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Adopt a resolution to approve a Good Neighbor Policy for Development Projects in the unincorporated area of Solano County
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution (Attachment A) to approve a Good Neighbor Policy for Development Projects in the unincorporated area of Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Supervisor Wanda Williams introduced the concept of a Good Neighbor Policy in 2023. On March 26, 2024, the Board of Supervisors discussed the proposed policy, provided feedback, and voted unanimously to direct staff to return to the Board with revised language for approval of a comprehensive Good Neighbor Policy (GNP) for development projects in the unincorporated area of Solano County. The resolution to approve this policy is provided as Attachment A, and Exhibit A to the resolution contains the policy.
The Board directed modifications further identify parties benefiting from a robust GNP process, clarify applicant GNP responsibilities, convey optimal times to conduct GNP meetings, standardize the notification radius to ½ mile from the property line for all projects, and resolve that a “complete” application implies neither approval nor denial of the application, nor does it imply that completion of GNP outreach will result in final project approval. The attached draft policy contains some flexibility to address various circumstances that may be applicable.
The proposed Good Neighbor Policy focuses on new applications for and subsequent amendments to large and significant projects such as wineries, special event facilities, and zoning changes; and strongly recommends that community outreach occur after an application is deemed complete and before any public hearing. The GNP may also be utilized for other application types depending on the circumstances. Staff will discuss the benefits of community outreach with applicants for every project, regardless of the size or scope of proposed projects. A Good Neighbor Policy Outreach Report, which summarizes concerns and responses to the concerns raised, will be provided to staff before a public hearing. The costs related to preparing flyers, securing meeting facilities, creating project websites, and mailing notices will be the responsibility of the applicant to mitigate County costs and staff time.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Development of planning programs such as the Good Neighbor Policy by staff is included in the FY2023/24 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may also choose not to adopt the resolution, or to modify the policy further. This is not recommended as all Board members supported the development and refinement of the Good Neighbor Policy and this revised policy language incorporates the feedback received by the Board.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION