information that
meets the standard for requiring further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines
Section 15162.
###
160
Appendix A, Page 1
Appendix A
General Plan 2030 Polices and Actions
Some policies in the General Plan are also required as means to mitigate environmental impacts under
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These policies all use the imperative “shall,” and in all
cases are mandatory. These policies are marked with an asterisk (*), and are provided herein.
LU‐P4.1 The integrity and stability of existing residential neighborhoods shall be promoted and
preserved.*
LU‐P5.3 New industrial uses shall be designed to avoid adverse impacts to adjacent uses, particularly
residential neighborhoods, with respect to, but not limited to, noise, dust and vibration, water quality,
air quality, agricultural resources, and biological resources.*
LU‐P15.2 New urban development shall be primarily located in or immediately adjoining already
urbanized areas.*
AG‐P5.3 The Zoning Ordinance shall require that a buffer be established on property proposed for
residential development in order to protect existing agricultural uses from incompatible use conflicts.
The desired standard shall be 300 feet, but may be adjusted to address unusual circumstances.*
W‐P1.7 Agriculture, logging, mining, recreational vehicle use and other open space uses shall follow best
management practices to minimize erosion and protect water resources.*
W‐P2.9 Applicants for new major development projects, as determined by the Department of
Development Services, shall demonstrate adequate water supply to meet the needs of the project,
including an evaluation of potential cumulative impacts to surrounding groundwater users and the
environment.*
W‐P3.3 The County shall protect groundwater recharge and groundwater quality when considering new
development projects.*
W‐P4.6 New development projects shall adopt best management practices for water use efficiency and
demonstrate specific water conservation measures.*
W‐P5.2 New development projects shall identify and adequately mitigate their water quality impacts
from stormwater runoff.*
W‐P5.4 Temporary facilities shall be installed as necessary during construction activities in order to
adequately treat stormwater runoff from construction sites.*
W‐P6.2 Where streambanks are already unstable, as demonstrated by erosion or landslides along banks,
tree collapse or severe in‐channel sedimentation, proponents of new development projects shall
prepare a hydraulic and/or geomorphic assessment of on‐site and downstream drainageways that are
affected by project area runoff.*
161
Appendix A, Page 2
COS‐P5.2 Developers shall implement best management practices to reduce air pollutant emissions
associated with the construction and operation of development projects.*
COS‐P5.4 Stationary air pollutant emission sources, such as factories, shall be located more than 500
feet and/or downwind from residential areas and other sensitive receptors.*
COS‐P5.5 Residential developments and other projects with sensitive receptors shall be located more
than 500 feet from stationary air pollutant sources. Residential developments and other projects with
sensitive receptors (e.g. housing, schools, child care centers, playgrounds, hospitals, and senior centers)
that are located within 500 feet of a high‐volume roadway that carries over 50,000 vehicles per day shall
incorporate feasible mitigation measures to protect sensitive receptors from harmful concentrations of
air pollutants, as recommended in the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB’s) Air Quality and Land Use
Handbook.*
COS‐P5.6 New sources of toxic air pollutants shall comply with the permitting requirements of the Butte
County Air Quality Management District and Section 44300 et. seq. of the California Health and Safety
Code.*
COS‐P7.3 Creeks shall be maintained in their natural state whenever possible, and creeks and floodways
shall be allowed to function as natural flood protection features during storms.*
COS‐P7.4 New development projects shall mitigate their impacts in habitat areas for protected species
through on‐ or off‐site habitat restoration, clustering of development, and/or project design and
through the provisions of the Butte Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Natural Community
Conservation Plan (NCCP) within the HCP/NCCP Planning Area, upon the future adoption of the
HCP/NCCP.*
COS‐P7.5 No new development projects shall occur in wetlands or within significant riparian habitats,
except within the Butte Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Natural Community Conservation
Plan (NCCP) Planning Area where such development is consistent with the conditions of the HCP/NCCP,
upon the future adoption of the HCP/NCCP.*
COS‐P7.6 New development projects shall include setbacks and buffers along riparian corridors and
adjacent to habitat for protected species, except where permitted in the Butte Regional Habitat
Conservation Plan (HCP) and Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) Planning Area and where
such development is consistent with the conditions of the HCP/NCCP, upon the future adoption of the
HCP/NCCP.*
COS‐P7.7 Construction barrier fencing shall be installed around sensitive resources on or adjacent to
construction sites. Fencing shall be installed prior to construction activities and maintained throughout
the construction period.*
COS‐P7.8 Where sensitive on‐site biological resources have been identified, construction employees
operating equipment or engaged in any development‐associated activities involving vegetation removal
or ground disturbing activities in sensitive resource areas shall be trained by a qualified biologist and/or
botanist who will provide information on the on‐site biological resources (sensitive natural communities,
specialstatus plant and wildlife habitats, nests of special‐status birds, etc.), avoidance of invasive plant
introduction and spread, and the penalties for not complying with biological mitigation requirements
and other State and federal regulations.*
162
Appendix A, Page 3
COS‐P7.9 A biologist shall be retained to conduct construction monitoring in and adjacent to all habitats
for protected species when construction is taking place near such habitat areas.*
COS‐P8.4 Introduction or spread of invasive plant species during construction of development projects
shall be avoided by minimizing surface disturbance; seeding and mulching disturbed areas with certified
weed‐free native mixes; and using native, noninvasive species in erosion control plantings.*
COS‐P9.1 A biological resources assessment shall be required for any proposed development project
where special‐status species or critical habitat may be present. Assessments shall be carried out under
the direction of Butte County. Additional focused surveys shall be conducted during the appropriate
season if necessary. Upon adoption of the Butte Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Natural
Community Conservation Plan (NCCP), assessment requirements of the HCP/NCCP shall be implemented
for development projects within the HCP/NCCP area.*
COS‐P9.2 If special‐status plant or animal species are found to be located within a development site,
proponents of the project shall engage in consultation with the appropriate federal, State and regional
agencies and mitigate project impacts in accordance with State and federal law. Upon adoption of the
Butte Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP),
assessment requirements of the HCP/NCCP shall be implemented for development projects with the
HCP/NCCP area. Examples of mitigation may include*:
a. Design the proposed project to avoid and minimize impacts.
b. Restrict construction to specific seasons based on project‐specific special‐status species issues
(e.g. minimizing impacts to special‐status nesting birds by constructing outside of the nesting
season).
c. Confine construction disturbance to the minimum area necessary to complete the work.
d. Mitigate for the loss of special‐status species by purchasing credits at an approved conservation
bank (if a bank exists for the species in question), funding restoration or habitat improvement
projects at existing preserves in Butte County or purchase
e. Maintain a minimum 100‐foot buffer on each side of all riparian corridors, creeks and streams
for special‐status and common wildlife.
f. Establish setbacks from the outer edge of special‐status species habitat areas.
g. Construct barriers to prevent compaction damage by foot or vehicular traffic.
COS‐P12.2 Mineral resources identified by the State to be of regional or statewide significance for
mineral resource extraction shall be conserved.*
COS‐P15.1 Areas found during construction to contain significant historic or prehistoric archaeological
artifacts shall be examined by a qualified consulting archaeologist or historian for appropriate protection
and preservation. Historic or prehistoric artifacts found during construction shall be examined by a
qualified consulting archaeologist or historian to determine their significance and develop appropriate
protection and preservation measures.*
163
Appendix A, Page 4
COS‐P15.2 Any archaeological or paleontological resources on a development project site shall be either
preserved in their sites or adequately documented as a condition of removal. When a development
project has sufficient flexibility, avoidance and preservation of the resource shall be the primary
mitigation measure.*
COS‐P16.4 If human remains are located during any ground disturbing activity, work shall stop until the
County Coroner has been contacted, and, if the human remains are determined to be of Native
American origin, the NAHC and most likely descendant have been consulted.*
COS‐P17.1 Views of Butte County's scenic resources, including water features, unique geologic features
and wildlife habitat areas, shall be maintained.*
COS‐P17.2 Ridgeline development near scenic resources shall be limited via the adoption of specific
development guidelines in order to minimize visual impacts.*
COS‐A1.1 Within one year of adoption of General Plan 2030, coordinate with regional agencies to
develop a Climate Action Plan, which, in combination with other existing policies and regulations by
other agencies and business sectors of the economy, would achieve reduction consistent with State
guidelines using methodology deemed appropriate at the time of quantification. Include the following as
components in the Climate Action Plan:*
a. Establish a detailed inventory of current (2006) GHG emissions in Butte County, including, but
not limited to, residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural emissions.
b. Forecast GHG emissions for areas within the jurisdictional control of the County for “business
as usual” conditions in 2 c. Identify methods to reduce GHG emissions to a level that would
achieve reduction consistent with State guidelines at the time of quantification.
d. Quantify the 2030 reductions in GHG emissions from the identified methods.
e. Require monitoring and reporting of GHG emissions.
f. Establish a schedule of actions for implementation through 2020.
g. Identify funding sources for implementation through 2020.
h. Identify a process to set a reduction goal for 2030 by 2020.
i. Update the Climate Action Plan by 2020 to include reduction measures to achieve the adopted
2030 reduction goal.
j. Develop a Climate Change Preparedness Plan that will prepare for the impacts of climate
change on the county’s economic and natural ecosystems and promote a climate resilient
community.
HS‐P1.1 New development projects proposed in areas that exceed the land use compatibility standards
in Tables HS‐2 and HS‐3 of the General Plan shall require mitigation of noise impacts.*
164
Appendix A, Page 5
HS‐P1.2 Noise from transportation sources shall not exceed land use compatibility standards in General
Plan Table HS‐2.*
HS‐P1.3 New noise‐sensitive land uses shall not be located within the 55 Ldn contour of airports,
roadways, and other noise generating uses, with the exception of the Chico Municipal Airport.*
HS‐P1.4 New noise‐sensitive land uses shall not be located within the 60 Ldn contour of the Chico
Municipal Airport.*
HS‐P1.9 The following standard construction noise control measures shall be required at construction
sites in order to minimize construction noise impacts:*
a. Equip all internal combustion engine driven equipment with intake and exhaust mufflers that
are in good condition and appropriate for the equipment.
b. Locate stationary noise‐generating equipment as far as possible from sensitive receptors when
sensitive receptors adjoin or are near a construction project area.
c. Utilize quiet air compressors and other stationary noise‐generating equipment where
appropriate technology exists and is feasible.
HS‐P2.4 Development projects on lands within the 100‐year flood zone, as identified on the most
current available maps from FEMA (the most current available map at the time of the publication of
General Plan 2030 is shown on Figure HS‐1), shall be allowed only if the applicant demonstrates that it
will not:*
a. Create danger to life and property due to increased flood heights or velocities caused by
excavation, fill, roads and intended use.
b. Create difficult emergency vehicle access in times of flood.
c. Create a safety hazard due to the height, velocity, duration, rate of rise and sediment
transport of the flood waters expected at the site.
d. Create excessive costs in providing governmental services during and after flood conditions,
including maintenance and repair of public facilities.
e. Interfere with the existing water conveyance capacity of the floodway.
f. Substantially increase erosion and/or sedimentation.
g. Require significant storage of material or any substantial grading or substantial placement of
fill that is not approved by the County through a development agreement, discretionary permit,
or other discretionary entitlement; a ministerial permit that would result in the construction of a
new residence; or a tentative map or parcel map.
h. Conflict with the provisions of the applicable requirements of Government Code Sections
65865.5, 65962 or 66474.5.
165
Appendix A, Page 6
HS‐P2.5 The lowest floor of any new construction or substantial improvement within Flood Zones A, AE,
AH and shaded Zone X, as shown in Figure HS‐1 or the most current maps available from FEMA, shall be
elevated 1 foot or more above the 100‐year flood elevation. (County Flood Ordinance Sec. 26‐22).
Within urban or urbanizing areas, as defined in Government Code 65007, the lowest floor of any new
construction or substantial improvements shall be elevated a minimum of 1 foot above the 200‐year
flood elevation.*
HS‐P3.2 Applicants for new development projects shall provide plans detailing existing drainage
conditions and specifying how runoff will be detained or retained on‐site and/or conveyed to the
nearest drainage facility and shall provide that there shall be no increase in the peak flow runoff to said
channel or facility.*
HS‐P3.3 All development projects shall include stormwater control measures and site design features
that prevent any increase in the peak flow runoff to existing drainage facilities.*
HS‐P6.1 Appropriate detailed seismic investigations shall be completed for all public and private
development projects in accordance with the Alquist‐Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act.*
HS‐P7.1 Site‐specific geotechnical investigations shall be required to assess landslide potential for
private development projects and public facilities in areas rated "Moderate to High" in Figure HS‐5 or
the most current available mapping.*
HS‐P8.1 Site‐specific geotechnical investigations shall be required to assess erosion potential for private
development projects and public facilities in areas rated "Very High" in Figure HS‐5 or the most current
available mapping.*
HS‐P9.1 Site‐specific geotechnical investigations shall be required to assess risks from expansive soils for
private development projects and public facilities in areas rated "High" in Figure HS‐6 or the most
current available mapping.*
PUB‐P1.2 County facilities shall be designed, constructed and operated to be environmentally
sustainable, and beneficial to the community and the region.*
PUB‐P12.3 New community sewerage systems shall be managed by a public County sanitation district or
other County‐approved methods. Proponents shall demonstrate the financial viability of constructing,
operating and maintaining the proposed community sewerage system.*
166