Calaveras Board OK’s 1st Moratorium Exemption

San Andreas, CA — The Calaveras County Board of Supervisors Tuesday OK´d the first exemption to its modified building moratorium.

Back in December the board passed a ban on all zoning and general plan amendments to allow for an update of the county´s General Plan. Now, one project in Murphys is being allowed to submit its application even though it would require a zoning and general plan amendment.

If approved, the Murphys Rocky Hill subdivision would go from rural residential to single family residential, allowing for a denser development.

Several neighboring residents showed up to the board meeting to oppose the amendments.

The board voted 5-0 to initiate the amendments with the understanding that this only authorizes the Community Development Agency to accept the project´s application and begin the review process. The project would require an Environmental Impact Report and final approval from the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. County staff estimates that could take up to two years.

The stated reason for the exemption is due to overriding public benefit. If approved, the developer would pay into the Bret Harte Benefit Basin, allowing for completion of area road improvements.

Supervisor Tom Tryon, who represents Murphys, says this is the last substantial project in the basin and is crucial to its success.

Written by Vanessa Turner.