To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Supervisor Haschak and Supervisor Williams
Meeting Date: October 20, 2026
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Department Contact: |
Supervisor Haschak |
Phone: |
707-463-4441 |
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Department Contact: |
Supervisor Williams |
Phone: |
707-463-4441 |
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Item Type: Regular Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: 45 Minutes |
Agenda Title:
title
Discussion and Possible Action Including Acceptance of Staff Presentation on Current County and State Building Regulations for Residential Permits; and Possible Direction to Staff to Return with a Future Amnesty Program Item for Review and Approval
(Sponsors: Supervisor Haschak and Supervisor Williams)
Vote Requirement: Majority
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Accept staff presentation on current County and State Building Regulations for Residential Permits; and direct staff to return with a future amnesty program item for consideration
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
On September 15, 2026, the Board of Supervisors voted for the formation of an Ad Hoc to look into housing development issues and options, including discussion of amnesty beyond the State’s program and return to the Board with an item on October 20, 2026.
Summary of Request:
On September 12, 2023, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to create an amnesty program for building permit penalties and further directed staff to implement the amnesty program for a period not to exceed one year.
On September 15, 2026, the Board of Supervisors voted for the formation of an Ad Hoc to look into housing development issues and options, including discussion of amnesty beyond the State’s program and return to the Board with an amnesty item on October 20, 2026.
The County continues to receive concerns from residents regarding the cost of housing-related permits; however, there remains a need to improve transparency and public understanding of how County-assessed permit costs differ from those charged by external agencies such as school districts, fire authorities, and other regulatory entities. Permit requirements also vary based on water and septic capacity, land use considerations, and geographic location within the County. The examples presented are intended solely as representative samples, as actual costs vary by project and cannot be guaranteed. Staff will also present options for a new Housing Amnesty Program designed to support the legalization of unpermitted structures. This presentation also reflects lessons learned from the County’s prior amnesty program, with the goal of increasing both the number of applications submitted and the number of housing-related permits ultimately issued.
Additionally, the Board is requested to support the Housing Ad Hoc’s evaluation of County infrastructure needs that may enable and accommodate future growth. Finally, staff seeks direction to identify and pursue grants and external funding programs that could provide financial relief for the full cost of permitting housing structures, including fees outside the County’s authority.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Provide alternative direction to staff.
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: An Effective County Government
Supervisorial District: All
Supplemental Information Available Online At: N/A
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: N/A |
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current f/y cost: N/A |
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budget clarification: N/A |
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annual recurring cost: None. |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): N/A |
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revenue agreement: No |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: N/A
CEO Liaison: Executive Office
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Item Status |
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Date: Date Executed |
Executed Item Type: item |
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Number: |
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