TO: GENERAL GOVERNMENT STANDING COMMITTEE
FROM: Cannabis
MEETING DATE: February 28, 2024
DEPARTMENT CONTACT:
Sara McBurney
PHONE:
707-234-6680
DEPARTMENT CONTACT:
Jared Schwass
PHONE:
707-234-6885
TIME ALLOCATED FOR ITEM: 30 Minutes
AGENDA TITLE:
title
Discussion and Possible Action Including Providing Recommendations to Staff Regarding the Sensitive Species Habitat Review ("SSHR") Screening Tool
(Sponsor: Cannabis)
End
RECOMMENDED ACTION/MOTION:
recommendation
Provide recommendations to staff regarding the SSHR Screening Tool.
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PREVIOUS BOARD/BOARD COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
On February 23, 2021, the Board requested that staff issue guidance clarifying which permit applications must be referred to CDFW for Sensitive Species Habitat Review (SSHR). On October 4, 2022, the Cannabis Ad Hoc Committee recommended that staff be directed to work with CDFW and stakeholders to review and modify a screening tool for SSHR referrals, with the intent of expediting workload and applicant screening for SSHR review by CDFW. On January 24, 2024, the General Government Committee (GGC) requested that staff bring proposed revisions to the SSHR Screening Tool to the regular February GGC Meeting.
SUMMARY OF REQUEST/REFERRAL:
On September 30, 2020, the Cannabis Program was within Planning & Building Services (PBS). The PBS Director signed a "Pilot Policy for Sensitive Species Review (SSR) in Cooperation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)". The policy noted that it was developed in consultation between the County and CDFW, and could be modified from time to time by mutual agreement. The original SSHR screening tool was attached as an exhibit to this policy. In September 2023, County staff met with CDFW to request changes to the Screening Tool, sharing written comment from both staff and the community. On January 5, 2024 the County received CDFW's comments on proposed changes. At this time, Cannabis Department staff request i...
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