Butte County Department of Development Services

Code Fixes

On July 10, 2007, the Board of Supervisors reviewed 28 listed items needed improvement or clarification in the Butte County codes or standards as identified by Development Services and Public Works. Of those pertaining to Development Services, the following summary is provided for those items directed by the Board. These items do not constitute approval of an outcome only the direction to process an ordinance revision for future consideration. Also, there were two categories on how to proceed - Pre-General Plan 2030 and during General Plan 2030. Those listed below are to be pursued immediately. You can track our progress on these updates by checking back on this page.

The Department will evaluate current hearing processes to identify efficiencies
Zoning Administrator provision for lower-level project decisions
Amend fee ordinance allowing applicants the option of County-retained consulting services to assist with project processing
Ordinance revisions to create a use permit or similar process to consider use/re-use of conforming or non-conforming facilities in the Agricultural areas for Ag-Commercial or Ag-Industrial uses
Building Permit penalty fee amnesty program for a limited term to encourage people to approach the County to obtain permits for structures already build on the property
Pursue grant programs to allow process building permits for solar panel installation
General Plan and Zoning Code changes to consider lots smaller than 6,500 square feet in residential zones
Revise the fence definition to clarify acceptable fence materials
Consider revisions to the flex-lot ordinance that would allow processing a subdivision even if the entire site is constrained by the 100-year flood zone. (Currently, a standard subdivision can be proposed in the 100-year flood zone. In any case the house must be elevated above the flood zone and equal flood water capacity is required for any fill in the flood zone.)
Consideration of lot size adjustment of 5 percent for parcel maps and subdivisions subject to Director determination
Lighting standards in rural and urban areas of the County
Update ordinance per recent changes in the State Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA)