TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Board of Supervisors
MEETING DATE: January 22, 2019
DEPARTMENT CONTACT:
Ted Williams
PHONE:
463-4441
ITEM TYPE: Regular Agenda
TIME ALLOCATED FOR ITEM: 20 min.
AGENDA TITLE:
title
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Authorization to Waive Permit Fees Associated with the Gualala Air Ambulance Landing Pad at Redwood Coast Medical Services (RCMS)
(Sponsor: Supervisor Williams)
End
RECOMMENDED ACTION/MOTION:
recommendation
Receive the update regarding waiving all or a portion of permits fees associated with the Gualala Air Ambulance Landing Pad at RCMS, based upon issues associated with Health, Safety and Welfare; direct Planning and Building Services staff to proceed with permit issuance; and provide possible direction to staff regarding the fiscal options associated with the fee waiver.
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PREVIOUS BOARD/BOARD COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
None.
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
The permitting fees associated with the Gualala Air Ambulance Landing Pad are approximately $20,000. This Helipad was constructed in the mid 1980s. RCMS is currently pursuing reclassifying the facility from an "EMS landing site" to a "heliport" that would hold a "Heliport Permit" granted by Caltrans Division of Aeronautics. This would formalize the existing use and enhance operational safety. The availability of Air Ambulance service can be life saving, but depends on pilot discretion and is greatly impacted by coastal fog. The proposed reclassification will not introduce major changes to the existing use, but will increase the pad's safety for crew and patients. No new buildings, fuel storage or other public or private uses are proposed. Its use will continue to be for medical emergencies only, as has been the case for the past 33 years. The 2002 Gualala town plan includes requirements which are believed to be impossible to meet. In consulting with Planning and Building Services, there may be the possibility of addressing the zoning on three par...
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