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- CP&DR News Briefs March 3, 2026: Huntington Beach Housing; S.D. Historic Preservation; Mountain Lions; and More
This article is brought to you courtesy of the paying subscribers to California Planning & Development Report . You can subscribe to CP&DR by clicking here . You can sign up for CP&DR ’s free weekly newsletter here . Supreme Court Declines to Hear Huntington Beach Housing Case The US Supreme Court declined to hear the City of Huntington Beach’s lawsuit against the state. Huntington Beach leaders argued that charter cities shouldn’t have to comply with California’s state-mandated housing plan requirements. The court’s denial of the city's petition for a writ of certiorari leaves in place a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that affirmed the dismissal of the City’s lawsuit. A San Diego Superior Court judge had ordered Huntington Beach to adopt a compliant housing plan by spring, yet the city council has not publicly begun discussions on this. California officials including Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the Supreme Court’s decision, saying the city wasted taxpayer dollars fighting what they see as meritless claims. Huntington Beach’s mayor responded that the city will continue to defend what it sees as local control, even as legal options narrow. “We look forward to holding the City fully accountable in state court, where we recently secured a decision that requires it to remedy its violations and significantly restricts the City’s local control until it does so," said Attorney General Rob Bonta in a statement. (See related CP&DR coverage .) San Diego Creates Overrides to Historic Preservation Rules The City of San Diego will override existing historic preservation rules through a package of changes that the City Council approved, 5-1, despite objections from area historians and residents concerned about preserving local character. The changes include allowing the City Council to overrule the city’s Historical Resources Board when the board designates a property historic, and it allows developers to take advantage of Complete Communities incentive in Ocean Beach as long as the property is not a historic cottage. Supporters, including several council members and the Building Industry Association, called the reforms modest but important steps to provide certainty for builders. Opponents, including the Save Our Heritage Organisation, argued the move politicizes preservation decisions and is unnecessary, noting that only about 1% of the city’s housing stock is historic and appeals are rare. Southern California Mountain Lions Granted Threatened Species Status The California Fish and Game Commission will grant threatened species status to over 1,400 mountain lions across six populations within Southern California and the Central Coast. Projects that could affect these animals may now need an incidental take permit. Commissioner Erika Zavaleta said that though the lions do not face imminent extinction, this protective measure was taken to prevent further damage to a population that, according to researchers, faces a 16-28% chance of extinction in the next 50 years. The biggest threat to the lions has become limited gene flow due to their fractured and dwindling habitat, due largely to freeways and development encroaching further on their land, combined with car collisions, rat poison and disease. While supporters say this is a necessary step in protecting the species, opponents such as ranchers and farmers say the species is well-protected by state law, and these changes make it increasingly difficult to kill lions that pose a safety threat to people and livestock. San Jose Rolls Out Program to Encourage Housing Development The San Jose City Council has adopted a series of housing initiatives, including expanded benefits for office-to-residential conversions downtown, aimed at jump-starting thousands of stalled housing units. The city has approved tens of thousands of homes since 2020 but fewer than one-third have broken ground, leaving San Jose behind the state mandate to plan for 62,200 units by 2031. The downtown high-rise incentive program will now offer major tax and fee reductions for office conversions, including waiving inclusionary housing requirements, a 100% reduction in building and construction taxes, and a 50% reduction in park impact fees for the first 500 units; the next 1,000 units would receive a 50% tax cut and 30% park fee reduction. The city is also expanding its multifamily housing incentive program from 1,800 to 3,600 units, with a 50% cut in construction taxes. CP&DR Coverage: Despite AB 130, Glendale Rejects Sears Redevelopment Design Last year, the Glendale City Council surprised housing advocates by going against the staff recommendation and rejecting a 682-unit redevelopment on the 4.5-acre site of a long-shuttered Sears store in the heart of downtown. Despite warnings by Chief Assistant City Attorney Gillian van Myuden and Mayor Ara Najarian, the city council voted 4-1 to reject the project’s design – technically, only the design was under consideration. The project apparently met the city’s objective design standard requirements under the Housing Accountability Act, which makes it difficult for the city to turn down a qualifying project. It was a good example, from the prohousing perspective, of the limitations of AB 130. The new law exempts projects of 20 acres or less from CEQA and creates a shot clock that forces a decision to be made. In the aftermath of the vote, the developer is said to be considering taking legal action against the city to see if the denial violates state housing law. Though AB 130 may have hastened the city’s vote, it did not affect its legal obligations one way or another. The council has since reversed its decision. Quick Hits & Updates The Rancho Cordova City Council unanimously approved a proposal to develop a new 7,500-seat multi-use arena and surrounding entertainment district on city-owned land, part of a broader effort to create a downtown hub with housing, hotels, retail, and public space. The project, proposed by KozPure Development, LLC with Alpha One Sports and Entertainment Group, LLC, could include two or more hotels, at least 640 residential units, a retail and dining district, and a public plaza. The Riverside City Council unanimously certified the environmental impact report for a massive proposed redevelopment called Riverside Alive, which would expand the Riverside Convention Center by 189,000 square feet and would allow the convention center’s parking lot to be replaced by up to five underground parking levels, 168 residential units, 376 hotel rooms and approximately 282,000 square feet of commercial space. In 2005, Stockton-based developer Grupe Company pledged , and soon after withdrew, nearly $500,000 to help update Riverbank’s general plan after their development in the area was scaled back following public outcry. Now, Grupe has been selected by the state in partnering with Napa developer Keith Rogal to redevelop the former Sonoma Developmental Center , a campus for the developmentally disabled that was closed by the state in 2018, into a large mixed-use project with 990 housing units, 130,000 square feet of commercial space and a 150-room hotel. (See related CP&DR coverage .) A new executive order made available $10 million in state funding to help Los Angeles -area fire survivors access factory-built and modular homes to speed rebuilding and help maintain neighborhood character after the 2025 wildfires. As a result of continued executive orders, the state has approved 3,000 approved building permits at three times the speed as prior to the January 2025 wildfires. San Diego Unified School District board voted to advance a proposal for 1,500 affordable units for educators at their University Heights headquarters, producing housing for 10 percent of the district’s staff. The district defines an affordable unit as one that costs the renter less than thirty percent of their income. A proposed extension of Metrolink service to run daily north-and southbound trains to Santa Barbara has been canceled after local planners proposed a similar service through Amtrak Pacific Surfliner instead. The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments learned that negotiating new agreements with the Union Pacific Railroad to allow Metrolink onto its tracks would be delayed into 2026, which undercut the original plan’s timing and feasibility.
- Despite AB 130, Glendale Rejects Sears Redevelopment Design
A century or so ago, the Sears Corp. sold tens of thousands of catalog homes that were constructed across the United States. Today, the Sears company is still creating homes, as its former stores are converted and redeveloped into housing developments.
- Sonoma County Weighs Open Spaces vs. "Missing Middle" Housing on Shuttered Hospital Site
A contentious three-year planning effort to redevelop a former state mental hospital in Sonoma County is coming to a close, with land use decisions expected by the Board of Supervisors during December—or else the state takes back control of the property. Current proposals call for allowing a development that has 1,000 housing units and creates 900 jobs in retail and offices uses on the site of the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC), which closed in 2018. Those numbers could increase if the state takes control. Local residents are asking for only 450 units, while developers are expected to propose a far higher number. Affordable housing and open space preservation are expected to be hallmarks of whatever is approved. The board is expected to act at a special December meeting to approve a specific plan and EIR for the 945-acre site. Current plans call for over 700 acres to be preserved as open space, and development to occur within the existing footprint of buildings on the site, which is located in a wine growing region halfway between the cities of Santa Rosa and Napa. The open space will be integrated into adjacent Jack London State Historical Park on the west and Sonoma Valley Regional Park on its east. Unlike other mental hospitals that the state has closed, the SDC site is in a rural area prone to wildfire, with little transportation access and 130 aging structures. Buildings on the site burned during big fires in 2017. And yet, housing pressures are fierce. With a population of about a half million people, Sonoma County grew only by 1 percent between the 2010 and 2020 censuses. But like much of California, it needs more affordable housing, as residents continue to be priced out of existing units. Most of the county’s growth has occurred in its cities along Highway 101, north and south of Santa Rosa, its most populous city. The 2023-2031 Regional Housing Needs Assessment allocation for unincorporated Sonoma County is 3,881 units. California’s Department of General Services is currently trying to determine which developer to choose for the 180-acre project to be built around existing buildings at SDC. One development project, submitted by local environmentalists, calls for 450 homes and the creation of 600 jobs. Two other big-name developers have submitted proposals, according to the Kenwood Press— Napa developer Keith Rogal and Related California, which is building a huge project near Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium. Details of their SDC proposals have not yet been released. County Supervisor Susan Gorin, whose district encompasses SDC, said she expects a developer to be chosen sometime next year.
- Huntington Beach Loses Again
A trial judge has ruled that Huntington Beach – perhaps the most resistant city in California to state housing law – must adopt a housing element. Attorney General Rob Bonta said the judge is requiring the city to adopt the housing element within 120 days – which would be mid-September – though the judge’s order didn’t seem to include that specification.
- CP&DR News Briefs May 27, 2025: Self-Certification in L.A. County; S.F. Commercial Vacancies; Menlo Park Ballot Measure; and More
This article is brought to you courtesy of the paying subscribers to California Planning & Development Report . You can subscribe to CP&DR by clicking here . You can sign up for CP&DR 's free weekly newsletter here . Self-Certification Movement Spreads to Los Angeles County Los Angeles County has introduced a pilot initiative allowing licensed architects and engineers to self-certify that their building plans comply with county codes, hoping to expedite the rebuilding process in unincorporated areas impacted by recent Eaton and Palisades fires. Despite self-certification, projects still require approval from other departments including Regional Planning, Public Health and Fire Departments before a building permit is issued. Licensed professionals assume full responsibility for compliance fof their plans. The county plans to conduct random audits on plans and inspections throughout construction phases to guarantee compliance. Plans can be submitted via the online portal or at designated One-Stop Permit Centers in Calabasas and Altadena. (See related CP&DR coverage .) S.F. Mayor Seeks to Reduce Commercial Vacancies San Francisco Mayor Dan Lurie introduced legislation aimed at simplifying the city's permitting system in the hopes of supporting small businesses. Under the proposed ordinances, minor upgrades including outdoor seating, signage and minor upgrades would not require permits. The legislation also seeks to broaden the types of businesses allowed in ground-floor spaces to address widespread commercial vacancies. These changes build on earlier reforms expanding service hours, removing minor approval steps and introducing centralized online resources. While the initiative has broad support, some critics voiced concern about limited community impacts and potential impact on neighborhoods facing economic pressure. Menlo Park Ballot Measure Would Quash Housing, Preserve Downtown Parking Save Downtown Menlo Park is seeking to place an initiative on an upcoming ballot requiring voter approval on any city plans to diminish downtown parking. The group, which recently filed a notice of intent with the city of Menlo Park, seeks to halt the proposed development of at least 340 housing units on Parking Plazas 1, 2, and 3 in downtown Menlo Park. Opponents of the project argue that by eliminating over 500 parking places, it would harm nearby small businesses that rely on parking access for patronage and diminish the downtown's capacity as a community center. Save Downtown Menlo Park also sued the city in April to try to stop the project. At least 10% of Menlo Park's roughly 20,000 registered voters must sign the initiative before a measure can be placed on a ballot. Multiple developers have submitted site proposals, and city officials say they will recommend next steps to the city council this month. Texas-Based Plaintiff Seeks to Undo Designation of Chuckwalla National Monument A lawsuit filed in federal court this month seeks to overturn President Biden's creation of the 624,000 acre Chuckwalla National Monument in Southern California, arguing President Biden exceeded the authority of the Antiquities Act, and that the act itself is unconstitutional. The suit, filed by the Texas Public Policy Foundation on behalf of a Michigan resident with mining claims and the BlueRibbon Coalition, claims the designation violates the act's requirement that monuments be limited to the smallest area that meets protection needs. It also claims the monument would place onerous restrictions on Plaintiff Daniel Torongo's mining claims, as well as on outdoor recreation access. Package of Bills to Revitalize Downtowns Introduced in Assembly Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) as Chair of the Downtown Recovery Committee, unveiled a legislative plan to help breathe life back into the state's urban cores. Joined by mayors from across the state and members of the Assembly's Downtown Recovery Committee, Haney, who recently conducted a "tour" of nine downtowns across the state, announced a package of 13 bills--five of which are sponsored by Haney--aimed at reversing high vacancy rates, supporting small businesses, tackling homelessness, and reigniting local economies. The Recovery Committees bill package includes measures to spur infill housing near jobs and transit, streamline approvals for office to housing conversions, support struggling nightlife and entertainment venues, and getting homeless people of the streets and into housing. (See related CP&DR coverage .) CP&DR Coverage: How Feds Could Undermine California Habitat Conservation Plans The Trump Administration has proposed eliminating protection of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act, which is the foundation of the longstanding system of habitat conservation plans that California has put into place over the last 30 years. It's unclear what the actual impact on California will be given the fact that the state has its own Endangered Species Act, which is in some ways is more stringent than the federal law. But the rule does create uncertainty around the federal habitat conservation plans - as well as state natural communities conservation plans that have been created with federal cooperation - that have shaped private development for decades, especially in Riverside, Orange, and San Diego Counties. In many cases, these conservation plans are now embedded in local general plans as well. The new rule is also aimed partly at federal land, such as land owned by the Bureau of Land Management and the National Forest Service, in order to open up that land for logging, oil drilling, and possibly development of Trump's proposed "freedom towns." Quick Hits & Updates A new report finds that 49 downtown San Francisco properties are prime candidates for conversion into housing, potentially creating up to 4,400 new units under a proposed special financing district. The city hopes to incentivize these projects with long-term developer reimbursements and waiving affordable housing mandates for early projects. A recent survey found rents are rising in most SoCal cities, with only six out of 32 cities surveyed—Temecula, Murrieta, West Covina, Long Beach, Escondido and Santa Clarita—seeing year-over-year declines in April. This time last year, 44% of SoCal areas experienced rent decreases, indicating landlords have regained some pricing power amid increased demand due to unaffordable homeownership and housing losses related to recent wildfires. Former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet has pled guilty to multiple bribery and corruption charges, admitting he accepted payments in exchange for supporting certain real-estate projects. The payments were alleged to take place between 2012 and 2014 and include up to $375,000 in bribes paid to Pougnet by two developers. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed two lawsuits against the Trump administration over a policy that threatens to withhold billions of dollars in transportation and homeland security grants unless states comply with federal immigration enforcement. Bonta argues that this policy unlawfully attempts to coerce states into using their resources for immigration enforcement, as these funds are unrelated to immigration matters and are crucial for public safety and infrastructure. In a leaked email to a donor, the chair of the San Francisco Parks Alliance admitted that the nonprofit misused at least $3.8 million in restricted funds. As the organization collapsed financially, funds designated for specific projects were used to cover operating expenses. Viewed as a critical partner for a wide variety of projects from new parks to habitat restoration, the Alliance now faces calls for a criminal investigation, as well as the possibility of shutting down. According to a report released by Streets for All, proposed state bill SB 79 could generate up to $1 billion annually in property tax revenue for Los Angeles, roughly equivalent to the city's 2025 budget shortfall. A modest growth scenario would generate $200M, more than enough to cover the estimated savings of laying off 1,600 city employees. SB 79 would set minimum zoning densities within a 1/2-mile radius of high quality transit stops, and gives transit agencies more flexibility in developing land they own. The Irvine Company has proposed redeveloping the Oak Creek Golf Course into a 3,100-home village, known as the Irvine Spectrum District Village, situated between Jeffrey Road and Sand Canyon Avenue in Irvine. The plan includes 1,500 single-family homes, 1,600 apartment units, a new school, parks and trail connections, aiming to address the city's housing needs while maintaining proximity to jobs and amenities. Marin County is experiencing a significant outflow of low-income residents due to high housing costs, with data showing the county has the largest rate of negative net migration for low-income households in the Bay Area. This trend is contributing to population losses, school enrollment declines and increasing difficulty for workers to live in the area where they work, further exacerbated by the county's historical resistance to new housing development and policies like rent control. According to the state of the Region 2025 Economic and Election Report, Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario counties are expected to experience modest economic growth in 2025, driven primarily by the logistics sector and housing demand. While new regulatory changes and uncertainties around tariffs and federal policies could create challenges, lower interest rates will support the housing and construction industries. Despite limited growth in healthcare and education due to state budget constraints, the region is poised to see positive impacts from housing market activity and property tax revenue.
- The Coming Battle Over Impact Fees
Not long ago, Menlo Park determined that a guy splitting his lot into two under SB 9 should pay $127,000 in Quimby Fees.
- CP&DR Vol. 41 No. 2 February 2026 Report
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- CP&DR News Briefs February 24, 2026: State Planning Survey; San Jose Housing Incentives; Fire Response Investigation; and More
This article is brought to you courtesy of the paying subscribers to California Planning & Development Report . You can subscribe to CP&DR by clicking here . You can sign up for CP&DR ’s free weekly newsletter here . State Planning Survey Finds Local Departments Clamoring for State Assistance The Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) released its 2025 Annual Planning Survey Report. Many jurisdictions reported needing increased funding, staff capacity, and technical support in order to keep up with changing legislative requirements without relying on consultant support. Eighty-three percent of jurisdictions requested increased technical support, illuminating a need for the state to provide adequate templates and grant assistance in the form of the forthcoming General Plan Guidelines and an interactive website. Most jurisdictions report they have the capacity to conduct Tribal consultation and generally do not require extensive technical assistance from the state to meet statutory requirements. However, a majority rely primarily on the minimum engagement required under SB 18 and CEQA, rather than pursuing deeper, relationship-based consultation aligned with the “early, often, and meaningful” principles promoted by LCI and the California Natural Resources Agency. San Jose Reduces Taxes, Inclusionary Requirements for Developers The San Jose City Council adopted three incentive policies designed to boost local housing construction. Two of the measures expand incentive programs that reduce construction taxes and ease affordable housing requirements, while the third and most controversial updates the city’s inclusionary housing policy, which determines how many affordable homes a developer must provide in a given project. Under the previous rules, developers typically had to set aside 15% of units for renters earning 50–100% of area median income or 10% for renters at 30%. The update provides a new option wherein the developer agrees to instead set aside 7% of units for households earning 50% of area median income. The median income for a family of four in Santa Clara County is $195,000. Fire Response in Altadena Prompts Civil Rights Investigation Attorney General Rob Bonta's office has launched a civil rights investigation into the state’s handling of the 2025 Eaton Fire, particularly to determine whether race, age or disability played a role in the emergency response. Reporting showed that west Altadena, a historically black neighborhood, did not receive an emergency evacuation notice until at least nine hours after the fires were ignited. Eighteen of the 19 people who died in the fires lived on the west side, and across Altadena, nearly half of all black households were destroyed. L.A. County Fire Department officials say previous reviews found no evidence of “discriminatory or structural bias”, and will fully cooperate in the investigation. (See related CP&DR coverage.) Report Details Effect of Local Impact Fees on Affordable Housing Production The Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley examined data from 691 new affordable housing projects funded by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program in California from 2020–2023 to assess the effect of local impact fees on development costs. Almost all of these projects were charged impact fees, which on average added nearly $20,000 per housing unit to development costs, though approximately 13,660 affordable housing units on 134 projects saw figures closer to $30,000. While fees typically accounted for less than 5% of total development expenses, affordable developments paid an average of approximately $300 million in fees each year. The analysis suggests that waiving, reducing, or deferring these fees could meaningfully improve project feasibility and reduce the need for public funds. CP&DR Coverage: Newport Beach Housing Initiative Qualifies For Ballot Long a bastion of slow-growth sentiment, the City of Newport Beach is facing a rarified form of NIMBYishm, fitting for the famously upscale Orange County city: A ballot measure to reduce the number of allowed units in the housing element from 9,000 to 2,900, which will appear on the November 2026 ballot. If the measure passes, Newport Beach will join the ranks of cities that have tempted fate by deliberately adopting a noncompliant housing element or undermining a certified housing element. Its capacity of 2,900 homes is just enough to accommodate the city’s allocation of 2,160 below-market-rate homes, and not much more. The city’s total RHNA allocation is 4,845. Critics say that the measure is designed to reduce competition for units that developer Ken Picerne’s company is developing near John Wayne Airport. The measure is also supported by former Mayor Marshall “Duffy” Duffield, Newport Beach Stewardship Association, and Still Protecting Our Newport (STOP). Quick Hits & Updates San Diego city officials have halted a controversial 23-story project by Vela in Pacific Beach, claiming multiple code violations and lack of necessary information on the project proposal. One major issue in the proposal for the “Turquoise Tower” includes the developer’s tactic of counting certain units as hotel rooms, which would have allowed the project to exceed the normal allowed building height for residential. (See related CP&DR coverage .) San Jose has been ranked the least affordable city for new homebuyers globally, a new study by financial services company Remitly found. The study surveyed over 150 cities worldwide by comparing average local incomes with standard mortgage criteria. After San Jose, the next most expensive cities in order were Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, and Vancouver, BC. A study found that the Los Angeles “Mansion Tax”, Measure ULA, caused a drop in property tax revenue as a result of fewer transactions offers at least two-thirds of the revenue the transfer tax brings in. Because assessments typically rise much more slowly than market prices between sales, fewer transactions mean slower growth in property tax revenue. The net loss appears even bigger for high-value homes and commercial properties. (See related CP&DR coverage .) The long-closed Westminster Mall in Orange County, once the county’s second-most popular shopping center, is set to be demolished by the end of the first quarter as mixed-use redevelopment plans move forward. Shopoff Realty Investments has acquired most of the 100-acre property, including former Sears and Macy’s lots, and plans to build a mixed-use project called Bolsa Pacific. The 83.8-acre proposal includes 2,250 housing units, a 120-room hotel, at least 220,000 square feet of retail, 15 acres of open space, a food hall and a neighborhood park. San Diego City Council adopted a community plan update for the Clairemont neighborhood, adding capacity for 14,000 new homes close to trolley stations and allowing mixed-use developments in Clairemont Town Square and Clairemont Community Core. The plan is meant to encourage walkable communities, and includes recreational areas such as parks and other joint-use areas. The state certified San Benito County’s 6th Cycle Housing Element after more than six months of review, confirming it meets state housing law requirements and helping the county stay compliant. Certification unlocks access to roughly $11.5 million in state grants for infrastructure projects like road repairs and creek cleanup, and prevents enforcement of the state’s “builder’s remedy” that could override local zoning. The certified plan identifies how the county can accommodate its Regional Housing Needs Allocation of 754 new homes by 2031, though it does not itself authorize construction. (See related CP&DR coverage .) The Davis City Council voted unanimously to advance the Village Farms housing development proposal to a June 2026 citywide ballot, allowing voters to decide whether the project can proceed under California’s Measure J/R/D land-use rules. The project would create one of the largest residential developments in Davis’s history, including up to about 1,800 homes. The Santa Barbara City Council approved a temporary citywide rent freeze for most rental units for the rest of 2026, making it currently the only city in California moving ahead with such a policy. The measure, aimed at preventing landlords from raising base rents while the city develops a permanent rent stabilization ordinance, will remain in effect until a final plan is adopted on December 31, 2026. A recent UCLA study analyzed challenges facing evacuees of the 2025 Eaton Fire , one of the major fires that devastated Los Angeles last year. The study found that three-quarters of households did not have an evacuation plan before the fire. Most evacuees initially stayed with friends or family, and although many (61%) had not yet returned home at the time of survey, the majority (77%) planned to rebuild or return. YIMBY Law is threatening to sue the City of Menlo Park after they said that the proposed redevelopment at the former Sunset Magazine property is not eligible for state exemptions. The city has claimed that the development does not meet housing requirements that would make the project eligible for exemption, but the law firm says that these issues were raised too far along in the permitting process, violating the Permit Streamlining Act.
- Position Available, Principal Planner, Nevada County
We are currently seeking applications for a Senior Planner and Principal Planner. Please be sure to apply for all jobs and all levels of positions which you feel you may be qualified for. Nevada County is seeking a dynamic and experienced Principal Planner to join their team. In this role, you will lead complex planning projects, supervise a dedicated team, and play a key role in crafting the future of our vibrant and scenic county. The Planning Department applies community land-use policies and strives to meet the needs of individuals and businesses. It is their goal to protect the environment to ensure Nevada County remains a desirable place to live, work, and recreate. Example of Duties: Plans, organizes and supervises the activities of professional and technician staff involved in the processing of land use permits Leads and manages complex planning projects, including those related to new development, environmental studies, and community plans Trains employees in work procedures, standards and safety practices, and reviews work in progress or upon completion for compliance with standards Communicates effectively with stakeholders, including the public, developers, and elected officials Interprets and applies provisions of law, rules, regulations and policies related to land use planning matters, including environmental laws Prepares and reviews RFPs (Request for Proposal) and RFQs (Request for Qualifications) for services to be retained by the Planning Department Attends and makes presentations at Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, interagency, committee, and other meetings and conferences Typical Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of rural planning and development and local government policies and procedures Thorough knowledge of specialization such as land use planning/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations including recent changes Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management Citizen involvement techniques and processes Knowledge of computer programs and applications including GIS programs and applications Benefits : We offer you an extensive benefit package including, but not limited to, CalPERS retirement, medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSA). Nevada County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program through the Department of Education. Why Nevada County? Our leadership values employee development and engagement, promotes open and transparent communication, sets us up to be a high-performing organization, and recognizes our contributions. Our leadership connects with the community, listens to them, and provides significant programming to keep us safe and healthy. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. To review the job specification and additional requirements, please click here. Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Environmental Studies, Ecology, Geography, Land Use Economics or related field AND four years of increasingly responsible experience in land use planning or management, including at least one year as a team supervisor or program manager. *A Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Public Administration or related field may be substituted for two years of experience.* AICP Certification highly desirable. Apply Here: https://www.click2apply.net/bnROxyt4Pm2ZmCbBbsd1J8 PI282571933
- Position Available, Senior Planner, Nevada County
UP TO $5,000 NEW HIRE BONUS FOR SENIOR PLANNER POSITION We are currently seeking applications for a Senior Planner and Prinicpal Planner. Please be sure to apply for all jobs and all levels of positions which you feel you may be qualified for. Nevada County is looking for a Senior Planner to work on Advance Planning and Current Planning projects. The position will be responsible for the processing of larger and more complex current planning projects, including reviewing those projects for compliance with CEQA. The incumbent will also prepare and implement state-mandated General Plan elements and amendments, ordinance amendments and supervise and lead one of the basic functions of the office (Resource and Advance and/or Current Planning). Examples of Duties: Plans, organizes, coordinates, and supervises the work of assigned professional and technical staff; reviews and directs the work as necessary. Compiles information into final reports and presents or supervises the presentation of reports and studies to the County Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors and others. Coordinates work with others in the Community Development Agency; participates in the formation of policies and procedures; evaluates the effectiveness of established policies and procedures and recommends improvement. Reviews projects for compliance with County zoning regulations and codes, prepares ordinance amendments and updates to the County’s General Plan. Holds public meetings and workshops on Current Planning and Advance Planning projects. Participates in the selection, training and evaluation of assigned staff. Benefits : This is a full-time position, and the County of Nevada offers an extensive benefit package including, but not limited to, CalPERS retirement, medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSA). Nevada County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program through the Department of Education. Why Nevada County? Our leadership values employee development and engagement, promotes open and transparent communication, sets us up to be a high-performing organization, and recognizes our contributions. Our leadership connects with the community, listens to them, and provides significant programming to keep us safe and healthy. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. For full job description and application process, please click here . Recruitment incentives between $1K and $5K paid over a 1-year period (either new or lateral hires). The recruitment incentive is paid in two parts, half upon hire and the remainder paid upon completion of a 12-month probationary period. Education and Experience Required Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in planning, community development or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. Plus, 3 years of responsible professional planning experience at a level equivalent to Nevada County's Associate Planner classification. AICP certification highly desirable. Apply Here: https://www.click2apply.net/WAJWxBt7nWo1rt8B8cd4Xy PI282571939
- Cities Consider Warehouse Restrictions Amid Concerns About Tariffs
As the global economy has wobbled in the face of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, the California logistics industry has followed suit. The promise of jobs and economic development has pushed jurisdictions to embrace warehouses by the millions of square feet -- totaling over 1.17 billion square feet of warehouse space in southern Calfornia alone. Meanwhile, local opponents remain vigilant.
- Even People In Inland Counties Are Leaving California
All through COVID, the massive population losses being experienced in coastal California – especially in Los Angeles County – were being offset by some population growth in inland counties from Sacramento to the Inland Empire.




