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Tiny Homes on Wheels: One Step Forward, By Manu Koenig, Supervisor
FEATURED COLUMNIST
Tiny Homes on Wheels: One Step Forward
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By Manu Koenig, Supervisor, First District
In September, the Board of Supervisors held their first public hearing to consider a proposed ordinance which would provide a permitting pathway and framework for Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOWs). Staff provided an excellent presentation and draft ordinance, and the Supervisors engaged in a productive discussion as well as heard comments from the interested public. After several requests for amendments, the motion was made by Supervisor Friend to send the draft ordinance back to staff for revisions. The draft ordinance will return to the Board for a new public hearing and first reading on Oct. 18.
Together with 5th District Supervisor McPherson, I first requested staff create a THOW ordinance back in January 2021.
After several months, numerous community meetings, Housing Advisory Commission and Planning Commission meetings, it is exciting to the see this ordinance finally take shape. I will continue to listen to public input and work with the other members of the Board to create an ordinance that balances neighbor and environmental concerns with the need to provide more flexible, affordable housing stock that is so sorely needed in our County.
It is our goal to create a policy that works for people, so more are encouraged to engage with the process and permit their tiny homes on wheels.
To join in the conversation, provide your comments at the next Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 18. Agendas may be viewed at: http://santacruzcountyca. iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx?.
LCP Amendments to Coastal Commission
Over two years ago, the Board of Supervisors approved amendments to the Public Safety Element and Conservation and Open Space Element of the General Plan/Local Coastal Program (LCP); amendments to Chapters 16.10, 16.20, and 16.22 of the Santa Cruz County Code; and the addition of Chapter 16.13 to the Santa Cruz County Code.
The amendments represent changes to the LCP Land Use Plan and Implementation Plan and require certification by the California Coastal Commission.
In February 2022, the Coastal Commission bifurcated the amendments, approving the proposed amendments to the Land Use Plan and Implementation Plan in the first part (as modified) and separating out the sections of the LCP Amendment addressing development on coastal bluffs and beaches. An October 2022 deadline was set for Coastal Commission consideration of the second set of amendments. At the Sept. 20 meeting of the Board of Supervisors, County Planning staff presented a report stating that approval of the amendments to LCP Coastal Hazards as currently proposed was unlikely.
According to Coastal Commission staff, the amendments as proposed would, in their judgment, require major modifications to be found consistent with the Coastal Act, and if brought to the Coastal Commission it would be with a staff recommendation of denial.
County Planning therefore asked the Supervisors to consider either withdrawing the amendments or maintaining the status quo and allowing the Coastal Commission to act on the amendments as proposed.
While County staff’s recommendation was to withdraw the amendments, the Board, led by a motion from Supervisor Friend, voted to move forward with submitting the amendments to the Coastal Commission. If the Coastal Commission does indeed reject the LCP Coastal Hazards amendments in October, it is the Board’s hope that it will be with a clear direction on how to move forward toward an agreement.
Sustainability Update to Supervisors
After several public hearings, the Planning Commission made their final recommendations to the Sustainability Update and sent it onward to the Board of Supervisors. Planning staff will adopt their revisions and prepare a report to present to the Board, tentatively on Nov. 15.
The Sustainability Update includes updated regulations for housing production, transportation, agriculture and resource conservation, sustainable communities, code modernization, commercial development, community services and environmental justice.
Consistent with County priorities under the Vision Santa Cruz County strategic plan, the Sustainability Update is being conducted through an equity lens, and recognizes that effective land use and transportation planning are necessary to create sustainable urban communities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide additional housing options for all county residents while protecting our natural resources and agricultural areas.
For the latest information, visit: www. sccoplanning.com/SustainabilityUpdate. n •••
We welcome your feedback and involvement!
Give us a call anytime, (831) 454 -2200 or email first.district@santacruzcounty.us.
Join us at an upcoming community town hall meeting:
October Town Hall
Tuesday, Oct. 11 • 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Hybrid meeting: Loma Prieta School in The Forum, 23800 Summit Road, Los Gatos, CA 95033 and on Zoom: https:// zoom.us/j/96708318897
November Town Hall
Thursday, Nov. 10 • 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Hybrid meeting: In-person location TBA and on Zoom: https://zoom. us/j/96708318897
December Town Hall
Thursday, Dec. 8 • 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Hybrid meeting: In-person location TBA and on Zoom: https://zoom. us/j/96708318897
For a full list of meetings, including recordings of past meetings, check our website: https://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Government/ BoardofSupervisors/District1.aspx. •••
Come to our office at the Sheriff Center (5200 Soquel Ave.) for Office Hours with Supervisor Koenig, the first Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m.
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Meet Hazel and Eros
This week the Pets of the Week for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter are two adorable bunny rabbits- Hazel and Eros!
This week the Pets of the Week for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter are two adorable bunny rabbits- Hazel and Eros!
Hippity hoppity, here are two funny bunnies looking for their new human pals! Hazel and Eros are two bonded year and a half year old rabbits who came in from the same home when their owner had to move and couldn’t take them.
These bunnies have been at the Shelter for a few months and have really shone their best selves since being here. Volunteers and staff love hanging out with these two because they are super social rabbits who love cuddles and snacks. They hang out in our brand new rabbit room and show off to all members of the public who come in to see all of our furry friends.
Hazel and Eros are the best ambassadors for SCCAS and our “pocket pets”- bunnies, guinea pigs and other small, furry pets. Right now we have lots of special fuzzy bunny pals here at the Shelter who are looking for homes, so if you have a spot in your house and heart come in and meet Hazel and Eros!
The suggested donation is between $20-$200 and adopters can select a fund for their donation to go to: Planned Pethood Fund (low cost/free spay/neuter) or Extra Mile Fund (specialty lifesaving procedures for homeless animals).
Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n •••
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter:
Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us
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