Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Carole Groom, President, District 2
Subject: Three Acre Exemption for Timberland Conversion
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution designating the Director of Planning and Building to review less than three acre conversion exemption applications received from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
body
BACKGROUND:
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) enforces California Public Resources Code (PRC) provisions for Timberland, Timber Operations (such as logging) and Timberland Conversions (including changing land use from timberland to some other use) and any duly adopted regulations.
The PRC provisions for Timberland Conversions establish an exemption (from a conversion permit and timber harvest plan) for conversions of less than three (3) acres. To be eligible for an exemption, documentation must be submitted to CALFIRE which includes evidence that the conversion of the timberland to some other use is in conformance with all county regulatory requirements. Based on PRC, that evidence could be obtained from either of the following:
1. A county-authorized designee, or
2. The project's Registered Professional Forester (RPF) (who must contact the county regarding the conversion and must certify that the conversion is in conformance with county regulatory requirements)
DISCUSSION:
The Planning and Building Department is responsible for land use determinations in unincorporated San Mateo County (pursuant to the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance) and it is appropriate that the Board designate the Planning and Building Director to review such documentation regarding land use consistency for a timberland conversion.
This action will ensure a written record is made regarding required consistency actions. According to CALFIRE, the required application submittal for an exemption will include a sign-off line for county staff, for this documentation. This process is similar to other state applications where land use is considered, including those from CA ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) and CA HCD (Housing and Community Development).
Approval of this resolution contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 of a Collaborative Community
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None